LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Jury selection has begun in the trial of a woman charged with killing a 24-year-old woman who disappeared after a Tinder date and whose dismembered remains later were found in trash bags along remote gravel roads in Nebraska.

Bailey Boswell, 26, faces the death penalty if convicted of first-degree murder in the November 2017 slaying of Sydney Loofe, who was a store clerk in Lincoln. Boswell had arranged a date with Loofe through the internet dating app - a date from which Loofe never returned.

Boswell's boyfriend, 54-year-old&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/7242eab656f64cd99b8780881e67deab" target="_blank">Aubrey Trail,&nbsp;</a>was convicted of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder in Loofe's death in July 2019. Trail testified that he accidentally choked Loofe to death during a sex party that involved Boswell.

Boswell's trial was moved from Saline County, where she and Trail lived, to Dawson County because of extensive publicity.

On Wednesday, a special prosecutor handling the case asked jurors if they had read or heard anything about the case. Nearly all indicated that they had heard about the case, and most nodded when asked if they had gotten their information from news accounts.

Trail, a Kansas convict who specialized in fraud and deception, went on social media shortly after Loofe was reported missing to proclaim in a video that he and Boswell had nothing to do with her disappearance. Boswell has said she dropped Loofe off in Lincoln after their date and had no idea where she was.

During his trial, Trail slashed his own neck in front of jurors, but survived. Prosecutors have called Trail a conman. He is scheduled for sentencing in December.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/6/1560911898785.png" alt="Boswell booking photo Lancaster Co." />
 <figcaption>Boswell booking photo Lancaster Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Jury selection has begun in the trial of a woman charged with killing a 24-year-old woman who disappeared after a Tinder date and whose dismembered remains later were found in trash bags along remote gravel roads in Nebraska.Bailey Boswell, 26, faces the death penalty if convicted of first-degree murder in the November 2017 slaying of Sydney Loofe, who was a store clerk in Lincoln. Boswell had arranged a date with Loofe through the internet dating app - a date from which Loofe never returned.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/6/1560911993347.png" alt="Aubrey Trail has previous convictions in Kansas for theft and giving a worthless check, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.&nbsp; He is scheduled for sentencing in December for Loofe's murder." />
 <figcaption>Aubrey Trail has previous convictions in Kansas for theft and giving a worthless check, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.&nbsp; He is scheduled for sentencing in December for Loofe's murder.</figcaption>
 </figure>Boswell's boyfriend, 54-year-old&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/7242eab656f64cd99b8780881e67deab" target="_blank">Aubrey Trail,&nbsp;</a>was convicted of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder in Loofe's death in July 2019. Trail testified that he accidentally choked Loofe to death during a sex party that involved Boswell.Boswell's trial was moved from Saline County, where she and Trail lived, to Dawson County because of extensive publicity.On Wednesday, a special prosecutor handling the case asked jurors if they had read or heard anything about the case. Nearly all indicated that they had heard about the case, and most nodded when asked if they had gotten their information from news accounts.Trail, a Kansas convict who specialized in fraud and deception, went on social media shortly after Loofe was reported missing to proclaim in a video that he and Boswell had nothing to do with her disappearance. Boswell has said she dropped Loofe off in Lincoln after their date and had no idea where she was.During his trial, Trail slashed his own neck in front of jurors, but survived. Prosecutors have called Trail a conman. He is scheduled for sentencing in December.

Jury selection underway in murder trial involving Kan. felon

WASHINGTON (AP) — Capping days of commemorations of her extraordinary life, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg becomes the first woman in American history to lie in state in the U.S. Capitol.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?476232-1/memorial-service-us-capitol-justice-ruth-bader-ginsburg">Click here</a> to watch the service at the Capitol.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bf6704fa6e900967a705054c801a5495">Ginsburg, who died last week at age 87,</a>&nbsp;also will be the first Jewish-American to lie in state and just the second Supreme Court justice. The first, Chief Justice William Howard Taft, also had been president.

Ginsburg’s casket arrived at the Capitol Friday morning for a private ceremony in Statuary Hall attended by her family and lawmakers, and with musical selections from one of Ginsburg’s favorite opera singers, mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-senate-elections-ruth-bader-ginsburg-north-carolina-elections-caadacc468d17741d4c93f906d9f68eb">Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;and his wife, Jill, planned to attend.

Members of the House and Senate who are not invited to the ceremony because of space limitations imposed by the coronavirus pandemic will be able to pay their respects before a motorcade carrying Ginsburg’s casket departs the Capitol early afternoon.

The honor of lying in state has been accorded fewer than three dozen times, mostly to presidents, vice presidents and members of Congress.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-john-lewis-atlanta-alabama-virus-outbreak-76a63a9d89f53018f9347206b98ae9a9">Rep. John Lewis, the civil rights icon</a>, was the last person to lie in state following his death in July. Henry Clay, the Kentucky lawmaker who served as Speaker of the House and also was a senator, was the first in 1852. Rosa Parks — a private citizen, not a government official — is the only woman who has lain in honor at the Capitol.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/1b5420d9b3582e7ab8419989cea43a6f">Ginsburg has lain in repose for two days at the Supreme Court</a>, where thousands of people paid their respects, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ruth-bader-ginsburg-elections-us-supreme-court-courts-donald-trump-8edd0d716ce82101fcb0992ea1a686b9">President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump on Thursday.</a>&nbsp;Spectators booed and chanted “vote him out” as the president, who wore a mask, stood silently near Ginsburg’s casket at the top of the court’s front steps.

Trump plans to announce his nomination Saturday of a woman to take Ginsburg’s place on the high court, where she served for 27 years and was the leader of the liberal justices.

Ginsburg, the second woman to serve on the Supreme Court, will be buried next week in Arlington National Cemetery beside her husband, Martin, who died in 2010.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601042705219.png" alt="The casket of Justice Ginsberg arrives inside the U.S. Capitol Friday morning -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>The casket of Justice Ginsberg arrives inside the U.S. Capitol Friday morning -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Capping days of commemorations of her extraordinary life, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg becomes the first woman in American history to lie in state in the U.S. Capitol.<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?476232-1/memorial-service-us-capitol-justice-ruth-bader-ginsburg">Click here</a> to watch the service at the Capitol.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601041918742.png" alt="Casket of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg carried up the steps of the U.S. Capitol Friday morning -Image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Casket of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg carried up the steps of the U.S. Capitol Friday morning -Image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://apnews.com/article/bf6704fa6e900967a705054c801a5495">Ginsburg, who died last week at age 87,</a>&nbsp;also will be the first Jewish-American to lie in state and just the second Supreme Court justice. The first, Chief Justice William Howard Taft, also had been president.Ginsburg’s casket arrived at the Capitol Friday morning for a private ceremony in Statuary Hall attended by her family and lawmakers, and with musical selections from one of Ginsburg’s favorite opera singers, mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-senate-elections-ruth-bader-ginsburg-north-carolina-elections-caadacc468d17741d4c93f906d9f68eb">Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;and his wife, Jill, planned to attend.Members of the House and Senate who are not invited to the ceremony because of space limitations imposed by the coronavirus pandemic will be able to pay their respects before a motorcade carrying Ginsburg’s casket departs the Capitol early afternoon.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601042591407.png" alt="Justice Ginsburg's casket in Statuary Hall of the U.S. Capitol-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Justice Ginsburg's casket in Statuary Hall of the U.S. Capitol-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>The honor of lying in state has been accorded fewer than three dozen times, mostly to presidents, vice presidents and members of Congress.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-john-lewis-atlanta-alabama-virus-outbreak-76a63a9d89f53018f9347206b98ae9a9">Rep. John Lewis, the civil rights icon</a>, was the last person to lie in state following his death in July. Henry Clay, the Kentucky lawmaker who served as Speaker of the House and also was a senator, was the first in 1852. Rosa Parks — a private citizen, not a government official — is the only woman who has lain in honor at the Capitol.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/1b5420d9b3582e7ab8419989cea43a6f">Ginsburg has lain in repose for two days at the Supreme Court</a>, where thousands of people paid their respects, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ruth-bader-ginsburg-elections-us-supreme-court-courts-donald-trump-8edd0d716ce82101fcb0992ea1a686b9">President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump on Thursday.</a>&nbsp;Spectators booed and chanted “vote him out” as the president, who wore a mask, stood silently near Ginsburg’s casket at the top of the court’s front steps.Trump plans to announce his nomination Saturday of a woman to take Ginsburg’s place on the high court, where she served for 27 years and was the leader of the liberal justices.Ginsburg, the second woman to serve on the Supreme Court, will be buried next week in Arlington National Cemetery beside her husband, Martin, who died in 2010.

🎥 Memorial Service at U.S. Capitol for Justice Ginsburg

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republican legislators in Kansas have started pushing to give more of their colleagues a say in how the state manages protracted emergencies such as the coronavirus pandemic after months of conflict between them and Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly.

