WASHINGTON (AP) — A woman suspected of sending an envelope containing the poison ricin, which was addressed to the White House, has been arrested at the New York-Canada border and is also suspected of sending similar poisoned envelopes to law enforcement agencies in Texas, officials said Monday.

The letter had been intercepted earlier this week before it reached the White House. The woman was taken into custody by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Peace Bridge border crossing near Buffalo and is expected to face federal charges, three law enforcement officials told The Associated Press.

Her name was not immediately released, but the woman was expected to appear in federal court in Buffalo on Tuesday.

The letter addressed to the White House appeared to have originated in Canada, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police have said. It was intercepted at a government facility that screens mail addressed to the White House and President Donald Trump and a preliminary investigation indicated it tested positive for ricin, according to the officials.

Envelopes containing ricin were also mailed to law enforcement agencies in the Rio Grande Valley in South Texas, according to another law enforcement official. The official did not say which agencies were sent the envelopes but said they are believed to have been mailed by the same person who sent one to the White House.

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

One of the envelopes was sent to the police in Mission, Texas, said Investigator Art Flores, a spokesman for the border community’s police department. He said no one was hurt and that the envelope was in law enforcement’s custody. He declined to comment further.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Quebec confirmed Monday there is a police investigation taking place on a street in St-Hubert, Quebec, related to the contaminated letter sent to the White House.

The home is connected to the woman who was arrested at the border and although authorities have yet to determine whether she actually lived in the house, “there is a clear link between her and this residence,” Royal Canadian Mounted Police Cpl. Charles Poirier said.

There have been several prior instances in which U.S. officials have been targeted with ricin sent through the mail.

A Navy veteran was arrested in 2018 and confessed to sending envelopes to Trump and members of his administration that contained the substance from which ricin is derived. The letters were intercepted, and no one was hurt.

In 2014, a Mississippi man was sentenced to 25 years in prison after sending letters dusted with ricin to President Barack Obama and other officials.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A woman suspected of sending an envelope containing the poison ricin, which was addressed to White House, has been arrested at the New York-Canada border, three law enforcement officials told The Associated Press on Sunday.

The letter had been intercepted earlier this week before it reached the White House. The woman was taken into custody by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Peace Bridge border crossing near Buffalo and is expected to face federal charges, the officials said. Her name was not immediately released.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal officials intercepted an envelope addressed to the White House that contained the poison ricin, a law enforcement official told The Associated Press on Saturday.

The letter was intercepted at a government facility that screens mail addressed to the White House and President Donald Trump, the official said. A preliminary investigation indicated it tested positive for ricin, a poison found naturally in castor beans, the official said.

The official was not authorized to discuss the ongoing investigation publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Federal investigators were working to determine where the enveloped originated and who mailed it. The FBI, the Secret Service and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service were leading the investigation.

In a statement, the FBI said agents were working to investigate “a suspicious letter received at a U.S. government mail facility” and that there is “no known threat to public safety.”

A Navy veteran was arrested in 2018 and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/07af3b2712054edfbf0290d6db3e6313/Utah-vet-confessed-to-sending-ricin-envelopes,-officials-say">confessed to sending envelopes</a>&nbsp;to Trump and members of his administration that contained the substance from which ricin is derived.

Authorities said the man, William Clyde Allen III, sent the envelopes with ground castor beans to the president, FBI Director Christopher Wray, along with then-Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, then-CIA Director Gina Haspel, Adm. John Richardson, who at the time was the Navy’s top officer, and then-Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson. The letters were intercepted, and no one was hurt.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600717467163.png" alt="RCMP officers in St. Hubert, Canada, prepare to enter an apartment complex in connection with the mailing of ricin to President Trump -photo courtesy Royal Canadian Mounted Police" />
 <figcaption>RCMP officers in St. Hubert, Canada, prepare to enter an apartment complex in connection with the mailing of ricin to President Trump -photo courtesy Royal Canadian Mounted Police</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — A woman suspected of sending an envelope containing the poison ricin, which was addressed to the White House, has been arrested at the New York-Canada border and is also suspected of sending similar poisoned envelopes to law enforcement agencies in Texas, officials said Monday.The letter had been intercepted earlier this week before it reached the White House. The woman was taken into custody by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Peace Bridge border crossing near Buffalo and is expected to face federal charges, three law enforcement officials told The Associated Press.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600717415635.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Royal Canadian Mounted Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Royal Canadian Mounted Police</figcaption>
 </figure>Her name was not immediately released, but the woman was expected to appear in federal court in Buffalo on Tuesday.The letter addressed to the White House appeared to have originated in Canada, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police have said. It was intercepted at a government facility that screens mail addressed to the White House and President Donald Trump and a preliminary investigation indicated it tested positive for ricin, according to the officials.Envelopes containing ricin were also mailed to law enforcement agencies in the Rio Grande Valley in South Texas, according to another law enforcement official. The official did not say which agencies were sent the envelopes but said they are believed to have been mailed by the same person who sent one to the White House.The officials were not authorized to discuss the ongoing investigation publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.One of the envelopes was sent to the police in Mission, Texas, said Investigator Art Flores, a spokesman for the border community’s police department. He said no one was hurt and that the envelope was in law enforcement’s custody. He declined to comment further.The Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Quebec confirmed Monday there is a police investigation taking place on a street in St-Hubert, Quebec, related to the contaminated letter sent to the White House.The home is connected to the woman who was arrested at the border and although authorities have yet to determine whether she actually lived in the house, “there is a clear link between her and this residence,” Royal Canadian Mounted Police Cpl. Charles Poirier said.There have been several prior instances in which U.S. officials have been targeted with ricin sent through the mail.A Navy veteran was arrested in 2018 and confessed to sending envelopes to Trump and members of his administration that contained the substance from which ricin is derived. The letters were intercepted, and no one was hurt.In 2014, a Mississippi man was sentenced to 25 years in prison after sending letters dusted with ricin to President Barack Obama and other officials.--------------WASHINGTON (AP) — A woman suspected of sending an envelope containing the poison ricin, which was addressed to White House, has been arrested at the New York-Canada border, three law enforcement officials told The Associated Press on Sunday.The letter had been intercepted earlier this week before it reached the White House. The woman was taken into custody by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Peace Bridge border crossing near Buffalo and is expected to face federal charges, the officials said. Her name was not immediately released.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600542646061.png" alt="President Trump speaking to reporters late Friday about the passing of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.c-span.org/person/?ruthginsburg">Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg</a>. -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>President Trump speaking to reporters late Friday about the passing of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.c-span.org/person/?ruthginsburg">Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg</a>. -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>The letter addressed to the White House appeared to have originated in Canada, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police have said. It was intercepted at a government facility that screens mail addressed to the White House and President Donald Trump and a preliminary investigation indicated it tested positive for ricin, according to the officials.The officials were not authorized to discuss the ongoing investigation publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.There have been several prior instances in which U.S. officials have been targeted with ricin sent through the mail.A Navy veteran was arrested in 2018 and confessed to sending envelopes to Trump and members of his administration that contained the substance from which ricin is derived. The letters were intercepted, and no one was hurt.In 2014, a Mississippi man was sentenced to 25 years in prison after sending letters dusted with ricin to President Barack Obama and other officials.-------WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal officials intercepted an envelope addressed to the White House that contained the poison ricin, a law enforcement official told The Associated Press on Saturday.The letter was intercepted at a government facility that screens mail addressed to the White House and President Donald Trump, the official said. A preliminary investigation indicated it tested positive for ricin, a poison found naturally in castor beans, the official said.The official was not authorized to discuss the ongoing investigation publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.Federal investigators were working to determine where the enveloped originated and who mailed it. The FBI, the Secret Service and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service were leading the investigation.In a statement, the FBI said agents were working to investigate “a suspicious letter received at a U.S. government mail facility” and that there is “no known threat to public safety.”A Navy veteran was arrested in 2018 and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/07af3b2712054edfbf0290d6db3e6313/Utah-vet-confessed-to-sending-ricin-envelopes,-officials-say">confessed to sending envelopes</a>&nbsp;to Trump and members of his administration that contained the substance from which ricin is derived.Authorities said the man, William Clyde Allen III, sent the envelopes with ground castor beans to the president, FBI Director Christopher Wray, along with then-Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, then-CIA Director Gina Haspel, Adm. John Richardson, who at the time was the Navy’s top officer, and then-Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson. The letters were intercepted, and no one was hurt.In 2014, a Mississippi man was sentenced to 25 years in prison after sending letters dusted with ricin to President Barack Obama and other officials.

Update: Woman suspected of sending poisoned letter to Trump arrested

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) — Johnson County health officials are urging more than 100 people who had contact with a person who tested positive for COVID-19 at at an elementary school in Overland Park to quarantine for 14 days, but some parents are objecting to the recommendation.

The county health department said the positive case involved a person at Timber Creek Elementary School in the Blue Valley district, but they did not say if a student or staff member was infected.

The department sent a letter Saturday to Blue Valley Superintendent Tonya Merrigan, urging affected individuals to abide by the quarantine.

