By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/08/16/kansas-professors-experience-with-covid-19-heightens-concern-for-campus-culture/">Kansas Reflector</a>

Richard Sleezer could only
 watch the careless attitudes many have taken toward the pandemic for so
 long before he felt compelled to share his ongoing COVID-19 experience.

In mid-June, after coping 
with what he described as a “really bad allergy attack,” Sleezer was 
tested for the virus. He expected to hear good news when he spoke with 
his physician’s nurse but instead was told he had tested positive.

Sleezer, a physical 
sciences professor at Emporia State University, immediately quarantined 
himself from his wife and three children.

“I had worn a mask, washed
 my hands constantly and, heck, I was even standing 10 feet away from 
people. I still got it and had to quarantine,” Sleezer said. “It isn’t 
easy being physically alone through that process, but it did give me a 
lot of time to think.”

The pandemic has uprooted 
lives like Sleezer’s in almost every county across Kansas since the 
virus was first detected in early March. So far, 33,885 people have been
 infected and 402 have died statewide.

Despite steady case numbers, universities under the Kansas Board of Regents plan to return in force this fall, with varying <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/08/07/ksu-ku-taking-different-avenues-on-covid-19-testing-of-students/">plans for testing and face-to-face classes</a>.

In the nearly two weeks 
Sleezer spent in his basement, and the time since, he has found himself 
contemplating the feasibility of universities reopening safely and 
questioning the cavalier attitudes he sees many taking toward science 
amid such a threatening virus.

Sleezer, who wanted to 
make it clear that he speaks for himself and not the university, 
understand the threat of the virus. On top of uncontrollable sneezing, 
runny nose, and extreme fatigue present before his diagnosis, Sleezer 
found each day brought a new nightmarish experience.

The first night he 
developed an intense fever and chills. He began coughing frequently — to
 the point of expelling blood and, for a day, struggled to control his 
bowel movements. After about a week of symptoms, he developed severe 
headaches and light sensitivity.

“It was to the point where
 I had to shut off every light, close every window and just lay down 
with my eyes closed,” Sleezer said. “I’ve had the flu, strep throat, and
 plenty of other bad sicknesses. Nothing compared to how miserable I 
felt during that time.”

The symptoms Sleezer 
experienced are, for the most part, common, said Dana Hawkinson, medical
 director of infection prevention and control at The University of 
Kansas Health System. One symptom reported, a series of red bumps that 
became cold sores in Sleezer’s mouth, is a bit more uncommon but has 
been infrequently reported.

“Understanding the virus 
and its full effects on our body continues to remain an ongoing 
process,” Hawkinson said. “It is certainly reasonable that the 
ulcerations may have been a part of the infection, either a direct viral
 infection or as a part of our immune system’s reaction to the virus. We
 learn more about the symptoms and manifestations every day.”

That uncertainty may be what concerns Sleezer most. He hasn’t contracted a secondary infection during his recovery <a href="https://www.medicalnewsnetwork.org/NewsNetwork/DocTalk/C/Coronavirus%20Media%20Briefing%20Thursday%208-13-20">as some do</a>, but he was prescribed antibiotics out of caution and carries an inhaler to deal with shortness of breath.

He left his basement two weeks ago, but he still feels weighed down physically and mentally.

Sleezer is back at work 
now, preparing for the school year and maintaining the same precautions 
he had before his bout with COVID-19 — wearing a mask, practicing good 
hygiene and maintaining social distancing.

While he works, his mind 
fills with concerns for the safety and health of those returning to 
face-to-face learning environments, himself among them.

He isn’t critical of any 
universities or their plans, but is worried if someone who took every 
precaution, like himself, couldn’t avoid the virus, how will a campus 
full of staff and stir-crazy students avoid widespread illness?

“It seems like we are 
hanging our hats on this idea that if we wash our hands, disinfect, wear
 a mask and keep space between us we can still interact with other 
people and still open up safely,” Sleezer said. “That’s hard to do, 
especially when you consider it’s a serious change in behavior after six
 months of abnormality.”