A Republican-led legislative committee studying the state’s emergency management laws agreed Thursday that the GOP-controlled Legislature should consider creating a new panel with permanent oversight of how the governor handles monthslong emergencies. The study committee also said lawmakers should look into making it easier for them to reconvene later in the year after their annual spring session has concluded.

Top Republicans previously concluded that the Legislature needs to revise laws that give the governor sweeping powers during a state of emergency, arguing that they were designed for short-term emergencies such as floods and tornadoes. Kelly and GOP lawmakers compromised in June on a special law that set separate rules for the coronavirus pandemic, but key parts of it expire in late January 2021.

The law gave eight top legislative leaders, six of them Republicans, some oversight of Kelly’s actions and the ability to prevent her from extending the state’s existing state of emergency past mid-October. Six of the lawmakers are from the state’s two most populous counties, where support for restrictions is greater and mask-wearing is more common, and only one is from western Kansas, where skepticism of such measures is stronger. That’s created dissatisfaction among rank-and-file lawmakers, particularly conservatives from rural areas.

“It’s too limited, and you’re not guaranteed to have diversity,” said Rep. Fred Patton, a Topeka Republican and the study committee’s chairman.

Kelly frustrated many Republicans by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/8e5672095558ab92d7505f2a06f9a9b9">closing all K-12 schools</a>&nbsp;in March for the rest of the spring semester, keeping&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/425a488fcf8f16dfb0d7e06a9293b1ff">a statewide stay-at-home order</a>&nbsp;in place for five weeks this spring and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abd6bb1cfc4f6349d94f853f04b12bcb">imposing statewide restrictions</a>&nbsp;this spring on businesses and public gatherings. They’ve argued for giving local officials control over such decisions and forced Kelly to largely accept that approach since Memorial Day.

Kansas has reported more than 55,000 confirmed and probable coronavirus cases, or 19 for every 1,000 residents, with 621 reported COVID-19-related deaths as of Wednesday.

The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in Kansas has risen over the past two weeks, from 496 new cases per day on Sept. 9 to 622 per day on Wednesday. That last figure represented&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-health-kansas-clinical-trials-archive-c87451b4cf129afb6d02d4c8cd0a0fb2">the biggest spike</a>&nbsp;in new Kansas cases since the pandemic began.

“Laura Kelly, I felt like, was managing this public health crisis very well until the Republicans stepped in and started restricting her power,” said Senate Minority Leader Anthony Hensley, a Topeka Democrat.

The Legislature delegated decisions to its top leaders because lawmakers meet regularly only during the first part of each year in annual sessions scheduled for 90 days ending in May. Governors can call special sessions, as Kelly did to get the pandemic law enacted in early June, but the state’s tradition is not to have them frequently. Legislators can call themselves back only if two-thirds of them want to do it.

Rep. Stephen Owens, a Hesston Republican, said his constituents want him to be active in the state’s pandemic response, asking him, “Why aren’t you in Topeka fixing this?”

“I just think more legislative oversight is the way to go,” he said.

Meanwhile, a report from the state health department said nursing homes made up nearly half of the places in Kansas linked to active coronavirus clusters with five or more new cases in the past 14 days. The report released Wednesday listed 29 clusters, including 14 that are tied to nursing homes in 11 counties.

And Scott Brunner, a deputy secretary at the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services, told a legislative budget committee Wednesday that some nursing homes were struggling to meet federal testing bench marks because of lags in the supply chain,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cjonline.com/news/20200923/coronavirus-testing-in-nursing-homes-remains-rsquomixed-bagrsquo-state-says" target="_blank">The Topeka Capital Journal reported.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595279892769.png" alt="Governor Laura Kelly during a press conference in June" />
 <figcaption>Governor Laura Kelly during a press conference in June</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNATOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republican legislators in Kansas have started pushing to give more of their colleagues a say in how the state manages protracted emergencies such as the coronavirus pandemic after months of conflict between them and Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly.A Republican-led legislative committee studying the state’s emergency management laws agreed Thursday that the GOP-controlled Legislature should consider creating a new panel with permanent oversight of how the governor handles monthslong emergencies. The study committee also said lawmakers should look into making it easier for them to reconvene later in the year after their annual spring session has concluded.Top Republicans previously concluded that the Legislature needs to revise laws that give the governor sweeping powers during a state of emergency, arguing that they were designed for short-term emergencies such as floods and tornadoes. Kelly and GOP lawmakers compromised in June on a special law that set separate rules for the coronavirus pandemic, but key parts of it expire in late January 2021.The law gave eight top legislative leaders, six of them Republicans, some oversight of Kelly’s actions and the ability to prevent her from extending the state’s existing state of emergency past mid-October. Six of the lawmakers are from the state’s two most populous counties, where support for restrictions is greater and mask-wearing is more common, and only one is from western Kansas, where skepticism of such measures is stronger. That’s created dissatisfaction among rank-and-file lawmakers, particularly conservatives from rural areas.“It’s too limited, and you’re not guaranteed to have diversity,” said Rep. Fred Patton, a Topeka Republican and the study committee’s chairman.Kelly frustrated many Republicans by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/8e5672095558ab92d7505f2a06f9a9b9">closing all K-12 schools</a>&nbsp;in March for the rest of the spring semester, keeping&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/425a488fcf8f16dfb0d7e06a9293b1ff">a statewide stay-at-home order</a>&nbsp;in place for five weeks this spring and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abd6bb1cfc4f6349d94f853f04b12bcb">imposing statewide restrictions</a>&nbsp;this spring on businesses and public gatherings. They’ve argued for giving local officials control over such decisions and forced Kelly to largely accept that approach since Memorial Day.Kansas has reported more than 55,000 confirmed and probable coronavirus cases, or 19 for every 1,000 residents, with 621 reported COVID-19-related deaths as of Wednesday.The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in Kansas has risen over the past two weeks, from 496 new cases per day on Sept. 9 to 622 per day on Wednesday. That last figure represented&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-health-kansas-clinical-trials-archive-c87451b4cf129afb6d02d4c8cd0a0fb2">the biggest spike</a>&nbsp;in new Kansas cases since the pandemic began.“Laura Kelly, I felt like, was managing this public health crisis very well until the Republicans stepped in and started restricting her power,” said Senate Minority Leader Anthony Hensley, a Topeka Democrat.The Legislature delegated decisions to its top leaders because lawmakers meet regularly only during the first part of each year in annual sessions scheduled for 90 days ending in May. Governors can call special sessions, as Kelly did to get the pandemic law enacted in early June, but the state’s tradition is not to have them frequently. Legislators can call themselves back only if two-thirds of them want to do it.Rep. Stephen Owens, a Hesston Republican, said his constituents want him to be active in the state’s pandemic response, asking him, “Why aren’t you in Topeka fixing this?”“I just think more legislative oversight is the way to go,” he said.Meanwhile, a report from the state health department said nursing homes made up nearly half of the places in Kansas linked to active coronavirus clusters with five or more new cases in the past 14 days. The report released Wednesday listed 29 clusters, including 14 that are tied to nursing homes in 11 counties.And Scott Brunner, a deputy secretary at the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services, told a legislative budget committee Wednesday that some nursing homes were struggling to meet federal testing bench marks because of lags in the supply chain,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cjonline.com/news/20200923/coronavirus-testing-in-nursing-homes-remains-rsquomixed-bagrsquo-state-says" target="_blank">The Topeka Capital Journal reported.</a>___

COVID-19 has Kansas lawmakers pondering broader oversight

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) —Regulators have issued their first citation to a meatpacking plant with a large coronavirus outbreak that sickened its workforce — a $957 fine for a minor record-keeping violation.

The outbreak at the Iowa Premium Beef Plant in Tama in April resulted in 338 of the plant's 850 workers testing positive for the virus, 80 more than the state previously acknowledged, according to inspection records released Thursday.

The Iowa Occupational Safety and Health Administration said on June 1 that it had launched inspections at the Tama plant and four other meatpacking plants where thousands of workers had tested positive.

Records show that the inspections did not lead to any citations at the other four plants, where at least nine workers have died after contracting the COVID-19 virus. Those included Tyson Foods plants in Waterloo, Columbus Junction and Perry and the JBS plant in Marshalltown.

The agency cited Iowa Premium Beef in August for failing to keep a required log of workplace-related injuries and illnesses, and for failing to provide the document within four hours after inspectors requested it.

Both violations were labeled “other-than-serious," according to documents obtained by The Associated Press under the open records law.

On Sept. 2, Iowa OSHA administrator Russell Perry approved a settlement with the company that reduced the proposed penalties from $1,914 to a $957 fine. The company also agreed to correct the violations. It had already turned over the log the day after the inspection, although it was initially missing information about several workers' illnesses.