Sanmi Areola, county health director, said on Monday that the 14-day quarantine is the appropriate action to contain the spread.

Elementary students returned to a mix of remote and in-person schooling in Blue Valley on Sept. 9. The district currently plans to bring elementary students back to in-person classes full time on Oct. 5.

Several parents who want to return now to full-time, in-person classes protested at the school Sunday. Christine White, a pediatrician who has frequently called for schools to reopen, hosted the rally.

She said in a Facebook post that the quarantine was a “massive overreaction.”

“Please understand that if we let this action by the health department and school go unchecked and we let them slide, then they will know we have a breaking point where we will just lay down and accept the crumbs of an education for our children,” she wrote.

Health officials across the country have recommended 14-day quarantines for those who have contact with an infected person.

“We strongly urge Blue Valley families and staff to follow the quarantine recommendation,” Areola wrote in the letter to Merrigan. “This is an essential step in limiting the virus from inadvertently and unconsciously being spread to others within a school building.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600714462071.png" alt="Protesters outside the school -photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Protesters outside the school -photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) — Johnson County health officials are urging more than 100 people who had contact with a person who tested positive for COVID-19 at at an elementary school in Overland Park to quarantine for 14 days, but some parents are objecting to the recommendation.The county health department said the positive case involved a person at Timber Creek Elementary School in the Blue Valley district, but they did not say if a student or staff member was infected.The department sent a letter Saturday to Blue Valley Superintendent Tonya Merrigan, urging affected individuals to abide by the quarantine.Sanmi Areola, county health director, said on Monday that the 14-day quarantine is the appropriate action to contain the spread.Elementary students returned to a mix of remote and in-person schooling in Blue Valley on Sept. 9. The district currently plans to bring elementary students back to in-person classes full time on Oct. 5.Several parents who want to return now to full-time, in-person classes protested at the school Sunday. Christine White, a pediatrician who has frequently called for schools to reopen, hosted the rally.She said in a Facebook post that the quarantine was a “massive overreaction.”“Please understand that if we let this action by the health department and school go unchecked and we let them slide, then they will know we have a breaking point where we will just lay down and accept the crumbs of an education for our children,” she wrote.Health officials across the country have recommended 14-day quarantines for those who have contact with an infected person.“We strongly urge Blue Valley families and staff to follow the quarantine recommendation,” Areola wrote in the letter to Merrigan. “This is an essential step in limiting the virus from inadvertently and unconsciously being spread to others within a school building.”

Parents protest after Kan. school requires quarantine 

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — A $20,000 acrylic case now protects Thomas Jefferson's original headstone on the University of Missouri campus, a response to vandalism concerns amid an ongoing dispute about whether the university should honor the third president who also was a slave owner.

In July&nbsp;bronze statues of Jefferson and Ben Franklin that had stood outside Washburn university's law school in Topeka for two decades were removed&nbsp;after protests against racial injustice elsewhere led to statues honoring slaveholders being vandalized, pulled down or moved.

The clear case was installed Saturday over the granite obelisk that was originally erected at Monticello in Virginia in 1833. It was replaced in 1883 and given to the University of Missouri.

A university spokesman said the case was installed because of vandalism to a Jefferson statue that is also on campus, and graffiti written on the sidewalk during the summer making reference to Sally Hemings, a slave who gave birth to children fathered by Jefferson.

“This is Jefferson’s original tombstone that was entrusted to the university and we have a responsibility to insure that it is preserved appropriately,” spokesman Christian Basi said.

Chancellor Mun Choi this summer&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/30dd5f17d044cb917921e92e30914193">refused to remove</a>&nbsp;the Jefferson statue, prompting a student, Roman Leaphart, to begin a petition drive seeking removal of the monument to “a racist slave owner.”

Choi said at the time that the university would move to put Jefferson's complex history into context. A task force that includes students, faculty and others is working on that project toward a goal of making recommendations by the spring, Basi said.

There are two relics associated with the grave marker. The obelisk holds a replica of a marble plaque with the inscription Jefferson wrote for his grave: “Here was buried Thomas Jefferson; Author of the Declaration of American Independence; of the Statute of Virginia for religious freedom; Father of the University of Virginia.”

It's unclear why the marker was given to the university, but the University of Missouri is the first state university established in the territory of the Louisiana Purchase, which was made when Jefferson was president, and it was established with the University of Virginia as a model.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600701864486.png" alt="This is Jefferson’s original tombstone that was entrusted to the university -photo&nbsp;<a href="https://www.komu.com/news/mu-adds-casing-to-protect-thomas-jefferson-tombstone">courtesy KOMU</a>" />
 <figcaption>This is Jefferson’s original tombstone that was entrusted to the university -photo&nbsp;<a href="https://www.komu.com/news/mu-adds-casing-to-protect-thomas-jefferson-tombstone">courtesy KOMU</a></figcaption>
 </figure>COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — A $20,000 acrylic case now protects Thomas Jefferson's original headstone on the University of Missouri campus, a response to vandalism concerns amid an ongoing dispute about whether the university should honor the third president who also was a slave owner.In July&nbsp;bronze statues of Jefferson and Ben Franklin that had stood outside Washburn university's law school in Topeka for two decades were removed&nbsp;after protests against racial injustice elsewhere led to statues honoring slaveholders being vandalized, pulled down or moved.The clear case was installed Saturday over the granite obelisk that was originally erected at Monticello in Virginia in 1833. It was replaced in 1883 and given to the University of Missouri.A university spokesman said the case was installed because of vandalism to a Jefferson statue that is also on campus, and graffiti written on the sidewalk during the summer making reference to Sally Hemings, a slave who gave birth to children fathered by Jefferson.“This is Jefferson’s original tombstone that was entrusted to the university and we have a responsibility to insure that it is preserved appropriately,” spokesman Christian Basi said.Chancellor Mun Choi this summer&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/30dd5f17d044cb917921e92e30914193">refused to remove</a>&nbsp;the Jefferson statue, prompting a student, Roman Leaphart, to begin a petition drive seeking removal of the monument to “a racist slave owner.”Choi said at the time that the university would move to put Jefferson's complex history into context. A task force that includes students, faculty and others is working on that project toward a goal of making recommendations by the spring, Basi said.There are two relics associated with the grave marker. The obelisk holds a replica of a marble plaque with the inscription Jefferson wrote for his grave: “Here was buried Thomas Jefferson; Author of the Declaration of American Independence; of the Statute of Virginia for religious freedom; Father of the University of Virginia.”It's unclear why the marker was given to the university, but the University of Missouri is the first state university established in the territory of the Louisiana Purchase, which was made when Jefferson was president, and it was established with the University of Virginia as a model.

University spends $20K to protect Jefferson tombstone

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Monday he expects to announce his pick for the Supreme Court on Friday or Saturday. That would be before Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is buried next week at Arlington National Cemetery but ahead of the first presidential debate. 

Trump told “Fox &amp; Friends” that he had a list of five finalists, “probably four,” and that he is pushing for a confirmation vote before Election Day. Democrats have howled in protest, pointing to the hypocrisy of Republicans for rushing through a pick so close to the election after refusing to do so for President Barack Obama in 2016.

The impending clash over the vacant seat — when to fill it and with whom — has scrambled the stretch run of a presidential race for a nation already reeling from the pandemic that has killed nearly 200,000 people, left millions unemployed and heightened partisan tensions and anger. Democratic nominee Joe Biden has urged a delay in a nomination, declaring that the next president should fill the seat.

Ginsburg, 87, died Friday of metastatic pancreatic cancer.

The Supreme Court says her body will lie in repose at the Supreme Court this week, with arrangements to allow for public viewing despite the coronavirus pandemic. Ginsburg’s casket will be on public view Wednesday and Thursday under the portico at the top of the court's iconic steps in front of the building. A private ceremony will take place at the court on Wednesday morning.&nbsp;

Trump disparaged reports that Ginsburg had told her granddaughter it was her wish that a replacement justice not be confirmed until the inauguration of a new president. Trump said he thought his Democratic political foes were behind the report, including Rep. Adam Schiff, who led the House impeachment probe, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer.

“I don’t know that she said that, or was that written out by Adam Schiff and Schumer and Pelosi,” Trump said. “I would be more inclined to the second ... But that sounds like a Schumer deal or maybe a Pelosi or Shifty Schiff," a derisive nickname he has long used for Schiff. Trump frequently disparages Schiff, claiming without evidence that the California Democrat is behind a conspiracy against him. Schiff's office said Monday it had no immediate comment.

The president and his fellow Republicans, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell who will control the timing of the confirmation hearings and vote, have pushed back against the 2016 comparison, noting that Trump could win again and saying that, unlike four years ago, the same party controlled both the White House and the Senate.

“We have the presidency and the Senate and we have plenty of time,” Trump said. “I think that would be good for the Republican Party and I think it would be good for everybody to get it over with.”

Trump allowed that he would accept a vote in the lame duck period after Election Day but made clear his preference would be that it occur by Nov. 3.

