BARTON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating two suspects after a weekend search at a home in Great Bend.

Just after 12:30p.m. Saturday, detectives and deputies of the Barton County Sheriff’s office executed a search warrant at 1411 18th St. in Great Bend, according to sheriff Brian Bellendir.

 The warrant was executed as part of an ongoing methamphetamine distribution case. The residence was secured without incident and two suspects were taken into custody. 

Brent Bretz age 41 who lived at the residence was arrested for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Also arrested at the scene was Michael S. Johnson age 43 of rural Great Bend. Johnson was charged with possession of methamphetamine.

During the course the investigation detectives discovered methamphetamine, firearms, explosives as well as drug paraphernalia. It is expected further charges will be filed by the Barton County Attorney’s Office after review of the case.

Bretz&nbsp; is being held on a $50,000 bond. Johnson has posted a $10000 bond and was released.

The Sheriff’s Office was assisted at scene by the Great Bend Police Department Detective division

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601377228457.png" alt="Johnson photo Barton Co." />
 <figcaption>Johnson photo Barton Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating two suspects after a weekend search at a home in Great Bend.Just after 12:30p.m. Saturday, detectives and deputies of the Barton County Sheriff’s office executed a search warrant at 1411 18th St. in Great Bend, according to sheriff Brian Bellendir. The warrant was executed as part of an ongoing methamphetamine distribution case. The residence was secured without incident and two suspects were taken into custody. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601377262963.png" alt="Bretz photo Barton Co." />
 <figcaption>Bretz photo Barton Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Brent Bretz age 41 who lived at the residence was arrested for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Also arrested at the scene was Michael S. Johnson age 43 of rural Great Bend. Johnson was charged with possession of methamphetamine.During the course the investigation detectives discovered methamphetamine, firearms, explosives as well as drug paraphernalia. It is expected further charges will be filed by the Barton County Attorney’s Office after review of the case.Bretz&nbsp; is being held on a $50,000 bond. Johnson has posted a $10000 bond and was released.The Sheriff’s Office was assisted at scene by the Great Bend Police Department Detective division

Deputies find meth, guns and explosives at Kan. home

SHAWNEE COUNTY—One person was injured in a construction zone accident Monday morning in Shawnee County.

Just after 10a.m. the Shawnee County Communications Center received a report of an injury accident in the 7900 block of NW 46th Street between a pedestrian and a pickup truck, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. 

Upon arrival, deputies determined that a 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck driven by Samuel W. Chase, 72, Topeka, was&nbsp; eastbound on NW 46th Street through a work zone where it collided with a construction worker identified Alexander Zavala, 23, of Topeka

&nbsp;American Medical Response transported Zavala to a local hospital with non-lifethreatening injuries. Chase was not injured, according to Christian. The accident remains under investigation.

The Kansas Highway Patrol, AMR and Soldier Township Fire Department assisted at the scene.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601320414463.png" alt="First responders on the scene of the accident Monday photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene of the accident Monday photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—One person was injured in a construction zone accident Monday morning in Shawnee County.Just after 10a.m. the Shawnee County Communications Center received a report of an injury accident in the 7900 block of NW 46th Street between a pedestrian and a pickup truck, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. Upon arrival, deputies determined that a 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck driven by Samuel W. Chase, 72, Topeka, was&nbsp; eastbound on NW 46th Street through a work zone where it collided with a construction worker identified Alexander Zavala, 23, of Topeka&nbsp;American Medical Response transported Zavala to a local hospital with non-lifethreatening injuries. Chase was not injured, according to Christian. The accident remains under investigation.The Kansas Highway Patrol, AMR and Soldier Township Fire Department assisted at the scene.

Kan. road construction worker injured after struck by truck

SHAWNEE COUNTy –Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects who allegedly robbed a Topeka restaurant Sunday evening.

Just before 7:00 p.m. Sunday, police responded to the Jimmy John’s,&nbsp;1025 SW Wanamaker Road on a report of an armed robbery, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.

Employees stated that an unknown man and woman entered the business, displayed a handgun and demanded money from staff. The suspects fled in a truck with an undisclosed amount on money.

The suspects later crashed the truck near I-70 and Valencia Road and fled on foot. A K-9 tracked the suspects and apprehended them near the crash scene.

As a result of the investigation police arrested Lekeith M. Mosley, 29, and Shelbi P. Ricks, 25, both of Liberal&nbsp; on requested charges of Aggravated Robbery, Interference with LEO, Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Law Enforcement Officer, Reckless Driving and other charges.

The Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office and the Kansas Highway Patrol assisted with the arrest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601304109622.png" alt="Mosley -photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Mosley -photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTy –Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects who allegedly robbed a Topeka restaurant Sunday evening.Just before 7:00 p.m. Sunday, police responded to the Jimmy John’s,&nbsp;1025 SW Wanamaker Road on a report of an armed robbery, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.Employees stated that an unknown man and woman entered the business, displayed a handgun and demanded money from staff. The suspects fled in a truck with an undisclosed amount on money.The suspects later crashed the truck near I-70 and Valencia Road and fled on foot. A K-9 tracked the suspects and apprehended them near the crash scene.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601304138069.png" alt="Ricks- photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Ricks- photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>As a result of the investigation police arrested Lekeith M. Mosley, 29, and Shelbi P. Ricks, 25, both of Liberal&nbsp; on requested charges of Aggravated Robbery, Interference with LEO, Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Law Enforcement Officer, Reckless Driving and other charges.The Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office and the Kansas Highway Patrol assisted with the arrest.

Police: 2 from SW Kan. arrested for alleged armed robbery

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — The city of Lawrence has agreed to pay $80,000 to settle an excessive force lawsuit filed by a Black man who was shot by a rookie police officer in 2018 during a traffic stop.

Akira Lewis&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/84b01273bc614a41ab93355e131a5804">sued</a>&nbsp;the city, two officers, the police department and the police chief after he was shot. He alleged the officers used excessive force and that the traffic stop was racially motivated.

The city contended Lewis caused the confrontation by unreasonably refusing to get out of his car.

Under the settlement approved Friday, neither the city or Lewis accepted liability for the shooting, The Lawrence Journal-World&nbsp;<a href="https://www2.ljworld.com/news/city-government/2020/sep/25/settlement-finalized-between-city-of-lawrence-motorist-who-was-shot-during-altercation-with-lawrence-police-officer/" target="_blank">reported</a>.

Lewis was shot when he was pulled over by officers Ian McCann and Brindley Blood. Lewis refused to get out of his car or give the officers his identification. A police video shows McCann trying to pull Lewis from the car.

When Lewis began hitting McCann, Blood shot him. She said later she meant to use her Taser but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/8101b46c41784f1b8d67674becef4d5b">drew her gun</a>&nbsp;instead. An aggravated battery charge against her was dropped and she later left the force.

Lewis was sentenced to a year of probation after pleading no contest to battery of a law enforcement officer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576270880606.png" alt="Photo courtesy Lawrence police" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Lawrence police</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — The city of Lawrence has agreed to pay $80,000 to settle an excessive force lawsuit filed by a Black man who was shot by a rookie police officer in 2018 during a traffic stop.Akira Lewis&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/84b01273bc614a41ab93355e131a5804">sued</a>&nbsp;the city, two officers, the police department and the police chief after he was shot. He alleged the officers used excessive force and that the traffic stop was racially motivated.The city contended Lewis caused the confrontation by unreasonably refusing to get out of his car.Under the settlement approved Friday, neither the city or Lewis accepted liability for the shooting, The Lawrence Journal-World&nbsp;<a href="https://www2.ljworld.com/news/city-government/2020/sep/25/settlement-finalized-between-city-of-lawrence-motorist-who-was-shot-during-altercation-with-lawrence-police-officer/" target="_blank">reported</a>.Lewis was shot when he was pulled over by officers Ian McCann and Brindley Blood. Lewis refused to get out of his car or give the officers his identification. A police video shows McCann trying to pull Lewis from the car.When Lewis began hitting McCann, Blood shot him. She said later she meant to use her Taser but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/8101b46c41784f1b8d67674becef4d5b">drew her gun</a>&nbsp;instead. An aggravated battery charge against her was dropped and she later left the force.Lewis was sentenced to a year of probation after pleading no contest to battery of a law enforcement officer.

Lawrence settles with Black driver shot by rookie officer

FINNEY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a man's death and asking the public for help with information.