Democrats and labor activists have blasted the Iowa agency for a lax approach to worker safety during the pandemic. Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds has defended the state's approach, saying it has helped keep a critical industry operating while protecting workers.

The outbreak in Tama produced one of the first hot spots in the state.

The beef plant suspended production for two weeks in April after scores of workers became ill. A two-day mass testing conducted by the Iowa Department of Public Health found that 338 workers were infected by then, the records show.

The health department’s deputy director, Sarah Reisetter, nonetheless announced at a news conference May 5 that only 258 workers had tested positive. The department has blamed record-keeping problems for erroneously announcing artificially low numbers of positive tests at another meatpacking plant the same day.

Facing criticism for its response, Iowa OSHA decided to inspect the Tama plant May 21 based on news reports of the 6-week-old outbreak.

Inspectors found that four workers were still hospitalized with COVID-19 and saw some employees working close to one another on the floor with no barriers between them.

Inspectors noted that employees were wearing surgical-style masks that were issued by the company and required when the plant reopened April 20. The company had allowed workers to begin wearing their own face coverings April 2, four days before the plant shut down, records show.

The plant has taken steps to prevent the virus' spread by installing plastic barriers where possible, staggering breaks, adding seating, providing hand sanitizer and checking temperatures before entry.

The plant was purchased last year by National Beef, which is based in Kansas&nbsp;City and supplies grocery stores and restaurants with meat products.

CEO Tim Klein praised his company in an open letter published Wednesday for “rapidly adjusting our processes and protocols to improve safety" during the pandemic.

“Our industry was in the local and national news for the wrong reasons during a time when we were all learning how to combat COVID-19 and keep our people safe,” he wrote. “And yet our employees continued to deliver — safe, quality beef products, ideas for improved safety, and time and talents to help their families and communities thrive in challenging situations.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600974957573.png" alt="photo courtesy National Beef" />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy National Beef</figcaption>
 </figure>IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) —Regulators have issued their first citation to a meatpacking plant with a large coronavirus outbreak that sickened its workforce — a $957 fine for a minor record-keeping violation.The outbreak at the Iowa Premium Beef Plant in Tama in April resulted in 338 of the plant's 850 workers testing positive for the virus, 80 more than the state previously acknowledged, according to inspection records released Thursday.The Iowa Occupational Safety and Health Administration said on June 1 that it had launched inspections at the Tama plant and four other meatpacking plants where thousands of workers had tested positive.Records show that the inspections did not lead to any citations at the other four plants, where at least nine workers have died after contracting the COVID-19 virus. Those included Tyson Foods plants in Waterloo, Columbus Junction and Perry and the JBS plant in Marshalltown.The agency cited Iowa Premium Beef in August for failing to keep a required log of workplace-related injuries and illnesses, and for failing to provide the document within four hours after inspectors requested it.Both violations were labeled “other-than-serious," according to documents obtained by The Associated Press under the open records law.On Sept. 2, Iowa OSHA administrator Russell Perry approved a settlement with the company that reduced the proposed penalties from $1,914 to a $957 fine. The company also agreed to correct the violations. It had already turned over the log the day after the inspection, although it was initially missing information about several workers' illnesses.Democrats and labor activists have blasted the Iowa agency for a lax approach to worker safety during the pandemic. Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds has defended the state's approach, saying it has helped keep a critical industry operating while protecting workers.The outbreak in Tama produced one of the first hot spots in the state.The beef plant suspended production for two weeks in April after scores of workers became ill. A two-day mass testing conducted by the Iowa Department of Public Health found that 338 workers were infected by then, the records show.The health department’s deputy director, Sarah Reisetter, nonetheless announced at a news conference May 5 that only 258 workers had tested positive. The department has blamed record-keeping problems for erroneously announcing artificially low numbers of positive tests at another meatpacking plant the same day.Facing criticism for its response, Iowa OSHA decided to inspect the Tama plant May 21 based on news reports of the 6-week-old outbreak.Inspectors found that four workers were still hospitalized with COVID-19 and saw some employees working close to one another on the floor with no barriers between them.Inspectors noted that employees were wearing surgical-style masks that were issued by the company and required when the plant reopened April 20. The company had allowed workers to begin wearing their own face coverings April 2, four days before the plant shut down, records show.The plant has taken steps to prevent the virus' spread by installing plastic barriers where possible, staggering breaks, adding seating, providing hand sanitizer and checking temperatures before entry.The plant was purchased last year by National Beef, which is based in Kansas&nbsp;City and supplies grocery stores and restaurants with meat products.CEO Tim Klein praised his company in an open letter published Wednesday for “rapidly adjusting our processes and protocols to improve safety" during the pandemic.“Our industry was in the local and national news for the wrong reasons during a time when we were all learning how to combat COVID-19 and keep our people safe,” he wrote. “And yet our employees continued to deliver — safe, quality beef products, ideas for improved safety, and time and talents to help their families and communities thrive in challenging situations.”

State fines beef plant after huge coronavirus outbreak

Overland Park, Kan. (AP) — Federal agents are investigating the shooting death of an Overland Park teenager by a police officer for possible civil rights violations, an FBI spokeswoman said Thursday.

John Albers, 17, was killed in January 2018 as he backed a minivan out of his family’s home. Officers responded to the house after Albers’ friends reported he was threatening to hurt himself. His parents were not home at the time.

The FBI in Kansas City, the agency’s Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney in Kansas are investigating the shooting. Bridget Patton, said in a statement.

Johnson County District Attorney Steve Howe declined to press charges against the officer, Clayton Jenison, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/d4cb99f7d309451b7a4499f53ab19c67">left&nbsp;</a>the police force.

The Albers family later&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/af71e84e02ea41b8af098e2dee11ec4f">settled</a>&nbsp;a wrongful death lawsuit against Overland Park for $2.3 million.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601028395769.png" alt="Police on the scene of the fatal shooting -photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the fatal shooting -photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>Overland Park, Kan. (AP) — Federal agents are investigating the shooting death of an Overland Park teenager by a police officer for possible civil rights violations, an FBI spokeswoman said Thursday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601028453799.png" alt="John Albers photo courtesy McGilley Memorial Chapel" />
 <figcaption>John Albers photo courtesy McGilley Memorial Chapel</figcaption>
 </figure>John Albers, 17, was killed in January 2018 as he backed a minivan out of his family’s home. Officers responded to the house after Albers’ friends reported he was threatening to hurt himself. His parents were not home at the time.The FBI in Kansas City, the agency’s Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney in Kansas are investigating the shooting. Bridget Patton, said in a statement.Johnson County District Attorney Steve Howe declined to press charges against the officer, Clayton Jenison, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/d4cb99f7d309451b7a4499f53ab19c67">left&nbsp;</a>the police force.The Albers family later&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/af71e84e02ea41b8af098e2dee11ec4f">settled</a>&nbsp;a wrongful death lawsuit against Overland Park for $2.3 million.

FBI investigates Kansas teen's shooting death

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Authorities responding to a call about deputies being shot at briefly shut down the Kansas Turnpike Wednesday night and sent an armored vehicle and drone to the scene.

It turned out the ruckus was coming from a propane cannon an 87-year-old watermelon farmer uses to scare away racoons and coyotes from his crops near Haysville.

About 10-12 watermelons were disappearing each night, so about a week ago Kenneth Simmons put a propane cannon in their field east of the Turnpike to scare off the predators, said his wife, Ester. The device can be put on a timer to set off a loud bang.

Officers were originally called at 9:09 p.m. about shots fired, said Sedgwick County Lt. Benjamin Blick. Two deputies made their way toward an abandoned vehicle and announced their presence.

“Their announcement was met with what they believed to be three gunshots,” Blick said in an email.

The Turnpike was shut down in both directions for 30-45 minutes.

An off-duty lieutenant who remembered something similar happened years ago in the area contacted officers to help connect them with the farmer. The armored vehicle and drone confirmed that it was the propane cannon before the scene was cleared.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601029074135.png" alt="Propane cannon photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Propane cannon photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Authorities responding to a call about deputies being shot at briefly shut down the Kansas Turnpike Wednesday night and sent an armored vehicle and drone to the scene.It turned out the ruckus was coming from a propane cannon an 87-year-old watermelon farmer uses to scare away racoons and coyotes from his crops near Haysville.About 10-12 watermelons were disappearing each night, so about a week ago Kenneth Simmons put a propane cannon in their field east of the Turnpike to scare off the predators, said his wife, Ester. The device can be put on a timer to set off a loud bang.Officers were originally called at 9:09 p.m. about shots fired, said Sedgwick County Lt. Benjamin Blick. Two deputies made their way toward an abandoned vehicle and announced their presence.“Their announcement was met with what they believed to be three gunshots,” Blick said in an email.The Turnpike was shut down in both directions for 30-45 minutes.An off-duty lieutenant who remembered something similar happened years ago in the area contacted officers to help connect them with the farmer. The armored vehicle and drone confirmed that it was the propane cannon before the scene was cleared.