Announcing a nominee on Friday or Saturday would leave less than 40 days for the Senate to hold a confirmation vote before the election. No nominee has won confirmation that quickly since Sandra Day O’Connor became the first woman to serve on the Supreme Court in 1981. O’Connor was confirmed 99-0 just over a month after she was nominated by President Ronald Reagan.

The president confirmed Monday that among the top contenders are Indiana’s Amy Coney Barrett and Florida’s Barbara Lagoa, both appellate court judges he appointed. Barrett has long been a favorite among conservative while Lagoa has been pushed by some aides who tout her electorate advantages of being Hispanic and hailing from the key battleground state of Florida.

Trump also indicated that Allison Jones Rushing, a 38-year-old appellate judge from North Carolina, is also on the short-list. He has promised to nominate a woman for the high court, adding that his preference is for someone younger who could hold sway on the nation’s jurisprudence for potentially four or five decades.

As the Senate returned to Washington on Monday, all eyes were on Republicans Mitt Romney of Utah and Chuck Grassley of Iowa for clues to whether Trump and McConnell will be able to confirm Ginsburg’s replacement anytime soon.

A day earlier, Biden had urged unnamed Republicans to join Sens. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine in opposing a confirmation vote before the Nov. 3 election. It takes four GOP senators breaking ranks to keep Trump’s nominee off the court.

“Uphold your constitutional duty, your conscience,” said Biden, speaking in Philadelphia on Sunday. “Let the people speak. Cool the flames that have engulfed our country.”

Jamming the nomination through, Biden said, would amount to an “abuse of power.”

The sudden vacancy was poised to reshape the race, which to this point has been largely a referendum how Trump had managed the COVID-19 pandemic.

It seemed certain to electrify both sides: Democrats were breaking fundraising records while a packed Trump crowd in North Carolina Saturday loudly chanted “Fill that seat.” But it remained unclear if the high bench vacancy — which could impact everything from abortion rights to legal challenges to the 2020 election — would persuade disenchanted Republicans to return to Trump or fire up women or suburban voters to break for Biden.

Republicans hold a 53-47 edge in the Senate. If there were a 50-50 tie, it could be broken by Vice President Mike Pence.

There is another potential wrinkle: Because Arizona’s Senate race is a special election, that seat could be filled as early as Nov. 30. If Democrat Mark Kelly wins and is seated, that would narrow the window for McConnell.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600706526088.png" alt="The Supreme released photos of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s bench chair draped with black wool crepe. Photos taken by Collection of the Supreme Court of the United States." />
 <figcaption>The Supreme released photos of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s bench chair draped with black wool crepe. Photos taken by Collection of the Supreme Court of the United States.</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Monday he expects to announce his pick for the Supreme Court on Friday or Saturday. That would be before Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is buried next week at Arlington National Cemetery but ahead of the first presidential debate. Trump told “Fox &amp; Friends” that he had a list of five finalists, “probably four,” and that he is pushing for a confirmation vote before Election Day. Democrats have howled in protest, pointing to the hypocrisy of Republicans for rushing through a pick so close to the election after refusing to do so for President Barack Obama in 2016.The impending clash over the vacant seat — when to fill it and with whom — has scrambled the stretch run of a presidential race for a nation already reeling from the pandemic that has killed nearly 200,000 people, left millions unemployed and heightened partisan tensions and anger. Democratic nominee Joe Biden has urged a delay in a nomination, declaring that the next president should fill the seat.Ginsburg, 87, died Friday of metastatic pancreatic cancer.The Supreme Court says her body will lie in repose at the Supreme Court this week, with arrangements to allow for public viewing despite the coronavirus pandemic. Ginsburg’s casket will be on public view Wednesday and Thursday under the portico at the top of the court's iconic steps in front of the building. A private ceremony will take place at the court on Wednesday morning.&nbsp;Trump disparaged reports that Ginsburg had told her granddaughter it was her wish that a replacement justice not be confirmed until the inauguration of a new president. Trump said he thought his Democratic political foes were behind the report, including Rep. Adam Schiff, who led the House impeachment probe, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer.“I don’t know that she said that, or was that written out by Adam Schiff and Schumer and Pelosi,” Trump said. “I would be more inclined to the second ... But that sounds like a Schumer deal or maybe a Pelosi or Shifty Schiff," a derisive nickname he has long used for Schiff. Trump frequently disparages Schiff, claiming without evidence that the California Democrat is behind a conspiracy against him. Schiff's office said Monday it had no immediate comment.The president and his fellow Republicans, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell who will control the timing of the confirmation hearings and vote, have pushed back against the 2016 comparison, noting that Trump could win again and saying that, unlike four years ago, the same party controlled both the White House and the Senate.“We have the presidency and the Senate and we have plenty of time,” Trump said. “I think that would be good for the Republican Party and I think it would be good for everybody to get it over with.”Trump allowed that he would accept a vote in the lame duck period after Election Day but made clear his preference would be that it occur by Nov. 3.Announcing a nominee on Friday or Saturday would leave less than 40 days for the Senate to hold a confirmation vote before the election. No nominee has won confirmation that quickly since Sandra Day O’Connor became the first woman to serve on the Supreme Court in 1981. O’Connor was confirmed 99-0 just over a month after she was nominated by President Ronald Reagan.The president confirmed Monday that among the top contenders are Indiana’s Amy Coney Barrett and Florida’s Barbara Lagoa, both appellate court judges he appointed. Barrett has long been a favorite among conservative while Lagoa has been pushed by some aides who tout her electorate advantages of being Hispanic and hailing from the key battleground state of Florida.Trump also indicated that Allison Jones Rushing, a 38-year-old appellate judge from North Carolina, is also on the short-list. He has promised to nominate a woman for the high court, adding that his preference is for someone younger who could hold sway on the nation’s jurisprudence for potentially four or five decades.As the Senate returned to Washington on Monday, all eyes were on Republicans Mitt Romney of Utah and Chuck Grassley of Iowa for clues to whether Trump and McConnell will be able to confirm Ginsburg’s replacement anytime soon.A day earlier, Biden had urged unnamed Republicans to join Sens. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine in opposing a confirmation vote before the Nov. 3 election. It takes four GOP senators breaking ranks to keep Trump’s nominee off the court.“Uphold your constitutional duty, your conscience,” said Biden, speaking in Philadelphia on Sunday. “Let the people speak. Cool the flames that have engulfed our country.”Jamming the nomination through, Biden said, would amount to an “abuse of power.”The sudden vacancy was poised to reshape the race, which to this point has been largely a referendum how Trump had managed the COVID-19 pandemic.It seemed certain to electrify both sides: Democrats were breaking fundraising records while a packed Trump crowd in North Carolina Saturday loudly chanted “Fill that seat.” But it remained unclear if the high bench vacancy — which could impact everything from abortion rights to legal challenges to the 2020 election — would persuade disenchanted Republicans to return to Trump or fire up women or suburban voters to break for Biden.Republicans hold a 53-47 edge in the Senate. If there were a 50-50 tie, it could be broken by Vice President Mike Pence.There is another potential wrinkle: Because Arizona’s Senate race is a special election, that seat could be filled as early as Nov. 30. If Democrat Mark Kelly wins and is seated, that would narrow the window for McConnell.

Trump to make court pick; Ginsburg services set

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 1674 to a total of 53,959 the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;

Coronavirus deaths were reported at 600, an increase of 4.

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

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 1674 to a total of 53,959 the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 600, an increase of 4.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional numbers from the KDHE.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600708052188.png" alt="Sept. 21, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Sept. 21, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal weekend accident and have identified the victim as 33-year-old Steven Evans of Wichita, according to officer Kevin Wheeler.

Just before 3a.m. Saturday, officers responded to a single-vehicle injury accident in the 9600 block of West 37th Street in Wichita, according to Wheeler.

Upon arrival, officers located Evans, who was unresponsive, and a 29-year-old female who had serious but non-life-threatening injuries. 

Medical personnel arrived on scene and attempted life-saving measures on Evans, but were unsuccessful, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. 

The investigation revealed that a Nissan Altima was westbound on 37th Street when the driver lost control and struck multiple trees in the median.

EMS transported the 29-year-old woman to a local hospital. Wheeler had no update on her condition on Monday and did not release her name.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal weekend accident and have identified the victim as 33-year-old Steven Evans of Wichita, according to officer Kevin Wheeler.Just before 3a.m. Saturday, officers responded to a single-vehicle injury accident in the 9600 block of West 37th Street in Wichita, according to Wheeler.Upon arrival, officers located Evans, who was unresponsive, and a 29-year-old female who had serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Medical personnel arrived on scene and attempted life-saving measures on Evans, but were unsuccessful, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation revealed that a Nissan Altima was westbound on 37th Street when the driver lost control and struck multiple trees in the median.EMS transported the 29-year-old woman to a local hospital. Wheeler had no update on her condition on Monday and did not release her name.

Police ID Kansas man who died after crash into trees

Health official: ‘It is not about flourishing. It’s about surviving.’

