A petition to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.change.org/p/united-states-senate-expel-roger-marshall-from-the-us-senate?recruiter=38876579&amp;recruited_by_id=9bce0800-436c-0130-471e-3c764e049b10">expel new Kansas Senator Roger Marshall from the U.S. Senate</a>&nbsp;appeared&nbsp;<a href="https://www.change.org/p/united-states-senate-expel-roger-marshall-from-the-us-senate?recruiter=38876579&amp;recruited_by_id=9bce0800-436c-0130-471e-3c764e049b10">online&nbsp;</a>over the weekend.

WASHINGTON (AP)—Before they take office, elected officials swear to uphold the U.S. Constitution. But what happens when they are accused of doing the opposite?

As some Republicans in Congress continued to back President Donald Trump’s doomed effort to overturn the election, critics — including President-elect&nbsp;<a href="https://buildbackbetter.gov/uncategorized/remarks-as-prepared-for-delivery-by-president-elect-joe-biden-at-georgia-senate-drive-in-rally-in-atlanta-georgia%F0%9F%A5%B2/" target="_blank">Joe Biden&nbsp;</a>— alleged that they had violated their oaths and instead pledged allegiance to Trump.

The oaths, which rarely attract much attention, have become a common subject in the final days of the Trump presidency, being invoked by members of both parties as they met Wednesday to affirm Biden’s win and a violent mob of Trump supporters&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-capitol-lockdown-2f56a611445df15fb9640893bb9f7a93">stormed the U.S. Capitol</a>.

“They also swore on a Bible to uphold the Constitution, and that’s where they really are stepping outside and being in dereliction of duty,” said former New Jersey Gov. Christine Todd Whitman, a Republican who served as EPA administrator during former President George W. Bush’s administration. “They swore to uphold the Constitution against all our enemies, foreign or domestic, and they are ignoring that.”

The oaths vary slightly between government bodies, but elected officials generally swear to defend the Constitution. The Senate website says its current oath is linked to the 1860s, “drafted by Civil War-era members of Congress intent on ensnaring traitors.”

Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski, a Republican, vowed to honor the oath she took and affirm the results of the presidential election while urging colleagues to do the same. Republican Sen. Todd Young, of Indiana, was seen in a&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/rebtanhs/status/1346855118914920454" target="_blank">video&nbsp;</a>posted to social media telling Trump supporters outside a Senate office building that he took an oath to the Constitution under God and asked, “Do we still take that seriously in this country?”

Corey Brettschneider, a political science professor at Brown University and author of “The Oath and the Office: A Guide to the Constitution for Future Presidents,” said the oath must be taken seriously and that Americans have to demand its enforcement or “the risk is to the entire system.” He said he would support censures, a formal statement of disapproval, for officials who clearly violate their oaths.

“The worst that could happen is that people roll their eyes at the oath and they say, ‘Oh, none of them mean it,’ and I think what we’ve got to do at a time of crisis is exactly the opposite — is to say, this does mean something,” Brettschneider said. “When you break the law, you need to be held to account, and that’s what’s really up to the American people to be outraged when Trump does what he’s done.”

Republicans who have filed or supported lawsuits challenging Biden’s win in November have claimed, without evidence, that the election was rigged against Trump. Their cases have failed before courts all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. Both Republican and Democratic officials have deemed the election results legitimate and free of any widespread fraud.

The oaths were mentioned often Wednesday during a joint session of Congress meant to confirm Biden’s victory. Some Republicans who launched objections to the election results claimed their oaths required them to do so, while Democrats urged their counterparts to honor their oaths and affirm Biden as the next president.

“The oath that I took this past Sunday to defend and support the Constitution makes it necessary for me to object to this travesty,” said Rep. Lauren Boebert, a newly elected Republican from Colorado.

As lawmakers met, violent protestors loyal to Trump stormed the Capitol in an insurrection intended to keep Biden from replacing Trump in the White House. While authorities struggled to regain control, Biden called on Trump to abide by his oath and move to ease tensions.

“I call on President Trump to go on national television now to fulfill his oath and defend the Constitution and demand an end to this siege,” Biden said.

The GOP effort to block the formal confirmation of Biden’s win eventually failed after Republicans recycled arguments of fraud and other irregularities that have failed to gain traction.

Democrats were quick to condemn Republicans who continued to oppose the results.

Rep. Adam Schiff of California asked, “Does our oath to uphold the Constitution, taken just days ago, mean so very little? I think not.” He added that “an oath is no less broken when the breaking fails to achieve its end.”

Rep. Cori Bush, a Democrat from Missouri, said she would introduce a resolution calling for the expulsion of Republicans who moved to invalidate the election results.

“I believe the Republican members of Congress who have incited this domestic terror attack through their attempts to overturn the election must face consequences,” she&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/RepCori/status/1346926083350794240?s=20" target="_blank">tweeted</a>. “They have broken their sacred oath of office.”

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, a Democrat, said officials who continued to support Trump’s baseless claims of fraud violated their oath, and their rhetoric emboldened the rioters who stormed the Capitol.

“They have an allegiance that they have sworn — not to the Constitution and not the United States of America, but to one man, and that man is Donald Trump,” she said. “And they refuse to walk away from that no matter what he says, no matter what he does, and I think history will not judge them kindly for that.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1609694624134.png" alt="New Kansas Senator Roger Marshall took the oath of office on Jan. 3-image courtesy CSPAN.&nbsp; Over the weekend voters established a petition to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.change.org/p/united-states-senate-expel-roger-marshall-from-the-us-senate?recruiter=38876579&amp;recruited_by_id=9bce0800-436c-0130-471e-3c764e049b10">expel Marshall from the U.S. Senate.&nbsp;</a>" />
 <figcaption>New Kansas Senator Roger Marshall took the oath of office on Jan. 3-image courtesy CSPAN.&nbsp; Over the weekend voters established a petition to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.change.org/p/united-states-senate-expel-roger-marshall-from-the-us-senate?recruiter=38876579&amp;recruited_by_id=9bce0800-436c-0130-471e-3c764e049b10">expel Marshall from the U.S. Senate.&nbsp;</a></figcaption>
 </figure>A petition to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.change.org/p/united-states-senate-expel-roger-marshall-from-the-us-senate?recruiter=38876579&amp;recruited_by_id=9bce0800-436c-0130-471e-3c764e049b10">expel new Kansas Senator Roger Marshall from the U.S. Senate</a>&nbsp;appeared&nbsp;<a href="https://www.change.org/p/united-states-senate-expel-roger-marshall-from-the-us-senate?recruiter=38876579&amp;recruited_by_id=9bce0800-436c-0130-471e-3c764e049b10">online&nbsp;</a>over the weekend.WASHINGTON (AP)—Before they take office, elected officials swear to uphold the U.S. Constitution. But what happens when they are accused of doing the opposite?As some Republicans in Congress continued to back President Donald Trump’s doomed effort to overturn the election, critics — including President-elect&nbsp;<a href="https://buildbackbetter.gov/uncategorized/remarks-as-prepared-for-delivery-by-president-elect-joe-biden-at-georgia-senate-drive-in-rally-in-atlanta-georgia%F0%9F%A5%B2/" target="_blank">Joe Biden&nbsp;</a>— alleged that they had violated their oaths and instead pledged allegiance to Trump.The oaths, which rarely attract much attention, have become a common subject in the final days of the Trump presidency, being invoked by members of both parties as they met Wednesday to affirm Biden’s win and a violent mob of Trump supporters&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-capitol-lockdown-2f56a611445df15fb9640893bb9f7a93">stormed the U.S. Capitol</a>.“They also swore on a Bible to uphold the Constitution, and that’s where they really are stepping outside and being in dereliction of duty,” said former New Jersey Gov. Christine Todd Whitman, a Republican who served as EPA administrator during former President George W. Bush’s administration. “They swore to uphold the Constitution against all our enemies, foreign or domestic, and they are ignoring that.”The oaths vary slightly between government bodies, but elected officials generally swear to defend the Constitution. The Senate website says its current oath is linked to the 1860s, “drafted by Civil War-era members of Congress intent on ensnaring traitors.”Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski, a Republican, vowed to honor the oath she took and affirm the results of the presidential election while urging colleagues to do the same. Republican Sen. Todd Young, of Indiana, was seen in a&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/rebtanhs/status/1346855118914920454" target="_blank">video&nbsp;</a>posted to social media telling Trump supporters outside a Senate office building that he took an oath to the Constitution under God and asked, “Do we still take that seriously in this country?”Corey Brettschneider, a political science professor at Brown University and author of “The Oath and the Office: A Guide to the Constitution for Future Presidents,” said the oath must be taken seriously and that Americans have to demand its enforcement or “the risk is to the entire system.” He said he would support censures, a formal statement of disapproval, for officials who clearly violate their oaths.“The worst that could happen is that people roll their eyes at the oath and they say, ‘Oh, none of them mean it,’ and I think what we’ve got to do at a time of crisis is exactly the opposite — is to say, this does mean something,” Brettschneider said. “When you break the law, you need to be held to account, and that’s what’s really up to the American people to be outraged when Trump does what he’s done.”Republicans who have filed or supported lawsuits challenging Biden’s win in November have claimed, without evidence, that the election was rigged against Trump. Their cases have failed before courts all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. Both Republican and Democratic officials have deemed the election results legitimate and free of any widespread fraud.The oaths were mentioned often Wednesday during a joint session of Congress meant to confirm Biden’s victory. Some Republicans who launched objections to the election results claimed their oaths required them to do so, while Democrats urged their counterparts to honor their oaths and affirm Biden as the next president.“The oath that I took this past Sunday to defend and support the Constitution makes it necessary for me to object to this travesty,” said Rep. Lauren Boebert, a newly elected Republican from Colorado.As lawmakers met, violent protestors loyal to Trump stormed the Capitol in an insurrection intended to keep Biden from replacing Trump in the White House. While authorities struggled to regain control, Biden called on Trump to abide by his oath and move to ease tensions.“I call on President Trump to go on national television now to fulfill his oath and defend the Constitution and demand an end to this siege,” Biden said.The GOP effort to block the formal confirmation of Biden’s win eventually failed after Republicans recycled arguments of fraud and other irregularities that have failed to gain traction.Democrats were quick to condemn Republicans who continued to oppose the results.Rep. Adam Schiff of California asked, “Does our oath to uphold the Constitution, taken just days ago, mean so very little? I think not.” He added that “an oath is no less broken when the breaking fails to achieve its end.”Rep. Cori Bush, a Democrat from Missouri, said she would introduce a resolution calling for the expulsion of Republicans who moved to invalidate the election results.“I believe the Republican members of Congress who have incited this domestic terror attack through their attempts to overturn the election must face consequences,” she&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/RepCori/status/1346926083350794240?s=20" target="_blank">tweeted</a>. “They have broken their sacred oath of office.”Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, a Democrat, said officials who continued to support Trump’s baseless claims of fraud violated their oath, and their rhetoric emboldened the rioters who stormed the Capitol.“They have an allegiance that they have sworn — not to the Constitution and not the United States of America, but to one man, and that man is Donald Trump,” she said. “And they refuse to walk away from that no matter what he says, no matter what he does, and I think history will not judge them kindly for that.”___

