By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/10/01/covid-19-pandemic-undercuts-enrollment-by-8-1-at-kansas-universities-colleges/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Enrollment at the 32 public universities and colleges under supervision of the Kansas Board of Regents collapsed by 8.1% in the fall semester as the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted educational plans of thousands of students.

The systemwide headcount dwindled to 165,251, down nearly 15,000 students from last fall. Overall enrollment in Kansas’ public higher education system had eroded in the three previous years, but the slippage amounted to about 3,800 students.

In the new report on fall 2020 enrollment, the University of Kansas, Kansas State University and the four other state universities enrolled 3.5% fewer students than a year ago. Washburn University, a municipal institution in Topeka, was hammered by a 10% reduction.

The 19 community colleges collectively lost 14.1% of their students. Only one — Cowley Community College — added students to register a 0.5% increase. At the six technical colleges in Kansas, all suffered enrollment declines for a total 9.4% reduction.

Blake Flanders, president and chief executive officer of the Board of Regents, said COVID-19’s influence on fall enrollment was anticipated.

“COVID has introduced a unique set of hurdles for higher education,” Flanders said. “However, the pandemic has also converged with longer-term challenges facing enrollment, including a steady decline in the college going rate of Kansas high school graduates.”

He said the Board of Regents would continue to press for deliver opportunities for Kansans to build rewarding careers and to provide Kansas businesses access to a skilled workforce.

KU chancellor Doug Girod said an 804-student reduction in enrollment at the university was driven by a 7.2% decline in first-time freshmen and 18.1% drop among international students. Given hardships the pandemic presented students and families, Girod said, the overall loss of 2.7% at KU could have been worse.

The pandemic created a projected $120 million deficit in the current fiscal year at KU that will necessitate “painful cost-savings measures in the months ahead,” the chancellor said.

“KU will need to adopt new business models, reorganize and restructure and implement cost reductions. All options — including furloughs, layoffs and salary reductions — must be considered for us to manage through this,” Girod said.

Here are fall semester losses among universities in the state system: Washburn, down 6.4%; Fort Hays State, down 5.5%; Kansas State, down 4.1%; Pittsburg State, down 3.7%; Wichita State, down 3.2%; KU, down 2.7%; and Emporia State, down 0.8%.

Karen Goos, vice provost for enrollment management at Kansas State, said decline of 865 students from one year ago mirroried state and national trends related to COVID-19. Kansas State’s decline of more than 3,000 students since 2015 led to initiation of a more aggressive recruiting program.

“Our 4% drop is much lower than expected and we know the next year will bring strong opportunities for growth when our new Missouri tuition match program providing in-state tuition to qualified Missouri students takes effect in fall 2021,” Goos said.

Heather Morgan, executive director of the Kansas Association of Community College Trustees, said the sharp decline experienced by the community college system was a direct consequence of the spread of COVID-19.

“Kansas community colleges typically serve students who face greater barriers to higher education, which were magnified by the pandemic,” she said in a statement on behalf of the community colleges.

Here are the community colleges with double-digit enrollment downturns this fall semester: Johnson County, down 24.1%; Coffeyville, down 21.5%; Fort Scott, down 17.4%; Barton, down 14.9%; Kansas City, down 14.2%; Seward County, down 14%; Labette, down 13.3%; Allen, down 12.2%; Cloud County, down 11.9%; and Butler, 10.5%.

At the technical colleges, Flint Hills reported a 19.3% enrollment drop for the fall semester. That compared to declines of 12% at the Manhattan and 11.9% at the Salina campuses of those technical schools. Washburn Institute of Technology suffered a 25.2% enrollment reduction.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://kansasreflector.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/KU-and-KSU-masks-scaled.jpg" alt="Enrollment at the public colleges and universities under direction of the Kansas Board of Regents declined 8.1% in the fall semester as COVID-19 left its mark on both Kansas State University and the University of Kansas. This image is of KU chancellor Doug Girod and KSU president Richard Myers at a recent Board of Regents meeting in Topeka. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Enrollment at the public colleges and universities under direction of the Kansas Board of Regents declined 8.1% in the fall semester as COVID-19 left its mark on both Kansas State University and the University of Kansas. This image is of KU chancellor Doug Girod and KSU president Richard Myers at a recent Board of Regents meeting in Topeka. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/10/01/covid-19-pandemic-undercuts-enrollment-by-8-1-at-kansas-universities-colleges/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Enrollment at the 32 public universities and colleges under supervision of the Kansas Board of Regents collapsed by 8.1% in the fall semester as the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted educational plans of thousands of students.The systemwide headcount dwindled to 165,251, down nearly 15,000 students from last fall. Overall enrollment in Kansas’ public higher education system had eroded in the three previous years, but the slippage amounted to about 3,800 students.In the new report on fall 2020 enrollment, the University of Kansas, Kansas State University and the four other state universities enrolled 3.5% fewer students than a year ago. Washburn University, a municipal institution in Topeka, was hammered by a 10% reduction.The 19 community colleges collectively lost 14.1% of their students. Only one — Cowley Community College — added students to register a 0.5% increase. At the six technical colleges in Kansas, all suffered enrollment declines for a total 9.4% reduction.Blake Flanders, president and chief executive officer of the Board of Regents, said COVID-19’s influence on fall enrollment was anticipated.“COVID has introduced a unique set of hurdles for higher education,” Flanders said. “However, the pandemic has also converged with longer-term challenges facing enrollment, including a steady decline in the college going rate of Kansas high school graduates.”He said the Board of Regents would continue to press for deliver opportunities for Kansans to build rewarding careers and to provide Kansas businesses access to a skilled workforce.KU chancellor Doug Girod said an 804-student reduction in enrollment at the university was driven by a 7.2% decline in first-time freshmen and 18.1% drop among international students. Given hardships the pandemic presented students and families, Girod said, the overall loss of 2.7% at KU could have been worse.The pandemic created a projected $120 million deficit in the current fiscal year at KU that will necessitate “painful cost-savings measures in the months ahead,” the chancellor said.“KU will need to adopt new business models, reorganize and restructure and implement cost reductions. All options — including furloughs, layoffs and salary reductions — must be considered for us to manage through this,” Girod said.Here are fall semester losses among universities in the state system: Washburn, down 6.4%; Fort Hays State, down 5.5%; Kansas State, down 4.1%; Pittsburg State, down 3.7%; Wichita State, down 3.2%; KU, down 2.7%; and Emporia State, down 0.8%.Karen Goos, vice provost for enrollment management at Kansas State, said decline of 865 students from one year ago mirroried state and national trends related to COVID-19. Kansas State’s decline of more than 3,000 students since 2015 led to initiation of a more aggressive recruiting program.“Our 4% drop is much lower than expected and we know the next year will bring strong opportunities for growth when our new Missouri tuition match program providing in-state tuition to qualified Missouri students takes effect in fall 2021,” Goos said.Heather Morgan, executive director of the Kansas Association of Community College Trustees, said the sharp decline experienced by the community college system was a direct consequence of the spread of COVID-19.“Kansas community colleges typically serve students who face greater barriers to higher education, which were magnified by the pandemic,” she said in a statement on behalf of the community colleges.Here are the community colleges with double-digit enrollment downturns this fall semester: Johnson County, down 24.1%; Coffeyville, down 21.5%; Fort Scott, down 17.4%; Barton, down 14.9%; Kansas City, down 14.2%; Seward County, down 14%; Labette, down 13.3%; Allen, down 12.2%; Cloud County, down 11.9%; and Butler, 10.5%.At the technical colleges, Flint Hills reported a 19.3% enrollment drop for the fall semester. That compared to declines of 12% at the Manhattan and 11.9% at the Salina campuses of those technical schools. Washburn Institute of Technology suffered a 25.2% enrollment reduction.Tim Carpenter has reported on Kansas for 35 years. He covered the Capitol for 16 years at the Topeka Capital-Journal and previously worked for the Lawrence Journal-World and United Press International.

Pandemic undercuts enrollment by 8.1% at Kan. universities, colleges

WICHITA —Due to the downturn in the commercial aviation market caused by the global pandemic and the effect on&nbsp; business from the grounding of the 737 MAX, Spirit AeroSystems now has an excess of production capacity across their global operations, according to a media release.

 As a result, Spirit made the difficult decision to close their facility in McAlester, Oklahoma.