Just before 11:30 a.m., Sunday,&nbsp; police responded to the Sunflower Inn, 1311 East Fulton in Garden City in reference to a man not breathing, according to Sgt. Lana Urteaga.

Officers arrived and were taken to room 115 by motel staff. Upon entering the room, officers found 23-year-old Alec Cantu&nbsp; dead on the floor. Cantu had signs of trauma to his body, and it was apparent an altercation took place inside the motel room. 

Just before 10a.m. Sunday morning, the Finney County Sheriff’s Office responded to 4100 W. Railroad Ave. for an abandoned vehicle in the Arkansas River. The car was registered to Alec Cantu and had been vandalized. 

The Garden City Police Department is asking the public for help with information in the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601321333410.png" alt="Sunflower Inn Google image" />
 <figcaption>Sunflower Inn Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a man's death and asking the public for help with information.Just before 11:30 a.m., Sunday,&nbsp; police responded to the Sunflower Inn, 1311 East Fulton in Garden City in reference to a man not breathing, according to Sgt. Lana Urteaga.Officers arrived and were taken to room 115 by motel staff. Upon entering the room, officers found 23-year-old Alec Cantu&nbsp; dead on the floor. Cantu had signs of trauma to his body, and it was apparent an altercation took place inside the motel room. Just before 10a.m. Sunday morning, the Finney County Sheriff’s Office responded to 4100 W. Railroad Ave. for an abandoned vehicle in the Arkansas River. The car was registered to Alec Cantu and had been vandalized. The Garden City Police Department is asking the public for help with information in the case.

Police: Dead Kan. man's car found vandalized, in river

MONTGOMERY COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 11:30a.m. Monday in Montgomery County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1999 Ford F150 driven by Paul David Thomas, 51, Independence, Kansas, was northbound on 3900 Road.

The pickup crossed the center line and struck a southbound 1997 Ford pickup driven by Monty David Phillips, 56, Fredonia.

Phillips was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Frontier Forensics. 

EMS transported Thomas and a passenger in Phillips pickup identified as Amos Cole, Jr., 55, Fredonia, to&nbsp;Coffeyville Regional Medical Center. Cole, Jr. was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 11:30a.m. Monday in Montgomery County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1999 Ford F150 driven by Paul David Thomas, 51, Independence, Kansas, was northbound on 3900 Road.The pickup crossed the center line and struck a southbound 1997 Ford pickup driven by Monty David Phillips, 56, Fredonia.Phillips was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Frontier Forensics. EMS transported Thomas and a passenger in Phillips pickup identified as Amos Cole, Jr., 55, Fredonia, to&nbsp;Coffeyville Regional Medical Center. Cole, Jr. was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dead, 2 hospitalized after pickups collide 

Trump’s frequent allegations on voter fraud fuels bipartisan trepidation

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/09/26/kansas-federal-candidates-loathe-potential-unruly-transfer-of-u-s-presidential-power/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Michelle De La 
Isla and Jake LaTurner remain partisan rivals in the 2nd District 
congressional campaign, but both expect President Donald Trump to 
respect the Constitution by ushering in a peaceful transition of power 
if voters reverse course in November.

LaTurner, the Republican 
state treasurer, and De La Isla, the mayor of Topeka, responded to a 
request for comment following Trump’s statements about adhering to 
revered traditions on transfer of federal government authority. It would
 become a moot issue if Trump prevailed, but a transition would occur if
 Democrat Joe Biden won.

“Since our nation’s 
founding, the peaceful transition of power between presidents has been 
foundational to America,” De La Isla said. “Our presidents, regardless 
of political party, should respect that precedent.”

LaTurner said a White 
House spokeswoman expressed a belief the president would “accept the 
results of a free and fair election and, given our country has a nearly 
250-year record of providing just that, I am confident we will continue 
to have a peaceful transition of power this year and for years to come 
should the American public vote for that.”

Trump’s responses to 
inquiries about whether he would follow constitutional mandates if a 
transition was required didn’t quell speculation of a possible showdown 
about the national vote in the presidential race.

The Kansas Reflector 
reached out to the six members of the Kansas congressional delegation 
and the candidates for four U.S. House seats and the U.S. Senate seat 
opened by retirement of U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts. Three Republicans and 
four Democrats responded.

Barbara Bollier, a 
Democrat campaigning for U.S. Senate against Republican nominee Roger 
Marshall, said she expected Trump and Biden to appreciate the necessity 
of a well-executed transfer of power if called for in January. Marshall 
didn’t respond to the request for a statement.

“The American people know that our democracy is bigger than any one person or one president,” Bollier said.

U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, a 
Kansas Republican, said the “peaceful transition of power is an 
essential part of our democracy. Nothing but the rule of law under the 
Constitution determines this process.”

Amanda Adkins, the 
Republican nominee in the 3rd District that features Johnson and 
Wyandotte counties, said the country would come together in such moments
 as it had in the past. Democratic U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids didn’t 
reply.

“I’m fully confident that 
the winner of the presidential election will be inaugurated on January 
20, as our nation has 58 times before,” Adkins said.

Democrats Kali Barnett, a 
candidate in the large rural 1st District, and Laura Lombard, the 
candidate in the 4th District surrounding Wichita, said Trump’s comments
 indicating he might not concede were problematic because it could 
ignite a constitutional crisis.

Tracey Mann, Barnett’s GOP
 opponent, and U.S. Rep. Ron Estes, a Republican seeking re-election 
against Lombard, declined to share their views.

“The president’s comments 
are extremely disturbing,” Lombard said. “The United States has 
maintained its democracy through peaceful transitions of power since its
 inception. We may not always like the results of presidential 
elections, but the losing candidate has always conceded.”

Barnett said the tradition of transitioning from president to president helped build trust in American’s institutions.

“Any suggestion that 
another choice besides peaceful transferal of power exists should be a 
cause for alarm for all Americans regardless of party,” she said.

While responding to 
questions from reporters, Trump declined to commit to a peaceful 
transition if not re-elected to a second term. Trump generated 
uncertainty Wednesday when he answered questions about a potential 
transition by saying “we’re going to have to see what happens.” On 
Thursday, the president said “we want to make sure that the election is 
honest, and I’m not sure that it can be.”

Prominent Republican 
lawmakers in Washington said speculation about Trump instigating a 
disorderly transition were misguided, while Democrats contended Trump 
could rely on powerful tools of the presidency to challenge the outcome 
and prolong his time in office.