Kansas farm device triggers police response to shooting call

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on numerous charges including his possession of dangerous snakes.

On Wednesday evening, police and members of the&nbsp;Shawnee County Drug Task Force served a narcotics search warrant at a. home at 3600 SE Indiana, in Topeka, according to&nbsp; LT Jerry Monasmith.&nbsp; 

As a result of the investigation, officers found David Kidd, 54, had Methamphetamine, Drug Paraphernalia, and Venomous Snakes.

Officers arrested Kidd and transported him to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges Possession of methamphetamine, Possession of drug paraphernalia and the Unlawful possession of venomous snakes. The snakes were humanly rescued by the Northeast Kansas Wild Life Rescue Organization, according to Monasmith.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600945439087.png" alt="Kidd photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Kidd photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on numerous charges including his possession of dangerous snakes.On Wednesday evening, police and members of the&nbsp;Shawnee County Drug Task Force served a narcotics search warrant at a. home at 3600 SE Indiana, in Topeka, according to&nbsp; LT Jerry Monasmith.&nbsp; As a result of the investigation, officers found David Kidd, 54, had Methamphetamine, Drug Paraphernalia, and Venomous Snakes.Officers arrested Kidd and transported him to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges Possession of methamphetamine, Possession of drug paraphernalia and the Unlawful possession of venomous snakes. The snakes were humanly rescued by the Northeast Kansas Wild Life Rescue Organization, according to Monasmith.

Drug task force finds venomous snakes at Kan. home

WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas man has been sentenced for a shooting death in west Wichita.

District Judge Dave Dahl sentenced Tanner Mora, 27 of Wichita, to life with parole eligibility after 25 years, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

A jury convicted Mora of felony 1st degree murder during the commission of aggravated robbery which occurred during the sale of marijuana.

In February 2019, police found the body of Lorenzo Wade, 22 of Wichita, in the parking lot of Genesis Health Club in the 3700 block of West 13th Street. He had multiple gunshot wounds. A bag of marijuana was found next to the body. 

Police later arrested Mora and Ashantis Bledsoe, 21, Wichita.&nbsp; He is awaiting trial. Mora and his girlfriend moved to Wichita from Arkansas City a month before the shooting.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600962165579.png" alt="Mora photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Mora photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas man has been sentenced for a shooting death in west Wichita.District Judge Dave Dahl sentenced Tanner Mora, 27 of Wichita, to life with parole eligibility after 25 years, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.A jury convicted Mora of felony 1st degree murder during the commission of aggravated robbery which occurred during the sale of marijuana.In February 2019, police found the body of Lorenzo Wade, 22 of Wichita, in the parking lot of Genesis Health Club in the 3700 block of West 13th Street. He had multiple gunshot wounds. A bag of marijuana was found next to the body. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600962223546.png" alt="Bledsoe photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Bledsoe photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Police later arrested Mora and Ashantis Bledsoe, 21, Wichita.&nbsp; He is awaiting trial. Mora and his girlfriend moved to Wichita from Arkansas City a month before the shooting.

Kansas man sentenced for marijuana sale murder

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Nursing homes make up nearly half of the places in Kansas linked to active coronavirus clusters of five or more cases and some of them still are struggling to find testing supplies despite heightened federal testing requirements, a state official told legislators.

The state Department of Health and Environment has resumed its weekly reports on specific coronavirus clusters. It started releasing the data on Sept. 9 but paused it for a week because the first reports included weeks-old cases in the counts for businesses and other places that still had active ones. The latest report, issued Wednesday, lists places that have had five or more active cases within the past 14 days, and only the cases in which symptoms started during that period, not a long-term cumulative total.

The latest health department report lists 29 clusters, including 14 that are tied to nursing homes in 11 counties. Together, the 29 clusters account for 316 cases, including 169, or 53%, that were in nursing homes.

The state has 211 active clusters accounting for about 8,000 of the more than 55,000 confirmed and probable coronavirus cases that Kansas has reported since the pandemic reached the state in early March. Active clusters account for 128 of the 621 reported COVID-19-related deaths reported by the state health department since the pandemic began.

The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in Kansas has risen over the past two weeks, from 496 new cases per day on Sept. 9 to 622 per day on Wednesday. That last figure&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-health-kansas-clinical-trials-archive-c87451b4cf129afb6d02d4c8cd0a0fb2">represented the biggest spike in new Kansas cases&nbsp;</a>since the pandemic began.

Meanwhile, Scott Brunner, a deputy secretary at the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services, told a joint legislative budget committee Wednesday that some nursing homes were struggling to meet a federal benchmark requiring homes in more than half the state’s counties to test staff at least once a week because of the spread of the coronavirus locally,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cjonline.com/news/20200923/coronavirus-testing-in-nursing-homes-remains-rsquomixed-bagrsquo-state-says" target="_blank">The Topeka Capital Journal reported.&nbsp;</a>Brunner blamed lags in the supply chain.

“It’s a little bit of a mixed bag but I agree that the resourcing element is a concern, and we’ve certainly heard that and want to keep figuring out the best way to meet that,” Brunner said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600981970057.png" alt="Sept. 23, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Sept. 23, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Nursing homes make up nearly half of the places in Kansas linked to active coronavirus clusters of five or more cases and some of them still are struggling to find testing supplies despite heightened federal testing requirements, a state official told legislators.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600895539200.png" alt="KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman during his Wednesday press briefing" />
 <figcaption>KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman during his Wednesday press briefing</figcaption>
 </figure>The state Department of Health and Environment has resumed its weekly reports on specific coronavirus clusters. It started releasing the data on Sept. 9 but paused it for a week because the first reports included weeks-old cases in the counts for businesses and other places that still had active ones. The latest report, issued Wednesday, lists places that have had five or more active cases within the past 14 days, and only the cases in which symptoms started during that period, not a long-term cumulative total.The latest health department report lists 29 clusters, including 14 that are tied to nursing homes in 11 counties. Together, the 29 clusters account for 316 cases, including 169, or 53%, that were in nursing homes.The state has 211 active clusters accounting for about 8,000 of the more than 55,000 confirmed and probable coronavirus cases that Kansas has reported since the pandemic reached the state in early March. Active clusters account for 128 of the 621 reported COVID-19-related deaths reported by the state health department since the pandemic began.The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in Kansas has risen over the past two weeks, from 496 new cases per day on Sept. 9 to 622 per day on Wednesday. That last figure&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-health-kansas-clinical-trials-archive-c87451b4cf129afb6d02d4c8cd0a0fb2">represented the biggest spike in new Kansas cases&nbsp;</a>since the pandemic began.Meanwhile, Scott Brunner, a deputy secretary at the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services, told a joint legislative budget committee Wednesday that some nursing homes were struggling to meet a federal benchmark requiring homes in more than half the state’s counties to test staff at least once a week because of the spread of the coronavirus locally,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cjonline.com/news/20200923/coronavirus-testing-in-nursing-homes-remains-rsquomixed-bagrsquo-state-says" target="_blank">The Topeka Capital Journal reported.&nbsp;</a>Brunner blamed lags in the supply chain.“It’s a little bit of a mixed bag but I agree that the resourcing element is a concern, and we’ve certainly heard that and want to keep figuring out the best way to meet that,” Brunner said.

Nursing homes lead list of reported Kansas COVID-19 clusters

WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos on Thursday recognized 367 schools including 6 in Kansas as&nbsp;<a href="https://www2.ed.gov/programs/nclbbrs/index.html">National Blue Ribbon Schools</a>&nbsp;for 2020.

The recognition is based on a school's overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.

The schools in Kansas include Bostic Traditional Magnet Elementary School, Wichita; Grant F. Timmerman Elementary School, Emporia; St Thomas Aquinas Catholic School, Wichita; Bradley Elementary School, Leavenworth; Prairie Creek Elementary School, Olathe and Piper Elementary School, Kansas City

Congratulations to this year's National Blue Ribbon School awardees," said Secretary DeVos. "It's a privilege to recognize the extraordinary work you do to meet students' needs and prepare them for successful careers and meaningful lives."

The coveted National Blue Ribbon Schools award affirms the hard work of educators, families, and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging and engaging content. Now in its 38th year, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed almost 10,000 awards to more than 9,000 schools, with some schools winning multiple awards. Schools are eligible for nomination after five years.&nbsp;

The Education Department recognizes all schools in one of two performance categories, based on all student scores, student subgroup scores, and graduation rates:

Up to 420 schools may be nominated each year. The U.S. Education Department invites National Blue Ribbon School nominations from the top education official in all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and the Bureau of Indian Education. Private schools are nominated by the Council for American Private Education (CAPE).

