WASHINGTON (AP) — The federal prison system will be among the first government agencies to receive the coronavirus vaccine, though initial allotments of the vaccine will be given to staff and not to inmates, even though sickened prisoners vastly outnumber sickened staff, according to documents obtained by The Associated Press.

Officials at the federal Bureau of Prisons have been instructing wardens and other staff members to prepare to receive the vaccine within weeks, according to people familiar with the matter. The people could not discuss the matter publicly and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity.

The internal Bureau of Prisons documents, obtained by the AP, say initial allotments of the vaccine “will be reserved for staff.” It was not immediately clear how many doses would be made available to the Bureau of Prisons.

As of Monday, there were 3,624 federal inmates and 1,225 Bureau of Prisons staff members who have tested positive for COVID-19.

Since the first case was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ec49cc7f4d1b00bc5010dfb6d935e042">reported in March</a>, 18,467 inmates and 1,736 staff have recovered from the virus. So far, 141 federal inmates and two staff members have died.

There have been more than 12 million cases in the U.S. and over 257,000 deaths. But prisons are a particular concern because social distancing is virtually nonexistent behind bars, inmates sleep in close quarters and share bathrooms with strangers. In the early days of the pandemic, prisoners and staff members said the Bureau of Prisons had run short of even the most basic supplies, like soap.

The internal Bureau of Prisons records obtained by the AP also detail how the agency has been working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Trump administration’s vaccine program, known as “Operation Warp Speed,” to secure the vaccines. The documents say the administration’s initial distribution will include the federal prison system.

Health officials have been warning for more than a decade about the dangers of epidemics for those incarcerated.

Nearly 25% of all inmate cases and 30% of the staff cases have been reported within just the last month. Some staff members said they are apprehensive about receiving the vaccine because of what they feared was a lack of long-term testing and possible side effects.

Though the virus is also rising in state prisons nationwide, any plans for administering doses in those prisons would be handled by the states.

Government guidance has suggested that states should be ready to receive initial doses of the vaccine within weeks, though officials have said initial supplies of the vaccine will be scarce and rationed. While health care workers may be among those to receive initial doses, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the government’s leading infectious disease expert, has said the general population can likely expect first doses of a vaccine starting in April.

No vaccine has been approved by the Trump administration yet — a necessary step before any doses can be delivered. Pfizer formally asked U.S. regulators Friday to allow emergency use of its COVID-19 vaccine, starting the clock on a process that could bring limited first shots as early as next month.

Advocates say the federal government should be doing more to ensure vulnerable, at-risk inmates have access to the vaccine as soon as possible.

“If true, it’s a disgrace,” David Patton, the head of the federal defender office in New York, said of the Bureau of Prisons plan. “Prisoners are among the very highest-risk groups for contracting COVID-19. The conditions of confinement make social distancing and proper hygiene and sanitation nearly impossible. The government should certainly prioritize prison staff, but to not also prioritize the people incarcerated is irresponsible and inhumane.”

The Bureau of Prisons has been accused of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/The%20vaccines%20only%20go%20to%20the%20federal%20prison%20system,%20though%20the%20virus%20is%20also%20rising%20in%20state%20prisons%20nationwide,%20those%20would%20be%20handled%20by%20the%20states." target="_blank">missteps and scattershot policies</a>&nbsp;since the virus reached the U.S. earlier this year.

An inspector general’s office&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-health-prisons-louisiana-coronavirus-pandemic-95dbb1d1c432fb11ddfb0945fde002a3">report last week</a>&nbsp;concluded that at one prison complex in Louisiana, which emerged as an early coronavirus hotspot, prison officials had failed to comply with federal health guidance and left inmates with the virus in their housing units for a week without being isolated. Staff members, advocates and inmates at other prisons around the country described a hodgepodge of coronavirus policies, being told by supervisors they don’t need to wear masks and having broken thermometers for temperature checks.

A spokesman for the Justice Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600183865325.png" alt="The federal prison in Leavenworth houses about 1,600 inmates in a medium-security facility and minimum-security camp. photo by Nomin Ujiyediin / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>The federal prison in Leavenworth houses about 1,600 inmates in a medium-security facility and minimum-security camp. photo by Nomin Ujiyediin / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The federal prison system will be among the first government agencies to receive the coronavirus vaccine, though initial allotments of the vaccine will be given to staff and not to inmates, even though sickened prisoners vastly outnumber sickened staff, according to documents obtained by The Associated Press.Officials at the federal Bureau of Prisons have been instructing wardens and other staff members to prepare to receive the vaccine within weeks, according to people familiar with the matter. The people could not discuss the matter publicly and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity.The internal Bureau of Prisons documents, obtained by the AP, say initial allotments of the vaccine “will be reserved for staff.” It was not immediately clear how many doses would be made available to the Bureau of Prisons.As of Monday, there were 3,624 federal inmates and 1,225 Bureau of Prisons staff members who have tested positive for COVID-19.Since the first case was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ec49cc7f4d1b00bc5010dfb6d935e042">reported in March</a>, 18,467 inmates and 1,736 staff have recovered from the virus. So far, 141 federal inmates and two staff members have died.There have been more than 12 million cases in the U.S. and over 257,000 deaths. But prisons are a particular concern because social distancing is virtually nonexistent behind bars, inmates sleep in close quarters and share bathrooms with strangers. In the early days of the pandemic, prisoners and staff members said the Bureau of Prisons had run short of even the most basic supplies, like soap.The internal Bureau of Prisons records obtained by the AP also detail how the agency has been working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Trump administration’s vaccine program, known as “Operation Warp Speed,” to secure the vaccines. The documents say the administration’s initial distribution will include the federal prison system.Health officials have been warning for more than a decade about the dangers of epidemics for those incarcerated.Nearly 25% of all inmate cases and 30% of the staff cases have been reported within just the last month. Some staff members said they are apprehensive about receiving the vaccine because of what they feared was a lack of long-term testing and possible side effects.Though the virus is also rising in state prisons nationwide, any plans for administering doses in those prisons would be handled by the states.Government guidance has suggested that states should be ready to receive initial doses of the vaccine within weeks, though officials have said initial supplies of the vaccine will be scarce and rationed. While health care workers may be among those to receive initial doses, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the government’s leading infectious disease expert, has said the general population can likely expect first doses of a vaccine starting in April.No vaccine has been approved by the Trump administration yet — a necessary step before any doses can be delivered. Pfizer formally asked U.S. regulators Friday to allow emergency use of its COVID-19 vaccine, starting the clock on a process that could bring limited first shots as early as next month.Advocates say the federal government should be doing more to ensure vulnerable, at-risk inmates have access to the vaccine as soon as possible.“If true, it’s a disgrace,” David Patton, the head of the federal defender office in New York, said of the Bureau of Prisons plan. “Prisoners are among the very highest-risk groups for contracting COVID-19. The conditions of confinement make social distancing and proper hygiene and sanitation nearly impossible. The government should certainly prioritize prison staff, but to not also prioritize the people incarcerated is irresponsible and inhumane.”The Bureau of Prisons has been accused of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/The%20vaccines%20only%20go%20to%20the%20federal%20prison%20system,%20though%20the%20virus%20is%20also%20rising%20in%20state%20prisons%20nationwide,%20those%20would%20be%20handled%20by%20the%20states." target="_blank">missteps and scattershot policies</a>&nbsp;since the virus reached the U.S. earlier this year.An inspector general’s office&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-health-prisons-louisiana-coronavirus-pandemic-95dbb1d1c432fb11ddfb0945fde002a3">report last week</a>&nbsp;concluded that at one prison complex in Louisiana, which emerged as an early coronavirus hotspot, prison officials had failed to comply with federal health guidance and left inmates with the virus in their housing units for a week without being isolated. Staff members, advocates and inmates at other prisons around the country described a hodgepodge of coronavirus policies, being told by supervisors they don’t need to wear masks and having broken thermometers for temperature checks.A spokesman for the Justice Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Prison in Kan. will be among first to receive virus vaccine

ATCHISON— Authorities are working to determine the cause&nbsp; of an explosion and fire at MGP Ingredients in Atchison.

Just after 8p.m. Friday, crews responded to the fire in the 100 Block of Commercial Street, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

There are no injuries reported and nothing hazardous from the fire.

MGP is a leading supplier of premium distilled spirits and specialty wheat proteins and starches, according to the company web site.

Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

ATCHISON— Authorities are working to determine the cause&nbsp; of an explosion and fire at MGP Ingredients in Atchison.Just after 8p.m. Friday, crews responded to the fire in the 100 Block of Commercial Street, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.There are no injuries reported and nothing hazardous from the fire.MGP is a leading supplier of premium distilled spirits and specialty wheat proteins and starches, according to the company web site.Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

Cause of Fire at Kan. alcohol plant under investigation

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Thanksgiving Day shooting and have two suspects in custody.