Tim Carpenter has reported on Kansas for 35 years. He covered the Capitol for 16 years at the Topeka Capital-Journal and previously worked for the Lawrence Journal-World and United Press International.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601306668434.png" alt="Kansas 2nd District congressional opponents Michelle De La Isla and Jake LaTurner both say they expect a peaceful transition of power if President Donald Trump loses re-election. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas 2nd District congressional opponents Michelle De La Isla and Jake LaTurner both say they expect a peaceful transition of power if President Donald Trump loses re-election. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Trump’s frequent allegations on voter fraud fuels bipartisan trepidation</h2>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/09/26/kansas-federal-candidates-loathe-potential-unruly-transfer-of-u-s-presidential-power/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Michelle De La 
Isla and Jake LaTurner remain partisan rivals in the 2nd District 
congressional campaign, but both expect President Donald Trump to 
respect the Constitution by ushering in a peaceful transition of power 
if voters reverse course in November.LaTurner, the Republican 
state treasurer, and De La Isla, the mayor of Topeka, responded to a 
request for comment following Trump’s statements about adhering to 
revered traditions on transfer of federal government authority. It would
 become a moot issue if Trump prevailed, but a transition would occur if
 Democrat Joe Biden won.“Since our nation’s 
founding, the peaceful transition of power between presidents has been 
foundational to America,” De La Isla said. “Our presidents, regardless 
of political party, should respect that precedent.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601306726810.jpeg" alt="U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, a Kansas Republican, responded to speculation about transfer of presidential power if Joe Biden defeats Donald Trump by saying a “peaceful transition of power is an essential part of our democracy.” (Submitted to Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, a Kansas Republican, responded to speculation about transfer of presidential power if Joe Biden defeats Donald Trump by saying a “peaceful transition of power is an essential part of our democracy.” (Submitted to Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>LaTurner said a White 
House spokeswoman expressed a belief the president would “accept the 
results of a free and fair election and, given our country has a nearly 
250-year record of providing just that, I am confident we will continue 
to have a peaceful transition of power this year and for years to come 
should the American public vote for that.”Trump’s responses to 
inquiries about whether he would follow constitutional mandates if a 
transition was required didn’t quell speculation of a possible showdown 
about the national vote in the presidential race.The Kansas Reflector 
reached out to the six members of the Kansas congressional delegation 
and the candidates for four U.S. House seats and the U.S. Senate seat 
opened by retirement of U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts. Three Republicans and 
four Democrats responded.Barbara Bollier, a 
Democrat campaigning for U.S. Senate against Republican nominee Roger 
Marshall, said she expected Trump and Biden to appreciate the necessity 
of a well-executed transfer of power if called for in January. Marshall 
didn’t respond to the request for a statement.“The American people know that our democracy is bigger than any one person or one president,” Bollier said.U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, a 
Kansas Republican, said the “peaceful transition of power is an 
essential part of our democracy. Nothing but the rule of law under the 
Constitution determines this process.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601306754542.jpeg" alt="Democrat Laura Lombard, who is campaigning for the U.S. House in the 4th District, said talk of not respecting the will of voters in the presidential election was dangerous. She said: “We may not always like the results of presidential elections, but the losing candidate has always conceded.” (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Democrat Laura Lombard, who is campaigning for the U.S. House in the 4th District, said talk of not respecting the will of voters in the presidential election was dangerous. She said: “We may not always like the results of presidential elections, but the losing candidate has always conceded.” (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>Amanda Adkins, the 
Republican nominee in the 3rd District that features Johnson and 
Wyandotte counties, said the country would come together in such moments
 as it had in the past. Democratic U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids didn’t 
reply.“I’m fully confident that 
the winner of the presidential election will be inaugurated on January 
20, as our nation has 58 times before,” Adkins said.Democrats Kali Barnett, a 
candidate in the large rural 1st District, and Laura Lombard, the 
candidate in the 4th District surrounding Wichita, said Trump’s comments
 indicating he might not concede were problematic because it could 
ignite a constitutional crisis.Tracey Mann, Barnett’s GOP
 opponent, and U.S. Rep. Ron Estes, a Republican seeking re-election 
against Lombard, declined to share their views.“The president’s comments 
are extremely disturbing,” Lombard said. “The United States has 
maintained its democracy through peaceful transitions of power since its
 inception. We may not always like the results of presidential 
elections, but the losing candidate has always conceded.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601306782487.jpeg" alt="Democratic candidate Kali Barnett, who is running for the 1st District U.S. House seat against Republican Tracey Mann, said: “Any suggestion that another choice besides peaceful transferal of power exists should be a cause for alarm for all Americans regardless of party.” (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Democratic candidate Kali Barnett, who is running for the 1st District U.S. House seat against Republican Tracey Mann, said: “Any suggestion that another choice besides peaceful transferal of power exists should be a cause for alarm for all Americans regardless of party.” (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>Barnett said the tradition of transitioning from president to president helped build trust in American’s institutions.“Any suggestion that 
another choice besides peaceful transferal of power exists should be a 
cause for alarm for all Americans regardless of party,” she said.While responding to 
questions from reporters, Trump declined to commit to a peaceful 
transition if not re-elected to a second term. Trump generated 
uncertainty Wednesday when he answered questions about a potential 
transition by saying “we’re going to have to see what happens.” On 
Thursday, the president said “we want to make sure that the election is 
honest, and I’m not sure that it can be.”Prominent Republican 
lawmakers in Washington said speculation about Trump instigating a 
disorderly transition were misguided, while Democrats contended Trump 
could rely on powerful tools of the presidency to challenge the outcome 
and prolong his time in office.Tim Carpenter has reported on Kansas for 35 years. He covered the Capitol for 16 years at the Topeka Capital-Journal and previously worked for the Lawrence Journal-World and United Press International.

Kan. federal candidates loathe potential unruly transfer of U.S. presidential power

BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal ATV accident in Barton County.

On Saturday, September 26 at about 9:40 AM Sheriff’s officers responded to a routine ambulance assist at 5540 2nd St., lot F, on the southwest side of Great Bend just outside the city limits, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir. 

It was reported the subject had been in an ATV accident the prior evening and was unconscious. A family member called for the ambulance.

On Sunday morning, the Sheriff’s office received reports the victim had died in a Wichita area hospital.

Typically, ATV and recreational vehicle accidents are not investigated as motor vehicle accidents if they did not occur on a road or highway. When deputies became aware the accident resulted in a fatality, a death investigation was initiated, according to Bellendir.

Sheriff’s Office deputies and detectives were able to determine that Ryan Hamby, age 32 of Great Bend was operating a 2000 White, Yamaha ATV four-wheeler on the river dike just southwest of Great Bend near Patton Road.

The investigation indicates at about 11:30p.m. Friday, Hamby was eastbound on the river dike on a walking trail. It appears that for unknown reasons Hamby struck a metal barrier installed on the path and he was ejected from the ATV and struck the pavement. 

He was found by other citizens and transported to his residence on second Street. A family member arrived Saturday morning and found Hamby unconscious and an ambulance was called. Ryan Hamby succumbed to his injuries Saturday night at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita.

Evidence indicates the fatality was accidental in nature and the Sheriff’s office is awaiting further forensic evidence from the coroner’s office in Wichita.

BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal ATV accident in Barton County.On Saturday, September 26 at about 9:40 AM Sheriff’s officers responded to a routine ambulance assist at 5540 2nd St., lot F, on the southwest side of Great Bend just outside the city limits, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir. It was reported the subject had been in an ATV accident the prior evening and was unconscious. A family member called for the ambulance.On Sunday morning, the Sheriff’s office received reports the victim had died in a Wichita area hospital.Typically, ATV and recreational vehicle accidents are not investigated as motor vehicle accidents if they did not occur on a road or highway. When deputies became aware the accident resulted in a fatality, a death investigation was initiated, according to Bellendir.Sheriff’s Office deputies and detectives were able to determine that Ryan Hamby, age 32 of Great Bend was operating a 2000 White, Yamaha ATV four-wheeler on the river dike just southwest of Great Bend near Patton Road.The investigation indicates at about 11:30p.m. Friday, Hamby was eastbound on the river dike on a walking trail. It appears that for unknown reasons Hamby struck a metal barrier installed on the path and he was ejected from the ATV and struck the pavement. He was found by other citizens and transported to his residence on second Street. A family member arrived Saturday morning and found Hamby unconscious and an ambulance was called. Ryan Hamby succumbed to his injuries Saturday night at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita.Evidence indicates the fatality was accidental in nature and the Sheriff’s office is awaiting further forensic evidence from the coroner’s office in Wichita.

Sheriff: Kan. man injured after ATV accident has died

TOPEKA –&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly held a press conference Monday to give an update regarding COVID-19 in Kansas, and announce a new unified testing strategy.

"Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have faced many unknowns while trying to slow the virus’s spread. As a result, Kansas’ and the nation’s virus response was made through trial and error.

I’m pleased to announce that the Kansas Department of Health and Environment is beginning Phase One of our unified COVID-19 testing strategy that, when complete, will coordinate both public and private testing efforts across Kansas.

Our new strategy seeks to increase routine screening in areas of the state with high, ongoing community spread of the virus. This will be valuable for at-congregate setting, such as nursing homes and schools. 

Together with masks and recommended social distancing, we can better contain the virus – and Kansas schools and businesses can re-open responsibly.

We must locate COVID in our communities, keep Kansans safe, and give businesses looking to relocate to Kansas market certainty that we can provide them with the healthy workforce they need to thrive in our state."

Despite some technical difficulties in Topeka, you can watch the governor's comments.

&nbsp;The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 2037 to a total of 58,629 the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp; Coronavirus deaths were reported at 637, an increase of 5.