Oaths questioned as Trump's backers fight against loss

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 5180 to a total of 247,502 the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;

Coronavirus deaths were reported at 3,255, an increase of 107.

<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 5180 to a total of 247,502 the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 3,255, an increase of 107.<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/2021/1/1610389824432.png" alt="Monday Jan. 11, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Monday Jan. 11, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

COWLEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary and have a suspect in custody.

Just before 9p.m., Jan. 5 to police responded to Terry’s Place, a pool hall located 121 S. Summit Street in downtown Arkansas City, for a report of theft, according to a media release.

They learned a male suspect had entered the business, allegedly took money from the tip jar and then left. 

It was determined that the suspect had left a bicycle and that type of bicycle was sold at SpokeN-Things, located at 208 N. Summit Street.

Employees at the pool hall provided police with a physical description of the suspect and a possible first name.

 Officers identified a suspect later identified as 25-year-old Alexander Michael Sanchez and proceeded to an address in the 900 block of South Summit Street, where they made contact with him.

Further investigation determined he had allegedly committed a burglary and theft at Spoke-NThings, caused damage to a vehicle and stolen a bicycle at Cowley College, and taken money from Terry’s Place.

At the time of his arrest, Sanchez initially resisted arrest, but eventually was taken safely into custody without further incident.&nbsp;

Sanchez was jailed on requested charges of one felony count each of burglary and theft, two counts of misdemeanor theft, and one misdemeanor count each of criminal damage to property and interference with a law enforcement officer.

Sanchez was booked into the Cowley County Jail in Winfield in lieu of $9,000 bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610385643685.png" alt="Sanchez photo Cowley County" />
 <figcaption>Sanchez photo Cowley County</figcaption>
 </figure>COWLEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary and have a suspect in custody.Just before 9p.m., Jan. 5 to police responded to Terry’s Place, a pool hall located 121 S. Summit Street in downtown Arkansas City, for a report of theft, according to a media release.They learned a male suspect had entered the business, allegedly took money from the tip jar and then left. It was determined that the suspect had left a bicycle and that type of bicycle was sold at SpokeN-Things, located at 208 N. Summit Street.Employees at the pool hall provided police with a physical description of the suspect and a possible first name. Officers identified a suspect later identified as 25-year-old Alexander Michael Sanchez and proceeded to an address in the 900 block of South Summit Street, where they made contact with him.Further investigation determined he had allegedly committed a burglary and theft at Spoke-NThings, caused damage to a vehicle and stolen a bicycle at Cowley College, and taken money from Terry’s Place.At the time of his arrest, Sanchez initially resisted arrest, but eventually was taken safely into custody without further incident.&nbsp;Sanchez was jailed on requested charges of one felony count each of burglary and theft, two counts of misdemeanor theft, and one misdemeanor count each of criminal damage to property and interference with a law enforcement officer.Sanchez was booked into the Cowley County Jail in Winfield in lieu of $9,000 bond.

Kan. man allegedly stole bicycle, money from tip jar

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — Kansas prisons ravaged by COVID-19 are set to be prioritized for vaccinations next — frustrating news for some lawmakers but welcome by inmates’ families and activists.

The state prison system — housing about 8,600 inmates — has reported 5,320 cases among offenders and an additional 1,076 among staff. Thirteen inmates and four staff members have died.

Gov. Laura Kelly confirmed Thursday that inmates would be vaccinated after health care workers and residents of long-term care facilities. She said they were being prioritized based on guidance from doctors and public health experts. The second group also will include people 65 and older and critical workers such as firefighters, law enforcement officers, meatpacking employees, grocery store workers, teachers and child care workers.

Incoming Senate Majority Leader Gene Suellentrop, a Wichita Republican, said if it were “early in the game,” he’d say, “Let’s do it,” because the state pays for inmates’ medical care.

“With the percentage of occupants at a such high level already exposed and the antibodies are there for close to a year, I don’t know that it makes total sense,” Suellentrop said.

House Speaker Ron Ryckman Jr., an Olathe Republican, also criticized the plan to vaccinate inmates relatively early, saying, “We’re going to have a lot of discussion.”

But Nadine Johnson, executive director of the ACLU of Kansas, said the vaccines were critical.

“The virus has run rampant within Kansas’s crowded prisons and jails, but does not stop at those walls; it continues to threaten corrections staff and officers, their families, and communities statewide,” she said in a written statement, adding that some the inmates shouldn’t even be behind bars. “There are people incarcerated in our state’s correctional facilities for specious reasons founded in an unjust system. Their situation needs attention and action. Vaccination does not absolve that need.”

Deana Estrada, whose fiancé, Ronnie Loggins, got COVID-19 while incarcerated at the state prison in Lansing on drug and explosives charges, said the resistance to vaccinating inmates is “cruel.” Estrada, 34, said the prison outbreak has complicated efforts to treat Loggins for cancer. A clemency request is pending.

“They may have made bad choices and stuff, but obviously they didn’t do enough bad choices to make them be put on death row,” said Estrada, who lives in Junction City.

Demand for the vaccine is strong with the virus surging. Statewide the number of deaths rose by 121 from Wednesday to Friday, taking the state’s total to 3,148 or one case for every 925 of its 2.9 million residents. The number of confirmed cases rose by 5,504 to 242,322, or one for every 12 residents.