Over the next several months, Spirit will begin moving the work currently performed by the McAlester operations to their facilities in Tulsa and Wichita, and a residual amount will be placed with the company's regional suppliers.

According <a href="https://www.spiritaero.com/pages/release/spirit-aerosystems-mcalester-facility">to the release</a>, "The fall-off in airline travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic has reduced overall demand for new commercial airplanes. In a matter of months, Spirit’s production rates for commercial aircraft fell from historic highs to much lower volumes. Airline travel, and corresponding demand for new airplanes, is not returning as fast as expected at this point. As a result, we continue taking steps to restructure our company for a protracted market downturn, including consolidating certain operations."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578673038303.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA —Due to the downturn in the commercial aviation market caused by the global pandemic and the effect on&nbsp; business from the grounding of the 737 MAX, Spirit AeroSystems now has an excess of production capacity across their global operations, according to a media release. As a result, Spirit made the difficult decision to close their facility in McAlester, Oklahoma.Over the next several months, Spirit will begin moving the work currently performed by the McAlester operations to their facilities in Tulsa and Wichita, and a residual amount will be placed with the company's regional suppliers.According <a href="https://www.spiritaero.com/pages/release/spirit-aerosystems-mcalester-facility">to the release</a>, "The fall-off in airline travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic has reduced overall demand for new commercial airplanes. In a matter of months, Spirit’s production rates for commercial aircraft fell from historic highs to much lower volumes. Airline travel, and corresponding demand for new airplanes, is not returning as fast as expected at this point. As a result, we continue taking steps to restructure our company for a protracted market downturn, including consolidating certain operations."

Aircraft parts maker moving work to Kan., closing Okla. plant

TOPEKA –&nbsp;Closing out the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2021, Governor Laura Kelly announced Thursday that the State of Kansas is $108.4 million ahead of its estimate, with $2.3 billion in total tax collections for the fiscal year. That is $515.7 million, or 29.7%, more than the same time last fiscal year quarter, according to a media release from the Kansas Dept. of Revenue.

The increase is due in part to the change in the filing deadline for income taxes, and the increased revenue seen in compensating use tax collections.

"Since I took office, my administration has&nbsp;returned to responsible&nbsp;fiscal practices that have allowed Kansas to successfully remain financially healthy, even as we respond to the COVID-19 pandemic,"&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;"While there is optimism&nbsp;with these projections, we must&nbsp;remain committed to&nbsp;fiscal steadiness, public health,&nbsp;and&nbsp;support our core services like education, infrastructure, and economic development which will enable Kansas to remain on the path to recovery.”

September's total tax collections were $728.9 million; a $72.8 million increase over the estimate. That is a 2%, or $15.2 million, decrease from the same month of the last fiscal year.&nbsp;

Individual income tax and corporate income tax collections performed better than expected. The state saw a $23.6 million, or 7%, increase in individual income tax collections with $358.6 collected. This increase could be due, in part, to estimated tax payments and economic optimism. Corporate income tax collections were $89.7 million, an increase of $29.7 million, or 49.5%, more than the estimate.

Retail sales tax collections were 1.2%, or $2.4 million, less than the estimate, with $195.6 collected. The decline in retail sales tax collections could be due to some temporary change in consumer habits as the school year started. However, compensating use tax collections continue the trajectory of growth as those collections were $11.6 million, or 34.1%, more than estimated with $45.6 collected. This trend is the effect of changing consumer purchasing habits and increased registrations of out-of-state retailers to collect and remit taxes to the state.

"The impact that the pandemic will have on the economy during the fall and winter months is uncertain at best,"&nbsp;Secretary Mark Burghart said.&nbsp;"That same uncertainty carries over to the anticipated sales and use tax receipts associated with purchases that will be made during the upcoming holiday season."

The Consensus Revenue Estimating Group will be meeting to evaluate the stability of the Kansas economy and look at the estimates for the rest of the fiscal year. This group is composed of representatives of the Division of the Budget, Department of Revenue, Legislative Research Department, and one consulting economist each from the University of Kansas, Kansas State University, and Wichita State University.

TOPEKA –&nbsp;Closing out the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2021, Governor Laura Kelly announced Thursday that the State of Kansas is $108.4 million ahead of its estimate, with $2.3 billion in total tax collections for the fiscal year. That is $515.7 million, or 29.7%, more than the same time last fiscal year quarter, according to a media release from the Kansas Dept. of Revenue.The increase is due in part to the change in the filing deadline for income taxes, and the increased revenue seen in compensating use tax collections."Since I took office, my administration has&nbsp;returned to responsible&nbsp;fiscal practices that have allowed Kansas to successfully remain financially healthy, even as we respond to the COVID-19 pandemic,"&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;"While there is optimism&nbsp;with these projections, we must&nbsp;remain committed to&nbsp;fiscal steadiness, public health,&nbsp;and&nbsp;support our core services like education, infrastructure, and economic development which will enable Kansas to remain on the path to recovery.”September's total tax collections were $728.9 million; a $72.8 million increase over the estimate. That is a 2%, or $15.2 million, decrease from the same month of the last fiscal year.&nbsp;Individual income tax and corporate income tax collections performed better than expected. The state saw a $23.6 million, or 7%, increase in individual income tax collections with $358.6 collected. This increase could be due, in part, to estimated tax payments and economic optimism. Corporate income tax collections were $89.7 million, an increase of $29.7 million, or 49.5%, more than the estimate.Retail sales tax collections were 1.2%, or $2.4 million, less than the estimate, with $195.6 collected. The decline in retail sales tax collections could be due to some temporary change in consumer habits as the school year started. However, compensating use tax collections continue the trajectory of growth as those collections were $11.6 million, or 34.1%, more than estimated with $45.6 collected. This trend is the effect of changing consumer purchasing habits and increased registrations of out-of-state retailers to collect and remit taxes to the state."The impact that the pandemic will have on the economy during the fall and winter months is uncertain at best,"&nbsp;Secretary Mark Burghart said.&nbsp;"That same uncertainty carries over to the anticipated sales and use tax receipts associated with purchases that will be made during the upcoming holiday season."The Consensus Revenue Estimating Group will be meeting to evaluate the stability of the Kansas economy and look at the estimates for the rest of the fiscal year. This group is composed of representatives of the Division of the Budget, Department of Revenue, Legislative Research Department, and one consulting economist each from the University of Kansas, Kansas State University, and Wichita State University.

Governor: Kansas $108M ahead of first-quarter projections

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/09/30/former-topekan-to-lead-smithsonians-museum-of-african-american-history-culture/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Former Kansan 
Kevin Young was named Wednesday as director of the Smithsonian’s 
National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Young is best known as a 
poet, author, essayist and editor. He’s published 11 books of poetry, 
two works of nonfiction and served as editor of 10 other works, 
including a book coming out this fall, “African American Poetry: 250 
Years of Struggle and Song.”

He will start in January 
at the museum in Washington, D.C. He will remain director of the 
Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in New York City until 
December. Since 2016, he’s been poetry editor at The New Yorker magazine
 and is expected to retain that post.

Young, 49, said he was 
eager to be part of the museum’s powerful influence on visitors and to 
reveal the central role of African American culture in the nation’s 
experience. He wants to further conversations “around Black history, 
art, liberation and joy.”

“I look forward to 
directing the National Museum of African American History and Culture in
 this next phase of leadership, after its founding, opening and dynamic 
exhibitions and events,” Young said. “Having visited the museum myself 
with my family, I know what a powerful place it is.”

He was born in Nebraska, 
but his family lived in six different places before he reached the age 
of 10. His family settled in Topeka, where he began to pursue writing at
 age 13 following a summer writing class at Washburn University in 
Topeka.

He earned degrees at 
Harvard and Brown universities, and held a two-year fellowship at 
Stanford University. He taught at Emory University for 11 years.

Lonnie Bunch, the museum’s founding director, said Young would bring a mix of scholarship, technological savvy and bold vision.

“As a poet, he understands
 how the museum fulfilled the dreams of many Americans, and under his 
leadership the museum will shape the hopes of future generations.”