Sleezer remembers his 
college days, which, he admits, weren’t always filled with the best 
decisions. Reports of community-wide outbreaks stemming from teenage 
parties further convince him an issue of some sort is inevitable on 
campus.

People congregate, Sleezer
 said. It’s human nature. Even as he answered questions in an interview 
for this story, he saw two students walk past his car, masks off and 
well within 6 feet of each other.

“I don’t know there’s a 
way to fully control that behavior on campus,” said Erin Sorrell, an 
assistant professor in the department of microbiology and immunology at 
Georgetown University. “The best way to make students support the 
guidelines is to involve them in the process. They are numb to the same 
instructions over and over. Engaging beyond educating.”

Sleezer is keeping his 
fingers crossed people are on their best behavior, but based on what 
he’s seen since the onset of the pandemic in March, he isn’t getting his
 hopes up.

Sleezer recently went to a
 regularly scheduled doctor’s appointment. Just to see the doctor, he 
had to clear several hurdles because his lingering shortness of breath 
is a symptom of COVID-19.

On his way out, Sleezer 
shared his frustration over the ordeal and the reckless behavior he 
observed in his community with the receptionist. She urged him to share 
his story.

“She said with all the 
misinformation out there it would be a good thing for people to tell 
their stories,” Sleezer said. “There was definitely some urgency for 
someone to speak up about the way people have dragged science.”

The receptionist’s words 
stuck with Sleezer. He criticized those who have spent the duration of 
the virus working to tear down public health officials, instead of 
working to support and solve the problem with them.

“People often think that 
because I am a professor I am a flaming liberal, but I was raised and 
consider myself conservative — and I’m not trying to be political or 
criticize anyone here, but science and disease shouldn’t be about 
politics,” Sleezer said.

Classes begin Monday at 
Emporia State. There will be mass testing for students and staff, masks 
are required, and classrooms will be thoroughly disinfected.

Whether people have lost 
the meaning behind the number of the infected or just do not care, 
Sleezer said, the best he can do is focus on the things he can control 
and hope the steps the universities take are sufficient.

“Someone is inevitably 
going to get sick this fall,” Sleezer said. “That’s the scariest part of
 this virus, isn’t it? You never know who it’s going to hit, how fast 
it’s going to spread and how it’s going to affect those people.”