The rollout has been clunky at times. At Ellinwood Hospital in Barton County, there was confusion last week when the first shipment of 30 doses of the Moderna vaccine arrived without any notice. Staff hastily stowed them in the freezer before realizing they didn’t need to be kept at such cold temperatures and then had to call the manufacturer to see if they were still safe to administer. The verdict was yes.

Lindsey Bogner, the foundation and community education director at the small 25-bed rural hospital and nearby clinic, was among those who were immunized this week.

“The whole process there has been not as much communication as you would want, but that is probably normal in something like that that is being rolled out and is logistically very difficult to put together,” she sad. “It is hard to do, especially when you don’t have a very deep staff or you don’t have a lot of people to put toward it.”

Some health care workers have declined the vaccine for now, but Dr. Lee Norman, head of the state Department of Health and Environment, said they are in the minority.

He said this group, which he estimated made up about 20% of the health care workforce, typically forego the vaccine either because they want to wait longer to see that the vaccine is safe or because they’ve already had COVID-19 and “feel that they are immune and that they would rather have it go their colleagues.”

He said he believes there’s “only a very small number” of health care workers who don’t want to get the vaccine at all.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610104544544.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MISSION, Kan. (AP) — Kansas prisons ravaged by COVID-19 are set to be prioritized for vaccinations next — frustrating news for some lawmakers but welcome by inmates’ families and activists.The state prison system — housing about 8,600 inmates — has reported 5,320 cases among offenders and an additional 1,076 among staff. Thirteen inmates and four staff members have died.Gov. Laura Kelly confirmed Thursday that inmates would be vaccinated after health care workers and residents of long-term care facilities. She said they were being prioritized based on guidance from doctors and public health experts. The second group also will include people 65 and older and critical workers such as firefighters, law enforcement officers, meatpacking employees, grocery store workers, teachers and child care workers.Incoming Senate Majority Leader Gene Suellentrop, a Wichita Republican, said if it were “early in the game,” he’d say, “Let’s do it,” because the state pays for inmates’ medical care.“With the percentage of occupants at a such high level already exposed and the antibodies are there for close to a year, I don’t know that it makes total sense,” Suellentrop said.House Speaker Ron Ryckman Jr., an Olathe Republican, also criticized the plan to vaccinate inmates relatively early, saying, “We’re going to have a lot of discussion.”But Nadine Johnson, executive director of the ACLU of Kansas, said the vaccines were critical.“The virus has run rampant within Kansas’s crowded prisons and jails, but does not stop at those walls; it continues to threaten corrections staff and officers, their families, and communities statewide,” she said in a written statement, adding that some the inmates shouldn’t even be behind bars. “There are people incarcerated in our state’s correctional facilities for specious reasons founded in an unjust system. Their situation needs attention and action. Vaccination does not absolve that need.”Deana Estrada, whose fiancé, Ronnie Loggins, got COVID-19 while incarcerated at the state prison in Lansing on drug and explosives charges, said the resistance to vaccinating inmates is “cruel.” Estrada, 34, said the prison outbreak has complicated efforts to treat Loggins for cancer. A clemency request is pending.“They may have made bad choices and stuff, but obviously they didn’t do enough bad choices to make them be put on death row,” said Estrada, who lives in Junction City.Demand for the vaccine is strong with the virus surging. Statewide the number of deaths rose by 121 from Wednesday to Friday, taking the state’s total to 3,148 or one case for every 925 of its 2.9 million residents. The number of confirmed cases rose by 5,504 to 242,322, or one for every 12 residents.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610129095484.png" alt="Friday Jan. 8, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Friday Jan. 8, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>The rollout has been clunky at times. At Ellinwood Hospital in Barton County, there was confusion last week when the first shipment of 30 doses of the Moderna vaccine arrived without any notice. Staff hastily stowed them in the freezer before realizing they didn’t need to be kept at such cold temperatures and then had to call the manufacturer to see if they were still safe to administer. The verdict was yes.Lindsey Bogner, the foundation and community education director at the small 25-bed rural hospital and nearby clinic, was among those who were immunized this week.“The whole process there has been not as much communication as you would want, but that is probably normal in something like that that is being rolled out and is logistically very difficult to put together,” she sad. “It is hard to do, especially when you don’t have a very deep staff or you don’t have a lot of people to put toward it.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610057767019.png" alt="KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman answers questions during Thursday's news conference in Topeka" />
 <figcaption>KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman answers questions during Thursday's news conference in Topeka</figcaption>
 </figure>Some health care workers have declined the vaccine for now, but Dr. Lee Norman, head of the state Department of Health and Environment, said they are in the minority.He said this group, which he estimated made up about 20% of the health care workforce, typically forego the vaccine either because they want to wait longer to see that the vaccine is safe or because they’ve already had COVID-19 and “feel that they are immune and that they would rather have it go their colleagues.”He said he believes there’s “only a very small number” of health care workers who don’t want to get the vaccine at all.____

Prisoners in Kansas among those to get vaccine next

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Wichita set a record for homicides last year with 59, eclipsing the city’s 1993 record of 57 homicides.

Wichita joined a number of cities nationwide in setting records for homicides and violent crime during 2020.

Police Chief Gordon Ramsay has said that stressed related to the coronavirus pandemic may have been factors in the increase in homicides last year. Those include record high unemployment, closed schools and businesses, increasing domestic violence and the halting of court proceedings.

Throughout the year, Wichita recorded a homicide roughly once every 6 days on average. Police reported that investigations into 37 of the 52 criminal homicides during the year were closed, which is about a 71% clearance rate. Seven of the homicides were labeled either justified, accidental or police shootings.

Thirty-two was the average age of the victims, and 11 of the 59 people killed were female. The youngest victim was a 2-month-old boy allegedly killed by his father. and the oldest victim was a 68-year-old man who was allegedly killed by his brother.

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Wichita set a record for homicides last year with 59, eclipsing the city’s 1993 record of 57 homicides.Wichita joined a number of cities nationwide in setting records for homicides and violent crime during 2020.Police Chief Gordon Ramsay has said that stressed related to the coronavirus pandemic may have been factors in the increase in homicides last year. Those include record high unemployment, closed schools and businesses, increasing domestic violence and the halting of court proceedings.Throughout the year, Wichita recorded a homicide roughly once every 6 days on average. Police reported that investigations into 37 of the 52 criminal homicides during the year were closed, which is about a 71% clearance rate. Seven of the homicides were labeled either justified, accidental or police shootings.Thirty-two was the average age of the victims, and 11 of the 59 people killed were female. The youngest victim was a 2-month-old boy allegedly killed by his father. and the oldest victim was a 68-year-old man who was allegedly killed by his brother.

Wichita sets record for homicides in 2020 with 59

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Republican-controlled Kansas Legislature is set to convene its annual session Monday with GOP leaders seeking to wrest control of policy from Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly amid their ongoing disputes over how to handle the COVID-19 pandemic.

The session’s 90 days will come amid early and mostly behind-the-scenes political jockeying for the 2022 governor’s race, with Republicans already testing campaign themes for their push to oust Kelly. Republican leaders believe they have a mandate to govern after voters preserved the party’s legislative supermajorities and elected more conservatives in last year’s elections.

“The voters of Kansas, last primary and general, were heard, and the Senate is decidedly more conservative,” said incoming Senate Majority Leader Gene Suellentrop of Wichita, adding that the House also had moved to the right.

Top Republicans have outlined priorities that include cutting income taxes and limiting local government taxing power, both moves that Kelly has previously vetoed.

They also want to make relatively quick work of putting a proposed anti-abortion amendment to the state constitution opposed by Kelly on the ballot for voters to consider in 2022. They’re also hoping for a constitutional amendment to end the governor’s power to make state Supreme Court appointments without a Senate vote.

The governor has promised to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-topeka-kansas-medicaid-wichita-84ee115f5ecd92c1e9342fdcf8f3d2b0">push again</a>&nbsp;for an expansion of the state’s Medicaid program, but Republican leaders dismiss it, making it unlikely to get much attention.

And, with the COVID-19 pandemic still raging and altering how lawmakers will do their day-to-day business at the Statehouse, a partisan battle is looming over whether the governor or local officials&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pandemics-kansas-coronavirus-pandemic-topeka-laws-11d4ab2aa30ffe24690564e05683ed7b">control the state’s response</a>&nbsp;to it and future emergencies.