During his four-year 
tenure as director of the Schomburg Center, Young secured the 
Harlem-based archives of Harry Belafonte, James Baldwin, Ossie Davis and
 Ruby Dee, Sonny Rollins and Fred “Fab 5 Freddy” Brathwaite and the 
manuscript of “The Autobiography of Malcolm X,” including a once-lost 
chapter. At the Schomburg Center, he raised $10 million in grants and 
donations and bolstered attendance by 40%.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1601574015001.png" alt="Former Topeka resident Kevin Young, a poet and author, will become director of the director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. (Melanie Dunea/Smithsonian Institution)" />
 <figcaption>Former Topeka resident Kevin Young, a poet and author, will become director of the director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. (Melanie Dunea/Smithsonian Institution)</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/09/30/former-topekan-to-lead-smithsonians-museum-of-african-american-history-culture/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Former Kansan 
Kevin Young was named Wednesday as director of the Smithsonian’s 
National Museum of African American History and Culture.Young is best known as a 
poet, author, essayist and editor. He’s published 11 books of poetry, 
two works of nonfiction and served as editor of 10 other works, 
including a book coming out this fall, “African American Poetry: 250 
Years of Struggle and Song.”He will start in January 
at the museum in Washington, D.C. He will remain director of the 
Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in New York City until 
December. Since 2016, he’s been poetry editor at The New Yorker magazine
 and is expected to retain that post.Young, 49, said he was 
eager to be part of the museum’s powerful influence on visitors and to 
reveal the central role of African American culture in the nation’s 
experience. He wants to further conversations “around Black history, 
art, liberation and joy.”“I look forward to 
directing the National Museum of African American History and Culture in
 this next phase of leadership, after its founding, opening and dynamic 
exhibitions and events,” Young said. “Having visited the museum myself 
with my family, I know what a powerful place it is.”He was born in Nebraska, 
but his family lived in six different places before he reached the age 
of 10. His family settled in Topeka, where he began to pursue writing at
 age 13 following a summer writing class at Washburn University in 
Topeka.He earned degrees at 
Harvard and Brown universities, and held a two-year fellowship at 
Stanford University. He taught at Emory University for 11 years.Lonnie Bunch, the museum’s founding director, said Young would bring a mix of scholarship, technological savvy and bold vision.“As a poet, he understands
 how the museum fulfilled the dreams of many Americans, and under his 
leadership the museum will shape the hopes of future generations.”During his four-year 
tenure as director of the Schomburg Center, Young secured the 
Harlem-based archives of Harry Belafonte, James Baldwin, Ossie Davis and
 Ruby Dee, Sonny Rollins and Fred “Fab 5 Freddy” Brathwaite and the 
manuscript of “The Autobiography of Malcolm X,” including a once-lost 
chapter. At the Schomburg Center, he raised $10 million in grants and 
donations and bolstered attendance by 40%.Tim Carpenter has reported on Kansas for 35 years. He covered the Capitol for 16 years at the Topeka Capital-Journal and previously worked for the Lawrence Journal-World and United Press International.

Former Kansan to lead Smithsonian museum of African American history, culture

TOPEKA—Law enforcement authorities are investigating the 2017 cold case murder of <a href="https://www.penwellgabeltopeka.com/Obituary/133858/Kianna-Hodge/Topeka-KS">Kianna C. Hodge, </a>18, of Topeka, and have arrested 19-year-old Javon A. Smith of Topeka.

Just before midnight March 4, 2017, police were dispatched to SE 23rd Street and SE Bellview Avenue in reference to shots fired in the area, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Koenen. 

Five adults were injured as a result of the shooting.&nbsp; Police located Hodge in a vehicle near SE 6th Avenue and SE Deer Creek Trafficway. She was pronounced deceased by medical personnel at the scene. 

The four other victims received non-life threatening injuries as a result of the shooting.

“Since 2017, investigators have worked diligently to bring justice to Hodge, the four other shooting victims and their families. I am pleased that today we can announce we have made an arrest in this case,” said Topeka Police Chief Bill Cochran. “Topekans should be very proud of all of the hard work investigators put into this case.”

Police booked Smith Thursday into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges that include&nbsp;1st Degree Murder and Aggravated Battery.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1601575530743.png" alt="Javon Smith-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Javon Smith-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA—Law enforcement authorities are investigating the 2017 cold case murder of <a href="https://www.penwellgabeltopeka.com/Obituary/133858/Kianna-Hodge/Topeka-KS">Kianna C. Hodge, </a>18, of Topeka, and have arrested 19-year-old Javon A. Smith of Topeka.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1601570234524.png" alt="Kianna Hodge -photo courtesy <a href="https://www.penwellgabeltopeka.com/Obituary/133858/Kianna-Hodge/Topeka-KS">Penwell-Gable Funeral Home</a>" />
 <figcaption>Kianna Hodge -photo courtesy <a href="https://www.penwellgabeltopeka.com/Obituary/133858/Kianna-Hodge/Topeka-KS">Penwell-Gable Funeral Home</a></figcaption>
 </figure>Just before midnight March 4, 2017, police were dispatched to SE 23rd Street and SE Bellview Avenue in reference to shots fired in the area, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Koenen. Five adults were injured as a result of the shooting.&nbsp; Police located Hodge in a vehicle near SE 6th Avenue and SE Deer Creek Trafficway. She was pronounced deceased by medical personnel at the scene. The four other victims received non-life threatening injuries as a result of the shooting.“Since 2017, investigators have worked diligently to bring justice to Hodge, the four other shooting victims and their families. I am pleased that today we can announce we have made an arrest in this case,” said Topeka Police Chief Bill Cochran. “Topekans should be very proud of all of the hard work investigators put into this case.”Police booked Smith Thursday into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges that include&nbsp;1st Degree Murder and Aggravated Battery.

Police: Suspect arrested in Kan. teen's cold case killing

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — In a story published early Thursday about the coronavirus in Kansas, The Associated Press erroneously reported, citing information from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, a cluster of five active cases within the past two weeks at the state’s inmate work-release center in Wichita. 

The health department said Oct. 1, 2020, that its listing was incorrect and that the cluster actually was at a residential center run by Sedgwick County.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The top public health official in Kansas said Wednesday that the state has yet to see its biggest wave of coronavirus cases, suggesting the pandemic could spawn an average of 800 or even 900 new cases a day in coming months.

Dr. Lee Norman, the head of the state Department of Health and Environment, said Kansas is likely to surpass the record numbers of new confirmed and probable cases it has recently seen. The state had an average of 646 new cases a day for the seven days ending Wednesday, second only to the 667 cases per day for the seven days ending Monday.

While the state’s most populous counties have continued to generate hundreds of new cases every week, rural areas also have been seeing spikes. And health department data released Wednesday showed that outbreaks have returned to the state’s prison system.

The health department said Kansas saw 1,120 new confirmed and probable cases since Monday, an increase of 1.9%, bringing the total to 59,729. Norman said he thinks the state will see cases level off at the current daily increases, then “take off” for a “second wave.”

Norman said the likelihood of larger numbers demonstrates the need for continued “vigilance” in wearing masks and social distancing. He said efforts in March and April that included a statewide stay-at-home order and the closing of K-12 schools, cut down on the numbers of new cases but, “we would prefer not to go down that road again.”

“We have a long ways to go,” Norman said during a Statehouse news conference. “That really brings up, focuses on, why we need a vaccine.”

The number of coronavirus cases is thought to be higher because people can be infected without feeling ill and because of limited testing early in the pandemic. Norman said he believes Kansas is “close” to having its actual number of cases represent 3% to 5% of its population — from 87,000 to 145,000 cases.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness and death.

In Kansas, COVID-19-related deaths continue to represent about 1.1% of the number of reported cases.

The state health department reported 41 new COVID-19-related deaths since Monday, bringing the total to 678. However, the department said 21 of those occurred earlier this year and were reported after officials examined death certificates.

The health department also reported that there are active clusters of five or more cases in four prisons and an inmate work-release program in Wichita. They account for 244 cases within the past 14 days.

The health department said the prison in Hutchinson has had 85 active cases in the past two weeks and the state’s prison mental health center in Larned has had 79.

The state saw a massive outbreak at its prison in Lansing earlier this year, with more than 900 cases, though corrections officials declared it contained as of early June.

But Department of Corrections spokesman Randall Bowman said prisons began seeing new outbreaks in early August as the virus “just keeps cycling.”

The department said last week that it had 308 active cases among inmates and 12 among staff, and Bowman said the figures will be updated later this week.