Just after 3p.m. Thursday, police responded to a shooting in the 1200 block of North Ash in Wichita, according to Officer Kevin Wheeler.

Upon arrival, officers located Maurice Simmons, 46, Wichita, with a gunshot wound.&nbsp; He was transported to a local hospital where he was treated and released with non-life-threatening injuries.&nbsp;

The investigation revealed that Maurice Simmons was involved in a disturbance with Diane Simmons, 48, Wichita with whom he was involved in a dating relationship, according to Wheeler.&nbsp; The disturbance turned physical, at which point Diane Simmons allegedly retrieved a gun and shot him in the arm.

Police arrested Diane Simmons for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and&nbsp; Maurice Simmons for aggravated domestic battery and a city of Wichita misdemeanor warrant, according to Wheeler.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606488745770.png" alt="Maurice Simmons -photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Maurice Simmons -photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Thanksgiving Day shooting and have two suspects in custody.Just after 3p.m. Thursday, police responded to a shooting in the 1200 block of North Ash in Wichita, according to Officer Kevin Wheeler.Upon arrival, officers located Maurice Simmons, 46, Wichita, with a gunshot wound.&nbsp; He was transported to a local hospital where he was treated and released with non-life-threatening injuries.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606488773215.png" alt="Diane Simmons-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Diane Simmons-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The investigation revealed that Maurice Simmons was involved in a disturbance with Diane Simmons, 48, Wichita with whom he was involved in a dating relationship, according to Wheeler.&nbsp; The disturbance turned physical, at which point Diane Simmons allegedly retrieved a gun and shot him in the arm.Police arrested Diane Simmons for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and&nbsp; Maurice Simmons for aggravated domestic battery and a city of Wichita misdemeanor warrant, according to Wheeler.The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office..

Kan. woman shot boyfriend in Thanksgiving dispute

KANSAS CITY — According to Kansas City Police on Friday night, the two missing children have been located and are with police. 

Authorities are working with the Division of Family Services to find the safest placement for them moving forward.

Authorities released no additional details.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — The FBI is offering a $5,000 reward for information that would help find two young children from Kansas City, Missouri, who have been missing since Nov. 9. Meanwhile, their mother has been charged with kidnapping.

According to police, 7-year-old Avontay Reed and 4-year-old Kelvontae Cooper had been placed with an aunt due to their mother's mental health problems and drug abuse. Police say the mother, Mattina Marshall, took the children from their aunt's home on Nov. 9. Marshall was located Tuesday but the children were not with her.

Court records say that when Marshall was found at a motel she told authorities the children were with their father.

Marshall was charged with two counts of first-degree kidnapping and is jailed. She does not yet have a listed attorney.

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities continue to search for 2 children last seen on November 9 and are offering a reward. On Thanksgiving day, the FBI in Kansas reported they are now offering a&nbsp; $5,000 reward for information that will help authorities find the children. Police want to talk to anyone who might know where they are.

On Tuesday, police learned the children were not with their mother or their aunt, who is the current caretaker. Police reported Wednesday they they are talking to other relatives, friends and the Children's Division who has actual custody of the children due to the the mother's mental health issues. 

Family does not believe the children are in peril, according to police. The mother has reportedly taken the children on several occasions in the past and voluntarily given them to other caretakers.

Police have no indication the children were abducted, therefore an Amber Alert is not applicable at this time. Police are still committed to finding the children.

Kelvontae weighs 90 pounds is 4-foot-4 inches tall and was last seen wearing a black coat, white shirt with red and black writing, blue jeans, and brown shoes.

Avontay weighs 100 pounds is 4-foot-7 inches tall and was&nbsp; last seen wearing a black coat, gray shirt, blue jeans and black shoes

If located please call 911 or KCPD Juvenile Sec. 816-234-5150.

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities continue to investigate the case of&nbsp; 2 children last seen on November 9, according to Kansas City Police.

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are looking for 2 children missing from Kansas City. 

 Kelvontae Cooper, 4 and Avontay Reed, 7, are in Children’s Division custody and had been placed with a maternal Aunt due to the mother’s mental health, according to Kansas City Police.

On November 9, the mom took the children from their Aunt’s house. Police located her Tuesday, but the kids were not with her.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606271998132.png" alt="Kelvontae and Avontay / photo KCPD" />
 <figcaption>Kelvontae and Avontay / photo KCPD</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY — According to Kansas City Police on Friday night, the two missing children have been located and are with police. Authorities are working with the Division of Family Services to find the safest placement for them moving forward.Authorities released no additional details.---------KANSAS CITY (AP) — The FBI is offering a $5,000 reward for information that would help find two young children from Kansas City, Missouri, who have been missing since Nov. 9. Meanwhile, their mother has been charged with kidnapping.According to police, 7-year-old Avontay Reed and 4-year-old Kelvontae Cooper had been placed with an aunt due to their mother's mental health problems and drug abuse. Police say the mother, Mattina Marshall, took the children from their aunt's home on Nov. 9. Marshall was located Tuesday but the children were not with her.Court records say that when Marshall was found at a motel she told authorities the children were with their father.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606485050891.png" alt="Marshall-photo Platte Co." />
 <figcaption>Marshall-photo Platte Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Marshall was charged with two counts of first-degree kidnapping and is jailed. She does not yet have a listed attorney.------------KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities continue to search for 2 children last seen on November 9 and are offering a reward. On Thanksgiving day, the FBI in Kansas reported they are now offering a&nbsp; $5,000 reward for information that will help authorities find the children. Police want to talk to anyone who might know where they are.On Tuesday, police learned the children were not with their mother or their aunt, who is the current caretaker. Police reported Wednesday they they are talking to other relatives, friends and the Children's Division who has actual custody of the children due to the the mother's mental health issues. Family does not believe the children are in peril, according to police. The mother has reportedly taken the children on several occasions in the past and voluntarily given them to other caretakers.Police have no indication the children were abducted, therefore an Amber Alert is not applicable at this time. Police are still committed to finding the children.Kelvontae weighs 90 pounds is 4-foot-4 inches tall and was last seen wearing a black coat, white shirt with red and black writing, blue jeans, and brown shoes.Avontay weighs 100 pounds is 4-foot-7 inches tall and was&nbsp; last seen wearing a black coat, gray shirt, blue jeans and black shoesIf located please call 911 or KCPD Juvenile Sec. 816-234-5150.-----------KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities continue to investigate the case of&nbsp; 2 children last seen on November 9, according to Kansas City Police.On Tuesday, police learned the children were not with their mother or their aunt, who is the current caretaker. Police reported Wednesday they they are talking to other relatives, friends and the Children's Division who has actual custody of the children due to the the mother's mental health issues. Family does not believe the children are in peril, according to police. The mother has reportedly taken the children on several occasions in the past and voluntarily given them to other caretakers.Police have no indication the children were abducted, therefore an Amber Alert is not applicable at this time. Police are still committed to finding the children.Kelvontae weighs 90 pounds is 4-foot-4 inches tall and was last seen wearing a black coat, white shirt with red and black writing, blue jeans, and brown shoes.Avontay weighs 100 pounds is 4-foot-7 inches tall and was&nbsp; last seen wearing a black coat, gray shirt, blue jeans and black shoesIf located please call 911 or KCPD Juvenile Sec. 816-234-5150.-----------KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are looking for 2 children missing from Kansas City. Kelvontae Cooper, 4 and Avontay Reed, 7, are in Children’s Division custody and had been placed with a maternal Aunt due to the mother’s mental health, according to Kansas City Police.On November 9, the mom took the children from their Aunt’s house. Police located her Tuesday, but the kids were not with her.Kelvontae weighs 90 pounds is 4-foot-4 inches tall and was last seen wearing a black coat, white shirt with red and black writing, blue jeans, and brown shoes.Avontay weighs 100 pounds is 4-foot-7 inches tall and was&nbsp; last seen wearing a black coat, gray shirt, blue jeans and black shoesIf located please call 911 or KCPD Juvenile Sec. 816-234-5150.

Police: Missing KC children found and are safe

KANSAS CITY (AP) — The raging coronavirus pandemic kept crowds thin at malls and stores across the country on Black Friday, but a surge in online shopping offered a beacon of hope for struggling retailers after months of slumping sales and businesses toppling into bankruptcy.

In normal times, Black Friday is the busiest shopping day of the year, drawing millions of people eager to get started on their holiday spending.