Noah Taborda started his journalism career in public radio at KBIA in Columbia, Missouri, covering local government and producing an episode of the podcast Show Me The State while earning his bachelor’s degree in radio broadcasting at the University of Missouri School of Journalism. Noah then made a short move to Kansas City, Missouri, to work at KCUR as an intern on the talk show Central Standard and then in the newsroom, reporting on daily news and feature stories.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597673938094.jpeg" alt="Richard Sleezer, a professor at Emporia State University who was infected with COVID-19, questioned whether students returning to campus will take safety precautions seriously. (Submitted)" />
 <figcaption>Richard Sleezer, a professor at Emporia State University who was infected with COVID-19, questioned whether students returning to campus will take safety precautions seriously. (Submitted)</figcaption>
 </figure>By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/08/16/kansas-professors-experience-with-covid-19-heightens-concern-for-campus-culture/">Kansas Reflector</a>Richard Sleezer could only
 watch the careless attitudes many have taken toward the pandemic for so
 long before he felt compelled to share his ongoing COVID-19 experience.In mid-June, after coping 
with what he described as a “really bad allergy attack,” Sleezer was 
tested for the virus. He expected to hear good news when he spoke with 
his physician’s nurse but instead was told he had tested positive.Sleezer, a physical 
sciences professor at Emporia State University, immediately quarantined 
himself from his wife and three children.“I had worn a mask, washed
 my hands constantly and, heck, I was even standing 10 feet away from 
people. I still got it and had to quarantine,” Sleezer said. “It isn’t 
easy being physically alone through that process, but it did give me a 
lot of time to think.”The pandemic has uprooted 
lives like Sleezer’s in almost every county across Kansas since the 
virus was first detected in early March. So far, 33,885 people have been
 infected and 402 have died statewide.Despite steady case numbers, universities under the Kansas Board of Regents plan to return in force this fall, with varying <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/08/07/ksu-ku-taking-different-avenues-on-covid-19-testing-of-students/">plans for testing and face-to-face classes</a>.In the nearly two weeks 
Sleezer spent in his basement, and the time since, he has found himself 
contemplating the feasibility of universities reopening safely and 
questioning the cavalier attitudes he sees many taking toward science 
amid such a threatening virus.Sleezer, who wanted to 
make it clear that he speaks for himself and not the university, 
understand the threat of the virus. On top of uncontrollable sneezing, 
runny nose, and extreme fatigue present before his diagnosis, Sleezer 
found each day brought a new nightmarish experience.The first night he 
developed an intense fever and chills. He began coughing frequently — to
 the point of expelling blood and, for a day, struggled to control his 
bowel movements. After about a week of symptoms, he developed severe 
headaches and light sensitivity.“It was to the point where
 I had to shut off every light, close every window and just lay down 
with my eyes closed,” Sleezer said. “I’ve had the flu, strep throat, and
 plenty of other bad sicknesses. Nothing compared to how miserable I 
felt during that time.”The symptoms Sleezer 
experienced are, for the most part, common, said Dana Hawkinson, medical
 director of infection prevention and control at The University of 
Kansas Health System. One symptom reported, a series of red bumps that 
became cold sores in Sleezer’s mouth, is a bit more uncommon but has 
been infrequently reported.“Understanding the virus 
and its full effects on our body continues to remain an ongoing 
process,” Hawkinson said. “It is certainly reasonable that the 
ulcerations may have been a part of the infection, either a direct viral
 infection or as a part of our immune system’s reaction to the virus. We
 learn more about the symptoms and manifestations every day.”That uncertainty may be what concerns Sleezer most. He hasn’t contracted a secondary infection during his recovery <a href="https://www.medicalnewsnetwork.org/NewsNetwork/DocTalk/C/Coronavirus%20Media%20Briefing%20Thursday%208-13-20">as some do</a>, but he was prescribed antibiotics out of caution and carries an inhaler to deal with shortness of breath.He left his basement two weeks ago, but he still feels weighed down physically and mentally.<h2>Returning to school</h2>Sleezer is back at work 
now, preparing for the school year and maintaining the same precautions 
he had before his bout with COVID-19 — wearing a mask, practicing good 
hygiene and maintaining social distancing.While he works, his mind 
fills with concerns for the safety and health of those returning to 
face-to-face learning environments, himself among them.He isn’t critical of any 
universities or their plans, but is worried if someone who took every 
precaution, like himself, couldn’t avoid the virus, how will a campus 
full of staff and stir-crazy students avoid widespread illness?“It seems like we are 
hanging our hats on this idea that if we wash our hands, disinfect, wear
 a mask and keep space between us we can still interact with other 
people and still open up safely,” Sleezer said. “That’s hard to do, 
especially when you consider it’s a serious change in behavior after six
 months of abnormality.”Sleezer remembers his 
college days, which, he admits, weren’t always filled with the best 
decisions. Reports of community-wide outbreaks stemming from teenage 
parties further convince him an issue of some sort is inevitable on 
campus.People congregate, Sleezer
 said. It’s human nature. Even as he answered questions in an interview 
for this story, he saw two students walk past his car, masks off and 
well within 6 feet of each other.“I don’t know there’s a 
way to fully control that behavior on campus,” said Erin Sorrell, an 
assistant professor in the department of microbiology and immunology at 
Georgetown University. “The best way to make students support the 
guidelines is to involve them in the process. They are numb to the same 
instructions over and over. Engaging beyond educating.”Sleezer is keeping his 
fingers crossed people are on their best behavior, but based on what 
he’s seen since the onset of the pandemic in March, he isn’t getting his
 hopes up.<h2>Not science fiction</h2>Sleezer recently went to a
 regularly scheduled doctor’s appointment. Just to see the doctor, he 
had to clear several hurdles because his lingering shortness of breath 
is a symptom of COVID-19.On his way out, Sleezer 
shared his frustration over the ordeal and the reckless behavior he 
observed in his community with the receptionist. She urged him to share 
his story.“She said with all the 
misinformation out there it would be a good thing for people to tell 
their stories,” Sleezer said. “There was definitely some urgency for 
someone to speak up about the way people have dragged science.”The receptionist’s words 
stuck with Sleezer. He criticized those who have spent the duration of 
the virus working to tear down public health officials, instead of 
working to support and solve the problem with them.“People often think that 
because I am a professor I am a flaming liberal, but I was raised and 
consider myself conservative — and I’m not trying to be political or 
criticize anyone here, but science and disease shouldn’t be about 
politics,” Sleezer said.Classes begin Monday at 
Emporia State. There will be mass testing for students and staff, masks 
are required, and classrooms will be thoroughly disinfected.Whether people have lost 
the meaning behind the number of the infected or just do not care, 
Sleezer said, the best he can do is focus on the things he can control 
and hope the steps the universities take are sufficient.“Someone is inevitably 
going to get sick this fall,” Sleezer said. “That’s the scariest part of
 this virus, isn’t it? You never know who it’s going to hit, how fast 
it’s going to spread and how it’s going to affect those people.”Noah Taborda started his journalism career in public radio at KBIA in Columbia, Missouri, covering local government and producing an episode of the podcast Show Me The State while earning his bachelor’s degree in radio broadcasting at the University of Missouri School of Journalism. Noah then made a short move to Kansas City, Missouri, to work at KCUR as an intern on the talk show Central Standard and then in the newsroom, reporting on daily news and feature stories.