TOPEKA –&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly held a press conference Monday to give an update regarding COVID-19 in Kansas, and announce a new unified testing strategy."Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have faced many unknowns while trying to slow the virus’s spread. As a result, Kansas’ and the nation’s virus response was made through trial and error.I’m pleased to announce that the Kansas Department of Health and Environment is beginning Phase One of our unified COVID-19 testing strategy that, when complete, will coordinate both public and private testing efforts across Kansas.Our new strategy seeks to increase routine screening in areas of the state with high, ongoing community spread of the virus. This will be valuable for at-congregate setting, such as nursing homes and schools. Together with masks and recommended social distancing, we can better contain the virus – and Kansas schools and businesses can re-open responsibly.We must locate COVID in our communities, keep Kansans safe, and give businesses looking to relocate to Kansas market certainty that we can provide them with the healthy workforce they need to thrive in our state."Despite some technical difficulties in Topeka, you can watch the governor's comments.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovLauraKelly%2Fvideos%2F393383638728572%2F&show_text=0&width=267" width="267" height="476" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>&nbsp;The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 2037 to a total of 58,629 the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp; Coronavirus deaths were reported at 637, an increase of 5.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601313079636.png" alt="Monday Sept. 28, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Monday Sept. 28, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

 🎥  Gov. announces new, unified virus testing strategy

JACKSON COUNTY— Deputies took Jason M. Thomas, 37 of Topeka, into custody Monday afternoon after a detective saw him leave a residence in Delia, Kansas, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

Thomas is wanted in connection with the Saturday morning fatal shooting of&nbsp;35-year-old Matthew Pressler&nbsp; at a home in the 300 Block of SW Roosevelt Street in Topeka, according to police.

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal weekend shooting and are asking the public for help to locate a suspect identified as 37-year-old Jason M. Thomas of Topeka.

Just before 3a.m. Saturday police responded to a shooting in the 300 block of SW Roosevelt Street in Topeka, according to&nbsp;LT Matt Danielson.

When officers arrived on scene, they found&nbsp; 35-year-old Matthew Pressler of Topeka&nbsp;suffering from what appeared to be gunshot wounds. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

On Monday police reminded the public, if you see Thomas, call 911 immediately and do not attempt to apprehend him yourself. You can report past sightings by emailing telltpd@topeka.org. Anonymous tips can be reported to Crime Stoppers at 785-234-0007.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601307096163.png" alt="Thomas-photo Topeka Police" />
 <figcaption>Thomas-photo Topeka Police</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY— Deputies took Jason M. Thomas, 37 of Topeka, into custody Monday afternoon after a detective saw him leave a residence in Delia, Kansas, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.Thomas is wanted in connection with the Saturday morning fatal shooting of&nbsp;35-year-old Matthew Pressler&nbsp; at a home in the 300 Block of SW Roosevelt Street in Topeka, according to police.--------SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal weekend shooting and are asking the public for help to locate a suspect identified as 37-year-old Jason M. Thomas of Topeka.Just before 3a.m. Saturday police responded to a shooting in the 300 block of SW Roosevelt Street in Topeka, according to&nbsp;LT Matt Danielson.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601120598332.png" alt="Police at the scene early Saturday -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police at the scene early Saturday -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>When officers arrived on scene, they found&nbsp; 35-year-old Matthew Pressler of Topeka&nbsp;suffering from what appeared to be gunshot wounds. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.On Monday police reminded the public, if you see Thomas, call 911 immediately and do not attempt to apprehend him yourself. You can report past sightings by emailing telltpd@topeka.org. Anonymous tips can be reported to Crime Stoppers at 785-234-0007.--------------

Update: Deputies capture suspect wanted in fatal Kan. shooting

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Friends and relatives of a Kansas mother and four children who died in a collision Friday evening in Sedgwick County have <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-the-williams-family-after-tragic-accident">created a fundraiser</a> to assist the family.

On Saturday, Authorities released names of the victims involved in the crash.

A Ford Expedition driven by Jessica Noel, 33, Viola, with her four children as passengers was southbound in the 7100 Block of South 263rd Street West southeast of Cheny, according to the Sedgwick County Sheriff's office daily accident bulletin.

A semi trailer loaded with grain and driven by Andrew Specht ran a stop sign, according the sheriff's department. Noel's vehicle struck the trailer and it split in two pieces.

Noel, and her children Jeffrey Thompson III, 4,&nbsp;&nbsp;Hank Thompson, 4-months and Anaiah Brady, 10, were pronounced dead at the scene and were transported to the Forensic Science Center, according to the sheriff's department.

EMS transported a fourth passenger 1-year-old Mack Thompson to Wesley Medical Center in critical condition, according to the bulletin from the sheriff's department. He died at the hospital. Specht was not injured.

The accident remains under investigation.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601304945425.png" alt="Photo courtesy GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Friends and relatives of a Kansas mother and four children who died in a collision Friday evening in Sedgwick County have <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-the-williams-family-after-tragic-accident">created a fundraiser</a> to assist the family.On Saturday, Authorities released names of the victims involved in the crash.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601087662644.png" alt="First responders on the scene of the fatal crash -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene of the fatal crash -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>A Ford Expedition driven by Jessica Noel, 33, Viola, with her four children as passengers was southbound in the 7100 Block of South 263rd Street West southeast of Cheny, according to the Sedgwick County Sheriff's office daily accident bulletin.A semi trailer loaded with grain and driven by Andrew Specht ran a stop sign, according the sheriff's department. Noel's vehicle struck the trailer and it split in two pieces.Noel, and her children Jeffrey Thompson III, 4,&nbsp;&nbsp;Hank Thompson, 4-months and Anaiah Brady, 10, were pronounced dead at the scene and were transported to the Forensic Science Center, according to the sheriff's department.EMS transported a fourth passenger 1-year-old Mack Thompson to Wesley Medical Center in critical condition, according to the bulletin from the sheriff's department. He died at the hospital. Specht was not injured.The accident remains under investigation.&nbsp;

Fundraiser established after Kan. woman, 4 children die in crash

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 2037 to a total of 58,629 the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;

Coronavirus deaths were reported at 637, an increase of 5.

<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 2037 to a total of 58,629 the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 637, an increase of 5.<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/2020/9/1601313079636.png" alt="Monday Sept. 28, 2020 KDHE image&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Monday Sept. 28, 2020 KDHE image&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-09-26/thousands-of-trump-supporters-cruise-through-kansas-city-calling-for-4-more-years">Kansas News Service</a>

The party-like atmosphere at Kansas City's Liberty Memorial was hard 
to miss Saturday. Flags flapped in the breeze, rows upon rows of cars, 
trucks and motorcycles were decked out in red, white and blue, and 
people wore clothing emblazoned with pro-President Trump slogans.

With
 38 days to go before Election Day, hundreds of Trump supporters 
gathered for this "truck rally" near the World War I museum before 
driving down Main Street to the Country Club Plaza. 

There was no 
official count of attendees as of early Saturday evening, though some 
people in the crowd estimated it was more than 1,000 people.

Once Trump supporters made it to the Plaza, honking all the way and 
chanting "four more years," they were met by a small group of anti-Trump
 protesters, who yelled and gave cars the middle finger. 

A few 
people on both sides of the political divide fought briefly before 
police stepped in. Seven people were arrested, Kansas City Police 
Department spokesperson Doaa El-Ashkar said in a news release, for 
disorderly conduct or careless driving. 

During the final hour of the motorcade, Trump <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/supreme-court-nomination/2020/09/26/916921211/trump-set-to-formally-announce-his-supreme-court-nominee" target="_blank">announced his pick </a>to
 fill the Supreme Court seat of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who died 
Sept. 18. He chose 48-year-old conservative U.S. Circuit Court judge Amy
 Coney Barrett.

Republican politicians were quick to praise 
Trump's choice, with Missouri U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt — who will vote on the
 nomination — saying she had "made clear her commitment to interpreting 
and upholding the law and the Constitution as they are written." 

Kansas
 U.S. Rep. Roger Marshall, who is running for a U.S. Senate seat, said 
Democrats are only want "liberal activist judges." And Missouri U.S. 
Rep. Sam Graves called Barrett a "wise choice."

John Thelem of Kansas City, Missouri, said he isn't a fan of the backlash over Republicans moving forward with a nominee. 

"I
 think that the Democrats have shown that they will scorch the Earth in 
order to hurt Trump," he said, adding later, "that's why you see so many
 people out here is we're sick and tired of being called racist." 

But
 Missouri Democratic U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver told KCUR on Saturday 
that said the nomination was "a miscarriage of honesty." He also said 
he's still disappointed with the Republicans' about-face on holding a 
confirmation vote before the Nov. 3 election.

"We're going to have
 eventually a Democratic Senate. It could be in January, or maybe two 
years from now, but there will probably be some kind of response to 
this," Cleaver said. "And every response will be an escalation."

At the Plaza, 50-year-old Shonda Garrison said Republicans' decision to move forward is “disappointing but not surprising."

"It’s up to Democrats to hold the floor and up to us to vote him out," she said.

Brian Zern of Independence and his wife were on a date in Kansas City
 when they saw the rally — which he said was like a boat party in 
Branson — and decided to join. He said the turnout was "a lot more than I
 expected" and that he thinks "everybody else sees the same thing" he 
does with Trump. 