The health department’s total included five active cases at the work-release program in Wichita, though Bowman said it ceased operations in mid-May after an outbreak and move staff to other locations. There was no immediate explanation for its listing by the health department.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — In a story published early Thursday about the coronavirus in Kansas, The Associated Press erroneously reported, citing information from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, a cluster of five active cases within the past two weeks at the state’s inmate work-release center in Wichita. The health department said Oct. 1, 2020, that its listing was incorrect and that the cluster actually was at a residential center run by Sedgwick County.----TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The top public health official in Kansas said Wednesday that the state has yet to see its biggest wave of coronavirus cases, suggesting the pandemic could spawn an average of 800 or even 900 new cases a day in coming months.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FKDHEnews%2Fvideos%2F341030597193783%2F&show_text=0&width=560" width="560" height="315" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Dr. Lee Norman, the head of the state Department of Health and Environment, said Kansas is likely to surpass the record numbers of new confirmed and probable cases it has recently seen. The state had an average of 646 new cases a day for the seven days ending Wednesday, second only to the 667 cases per day for the seven days ending Monday.While the state’s most populous counties have continued to generate hundreds of new cases every week, rural areas also have been seeing spikes. And health department data released Wednesday showed that outbreaks have returned to the state’s prison system.The health department said Kansas saw 1,120 new confirmed and probable cases since Monday, an increase of 1.9%, bringing the total to 59,729. Norman said he thinks the state will see cases level off at the current daily increases, then “take off” for a “second wave.”Norman said the likelihood of larger numbers demonstrates the need for continued “vigilance” in wearing masks and social distancing. He said efforts in March and April that included a statewide stay-at-home order and the closing of K-12 schools, cut down on the numbers of new cases but, “we would prefer not to go down that road again.”“We have a long ways to go,” Norman said during a Statehouse news conference. “That really brings up, focuses on, why we need a vaccine.”The number of coronavirus cases is thought to be higher because people can be infected without feeling ill and because of limited testing early in the pandemic. Norman said he believes Kansas is “close” to having its actual number of cases represent 3% to 5% of its population — from 87,000 to 145,000 cases.For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness and death.In Kansas, COVID-19-related deaths continue to represent about 1.1% of the number of reported cases.The state health department reported 41 new COVID-19-related deaths since Monday, bringing the total to 678. However, the department said 21 of those occurred earlier this year and were reported after officials examined death certificates.The health department also reported that there are active clusters of five or more cases in four prisons and an inmate work-release program in Wichita. They account for 244 cases within the past 14 days.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601486349462.png" alt="Wednesday Sept. 30, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday Sept. 30, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>The health department said the prison in Hutchinson has had 85 active cases in the past two weeks and the state’s prison mental health center in Larned has had 79.The state saw a massive outbreak at its prison in Lansing earlier this year, with more than 900 cases, though corrections officials declared it contained as of early June.But Department of Corrections spokesman Randall Bowman said prisons began seeing new outbreaks in early August as the virus “just keeps cycling.”The department said last week that it had 308 active cases among inmates and 12 among staff, and Bowman said the figures will be updated later this week.The health department’s total included five active cases at the work-release program in Wichita, though Bowman said it ceased operations in mid-May after an outbreak and move staff to other locations. There was no immediate explanation for its listing by the health department.

Correction: 🎥  Kan. health chief predicts bigger COVID-19 spikes to come

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Authorities are investigating the cause of Thursday morning fire in Topeka.

Just before 2:30a.m., fire crews&nbsp;responded to a the fire at an apartment complex at 3930 SW Twilight Drive in Topeka, according to Fire Marshal Todd Harrison.&nbsp;&nbsp;Upon arrival, fire crews found smoke and flames coming from the two story building. 

Firefighters assisted several occupants with evacuation. EMS transported one adult to a local hospital with non life-threatening injuries, according to Harrison.

The preliminary investigation indicates the fire started&nbsp;in the kitchen of apartment #207. Estimated dollar loss – $125,000.00; of which $100,000.00 is associated with structural loss and $25,000.00 associated with contents loss.

Working smoke detectors were not located within the structure of fire origin, according to Harrison.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1601548740169.png" alt="View of second floor of the apartment complex fire early Thursday -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>View of second floor of the apartment complex fire early Thursday -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Authorities are investigating the cause of Thursday morning fire in Topeka.Just before 2:30a.m., fire crews&nbsp;responded to a the fire at an apartment complex at 3930 SW Twilight Drive in Topeka, according to Fire Marshal Todd Harrison.&nbsp;&nbsp;Upon arrival, fire crews found smoke and flames coming from the two story building. Firefighters assisted several occupants with evacuation. EMS transported one adult to a local hospital with non life-threatening injuries, according to Harrison.The preliminary investigation indicates the fire started&nbsp;in the kitchen of apartment #207. Estimated dollar loss – $125,000.00; of which $100,000.00 is associated with structural loss and $25,000.00 associated with contents loss.Working smoke detectors were not located within the structure of fire origin, according to Harrison.

Fire Marshal: 1 hospitalized after Kan. apartment complex fire

TOPEKA —Starting Friday, Oct. 2, the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) will begin accepting self-certification and processing payments to eligible unemployed workers under the Lost Wages Assistance (LWA program)

This is for claimants that are determined to be eligible, the LWA payment of $300 will be paid weekly, not in a single lump sum. 

<a href="https://www.dol.ks.gov/ui-faqs/lwa?fbclid=IwAR0n_QA2R-bOE71LKDGYZ3SAUIPYpTfxqeYjkaI7m4KudEv0tq1f_UySbt4">Click here to see </a>the FAQs for the LWA program

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1601562760487.png" alt="Kansas Governor Laura Kelly " />
 <figcaption>Kansas Governor Laura Kelly </figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA —Starting Friday, Oct. 2, the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) will begin accepting self-certification and processing payments to eligible unemployed workers under the Lost Wages Assistance (LWA program)This is for claimants that are determined to be eligible, the LWA payment of $300 will be paid weekly, not in a single lump sum. <a href="https://www.dol.ks.gov/ui-faqs/lwa?fbclid=IwAR0n_QA2R-bOE71LKDGYZ3SAUIPYpTfxqeYjkaI7m4KudEv0tq1f_UySbt4">Click here to see </a>the FAQs for the LWA program

Unemployed in Kan. will be eligible for new $300 benefit 

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — The paternal grandparents of a 10-year-old Kansas girl killed in a crash last week are suing the truck driver involved in the collision, along with his employer.

&nbsp;Mark and Carrie Brady are seeking damages in excess of $75,000 from the driver and L.B. White Trucking Inc. of Wellington.

The Bradys’ granddaughter, Anaiah Brady, along with her mother and three young siblings, all died in the accident on Friday when the family’s Ford Expedition collided with a loaded grain truck between Cheney and Clearwater.

Ronald White, who is affiliated with the trucking company, said he was not aware of the lawsuit and called the crash “a tragedy” when contacted by phone, but declined further comment.

An investigation of the accident continues and no charges have been filed.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Authorities have released names of the victims involved in the fatal Friday evening crash in Sedgwick County.

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

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

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

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

The accident remains under investigation.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601304945425.png" alt="Jessica Noel and 3 of the children who died in the crash -Photo courtesy <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-the-williams-family-after-tragic-accident">GoFundMe</a>" />
 <figcaption>Jessica Noel and 3 of the children who died in the crash -Photo courtesy <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-the-williams-family-after-tragic-accident">GoFundMe</a></figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — The paternal grandparents of a 10-year-old Kansas girl killed in a crash last week are suing the truck driver involved in the collision, along with his employer.&nbsp;Mark and Carrie Brady are seeking damages in excess of $75,000 from the driver and L.B. White Trucking Inc. of Wellington.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601087662644.png" alt="First responders on the scene of the fatal Friday evening crash -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene of the fatal Friday evening crash -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>The Bradys’ granddaughter, Anaiah Brady, along with her mother and three young siblings, all died in the accident on Friday when the family’s Ford Expedition collided with a loaded grain truck between Cheney and Clearwater.Ronald White, who is affiliated with the trucking company, said he was not aware of the lawsuit and called the crash “a tragedy” when contacted by phone, but declined further comment.An investigation of the accident continues and no charges have been filed.----------------SEDGWICK COUNTY —Authorities have released names of the victims involved in the fatal Friday evening crash in Sedgwick County.A Ford Expedition driven by Jessica Noel, 33, Viola, with her four children as passengers was southbound in the 7100 Block of South 263rd Street West southeast of Cheny, according to the Sedgwick County Sheriff's office daily accident bulletin.A semi trailer loaded with grain and driven by Andrew Specht ran a stop sign, according the sheriff's department. Noel's vehicle struck the trailer and it split in two pieces.Noel, and her children Jeffrey Thompson III, 4,&nbsp;&nbsp;Hank Thompson, 4-months, and Anaiah Brady, 10, were pronounced dead at the scene and were transported to the Forensic Science Center, according to the sheriff's department.EMS transported a fourth passenger 1-year-old Mack Thompson to Wesley Medical Center in critical condition, according to the bulletin from the sheriff's department. He died at the hospital. Specht was not injured.The accident remains under investigation.&nbsp;

Lawsuit filed over Kansas crash that killed mother, 4 kids

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin held an “extensive conversation" Wednesday on a huge COVID-19 rescue package, meeting face to face for the first time in more than a month in a last-ditch effort to seal a tentative accord on an additional round of coronavirus relief.