Kan. prof’s COVID-19 experience heightens concern for campus safety

DICKINSON COUNTY—A group&nbsp;floating on the Smoky Hill River lost contact with a person in their group on Saturday, according Geary County Emergency Management.

 It got dark, the main group made it to Chapman with one person missing, according to a social media report from Dickinson County Fire District #1 Chief Paul Forelich.

Geary County Emergency Management along with the Geary County Sheriff/Junction City Water Rescue Team were called to assist.

 After gathering info on time on the river crews from Dickinson County Fire District #1 went to a point off Quail Road and made contact with the missing rafter. He was removed from the river by crew from and checked by Dickinson County EMS. 

&nbsp;The rafter was located prior to the arrival of the water team from Geary County. "This shows the teamwork and county lines do not stop us from helping our neighbors," according to a Geary County Emergency Management.

"In addition to the water rescue team, Dickinson County authorities were able to shut down all out of county assistance including the Kansas Highway Patrol aircraft prior to their arrival and all went home safe, according to Froelich.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597669226900.png" alt="Smoky Hill River -photo courtesy USGS" />
 <figcaption>Smoky Hill River -photo courtesy USGS</figcaption>
 </figure>DICKINSON COUNTY—A group&nbsp;floating on the Smoky Hill River lost contact with a person in their group on Saturday, according Geary County Emergency Management. It got dark, the main group made it to Chapman with one person missing, according to a social media report from Dickinson County Fire District #1 Chief Paul Forelich.Geary County Emergency Management along with the Geary County Sheriff/Junction City Water Rescue Team were called to assist. After gathering info on time on the river crews from Dickinson County Fire District #1 went to a point off Quail Road and made contact with the missing rafter. He was removed from the river by crew from and checked by Dickinson County EMS. &nbsp;The rafter was located prior to the arrival of the water team from Geary County. "This shows the teamwork and county lines do not stop us from helping our neighbors," according to a Geary County Emergency Management."In addition to the water rescue team, Dickinson County authorities were able to shut down all out of county assistance including the Kansas Highway Patrol aircraft prior to their arrival and all went home safe, according to Froelich.