The 2020 National Blue Ribbon Schools Awards Ceremony will be held virtually Nov. 12 and 13. While we regret not having the opportunity to celebrate in person, given the current situation regarding COVID-19, we will celebrate the 317 public and 50 non-public school honorees in the ways that we are able, and they will each receive their plaques and flags via mail.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600979430865.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos on Thursday recognized 367 schools including 6 in Kansas as&nbsp;<a href="https://www2.ed.gov/programs/nclbbrs/index.html">National Blue Ribbon Schools</a>&nbsp;for 2020. The recognition is based on a school's overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.The schools in Kansas include Bostic Traditional Magnet Elementary School, Wichita; Grant F. Timmerman Elementary School, Emporia; St Thomas Aquinas Catholic School, Wichita; Bradley Elementary School, Leavenworth; Prairie Creek Elementary School, Olathe and Piper Elementary School, Kansas City<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600979315874.png" alt="Education Secretary Betsy Devos made the announcement Thursday morning-photo courtesy U.S. Dept. of Education" />
 <figcaption>Education Secretary Betsy Devos made the announcement Thursday morning-photo courtesy U.S. Dept. of Education</figcaption>
 </figure>Congratulations to this year's National Blue Ribbon School awardees," said Secretary DeVos. "It's a privilege to recognize the extraordinary work you do to meet students' needs and prepare them for successful careers and meaningful lives."The coveted National Blue Ribbon Schools award affirms the hard work of educators, families, and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging and engaging content. Now in its 38th year, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed almost 10,000 awards to more than 9,000 schools, with some schools winning multiple awards. Schools are eligible for nomination after five years.&nbsp;The Education Department recognizes all schools in one of two performance categories, based on all student scores, student subgroup scores, and graduation rates:<ol>
 <li>Exemplary High Performing Schools&nbsp;– These are among their state's highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.</li><li>Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools&nbsp;– These are among their state's highest performing in closing achievement gaps between a school's student groups and all students.</li>
 </ol>Up to 420 schools may be nominated each year. The U.S. Education Department invites National Blue Ribbon School nominations from the top education official in all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and the Bureau of Indian Education. Private schools are nominated by the Council for American Private Education (CAPE).The 2020 National Blue Ribbon Schools Awards Ceremony will be held virtually Nov. 12 and 13. While we regret not having the opportunity to celebrate in person, given the current situation regarding COVID-19, we will celebrate the 317 public and 50 non-public school honorees in the ways that we are able, and they will each receive their plaques and flags via mail.

6 in Kansas named 2020 National Blue Ribbon Schools

ELK COUNTY–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Elk County Sheriff’s Office are investigating a homicide that occurred in Longton, Kansas, according to a media release from the agency.

Just after 10 a.m. Thursday, following a 911 call from a family member reporting a death, the Elk County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to 200 E. 3rd&nbsp;St. in Longton.&nbsp;

When deputies arrived, they discovered a resident of the home, 34-year-old Amy R. Lammon, deceased inside. EMS responded, and the coroner pronounced Lammon dead at the scene.&nbsp; Authorities released no additional details.

Longton is approximately 90 miles southeast of Wichita.

ELK COUNTY–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Elk County Sheriff’s Office are investigating a homicide that occurred in Longton, Kansas, according to a media release from the agency.Just after 10 a.m. Thursday, following a 911 call from a family member reporting a death, the Elk County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to 200 E. 3rd&nbsp;St. in Longton.&nbsp;When deputies arrived, they discovered a resident of the home, 34-year-old Amy R. Lammon, deceased inside. EMS responded, and the coroner pronounced Lammon dead at the scene.&nbsp; Authorities released no additional details.Longton is approximately 90 miles southeast of Wichita.

KBI: 34-year-old woman found dead in Kansas home

SALINE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating after a vehicle crash in to a home early Wednesday in Salina.

Just before 4a.m. Wednesday, a 2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo was&nbsp; northbound on Montrose Street, ran the stop sign at West South Street, continued across West South Street and into the yard of 918 West South Street, striking the front porch of the residence, according to  Salina Police Capt. Paul Forrester. The front of the vehicle was completely under the porch.

Five people were in the home at the time of the crash.&nbsp; They were not injured. A witness observed two suspects running from the scene, according to Forrester.

The registered owner told police that the car was recently sold. A city inspector was called in to check the porch as there was a concern of it collapsing. Police released no additional details.

SALINE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating after a vehicle crash in to a home early Wednesday in Salina.Just before 4a.m. Wednesday, a 2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo was&nbsp; northbound on Montrose Street, ran the stop sign at West South Street, continued across West South Street and into the yard of 918 West South Street, striking the front porch of the residence, according to Salina Police Capt. Paul Forrester. The front of the vehicle was completely under the porch.Five people were in the home at the time of the crash.&nbsp; They were not injured. A witness observed two suspects running from the scene, according to Forrester.The registered owner told police that the car was recently sold. A city inspector was called in to check the porch as there was a concern of it collapsing. Police released no additional details.

Police search for 2 after car crash into Salina home

A Victoria man currently in the Ellis County jail has been identified as a suspect in a rape case dating back to March 2014.

Cody Schultz, 32, was arrested on Dec. 20, 2019, on suspicion of aggravated criminal sodomy of a child under 14 and electronic solicitation of a child under 14 for a crime that was alleged to have occurred on Dec. 16, 2019.

“The victim reported that she met a young man on social media and agreed to meet him at the park,” the Hays Police Department said at the time. “At the park, the young man reportedly physically restrained the victim and then sexually assaulted her. The suspect then fled the park. The victim ran from the scene with another female and then called the police.”

After the arrest, another count alleged electronic solicitation of a child under the age of 14 was added to the charges relating to a September 2019 incident, according to Ellis County Attorney Tom Drees.

The children, in those cases, were aged 12 and 13, he said.

He was formally charged on Jan. 3, 2020, and remained in the Ellis County jail in lieu of a $450,000 bond, Drees said.

"After he was arrested, Lt. Ridgeway worked the original case in 2014 and saw the similarities and asked the (Kansas Bureau of Investigation) &nbsp;to compare the samples collected and we got a hit on the DNA,” said Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler.

During a bond hearing on Sept. 22 establishing probable cause for the 2014 case, his bond was increased to $500,000, Dress said.

The county attorney has until Sept. 29 to file charges.

In the meantime, Scheibler said identifying Schultz as a suspect was “good police work.”

“We were grateful for the work by Lt. Ridgeway,” Scheibler said. “Five years later and he sees the case similarities and it piqued his interest so he has the KBI do some follow up.”

“At the time, it was frustrating for him, but he did good work upfront,” said HPD deputy chief Brian Dawson.

The work in 2014 allowed the connection to be made by comparing DNA from both cases with the assistance of the KBI.

“That doesn’t happen a whole lot, but thanks to technology and good police work and good follow-up,” Dawson said.

Scheibler also credited the victim for coming forward.

“(It was) the courage of the victim to go through the examination that allowed us to collect that valuable evidence. Again, we are grateful we are able to hold people accountable for their actions,” Scheibler said.

He said the arrest is a proud moment for the department.

While Schultz has been implicated in the crimes, Drees said it is important to remember arrests do not imply guilt.

“All arrests on all charges are allegations of criminal wrongdoing and the defendant maintains the presumption of innocence until proven guilty in a court of law,” Drees said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577132104050.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELLHays PostA Victoria man currently in the Ellis County jail has been identified as a suspect in a rape case dating back to March 2014.Cody Schultz, 32, was arrested on Dec. 20, 2019, on suspicion of aggravated criminal sodomy of a child under 14 and electronic solicitation of a child under 14 for a crime that was alleged to have occurred on Dec. 16, 2019.“The victim reported that she met a young man on social media and agreed to meet him at the park,” the Hays Police Department said at the time. “At the park, the young man reportedly physically restrained the victim and then sexually assaulted her. The suspect then fled the park. The victim ran from the scene with another female and then called the police.”After the arrest, another count alleged electronic solicitation of a child under the age of 14 was added to the charges relating to a September 2019 incident, according to Ellis County Attorney Tom Drees.The children, in those cases, were aged 12 and 13, he said.He was formally charged on Jan. 3, 2020, and remained in the Ellis County jail in lieu of a $450,000 bond, Drees said."After he was arrested, Lt. Ridgeway worked the original case in 2014 and saw the similarities and asked the (Kansas Bureau of Investigation) &nbsp;to compare the samples collected and we got a hit on the DNA,” said Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler.The victim in that case was 18.During a bond hearing on Sept. 22 establishing probable cause for the 2014 case, his bond was increased to $500,000, Dress said.The county attorney has until Sept. 29 to file charges.In the meantime, Scheibler said identifying Schultz as a suspect was “good police work.”“We were grateful for the work by Lt. Ridgeway,” Scheibler said. “Five years later and he sees the case similarities and it piqued his interest so he has the KBI do some follow up.”“At the time, it was frustrating for him, but he did good work upfront,” said HPD deputy chief Brian Dawson.The work in 2014 allowed the connection to be made by comparing DNA from both cases with the assistance of the KBI.“That doesn’t happen a whole lot, but thanks to technology and good police work and good follow-up,” Dawson said.Scheibler also credited the victim for coming forward.“(It was) the courage of the victim to go through the examination that allowed us to collect that valuable evidence. Again, we are grateful we are able to hold people accountable for their actions,” Scheibler said.He said the arrest is a proud moment for the department.While Schultz has been implicated in the crimes, Drees said it is important to remember arrests do not imply guilt.“All arrests on all charges are allegations of criminal wrongdoing and the defendant maintains the presumption of innocence until proven guilty in a court of law,” Drees said.