"I just don't like the fact that it feels like 
the Democratic side is more government. It is, you know, a lot more 
regulations, more control," the 41-year-old said. "I think at least on 
the Trump side, it'd be a little less government and a little bit more 
for the people."

Looking at the turnout at the Liberty Memorial, Charlie Pogue of Olathe, Kansas, said he underestimated Kansas City.

"I'm here just to show the support, make sure people know there's a lot of Trump voters out here," the 54-year-old said. 

His daughter, 17-year-old Julia, can't vote in November, but she wanted people to know young people need to be heard. 

"...
 I know a lot of the time, people assume that the younger generation is 
mostly Democratic," she said. "But I think, especially being a woman, 
it's important for me to know that there's lots of people out there who 
are with me and just show my support."

Both father and daughter said the main issues for them this election were gun rights, abortion and the economy.

Marge Jones, 76, and two of her friends took the Amtrak from St. 
Louis to attend Saturday's rally. Jones said she backs Trump because he 
is "against immigration" and he'll "keep things as they are."

When it comes to the possibility of confirming Barrett for the Supreme Court, she said Trump was "not rushing it there." 

"He's just replacing the seat, and that's in the Constitution that he's allowed to do that," she said.

Carlos Moreno is a freelance multimedia journalist who works in the Kansas City metro.&nbsp;Jodi is a newsroom intern for KCUR.&nbsp;Lucas Cuni-Mertz is a news intern at KCUR 89.3.&nbsp;KCUR reporter Elle Moxley contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601309175560.png" alt="About an hour and a half after the cars started leaving the Liberty Memorial on Saturday, they were still streaming south on Main Street toward the Plaza. Carlos Moreno / KCUR" />
 <figcaption>About an hour and a half after the cars started leaving the Liberty Memorial on Saturday, they were still streaming south on Main Street toward the Plaza. Carlos Moreno / KCUR</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-09-26/thousands-of-trump-supporters-cruise-through-kansas-city-calling-for-4-more-years">Kansas News Service</a>The party-like atmosphere at Kansas City's Liberty Memorial was hard 
to miss Saturday. Flags flapped in the breeze, rows upon rows of cars, 
trucks and motorcycles were decked out in red, white and blue, and 
people wore clothing emblazoned with pro-President Trump slogans.With
 38 days to go before Election Day, hundreds of Trump supporters 
gathered for this "truck rally" near the World War I museum before 
driving down Main Street to the Country Club Plaza. There was no 
official count of attendees as of early Saturday evening, though some 
people in the crowd estimated it was more than 1,000 people.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601309233081.png" alt="Screen Shot 202Karen Witte of Kansas City welcomed Trump supporters to the grounds of the Liberty Memorial on Saturday. Carlos Moreno0-09-28 at 11.06.49 AM.png" />
 <figcaption>Screen Shot 202Karen Witte of Kansas City welcomed Trump supporters to the grounds of the Liberty Memorial on Saturday. Carlos Moreno0-09-28 at 11.06.49 AM.png</figcaption>
 </figure>Once Trump supporters made it to the Plaza, honking all the way and 
chanting "four more years," they were met by a small group of anti-Trump
 protesters, who yelled and gave cars the middle finger. A few 
people on both sides of the political divide fought briefly before 
police stepped in. Seven people were arrested, Kansas City Police 
Department spokesperson Doaa El-Ashkar said in a news release, for 
disorderly conduct or careless driving. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601309268586.png" alt="An anti-Trump protester is detained by police near the Plaza after a skirmish with a Trump supporter. Carlos Moreno" />
 <figcaption>An anti-Trump protester is detained by police near the Plaza after a skirmish with a Trump supporter. Carlos Moreno</figcaption>
 </figure>During the final hour of the motorcade, Trump <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/supreme-court-nomination/2020/09/26/916921211/trump-set-to-formally-announce-his-supreme-court-nominee" target="_blank">announced his pick </a>to
 fill the Supreme Court seat of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who died 
Sept. 18. He chose 48-year-old conservative U.S. Circuit Court judge Amy
 Coney Barrett. Republican politicians were quick to praise 
Trump's choice, with Missouri U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt — who will vote on the
 nomination — saying she had "made clear her commitment to interpreting 
and upholding the law and the Constitution as they are written." Kansas
 U.S. Rep. Roger Marshall, who is running for a U.S. Senate seat, said 
Democrats are only want "liberal activist judges." And Missouri U.S. 
Rep. Sam Graves called Barrett a "wise choice."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601309317221.png" alt="Shonda Garrison came to the Plaza on Saturday to be part of an anti-Trump counterprotest. Lucas Cuni-Mertz" />
 <figcaption>Shonda Garrison came to the Plaza on Saturday to be part of an anti-Trump counterprotest. Lucas Cuni-Mertz</figcaption>
 </figure>John Thelem of Kansas City, Missouri, said he isn't a fan of the backlash over Republicans moving forward with a nominee. "I
 think that the Democrats have shown that they will scorch the Earth in 
order to hurt Trump," he said, adding later, "that's why you see so many
 people out here is we're sick and tired of being called racist." But
 Missouri Democratic U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver told KCUR on Saturday 
that said the nomination was "a miscarriage of honesty." He also said 
he's still disappointed with the Republicans' about-face on holding a 
confirmation vote before the Nov. 3 election."We're going to have
 eventually a Democratic Senate. It could be in January, or maybe two 
years from now, but there will probably be some kind of response to 
this," Cleaver said. "And every response will be an escalation."At the Plaza, 50-year-old Shonda Garrison said Republicans' decision to move forward is “disappointing but not surprising.""It’s up to Democrats to hold the floor and up to us to vote him out," she said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601309346820.png" alt="Kyle Howell, an 18-year-old from Overland Park, Kansas, takes photos of the growing crowd at the Liberty Memorial. Carlos Moreno" />
 <figcaption>Kyle Howell, an 18-year-old from Overland Park, Kansas, takes photos of the growing crowd at the Liberty Memorial. Carlos Moreno</figcaption>
 </figure>Brian Zern of Independence and his wife were on a date in Kansas City
 when they saw the rally — which he said was like a boat party in 
Branson — and decided to join. He said the turnout was "a lot more than I
 expected" and that he thinks "everybody else sees the same thing" he 
does with Trump. "I just don't like the fact that it feels like 
the Democratic side is more government. It is, you know, a lot more 
regulations, more control," the 41-year-old said. "I think at least on 
the Trump side, it'd be a little less government and a little bit more 
for the people."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601309389144.png" alt="The line of cars carrying Trump supporters stretched down Main Street on Saturday afternoon. Carlos Moreno" />
 <figcaption>The line of cars carrying Trump supporters stretched down Main Street on Saturday afternoon. Carlos Moreno</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601309430298.png" alt="Charlie Pogue of Olathe, Kansas, and his daughter Julie attended the rally. Jodi Fortino" />
 <figcaption>Charlie Pogue of Olathe, Kansas, and his daughter Julie attended the rally. Jodi Fortino</figcaption>
 </figure>Looking at the turnout at the Liberty Memorial, Charlie Pogue of Olathe, Kansas, said he underestimated Kansas City."I'm here just to show the support, make sure people know there's a lot of Trump voters out here," the 54-year-old said. His daughter, 17-year-old Julia, can't vote in November, but she wanted people to know young people need to be heard. "...
 I know a lot of the time, people assume that the younger generation is 
mostly Democratic," she said. "But I think, especially being a woman, 
it's important for me to know that there's lots of people out there who 
are with me and just show my support."Both father and daughter said the main issues for them this election were gun rights, abortion and the economy.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601309468920.png" alt="Anti-Trump demonstrators were waiting at a park near the Plaza as the motorcade came down Main Street in Kansas City. Carlos Moreno" />
 <figcaption>Anti-Trump demonstrators were waiting at a park near the Plaza as the motorcade came down Main Street in Kansas City. Carlos Moreno</figcaption>
 </figure>Marge Jones, 76, and two of her friends took the Amtrak from St. 
Louis to attend Saturday's rally. Jones said she backs Trump because he 
is "against immigration" and he'll "keep things as they are."When it comes to the possibility of confirming Barrett for the Supreme Court, she said Trump was "not rushing it there." "He's just replacing the seat, and that's in the Constitution that he's allowed to do that," she said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601309504223.png" alt="These women, including Marge Jones (left), took the Amtrak from St. Louis to attend Saturday's rally in Kansas City. Jodi Fortino" />
 <figcaption>These women, including Marge Jones (left), took the Amtrak from St. Louis to attend Saturday's rally in Kansas City. Jodi Fortino</figcaption>
 </figure>Carlos Moreno is a freelance multimedia journalist who works in the Kansas City metro.&nbsp;Jodi is a newsroom intern for KCUR.&nbsp;Lucas Cuni-Mertz is a news intern at KCUR 89.3.&nbsp;KCUR reporter Elle Moxley contributed to this report.