By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/09/19/restrictions-depressing-as-hell-for-gameday-business-at-lawrence-bars/">Kansas Reflector</a>

On the first game day of 
the 2020 season for the University of Kansas football team, bars and 
restaurants across town had empty seats at kickoff and were closed 
before halftime, a strange sight for fall Saturday in Lawrence.

When the<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/08/12/big-12-announces-plans-to-play-fall-sports-with-intensified-testing/"> Big 12 conference announced</a>
 plans to play fall sports, businesses in both Manhattan and Lawrence 
let out a sigh of relief. Unlike their Kansas State University 
counterparts, however, KU chose not to allow fans at football games this
 fall to reduce the spread of the virus and limit large gatherings.

Additionally, a new county
 health order requires bars and restaurants to cease alcohol sales at 9 
p.m. and close their doors by 10 p.m. The order has drawn significant 
criticism from owners of businesses impacted since going into effect 
Sept. 4.

Kathryn Myres, of Black 
Stag Brewery, which opened on Massachusetts Street in February 2019, 
said the changes ruined gameday business.

“It killed gameday 
completely,” Myres said. “Last year, they were super, super, super busy 
days and we expected it to go down without fans in the stands, but it 
was worse than we thought.”

No fans in town for the 
game meant bars and restaurants, like Black Stag, saw meager to no 
crowds on gameday this year and with a late 9 p.m. kickoff, were closed 
well before the game reached its conclusion.

Both KU and K-State fell 
last Saturday to nonconference opponents. The Jayhawks lost against 
Coastal Carolina University 38-23, and businesses serving alcohol in 
Lawrence lost revenue, compounded by already reduced business amid 
COVID-19.

Business revenues for the 
Black Stag were already down 50% since the pandemic began, Myers said. 
Add in nonexistent gamedays — once among their most profitable days of 
the year — and their business will be feeling the financial squeeze of 
the pandemic, she said.

Myers said the order is 
unfairly coming down on restaurants and bars who have worked hard to 
follow guidelines since the onset of the pandemic, while KU students 
continue to gather en masse and,<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/education/article245832575.html"> until Thursday</a>, did not face consequences for doing so.

“The restaurants aren’t 
the problem. It’s the big groups of students,” Myers said. “We aren’t a 
college kid hangout spot. We’re doing everything we can just to 
survive.”

Dan Patridge, director of 
Lawrence-Douglas County public health department, said the decision was 
made in response to a spike in cases when bars and restaurants opened 
back up.

Partridge said they do not
 look at this as a black-and-white issue pitting gathering at bars 
against gathering at homes. With the additional testing from KU, he 
said, it became clear to the health department that limiting factors 
were needed in environments where the risk of transmission of the virus 
is highest.

“We couldn’t sidestep the 
riskiness of bars when we looked at our outbreaks and number of cases 
associated with bars,” Partridge said. “We are trying to find the middle
 ground where we can protect the safety public and allow businesses to 
survive. It is not about flourishing. It’s about surviving.”

The department will review
 data once it has a better idea of how the restriction is impacting case
 numbers, Partridge said. He did not guarantee any change would come of 
the new information but did say the book was not closed on the issue if 
bars could prove less risky.

Rick Renfro, owner of 
Johnny’s Tavern in North Lawrence for 44 years and a member of the 
Lawrence Restaurant Association, hoped gameday might look like it did 
two days earlier when he had to close a full bar during the fourth 
quarter of the Kansas City Chiefs season opener.

On Saturday, however, Renfro’s restaurant and bar stood empty.

“It was depressing as hell, I’ll tell ya. It’s revenue losses,” Renfro said.

Renfro said he does not 
blame the health department for taking action. He said he believes 
health officials are trying their hardest to mitigate the spread of the 
virus, but that they are going about it the wrong way.

“I believe they will have 
the opposite effect than what they wanted to do,” Renfro said. “They 
want to slow down college kids from socializing and what they did is 
send it to the houses, whereas I can monitor it down here like a 
babysitter.”

Matt Lewellyn, managing 
partner of 23rd Street Brews, said he hoped the health department would 
look to revise the order in the future.

KU football’s next home 
game is Oct. 3 against Oklahoma State University, but if the order stays
 in effect, Lewellyn does not believe game day business will bounce 
back.

“With no guests coming 
into town and this order in place, gameday just won’t do much for us,” 
Lewellyn said. “It has just destroyed gameday business.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600699631925.png" alt="Restaurants and bars in Lawrence were without their usual business on Jayhawk football gameday last Saturday. (Submitted by Explore Lawrence to Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Restaurants and bars in Lawrence were without their usual business on Jayhawk football gameday last Saturday. (Submitted by Explore Lawrence to Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Health official: ‘It is not about flourishing. It’s about surviving.’</h2>By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/09/19/restrictions-depressing-as-hell-for-gameday-business-at-lawrence-bars/">Kansas Reflector</a>On the first game day of 
the 2020 season for the University of Kansas football team, bars and 
restaurants across town had empty seats at kickoff and were closed 
before halftime, a strange sight for fall Saturday in Lawrence.When the<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/08/12/big-12-announces-plans-to-play-fall-sports-with-intensified-testing/"> Big 12 conference announced</a>
 plans to play fall sports, businesses in both Manhattan and Lawrence 
let out a sigh of relief. Unlike their Kansas State University 
counterparts, however, KU chose not to allow fans at football games this
 fall to reduce the spread of the virus and limit large gatherings.Additionally, a new county
 health order requires bars and restaurants to cease alcohol sales at 9 
p.m. and close their doors by 10 p.m. The order has drawn significant 
criticism from owners of businesses impacted since going into effect 
Sept. 4.Kathryn Myres, of Black 
Stag Brewery, which opened on Massachusetts Street in February 2019, 
said the changes ruined gameday business.“It killed gameday 
completely,” Myres said. “Last year, they were super, super, super busy 
days and we expected it to go down without fans in the stands, but it 
was worse than we thought.”No fans in town for the 
game meant bars and restaurants, like Black Stag, saw meager to no 
crowds on gameday this year and with a late 9 p.m. kickoff, were closed 
well before the game reached its conclusion.Both KU and K-State fell 
last Saturday to nonconference opponents. The Jayhawks lost against 
Coastal Carolina University 38-23, and businesses serving alcohol in 
Lawrence lost revenue, compounded by already reduced business amid 
COVID-19.Business revenues for the 
Black Stag were already down 50% since the pandemic began, Myers said. 
Add in nonexistent gamedays — once among their most profitable days of 
the year — and their business will be feeling the financial squeeze of 
the pandemic, she said.Myers said the order is 
unfairly coming down on restaurants and bars who have worked hard to 
follow guidelines since the onset of the pandemic, while KU students 
continue to gather en masse and,<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/education/article245832575.html"> until Thursday</a>, did not face consequences for doing so.“The restaurants aren’t 
the problem. It’s the big groups of students,” Myers said. “We aren’t a 
college kid hangout spot. We’re doing everything we can just to 
survive.”Dan Patridge, director of 
Lawrence-Douglas County public health department, said the decision was 
made in response to a spike in cases when bars and restaurants opened 
back up.Partridge said they do not
 look at this as a black-and-white issue pitting gathering at bars 
against gathering at homes. With the additional testing from KU, he 
said, it became clear to the health department that limiting factors 
were needed in environments where the risk of transmission of the virus 
is highest.“We couldn’t sidestep the 
riskiness of bars when we looked at our outbreaks and number of cases 
associated with bars,” Partridge said. “We are trying to find the middle
 ground where we can protect the safety public and allow businesses to 
survive. It is not about flourishing. It’s about surviving.”The department will review
 data once it has a better idea of how the restriction is impacting case
 numbers, Partridge said. He did not guarantee any change would come of 
the new information but did say the book was not closed on the issue if 
bars could prove less risky.Rick Renfro, owner of 
Johnny’s Tavern in North Lawrence for 44 years and a member of the 
Lawrence Restaurant Association, hoped gameday might look like it did 
two days earlier when he had to close a full bar during the fourth 
quarter of the Kansas City Chiefs season opener.On Saturday, however, Renfro’s restaurant and bar stood empty.“It was depressing as hell, I’ll tell ya. It’s revenue losses,” Renfro said.Renfro said he does not 
blame the health department for taking action. He said he believes 
health officials are trying their hardest to mitigate the spread of the 
virus, but that they are going about it the wrong way.“I believe they will have 
the opposite effect than what they wanted to do,” Renfro said. “They 
want to slow down college kids from socializing and what they did is 
send it to the houses, whereas I can monitor it down here like a 
babysitter.”Matt Lewellyn, managing 
partner of 23rd Street Brews, said he hoped the health department would 
look to revise the order in the future.KU football’s next home 
game is Oct. 3 against Oklahoma State University, but if the order stays
 in effect, Lewellyn does not believe game day business will bounce 
back.“With no guests coming 
into town and this order in place, gameday just won’t do much for us,” 
Lewellyn said. “It has just destroyed gameday business.”

Restrictions ‘depressing as hell’ for gameday bar business

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Crews are beginning work to fix a dangerous stretch of the Kansas River where three people have drowned since 2007. The two-year, $5.7 million project starts Monday and aims to make a river weir in Topeka safer. 