“We’re also reacting to the voters,” said House Speaker Ron Ryckman Jr., an Olathe Republican. “The Legislature the voters just sent matches our agenda and rejected hers.”

Democrats in the House are planning to try to oust one of their own,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-state-courts-legislature-kansas-city-lawsuits-fa6cd16ccb10518f157e4796522d214b">Rep.-elect Aaron Coleman</a>&nbsp;of Kansas City, Kansas, over multiple issues that include the 20-year-old’s rhetoric on Twitter and past allegations of harassing or threatening girls or young women.

Legislators saw last year’s session shortened by the coronavirus pandemic, which arrived in Kansas in early March and has left the state with one confirmed or probable case for every 12 of the state’s 2.9 million residents and more than 3,100 deaths.

The pandemic will be visible in the Statehouse with less frequent House and Senate debates, lawmakers socially distanced on the floor and in the House galleries and committee rooms reconfigured for more distance and video streaming. At least seven lawmakers, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-virus-outbreak-health-kansas-topeka-e9197aeed6ae76b393acb96ea31c736b">Ryckman&nbsp;</a>and incoming Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican, have had COVID-19.

Lawmakers expect to renew debates that were put on hold because of the pandemic, particularly on taxes and abortion.

Republicans have tried and failed since federal tax cuts championed by departing President Donald Trump were enacted in 2017 to prevent or reverse the higher state income taxes that resulted for some individuals and businesses. GOP leaders argue that what they’re doing is akin to returning a lost wallet found on the street, while Democrats see it as a give-away for the wealthy and big corporations.

Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/02d4aa92788e4ef09d187211d949e2be">vetoed two GOP tax-cutting bills</a>&nbsp;in 2019, plus&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li_2020/b2019_20/measures/documents/hb2702_enrolled.pdf" target="_blank">a measure last year</a>&nbsp;that would have required cities and counties to hold public hearings before voting to spend new property tax revenues. Suellentrop said Republicans are leaning toward passing similar versions this year and then trying to override the expected Kelly vetoes, something that’s more likely in a more conservative Legislature.

Tax cuts would come in the context of a tight budget and softening economy. A fiscal forecast issued by state officials and legislative researchers in November was more optimistic than the previous ones, and tax collections through December still were&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegresearch.org/KLRD-web/Publications/SGF/FY2021/FY2021-SGF06-July-December.pdf" target="_blank">1.7% higher</a>&nbsp;than expected. That for now has all but eliminated a projected shortfall for the budget year beginning July 1, but the state’s employment picture also worsened in December.

Meanwhile, abortion opponents hope to quickly pass a proposed constitutional amendment that failed last year because a few moderate Republicans in the House — now retired or defeated in primaries —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/a48dc1842047ec21ceb6e71f67886493">resisted putting it on the August primary ballot.&nbsp;</a>The measure would overturn&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/3f479b218a6140719e1694fcfcdb8036">a Kansas Supreme Court decision</a>&nbsp;in 2019 that declared access to abortion a “fundamental” right under the state constitution. Kelly, a strong abortion rights supporter, has said the proposed amendment would return Kansas&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/22946ef8ed04d62a3360a7af4b635868">“to the Dark Ages.”</a>

If Republicans remain united, they can put the amendment on the ballot without Democratic votes, just as they can override Kelly vetoes on policy.

“The numbers are not in our favor,” said incoming Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, a Lenexa Democrat. “We all know that.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587570641350.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Republican-controlled Kansas Legislature is set to convene its annual session Monday with GOP leaders seeking to wrest control of policy from Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly amid their ongoing disputes over how to handle the COVID-19 pandemic.The session’s 90 days will come amid early and mostly behind-the-scenes political jockeying for the 2022 governor’s race, with Republicans already testing campaign themes for their push to oust Kelly. Republican leaders believe they have a mandate to govern after voters preserved the party’s legislative supermajorities and elected more conservatives in last year’s elections.“The voters of Kansas, last primary and general, were heard, and the Senate is decidedly more conservative,” said incoming Senate Majority Leader Gene Suellentrop of Wichita, adding that the House also had moved to the right.Top Republicans have outlined priorities that include cutting income taxes and limiting local government taxing power, both moves that Kelly has previously vetoed.They also want to make relatively quick work of putting a proposed anti-abortion amendment to the state constitution opposed by Kelly on the ballot for voters to consider in 2022. They’re also hoping for a constitutional amendment to end the governor’s power to make state Supreme Court appointments without a Senate vote.The governor has promised to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-topeka-kansas-medicaid-wichita-84ee115f5ecd92c1e9342fdcf8f3d2b0">push again</a>&nbsp;for an expansion of the state’s Medicaid program, but Republican leaders dismiss it, making it unlikely to get much attention.And, with the COVID-19 pandemic still raging and altering how lawmakers will do their day-to-day business at the Statehouse, a partisan battle is looming over whether the governor or local officials&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pandemics-kansas-coronavirus-pandemic-topeka-laws-11d4ab2aa30ffe24690564e05683ed7b">control the state’s response</a>&nbsp;to it and future emergencies.“We’re also reacting to the voters,” said House Speaker Ron Ryckman Jr., an Olathe Republican. “The Legislature the voters just sent matches our agenda and rejected hers.”Democrats in the House are planning to try to oust one of their own,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-state-courts-legislature-kansas-city-lawsuits-fa6cd16ccb10518f157e4796522d214b">Rep.-elect Aaron Coleman</a>&nbsp;of Kansas City, Kansas, over multiple issues that include the 20-year-old’s rhetoric on Twitter and past allegations of harassing or threatening girls or young women.Legislators saw last year’s session shortened by the coronavirus pandemic, which arrived in Kansas in early March and has left the state with one confirmed or probable case for every 12 of the state’s 2.9 million residents and more than 3,100 deaths.The pandemic will be visible in the Statehouse with less frequent House and Senate debates, lawmakers socially distanced on the floor and in the House galleries and committee rooms reconfigured for more distance and video streaming. At least seven lawmakers, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-virus-outbreak-health-kansas-topeka-e9197aeed6ae76b393acb96ea31c736b">Ryckman&nbsp;</a>and incoming Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican, have had COVID-19.Lawmakers expect to renew debates that were put on hold because of the pandemic, particularly on taxes and abortion.Republicans have tried and failed since federal tax cuts championed by departing President Donald Trump were enacted in 2017 to prevent or reverse the higher state income taxes that resulted for some individuals and businesses. GOP leaders argue that what they’re doing is akin to returning a lost wallet found on the street, while Democrats see it as a give-away for the wealthy and big corporations.Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/02d4aa92788e4ef09d187211d949e2be">vetoed two GOP tax-cutting bills</a>&nbsp;in 2019, plus&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li_2020/b2019_20/measures/documents/hb2702_enrolled.pdf" target="_blank">a measure last year</a>&nbsp;that would have required cities and counties to hold public hearings before voting to spend new property tax revenues. Suellentrop said Republicans are leaning toward passing similar versions this year and then trying to override the expected Kelly vetoes, something that’s more likely in a more conservative Legislature.Tax cuts would come in the context of a tight budget and softening economy. A fiscal forecast issued by state officials and legislative researchers in November was more optimistic than the previous ones, and tax collections through December still were&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegresearch.org/KLRD-web/Publications/SGF/FY2021/FY2021-SGF06-July-December.pdf" target="_blank">1.7% higher</a>&nbsp;than expected. That for now has all but eliminated a projected shortfall for the budget year beginning July 1, but the state’s employment picture also worsened in December.Meanwhile, abortion opponents hope to quickly pass a proposed constitutional amendment that failed last year because a few moderate Republicans in the House — now retired or defeated in primaries —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/a48dc1842047ec21ceb6e71f67886493">resisted putting it on the August primary ballot.&nbsp;</a>The measure would overturn&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/3f479b218a6140719e1694fcfcdb8036">a Kansas Supreme Court decision</a>&nbsp;in 2019 that declared access to abortion a “fundamental” right under the state constitution. Kelly, a strong abortion rights supporter, has said the proposed amendment would return Kansas&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/22946ef8ed04d62a3360a7af4b635868">“to the Dark Ages.”</a>If Republicans remain united, they can put the amendment on the ballot without Democratic votes, just as they can override Kelly vetoes on policy.“The numbers are not in our favor,” said incoming Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, a Lenexa Democrat. “We all know that.”___

GOP seeks to push Kansas to right over governor's objections

TOPEKA, Kan. – Law enforcement authorities are investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred early Monday in Topeka.