But these are not normal times: A spike in coronavirus cases is threatening the economy’s fitful recovery from the sudden plunge in the spring. Crowds at stores were dramatically diminished as shoppers shifted online.

Game consoles, cookware, robotic vacuum cleaners, slippers and pajamas were popular among shoppers preparing to spend a lot of time indoors this winter. Many were still eager to get into the holiday spirit and delight their loved ones after a tough year.

Eric Kelly, a boxing gym owner, camped outside a store on Black Friday for the first time in his life, trying to score a PlayStation 5 for his 13-year-old twin sons as a reward for persevering through remote learning during the pandemic.

“They’ve been away from their friends,” said Kelly, who failed to get the console at a GameStop in New York City’s Union Square but said he would keep trying online. “They’ve done everything they had to do in school and outside of school, so I have to award them for being exceptional kids.”

Before Black Friday, GameStop teased that it would have a limited supply of the new $500 PlayStation 5 game console for sale only at its stores, in contrast to other retailers that sold it only online.

Kelly said “people were on top of each other” in the line. At a Garden State Plaza mall in Paramus, New Jersey, police monitored a crowd outside a GameStop, but few people kept their distance.

GameStop said was taking several safety precautions, including contactless pickup, and

Many retailers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-shopping-coronavirus-pandemic-holidays-holiday-shopping-07cea4ecfccca48026ccc3f31168e739">beefed up their safety protocols</a>&nbsp;to reassure wary customers about coming in on Black Friday. But stores also catered to those shopping digitally by moving their doorbuster deals online and ramping up curbside pickup options.

“We have been intentional to try to not create the frenzy, the doorbusters, the long lines and the crowds you typically see on a Black Friday, ” said Stephen Lebovitz, CEO of CBL, which operates about 100 malls and filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in November.

Several hundred shoppers lined up ahead of opening at Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, which normally attracts several thousand on Black Friday. The mall spread out the Black Friday deals over eight days, and many retail tenants pivoted more to online and curbside pickup, said Jill Renslow, Mall of America’s senior vice president of business development.

“It feels good, and it’s the right thing to do to keep everybody safe,” Renslow said “Everyone is shopping a little differently but that’s OK.”

Only a trickle of shoppers showed up at Macy’s Herald Square in New York an hour after it opened, offering 50% off handbags and 60% off women’s and men’s coats. Workers sanitized door knobs and windows.

A Christmas tree towered over the largely empty streets around The Domain, the most popular outdoor mall in Austin, Texas. Store employees counted masked shoppers trickling in to stay within the state’s 75% capacity limit.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has labeled&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html" target="_blank">shopping in crowded stores</a>&nbsp;during the holidays a “higher risk” activity and says people should&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/essential-goods-services.html" target="_blank">limit</a>&nbsp;any in-person shopping.

The National Retail Federation, the nation’s largest retail trade group, predicted that shoppers will be looking for reasons to celebrate. The trade group expects sales for the November and December period to increase between 3.6% and 5.2% over 2019, compared with a 4% increase the year before. Holiday sales have averaged gains of 3.5% over the past five years.

“We think there’s going to be a psychological factor that they owe it to themselves and their families to have a better-than-normal holiday,” said NRF Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz.

Thanksgiving Day hit a new record online as spending reached $5.1 billion, up 21.5% compared to a year ago, according to Adobe Analytics, which measures sales at 80 of the top 100 U.S. online retailers. Among the most popular items were Lego sets, Barbie toys, and kid scooters, HP laptops, and Apple Watches, according to Adobe. The popularity of Netflix’s “Queen’s Gambit” has boosted sales for chess-related items.

Walmart, which spread out its Black Friday deals over several weekends, said its most popular deals included this year’s new gaming consoles, wireless headphones, home appliances like the Edufy Robotic Vacuum.

Black Friday is projected to generate $10 billion in online sales, a 39% bump from the year ago period, according to Adobe. And Cyber Monday, the Monday after Thanksgiving, will remain the biggest online shopping day of the year with $12.7 billion in sales, a 35% jump.

Big box stores like Walmart and Target, which were allowed to stay open during the spring lockdowns, have enjoyed further gains from ramping up their online services, analysts say.

But stores deemed non-essential that were forced to close have struggled to recover. More than 40 chains, including J.C. Penney and J.Crew, filed for bankruptcy.

“Is there going to be a surge in apparel gifting, footwear gifting to help out any of the specialty retailers and do they have the digital presence to actually capture the attention of the consumers?” said Sonia Lapinsky, managing director in AlixPartners’ retail practice. “That remains to be seen, and I think it will be more on the grim side.”

There are also fewer deals to be had this year. Non-essential retailers were forced to halt production at the onset of the pandemic, leading to lower inventory. As a result, holiday promotions are tracking below last year’s levels for clothing, consumer electronics, power and hand tools and home goods, according to Numerator, a market research firm.

Erika Mendez usually heads to the mall every Black Friday to shop at clothing brands Zara, H&amp;M or Forever 21. But this year, the New Jersey journalist student ended up shopping on Amazon, scoring a Nike track suit for 25% off, as well as Nike sneakers that were 20% off.

“It’s just easier ordering online than going out,” says Mendez.

And Black Friday was the last thing on the minds of some hurt the most by the pandemic. At a popular shopping area in St. Petersburg, Florida, several storefronts were empty, and the only line was at a plasma donation center.

Leonard Chester, 58, said he hoped to get at least $55 for the donation, saying that he needed to eat. When reminded that it was Black Friday, he let out a laugh and pointed to the line around him.

“This says that people are hurting. The economy’s bad,” said Chester, who was laid off from his job as a bouncer at a strip club two months ago.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606516952743.png" alt="A quiet drive on northbound Interstate 35 just south of 435 in Kansas City Friday afternoon" />
 <figcaption>A quiet drive on northbound Interstate 35 just south of 435 in Kansas City Friday afternoon</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — The raging coronavirus pandemic kept crowds thin at malls and stores across the country on Black Friday, but a surge in online shopping offered a beacon of hope for struggling retailers after months of slumping sales and businesses toppling into bankruptcy.In normal times, Black Friday is the busiest shopping day of the year, drawing millions of people eager to get started on their holiday spending.But these are not normal times: A spike in coronavirus cases is threatening the economy’s fitful recovery from the sudden plunge in the spring. Crowds at stores were dramatically diminished as shoppers shifted online.Game consoles, cookware, robotic vacuum cleaners, slippers and pajamas were popular among shoppers preparing to spend a lot of time indoors this winter. Many were still eager to get into the holiday spirit and delight their loved ones after a tough year.Eric Kelly, a boxing gym owner, camped outside a store on Black Friday for the first time in his life, trying to score a PlayStation 5 for his 13-year-old twin sons as a reward for persevering through remote learning during the pandemic.“They’ve been away from their friends,” said Kelly, who failed to get the console at a GameStop in New York City’s Union Square but said he would keep trying online. “They’ve done everything they had to do in school and outside of school, so I have to award them for being exceptional kids.”Before Black Friday, GameStop teased that it would have a limited supply of the new $500 PlayStation 5 game console for sale only at its stores, in contrast to other retailers that sold it only online.Kelly said “people were on top of each other” in the line. At a Garden State Plaza mall in Paramus, New Jersey, police monitored a crowd outside a GameStop, but few people kept their distance.GameStop said was taking several safety precautions, including contactless pickup, andMany retailers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-shopping-coronavirus-pandemic-holidays-holiday-shopping-07cea4ecfccca48026ccc3f31168e739">beefed up their safety protocols</a>&nbsp;to reassure wary customers about coming in on Black Friday. But stores also catered to those shopping digitally by moving their doorbuster deals online and ramping up curbside pickup options.“We have been intentional to try to not create the frenzy, the doorbusters, the long lines and the crowds you typically see on a Black Friday, ” said Stephen Lebovitz, CEO of CBL, which operates about 100 malls and filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in November.Several hundred shoppers lined up ahead of opening at Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, which normally attracts several thousand on Black Friday. The mall spread out the Black Friday deals over eight days, and many retail tenants pivoted more to online and curbside pickup, said Jill Renslow, Mall of America’s senior vice president of business development.“It feels good, and it’s the right thing to do to keep everybody safe,” Renslow said “Everyone is shopping a little differently but that’s OK.”Only a trickle of shoppers showed up at Macy’s Herald Square in New York an hour after it opened, offering 50% off handbags and 60% off women’s and men’s coats. Workers sanitized door knobs and windows.A Christmas tree towered over the largely empty streets around The Domain, the most popular outdoor mall in Austin, Texas. Store employees counted masked shoppers trickling in to stay within the state’s 75% capacity limit.The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has labeled&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html" target="_blank">shopping in crowded stores</a>&nbsp;during the holidays a “higher risk” activity and says people should&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/essential-goods-services.html" target="_blank">limit</a>&nbsp;any in-person shopping.The National Retail Federation, the nation’s largest retail trade group, predicted that shoppers will be looking for reasons to celebrate. The trade group expects sales for the November and December period to increase between 3.6% and 5.2% over 2019, compared with a 4% increase the year before. Holiday sales have averaged gains of 3.5% over the past five years.“We think there’s going to be a psychological factor that they owe it to themselves and their families to have a better-than-normal holiday,” said NRF Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz.Thanksgiving Day hit a new record online as spending reached $5.1 billion, up 21.5% compared to a year ago, according to Adobe Analytics, which measures sales at 80 of the top 100 U.S. online retailers. Among the most popular items were Lego sets, Barbie toys, and kid scooters, HP laptops, and Apple Watches, according to Adobe. The popularity of Netflix’s “Queen’s Gambit” has boosted sales for chess-related items.Walmart, which spread out its Black Friday deals over several weekends, said its most popular deals included this year’s new gaming consoles, wireless headphones, home appliances like the Edufy Robotic Vacuum.Black Friday is projected to generate $10 billion in online sales, a 39% bump from the year ago period, according to Adobe. And Cyber Monday, the Monday after Thanksgiving, will remain the biggest online shopping day of the year with $12.7 billion in sales, a 35% jump.Big box stores like Walmart and Target, which were allowed to stay open during the spring lockdowns, have enjoyed further gains from ramping up their online services, analysts say.But stores deemed non-essential that were forced to close have struggled to recover. More than 40 chains, including J.C. Penney and J.Crew, filed for bankruptcy.“Is there going to be a surge in apparel gifting, footwear gifting to help out any of the specialty retailers and do they have the digital presence to actually capture the attention of the consumers?” said Sonia Lapinsky, managing director in AlixPartners’ retail practice. “That remains to be seen, and I think it will be more on the grim side.”There are also fewer deals to be had this year. Non-essential retailers were forced to halt production at the onset of the pandemic, leading to lower inventory. As a result, holiday promotions are tracking below last year’s levels for clothing, consumer electronics, power and hand tools and home goods, according to Numerator, a market research firm.Erika Mendez usually heads to the mall every Black Friday to shop at clothing brands Zara, H&amp;M or Forever 21. But this year, the New Jersey journalist student ended up shopping on Amazon, scoring a Nike track suit for 25% off, as well as Nike sneakers that were 20% off.“It’s just easier ordering online than going out,” says Mendez.And Black Friday was the last thing on the minds of some hurt the most by the pandemic. At a popular shopping area in St. Petersburg, Florida, several storefronts were empty, and the only line was at a plasma donation center.Leonard Chester, 58, said he hoped to get at least $55 for the donation, saying that he needed to eat. When reminded that it was Black Friday, he let out a laugh and pointed to the line around him.“This says that people are hurting. The economy’s bad,” said Chester, who was laid off from his job as a bouncer at a strip club two months ago.___