Friends of the Kaw executive director Dawn Buehler says the problem is that calmer, slow-moving water suddenly speeds up around the weir, creating a dangerous “washing-machine effect.” 

Kelly Ryan, levee engineer at the Topeka Utilities Department, said construction will be done in two phases. That construction is expected to be completed by this winter, and once complete, kayakers should be able to pass by the weir without having to leave the water.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Crews are beginning work to fix a dangerous stretch of the Kansas River where three people have drowned since 2007. The two-year, $5.7 million project starts Monday and aims to make a river weir in Topeka safer. Friends of the Kaw executive director Dawn Buehler says the problem is that calmer, slow-moving water suddenly speeds up around the weir, creating a dangerous “washing-machine effect.” Kelly Ryan, levee engineer at the Topeka Utilities Department, said construction will be done in two phases. That construction is expected to be completed by this winter, and once complete, kayakers should be able to pass by the weir without having to leave the water.

Construction begins to fix deadly section of Kansas River

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister released a statement over the weekend on the passing of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

&nbsp;“Justice Ginsburg joined the Court after I was a law clerk. That said, she replaced my first Justice, Byron R. White, after he retired in 1993. She visited the KU Law School while I was Dean, and I had the pleasure of co-teaching a summer study abroad course with her in Istanbul, Turkey, a course that focused on equal protection law, her particular passion. She and her husband, Marty, were a delight in that summer program. Every one of my nine oral arguments before the Supreme Court included Justice Ginsburg, who often had pointed questions for me, but who also made a point of referring to me as “General McAllister” when I appeared for Kansas in my role as Solicitor General. She was fastidious in both her respect for advocates and her preparation for oral arguments.&nbsp;

“Physically tiny, the Justice was in so many ways a giant. No one who is objectively and intellectually honest can deny that claim. I firmly believe my mentor Justice Thomas would agree with my assertion, as would have her dear friend Justice Scalia.&nbsp;

“Irrespective of jurisprudential or philosophical views, I had the utmost respect for Justice Ginsburg as a person. I, my wife who soon will become an elected state prosecutor, and our four daughters, are profoundly grateful to RBG for forever changing for the better the legal landscape for American women and equal rights, allowing them to seek opportunities, achieve their goals, and excel on equal footing with men across the entire spectrum of American economy and its variety of professions and pursuits.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600476593364.png" alt="Justice Ginsberg spoke at the National Book Festival in August 2019-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Justice Ginsberg spoke at the National Book Festival in August 2019-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, KAN. – U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister released a statement over the weekend on the passing of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.&nbsp;“Justice Ginsburg joined the Court after I was a law clerk. That said, she replaced my first Justice, Byron R. White, after he retired in 1993. She visited the KU Law School while I was Dean, and I had the pleasure of co-teaching a summer study abroad course with her in Istanbul, Turkey, a course that focused on equal protection law, her particular passion. She and her husband, Marty, were a delight in that summer program. Every one of my nine oral arguments before the Supreme Court included Justice Ginsburg, who often had pointed questions for me, but who also made a point of referring to me as “General McAllister” when I appeared for Kansas in my role as Solicitor General. She was fastidious in both her respect for advocates and her preparation for oral arguments.&nbsp;“Physically tiny, the Justice was in so many ways a giant. No one who is objectively and intellectually honest can deny that claim. I firmly believe my mentor Justice Thomas would agree with my assertion, as would have her dear friend Justice Scalia.&nbsp;“Irrespective of jurisprudential or philosophical views, I had the utmost respect for Justice Ginsburg as a person. I, my wife who soon will become an elected state prosecutor, and our four daughters, are profoundly grateful to RBG for forever changing for the better the legal landscape for American women and equal rights, allowing them to seek opportunities, achieve their goals, and excel on equal footing with men across the entire spectrum of American economy and its variety of professions and pursuits.”

U.S. Attorney for Kan. has fond memories of Justice Ginsburg

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating&nbsp; two suspects on drug charges after the search of a home.

Just after 8:30a.m.Thursday, deputies with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Task Force, including the Drug Enforcement Administration, Topeka Police Department and Rossville Police Department, served a narcotic search warrant at a residence in the 3600 block of SW Kirklawn Avenue, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

Deputies and officers located over a pound of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia inside the residence. The methamphetamine is valued at over $16,000.

They arrested Stephen L. Lester, 63, and Billy L. Markus,53, both of Topeka. They were booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections. Lester is being held on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of drug paraphernalia. Markus is being held on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia, according to Christian.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600429103663.png" alt="Lester photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Lester photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating&nbsp; two suspects on drug charges after the search of a home.Just after 8:30a.m.Thursday, deputies with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Task Force, including the Drug Enforcement Administration, Topeka Police Department and Rossville Police Department, served a narcotic search warrant at a residence in the 3600 block of SW Kirklawn Avenue, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.Deputies and officers located over a pound of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia inside the residence. The methamphetamine is valued at over $16,000.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600429134876.png" alt="Markus-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Markus-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>They arrested Stephen L. Lester, 63, and Billy L. Markus,53, both of Topeka. They were booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections. Lester is being held on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of drug paraphernalia. Markus is being held on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia, according to Christian.

Kan. deputies find over a pound of meth worth $16K

NEW YORK (AP) — President Donald Trump said Saturday he’s given his “blessing” to a proposed deal that would see the popular video-sharing app TikTok partner with Oracle and Walmart and form a U.S. company.

Trump has targeted Chinese-owned TikTok for national security and data privacy concerns in the latest flashpoint in the rising tensions between Washington and Beijing. The president’s support for a deal comes just a day after the Commerce Department announced restrictions that if put in place could eventually make it nearly impossible for TikTok’s legions of younger fans to use the app.

Trump said if completed the deal would create a new company likely to be based in Texas.

“I have given the deal my blessing,” he said. “If they get it done, that’s great. If they don’t, that’s OK too.”

Trump said the new company will be hiring at least 25,000 people and making a $5 billion contribution to a fund dedicated to education for Americans. “That’s their contribution that I’ve been asking for,” he said.

TikTok said Oracle and Walmart could acquire up to a cumulative 20% stake in the new company in a financing round to be held before an initial public offering of stock, which Walmart said could happen within the next year. Oracle’s stake would be 12.5%, and Walmart’s would be 7.5%, the companies said in separate statements.

The deal will make Oracle responsible for hosting all TikTok’s U.S. user data and securing computer systems to ensure U.S. national security requirements are satisfied. Walmart said it will provide its ecommerce, fulfillment, payments and other services to the new company.

“We are pleased that the proposal by TikTok, Oracle, and Walmart will resolve the security concerns of the U.S. administration and settle questions around TikTok’s future in the U.S.,” TikTok said in a statement.

Trump has been demanding that the U.S. operations of TikTok be sold to a U.S. company or else be shut down. He’s also been targeting WeChat, another Chinese-owned app.

The administration contends that the user data collected by the two apps could be shared with the Chinese government. On Saturday, Trump said the U.S.-based TikTok “will have nothing to do with China.” TikTok says it has 100 million U.S. users.

On Friday, the U.S. Commerce Department said it would bar TikTok from U.S. app stores as of late Sunday. Further restrictions that would prevent TikTok from accessing essential internet services in the country would go into effect on Nov. 12. Commerce said Saturday that it will delay the barring of TikTok from U.S. app stores until Sept. 27 at 11:59 p.m.

Commerce was imposing similar restrictions on WeChat. However, a federal judge has approved a request from a group of WeChat users to delay looming U.S. government restrictions that could effectively make the popular app nearly impossible to use. In a ruling dated Saturday, Magistrate Judge Laurel Beeler in California said the government’s actions would affect users’ First Amendment rights as an effective ban on the app removes their platform for communication. WeChat is a messaging-focused app popular with many Chinese-speaking Americans that serves as a lifeline to friends, family, customers and business contacts in China. It’s owned by Chinese tech giant Tencent.

WeChat has millions of U.S. users who rely on the app to stay in touch and conduct business with people and companies in China and around the world. In court filings, the founder of the Mental Health Association for Chinese Communities, who is a U.S. citizen in California, said that the group’s primary tool to reach out and provide services to Chinese Americans is WeChat.

“Since many of the Chinese community members we serve are not fluent in English, WeChat is the only online tool that they rely on,” Elaine Peng said.

The Trump administration’s aggressive tactics are part of its latest attempt to counter the influence of China, a rising economic superpower. Since taking office in 2017, Trump has waged a trade war with China, blocked mergers involving Chinese companies and stifled the business of Chinese firms like Huawei, a maker of phones and telecom equipment.

China-backed hackers, meanwhile, have been blamed for data breaches of U.S. federal databases and the credit agency Equifax, and the Chinese government strictly limits what U.S. tech companies can do in China.

China’s ministry of commerce condemned the U.S. moves and urged it to stop what it called bullying behavior. It also said China may take “necessary measures” to protect Chinese companies.