Police: Jailed Kan. man a suspect in 2014 rape

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The Norman City Council voted to require that masks be worn indoors at house parties if more than 25 people are present to slow the spread of the coronavirus in the college town — a step that angry residents said would infringe on their rights.

The council voted 5-3 on Tuesday night in favor of the ordinance, which took effect immediately and expires Nov. 30, despite the objections of some locals.

“You can make any law that you want to. You come into my house telling me that I got to wear this stupid thing and you’re going to have a firefight on your hands,” said Josh Danforth, who identified himself as an Iraqi war veteran while holding a mask.

Resident Laura Ashford said the ordinance violates the First, Second and 10th amendments to the Constitution.

“You have no authority to command what I do in my home,” Ashford said. “It’s against my constitutional rights as a citizen of the United States of America.”

Council member Kate Bierman said an increase in coronavirus cases — more than 1,000 reported cases per day statewide for each of the past seven days — and a weekend party attended by up to 400 people at a Norman apartment complex illustrate that residents aren’t heeding recommendations to wear masks.

Violating the ordinance carries a fine of $50-$500 and requires at least three violations before a citation can be issued, said Mayor Breea Clark.

“We’re not going to bust into people’s houses to county and make sure everyone is wearing a mask,” Clark said. “We’re going after the clear violations that apparently we’re having trouble enforcing.”

The council also cited large numbers of unmasked people who attended parties on University of Oklahoma football game days. The Oklahoma State Department of Health on Wednesday reported Wednesday that the state had recorded 80,161 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 970 deaths since the start of the pandemic, which were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2a01ee64ae87fb564fac79dfeae1f694">increases</a>&nbsp;of 1,089 cases and eight deaths from Monday. The agency said there were 12,412 active cases.

Dr. Dale Bratzler of the University of Oklahoma Medical Center said the state had seen a substantial increase in reported cases during the past week, largely in rural counties and in state prisons.

“On Monday of this week when we had 1,100 new cases reported in the state, almost 400 of those came out of a single county, Woodward County which is where they’re seeing this large outbreak in the correctional facility,” Bratzler said.

The Kansas State University football team travels to Norman for an 11a.m. game on Saturday against the University of Oklahoma.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The Norman City Council voted to require that masks be worn indoors at house parties if more than 25 people are present to slow the spread of the coronavirus in the college town — a step that angry residents said would infringe on their rights.The council voted 5-3 on Tuesday night in favor of the ordinance, which took effect immediately and expires Nov. 30, despite the objections of some locals.“You can make any law that you want to. You come into my house telling me that I got to wear this stupid thing and you’re going to have a firefight on your hands,” said Josh Danforth, who identified himself as an Iraqi war veteran while holding a mask.Resident Laura Ashford said the ordinance violates the First, Second and 10th amendments to the Constitution.“You have no authority to command what I do in my home,” Ashford said. “It’s against my constitutional rights as a citizen of the United States of America.”Council member Kate Bierman said an increase in coronavirus cases — more than 1,000 reported cases per day statewide for each of the past seven days — and a weekend party attended by up to 400 people at a Norman apartment complex illustrate that residents aren’t heeding recommendations to wear masks.Violating the ordinance carries a fine of $50-$500 and requires at least three violations before a citation can be issued, said Mayor Breea Clark.“We’re not going to bust into people’s houses to county and make sure everyone is wearing a mask,” Clark said. “We’re going after the clear violations that apparently we’re having trouble enforcing.”The council also cited large numbers of unmasked people who attended parties on University of Oklahoma football game days. The Oklahoma State Department of Health on Wednesday reported Wednesday that the state had recorded 80,161 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 970 deaths since the start of the pandemic, which were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2a01ee64ae87fb564fac79dfeae1f694">increases</a>&nbsp;of 1,089 cases and eight deaths from Monday. The agency said there were 12,412 active cases.Dr. Dale Bratzler of the University of Oklahoma Medical Center said the state had seen a substantial increase in reported cases during the past week, largely in rural counties and in state prisons.“On Monday of this week when we had 1,100 new cases reported in the state, almost 400 of those came out of a single county, Woodward County which is where they’re seeing this large outbreak in the correctional facility,” Bratzler said.The Kansas State University football team travels to Norman for an 11a.m. game on Saturday against the University of Oklahoma.

City of Norman expands mask mandate to include private homes

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (AP) — A Nebraska man has been arrested in Missouri for his alleged role in an assault on an Iowa police officer in which the officer fired his gun, according to officials.

Ian James Lybarger, 29, of Omaha, Nebraska, was arrested Wednesday night following a police chase that began in Red Oak, Iowa, and ended in northwestern Missouri, the Council Bluffs Police Department said Thursday in a news release.

Lybarger is accused of dragging a Council Bluffs police officer last week for several feet in a parking lot as the officer tried to remove him from his car. During the struggle, Officer John Kuebler fired his service weapon, but didn’t hit anyone.

Lybarger is charged in an Iowa warrant with assaulting a police officer, leaving the scene of an injury accident, operating a vehicle without the owner’s consent and theft.

Lybarger is being held 90 minutes north of Kansas City the in Rock Port, Missouri, jail.

At the time of the incident, Lybarger was already wanted on an outstanding warrant out of Omaha for felony theft, police said.

Kuebler remains on administrative leave while the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation investigates.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600896351314.png" alt="Lybarger -photo Council Bluffs Police" />
 <figcaption>Lybarger -photo Council Bluffs Police</figcaption>
 </figure>COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (AP) — A Nebraska man has been arrested in Missouri for his alleged role in an assault on an Iowa police officer in which the officer fired his gun, according to officials.Ian James Lybarger, 29, of Omaha, Nebraska, was arrested Wednesday night following a police chase that began in Red Oak, Iowa, and ended in northwestern Missouri, the Council Bluffs Police Department said Thursday in a news release.Lybarger is accused of dragging a Council Bluffs police officer last week for several feet in a parking lot as the officer tried to remove him from his car. During the struggle, Officer John Kuebler fired his service weapon, but didn’t hit anyone.Lybarger is charged in an Iowa warrant with assaulting a police officer, leaving the scene of an injury accident, operating a vehicle without the owner’s consent and theft.Lybarger is being held 90 minutes north of Kansas City the in Rock Port, Missouri, jail.At the time of the incident, Lybarger was already wanted on an outstanding warrant out of Omaha for felony theft, police said.Kuebler remains on administrative leave while the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation investigates.

Man wanted in officer assault arrested near Kansas City

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump paid respects to late Supreme Court Justice&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ruth-bader-ginsburg">Ruth Bader Ginsburg</a>&nbsp;on Thursday morning, just two days before he announces his nominee to replace her on the high court.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?476148-1/justice-ruth-bader-ginsburg-lying-repose-supreme-court&amp;live&amp;vod">Click here</a> to watch

The president and first lady Melania Trump — both wearing masks — stood silently at the top of the steps of the court and looked down at Ginsburg’s flag-draped coffin, surrounded by white flowers. The death of the liberal-leaning justice has sparked a controversy over the balance of the court just weeks before the November presidential election.

Trump has called Ginsburg an “amazing woman,” but some spectators were not happy that he came. Moments after he arrived, booing could be heard from those holding about a block away from the building. The spectators chanted “vote him out and honor her wish " as the president stood near the coffin. 