Just after 11:30 p.m. Sunday, the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center received a call about a domestic threat involving a 49-year-old Topeka man, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.

Preliminary information indicates that Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office deputies located the suspect later identified as 49-year-old Joseph W. Howell of Topeka inside a vehicle near US Highway 24 and N Kansas Avenue.

Deputies performed a car stop on the vehicle in the 3000 block of U.S. Highway 24 and attempted to make contact with Howell.&nbsp; Multiple attempts were made by law enforcement officers to negotiate with Howell.

Howell then displayed a firearm and fired at least two shots before initiating a brief vehicle pursuit with deputies.&nbsp; The deputies performed a tactical vehicle intervention that ended at NW 24 Highway Road and NW Stover Road. 

Just after 12:30 a.m. Monday, gunfire was exchanged. Medical personnel responded to the scene and pronounced the Howell deceased, according to Spiker.&nbsp;

No law enforcement officers were injured in this incident.

Topeka police will complete a thorough and independent investigation into this incident, according to Spiker. Once completed, the findings will be turned over to the Shawnee County District Attorney for review.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610384279617.png" alt="Police on the scene of the fatal officer shooting -photo by Phil Anderson courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the fatal officer shooting -photo by Phil Anderson courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. – Law enforcement authorities are investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred early Monday in Topeka.Just after 11:30 p.m. Sunday, the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center received a call about a domestic threat involving a 49-year-old Topeka man, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.Preliminary information indicates that Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office deputies located the suspect later identified as 49-year-old Joseph W. Howell of Topeka inside a vehicle near US Highway 24 and N Kansas Avenue.Deputies performed a car stop on the vehicle in the 3000 block of U.S. Highway 24 and attempted to make contact with Howell.&nbsp; Multiple attempts were made by law enforcement officers to negotiate with Howell.Howell then displayed a firearm and fired at least two shots before initiating a brief vehicle pursuit with deputies.&nbsp; The deputies performed a tactical vehicle intervention that ended at NW 24 Highway Road and NW Stover Road. Just after 12:30 a.m. Monday, gunfire was exchanged. Medical personnel responded to the scene and pronounced the Howell deceased, according to Spiker.&nbsp;No law enforcement officers were injured in this incident.Topeka police will complete a thorough and independent investigation into this incident, according to Spiker. Once completed, the findings will be turned over to the Shawnee County District Attorney for review.

Suspect dies in Kansas officer-involved shooting

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a reckless aggravated battery incident that injured a 3-year-old boy.

Just before 7:00 p.m., on Saturday, police responded to a shooting at a residence in the 4900 block of East Harry in Wichita, according to officer Paul Cruz.

 Upon their arrival, police learned a private vehicle had transported a 3-year-old boy to a local hospital with serious but non-life threatening injuries.

The investigation revealed a 15-year-old suspect was inside the residence handling a handgun when it went off, striking his leg and the 3-year-old boy. No one else was injured.

The case remains under investigation and will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a reckless aggravated battery incident that injured a 3-year-old boy.Just before 7:00 p.m., on Saturday, police responded to a shooting at a residence in the 4900 block of East Harry in Wichita, according to officer Paul Cruz. Upon their arrival, police learned a private vehicle had transported a 3-year-old boy to a local hospital with serious but non-life threatening injuries.The investigation revealed a 15-year-old suspect was inside the residence handling a handgun when it went off, striking his leg and the 3-year-old boy. No one else was injured.The case remains under investigation and will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.

Kansas  teen handling gun injures 3-year-old boy

SALINA —The Salina Police Department announced Sunday evening the death of one of its K-9 officers.&nbsp;

"It is with sadness that we have to announce the passing of one of our K-9’s to kidney disease, according to the department's facebook page. 

"Karma served an 8+ year career providing services to the citizens of Salina. She worked with K-9 Officers Gary Hanus, Kyle Tonniges and most recently Austin Baker. Karma began her service in 2012."

&nbsp;"Karma participated in hundreds of police activities yearly, including patrol enforcement, narcotics detection, community events, school and community demonstrations, tracking wanted and missing persons, and protecting the safety of others. In her career, she took 18-illegal guns off of the street and conducted over 15-successful tracks. She was also responsible for the seizure of over 200-pounds of marijuana, 9-pounds of methamphetamine, over 270-illegal prescription-narcotics, and over $420,000 in drug-related currency."

"Her mere presence de-escalated numerous offenders from potential assaultive behavior against officers and citizens alike. Like many K-9 partners, she assured the safety of her handler-partners on a daily basis."

In the words of her longest and most recent handler, Officer Austin Baker, “Hardest day of my career today. I had to say goodbye to my K9 partner Karma. We recently found out Karma had kidney disease and was in kidney failure. Some may think she was just a dog, but I’ve spent thousands of hours with “just a dog.” I’ve spent more time with Karma in the last several years than I have with my family. I loved working with Karma and it will be a difficult transition for me to work without her!”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610331754811.jpeg" alt="Karma photo Salina Police" />
 <figcaption>Karma photo Salina Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINA —The Salina Police Department announced Sunday evening the death of one of its K-9 officers.&nbsp;"It is with sadness that we have to announce the passing of one of our K-9’s to kidney disease, according to the department's facebook page. "Karma served an 8+ year career providing services to the citizens of Salina. She worked with K-9 Officers Gary Hanus, Kyle Tonniges and most recently Austin Baker. Karma began her service in 2012."&nbsp;"Karma participated in hundreds of police activities yearly, including patrol enforcement, narcotics detection, community events, school and community demonstrations, tracking wanted and missing persons, and protecting the safety of others. In her career, she took 18-illegal guns off of the street and conducted over 15-successful tracks. She was also responsible for the seizure of over 200-pounds of marijuana, 9-pounds of methamphetamine, over 270-illegal prescription-narcotics, and over $420,000 in drug-related currency.""Her mere presence de-escalated numerous offenders from potential assaultive behavior against officers and citizens alike. Like many K-9 partners, she assured the safety of her handler-partners on a daily basis."In the words of her longest and most recent handler, Officer Austin Baker, “Hardest day of my career today. I had to say goodbye to my K9 partner Karma. We recently found out Karma had kidney disease and was in kidney failure. Some may think she was just a dog, but I’ve spent thousands of hours with “just a dog.” I’ve spent more time with Karma in the last several years than I have with my family. I loved working with Karma and it will be a difficult transition for me to work without her!”

Police in Salina mourn the death of K9 officer

OLATHE, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas man has been charged with second-degree murder in the traffic crash death of a 17-year-old girl.

Prosecutors on Thursday charged Eric Hoedl, 42, of Olathe, in the Aug. 2, 2020 death of 17-year-old Jade Burkhart.

Police have said Hoedl was driving a pickup truck that collided with the teen’s car at the intersection of South Hedge Lane and West Larkspur Street in Olathe.

<a href="https://www.porterfuneralhome.com/ObituaryDetails.aspx?id=60196">Burkhart</a>&nbsp;was about to enter her senior year of high school at the time of the crash, officials said. No other details of the crash have been released

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610120848464.png" alt="Hoedl-photo Johnson County" />
 <figcaption>Hoedl-photo Johnson County</figcaption>
 </figure>OLATHE, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas man has been charged with second-degree murder in the traffic crash death of a 17-year-old girl.Prosecutors on Thursday charged Eric Hoedl, 42, of Olathe, in the Aug. 2, 2020 death of 17-year-old Jade Burkhart.Police have said Hoedl was driving a pickup truck that collided with the teen’s car at the intersection of South Hedge Lane and West Larkspur Street in Olathe.<a href="https://www.porterfuneralhome.com/ObituaryDetails.aspx?id=60196">Burkhart</a>&nbsp;was about to enter her senior year of high school at the time of the crash, officials said. No other details of the crash have been released

Kan. man charged in crash that killed 17-year-old girl

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Kansas City has agreed to a $725,000 settlement of an excessive force complaint filed after a police officer allegedly forced his knee onto the neck of a teenager who prosecutors said was not resisting arrest.