After a 90-minute meeting in the Capitol, Pelosi issued a statement saying the two would continue to talk. “We found areas where we are seeking further clarification," she said. Talks resume Thursday.

“We made a lot of progress over the last few days. We still don’t have an agreement," Mnuchin said after meeting with Pelosi and briefing top Senate Republican Mitch McConnell.

At the very least, the positive tone set by Pelosi and Mnuchin represented an improvement over earlier statements. But there is still a considerable gulf between the two sides, McConnell said.

“I’ve seen substantial movement, yes, and certainly the rhetoric has changed,” White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows said.

In an appearance on Fox Business Wednesday night, Mnuchin described the talks as the first serious discussions with Pelosi in “several weeks" and said he is raising his offer into “the neighborhood” of $1.5 trillion. That's well above what many Senate Republicans want but would probably be acceptable to GOP pragmatists and senators in difficult races.

After initially saying the Democratic-controlled chamber would vote Wednesday night on a $2.2 trillion relief bill — a debate that would have been partisan and possibly unproductive — Pelosi made an about-face and postponed the vote until Thursday in hopes of giving the talks with Mnuchin greater breathing room.

At issue is a long-delayed package that would extend another round of $1,200 direct stimulus payments, restore bonus pandemic jobless benefits, speed aid to schools and extend assistance to airlines, restaurants and other struggling businesses. A landmark $2 trillion relief bill in March passed with sweeping support and is credited with helping the economy through the spring and summer, but worries are mounting that the recovery may sputter without additional relief.

Mnuchin said Wednesday morning that he would tender a new offer resembling a plan released a couple of weeks ago by the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus. That proposal was previously rejected by Pelosi and other top Democrats as inadequate. It totals about $1.5 trillion and would provide additional jobless benefits if unemployment remains unacceptably high.

The “top line" limit upon which Pelosi, the Trump administration and Senate Republicans might be able to agree has been a subject of considerable speculation. Pelosi had drawn a hard line until recently, and talks have foundered, but failure now could mean there wouldn't be any COVID relief until next year, especially if Trump loses his reelection bid. Pelosi has never had a reputation for leaving large sums of money on the table.

Pelosi and Mnuchin have ramped up talks in recent days but remain far apart. The two have worked effectively together in the past and were key forces on the “CARES Act" in March, but the bipartisan spirit that drove that measure into law has all but evaporated. Neither side has publicly offered the kind of concessions that would generate tangible momentum.

McConnell said the two sides remain “very, very far apart," though he spoke before being briefed on the Mnuchin-Pelosi meeting. GOP congressional aides said the two sides are not close, even as administration officials like Meadows and Mnuchin sounded more optimistic.

Even if Pelosi and Mnuchin were able to reach a tentative agreement on “top line" spending levels, dozens of nettlesome details would need to be worked out. A particularly difficult issue, Pelosi told her colleagues earlier in the day, remains McConnell's insistence on a liability shield for businesses fearing COVID-related lawsuits after they reopen their doors.

“Let’s see if we can get a compromise agreement with the Speaker, something that works, and then we’ll continue to work with both sides on all the exact language and the policies,” Mnuchin said earlier.

Pelosi has sold her latest bill as an attempt to establish a negotiating position that might boost the negotiations. A more skeptical take is that the Speaker is trying to placate party moderates who protested that she has been too inflexible in negotiations and played a role in the collapse of aid talks this summer and earlier this month.

It would revive a $600-per-week pandemic jobless benefit and send a second round of direct payments to most individuals. It would scale back an aid package to state and local governments to a still-huge $436 billion, send a whopping $225 billion to colleges and universities and deliver another round of subsidies to businesses under the Paycheck Protection Program. Airlines would get another $25 billion in aid to prevent a wave of layoffs that are expected this week.

It also contains $3.6 billion to assist voting during the pandemic, $15 billion for the Postal Service and additional billions for treatment and vaccines.

The proposal represents a cutback from a $3.4 trillion bill that passed the House in May but remains well above what Senate Republicans are willing to accept. Republicans have endorsed staying in the $650 billion to $1 trillion range.

The specific numbers are also fuzzy because both sides are using offset spending cuts or new tax revenues to pay for part of their respective bills. The Congressional Budget Office has not scored either the most recent Senate GOP measure or the Democratic plan slated for Wednesday night's vote.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1601548046725.png" alt="Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin following his discussion with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi Wednesday -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin following his discussion with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi Wednesday -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin held an “extensive conversation" Wednesday on a huge COVID-19 rescue package, meeting face to face for the first time in more than a month in a last-ditch effort to seal a tentative accord on an additional round of coronavirus relief.After a 90-minute meeting in the Capitol, Pelosi issued a statement saying the two would continue to talk. “We found areas where we are seeking further clarification," she said. Talks resume Thursday.“We made a lot of progress over the last few days. We still don’t have an agreement," Mnuchin said after meeting with Pelosi and briefing top Senate Republican Mitch McConnell.At the very least, the positive tone set by Pelosi and Mnuchin represented an improvement over earlier statements. But there is still a considerable gulf between the two sides, McConnell said.“I’ve seen substantial movement, yes, and certainly the rhetoric has changed,” White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows said.In an appearance on Fox Business Wednesday night, Mnuchin described the talks as the first serious discussions with Pelosi in “several weeks" and said he is raising his offer into “the neighborhood” of $1.5 trillion. That's well above what many Senate Republicans want but would probably be acceptable to GOP pragmatists and senators in difficult races.After initially saying the Democratic-controlled chamber would vote Wednesday night on a $2.2 trillion relief bill — a debate that would have been partisan and possibly unproductive — Pelosi made an about-face and postponed the vote until Thursday in hopes of giving the talks with Mnuchin greater breathing room.At issue is a long-delayed package that would extend another round of $1,200 direct stimulus payments, restore bonus pandemic jobless benefits, speed aid to schools and extend assistance to airlines, restaurants and other struggling businesses. A landmark $2 trillion relief bill in March passed with sweeping support and is credited with helping the economy through the spring and summer, but worries are mounting that the recovery may sputter without additional relief.Mnuchin said Wednesday morning that he would tender a new offer resembling a plan released a couple of weeks ago by the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus. That proposal was previously rejected by Pelosi and other top Democrats as inadequate. It totals about $1.5 trillion and would provide additional jobless benefits if unemployment remains unacceptably high.The “top line" limit upon which Pelosi, the Trump administration and Senate Republicans might be able to agree has been a subject of considerable speculation. Pelosi had drawn a hard line until recently, and talks have foundered, but failure now could mean there wouldn't be any COVID relief until next year, especially if Trump loses his reelection bid. Pelosi has never had a reputation for leaving large sums of money on the table.Pelosi and Mnuchin have ramped up talks in recent days but remain far apart. The two have worked effectively together in the past and were key forces on the “CARES Act" in March, but the bipartisan spirit that drove that measure into law has all but evaporated. Neither side has publicly offered the kind of concessions that would generate tangible momentum.McConnell said the two sides remain “very, very far apart," though he spoke before being briefed on the Mnuchin-Pelosi meeting. GOP congressional aides said the two sides are not close, even as administration officials like Meadows and Mnuchin sounded more optimistic.Even if Pelosi and Mnuchin were able to reach a tentative agreement on “top line" spending levels, dozens of nettlesome details would need to be worked out. A particularly difficult issue, Pelosi told her colleagues earlier in the day, remains McConnell's insistence on a liability shield for businesses fearing COVID-related lawsuits after they reopen their doors.“Let’s see if we can get a compromise agreement with the Speaker, something that works, and then we’ll continue to work with both sides on all the exact language and the policies,” Mnuchin said earlier.Pelosi has sold her latest bill as an attempt to establish a negotiating position that might boost the negotiations. A more skeptical take is that the Speaker is trying to placate party moderates who protested that she has been too inflexible in negotiations and played a role in the collapse of aid talks this summer and earlier this month.It would revive a $600-per-week pandemic jobless benefit and send a second round of direct payments to most individuals. It would scale back an aid package to state and local governments to a still-huge $436 billion, send a whopping $225 billion to colleges and universities and deliver another round of subsidies to businesses under the Paycheck Protection Program. Airlines would get another $25 billion in aid to prevent a wave of layoffs that are expected this week.It also contains $3.6 billion to assist voting during the pandemic, $15 billion for the Postal Service and additional billions for treatment and vaccines.The proposal represents a cutback from a $3.4 trillion bill that passed the House in May but remains well above what Senate Republicans are willing to accept. Republicans have endorsed staying in the $650 billion to $1 trillion range.The specific numbers are also fuzzy because both sides are using offset spending cuts or new tax revenues to pay for part of their respective bills. The Congressional Budget Office has not scored either the most recent Senate GOP measure or the Democratic plan slated for Wednesday night's vote.