He walked back into the court as the chants grew louder. As the motorcade returned to the White House, there were also chants of “Breonna Taylor” from some spectators standing on the sidewalk.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600956126039.png" alt="President Trump outside the court Thursday morning -photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>President Trump outside the court Thursday morning -photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump paid respects to late Supreme Court Justice&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ruth-bader-ginsburg">Ruth Bader Ginsburg</a>&nbsp;on Thursday morning, just two days before he announces his nominee to replace her on the high court.<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?476148-1/justice-ruth-bader-ginsburg-lying-repose-supreme-court&amp;live&amp;vod">Click here</a> to watchThe president and first lady Melania Trump — both wearing masks — stood silently at the top of the steps of the court and looked down at Ginsburg’s flag-draped coffin, surrounded by white flowers. The death of the liberal-leaning justice has sparked a controversy over the balance of the court just weeks before the November presidential election.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600966936348.png" alt="Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s flag-draped coffin outside the Supreme Court Thursday morning-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s flag-draped coffin outside the Supreme Court Thursday morning-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>Trump has called Ginsburg an “amazing woman,” but some spectators were not happy that he came. Moments after he arrived, booing could be heard from those holding about a block away from the building. The spectators chanted “vote him out and honor her wish " as the president stood near the coffin. He walked back into the court as the chants grew louder. As the motorcade returned to the White House, there were also chants of “Breonna Taylor” from some spectators standing on the sidewalk.

Crowd jeers as Trump pays respects at court to Ginsburg

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A woman in Kansas City has been shot to death inside a home, and a man has been arrested in the case, police said.

The shooting happened around 4 a.m. Thursday in the South Town Fork Creek neighborhood, police said in a news release. Officers responded to a 911 call reporting that a woman had been shot and found the victim with a gunshot wound in the home. She was pronounced dead at the scene, and her name was not immediately released.

Police said that around the same time officers found the victim, a man called police from another location saying he wanted to turn himself in for the shooting. Police soon took the man into custody and said they are not searching for any other suspects. Police did not immediately release his name.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A woman in Kansas City has been shot to death inside a home, and a man has been arrested in the case, police said.The shooting happened around 4 a.m. Thursday in the South Town Fork Creek neighborhood, police said in a news release. Officers responded to a 911 call reporting that a woman had been shot and found the victim with a gunshot wound in the home. She was pronounced dead at the scene, and her name was not immediately released.Police said that around the same time officers found the victim, a man called police from another location saying he wanted to turn himself in for the shooting. Police soon took the man into custody and said they are not searching for any other suspects. Police did not immediately release his name.

Man turns himself in for Kansas City woman's shooting death

OLATHE, Kan. (AP) — The founder of a Johnson County soccer club was sentenced Wednesday to two years of probation for inappropriately touching a juvenile girl who he coached.

Jason Cummins, 37, pleaded guilty in July to attempted aggravated indecent liberties with a child between the ages of 14 and 16. He will serve 19 months in jail if he violates his probation, his attorney, Scott Toth, told&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kshb.com/news/crime/former-arson-fc-coach-sentenced-to-19-months-for-child-sex-offense">KSHB-TV</a>.

As part of his plea deal, Cummins will have to register as a sex offender for 25 years and can have no contact with any children except his own.

Court documents indicate Cummins took the girl to his home in Shawnee and touched her without her consent. He had coached her since she was 9 and was coaching the team she played on at the time.

Cummins founded Arson FC in 2014. He stepped down after he was charged.

Less than a month after he pleaded guilty, the entire coaching staff of the club resigned and started a new club — the Johnson County Soccer Club.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597269232186.png" alt="Cummins-photo Kansas Sex offender registry" />
 <figcaption>Cummins-photo Kansas Sex offender registry</figcaption>
 </figure>OLATHE, Kan. (AP) — The founder of a Johnson County soccer club was sentenced Wednesday to two years of probation for inappropriately touching a juvenile girl who he coached.Jason Cummins, 37, pleaded guilty in July to attempted aggravated indecent liberties with a child between the ages of 14 and 16. He will serve 19 months in jail if he violates his probation, his attorney, Scott Toth, told&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kshb.com/news/crime/former-arson-fc-coach-sentenced-to-19-months-for-child-sex-offense">KSHB-TV</a>.As part of his plea deal, Cummins will have to register as a sex offender for 25 years and can have no contact with any children except his own.Court documents indicate Cummins took the girl to his home in Shawnee and touched her without her consent. He had coached her since she was 9 and was coaching the team she played on at the time.Cummins founded Arson FC in 2014. He stepped down after he was charged.Less than a month after he pleaded guilty, the entire coaching staff of the club resigned and started a new club — the Johnson County Soccer Club.

Kansas soccer club leader sentenced for child sex crime

By JIM MCLEAN, <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-09-22/trump-and-the-economy-start-to-define-the-race-for-kansas-u-s-senate-seat">Kansas News Service</a>

TOPEKA, Kansas — It’s little surprise that the candidates for 
Kansas’ open U.S. Senate seat sharply disagree on taxes, trade, 
immigration and climate change. What’s unclear is who voters will most 
agree with in November: Republican U.S. Rep. Roger Marshall or 
Democratic state Sen. Barbara Bollier.

Bollier, a retired doctor, 
believes Marshall’s down-the-line support of President Donald Trump has 
created an opportunity for her to ride anti-Trump sentiment in the 
state’s population centers to an upset.

But Marshall is betting on
 his support of Trump’s tax cuts, trade tactics and hard-line position 
on immigration to carry the day in a state where the president remains <a href="https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/2020-election-forecast/kansas/" target="_blank">relatively popular with voters.</a>
 Summing up his core message at a primary debate, Marshall declared, 
“I’m running to keep standing by this president and to stop the left’s 
socialist agenda” — including “radical” immigration and environmental 
policies.

Bollier, however, said those tax cuts benefited the 
wealthy over middle-class Kansans and that the president’s trade 
policies were “reckless” and punished Kansas farmers. Essentially, 
Bollier said in the first debate of the general election, Marshall is 
voting “the way he is told (by party leaders) rather than what’s best 
for Kansas.”

“We need political leaders in Washington who will 
stop the political bickering, stop attacking one another and just get 
things done,” said Bollier, a moderate former Republican who switched 
parties in 2018.

Marshall,
 a two-term congressman from western Kansas and retired obstetrician 
from Great Bend, claims the federal tax cuts enacted in 2017 spurred the
 pre-COVID-19 U.S. economy to record heights and substantially lowered 
taxes for middle-income Kansans.

“It was the greatest economy of 
my lifetime,” Marshall said in a recent interview with the Kansas News 
Service. “The average Kansas family was keeping $2,000 more of their 
hard-earned money.”

A pro-Marshall campaign ad produced by One Nation, a political action
 committee that doesn’t have to disclose its donors and is connected to 
Republican political operative Karl Rove, praised Marshall for 
supporting tax cuts that it said “will increase average household income
 by $4,000.”

Both that claim and Marshall’s are misleading, according to Frank Sammartino, a senior fellow at the nonpartisan<a href="https://www.taxpolicycenter.org/" target="_blank"> Tax Policy Center.</a>

“There was an increase in people’s after-tax income,” Sammartino said, “but it wasn’t anything like $4,000 across the board.”

The figure used in the ad comes from projections Trump’s<a href="https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/economy/news/2019/09/26/475083/trumps-corporate-tax-cut-not-trickling/" target="_blank"> Council of Economic advisers formulated</a>
 to boost support for the legislation as Congress was debating it. A Tax
 Policy Center analysis shows that the cuts reduced federal taxes for 
Kansas families earning between $50,000 and $75,000 by an average of 
$930, and 60% of the benefits went to the wealthiest 20% of Kansans.

Other
 provisions in the tax bill, Marshall said, such as the repeal of the 
Affordable Care Act mandate that required Americans to purchase health 
insurance, added to the savings.

But Bollier pushed back, pointing to the uneven distribution of benefits and the fact that the tax cuts<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/christianweller/2020/01/29/trumps-wasteful-tax-cuts-lead-to-continued-trillion-dollar-deficits-in-expanding-economy/#6e8609d966c4" target="_blank"> “ballooned” the federal budget deficit,</a>

“We need a tax system that is fair to all,” she said.

Democratic
 presidential candidate Joe Biden is proposing to repeal the tax cuts 
for those making more than $400,000 a year. Bollier doesn’t support “a 
full repeal of the Trump tax plan,” spokesperson Alexandra De Luca said.
 Instead, she favors making the middle-class tax cuts permanent and 
closing “loopholes for corporations and the wealthy that are driving up 
our national debt.”

Marshall concedes that the 
tariffs Trump imposed on China hurt Kansas farmers. But, he said, 
producers will benefit in the long run. He believes the get-tough 
tactics resulted in a “stronger” trade deal.

“I was just so 
grateful that Kansas farmers stood beside us and helped get us through 
those trade wars,” Marshall said. “They knew we had to stand up to this 
bully.”

On several occasions, Marshall has said the Phase One deal
 has boosted trade with China by 14%. However, U.S. exports to China 
during the first half of 2020 were down 4.6% compared to the first half 
of 2019 and 16.5% lower than the corresponding period in 2017.