The settlement arises from a confrontation in a fast-food restaurant in November 2019. The teenager was in a car that sped away from officers but eventually stopped. The teenager and a man inside got out, put their hands in the air and got on their knees, according to court documents.

Although the teen was not resisting, Police Sgt. Matthew Neal put a knee on his neck, causing him to have difficultly breathing, prosecutors said. He was treated for cuts, bruises and broken teeth. He was not charged with any crime arising from the confrontation.

Neal was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2fc4cb62eb753619386c5c0a12f80e08">charged</a>&nbsp;in August with third-degree assault in the case. He has pleaded not guilty. He has been suspended with pay since the charge was filed. Another officer who was on the scene, Dylan Pifer, was not criminally charged and remains on active duty.

The settlement was approved on Nov. 17. The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article248308200.html">reported</a>&nbsp;the amount Friday after filing an open records request.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603220400802.png" alt="Several of the teen’s teeth were broken and he required stitches. Photo courtesy Jackson Co. Prosecutor's office" />
 <figcaption>Several of the teen’s teeth were broken and he required stitches. Photo courtesy Jackson Co. Prosecutor's office</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — Kansas City has agreed to a $725,000 settlement of an excessive force complaint filed after a police officer allegedly forced his knee onto the neck of a teenager who prosecutors said was not resisting arrest.The settlement arises from a confrontation in a fast-food restaurant in November 2019. The teenager was in a car that sped away from officers but eventually stopped. The teenager and a man inside got out, put their hands in the air and got on their knees, according to court documents.Although the teen was not resisting, Police Sgt. Matthew Neal put a knee on his neck, causing him to have difficultly breathing, prosecutors said. He was treated for cuts, bruises and broken teeth. He was not charged with any crime arising from the confrontation.Neal was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2fc4cb62eb753619386c5c0a12f80e08">charged</a>&nbsp;in August with third-degree assault in the case. He has pleaded not guilty. He has been suspended with pay since the charge was filed. Another officer who was on the scene, Dylan Pifer, was not criminally charged and remains on active duty.The settlement was approved on Nov. 17. The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article248308200.html">reported</a>&nbsp;the amount Friday after filing an open records request.

Kansas City police pay $725,000 excessive force settlement

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on multiple charges after a traffic stop.

Just before 10p.m. January 6, a deputy sheriff conducted a traffic stop on a silver Dodge Dakota in the 2600 block of NW Rochester Road, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. 

During the investigation, a K9 unit was deployed and narcotics were located inside the vehicle.&nbsp; 

The deputy arrested Mark A. Anguish, 61, of Topeka was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while suspended, no insurance and expired tag.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610137633400.png" alt="Anguish photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Anguish photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on multiple charges after a traffic stop.Just before 10p.m. January 6, a deputy sheriff conducted a traffic stop on a silver Dodge Dakota in the 2600 block of NW Rochester Road, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. During the investigation, a K9 unit was deployed and narcotics were located inside the vehicle.&nbsp; The deputy arrested Mark A. Anguish, 61, of Topeka was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while suspended, no insurance and expired tag.

Kan. sheriff's K9 unit assists in arrest during traffic stop

WASHINGTON (AP) — House lawmakers may have been exposed to someone testing positive for COVID-19 while they sheltered at an undisclosed location during the Capitol siege by a violent mob loyal to President Donald Trump.

The Capitol's attending physician notified all lawmakers Sunday of the virus exposure and urged them to be tested. The infected individual was not named.

Dr. Brian Moynihan wrote that “many members of the House community were in protective isolation in the large room — some for several hours” on Wednesday. He said “individuals may have been exposed to another occupant with coronavirus infection.”

Dozens of lawmakers were whisked to the secure location after pro-Trump insurrectionists stormed the Capitol that day, breaking through barricades to roam the halls and offices and ransacking the building.

Some members of Congress huddled for hours in the large room, while others were there for a shorter period.

No further details were provided on which person has tested positive for the virus.

Some lawmakers and staff were furious after video surfaced of Republican lawmakers not wearing their masks in the room during lockdown.

Newly elected Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a presidential ally aligned with a pro-Trump conspiracy group, was among those Republicans not wearing masks.

Trump is now facing impeachment after having incited supporters who were rallying near the White House before they marched to the Capitol. The House could vote on impeachment in a matter of days, less than two weeks before Democratic President-elect Joe Biden is inaugurated on Jan. 20.

A Capitol Police officer died after he was hit in the head with a fire extinguisher as rioters descended on the building and many other officers were injured. A woman from California was shot to death by Capitol Police and three other people died after medical emergencies during the chaos.

Authorities on Sunday announced the death of a 51-year-old Capitol Police officer. Two people familiar with the matter said the officer’s death was an apparent suicide. Officer Howard Liebengood had been assigned to the Senate Division and was with the department since 2005. He is the son of a former Senate sergeant-at-arms.

It was not clear whether his death was connected to Wednesday's events.

The officials were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610304982003.png" alt="Late Wednesday, Kansas 2nd District Rep. Jake&nbsp;LaTurner received a positive test result for COVID-19&nbsp; Photo of the congressman's family courtesy Rep. LaTurner" />
 <figcaption>Late Wednesday, Kansas 2nd District Rep. Jake&nbsp;LaTurner received a positive test result for COVID-19&nbsp; Photo of the congressman's family courtesy Rep. LaTurner</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — House lawmakers may have been exposed to someone testing positive for COVID-19 while they sheltered at an undisclosed location during the Capitol siege by a violent mob loyal to President Donald Trump.The Capitol's attending physician notified all lawmakers Sunday of the virus exposure and urged them to be tested. The infected individual was not named.Dr. Brian Moynihan wrote that “many members of the House community were in protective isolation in the large room — some for several hours” on Wednesday. He said “individuals may have been exposed to another occupant with coronavirus infection.”Dozens of lawmakers were whisked to the secure location after pro-Trump insurrectionists stormed the Capitol that day, breaking through barricades to roam the halls and offices and ransacking the building.Some members of Congress huddled for hours in the large room, while others were there for a shorter period.No further details were provided on which person has tested positive for the virus.Some lawmakers and staff were furious after video surfaced of Republican lawmakers not wearing their masks in the room during lockdown.Newly elected Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a presidential ally aligned with a pro-Trump conspiracy group, was among those Republicans not wearing masks.Trump is now facing impeachment after having incited supporters who were rallying near the White House before they marched to the Capitol. The House could vote on impeachment in a matter of days, less than two weeks before Democratic President-elect Joe Biden is inaugurated on Jan. 20.A Capitol Police officer died after he was hit in the head with a fire extinguisher as rioters descended on the building and many other officers were injured. A woman from California was shot to death by Capitol Police and three other people died after medical emergencies during the chaos.Authorities on Sunday announced the death of a 51-year-old Capitol Police officer. Two people familiar with the matter said the officer’s death was an apparent suicide. Officer Howard Liebengood had been assigned to the Senate Division and was with the department since 2005. He is the son of a former Senate sergeant-at-arms.It was not clear whether his death was connected to Wednesday's events.The officials were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.___

Possible virus exposure for lawmakers sheltering during riot

BRANSON, Mo. (AP) — A new company said it is planning to bring tours featuring “unsinkable” amphibious boats back to a Missouri lake where 17 people drowned when a duck boat sank in 2018.

The owners of Branson Duck Tours LLC said they hope to begin the tours on Table Rock Lake near Branson late this spring.

The duck boat tours were a longtime popular attraction in the tourist town but had not returned to the lake since the tragedy.

To date, the city hasn’t received a business license application from the new company, which has not contacted any city departments, spokeswoman Melody Pettit said.

Boats used in the new venture will not resemble the World War II-era amphibious boats that were in use when a&nbsp;<a href="https://hosted.ap.org/semissourian/article/a954b95962657c82f4ed43b1e52c15ce/f584e91ff0896296ac07bb011303c555">boat sank</a>&nbsp;in July 2018 during a storm, said Jaredan Braal, of Memphis, Tennessee, co-owner of the new venture.

The new boat tours would use Hydra-Terra amphibious vessels, which include foam-filled compartments in the hull for buoyancy. The company said on its website that the boat's “design has been proven to be UNSINKABLE.”