Virus keeps Black Friday crowds thin, shoppers shift online

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — An Iranian scientist named by the West as the leader of the Islamic Republic’s disbanded military nuclear program was killed Friday in an ambush on the outskirts of Tehran, authorities said.

Iran’s foreign minister alleged the killing of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh bore “serious indications” of an Israeli role, but did not elaborate. Israel, long suspected of killing several Iranian nuclear scientists a decade ago, declined to immediately comment. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu once told the public to “remember that name” when talking about Fakhrizadeh.

The killing risks further raising tensions across the Mideast, nearly a year after Iran and the U.S. stood on the brink of war when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/5597ff0f046a67805cc233d5933a53ed">an American drone strike killed a top Iranian general in Baghdad</a>. It comes just as President-elect Joe Biden stands poised to be inaugurated in January and will likely complicate his efforts to return America to a pact aimed at ensuring Iran does not have enough highly enriched uranium to make a nuclear weapon.

That deal, which saw Iran limit its uranium enrichment in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions, has entirely unraveled after President Donald Trump withdrew from the accord in 2018.

Trump himself retweeted a posting from Israeli journalist Yossi Melman, an expert on the Israeli Mossad intelligence service, about the killing. Melman’s tweet called the killing a “major psychological and professional blow for Iran.”

Details about the slaying remained slim in the hours after the attack, which happened in Absard, a village just east of the capital that is a retreat for the Iranian elite. Iranian state television said an old truck with explosives hidden under a load of wood blew up near a sedan carrying Fakhrizadeh.

As Fakhrizadeh’s sedan stopped, at least five gunmen emerged and raked the car with rapid fire, the semiofficial Tasnim news agency said.

Fakhrizadeh died at a hospital after doctors and paramedics couldn’t revive him. Others wounded included Fakhrizadeh’s bodyguards. Photos and video shared online showed a Nissan sedan with bullet holes in the windshield and blood pooled on the road.

While no one claimed responsibility for the attack, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif pointed the finger at Israel, calling the killing an act of “state terror.”

“Terrorists murdered an eminent Iranian scientist today. This cowardice — with serious indications of Israeli role — shows desperate warmongering of perpetrators,” Zarif wrote on Twitter.

Hossein Dehghan, an adviser to Iran’s supreme leader and a presidential candidate in Iran’s 2021 election, also blamed Israel — and issued a warning.

“In the last days of their gambling ally’s political life, the Zionists seek to intensify and increase pressure on Iran to wage a full-blown war,” Dehghan wrote, appearing to refer to Trump’s last days in office. “We will descend like lightning on the killers of this oppressed martyr and we will make them regret their actions!”

The attack comes just days before the 10-year anniversary of the killing of Iranian nuclear scientist Majid Shahriari that Tehran also blamed on Israel. That and other targeted killings happened at the time that the so-called Stuxnet virus, believed to be an Israeli and American creation, destroyed Iranian centrifuges.

The area around Absard, which has a view of Mount Damavand, the country’s highest peak, is filled with vacation villas. Roads on Friday, part of the Iranian weekend, were emptier than normal due to a lockdown over the coronavirus pandemic, offering his attackers a chance to strike with fewer people around.

Fakhrizadeh led Iran’s so-called AMAD program that Israel and the West have alleged was a military operation looking at the feasibility of building a nuclear weapon. Tehran long has maintained its nuclear program is only for civilian purposes.

The International Atomic Energy Agency says Iran “carried out activities relevant to the development of a nuclear explosive device” in a “structured program” through the end of 2003. That was the AMAD program, which included work on the carefully timed high explosives needed to detonate an implosion-style nuclear bomb.

Iran also “conducted computer modeling of a nuclear explosive device” before 2005 and between 2005 and 2009, the IAEA has said. The agency said, however, that those calculations were “incomplete and fragmented.”

IAEA inspectors now monitor Iranian nuclear sites as part of the now-unraveling nuclear deal with world powers. Experts believe Iran has enough low-enriched uranium to make at least two nuclear weapons if it chose to pursue the bomb. Meanwhile,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/50c3e7f6445ae99def6bdc65fbce6c42">an advanced centrifuge assembly plant at Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility exploded in July in what Tehran now calls a sabotage attack</a>.

Fakhrizadeh, born in 1958, had been sanctioned by the U.N. Security Council and the U.S. for his work on AMAD. Iran always described him as a university physics professor. A member of the Revolutionary Guard, Fakhrizadeh had been seen in pictures in meetings attended by Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, a sign of his power.

In recent years, U.S. sanctions lists name him as heading Iran’s Organization for Defensive Innovation and Research. The State Department described that organization last year as working on “dual-use research and development activities, of which aspects are potentially useful for nuclear weapons and nuclear weapons delivery systems.”

In 2018,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/d25379a560ab4643b924e960ba1c0c57">Netanyahu gave a presentation in which he unveiled what he described as material stolen by Israel from an Iranian nuclear archive</a>.