The U.S. Treasury Department said Saturday that TikTok’s deal still needs to close with Oracle and Walmart, and it also needs documentation and conditions to be approved by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States.

That, of course, also leaves the potential for more roller coasters of emotion for TikTok users, such as Haley Hoffman Smith, a 24-year-old who moved to Manhattan this year to pursue her dream of becoming a talk-show host. She said she had just hit 100,000 followers on TikTok and was crushed on Friday to hear it may be headed for a shutdown.

“TikTok is an inextricable part of my dream chasing story,” she said, “and to lose it forever would not only be an inconvenient setback, but an absolute heartbreak.”

NEW YORK (AP) — President Donald Trump said Saturday he’s given his “blessing” to a proposed deal that would see the popular video-sharing app TikTok partner with Oracle and Walmart and form a U.S. company.Trump has targeted Chinese-owned TikTok for national security and data privacy concerns in the latest flashpoint in the rising tensions between Washington and Beijing. The president’s support for a deal comes just a day after the Commerce Department announced restrictions that if put in place could eventually make it nearly impossible for TikTok’s legions of younger fans to use the app.Trump said if completed the deal would create a new company likely to be based in Texas.“I have given the deal my blessing,” he said. “If they get it done, that’s great. If they don’t, that’s OK too.”Trump said the new company will be hiring at least 25,000 people and making a $5 billion contribution to a fund dedicated to education for Americans. “That’s their contribution that I’ve been asking for,” he said.TikTok said Oracle and Walmart could acquire up to a cumulative 20% stake in the new company in a financing round to be held before an initial public offering of stock, which Walmart said could happen within the next year. Oracle’s stake would be 12.5%, and Walmart’s would be 7.5%, the companies said in separate statements.The deal will make Oracle responsible for hosting all TikTok’s U.S. user data and securing computer systems to ensure U.S. national security requirements are satisfied. Walmart said it will provide its ecommerce, fulfillment, payments and other services to the new company.“We are pleased that the proposal by TikTok, Oracle, and Walmart will resolve the security concerns of the U.S. administration and settle questions around TikTok’s future in the U.S.,” TikTok said in a statement.Trump has been demanding that the U.S. operations of TikTok be sold to a U.S. company or else be shut down. He’s also been targeting WeChat, another Chinese-owned app.The administration contends that the user data collected by the two apps could be shared with the Chinese government. On Saturday, Trump said the U.S.-based TikTok “will have nothing to do with China.” TikTok says it has 100 million U.S. users.On Friday, the U.S. Commerce Department said it would bar TikTok from U.S. app stores as of late Sunday. Further restrictions that would prevent TikTok from accessing essential internet services in the country would go into effect on Nov. 12. Commerce said Saturday that it will delay the barring of TikTok from U.S. app stores until Sept. 27 at 11:59 p.m.Commerce was imposing similar restrictions on WeChat. However, a federal judge has approved a request from a group of WeChat users to delay looming U.S. government restrictions that could effectively make the popular app nearly impossible to use. In a ruling dated Saturday, Magistrate Judge Laurel Beeler in California said the government’s actions would affect users’ First Amendment rights as an effective ban on the app removes their platform for communication. WeChat is a messaging-focused app popular with many Chinese-speaking Americans that serves as a lifeline to friends, family, customers and business contacts in China. It’s owned by Chinese tech giant Tencent.WeChat has millions of U.S. users who rely on the app to stay in touch and conduct business with people and companies in China and around the world. In court filings, the founder of the Mental Health Association for Chinese Communities, who is a U.S. citizen in California, said that the group’s primary tool to reach out and provide services to Chinese Americans is WeChat.“Since many of the Chinese community members we serve are not fluent in English, WeChat is the only online tool that they rely on,” Elaine Peng said.The Trump administration’s aggressive tactics are part of its latest attempt to counter the influence of China, a rising economic superpower. Since taking office in 2017, Trump has waged a trade war with China, blocked mergers involving Chinese companies and stifled the business of Chinese firms like Huawei, a maker of phones and telecom equipment.China-backed hackers, meanwhile, have been blamed for data breaches of U.S. federal databases and the credit agency Equifax, and the Chinese government strictly limits what U.S. tech companies can do in China.China’s ministry of commerce condemned the U.S. moves and urged it to stop what it called bullying behavior. It also said China may take “necessary measures” to protect Chinese companies.The U.S. Treasury Department said Saturday that TikTok’s deal still needs to close with Oracle and Walmart, and it also needs documentation and conditions to be approved by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States.That, of course, also leaves the potential for more roller coasters of emotion for TikTok users, such as Haley Hoffman Smith, a 24-year-old who moved to Manhattan this year to pursue her dream of becoming a talk-show host. She said she had just hit 100,000 followers on TikTok and was crushed on Friday to hear it may be headed for a shutdown.“TikTok is an inextricable part of my dream chasing story,” she said, “and to lose it forever would not only be an inconvenient setback, but an absolute heartbreak.”___

Deal may keep TikTok operating in US; Judge delays restrictions on WeChat

COWLEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a crime spree and have made an arrest.

Starting on Aug. 8, Arkansas City police noticed an uptick in crime in the northwest part of the city, according to a media release.

The initial crime reported involved burglary of a motor vehicle, which led to the further investigation of criminal use of a financial card.

Later in August, officers took a report of a stolen vehicle in the 1700 block of North Eighth Street. This vehicle was recovered later in Wichita and police learned a suspect identified as 26-year-0ld Cameron Wayne King allegedly was in possession of it.

Investigators later learned King was suspected in connection with numerous property crimes in both Cowley and Sedgwick counties. He eventually was arrested by the sheriff’s office, allegedly in possession of another stolen vehicle.

After conducting a full investigation, Arkansas City police spoke with King in custody and connected him to numerous crimes in Arkansas City. Additional local charges of burglary of a motor vehicle, possession of stolen property and theft of a motor vehicle were added to his Cowley County booking.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600428766121.png" alt="King-photo Cowley Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>King-photo Cowley Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>COWLEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a crime spree and have made an arrest.Starting on Aug. 8, Arkansas City police noticed an uptick in crime in the northwest part of the city, according to a media release.The initial crime reported involved burglary of a motor vehicle, which led to the further investigation of criminal use of a financial card.Later in August, officers took a report of a stolen vehicle in the 1700 block of North Eighth Street. This vehicle was recovered later in Wichita and police learned a suspect identified as 26-year-0ld Cameron Wayne King allegedly was in possession of it.Investigators later learned King was suspected in connection with numerous property crimes in both Cowley and Sedgwick counties. He eventually was arrested by the sheriff’s office, allegedly in possession of another stolen vehicle.After conducting a full investigation, Arkansas City police spoke with King in custody and connected him to numerous crimes in Arkansas City. Additional local charges of burglary of a motor vehicle, possession of stolen property and theft of a motor vehicle were added to his Cowley County booking.He remains jailed on a $100,000 bond.

Man jailed for role in alleged Kansas crime spree

OLATHE, Kan. (AP) — The Johnson County Commission has agreed to rebuke one of its members for a Facebook post where he warned of impending anarchy and a “coming war.”

<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article245833120.html" target="_blank">The Kansas City Star&nbsp;</a>reports that the 4-3 vote to rebuke Commissioner Mike Brown was approved Thursday.

Brown, a Republican,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/337a327e9c5d3daf4cf45bdfdeb10746">wrote the post</a>&nbsp;last weekend after two sheriff’s deputies were shot in California. He warned of a violent uprising and conflict with the left, then urged constituents to “buy a firearm and ammunition” and “learn how to safely use it to defend yourself and your property.”

Brown told the Star in an email that he was “only speaking out against violence and calling on other electeds, community leaders and citizens to do the same.”

In a 4-3 vote, Chairman Ed Eilert and commissioners Jim Allen, Janeé Hanzlick and Becky Fast approved a resolution saying the rest of the board does not approve of Brown’s comments. It states that the commission supports free speech and the right to bear arms, but also “advocates for all of Johnson County and should do so in a manner that promotes understanding and unity.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600251199298.png" alt="Commissioner Mike Brown" />
 <figcaption>Commissioner Mike Brown</figcaption>
 </figure>OLATHE, Kan. (AP) — The Johnson County Commission has agreed to rebuke one of its members for a Facebook post where he warned of impending anarchy and a “coming war.”<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article245833120.html" target="_blank">The Kansas City Star&nbsp;</a>reports that the 4-3 vote to rebuke Commissioner Mike Brown was approved Thursday.Brown, a Republican,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/337a327e9c5d3daf4cf45bdfdeb10746">wrote the post</a>&nbsp;last weekend after two sheriff’s deputies were shot in California. He warned of a violent uprising and conflict with the left, then urged constituents to “buy a firearm and ammunition” and “learn how to safely use it to defend yourself and your property.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">At a time when heated rhetoric rarely surprises me, I have to admit shock in seeing something like this from a local elected. Gross distortions; encouraging constituents to prepare for armed war w/political opponents? This is reckless. This is racist. This is wrong. Just stop. <a href="https://t.co/Zc50URHgEW">https://t.co/Zc50URHgEW</a>&mdash; Mayor Q (@QuintonLucasKC) <a href="https://twitter.com/QuintonLucasKC/status/1305490703749984259?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 14, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Brown told the Star in an email that he was “only speaking out against violence and calling on other electeds, community leaders and citizens to do the same.”In a 4-3 vote, Chairman Ed Eilert and commissioners Jim Allen, Janeé Hanzlick and Becky Fast approved a resolution saying the rest of the board does not approve of Brown’s comments. It states that the commission supports free speech and the right to bear arms, but also “advocates for all of Johnson County and should do so in a manner that promotes understanding and unity.