“This is a completely different vehicle with greatly improved safety. ... The similarities are it is an amphibious tour.” Braal said.

Ripley Entertainment, which owned the duck boat that sank,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/420785b69c8f264a7f0048e580bee3bf">settled</a>&nbsp;31 lawsuits related to the tragedy. Criminal charges filed against three Ripley employees&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/branson-michael-brown-a424e3b6697a538067ae9daa5e09eac3">were dismissed</a>&nbsp;in December.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573695624494.png" alt="Photo courtesy NTSB" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy NTSB</figcaption>
 </figure>BRANSON, Mo. (AP) — A new company said it is planning to bring tours featuring “unsinkable” amphibious boats back to a Missouri lake where 17 people drowned when a duck boat sank in 2018.The owners of Branson Duck Tours LLC said they hope to begin the tours on Table Rock Lake near Branson late this spring.The duck boat tours were a longtime popular attraction in the tourist town but had not returned to the lake since the tragedy.To date, the city hasn’t received a business license application from the new company, which has not contacted any city departments, spokeswoman Melody Pettit said.Boats used in the new venture will not resemble the World War II-era amphibious boats that were in use when a&nbsp;<a href="https://hosted.ap.org/semissourian/article/a954b95962657c82f4ed43b1e52c15ce/f584e91ff0896296ac07bb011303c555">boat sank</a>&nbsp;in July 2018 during a storm, said Jaredan Braal, of Memphis, Tennessee, co-owner of the new venture.The new boat tours would use Hydra-Terra amphibious vessels, which include foam-filled compartments in the hull for buoyancy. The company said on its website that the boat's “design has been proven to be UNSINKABLE.”“This is a completely different vehicle with greatly improved safety. ... The similarities are it is an amphibious tour.” Braal said.Ripley Entertainment, which owned the duck boat that sank,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/420785b69c8f264a7f0048e580bee3bf">settled</a>&nbsp;31 lawsuits related to the tragedy. Criminal charges filed against three Ripley employees&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/branson-michael-brown-a424e3b6697a538067ae9daa5e09eac3">were dismissed</a>&nbsp;in December.

Missouri lake where 17 drowned could get new duck boat tours

KANSAS CITY (AP) —The desperately awaited vaccination drive against the coronavirus in the U.S. is running into resistance from an unlikely quarter: Surprising numbers of health care workers who have seen firsthand the death and misery inflicted by COVID-19 are refusing shots.

It is happening in nursing homes and, to a lesser degree, in hospitals, with employees expressing what experts say are unfounded fears of side effects from vaccines that were developed at record speed. More than three weeks into the campaign, some places are seeing as much as 80% of the staff holding back.

“I don’t think anyone wants to be a guinea pig,” said Dr. Stephen Noble, a 42-year-old cardiothoracic surgeon in Portland, Oregon, who is postponing getting vaccinated. “At the end of the day, as a man of science, I just want to see what the data show. And give me the full data.”

Alarmed by the phenomenon, some administrators have dangled everything from free breakfasts at Waffle House to a raffle for a car to get employees to roll up their sleeves. Some states have threatened to let other people cut ahead of health care workers in the line for shots.

“It’s far too low. It’s alarmingly low,” said Neil Pruitt, CEO of PruittHealth, which runs about 100 long-term care homes in the South, where fewer than 3 in 10 workers offered the vaccine so far have accepted it.

Many medical facilities from Florida to Washington state have boasted of near-universal acceptance of the shots, and workers have proudly plastered pictures of themselves on social media receiving the vaccine. Elsewhere, though, the drive has stumbled.

While the federal government has released no data on how many people offered the vaccines have taken them, glimpses of resistance have emerged around the country.

Dr. Lee Norman, head of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, said those that have refused the shot are in the minority.

Norman said this group, which he estimated made up about 20% of the health care workforce, typically forego the vaccine either because they want to wait longer to see that the vaccine is safe or because they’ve already had COVID-19 and “feel that they are immune and that they would rather have it go their colleagues.”

In Illinois, a big divide has opened at state-run veterans homes between residents and staff. The discrepancy was worst at the veterans home in Manteno, where 90% of residents were vaccinated but only 18% of the staff members.

In rural Ashland, Alabama, about 90 of some 200 workers at Clay County Hospital have yet to agree to get vaccinated, even with the place so overrun with COVID-19 patients that oxygen is running low and beds have been added to the intensive care unit, divided by plastic sheeting.

The pushback comes amid the most lethal phase in the outbreak yet, with the death toll at more than 350,000, and it could hinder the government’s effort to vaccinate somewhere between 70% and 85% of the U.S. population to achieve “herd immunity.”

Administrators and public health officials have expressed hope that more health workers will opt to be vaccinated as they see their colleagues take the shots without problems.

Oregon doctor Noble said he will wait until April or May to get the shots. He said it is vital for public health authorities not to overstate what they know about the vaccines. That is particularly important, he said, for Black people like him who are distrustful of government medical guidance because of past failures and abuses, such as the infamous Tuskegee experiment.

Medical journals have published extensive data on the vaccines, and the Food and Drug Administration has made its analysis public. But misinformation about the shots has spread wildly online, including falsehoods that they cause fertility problems.

Stormy Tatom, 30, a hospital ICU nurse in Beaumont, Texas, said she decided against getting vaccinated for now “because of the unknown long-term side effects.”

“I would say at least half of my coworkers feel the same way,” Tatom said.

There have been no signs of widespread severe side effects from the vaccines, and scientists say the drugs have been rigorously tested on tens of thousands and vetted by independent experts.

States have begun turning up the pressure. South Carolina’s governor gave health care workers until Jan. 15 to get a shot or “move to the back of the line.” Georgia’s top health official has allowed some vaccines to be diverted to other front-line workers, including firefighters and police, out of frustration with the slow uptake.

“There’s vaccine available but it’s literally sitting in freezers,” said Public Health Commissioner Dr. Kathleen Toomey. “That’s unacceptable. We have lives to save.”

Nursing homes were among the institutions given priority for the shots because the virus has cut a terrible swath through them. Long-term care residents and staff account for about 38% of the nation’s COVID-19 fatalities.

In West Virginia, only about 55% of nursing home workers agreed to the shots when they were first offered last month, according to Martin Wright, who leads the West Virginia Health Care Association.

“It’s a race against social media,” Wright said of battling falsehoods about the vaccines.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said only 40% of the state’s nursing home workers have gotten shots. North Carolina’s top public health official estimated more than half were refusing the vaccine there.

SavaSeniorCare has offered cash to the 169 long-term care homes in its 20-state network to pay for gift cards, socially distanced parties or other incentives. But so far, data from about a third of its homes shows that 55% of workers have refused the vaccine.

CVS and Walgreens, which have been contracted by a majority of U.S. nursing homes to administer COVID-19 vaccinations, have not released specifics on the acceptance rate. CVS said that residents have agreed to be immunized at an “encouragingly high” rate but that “initial uptake among staff is low,” partly because of efforts to stagger when employees receive their shots.

Some facilities have vaccinated workers in stages so that the staff is not sidelined all at once if they suffer minor side effects, which can include fever and aches.

The hesitation isn’t surprising, given the mixed message from political leaders and misinformation online, said Dr. Wilbur Chen, a professor at the University of Maryland who specializes in the science of vaccines.

He noted that health care workers represent a broad range of jobs and backgrounds and said they are not necessarily more informed than the general public.

“They don’t know what to believe either,” Chen said. But he said he expects the hesitancy to subside as more people are vaccinated and public health officials get their message across.