“A key part of the plan was to form new organizations to continue the work,” Netanyahu alleged. “This is how Dr. Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, head of Project Amad, put it. Remember that name, Fakhrizadeh.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606514868163.png" alt="Authorities rushed Mohsen Fakhrizadeh to a helicopter for transfer to a hospital before his death-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Authorities rushed Mohsen Fakhrizadeh to a helicopter for transfer to a hospital before his death-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — An Iranian scientist named by the West as the leader of the Islamic Republic’s disbanded military nuclear program was killed Friday in an ambush on the outskirts of Tehran, authorities said.Iran’s foreign minister alleged the killing of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh bore “serious indications” of an Israeli role, but did not elaborate. Israel, long suspected of killing several Iranian nuclear scientists a decade ago, declined to immediately comment. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu once told the public to “remember that name” when talking about Fakhrizadeh.The killing risks further raising tensions across the Mideast, nearly a year after Iran and the U.S. stood on the brink of war when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/5597ff0f046a67805cc233d5933a53ed">an American drone strike killed a top Iranian general in Baghdad</a>. It comes just as President-elect Joe Biden stands poised to be inaugurated in January and will likely complicate his efforts to return America to a pact aimed at ensuring Iran does not have enough highly enriched uranium to make a nuclear weapon.That deal, which saw Iran limit its uranium enrichment in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions, has entirely unraveled after President Donald Trump withdrew from the accord in 2018.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Mohsen Fakhrizadeh has been assassinated in Damavand, east of Tehran according to reports in Iran. He was head of Iran’s secret military program and wanted for many years by Mossad. His death is a major psychological and professional blow for Iran.&mdash; Yossi Melman (@yossi_melman) <a href="https://twitter.com/yossi_melman/status/1332320741480665088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Trump himself retweeted a posting from Israeli journalist Yossi Melman, an expert on the Israeli Mossad intelligence service, about the killing. Melman’s tweet called the killing a “major psychological and professional blow for Iran.”Details about the slaying remained slim in the hours after the attack, which happened in Absard, a village just east of the capital that is a retreat for the Iranian elite. Iranian state television said an old truck with explosives hidden under a load of wood blew up near a sedan carrying Fakhrizadeh.As Fakhrizadeh’s sedan stopped, at least five gunmen emerged and raked the car with rapid fire, the semiofficial Tasnim news agency said.Fakhrizadeh died at a hospital after doctors and paramedics couldn’t revive him. Others wounded included Fakhrizadeh’s bodyguards. Photos and video shared online showed a Nissan sedan with bullet holes in the windshield and blood pooled on the road.While no one claimed responsibility for the attack, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif pointed the finger at Israel, calling the killing an act of “state terror.”“Terrorists murdered an eminent Iranian scientist today. This cowardice — with serious indications of Israeli role — shows desperate warmongering of perpetrators,” Zarif wrote on Twitter.Hossein Dehghan, an adviser to Iran’s supreme leader and a presidential candidate in Iran’s 2021 election, also blamed Israel — and issued a warning.“In the last days of their gambling ally’s political life, the Zionists seek to intensify and increase pressure on Iran to wage a full-blown war,” Dehghan wrote, appearing to refer to Trump’s last days in office. “We will descend like lightning on the killers of this oppressed martyr and we will make them regret their actions!”The attack comes just days before the 10-year anniversary of the killing of Iranian nuclear scientist Majid Shahriari that Tehran also blamed on Israel. That and other targeted killings happened at the time that the so-called Stuxnet virus, believed to be an Israeli and American creation, destroyed Iranian centrifuges.The area around Absard, which has a view of Mount Damavand, the country’s highest peak, is filled with vacation villas. Roads on Friday, part of the Iranian weekend, were emptier than normal due to a lockdown over the coronavirus pandemic, offering his attackers a chance to strike with fewer people around.Fakhrizadeh led Iran’s so-called AMAD program that Israel and the West have alleged was a military operation looking at the feasibility of building a nuclear weapon. Tehran long has maintained its nuclear program is only for civilian purposes.The International Atomic Energy Agency says Iran “carried out activities relevant to the development of a nuclear explosive device” in a “structured program” through the end of 2003. That was the AMAD program, which included work on the carefully timed high explosives needed to detonate an implosion-style nuclear bomb.Iran also “conducted computer modeling of a nuclear explosive device” before 2005 and between 2005 and 2009, the IAEA has said. The agency said, however, that those calculations were “incomplete and fragmented.”IAEA inspectors now monitor Iranian nuclear sites as part of the now-unraveling nuclear deal with world powers. Experts believe Iran has enough low-enriched uranium to make at least two nuclear weapons if it chose to pursue the bomb. Meanwhile,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/50c3e7f6445ae99def6bdc65fbce6c42">an advanced centrifuge assembly plant at Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility exploded in July in what Tehran now calls a sabotage attack</a>.Fakhrizadeh, born in 1958, had been sanctioned by the U.N. Security Council and the U.S. for his work on AMAD. Iran always described him as a university physics professor. A member of the Revolutionary Guard, Fakhrizadeh had been seen in pictures in meetings attended by Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, a sign of his power.In recent years, U.S. sanctions lists name him as heading Iran’s Organization for Defensive Innovation and Research. The State Department described that organization last year as working on “dual-use research and development activities, of which aspects are potentially useful for nuclear weapons and nuclear weapons delivery systems.”In 2018,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/d25379a560ab4643b924e960ba1c0c57">Netanyahu gave a presentation in which he unveiled what he described as material stolen by Israel from an Iranian nuclear archive</a>.“A key part of the plan was to form new organizations to continue the work,” Netanyahu alleged. “This is how Dr. Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, head of Project Amad, put it. Remember that name, Fakhrizadeh.”___

Mideast tension: Iran nuclear mastermind assassinated

FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal southwest Kansas shooting quickly made an arrest.

Just before 1p.m. Wednesday, police were called to a shooting that had just occurred, according to&nbsp;Sergeant Lana Urteaga. The victim notified dispatch he was in the area of Abe Hubert Elementary School,&nbsp;1205 A Street in Garden City.

Once officers arrived, they located a 16-year-old juvenile with a gunshot wound. Officers learned neither the school nor USD 457 was involved in the incident. EMS transported the boy to St. Catherine Hospital with critical injuries. 

While officers were investigating the incident in the parking lot of the school dispatchers were notified of a second shooting victim at 1307 north 12th Street. Upon arrival, Officers located a 4-year-old girl with a gunshot wound. 

Officers learned the incident occurred as a result of a domestic dispute. The 4-year old girl sustained life-threatening injuries and was transported by Finney County EMS to St. Catherine Hospital, where she was later pronounced deceased.

The shootings are connected, according to police.

Officers located and arrested Justin Franco, 31, Garden City, at his North 12th Street residence and took him into custody without incident. He is being held on requested charges of first-degree murder-Intentional and premeditated and aggravated battery; Knowingly cause great bodily harm or disfigurement, according to online jail records.

Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, authorities have released no additional details including when Franco will make his first court appearance in the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606345570144.png" alt="Police on the scene&nbsp; of the shooting Wednesday -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene&nbsp; of the shooting Wednesday -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal southwest Kansas shooting quickly made an arrest.Just before 1p.m. Wednesday, police were called to a shooting that had just occurred, according to&nbsp;Sergeant Lana Urteaga. The victim notified dispatch he was in the area of Abe Hubert Elementary School,&nbsp;1205 A Street in Garden City.Once officers arrived, they located a 16-year-old juvenile with a gunshot wound. Officers learned neither the school nor USD 457 was involved in the incident. EMS transported the boy to St. Catherine Hospital with critical injuries. While officers were investigating the incident in the parking lot of the school dispatchers were notified of a second shooting victim at 1307 north 12th Street. Upon arrival, Officers located a 4-year-old girl with a gunshot wound. Officers learned the incident occurred as a result of a domestic dispute. The 4-year old girl sustained life-threatening injuries and was transported by Finney County EMS to St. Catherine Hospital, where she was later pronounced deceased.The shootings are connected, according to police.Officers located and arrested Justin Franco, 31, Garden City, at his North 12th Street residence and took him into custody without incident. He is being held on requested charges of first-degree murder-Intentional and premeditated and aggravated battery; Knowingly cause great bodily harm or disfigurement, according to online jail records.Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, authorities have released no additional details including when Franco will make his first court appearance in the case.------------

Update: 4-year-old dead, teen injured in SW Kan. shooting

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Police are investigating the latest <a href="https://www.kcpd.org/media/3166/112520-daily-homicide-analysis.pdf">deadly shooting </a>in Kansas City.

Officers responding to a call about shots fired found a man suffering from apparent gunshot wound shortly before 11 p.m. Thursday, the Kansas City Police Department said in a news release.

He was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Investigators were processing the scene for evidence and will be looking for any potential witnesses.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Police are investigating the latest <a href="https://www.kcpd.org/media/3166/112520-daily-homicide-analysis.pdf">deadly shooting </a>in Kansas City.Officers responding to a call about shots fired found a man suffering from apparent gunshot wound shortly before 11 p.m. Thursday, the Kansas City Police Department said in a news release.He was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.Investigators were processing the scene for evidence and will be looking for any potential witnesses.

Kansas City Police investigate Thanksgiving homicide

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 5,224 to a total of 153, 021, the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;

Coronavirus deaths were reported at 1,529, an increase of 26.