<a href="https://www.piie.com/research/piie-charts/us-china-phase-one-tracker-chinas-purchases-us-goods" target="_blank">And an analysis by the Peterson Institute for International Economics</a>
 shows China falling far short of the purchasing targets it agreed to. 
For example, it committed to increase its purchases of U.S. agricultural
 goods by approximately $37 million in 2020; halfway through the year, 
China had spent only $9.9 billion.

Bollier said that Marshall had 
the chance to stand up for Kansas farmers, but that he “instead chose to
 be a yes man for the president and for these harmful policies.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600877514015.png" alt="Kansas Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Barbara Bollier speaking recently at a recent outdoor rally in Lenexa. Jim McLean / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Barbara Bollier speaking recently at a recent outdoor rally in Lenexa. Jim McLean / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By JIM MCLEAN, <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-09-22/trump-and-the-economy-start-to-define-the-race-for-kansas-u-s-senate-seat">Kansas News Service</a>TOPEKA, Kansas — It’s little surprise that the candidates for 
Kansas’ open U.S. Senate seat sharply disagree on taxes, trade, 
immigration and climate change. What’s unclear is who voters will most 
agree with in November: Republican U.S. Rep. Roger Marshall or 
Democratic state Sen. Barbara Bollier.Bollier, a retired doctor, 
believes Marshall’s down-the-line support of President Donald Trump has 
created an opportunity for her to ride anti-Trump sentiment in the 
state’s population centers to an upset.But Marshall is betting on
 his support of Trump’s tax cuts, trade tactics and hard-line position 
on immigration to carry the day in a state where the president remains <a href="https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/2020-election-forecast/kansas/" target="_blank">relatively popular with voters.</a>
 Summing up his core message at a primary debate, Marshall declared, 
“I’m running to keep standing by this president and to stop the left’s 
socialist agenda” — including “radical” immigration and environmental 
policies.Bollier, however, said those tax cuts benefited the 
wealthy over middle-class Kansans and that the president’s trade 
policies were “reckless” and punished Kansas farmers. Essentially, 
Bollier said in the first debate of the general election, Marshall is 
voting “the way he is told (by party leaders) rather than what’s best 
for Kansas.”“We need political leaders in Washington who will 
stop the political bickering, stop attacking one another and just get 
things done,” said Bollier, a moderate former Republican who switched 
parties in 2018.<h2>Tax cuts</h2>Marshall,
 a two-term congressman from western Kansas and retired obstetrician 
from Great Bend, claims the federal tax cuts enacted in 2017 spurred the
 pre-COVID-19 U.S. economy to record heights and substantially lowered 
taxes for middle-income Kansans.“It was the greatest economy of 
my lifetime,” Marshall said in a recent interview with the Kansas News 
Service. “The average Kansas family was keeping $2,000 more of their 
hard-earned money.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600877579297.png" alt="The Kansas News Service is a local partner with ProPublica's Electionland collaboration." />
 <figcaption>The Kansas News Service is a local partner with ProPublica's Electionland collaboration.</figcaption>
 </figure>A pro-Marshall campaign ad produced by One Nation, a political action
 committee that doesn’t have to disclose its donors and is connected to 
Republican political operative Karl Rove, praised Marshall for 
supporting tax cuts that it said “will increase average household income
 by $4,000.”Both that claim and Marshall’s are misleading, according to Frank Sammartino, a senior fellow at the nonpartisan<a href="https://www.taxpolicycenter.org/" target="_blank"> Tax Policy Center.</a>“There was an increase in people’s after-tax income,” Sammartino said, “but it wasn’t anything like $4,000 across the board.”The figure used in the ad comes from projections Trump’s<a href="https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/economy/news/2019/09/26/475083/trumps-corporate-tax-cut-not-trickling/" target="_blank"> Council of Economic advisers formulated</a>
 to boost support for the legislation as Congress was debating it. A Tax
 Policy Center analysis shows that the cuts reduced federal taxes for 
Kansas families earning between $50,000 and $75,000 by an average of 
$930, and 60% of the benefits went to the wealthiest 20% of Kansans.Other
 provisions in the tax bill, Marshall said, such as the repeal of the 
Affordable Care Act mandate that required Americans to purchase health 
insurance, added to the savings.But Bollier pushed back, pointing to the uneven distribution of benefits and the fact that the tax cuts<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/christianweller/2020/01/29/trumps-wasteful-tax-cuts-lead-to-continued-trillion-dollar-deficits-in-expanding-economy/#6e8609d966c4" target="_blank"> “ballooned” the federal budget deficit,</a>“We need a tax system that is fair to all,” she said.Democratic
 presidential candidate Joe Biden is proposing to repeal the tax cuts 
for those making more than $400,000 a year. Bollier doesn’t support “a 
full repeal of the Trump tax plan,” spokesperson Alexandra De Luca said.
 Instead, she favors making the middle-class tax cuts permanent and 
closing “loopholes for corporations and the wealthy that are driving up 
our national debt.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596593743420.png" alt="Marshall" />
 <figcaption>Marshall</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Trade tactics</h2>Marshall concedes that the 
tariffs Trump imposed on China hurt Kansas farmers. But, he said, 
producers will benefit in the long run. He believes the get-tough 
tactics resulted in a “stronger” trade deal.“I was just so 
grateful that Kansas farmers stood beside us and helped get us through 
those trade wars,” Marshall said. “They knew we had to stand up to this 
bully.”On several occasions, Marshall has said the Phase One deal
 has boosted trade with China by 14%. However, U.S. exports to China 
during the first half of 2020 were down 4.6% compared to the first half 
of 2019 and 16.5% lower than the corresponding period in 2017.<a href="https://www.piie.com/research/piie-charts/us-china-phase-one-tracker-chinas-purchases-us-goods" target="_blank">And an analysis by the Peterson Institute for International Economics</a>
 shows China falling far short of the purchasing targets it agreed to. 
For example, it committed to increase its purchases of U.S. agricultural
 goods by approximately $37 million in 2020; halfway through the year, 
China had spent only $9.9 billion.Bollier said that Marshall had 
the chance to stand up for Kansas farmers, but that he “instead chose to
 be a yes man for the president and for these harmful policies.”But
 Marshall has the support of the Kansas Farm Bureau, an influential 
organization that represents thousands of farmers and ranchers.“Our
 members like him and they respect him,” said Jackie Brundt, a Pratt 
County farmer who serves on KFB’s endorsement committee. “They’re the 
ones who said ‘Marshall’s our guy.’”<h2>Immigration</h2>In 2018, Marshall worked on a<a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/marshall-touts-progress-agricultural-guest-worker-visa" target="_blank"> bipartisan immigration plan</a>
 that, among other things, would have protected a visa program that 
supplies Kansas farmers with seasonal workers. He also questioned the 
practicality of Trump’s plan to fortify the wall on the U.S.-Mexico 
border.When those positions led to attacks from rivals in this 
year’s primary race, Marshall pivoted to a more hardline stance on 
immigration. He embraced the wall and accused Bollier of being for “open
 borders and sanctuary cities.”“She will open the door to all immigrants and they will get a free ride,” he said.Responding
 during their recent debate, Bollier said Congress’ failure to pass 
comprehensive immigration reform is an example of “how broken Washington
 is.”If elected, Bollier said, she would work for a bipartisan compromise 
that secures the border and protects “Dreamers who were brought to this 
country through no fault of their own.”“I will be very supportive of making sure people have a path to citizenship,” she said.Marshall
 said his efforts to strike a compromise have led him to the 
“disappointing” conclusion that “Democrats do not want to fix this 
situation.”<h2>Climate change</h2>Marshall
 has said voters can assume that Bollier’s switch to the Democratic 
Party means she supports “radical” proposals such as the<a href="https://www.vox.com/energy-and-environment/2018/12/21/18144138/green-new-deal-alexandria-ocasio-cortez" target="_blank"> Green New Deal</a>, a sweeping plan advocated by more left-leaning Democrats to address climate change.“The Green New Deal will be the end of Kansas agriculture,” Marshall asserted.Bollier, however, said she doesn’t support the proposal, telling Marshall to “stop deceiving voters.”Undeterred, Marshall said Democratic leaders in Washington will “come after her vote and she’s going to give it up.”<a href="https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/2020-election-forecast/senate/kansas/" target="_blank">Polls give Marshall the edge</a> but suggest the race could be the closest U.S. Senate contest in decades. A Democrat hasn’t won a U.S. Senate seat in Kansas <a href="https://bioguideretro.congress.gov/Home/MemberDetails?memIndex=M000447" target="_blank">since the 1930s.</a>Jim
 McLean is the senior correspondent for the Kansas News Service, a 
collaboration of KCUR, Kansas Public Radio, KMUW and High Plains Public 
Radio focused on the health and well-being of Kansans, their communities
 and civic life. You can reach him on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/jmcleanks" target="_blank">@jmcleanks</a> or email jim@kcur .org.