Emergency crews find missing rafter on Smoky Hill River 

JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on drug charges after a weekend arrest.

Just before&nbsp;4 am Saturday, a Jackson County Sheriff’s Deputy stopped to assist a motorist near 150th and Q.4 Road, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

The deputy subsequently arrested, Jessie Dale Earwood, 43, of Topeka. 

He was booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, two misdemeanor drug counts, driving while suspended and transporting an open container, according to Morse.

The passenger identified as Janelle Velta Marie Martin, 35, of Topeka was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, and two misdemeanor drug counts.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597609853992.png" alt="Earwood-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Earwood-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on drug charges after a weekend arrest.Just before&nbsp;4 am Saturday, a Jackson County Sheriff’s Deputy stopped to assist a motorist near 150th and Q.4 Road, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.The deputy subsequently arrested, Jessie Dale Earwood, 43, of Topeka. He was booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, two misdemeanor drug counts, driving while suspended and transporting an open container, according to Morse.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597609827342.png" alt="Martin-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Martin-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The passenger identified as Janelle Velta Marie Martin, 35, of Topeka was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, and two misdemeanor drug counts.

Kan. deputy stops to assist motorist, makes 2 arrests

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Postal Service is <a href="https://about.usps.com/who/legal/foia/documents/election-mail/election-mail-2020-pages-26-51.pdf">warning states coast to coast </a>that it cannot guarantee all ballots cast by mail for the November election will arrive in time to be counted, even if mailed by state deadlines, raising the possibility that millions of voters could be disenfranchised.

Voters and lawmakers in several states are also complaining that some curbside mail collection boxes are being removed.

Even as President Donald Trump rails against wide-scale voting by mail, the post office is bracing for an unprecedented number of mail-in ballots as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

The warning letters sent to states raise the possibility that many Americans eligible for mail-in ballots this fall will not have them counted. But that is not the intent, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy said in his own letter to Democratic congressional leaders.

The post office is merely “asking elected officials and voters to realistically consider how the mail works, and be mindful of our delivery standards, in order to provide voters ample time to cast ballots through the mail,” wrote DeJoy, a prominent Trump political donor who was recently appointed. The warning letters wre first reported by The Washington Post.

The back-and-forth comes amid a vigorous campaign by Trump to sow doubts about mail-in voting as he faces a difficult fight for reelection against Democrat Joe Biden.

Though Trump casts his own ballots by mail, he’s repeatedly criticized efforts to allow more people to do so, which he argues without evidence will lead to increased voter fraud that could cost him the election. Meanwhile, members of Congress from both parties have voiced concerns that curbside mailboxes, which is how many will cast their ballots, have abruptly been removed in some states.

At the same time that the need for timely delivery of the mail is peaking, service has been curtailed amid cost-cutting and efficiency measures ordered by the DeJoy, the new postmaster general, who is a former supply-chain CEO and a financial supporter of Trump and other Republicans. He has implemented measures to eliminate overtime pay and hold mail over if distribution centers are running late.

The Post Office <a href="https://about.usps.com/who/legal/foia/documents/election-mail/election-mail-2020-pages-26-51.pdf">released letters </a>it sent to all 50 states and the District Columbia on its website.

&nbsp;<a href="https://about.usps.com/who/legal/foia/documents/election-mail/election-mail-2020-pages-26-51.pdf">Click here</a>&nbsp;to read the warning letter.

While some states with permissive vote-by- mail laws were given a less stringent warning, the majority with more restrictive requirements that limit when a ballot must be cast were given a more dire warning.

The laws, the letter said, create a “risk that ballots requested near the deadline under state law will not be returned by mail in time to be counted.”

Many state officials criticized the move.

“This is a deeply troubling development in what is becoming a clear pattern of attempted voter suppression by the Trump administration,” Democratic Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam said in a statement. “I am committed to making sure all Virginians have access to the ballot box, and will continue to work with state and federal lawmakers to ensure safe, secure and accessible elections this fall.”