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

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 5,224 to a total of 153, 021, the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 1,529, an increase of 26.<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/2020/11/1606500362512.png" alt="Friday Nov. 27, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Friday Nov. 27, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

By BAILEY BRITTON <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/11/27/manhattan-couple-faces-eviction-through-loophole-in-federal-state-moratoriums/">Kansas Reflector</a>

MANHATTAN — Alice 
McGaughey-Nondorf and Gary LaBarge live in back-to-back one-bedroom 
apartments, where they were riding out the COVID-19 pandemic in relative
 peace.

Then, on Oct. 1, the engaged couple received a 30-day eviction notice.

Advocates for the couple 
say ManApart LLC, a subsidiary of Genesis Health Clubs in Wichita, 
refused to offer a lease renewal to McGaughey-Nondorf or LaBarge, 
exploiting a loophole in federal and state bans on evictions. The 
company did not respond to requests for comment.

LaBarge has Stage 4 COPD, 
putting him at high risk for complications should he contract COVID-19. 
The couple applied for rent relief funds through the CARES Act and filed
 paperwork through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s rent
 moratorium for nonpayment of rent. The couple received $5,000 each. 
Both pay around $650 in rent and previously missed payments.

McGaughey-Nondorf said she spent many sleepless nights trying to find ways to prevent the eviction, including starting a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/dire-need-facing-eviction-amp-need-lawyer-fees?sharetype=teams&amp;member=6762212&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=facebook&amp;utm_campaign=p_na%20share-sheet&amp;pc_code=fb_co_dashboard_a&amp;rcid=934d283b86624a3786cfbd995cc014a9&amp;fbclid=IwAR1i7XJa6lKXzc4tD4U8yEpllzmY6_ShJ9KKNa5gxZyaSR05dWQIuBndT7Q">GoFundMe page</a>
 and contacting Jessica Preston Kerr, a community organizer with 
Manhattan Alliance for Peace and Justice and Renter’s Together MHK.

“What we have found is 
that between the federal moratorium and the statewide moratorium, there 
is this loophole around nonrenewals,” Kerr said. “This is the one way 
that landlords are able to proceed with an eviction. So technically, 
Alice and Gary have all of the paperwork they’ve done. They’ve gone 
beyond what you would ask a tenant to do in this circumstance.”

They received eviction 
papers on Nov. 13, but secured an extension until Dec. 21 because of a 
technical problem with ManApart’s paperwork.

“We were like 24 hours from being actually evicted and the court coming down on us,” McGaughey-Nondorf said.

The legal papers from 
ManApart state the reason for the eviction isn’t nonpayment of rent but 
rather a desire not to renew the lease.

“So it’s really just kind 
of an outright kind of power move on their part to put this compromised 
couple out during a global pandemic,” Kerr said.

McGaughey-Nondorf said she and her fiance have nowhere to go.

“And we didn’t really feel
 like that was right,” she said. “I mean, we’re not tearing up the 
apartment or, you know, doing anything illegal in the apartment or 
having other people living here or anything like that.”

McGaughney-Nondorf said she fears what will happen to her and Gary after Dec. 21.

“We’re just, like, trying 
to survive,” McGaughey-Nondorf said. “I’m on disability, Gary’s trying 
to get disability. He is caught up in an appeal process. He has Stage 4 
COPD — he has eight years to live — and he’s having to deal with this 
instead of me spending my time … taking care of his health needs and 
keeping him safe and loving him in the last couple of years.”

Kerr said it’s likely 
McGaughey-Nondorf and LaBarge aren’t the only ones in Manhattan facing 
this issue. People in Kansas City, Lawrence and Topeka are experiencing 
similar evictions, Kerr said.

“We need to change the 
narrative of what it means to experience challenges in this moment,” 
Kerr said. “That it is not people who are kind of victims and or who 
have done anything wrong. These are structural circumstances that are 
putting people in a situation such as this that are not right.”

Bailey Britton is the editor in chief of the Kansas State University Collegian. She grew up in Colby.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606498846071.png" alt="Manhattan residents Gary LaBarge and Alice McGaughey-Nondorf say they have no place to go after being evicted from their apartments. The landlord was able to sidestep federal and state bans on evictions by not renewing the couple's lease. (Submitted to Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Manhattan residents Gary LaBarge and Alice McGaughey-Nondorf say they have no place to go after being evicted from their apartments. The landlord was able to sidestep federal and state bans on evictions by not renewing the couple's lease. (Submitted to Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By BAILEY BRITTON <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/11/27/manhattan-couple-faces-eviction-through-loophole-in-federal-state-moratoriums/">Kansas Reflector</a>MANHATTAN — Alice 
McGaughey-Nondorf and Gary LaBarge live in back-to-back one-bedroom 
apartments, where they were riding out the COVID-19 pandemic in relative
 peace.Then, on Oct. 1, the engaged couple received a 30-day eviction notice.Advocates for the couple 
say ManApart LLC, a subsidiary of Genesis Health Clubs in Wichita, 
refused to offer a lease renewal to McGaughey-Nondorf or LaBarge, 
exploiting a loophole in federal and state bans on evictions. The 
company did not respond to requests for comment.LaBarge has Stage 4 COPD, 
putting him at high risk for complications should he contract COVID-19. 
The couple applied for rent relief funds through the CARES Act and filed
 paperwork through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s rent
 moratorium for nonpayment of rent. The couple received $5,000 each. 
Both pay around $650 in rent and previously missed payments.McGaughey-Nondorf said she spent many sleepless nights trying to find ways to prevent the eviction, including starting a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/dire-need-facing-eviction-amp-need-lawyer-fees?sharetype=teams&amp;member=6762212&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=facebook&amp;utm_campaign=p_na%20share-sheet&amp;pc_code=fb_co_dashboard_a&amp;rcid=934d283b86624a3786cfbd995cc014a9&amp;fbclid=IwAR1i7XJa6lKXzc4tD4U8yEpllzmY6_ShJ9KKNa5gxZyaSR05dWQIuBndT7Q">GoFundMe page</a>
 and contacting Jessica Preston Kerr, a community organizer with 
Manhattan Alliance for Peace and Justice and Renter’s Together MHK.“What we have found is 
that between the federal moratorium and the statewide moratorium, there 
is this loophole around nonrenewals,” Kerr said. “This is the one way 
that landlords are able to proceed with an eviction. So technically, 
Alice and Gary have all of the paperwork they’ve done. They’ve gone 
beyond what you would ask a tenant to do in this circumstance.”They received eviction 
papers on Nov. 13, but secured an extension until Dec. 21 because of a 
technical problem with ManApart’s paperwork.“We were like 24 hours from being actually evicted and the court coming down on us,” McGaughey-Nondorf said.The legal papers from 
ManApart state the reason for the eviction isn’t nonpayment of rent but 
rather a desire not to renew the lease.“So it’s really just kind 
of an outright kind of power move on their part to put this compromised 
couple out during a global pandemic,” Kerr said.McGaughey-Nondorf said she and her fiance have nowhere to go.“And we didn’t really feel
 like that was right,” she said. “I mean, we’re not tearing up the 
apartment or, you know, doing anything illegal in the apartment or 
having other people living here or anything like that.”McGaughney-Nondorf said she fears what will happen to her and Gary after Dec. 21.“We’re just, like, trying 
to survive,” McGaughey-Nondorf said. “I’m on disability, Gary’s trying 
to get disability. He is caught up in an appeal process. He has Stage 4 
COPD — he has eight years to live — and he’s having to deal with this 
instead of me spending my time … taking care of his health needs and 
keeping him safe and loving him in the last couple of years.”Kerr said it’s likely 
McGaughey-Nondorf and LaBarge aren’t the only ones in Manhattan facing 
this issue. People in Kansas City, Lawrence and Topeka are experiencing 
similar evictions, Kerr said.“We need to change the 
narrative of what it means to experience challenges in this moment,” 
Kerr said. “That it is not people who are kind of victims and or who 
have done anything wrong. These are structural circumstances that are 
putting people in a situation such as this that are not right.”Bailey Britton is the editor in chief of the Kansas State University Collegian. She grew up in Colby.

Manhattan couple facing eviction due to moratorium loophole

KANSAS CITY (AP) — The Kansas City area has reached an unwanted milestone: Coronavirus deaths in the region have now topped 1,000.

Nine new deaths cited Thursday brought the total since the onset of the pandemic to 1,003. The number includes Kansas City, Missouri, as well as its suburbs in Missouri and Kansas.

“My heart breaks for the thousand from Kansas City and the region who have lost their lives and the tens of thousands more — relatives; coworkers; and friends — whose lives will be touched forever by this terrible disease,” Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas said in a statement.