Kan. county rebukes commissioner over anarchy post

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/09/17/coronavirus-remains-plague-on-kansas-tourism-entertainment-and-winery-industries/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Damage to the 
Kansas tourism economy during the COVID-19 pandemic can be illustrated 
by impact of closing the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum in 
Abilene.

The largest attraction in 
Abilene has been closed for months, blocking access to the $9 million 
exhibit space opened in August 2019 after an eight-month renovation. 
Nearly 150,000 people visited the museum last year. That was expected to
 double in 2020, said Kelly Peetoom, president of the Travel Industry 
Association of Kansas.

“The 2020 travel season 
was predicted to be Abilene’s best year in a long time. In contrast, it 
is Abilene’s tourism industry’s worst,” Peetoom said.

He told a joint House and 
Senate committee considering potential of economic recovery from the 
pandemic Thursday that Visit Overland Park projected year-end revenue 
would be 40% less than in 2019. COVID-19 has cost Overland Park about 
$44 million in economic returns from conventions and meetings, he said.

In Garden City, Peetoom 
said, Finney County is open for business but limited travel in the 
Garden City area is hitting small businesses, restaurants and lodging 
the hardest hit. About 30 events were canceled at a cost of millions in 
lost tourism dollars, he said.

Transient guest tax 
collections in Olathe are down 65% compared to the same time last year, 
he said. The Olathe Conference Center has cancelled or rescheduled 95% 
of bookings for April through December of this year, he said.

“Many industries and 
economic experts have stated that our country is in a recession due to 
the pandemic,” Peetoom said. “I am here to demonstrate that the 
hospitality tourism industry is in a depression.”

Mike Logan, who owns the 
Bottleneck and Granada live music venues in downtown Lawrence, said both
 closed March 15 due to the pandemic and the bars wouldn’t return to 
previous operational levels until summer 2021.

The hesitancy of performers and their fans to gather for concerts remains an obstacle to resumption of events, he said.

“The venue industry is 
injured,” Logan said. “Our business model is based on touching shoulder 
to shoulder in a crowded auditorium. We rely on a national inventory 
(of) touring artists who get in a bus and come across the country. They 
need to be able to make a full trip. Our industry is limited by a 
national reopening of touring artists.”

He said the entertainment 
and hospitality industries needed ongoing help from state government. He
 said restaurants operating at 30% to 50% of seating capacity must still
 meet mortgage debt, property tax and other routine business expenses 
during the pandemic.

Michelle Meyer, who is an 
owner of Holy-Field Vineyard and Winery in Basehor, said the 26th year 
of operation during the pandemic has been a struggle.

“We’re almost three 
decades into business,” she said. “Being a heritage brand like that is 
really beneficial because you have the longevity that people recognize 
and the quality and the value. For younger businesses, I think it has 
maybe been a little more difficult. Those are the types of businesses 
that we really need to support.”

She said Holy-Field 
shifted to curbside sales of wine, because the operation has relied upon
 on-site sales rather than shipping wine directly to consumers.

About two-dozen events 
scheduled for the winery have been called off since March and the 
banquet portion of their business is still idled, she said.

“When you can’t let people
 into your business, you can’t really introduce them to new things,” she
 said. “For wineries, we’re in the hospitality business. We like to talk
 to people and share the fruits of our labor — literally. That makes it 
difficult.”

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600444635326.png" alt="Closure of the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum due to the COVID-19 pandemic has undercut tourism revenue in Abilene as it has in other communities statewide. This statue of Eisenhower is on the Capitol grounds in Topeka. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Closure of the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum due to the COVID-19 pandemic has undercut tourism revenue in Abilene as it has in other communities statewide. This statue of Eisenhower is on the Capitol grounds in Topeka. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/09/17/coronavirus-remains-plague-on-kansas-tourism-entertainment-and-winery-industries/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Damage to the 
Kansas tourism economy during the COVID-19 pandemic can be illustrated 
by impact of closing the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum in 
Abilene.The largest attraction in 
Abilene has been closed for months, blocking access to the $9 million 
exhibit space opened in August 2019 after an eight-month renovation. 
Nearly 150,000 people visited the museum last year. That was expected to
 double in 2020, said Kelly Peetoom, president of the Travel Industry 
Association of Kansas.“The 2020 travel season 
was predicted to be Abilene’s best year in a long time. In contrast, it 
is Abilene’s tourism industry’s worst,” Peetoom said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600444753909.jpeg" alt="Kelly Peetoom, of the Travel Industry Association of Kansas, says the COVID-19 pandemic has deeply undermined the state’s ability to sustain economic activity tied to tourism. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Kelly Peetoom, of the Travel Industry Association of Kansas, says the COVID-19 pandemic has deeply undermined the state’s ability to sustain economic activity tied to tourism. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>He told a joint House and 
Senate committee considering potential of economic recovery from the 
pandemic Thursday that Visit Overland Park projected year-end revenue 
would be 40% less than in 2019. COVID-19 has cost Overland Park about 
$44 million in economic returns from conventions and meetings, he said.In Garden City, Peetoom 
said, Finney County is open for business but limited travel in the 
Garden City area is hitting small businesses, restaurants and lodging 
the hardest hit. About 30 events were canceled at a cost of millions in 
lost tourism dollars, he said.Transient guest tax 
collections in Olathe are down 65% compared to the same time last year, 
he said. The Olathe Conference Center has cancelled or rescheduled 95% 
of bookings for April through December of this year, he said.“Many industries and 
economic experts have stated that our country is in a recession due to 
the pandemic,” Peetoom said. “I am here to demonstrate that the 
hospitality tourism industry is in a depression.”Mike Logan, who owns the 
Bottleneck and Granada live music venues in downtown Lawrence, said both
 closed March 15 due to the pandemic and the bars wouldn’t return to 
previous operational levels until summer 2021.The hesitancy of performers and their fans to gather for concerts remains an obstacle to resumption of events, he said.“The venue industry is 
injured,” Logan said. “Our business model is based on touching shoulder 
to shoulder in a crowded auditorium. We rely on a national inventory 
(of) touring artists who get in a bus and come across the country. They 
need to be able to make a full trip. Our industry is limited by a 
national reopening of touring artists.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600444790780.jpeg" alt="Mike Logan, owner of the Bottleneck and Granada music venues in Lawrence, told state legislators the entertainment industry may not get back on its feet until summer 2021 due to impact of COVID-19 on music tours and mass gatherings. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Refflector)" />
 <figcaption>Mike Logan, owner of the Bottleneck and Granada music venues in Lawrence, told state legislators the entertainment industry may not get back on its feet until summer 2021 due to impact of COVID-19 on music tours and mass gatherings. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Refflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>He said the entertainment 
and hospitality industries needed ongoing help from state government. He
 said restaurants operating at 30% to 50% of seating capacity must still
 meet mortgage debt, property tax and other routine business expenses 
during the pandemic.Michelle Meyer, who is an 
owner of Holy-Field Vineyard and Winery in Basehor, said the 26th year 
of operation during the pandemic has been a struggle.“We’re almost three 
decades into business,” she said. “Being a heritage brand like that is 
really beneficial because you have the longevity that people recognize 
and the quality and the value. For younger businesses, I think it has 
maybe been a little more difficult. Those are the types of businesses 
that we really need to support.”She said Holy-Field 
shifted to curbside sales of wine, because the operation has relied upon
 on-site sales rather than shipping wine directly to consumers.About two-dozen events 
scheduled for the winery have been called off since March and the 
banquet portion of their business is still idled, she said.“When you can’t let people
 into your business, you can’t really introduce them to new things,” she
 said. “For wineries, we’re in the hospitality business. We like to talk
 to people and share the fruits of our labor — literally. That makes it 
difficult.”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.

Virus remains plague on Kan. tourism, entertainment, winery industries

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on&nbsp;multiple traffic charges following a vehicle pursuit early Friday.

Just after 2:15 a.m., a deputy sheriff attempted to stop a 1993 Oldsmobile Cutlass near NE Seward Avenue and NE Rice Road, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

The vehicle refused to stop, turned off its lights and initiated a pursuit through northeast parts of the city of Topeka.

 The deputy terminated the pursuit due to safety concerns. The vehicle was found in the back yard of a residence in the 1200 block of NE Kellam Avenue. 

After a brief investigation, the deputy located the driver inside that residence and arrested&nbsp; Bryan A. Bostick, 27, of Topeka.