Some places have already seen turnarounds, such as Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

“The biggest thing that helped us to gain confidence in our staff was watching other staff members get vaccinated, be OK, walk out of the room, you know, not grow a third ear, and so that really is like an avalanche,” said Dr. Catherine O’Neal, chief medical officer. “The first few hundred that we had created another 300 that wanted the vaccine.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610104544544.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) —The desperately awaited vaccination drive against the coronavirus in the U.S. is running into resistance from an unlikely quarter: Surprising numbers of health care workers who have seen firsthand the death and misery inflicted by COVID-19 are refusing shots.It is happening in nursing homes and, to a lesser degree, in hospitals, with employees expressing what experts say are unfounded fears of side effects from vaccines that were developed at record speed. More than three weeks into the campaign, some places are seeing as much as 80% of the staff holding back.“I don’t think anyone wants to be a guinea pig,” said Dr. Stephen Noble, a 42-year-old cardiothoracic surgeon in Portland, Oregon, who is postponing getting vaccinated. “At the end of the day, as a man of science, I just want to see what the data show. And give me the full data.”Alarmed by the phenomenon, some administrators have dangled everything from free breakfasts at Waffle House to a raffle for a car to get employees to roll up their sleeves. Some states have threatened to let other people cut ahead of health care workers in the line for shots.“It’s far too low. It’s alarmingly low,” said Neil Pruitt, CEO of PruittHealth, which runs about 100 long-term care homes in the South, where fewer than 3 in 10 workers offered the vaccine so far have accepted it.Many medical facilities from Florida to Washington state have boasted of near-universal acceptance of the shots, and workers have proudly plastered pictures of themselves on social media receiving the vaccine. Elsewhere, though, the drive has stumbled.While the federal government has released no data on how many people offered the vaccines have taken them, glimpses of resistance have emerged around the country.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607605686018.png" alt="KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman" />
 <figcaption>KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman</figcaption>
 </figure>Dr. Lee Norman, head of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, said those that have refused the shot are in the minority.Norman said this group, which he estimated made up about 20% of the health care workforce, typically forego the vaccine either because they want to wait longer to see that the vaccine is safe or because they’ve already had COVID-19 and “feel that they are immune and that they would rather have it go their colleagues.”In Illinois, a big divide has opened at state-run veterans homes between residents and staff. The discrepancy was worst at the veterans home in Manteno, where 90% of residents were vaccinated but only 18% of the staff members.In rural Ashland, Alabama, about 90 of some 200 workers at Clay County Hospital have yet to agree to get vaccinated, even with the place so overrun with COVID-19 patients that oxygen is running low and beds have been added to the intensive care unit, divided by plastic sheeting.The pushback comes amid the most lethal phase in the outbreak yet, with the death toll at more than 350,000, and it could hinder the government’s effort to vaccinate somewhere between 70% and 85% of the U.S. population to achieve “herd immunity.”Administrators and public health officials have expressed hope that more health workers will opt to be vaccinated as they see their colleagues take the shots without problems.Oregon doctor Noble said he will wait until April or May to get the shots. He said it is vital for public health authorities not to overstate what they know about the vaccines. That is particularly important, he said, for Black people like him who are distrustful of government medical guidance because of past failures and abuses, such as the infamous Tuskegee experiment.Medical journals have published extensive data on the vaccines, and the Food and Drug Administration has made its analysis public. But misinformation about the shots has spread wildly online, including falsehoods that they cause fertility problems.Stormy Tatom, 30, a hospital ICU nurse in Beaumont, Texas, said she decided against getting vaccinated for now “because of the unknown long-term side effects.”“I would say at least half of my coworkers feel the same way,” Tatom said.There have been no signs of widespread severe side effects from the vaccines, and scientists say the drugs have been rigorously tested on tens of thousands and vetted by independent experts.States have begun turning up the pressure. South Carolina’s governor gave health care workers until Jan. 15 to get a shot or “move to the back of the line.” Georgia’s top health official has allowed some vaccines to be diverted to other front-line workers, including firefighters and police, out of frustration with the slow uptake.“There’s vaccine available but it’s literally sitting in freezers,” said Public Health Commissioner Dr. Kathleen Toomey. “That’s unacceptable. We have lives to save.”Nursing homes were among the institutions given priority for the shots because the virus has cut a terrible swath through them. Long-term care residents and staff account for about 38% of the nation’s COVID-19 fatalities.In West Virginia, only about 55% of nursing home workers agreed to the shots when they were first offered last month, according to Martin Wright, who leads the West Virginia Health Care Association.“It’s a race against social media,” Wright said of battling falsehoods about the vaccines.Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said only 40% of the state’s nursing home workers have gotten shots. North Carolina’s top public health official estimated more than half were refusing the vaccine there.SavaSeniorCare has offered cash to the 169 long-term care homes in its 20-state network to pay for gift cards, socially distanced parties or other incentives. But so far, data from about a third of its homes shows that 55% of workers have refused the vaccine.CVS and Walgreens, which have been contracted by a majority of U.S. nursing homes to administer COVID-19 vaccinations, have not released specifics on the acceptance rate. CVS said that residents have agreed to be immunized at an “encouragingly high” rate but that “initial uptake among staff is low,” partly because of efforts to stagger when employees receive their shots.Some facilities have vaccinated workers in stages so that the staff is not sidelined all at once if they suffer minor side effects, which can include fever and aches.The hesitation isn’t surprising, given the mixed message from political leaders and misinformation online, said Dr. Wilbur Chen, a professor at the University of Maryland who specializes in the science of vaccines.He noted that health care workers represent a broad range of jobs and backgrounds and said they are not necessarily more informed than the general public.“They don’t know what to believe either,” Chen said. But he said he expects the hesitancy to subside as more people are vaccinated and public health officials get their message across.Some places have already seen turnarounds, such as Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.“The biggest thing that helped us to gain confidence in our staff was watching other staff members get vaccinated, be OK, walk out of the room, you know, not grow a third ear, and so that really is like an avalanche,” said Dr. Catherine O’Neal, chief medical officer. “The first few hundred that we had created another 300 that wanted the vaccine.”___

Vaccine rollout hits snag as health workers balk at shots

FREMONT, Neb. (AP) -Authorities have arrested a man in the stabbing death of a 4-month-old baby in Nebraska.

Police in Fremont said 19-year-old Alexander Hernandez was taken into custody around 9:30 p.m. Friday after officers were called to a home about an unconscious child. He is jailed on suspicion of first-degree murder, use of a weapon to commit a felony and committing child abuse intentionally resulting in death. It wasn't immediately known whether he had an attorney.

Police said a witness in the home reported seeing him stab the child several times and then grappled with him over the knife. The child was pronounced dead at a hospital.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610247200753.png" alt="Alexander Hernandez photo Dodge County" />
 <figcaption>Alexander Hernandez photo Dodge County</figcaption>
 </figure>FREMONT, Neb. (AP) -Authorities have arrested a man in the stabbing death of a 4-month-old baby in Nebraska.Police in Fremont said 19-year-old Alexander Hernandez was taken into custody around 9:30 p.m. Friday after officers were called to a home about an unconscious child. He is jailed on suspicion of first-degree murder, use of a weapon to commit a felony and committing child abuse intentionally resulting in death. It wasn't immediately known whether he had an attorney.Police said a witness in the home reported seeing him stab the child several times and then grappled with him over the knife. The child was pronounced dead at a hospital.

Police: Teen arrested in stabbing death of 4-month-old 

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY — A Kansas man is going to prison for&nbsp;intentionally hitting a man with his pickup truck.

Stephen Wayne Cox, 38, Leavenworth, was sentenced to just over 13 years in prison, according to the Leavenworth County District Attorney's office.

In May of 2016, Cox saw his ex-girlfriend inside of a car with another man near South Broadway and Spruce Streets in Leavenworth.

Cox followed the car to 20th and Spruce and threw a metal object at the vehicle. When the man in the car got out, Cox hit him with his pickup truck. The victim suffered several broken ribs and a broken leg.

At sentencing, Cox asked the judge for probation or a lesser sentence, but that request was denied. He remains in the Leavenworth County jail, according to online records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610129456482.png" alt="Stephen Cox-photo Leavenworth Co." />
 <figcaption>Stephen Cox-photo Leavenworth Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>LEAVENWORTH COUNTY — A Kansas man is going to prison for&nbsp;intentionally hitting a man with his pickup truck.Stephen Wayne Cox, 38, Leavenworth, was sentenced to just over 13 years in prison, according to the Leavenworth County District Attorney's office.In May of 2016, Cox saw his ex-girlfriend inside of a car with another man near South Broadway and Spruce Streets in Leavenworth.Cox followed the car to 20th and Spruce and threw a metal object at the vehicle. When the man in the car got out, Cox hit him with his pickup truck. The victim suffered several broken ribs and a broken leg.At sentencing, Cox asked the judge for probation or a lesser sentence, but that request was denied. He remains in the Leavenworth County jail, according to online records.