Progress made on new COVID-19 relief package

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Kansas City officials on Wednesday introduced another attempt to reduce crime in the city, with a focus on increasing community involvement, breaking down barriers between groups, and helping those involved in criminal activity find a new path.

The effort, called Reform Project KC, will emphasize four “pillars” of prevention, intervention, enforcement and administrative reforms, Mayor Quinton Lucas said at a news conference attended by dozens of representatives of city and area departments, prosecutors' offices and some community organizers.

The plan announced is a framework that will be updated as officials receive more community input, he said.

“We recognize that we can no longer operate in silos and we are taking this conversation directly to the community,” Lucas said.

The announcement comes as the city is on track to set a homicide record, with 146 so far this year. The highest number in recent years was 151 in 2017.

The effort was immediately criticized by some community activists and civil rights organizations who said they had not been invited to participate during discussions that Lucas said had been ongoing most of the year.

Gwendolyn Grant, president of the Urban League of Greater Kansas City, said traditional civil rights organizations declined an invitation to appear at what she called a “photo op.”

“We should have been engaged from the inception,” Grant said. “(The plan) was not built on any substantive form of collaboration and to present this as something that is going to help is premature.”

Civil rights organizations have been pushing for months for the resignation or firing of Police Chief Rick Smith over concerns about police interactions with minority and poor residents. Grant said no effort to engage the community will succeed until Smith is no longer chief. He has said he does not intend to resign.

And 82-year-old Ester Holzendorf, executive director of Sankofa for K.C., said she was skeptical after she hearing so many similar plans during her decades of community activism.

“I didn't hear action steps, I didn't hear anyone saying this is how we are going to engage these entities on a daily basis,” she said. “The people who suffer want someone to invite them in not after the policy is written but to sit at the table and help write the policy.”

Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters-Baker acknowledged that civil rights organizers don't trust officials who are pushing the plan. She said people who hold government office need to engage community groups “in a real way” that includes a leadership role in order for the plan to have sustainability.

Lucas said he believed the new plan is different because it involves more civic engagement, including plans for officials to walk through neighborhoods and meet with neighborhood groups who have not been part of the process. He said he will work with anyone because he is tired of Kansas City's reputation as a violent, unsafe city.

“It gets old just being frustrated every morning," Lucas said. “It gets old saying Kansas City has always been dangerous. (Record numbers of murders) have been a story most every year of my life,” said the mayor, who grew up in the city.

The police chief said his department meets with prosecutors and others on Wednesdays to discuss every fatal and non-fatal shooting to determine how to reduce the violence. Social advocates who can help those involved in crime will be added to the meetings, he said.

“But to those who are committing the violence, those who are actively shooting in the city, our department is engaged and we know who you are,” Smith said. “And we are working tirelessly to make sure you don't commit violence in this city.”

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Kansas City officials on Wednesday introduced another attempt to reduce crime in the city, with a focus on increasing community involvement, breaking down barriers between groups, and helping those involved in criminal activity find a new path.The effort, called Reform Project KC, will emphasize four “pillars” of prevention, intervention, enforcement and administrative reforms, Mayor Quinton Lucas said at a news conference attended by dozens of representatives of city and area departments, prosecutors' offices and some community organizers.The plan announced is a framework that will be updated as officials receive more community input, he said.“We recognize that we can no longer operate in silos and we are taking this conversation directly to the community,” Lucas said.The announcement comes as the city is on track to set a homicide record, with 146 so far this year. The highest number in recent years was 151 in 2017.The effort was immediately criticized by some community activists and civil rights organizations who said they had not been invited to participate during discussions that Lucas said had been ongoing most of the year.Gwendolyn Grant, president of the Urban League of Greater Kansas City, said traditional civil rights organizations declined an invitation to appear at what she called a “photo op.”“We should have been engaged from the inception,” Grant said. “(The plan) was not built on any substantive form of collaboration and to present this as something that is going to help is premature.”Civil rights organizations have been pushing for months for the resignation or firing of Police Chief Rick Smith over concerns about police interactions with minority and poor residents. Grant said no effort to engage the community will succeed until Smith is no longer chief. He has said he does not intend to resign.And 82-year-old Ester Holzendorf, executive director of Sankofa for K.C., said she was skeptical after she hearing so many similar plans during her decades of community activism.“I didn't hear action steps, I didn't hear anyone saying this is how we are going to engage these entities on a daily basis,” she said. “The people who suffer want someone to invite them in not after the policy is written but to sit at the table and help write the policy.”Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters-Baker acknowledged that civil rights organizers don't trust officials who are pushing the plan. She said people who hold government office need to engage community groups “in a real way” that includes a leadership role in order for the plan to have sustainability.Lucas said he believed the new plan is different because it involves more civic engagement, including plans for officials to walk through neighborhoods and meet with neighborhood groups who have not been part of the process. He said he will work with anyone because he is tired of Kansas City's reputation as a violent, unsafe city.“It gets old just being frustrated every morning," Lucas said. “It gets old saying Kansas City has always been dangerous. (Record numbers of murders) have been a story most every year of my life,” said the mayor, who grew up in the city.The police chief said his department meets with prosecutors and others on Wednesdays to discuss every fatal and non-fatal shooting to determine how to reduce the violence. Social advocates who can help those involved in crime will be added to the meetings, he said.“But to those who are committing the violence, those who are actively shooting in the city, our department is engaged and we know who you are,” Smith said. “And we are working tirelessly to make sure you don't commit violence in this city.”

Kansas City introduces another plan to combat growing crime

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on multiple charges after a pursuit.

Just before 9:30p.m. Monday, a sheriff's deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a black Chevrolet Blazer near NE Paramore Street and North Kansas Avenue in Topeka, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

 The driver later identified as Michael Wilkins, 27, Topeka failed to pull over, took off at a high rate of speed and initiated a pursuit. The pursuit ended when the driver collided with a utility pole near NE St. John Street and NE Madison Street. 

Wilkins exited the vehicle and attempted to run. When he saw the lead deputy and his K9 partner, Wilkins quickly returned to the vehicle and placed his hands outside the window.&nbsp;

Deputies took him into custody and during the investigation, located a firearm inside the SUV. The vehicle was reported stolen through the Topeka Police Department. A Sheriff’s Office Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) completed an evaluation and determined Wilkins was impaired by a substance other than alcohol.