He faces charges of flee and elude, tag not assigned, no vehicle insurance, driving with a revoked license, and multiple other traffic related charges, according to Christian.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600460003244.png" alt="Bostick-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Bostick-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on&nbsp;multiple traffic charges following a vehicle pursuit early Friday.Just after 2:15 a.m., a deputy sheriff attempted to stop a 1993 Oldsmobile Cutlass near NE Seward Avenue and NE Rice Road, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.The vehicle refused to stop, turned off its lights and initiated a pursuit through northeast parts of the city of Topeka. The deputy terminated the pursuit due to safety concerns. The vehicle was found in the back yard of a residence in the 1200 block of NE Kellam Avenue. After a brief investigation, the deputy located the driver inside that residence and arrested&nbsp; Bryan A. Bostick, 27, of Topeka.He faces charges of flee and elude, tag not assigned, no vehicle insurance, driving with a revoked license, and multiple other traffic related charges, according to Christian.

Kan. deputy finds pursuit vehicle in backyard of home

WASHINGTON (AP) — Democratic Rep. Madeleine Dean calls herself a “big hugger,” but there’s none of that in-person campaigning in the Philadelphia suburbs as the House freshman runs for reelection largely online to protect against the health risks of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/virus-outbreak">COVID-19.</a>

Traveling the heartland, Iowa Republican Sen. Joni Ernst is taking the opposite approach. She just completed an annual 99-county tour of her state, mostly masked, but sometimes not, talking to modest-size groups — and, at one point, gathering close for a photo.

The two lawmakers show the different tactics underway in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/election-2020">pandemic election year&nbsp;</a>unlike any other as candidates try to win over voters beyond the White House in down-ballot races that will determine&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/c9b1ac944e8e759de99ced3a5ff90022">control of Congress</a>.

<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump&nbsp;</a>is setting the tone for his party, with big rallies and few masks. Democrats, led by presidential nominee&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>, are keeping events small and mostly virtual, confident that voters will reward them for adhering to public health protocols.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., calls the campaign decisions “a matter of life and death.” The GOP leader in the House, Kevin McCarthy of California, a Trump ally, says the president’s party is showing up.

By November, voters will decide who had the right approach — a high-stakes gamble as the coronavirus&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/c9b1ac944e8e759de99ced3a5ff90022">pandemic rewrites the rules&nbsp;</a>of political campaigning.

“It’s a different world,” Dean said during a recent Zoom call with reporters.

“I can’t wait for the day when I can go back to knocking on doors and being at train stations to speak to people directly,” she said. “But we’re making the most of it.”

The House and Senate campaigns are courting voters as attitudes shift about COVID-19. In July, an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/9126a38ef22c244f9ca18f9584061f8d">AP-NORC poll&nbsp;</a>showed 85% of Americans said they were staying away from large groups, including 95% of Democrats and 75% of Republicans. By August, about three-quarters of Americans said they were at least somewhat concerned about themselves or a family member being infected, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnorc.org/" target="_blank">the AP-NORC poll</a>.

Public health experts warn that even as the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/59d1132929f313a9c8e689ab3dbe26ac">number of cases&nbsp;</a>levels nationwide, Americans’ behavior will determine whether there’s another spike this fall with colder weather and the flu season.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee told lawmakers it’s up to them to set an example.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600093164925.png" alt="Laura Lombard is running for the 4th District Kansas Congressional seat against Ron Estes-photo Lombard for Kansas" />
 <figcaption>Laura Lombard is running for the 4th District Kansas Congressional seat against Ron Estes-photo Lombard for Kansas</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Democratic Rep. Madeleine Dean calls herself a “big hugger,” but there’s none of that in-person campaigning in the Philadelphia suburbs as the House freshman runs for reelection largely online to protect against the health risks of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/virus-outbreak">COVID-19.</a>Traveling the heartland, Iowa Republican Sen. Joni Ernst is taking the opposite approach. She just completed an annual 99-county tour of her state, mostly masked, but sometimes not, talking to modest-size groups — and, at one point, gathering close for a photo.The two lawmakers show the different tactics underway in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/election-2020">pandemic election year&nbsp;</a>unlike any other as candidates try to win over voters beyond the White House in down-ballot races that will determine&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/c9b1ac944e8e759de99ced3a5ff90022">control of Congress</a>.<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump&nbsp;</a>is setting the tone for his party, with big rallies and few masks. Democrats, led by presidential nominee&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>, are keeping events small and mostly virtual, confident that voters will reward them for adhering to public health protocols.House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., calls the campaign decisions “a matter of life and death.” The GOP leader in the House, Kevin McCarthy of California, a Trump ally, says the president’s party is showing up.By November, voters will decide who had the right approach — a high-stakes gamble as the coronavirus&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/c9b1ac944e8e759de99ced3a5ff90022">pandemic rewrites the rules&nbsp;</a>of political campaigning.“It’s a different world,” Dean said during a recent Zoom call with reporters.“I can’t wait for the day when I can go back to knocking on doors and being at train stations to speak to people directly,” she said. “But we’re making the most of it.”The House and Senate campaigns are courting voters as attitudes shift about COVID-19. In July, an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/9126a38ef22c244f9ca18f9584061f8d">AP-NORC poll&nbsp;</a>showed 85% of Americans said they were staying away from large groups, including 95% of Democrats and 75% of Republicans. By August, about three-quarters of Americans said they were at least somewhat concerned about themselves or a family member being infected, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnorc.org/" target="_blank">the AP-NORC poll</a>.Public health experts warn that even as the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/59d1132929f313a9c8e689ab3dbe26ac">number of cases&nbsp;</a>levels nationwide, Americans’ behavior will determine whether there’s another spike this fall with colder weather and the flu season.The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee told lawmakers it’s up to them to set an example.Campaigns are looked to “as leaders in the community,” said a DCCC memo obtained by The Associated Press, “and their health and safety precautions should reflect that.”Virtual town halls, phone banks, texting and Zoom-style meet-ups are replacing the traditional campaign events and door-knocking operations, which in years past have been seen as crucial to coax voters to the polls.One party strategist said Democrats believe voters will appreciate candidates who take COVID-19 risks seriously, attempting to draw a contrast to Trump and Republicans. The strategist and others were granted anonymity to discuss tactics the parties are employing.In Georgia, Senate candidate Jon Ossoff’s campaign is drawing thousands of people to online forums, more than strategists said could be reached by traditional canvassing. He is running against first-term GOP Sen. David Perdue.Republicans appear more willing to venture out.Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell held public events in some 20 Kentucky communities during August, showing up mostly masked. He faces Democratic former fighter pilot Amy McGrath this fall.Republicans are defending a narrow three-seat Senate majority as Democratic candidates gain traction in more than a half-dozen states, including Iowa, Colorado, Maine, North Carolina. That’s twice as many that Democrats would need to flip to tip party control.“Even in these challenging times, it’s my job to show up and hear directly from all Iowans,” Ernst said in a video message after finishing her all-county tour.Typically outside groups provide much of the legwork knocking doors to reach voters. This year, they, too, are taking divergent approaches.The Congressional Leadership Fund announced it’s unleashing $3.5 million to start put boots on the ground — with personal protective gear — in 12 House districts as Republicans stage a longshot fight to wrest control from Pelosi and Democrats. Republicans would need to win some 19 seats.A Republican strategist said the GOP reckons that with so many Americans home because of the coronavirus crisis there’s a “captive audience” of voters to reach.Tim Phillips of the Koch-backed Americans for Prosperity Action said his group started testing door knocking on June 1 to see what worked, what didn’t.Standing 8 to 10 feet away seemed better than 6, he said, and visitors followed local rules about mask wearing — sometimes on, sometimes just in hand.By July, the group expanded door-knocking nationwide and found people are very willing to open up, he said.“I can’t tell you how many times now I’ve had people say, ’You’re the first human interaction I’ve had for months now,’” said Phillips, who has knocked doors himself in several states, including North Carolina, where AFP Action is investing $11 million in the Senate race. He said the rate at which people answer the door is up at least 18% compared with pre-pandemic numbers.Elsewhere, the powerful American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees is launching its “big green machine” -- thousands of union workers and retirees — to virtual field offices to help elect Biden and “candidates up and down the ballot,” the union said.Volunteers can call voters, send texts and take other actions. A union official, granted anonymity to discuss the organizing effort, said they find that people want to “do something.”Pelosi noted that in some places it may be safe to go door to door.In Maine, where the number of virus cases has been low,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/cde5bc59b59df67a89600d8e02c13ecf">both campaigns are stepping out</a>.Democratic Senate candidate Sarah Gideon has resumed town-hall “Suppers with Sara” but with a socially distant, outdoor version of the state’s traditional dinners.Incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins recently launched a bus tour to meet with voters.Dean, in Philadelphia, acknowledged there’s nothing to replace personal interaction. But she said she’s confident the virtual campaigns will meet the moment of these rocky times.“The energy is high,” said Dean. “Sadly, it is so laced with anxiety.”___