Kim Wyman, the Republican secretary of state in Washington state, where all voting is by mail, said sending fall ballot material to millions of voters there is a “routine operation of the U.S. Postal Service.”

“Politicizing these administrative processes is dangerous and undermines public confidence in our elections,” she said in a statement. “This volume of work is by no means unusual, and is an operation I am confident the U.S. Postal Service is sufficiently prepared to fulfill.”

Meanwhile, the removal of Postal Service collection mailboxes triggered concerns and anger in Oregon and Montana. Boxes were also removed in Indiana.

In Montana, postal officials said the removals were part of a program to eliminate underused drop boxes. But after the outcry, which included upset members of Congress, the officials said they were suspending the program in Montana. It was unclear if the program was also suspended in other states.

At least 25 mailboxes were removed in mid-July in Montana with another 30 scheduled to be taken away soon, said Julie Quilliam, president of the Montana Letter Carriers Association. She rejected the claim that the boxes were removed because of low usage.

“Some of the boxes scheduled to be removed from downtown Billings are nearly overflowing daily,” Quilliam wrote in a Facebook message.

All three members of Montana’s congressional delegation — two of whom are Republican — raised concerns about the removal of mailboxes in letters sent to Postmaster DeJoy.

“These actions set my hair on fire and they have real life implications for folks in rural America and their ability to access critical postal services like paying their bills and voting in upcoming elections,” said Sen. Jon Tester, a Democrat.

Sen. Steve Daines and Rep. Greg Gianforte, both Republicans, raised similar concerns in letters to DeJoy about the effect the removal of the mailboxes might have on delivery times. All three asked for information on how the agency decided which boxes to remove and whether any more removals were planned.

“During the current public health crisis it is more important than ever the USPS continue to provide prompt, dependable delivery service,” said Gianforte.

Postal Service spokesperson Ernie Swanson said the Oregon removals were due to declining mail volume and said duplicate mailboxes were taken from places that had more than one. The Postal Service said four mailboxes were removed in Portland this week.

“First-class mail volume has declined significantly in the U.S., especially since the pandemic,” Swanson said. “That translates to less mail in collection boxes.”

Separately, the National Association of Letter Carriers, which represents 300,000 current and retired workers, endorsed Biden.