He was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections for a federal felony warrant and is facing requested charges of Felon in possession of a firearm, Felony flee and elude, Felony possession of stolen property, No vehicle liability insurance,&nbsp;Operating a motor vehicle without a valid license, Vehicle license plate not assigned and&nbsp;Driving under the influence of any drug/combination of drugs

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601406533377.png" alt="Wilkins photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Wilkins photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on multiple charges after a pursuit.Just before 9:30p.m. Monday, a sheriff's deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a black Chevrolet Blazer near NE Paramore Street and North Kansas Avenue in Topeka, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. The driver later identified as Michael Wilkins, 27, Topeka failed to pull over, took off at a high rate of speed and initiated a pursuit. The pursuit ended when the driver collided with a utility pole near NE St. John Street and NE Madison Street. Wilkins exited the vehicle and attempted to run. When he saw the lead deputy and his K9 partner, Wilkins quickly returned to the vehicle and placed his hands outside the window.&nbsp;Deputies took him into custody and during the investigation, located a firearm inside the SUV. The vehicle was reported stolen through the Topeka Police Department. A Sheriff’s Office Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) completed an evaluation and determined Wilkins was impaired by a substance other than alcohol.He was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections for a federal felony warrant and is facing requested charges of Felon in possession of a firearm, Felony flee and elude, Felony possession of stolen property, No vehicle liability insurance,&nbsp;Operating a motor vehicle without a valid license, Vehicle license plate not assigned and&nbsp;Driving under the influence of any drug/combination of drugs

Sheriff's K9 convinces Kan. felon in stolen SUV to surrender

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — The Wichita State University president who abruptly resigned last week will be paid a reduced salary until June 2021 for unspecified consulting services, according to an agreement with the Kansas Board of Regents.

The document also requires Jay Golden to limit his presence on campus and prohibits him from having any official communications with faculty, staff or friends of the university — except for those related to consulting services that the interim or acting president may ask of him.

It further requires him to move out of the president’s residence by Sunday.

The letter to Golden from Regents President Blake Flanders was provided to The Associated Press in response to an open records request seeking Golden’s resignation letter.

It offers no details on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-wichita-archive-ivanka-trump-9b822f3a8d495307632b45f0be125c9d">what led up to the Friday’s resignation</a>, but says that Golden “indicated a desire to step down.”

Golden will receive a fraction of his present salary until June, but it is unclear exactly how much he will receive for the consulting services. His 2020 base salary was $450,000, but he was also eligible for additional compensation.

The money would come from private funds provided by the Wichita State University Foundation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581346426258.jpeg" alt=" WSU President Jay Golden -photo by Stephan Bisaha&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption> WSU President Jay Golden -photo by Stephan Bisaha&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — The Wichita State University president who abruptly resigned last week will be paid a reduced salary until June 2021 for unspecified consulting services, according to an agreement with the Kansas Board of Regents.The document also requires Jay Golden to limit his presence on campus and prohibits him from having any official communications with faculty, staff or friends of the university — except for those related to consulting services that the interim or acting president may ask of him.It further requires him to move out of the president’s residence by Sunday.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Need your help. Can you re-tweet this to get the message out? Heading out of town today. I can’t leave without telling the faculty, staff &amp; especially the students <a href="https://twitter.com/WichitaState?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WichitaState</a> how much I ❤️you! You are what makes an institution great! Wichita needs your creativity &amp; energy <a href="https://t.co/a0zNBRoZGH">pic.twitter.com/a0zNBRoZGH</a>&mdash; Dr Jay Golden (@DrJayGolden1) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrJayGolden1/status/1310941558754160647?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The letter to Golden from Regents President Blake Flanders was provided to The Associated Press in response to an open records request seeking Golden’s resignation letter.It offers no details on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-wichita-archive-ivanka-trump-9b822f3a8d495307632b45f0be125c9d">what led up to the Friday’s resignation</a>, but says that Golden “indicated a desire to step down.”Golden will receive a fraction of his present salary until June, but it is unclear exactly how much he will receive for the consulting services. His 2020 base salary was $450,000, but he was also eligible for additional compensation.The money would come from private funds provided by the Wichita State University Foundation.

Former WSU president still getting paid, must stay off campus

NEW YORK (AP) — The presidential debate commission says it will soon adopt changes to its format to avoid a repeat of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/election-2020">disjointed first meeting</a>&nbsp;between President Donald Trump and Democrat Joe Biden.

The commission said Wednesday the debate “made clear that additional structure should be added to the format of the remaining debates to ensure a more orderly discussion of the issues.”

The next presidential debate is a town hall format scheduled for Oct. 15 in Miami.

One possibility being discussed is to give the moderator the ability to cut off the microphone of one of the debate participants while his opponent is talking, according to a person familiar with the deliberations who was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Moderator Chris Wallace struggled to gain control of Tuesday’s debate in Cleveland because of frequent interruptions, primarily by Trump. The candidates interrupted Wallace or their opponent 90 times in the 90-minute debate, 71 of them by Trump, according to an analysis by The Washington Post.

Wallace, of Fox News, pleaded for a more orderly debate, at one point looking at Trump and saying, “the country would be better served if we allowed both people to speak with fewer interruptions. I’m appealing to you, sir, to do that.”

“Well, frankly, you’ve been doing more interrupting than he has,” Wallace said.

Biden on Wednesday called the debate “a national embarrassment.” But despite some suggestions that the final two presidential encounters be canceled, both campaigns said they expected their candidate to attend.

Trump campaign communications director Tim Murtaugh said the commission was “only doing this because their guy got pummeled last night. President Trump was the dominant force and now Joe Biden is trying to work the refs.”

ABC News’ Martha Raddatz, who moderated one of the three debates between Trump and Hillary Clinton in 2016, said Wallace was put in nearly an impossible situation. Faced with the same behavior, she said she might have called a full stop to the debate for a moment to recalibrate.

She never had the option, technically, to cut off the microphone of a candidate four years ago, she said. It also wasn’t in the rules that were agreed to in advance by the candidates and commission.

“To say, ‘He’s not going to follow the rules so we aren’t, either,’ It’s an unprecedented situation,” Raddatz said. “That was so out of control.”

Twitter was ablaze with criticism for Wallace early in the debate for losing control of the proceedings. That was illustrated by MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough, who tweeted “What is Chris Wallace doing? He has no control over the debate. He asks a question and let’s Trump continue yelling. This is a disgrace.”

By the time he was on “Morning Joe″ the next morning, Scarborough had cooled off. He called on the debate commission to act.

“While it was extraordinarily frustrating, I think all of us need to walk a mile in his shoes before saying the morning after, ‘He could have done this, he could have done that,’” Scarborough said.

Some of the president’s supporters felt that Wallace was too hard on their candidate. Trump himself suggested he was also debating Wallace, “but that’s no surprise.”

Wallace even got some criticism from opinion personalities on his own network. “Trump is debating the moderator and Biden,” prime-time host Laura Ingraham tweeted during the debate.

Another Fox colleague, Geraldo Rivera, expressed more sympathy.

“The guy signed up to moderate a debate and he ended up trying to referee a knife fight,” he said.

Wallace, host of “Fox News Sunday,” was not immediately made available for comment by Fox.

There is some skepticism about what the commission can do that is really meaningful. “I’m not sure that there’s a format change that can solve that problem,” said Sen. Pat Toomey, Republican, of battleground state Pennsylvania.

Wallace is the only presidential debate moderator this cycle with prior experience, after receiving praise for handling the final Clinton-Trump debate in 2016. The other two moderators are Steve Scully of C-SPAN and Kristen Welker of NBC News.

Scully moderates the Miami debate, a town hall format where citizens get to ask questions, which may make interruptions more difficult.

“Having prepared for these, the town hall is a completely different event in the debate Olympics,” tweeted David Plouffe, an adviser to former President Barack Obama. “If Trump brings the same nastiness to Florida, it will be doubly painful to watch but it will be doubly painful for him politically.”