Trump supporters cruise K.C., calling for 'four more years'

NEW YORK (AP) — At a University of Maryland lab, people infected with the new coronavirus take turns sitting in a chair and putting their faces into the big end of a large cone. They recite the alphabet and sing or just sit quietly for a half hour. Sometimes they cough.

The cone sucks up everything that comes out of their mouths and noses. It’s part of a device called “Gesundheit II” that is helping scientists study a big question: Just how does the virus that causes COVID-19 spread from one person to another?

It clearly hitchhikes on small liquid particles sprayed out by an infected person. People expel particles while coughing, sneezing, singing, shouting, talking and even breathing. But the drops come in a wide range of sizes, and scientists are trying to pin down how risky the various kinds are.

The answer affects what we should all be doing to avoid getting sick. That’s why it was thrust into headlines a few days ago when a U.S. health agency appeared to have shifted its position on the issue, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-archive-public-health-cfb43dd5a28dd449cd1100a067cfd112">later said</a>&nbsp;it had published new language in error.

The recommendation to stay at least 6 feet (2 meters) apart — some authorities cite about half that distance — is based on the idea that larger particles fall to the ground before they can travel very far. They are like the droplets in a spritz of a window cleaner, and they can infect somebody by landing on their nose, mouth or eyes, or maybe being inhaled.

But some scientists are now focusing on tinier particles, the ones that spread more like cigarette smoke. Those are carried by wisps of air and even upward drafts caused by the warmth of our bodies. They can linger in the air for minutes to hours, spreading throughout a room and build up if ventilation is poor.

The potential risk comes from inhaling them. Measles can spread this way, but the new coronavirus is far less contagious than that.

For these particles, called aerosols, “6 feet is not a magic distance,” says Linsey Marr, a leading researcher who is studying them at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg. But she says it’s still important to keep one’s distance from others, “the farther the better,” because aerosols are most concentrated near a source and pose a bigger risk at close range.

Public health agencies have generally focused on the larger particles for coronavirus. That prompted more than 200 other scientists to publish a&nbsp;<a href="https://academic.oup.com/cid/advance-article/doi/10.1093/cid/ciaa939/5867798" target="_blank">plea</a>&nbsp;in July to pay attention to the potential risk from aerosols. The World Health Organization, which had long dismissed a danger from aerosols except in the case of certain medical procedures, later&nbsp;<a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-how-is-covid-19-transmitted" target="_blank">said</a>&nbsp;that aerosol transmission of the coronavirus can’t be ruled out in cases of infection within crowded and poorly ventilated indoor spaces.

The issue drew attention recently when the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention posted and then deleted statements on its website that highlighted the idea of aerosol spread. The agency said the posting was an error, and that the statements were just a draft of proposed changes to its recommendations.

Dr. Jay Butler, CDC’s deputy director for infectious disease, told The Associated Press that the agency continues to believe larger and heavier droplets that come from coughing or sneezing are the primary means of transmission.

Last month Butler told a scientific meeting that current research suggests aerosol spreading of the coronavirus is possible but it doesn’t seem to be the main way that people get infected. Further research may change that conclusion, he added, and he urged scientists to study how often aerosol spread of the coronavirus occurs, what situations make it more likely and what reasonable steps might prevent it.

Marr said she thinks infection by aerosols is “happening a lot more than people initially were willing to think.”

As a key piece of evidence, Marr and others point to so-called “superspreader” events where one infected person evidently passed the virus to many others in a single setting.

In March, for example, after a choir member with coronavirus symptoms attended a rehearsal in Washington state, 52 others who had been seated throughout the room were&nbsp;<a href="https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.06.15.20132027v2" target="_blank">found</a>&nbsp;to be infected and two died. In a crowded and poorly ventilated restaurant in China in January, the virus evidently&nbsp;<a href="https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.04.16.20067728v1" target="_blank">spread&nbsp;</a>from a lunchtime patron to five people at two adjoining tables in a pattern suggesting aerosols were spread by the air conditioner. Also in January, a passenger on a Chinese bus apparently&nbsp;<a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2770172" target="_blank">infected</a>&nbsp;23 others, many of whom were scattered around the vehicle.

Butler said such events raise concern about aerosol spread but don’t prove it happens.

There could be another way for tiny particles to spread. They may not necessarily come directly from somebody’s mouth or nose, says William Ristenpart of the University of California, Davis. His&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-020-17888-w" target="_blank">research&nbsp;</a>found that if paper tissues are seeded with influenza virus and then crumpled, they give off particles that bear the virus. So people emptying a wastebasket with tissues discarded by somebody with COVID-19 should be sure to wear a mask, he said.

Scientists who warn about aerosols say current recommendations still make sense.

Wearing a mask is still important, and make sure it fits snugly. Keep washing those hands diligently. And again, staying farther apart is better than being closer together. Avoid crowds, especially indoors.

Their main addition to recommendations is ventilation to avoid a buildup of aerosol concentration. So, the researchers say, stay out of poorly ventilated rooms. Open windows and doors. One can also use air-purifying devices or virus-inactivating ultraviolet light.

Best of all: Just do as much as you can outdoors, where dilution and the sun’s ultraviolet light work in your favor.

“We know outdoors is the most spectacularly effective measure, by far,” says Jose-Luis Jimenez of the University of Colorado-Boulder. “Outdoors it is not impossible to get infected, but it is difficult.”

The various precautions should be used in combination rather than just one at a time, researchers say. In a well ventilated environment, “6 feet (of separation) is pretty good if everybody’s got a mask on” and nobody stays directly downwind of an infected person for very long, says Dr. Donald Milton of the University of Maryland School of Public Health, whose lab houses the Gesundheit II machine.

Duration of exposure is important, so there’s probably not much risk from a short elevator ride while masked or being passed by a jogger on the sidewalk, experts say.

Scientists have&nbsp;<a href="https://nicholas.duke.edu/news/online-tool-calculates-risk-classroom-transmission-airborne-covid-19" target="_blank">published</a>&nbsp;online&nbsp;<a href="https://cires.colorado.edu/news/covid-19-airborne-transmission-tool-available" target="_blank">tools</a>&nbsp;for calculating risk of airborne spread in various settings.

At a recent meeting on aerosols, however, Dr. Georges Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association, noted that preventive steps can be a challenge in the real world. Keeping apart from other people can be difficult in homes that house multiple generations. Some old buildings have windows that were “nailed shut years ago,” he said. And “we have far too many communities where they simply don’t have access to clean water to wash their hands.”

It might seem strange that for all the scientific frenzy to study the new coronavirus, the details of how it spreads can still be in doubt nine months later. But history suggests patience.

“We’ve been studying influenza for 102 years,” says Milton, referring to the 1918 flu epidemic. “We still don’t know how it’s transmitted and what the role of aerosols is.”