The University of Kansas Health System said its hospital has had 119 deaths, with the average age of the victims 64. David Wild, vice president of performance improvement at the health system, said 16% had no underlying conditions.

“Our neighbors died because of bureaucratic red tape, bravado, ill preparation, and our own communal self-interest favoring normalcy over safety of others,” Lucas said in his statement. “In the long term, may we learn tough lessons from COVID so that we never repeat these mistakes again. In the short term, may people resolve to chip in even in modest ways by wearing masks, washing their hands, and protecting others by staying at home and away from large gatherings.”

KANSAS CITY (AP) — The Kansas City area has reached an unwanted milestone: Coronavirus deaths in the region have now topped 1,000.Nine new deaths cited Thursday brought the total since the onset of the pandemic to 1,003. The number includes Kansas City, Missouri, as well as its suburbs in Missouri and Kansas.“My heart breaks for the thousand from Kansas City and the region who have lost their lives and the tens of thousands more — relatives; coworkers; and friends — whose lives will be touched forever by this terrible disease,” Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas said in a statement.The University of Kansas Health System said its hospital has had 119 deaths, with the average age of the victims 64. David Wild, vice president of performance improvement at the health system, said 16% had no underlying conditions.“Our neighbors died because of bureaucratic red tape, bravado, ill preparation, and our own communal self-interest favoring normalcy over safety of others,” Lucas said in his statement. “In the long term, may we learn tough lessons from COVID so that we never repeat these mistakes again. In the short term, may people resolve to chip in even in modest ways by wearing masks, washing their hands, and protecting others by staying at home and away from large gatherings.”

Kansas City area tops 1,000 deaths from COVID-19

LONDON (AP) — AstraZeneca and Oxford University on Wednesday acknowledged a manufacturing error that is raising questions about preliminary results of their experimental COVID-19 vaccine.

A statement describing the error came days after the company and the university described the shots as “highly effective” and made no mention of why some study participants didn’t receive as much vaccine in the first of two shots as expected.

In a surprise, the group of volunteers that got a lower dose seemed to be much better protected than the volunteers who got two full doses. In the low-dose group, AstraZeneca said, the vaccine appeared to be 90% effective. In the group that got two full doses, the vaccine appeared to be 62% effective. Combined, the drugmakers said the vaccine appeared to be 70% effective. But the way in which the results were arrived at and reported by the companies has led to pointed questions from experts.

The partial results announced Monday are from large ongoing studies in the U.K. and Brazil designed to determine the optimal dose of vaccine, as well as examine safety and effectiveness. Multiple combinations and doses were tried in the volunteers. They were compared to others who were given a meningitis vaccine or a saline shot.

DID RESEARCHERS MEAN TO GIVE A HALF DOSE?

Before they begin their research, scientists spell out all the steps they are taking, and how they will analyze the results. Any deviation from that protocol can put the results in question.

In a statement Wednesday, Oxford University said some of the vials used in the trial didn’t have the right concentration of vaccine so some volunteers got a half dose. The university said that it discussed the problem with regulators, and agreed to complete the late stage trial with two groups. The manufacturing problem has been corrected, according to the statement.

Experts say the relatively small number of people in the low dose group makes it difficult to know if the effectiveness seen in the group is real or a statistical quirk. Some 2,741 people received a half dose of the vaccine followed by a full dose, AstraZeneca said. A total of 8,895 people received two full doses.

Another factor: none of the people in the low-dose group were over 55 years old. Younger people tend to mount a stronger immune response than older people, so it could be that the youth of the participants in the low-dose group is why it looked more effective, not the size of the dose.

Another point of confusion comes from a decision to pool results from two groups of participants who received different dosing levels to reach an average 70% effectiveness, said David Salisbury, and associate fellow of the global health program at the Chatham House think tank.

“You’ve taken two studies for which different doses were used and come up with a composite that doesn’t represent either of the doses,″ he said of the figure. “I think many people are having trouble with that.″

WHY WOULD A SMALLER FIRST DOSE BE MORE EFFECTIVE?

Oxford researchers say they aren’t certain and they are working to uncover the reason.

Sarah Gilbert, one of the Oxford scientists leading the research, said the answer is probably related to providing exactly the right amount of vaccine to trigger the best immune response.

“It’s the Goldilocks amount that you want, I think, not too little and not too much. Too much could give you a poor quality response as well,” she said. “So you want just the right amount and it’s a bit hit and miss when you’re trying to go quickly to get that perfect first time.”

Details of the trial results will be published in medical journals and provided to U.K. regulators so they can decide whether to authorize distribution of the vaccine. Those reports will include a detailed breakdown that includes demographic and other information about who got sick in each group, and give a more complete picture of how effective the vaccine is.

Moncef Slaoui, who leads the U.S. coronavirus vaccine program Operation Warp Speed, said Tuesday in a call with reporters that U.S. officials are trying to determine what immune response the vaccine produced, and may decide to modify the AstraZeneca study in the U.S. to include a half dose.

“But we want it to be based on data and science,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600265317922.png" alt="Photo courtesy AstraZeneca" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy AstraZeneca</figcaption>
 </figure>LONDON (AP) — AstraZeneca and Oxford University on Wednesday acknowledged a manufacturing error that is raising questions about preliminary results of their experimental COVID-19 vaccine.A statement describing the error came days after the company and the university described the shots as “highly effective” and made no mention of why some study participants didn’t receive as much vaccine in the first of two shots as expected.In a surprise, the group of volunteers that got a lower dose seemed to be much better protected than the volunteers who got two full doses. In the low-dose group, AstraZeneca said, the vaccine appeared to be 90% effective. In the group that got two full doses, the vaccine appeared to be 62% effective. Combined, the drugmakers said the vaccine appeared to be 70% effective. But the way in which the results were arrived at and reported by the companies has led to pointed questions from experts.The partial results announced Monday are from large ongoing studies in the U.K. and Brazil designed to determine the optimal dose of vaccine, as well as examine safety and effectiveness. Multiple combinations and doses were tried in the volunteers. They were compared to others who were given a meningitis vaccine or a saline shot.DID RESEARCHERS MEAN TO GIVE A HALF DOSE?Before they begin their research, scientists spell out all the steps they are taking, and how they will analyze the results. Any deviation from that protocol can put the results in question.In a statement Wednesday, Oxford University said some of the vials used in the trial didn’t have the right concentration of vaccine so some volunteers got a half dose. The university said that it discussed the problem with regulators, and agreed to complete the late stage trial with two groups. The manufacturing problem has been corrected, according to the statement.WHAT ABOUT THE RESULTS THEMSELVES?Experts say the relatively small number of people in the low dose group makes it difficult to know if the effectiveness seen in the group is real or a statistical quirk. Some 2,741 people received a half dose of the vaccine followed by a full dose, AstraZeneca said. A total of 8,895 people received two full doses.Another factor: none of the people in the low-dose group were over 55 years old. Younger people tend to mount a stronger immune response than older people, so it could be that the youth of the participants in the low-dose group is why it looked more effective, not the size of the dose.Another point of confusion comes from a decision to pool results from two groups of participants who received different dosing levels to reach an average 70% effectiveness, said David Salisbury, and associate fellow of the global health program at the Chatham House think tank.“You’ve taken two studies for which different doses were used and come up with a composite that doesn’t represent either of the doses,″ he said of the figure. “I think many people are having trouble with that.″WHY WOULD A SMALLER FIRST DOSE BE MORE EFFECTIVE?Oxford researchers say they aren’t certain and they are working to uncover the reason.Sarah Gilbert, one of the Oxford scientists leading the research, said the answer is probably related to providing exactly the right amount of vaccine to trigger the best immune response.“It’s the Goldilocks amount that you want, I think, not too little and not too much. Too much could give you a poor quality response as well,” she said. “So you want just the right amount and it’s a bit hit and miss when you’re trying to go quickly to get that perfect first time.”WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS?Details of the trial results will be published in medical journals and provided to U.K. regulators so they can decide whether to authorize distribution of the vaccine. Those reports will include a detailed breakdown that includes demographic and other information about who got sick in each group, and give a more complete picture of how effective the vaccine is.Moncef Slaoui, who leads the U.S. coronavirus vaccine program Operation Warp Speed, said Tuesday in a call with reporters that U.S. officials are trying to determine what immune response the vaccine produced, and may decide to modify the AstraZeneca study in the U.S. to include a half dose.“But we want it to be based on data and science,” he said.

Manufacturing error clouds virus vaccine study results

LAWRENCE, Kan (AP) — The number of Kansas counties that require face coverings has risen sharply as fewer opted out of Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s latest mask mandate.