The Nielsen company’s estimate on how many people watched Tuesday’s debate was expected later Wednesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601425740751.png" alt="Image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — The presidential debate commission says it will soon adopt changes to its format to avoid a repeat of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/election-2020">disjointed first meeting</a>&nbsp;between President Donald Trump and Democrat Joe Biden.The commission said Wednesday the debate “made clear that additional structure should be added to the format of the remaining debates to ensure a more orderly discussion of the issues.”The next presidential debate is a town hall format scheduled for Oct. 15 in Miami.One possibility being discussed is to give the moderator the ability to cut off the microphone of one of the debate participants while his opponent is talking, according to a person familiar with the deliberations who was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601460930361.png" alt="Image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>Moderator Chris Wallace struggled to gain control of Tuesday’s debate in Cleveland because of frequent interruptions, primarily by Trump. The candidates interrupted Wallace or their opponent 90 times in the 90-minute debate, 71 of them by Trump, according to an analysis by The Washington Post.Wallace, of Fox News, pleaded for a more orderly debate, at one point looking at Trump and saying, “the country would be better served if we allowed both people to speak with fewer interruptions. I’m appealing to you, sir, to do that.”“Ask him, too,” Trump said.“Well, frankly, you’ve been doing more interrupting than he has,” Wallace said.Biden on Wednesday called the debate “a national embarrassment.” But despite some suggestions that the final two presidential encounters be canceled, both campaigns said they expected their candidate to attend.Trump campaign communications director Tim Murtaugh said the commission was “only doing this because their guy got pummeled last night. President Trump was the dominant force and now Joe Biden is trying to work the refs.”ABC News’ Martha Raddatz, who moderated one of the three debates between Trump and Hillary Clinton in 2016, said Wallace was put in nearly an impossible situation. Faced with the same behavior, she said she might have called a full stop to the debate for a moment to recalibrate.She never had the option, technically, to cut off the microphone of a candidate four years ago, she said. It also wasn’t in the rules that were agreed to in advance by the candidates and commission.“To say, ‘He’s not going to follow the rules so we aren’t, either,’ It’s an unprecedented situation,” Raddatz said. “That was so out of control.”Twitter was ablaze with criticism for Wallace early in the debate for losing control of the proceedings. That was illustrated by MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough, who tweeted “What is Chris Wallace doing? He has no control over the debate. He asks a question and let’s Trump continue yelling. This is a disgrace.”By the time he was on “Morning Joe″ the next morning, Scarborough had cooled off. He called on the debate commission to act.“While it was extraordinarily frustrating, I think all of us need to walk a mile in his shoes before saying the morning after, ‘He could have done this, he could have done that,’” Scarborough said.Some of the president’s supporters felt that Wallace was too hard on their candidate. Trump himself suggested he was also debating Wallace, “but that’s no surprise.”Wallace even got some criticism from opinion personalities on his own network. “Trump is debating the moderator and Biden,” prime-time host Laura Ingraham tweeted during the debate.Another Fox colleague, Geraldo Rivera, expressed more sympathy.“The guy signed up to moderate a debate and he ended up trying to referee a knife fight,” he said.Wallace, host of “Fox News Sunday,” was not immediately made available for comment by Fox.There is some skepticism about what the commission can do that is really meaningful. “I’m not sure that there’s a format change that can solve that problem,” said Sen. Pat Toomey, Republican, of battleground state Pennsylvania.Wallace is the only presidential debate moderator this cycle with prior experience, after receiving praise for handling the final Clinton-Trump debate in 2016. The other two moderators are Steve Scully of C-SPAN and Kristen Welker of NBC News.Scully moderates the Miami debate, a town hall format where citizens get to ask questions, which may make interruptions more difficult.“Having prepared for these, the town hall is a completely different event in the debate Olympics,” tweeted David Plouffe, an adviser to former President Barack Obama. “If Trump brings the same nastiness to Florida, it will be doubly painful to watch but it will be doubly painful for him politically.”The Nielsen company’s estimate on how many people watched Tuesday’s debate was expected later Wednesday.___

Debate commission says it will make changes to format

DETROIT (AP) — Ford is recalling more than 700,000 vehicles in North America because the backup cameras can show distorted images or suddenly go dark. 

The recall covers most 2020 versions of Ford’s F-Series trucks, as well as the 2020 Explorer, Mustang, Transit, Expedition, Escape, Ranger and Edge. Also included are the Lincoln Nautilus and Corsair. F-Series trucks are the top-selling vehicle in the U.S. 

The company says in documents posted Wednesday by the government that a poor electrical connection is causing the problem.  Dealers will replace the rearview camera at no cost to owners. The recall is expected to start Nov. 7.

DETROIT (AP) — Ford is recalling more than 700,000 vehicles in North America because the backup cameras can show distorted images or suddenly go dark. The recall covers most 2020 versions of Ford’s F-Series trucks, as well as the 2020 Explorer, Mustang, Transit, Expedition, Escape, Ranger and Edge. Also included are the Lincoln Nautilus and Corsair. F-Series trucks are the top-selling vehicle in the U.S. The company says in documents posted Wednesday by the government that a poor electrical connection is causing the problem. Dealers will replace the rearview camera at no cost to owners. The recall is expected to start Nov. 7.

Ford recalls over 700K vehicles; backup cameras can go dark

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Criminals have targeted Kansas' unemployment system in a multibillion dollar fraud scheme that has delayed relief payments to thousands of people around the state who lost their jobs during the coronavirus pandemic, officials say.

Ryan Wright, the acting secretary of the Kansas Department of Labor, said the agency has blocked at least 45,000 fraudulent payments this year. The agency doesn't know how much money the fraudsters are believed to have stolen in Kansas, but the Legislature approved an audit of the program to determine how many payments slipped through to them.

“We will know eventually what the scale and scope of this is and what those costs are,” Wright said.

State unemployment systems throughout the U.S. have been targeted by criminal organizations and individuals who use stolen identities to exploit the massive expansion of benefits offered because of the coronavirus pandemic, authorities say. Wright said the U.S. Department of Labor’s inspector general estimates that $8 billion in fraudulent claims have been filed this year nationwide.

Victims often don’t find out they’ve been targeted until they run into problems filing legitimate claims or their employer approaches them.

Among them was Margaret Dawe, an associate professor in the creative writing program at Wichita State University, who was surprised to be notified by the school’s human research department that an unemployment claim had been filed in her name even though she has worked full-time throughout the pandemic.

“I was a little scared that these bad guys had my Social Security number,” she said. “And it’s scary not knowing their end game.”

The fraudulent claims have placed an additional burden on a state agency that was already&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/b9f8cbcf80de8de755d99d6cbe771b4c">struggling&nbsp;</a>to make payments to Kansas workers and traditionally handles few fraud cases.

Wright said the fraudsters have primarily targeted the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program, or PUA. The program was created by the CARES Act to expand unemployment benefits to a wide variety of affected workers who lack a sufficient enough work history to file a claim or have been disqualified for state benefits but who were affected by COVID-19. They include the self-employed, independent contractors, gig workers and people who work for religious organizations, among others.

Wright explained that in Kansas' regular unemployment system, the state has a relationship with the employers and has access to their records and earnings reports.

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Criminals have targeted Kansas' unemployment system in a multibillion dollar fraud scheme that has delayed relief payments to thousands of people around the state who lost their jobs during the coronavirus pandemic, officials say.Ryan Wright, the acting secretary of the Kansas Department of Labor, said the agency has blocked at least 45,000 fraudulent payments this year. The agency doesn't know how much money the fraudsters are believed to have stolen in Kansas, but the Legislature approved an audit of the program to determine how many payments slipped through to them.“We will know eventually what the scale and scope of this is and what those costs are,” Wright said.State unemployment systems throughout the U.S. have been targeted by criminal organizations and individuals who use stolen identities to exploit the massive expansion of benefits offered because of the coronavirus pandemic, authorities say. Wright said the U.S. Department of Labor’s inspector general estimates that $8 billion in fraudulent claims have been filed this year nationwide.Victims often don’t find out they’ve been targeted until they run into problems filing legitimate claims or their employer approaches them.Among them was Margaret Dawe, an associate professor in the creative writing program at Wichita State University, who was surprised to be notified by the school’s human research department that an unemployment claim had been filed in her name even though she has worked full-time throughout the pandemic.“I was a little scared that these bad guys had my Social Security number,” she said. “And it’s scary not knowing their end game.”The fraudulent claims have placed an additional burden on a state agency that was already&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/b9f8cbcf80de8de755d99d6cbe771b4c">struggling&nbsp;</a>to make payments to Kansas workers and traditionally handles few fraud cases.Wright said the fraudsters have primarily targeted the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program, or PUA. The program was created by the CARES Act to expand unemployment benefits to a wide variety of affected workers who lack a sufficient enough work history to file a claim or have been disqualified for state benefits but who were affected by COVID-19. They include the self-employed, independent contractors, gig workers and people who work for religious organizations, among others.Wright explained that in Kansas' regular unemployment system, the state has a relationship with the employers and has access to their records and earnings reports."And in this particular program, that must all be furnished by the individual because they’re independent contractors. So that relationship is even different, and that’s what makes this so very different than everything else,“ he said.