The union said Trump has been hostile to the post office and has undermined it and its workers while Biden “is — was — and will continue to be — a fierce ally and defender of the United States Postal Service,” said union president Fredric Rolando.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597456642329.png" alt="Photo courtesy USPS" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy USPS</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Postal Service is <a href="https://about.usps.com/who/legal/foia/documents/election-mail/election-mail-2020-pages-26-51.pdf">warning states coast to coast </a>that it cannot guarantee all ballots cast by mail for the November election will arrive in time to be counted, even if mailed by state deadlines, raising the possibility that millions of voters could be disenfranchised.Voters and lawmakers in several states are also complaining that some curbside mail collection boxes are being removed.Even as President Donald Trump rails against wide-scale voting by mail, the post office is bracing for an unprecedented number of mail-in ballots as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.The warning letters sent to states raise the possibility that many Americans eligible for mail-in ballots this fall will not have them counted. But that is not the intent, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy said in his own letter to Democratic congressional leaders.The post office is merely “asking elected officials and voters to realistically consider how the mail works, and be mindful of our delivery standards, in order to provide voters ample time to cast ballots through the mail,” wrote DeJoy, a prominent Trump political donor who was recently appointed. The warning letters wre first reported by The Washington Post.The back-and-forth comes amid a vigorous campaign by Trump to sow doubts about mail-in voting as he faces a difficult fight for reelection against Democrat Joe Biden.Though Trump casts his own ballots by mail, he’s repeatedly criticized efforts to allow more people to do so, which he argues without evidence will lead to increased voter fraud that could cost him the election. Meanwhile, members of Congress from both parties have voiced concerns that curbside mailboxes, which is how many will cast their ballots, have abruptly been removed in some states.At the same time that the need for timely delivery of the mail is peaking, service has been curtailed amid cost-cutting and efficiency measures ordered by the DeJoy, the new postmaster general, who is a former supply-chain CEO and a financial supporter of Trump and other Republicans. He has implemented measures to eliminate overtime pay and hold mail over if distribution centers are running late.The Post Office <a href="https://about.usps.com/who/legal/foia/documents/election-mail/election-mail-2020-pages-26-51.pdf">released letters </a>it sent to all 50 states and the District Columbia on its website.&nbsp;<a href="https://about.usps.com/who/legal/foia/documents/election-mail/election-mail-2020-pages-26-51.pdf">Click here</a>&nbsp;to read the warning letter.While some states with permissive vote-by- mail laws were given a less stringent warning, the majority with more restrictive requirements that limit when a ballot must be cast were given a more dire warning.The laws, the letter said, create a “risk that ballots requested near the deadline under state law will not be returned by mail in time to be counted.”Many state officials criticized the move.“This is a deeply troubling development in what is becoming a clear pattern of attempted voter suppression by the Trump administration,” Democratic Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam said in a statement. “I am committed to making sure all Virginians have access to the ballot box, and will continue to work with state and federal lawmakers to ensure safe, secure and accessible elections this fall.”Kim Wyman, the Republican secretary of state in Washington state, where all voting is by mail, said sending fall ballot material to millions of voters there is a “routine operation of the U.S. Postal Service.”“Politicizing these administrative processes is dangerous and undermines public confidence in our elections,” she said in a statement. “This volume of work is by no means unusual, and is an operation I am confident the U.S. Postal Service is sufficiently prepared to fulfill.”Meanwhile, the removal of Postal Service collection mailboxes triggered concerns and anger in Oregon and Montana. Boxes were also removed in Indiana.In Montana, postal officials said the removals were part of a program to eliminate underused drop boxes. But after the outcry, which included upset members of Congress, the officials said they were suspending the program in Montana. It was unclear if the program was also suspended in other states.At least 25 mailboxes were removed in mid-July in Montana with another 30 scheduled to be taken away soon, said Julie Quilliam, president of the Montana Letter Carriers Association. She rejected the claim that the boxes were removed because of low usage.“Some of the boxes scheduled to be removed from downtown Billings are nearly overflowing daily,” Quilliam wrote in a Facebook message.All three members of Montana’s congressional delegation — two of whom are Republican — raised concerns about the removal of mailboxes in letters sent to Postmaster DeJoy.“These actions set my hair on fire and they have real life implications for folks in rural America and their ability to access critical postal services like paying their bills and voting in upcoming elections,” said Sen. Jon Tester, a Democrat.Sen. Steve Daines and Rep. Greg Gianforte, both Republicans, raised similar concerns in letters to DeJoy about the effect the removal of the mailboxes might have on delivery times. All three asked for information on how the agency decided which boxes to remove and whether any more removals were planned.“During the current public health crisis it is more important than ever the USPS continue to provide prompt, dependable delivery service,” said Gianforte.Postal Service spokesperson Ernie Swanson said the Oregon removals were due to declining mail volume and said duplicate mailboxes were taken from places that had more than one. The Postal Service said four mailboxes were removed in Portland this week.“First-class mail volume has declined significantly in the U.S., especially since the pandemic,” Swanson said. “That translates to less mail in collection boxes.”Separately, the National Association of Letter Carriers, which represents 300,000 current and retired workers, endorsed Biden.The union said Trump has been hostile to the post office and has undermined it and its workers while Biden “is — was — and will continue to be — a fierce ally and defender of the United States Postal Service,” said union president Fredric Rolando.___

What the Postal Service warned states about mail in ballots

TOPEKA, KAN.&nbsp;– A Kansas man was sentenced to six years in federal prison for heroin trafficking, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.

Terrance Wills, 42, Kansas City, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin. In his plea, Wills admitted he met two other men, who had transported the heroin from Texas, at a rest area near Topeka. 