NEW YORK (AP) — At a University of Maryland lab, people infected with the new coronavirus take turns sitting in a chair and putting their faces into the big end of a large cone. They recite the alphabet and sing or just sit quietly for a half hour. Sometimes they cough.The cone sucks up everything that comes out of their mouths and noses. It’s part of a device called “Gesundheit II” that is helping scientists study a big question: Just how does the virus that causes COVID-19 spread from one person to another?It clearly hitchhikes on small liquid particles sprayed out by an infected person. People expel particles while coughing, sneezing, singing, shouting, talking and even breathing. But the drops come in a wide range of sizes, and scientists are trying to pin down how risky the various kinds are.The answer affects what we should all be doing to avoid getting sick. That’s why it was thrust into headlines a few days ago when a U.S. health agency appeared to have shifted its position on the issue, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-archive-public-health-cfb43dd5a28dd449cd1100a067cfd112">later said</a>&nbsp;it had published new language in error.The recommendation to stay at least 6 feet (2 meters) apart — some authorities cite about half that distance — is based on the idea that larger particles fall to the ground before they can travel very far. They are like the droplets in a spritz of a window cleaner, and they can infect somebody by landing on their nose, mouth or eyes, or maybe being inhaled.But some scientists are now focusing on tinier particles, the ones that spread more like cigarette smoke. Those are carried by wisps of air and even upward drafts caused by the warmth of our bodies. They can linger in the air for minutes to hours, spreading throughout a room and build up if ventilation is poor.The potential risk comes from inhaling them. Measles can spread this way, but the new coronavirus is far less contagious than that.For these particles, called aerosols, “6 feet is not a magic distance,” says Linsey Marr, a leading researcher who is studying them at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg. But she says it’s still important to keep one’s distance from others, “the farther the better,” because aerosols are most concentrated near a source and pose a bigger risk at close range.Public health agencies have generally focused on the larger particles for coronavirus. That prompted more than 200 other scientists to publish a&nbsp;<a href="https://academic.oup.com/cid/advance-article/doi/10.1093/cid/ciaa939/5867798" target="_blank">plea</a>&nbsp;in July to pay attention to the potential risk from aerosols. The World Health Organization, which had long dismissed a danger from aerosols except in the case of certain medical procedures, later&nbsp;<a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-how-is-covid-19-transmitted" target="_blank">said</a>&nbsp;that aerosol transmission of the coronavirus can’t be ruled out in cases of infection within crowded and poorly ventilated indoor spaces.The issue drew attention recently when the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention posted and then deleted statements on its website that highlighted the idea of aerosol spread. The agency said the posting was an error, and that the statements were just a draft of proposed changes to its recommendations.Dr. Jay Butler, CDC’s deputy director for infectious disease, told The Associated Press that the agency continues to believe larger and heavier droplets that come from coughing or sneezing are the primary means of transmission.Last month Butler told a scientific meeting that current research suggests aerosol spreading of the coronavirus is possible but it doesn’t seem to be the main way that people get infected. Further research may change that conclusion, he added, and he urged scientists to study how often aerosol spread of the coronavirus occurs, what situations make it more likely and what reasonable steps might prevent it.Marr said she thinks infection by aerosols is “happening a lot more than people initially were willing to think.”As a key piece of evidence, Marr and others point to so-called “superspreader” events where one infected person evidently passed the virus to many others in a single setting.In March, for example, after a choir member with coronavirus symptoms attended a rehearsal in Washington state, 52 others who had been seated throughout the room were&nbsp;<a href="https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.06.15.20132027v2" target="_blank">found</a>&nbsp;to be infected and two died. In a crowded and poorly ventilated restaurant in China in January, the virus evidently&nbsp;<a href="https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.04.16.20067728v1" target="_blank">spread&nbsp;</a>from a lunchtime patron to five people at two adjoining tables in a pattern suggesting aerosols were spread by the air conditioner. Also in January, a passenger on a Chinese bus apparently&nbsp;<a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2770172" target="_blank">infected</a>&nbsp;23 others, many of whom were scattered around the vehicle.Butler said such events raise concern about aerosol spread but don’t prove it happens.There could be another way for tiny particles to spread. They may not necessarily come directly from somebody’s mouth or nose, says William Ristenpart of the University of California, Davis. His&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-020-17888-w" target="_blank">research&nbsp;</a>found that if paper tissues are seeded with influenza virus and then crumpled, they give off particles that bear the virus. So people emptying a wastebasket with tissues discarded by somebody with COVID-19 should be sure to wear a mask, he said.Scientists who warn about aerosols say current recommendations still make sense.Wearing a mask is still important, and make sure it fits snugly. Keep washing those hands diligently. And again, staying farther apart is better than being closer together. Avoid crowds, especially indoors.Their main addition to recommendations is ventilation to avoid a buildup of aerosol concentration. So, the researchers say, stay out of poorly ventilated rooms. Open windows and doors. One can also use air-purifying devices or virus-inactivating ultraviolet light.Best of all: Just do as much as you can outdoors, where dilution and the sun’s ultraviolet light work in your favor.“We know outdoors is the most spectacularly effective measure, by far,” says Jose-Luis Jimenez of the University of Colorado-Boulder. “Outdoors it is not impossible to get infected, but it is difficult.”The various precautions should be used in combination rather than just one at a time, researchers say. In a well ventilated environment, “6 feet (of separation) is pretty good if everybody’s got a mask on” and nobody stays directly downwind of an infected person for very long, says Dr. Donald Milton of the University of Maryland School of Public Health, whose lab houses the Gesundheit II machine.Duration of exposure is important, so there’s probably not much risk from a short elevator ride while masked or being passed by a jogger on the sidewalk, experts say.Scientists have&nbsp;<a href="https://nicholas.duke.edu/news/online-tool-calculates-risk-classroom-transmission-airborne-covid-19" target="_blank">published</a>&nbsp;online&nbsp;<a href="https://cires.colorado.edu/news/covid-19-airborne-transmission-tool-available" target="_blank">tools</a>&nbsp;for calculating risk of airborne spread in various settings.At a recent meeting on aerosols, however, Dr. Georges Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association, noted that preventive steps can be a challenge in the real world. Keeping apart from other people can be difficult in homes that house multiple generations. Some old buildings have windows that were “nailed shut years ago,” he said. And “we have far too many communities where they simply don’t have access to clean water to wash their hands.”It might seem strange that for all the scientific frenzy to study the new coronavirus, the details of how it spreads can still be in doubt nine months later. But history suggests patience.“We’ve been studying influenza for 102 years,” says Milton, referring to the 1918 flu epidemic. “We still don’t know how it’s transmitted and what the role of aerosols is.”___

Tiny airborne particles may pose a big coronavirus problem

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects after a home invasion attack.

Just after 12:30a.m. on Saturday, police responded to a disturbance at a residence in the 400 block Atchison Street, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

When they arrived,&nbsp; they made contact with a 23-year-old man and a 20-year-old woman were at the residence. The two suspects had fled the scene. 

Officers began looking for a vehicle and the suspects, Gunner Ramey, 20, and Troy Grimm, 21, Leavenworth, were located a short time later and taken into custody a following a traffic stop. 

An investigation indicated the two suspects arrived at the residence where the two victims live, damaged a door where they entered the residence, and began to attack the 23-year-old man with fists and a piece of metal. 

EMS treated the victim at the scene for his injuries, according to Wilson. The woman at the home was not injured. The victims and suspects were known to each other prior to the disturbance.

&nbsp;Ramey is being held in the Atchison County Jail on requested charges of battery, criminal restraint, and criminal damage to property.

Grimm is being held on requested charges of aggravated assault, battery, criminal threat, criminal damage to property, and interference with law enforcement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601289835400.png" alt="Ramey-photo Atchison Co.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Ramey-photo Atchison Co.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects after a home invasion attack.Just after 12:30a.m. on Saturday, police responded to a disturbance at a residence in the 400 block Atchison Street, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.When they arrived,&nbsp; they made contact with a 23-year-old man and a 20-year-old woman were at the residence. The two suspects had fled the scene. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601289805784.png" alt="Grimm-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Grimm-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Officers began looking for a vehicle and the suspects, Gunner Ramey, 20, and Troy Grimm, 21, Leavenworth, were located a short time later and taken into custody a following a traffic stop. An investigation indicated the two suspects arrived at the residence where the two victims live, damaged a door where they entered the residence, and began to attack the 23-year-old man with fists and a piece of metal. EMS treated the victim at the scene for his injuries, according to Wilson. The woman at the home was not injured. The victims and suspects were known to each other prior to the disturbance.&nbsp;Ramey is being held in the Atchison County Jail on requested charges of battery, criminal restraint, and criminal damage to property.Grimm is being held on requested charges of aggravated assault, battery, criminal threat, criminal damage to property, and interference with law enforcement.

Police: 2 arrested for Kansas home invasion attack

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A plan designed to help Wichita police monitor and control social equality protests in the city in early June cost the Wichita Police Department more than $1.5 million in overtime for officers and other employees.

The department implemented an “Emergency Mobilization Plan” from June 2 to 14 to ensure the demonstrations sparked by the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis in May did not escalate to violence.

Other than when officers cleared angry demonstrators from an area on June 2-3 after looting and gunshots were reported, protests in Wichita remained calm.

Wichita police employees claimed more than 30,000 in paid overtime hours and more than 5,500 hours of compensatory time during the emergency plan, the Eagle reported.

Police spokesman Officer Charley Davidson said in a statement the extra staffing helped keep demonstrations peaceful.