Sixty-two Kansas counties now have orders in place, with many coming as Kelly’s new statewide mask order went into effect Wednesday, according to a list compiled by the Kansas Association of Counties. The remaining 43 of the counties have opted out, but most are encouraging or recommending people wear masks.

It’s a stark contrast to the response Kelly received to her first mask order in July, when the majority of counties opted out.

Meanwhile, a Lawrence hotel will serve as a shelter for individuals who need to quarantine or isolate after a positive COVID-19 test or exposure to a positive case, a press release from Douglas County and its Unified Command partners said.

The Kansas Division of Emergency Management is providing funding for shelter services at the Baymont Inn and Suites. It’s available to homeless individuals, those who cannot safely isolate or quarantine at home due to numerous people living in the same home and first responders and those who work in high-risk professions.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590784947764.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan (AP) — The number of Kansas counties that require face coverings has risen sharply as fewer opted out of Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s latest mask mandate.Sixty-two Kansas counties now have orders in place, with many coming as Kelly’s new statewide mask order went into effect Wednesday, according to a list compiled by the Kansas Association of Counties. The remaining 43 of the counties have opted out, but most are encouraging or recommending people wear masks.It’s a stark contrast to the response Kelly received to her first mask order in July, when the majority of counties opted out.Meanwhile, a Lawrence hotel will serve as a shelter for individuals who need to quarantine or isolate after a positive COVID-19 test or exposure to a positive case, a press release from Douglas County and its Unified Command partners said.The Kansas Division of Emergency Management is providing funding for shelter services at the Baymont Inn and Suites. It’s available to homeless individuals, those who cannot safely isolate or quarantine at home due to numerous people living in the same home and first responders and those who work in high-risk professions.

More Kan. counties require masks as new mandate takes effect

JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas couple on drug charges following a traffic stop.

On Nov. 21, a police officer in Hoyt stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation, according to Chief of Police Dan Wentling.

Officers arrested&nbsp; the driver identified as 52-year old Michael J. Andrews and passenger 49-year old Jennifer A. Courtney&nbsp; both of Topeka. 

During a search of the vehicle, officers found suspected drugs, paraphernalia and a weapon, according to Wentling.

Andrews was booked on requested charges of Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Criminal Possession of a Firearm, and traffic infractions.

Courtney was booked on requested charge of Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Both were booked into the Jackson County Detention Center. Courtney was later released on a $2,500 bond. Andrews remains in custody with a $15,000 bond, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606228074707.png" alt="Andrews-photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Andrews-photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas couple on drug charges following a traffic stop.On Nov. 21, a police officer in Hoyt stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation, according to Chief of Police Dan Wentling.Officers arrested&nbsp; the driver identified as 52-year old Michael J. Andrews and passenger 49-year old Jennifer A. Courtney&nbsp; both of Topeka. During a search of the vehicle, officers found suspected drugs, paraphernalia and a weapon, according to Wentling.Andrews was booked on requested charges of Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Criminal Possession of a Firearm, and traffic infractions.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606228043973.png" alt="Courtney-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Courtney-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtney was booked on requested charge of Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Both were booked into the Jackson County Detention Center. Courtney was later released on a $2,500 bond. Andrews remains in custody with a $15,000 bond, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

Police find drugs, gun during Kansas traffic stop

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Thursday that he will leave the White House if the Electoral College formalizes President-Elect Joe Biden’s victory — even as he insisted such a decision would be a “mistake” — as he spent his Thanksgiving renewing baseless claims that “massive fraud” and crooked officials in battleground states caused his election defeat.

“Certainly I will. But you know that,” Trump said Thursday when asked whether he would vacate the building, allowing a peaceful transition of power in January. But Trump — taking questions for the first time since Election Day — insisted that “a lot of things” would happen between now and then that might alter the results.

“This has a long way to go,” Trump said, even though he lost.

The fact that a sitting American president even had to address whether or not he would leave office after losing reelection underscores the extent to which Trump has smashed one convention after another over the last three weeks. While there is no evidence of the kind of widespread fraud Trump has been alleging, he and his legal team have nonetheless been working to cast doubt on the integrity of the election and trying to overturn voters’ will in an unprecedented breach of Democratic norms.

Trump spoke to reporters in the White House’s ornate Diplomatic Reception Room after holding a teleconference with U.S. military leaders stationed across the globe. He thanked them for their service and jokingly warned them not to eat too much turkey, then turned to the election after ending the call. He repeated grievances and angrily denounced officials in Georgia and Pennsylvania, two key swing states that helped give Biden the win.

Trump claimed, despite the results, that this may not be his last Thanksgiving at the White House. And he insisted there had been “massive fraud,” even though state officials and international observers have said no evidence of that exists and Trump’s campaign has repeatedly failed in court.

Trump’s administration has already given the green light for a formal transition to get underway. But Trump took issue with Biden moving forward.

“I think it’s not right that he’s trying to pick a Cabinet,” Trump said, even though officials from both teams are already working together to get Biden’s team up to speed.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Thursday that he will leave the White House if the Electoral College formalizes President-Elect Joe Biden’s victory — even as he insisted such a decision would be a “mistake” — as he spent his Thanksgiving renewing baseless claims that “massive fraud” and crooked officials in battleground states caused his election defeat.“Certainly I will. But you know that,” Trump said Thursday when asked whether he would vacate the building, allowing a peaceful transition of power in January. But Trump — taking questions for the first time since Election Day — insisted that “a lot of things” would happen between now and then that might alter the results.“This has a long way to go,” Trump said, even though he lost.The fact that a sitting American president even had to address whether or not he would leave office after losing reelection underscores the extent to which Trump has smashed one convention after another over the last three weeks. While there is no evidence of the kind of widespread fraud Trump has been alleging, he and his legal team have nonetheless been working to cast doubt on the integrity of the election and trying to overturn voters’ will in an unprecedented breach of Democratic norms.Trump spoke to reporters in the White House’s ornate Diplomatic Reception Room after holding a teleconference with U.S. military leaders stationed across the globe. He thanked them for their service and jokingly warned them not to eat too much turkey, then turned to the election after ending the call. He repeated grievances and angrily denounced officials in Georgia and Pennsylvania, two key swing states that helped give Biden the win.Trump claimed, despite the results, that this may not be his last Thanksgiving at the White House. And he insisted there had been “massive fraud,” even though state officials and international observers have said no evidence of that exists and Trump’s campaign has repeatedly failed in court.Trump’s administration has already given the green light for a formal transition to get underway. But Trump took issue with Biden moving forward.“I think it’s not right that he’s trying to pick a Cabinet,” Trump said, even though officials from both teams are already working together to get Biden’s team up to speed.And as he refused to concede, Trump announced that he will be traveling to Georgia to rally supporters ahead of two Senate runoff elections that will determine which party controls the Senate. Trump said the rally for Republican Sens. David Perdue and Sen. Kelly Loeffler would likely be held Saturday. The White House later clarified he had meant Dec. 5.One of the reasons Republicans have stood by Trump and his baseless claims of fraud has been to keep his loyal base energized ahead of those runoffs on Jan. 5. But Trump, in his remarks, openly questioned whether that election would be fair in a move that could dampen Republican turnout.“I think you’re dealing with a very fraudulent system. I’m very worried about that,” he said. “People are very disappointed that we were robbed.”As for the Electoral College, Trump made clear that he will likely never formally concede, even if he said he would leave the White House.“It’s gonna be a very hard thing to concede. Because we know there was massive fraud,” he said, noting that, “time isn’t on our side.”“If they do,” vote against him, Trump added, “they’ve made a mistake.”Asked whether he would attend Biden’s inauguration, Trump said he knew the answer but didn’t want to share it yet.But there were some signs that Trump was coming to terms with his loss.At one point he urged reporters not to allow Biden the credit for pending coronavirus vaccines. “Don’t let him take credit for the vaccines because the vaccines were me and I pushed people harder than they’ve ever been pushed before,” he said.As for whether or not he plans to formally declare his candidacy to run again in 2024 — as he has discussed with aides— Trump he didn’t “want to talk about 2024 yet.”All states must certify their results before the Electoral College meets on Dec. 14, and any challenge to the results must be resolved by Dec. 8. State have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-donald-trump-elections-electoral-college-presidential-elections-c137768e478442dd635d999e446035a3">already begun</a>&nbsp;that process, including Michigan, where Trump and his allies tried and failed to delay the process, and Georgia and Pennsylvania.Vote certification at the local and state level is typically a ministerial task that gets little notice, but that changed this year with Trump’s refusal to concede and his unprecedented attempts to overturn the results of the election through a fusillade of legal challenges and attempts to manipulate the certification process in battleground states he lost.Biden won by wide margins in both the Electoral College and popular vote, where he received nearly 80 million votes, a record.