“Through these proactive measures and by diligently working to de-escalate potentially violent demonstrations, Wichita did not experience mass arrests of protestors or extensive property damage, which happened in many other American cities, ” Davidson wrote.

The city has sought federal funding under the CARES Act to cover the overtime costs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596375478117.png" alt="Black Live Matter Protesters in Wichita -photo courtesy Liberty ICT" />
 <figcaption>Black Live Matter Protesters in Wichita -photo courtesy Liberty ICT</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A plan designed to help Wichita police monitor and control social equality protests in the city in early June cost the Wichita Police Department more than $1.5 million in overtime for officers and other employees.The department implemented an “Emergency Mobilization Plan” from June 2 to 14 to ensure the demonstrations sparked by the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis in May did not escalate to violence.Other than when officers cleared angry demonstrators from an area on June 2-3 after looting and gunshots were reported, protests in Wichita remained calm.Wichita police employees claimed more than 30,000 in paid overtime hours and more than 5,500 hours of compensatory time during the emergency plan, the Eagle reported.Police spokesman Officer Charley Davidson said in a statement the extra staffing helped keep demonstrations peaceful.“Through these proactive measures and by diligently working to de-escalate potentially violent demonstrations, Wichita did not experience mass arrests of protestors or extensive property damage, which happened in many other American cities, ” Davidson wrote.The city has sought federal funding under the CARES Act to cover the overtime costs.

Protests cost Wichita police about $1.5 million in overtime

New York (AP) —President Donald Trump paid just $750 in federal income taxes the year he ran for president and in his first year in the White House, according to a report Sunday in The New York Times.

Trump, who has fiercely guarded his tax filings and is the only president in modern times not to make them public, paid no federal income taxes in 10 of the past 15 years.

The details of the tax filings complicate Trump’s description of himself as a shrewd and patriotic businessman, revealing instead a series of financial losses and income from abroad that could come into conflict with his responsibilities as president. The president’s financial disclosures indicated he earned at least $434.9 million in 2018, but the tax filings reported a $47.4 million loss.

The tax filings also illustrate how a reputed billionaire could pay little to nothing in taxes, while someone in the middle class could pay substantially more than him. Roughly half of Americans pay no income taxes, primarily because of how low their incomes are. But IRS figures indicate that the average tax filer paid roughly $12,200 in 2017, about 16 times more than what the president paid.

The disclosure, which the Times said comes from tax return data it obtained extending over two decades, comes at a pivotal moment ahead of the first presidential debate Tuesday and weeks before a divisive election against Democrat Joe Biden.

Speaking at a news conference Sunday at the White House, Trump dismissed the report as “fake news” and maintained he has paid taxes, though he gave no specifics. He also vowed that information about his taxes “will all be revealed,” but he offered no timeline for the disclosure and made similar promises during the 2016 campaign on which he never followed through.

In fact, the president has fielded court challenges against those seeking access to his returns, including the U.S. House, which is suing to get Trump’s tax returns as part of congressional oversight.

During his first two years as president, Trump received $73 million from foreign operations, which in addition to his golf properties in Scotland and Ireland included $3 million from the Philippines, $2.3 million from India and $1 million from Turkey, among other nations. The president in 2017 paid $145,400 in taxes in India and $156,824 in the Philippines, compared to just $750 in U.S. income taxes. The Times said the tax records did not reveal any unreported connections to Russia.

Trump found multiple ways to reduce his tax bills. He has taken tax deductions on personal expenses such as housing, aircraft and $70,000 to style his hair while he filmed “The Apprentice.” Losses in the property businesses solely owned and managed by Trump appear to have offset income from his stake in “The Apprentice” and other entities with multiple owners.

During the first two years of his presidency, Trump relied on business tax credits to reduce his tax obligations. The Times said $9.7 million worth of business investment credits that were submitted after Trump requested an extension to file his taxes allowed him to offset his obligations and pay just $750 each in 2016 and 2017.

Income tax payments help finance the military and domestic programs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601291509606.png" alt="President Trump addressed the New York Times report on his taxes during a Sunday afternoon news conference -photo courtesy White House." />
 <figcaption>President Trump addressed the New York Times report on his taxes during a Sunday afternoon news conference -photo courtesy White House.</figcaption>
 </figure>New York (AP) —President Donald Trump paid just $750 in federal income taxes the year he ran for president and in his first year in the White House, according to a report Sunday in The New York Times.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">FAKE NEWS!&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1310432401454235650?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Trump, who has fiercely guarded his tax filings and is the only president in modern times not to make them public, paid no federal income taxes in 10 of the past 15 years.The details of the tax filings complicate Trump’s description of himself as a shrewd and patriotic businessman, revealing instead a series of financial losses and income from abroad that could come into conflict with his responsibilities as president. The president’s financial disclosures indicated he earned at least $434.9 million in 2018, but the tax filings reported a $47.4 million loss.The tax filings also illustrate how a reputed billionaire could pay little to nothing in taxes, while someone in the middle class could pay substantially more than him. Roughly half of Americans pay no income taxes, primarily because of how low their incomes are. But IRS figures indicate that the average tax filer paid roughly $12,200 in 2017, about 16 times more than what the president paid.The disclosure, which the Times said comes from tax return data it obtained extending over two decades, comes at a pivotal moment ahead of the first presidential debate Tuesday and weeks before a divisive election against Democrat Joe Biden.Speaking at a news conference Sunday at the White House, Trump dismissed the report as “fake news” and maintained he has paid taxes, though he gave no specifics. He also vowed that information about his taxes “will all be revealed,” but he offered no timeline for the disclosure and made similar promises during the 2016 campaign on which he never followed through.In fact, the president has fielded court challenges against those seeking access to his returns, including the U.S. House, which is suing to get Trump’s tax returns as part of congressional oversight.During his first two years as president, Trump received $73 million from foreign operations, which in addition to his golf properties in Scotland and Ireland included $3 million from the Philippines, $2.3 million from India and $1 million from Turkey, among other nations. The president in 2017 paid $145,400 in taxes in India and $156,824 in the Philippines, compared to just $750 in U.S. income taxes. The Times said the tax records did not reveal any unreported connections to Russia.Trump found multiple ways to reduce his tax bills. He has taken tax deductions on personal expenses such as housing, aircraft and $70,000 to style his hair while he filmed “The Apprentice.” Losses in the property businesses solely owned and managed by Trump appear to have offset income from his stake in “The Apprentice” and other entities with multiple owners.During the first two years of his presidency, Trump relied on business tax credits to reduce his tax obligations. The Times said $9.7 million worth of business investment credits that were submitted after Trump requested an extension to file his taxes allowed him to offset his obligations and pay just $750 each in 2016 and 2017.Income tax payments help finance the military and domestic programs.Trump, starting in 2010, claimed and received an income tax refund that totaled $72.9 million, which the Times said was at the core of an ongoing audit by the IRS. The Times said a ruling against Trump could cost him $100 million or more.The president could also face mounting financial pressure in the years ahead. The tax records show he’s carrying a total of $421 million in loans and debt that are primarily due within four years. Most of that debt comes from the Doral golf resort in Florida ($125 million) and Trump’s Washington hotel ($160 million), two properties that the Times said are struggling financially.Richard Neal, D-Mass., the chair of the House Ways and Means Committee who has tried unsuccessfully to obtain Trump’s tax records, said the Times report makes it even more essential for his committee to get the documents.“It appears that the President has gamed the tax code to his advantage and used legal fights to delay or avoid paying what he owes,” Neal wrote in a statement. “Now, Donald Trump is the boss of the agency he considers an adversary. It is essential that the IRS’s presidential audit program remain free of interference.”A lawyer for the Trump Organization, Alan Garten, and a spokesperson for the Trump Organization did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Associated Press on the report.Garten told the Times that “most, if not all, of the facts appear to be inaccurate.”He said in a statement to the news organization that the president “has paid tens of millions of dollars in personal taxes to the federal government, including paying millions in personal taxes since announcing his candidacy in 2015.”The New York Times said it declined to provide Garten with the tax filings in order to protect its sources, but it said its sources had legal access to the records.During his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/f1bf2aef22d54f4fa7dd4b7ffe1c0ddc">first general election debate</a>&nbsp;against Democrat Hillary Clinton in 2016, Clinton said that perhaps Trump wasn’t releasing his tax returns because he had paid nothing in federal taxes.Trump interrupted her to say, “That makes me smart.”