Investigators had been following the load – almost five pounds of heroin -- since the couriers were stopped on Highway 54 near Meade, Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597323946794.png" alt="Terrance Wills-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Terrance Wills-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, KAN.&nbsp;– A Kansas man was sentenced to six years in federal prison for heroin trafficking, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.Terrance Wills, 42, Kansas City, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin. In his plea, Wills admitted he met two other men, who had transported the heroin from Texas, at a rest area near Topeka. Investigators had been following the load – almost five pounds of heroin -- since the couriers were stopped on Highway 54 near Meade, Kansas.

Kan. man admits receiving 5 pounds of heroin at rest area

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Democrats are scrambling to deal with the strong possibility that a 19-year-old candidate for a Kansas House seat in Kansas City will unseat a veteran lawmaker despite making incendiary comments on social media and acknowledging abusive behavior online toward girls in middle school.

Aaron Coleman, a dishwasher and community college student, holds a five-vote lead over seven-term state Rep. Stan Frownfelter, a 69-year-old small business owner. Officials in their home of Wyandotte County are scheduled to meet Monday to review provisional ballots and decide whether to count them, potentially altering Coleman’s 807-802 lead in voting.

Coleman is running a liberal platform that includes universal health coverage, eliminating college tuition, defunding the police and legalizing marijuana. But he received more attention for a social media post suggesting he would “laugh and giggle” if a former GOP state lawmaker died of COVID-19, another post endorsing abortion up to the moment of birth and a third acknowledging that allegations that he engaged in online bullying, blackmail and revenge porn were true. He apologized for the comments and said his past behavior targeting several middle-school girls was that of “a sick and troubled” 14-year-old.

Some Democrats are struggling with the possibility that with no Republican on the ballot in the 37th District this fall, Coleman could sit in the House come January. Frownfelter argues that Coleman’s nomination could hurt Democrats’ efforts to pick up seats in the GOP-controlled Legislature.

“He is not fit to serve in the Legislature,” said Lauren Fitzgerald, a spokeswoman for Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly.

Coleman also ran as an independent write-in candidate for governor in 2018. He attributed the results of the House primary to his door-to-door campaigning and said in an email to The Associated Press that he was “absolutely shocked” by the results.

“I ran to talk about how to make Kansas better for working people,” Coleman said. “I never expected I would win.”

Frownfelter won the Kansas City, Kansas, seat in 2006 and hadn’t previously faced a contested primary. He also faced no opponent at all in five of his seven previous elections. Frownfelter said in an interview that he believes that had turnout been higher, he would have won and suggested that young voters came out to back Coleman while older constituents did not vote.

“Everybody I talked to said, ”Oh, you don’t have to worry. You’re going to win,’” Frownfelter said. He added that that many voters didn’t know of Coleman’s social media posts or past behavior.

Coleman’s social media posts about coronavirus and abortion have been taken down, and in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Aaron.Coleman4Kansas/posts/923698718107596?__tn__=-R" target="_blank">an Aug. 1 post</a>&nbsp;on Facebook, he apologized that he had “crossed a boundary.”

“I’m new at politics and so sometimes I speak a little too directly,” he said in his email Friday to AP. “But these issues are life and death.”

The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/opinion/editorials/article244930027.html" target="_blank">detailed the allegations&nbsp;</a>about Coleman’s behavior in middle school in a recent editorial decrying the possibility that he could serve in the House. He did not dispute the newspaper’s account.

The Star said Coleman obtained a nude photo of a girl, threatened distribute it unless she sent him more nude photos and followed through with the threat when she didn’t provide more photos. Asked about the accuracy of those details, Coleman said in his email to the AP, “They’re accurate.”

Coleman said Friday that he was diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder at age 15. In a June 17 Facebook post, he attributed his problems partly to spending “the vast majority” of his elementary school education “in a closet” instead of getting proper help at school. He said he was home-schooled in middle school.

“I’ve grown a great deal since then,” he said in his Friday email.

Doug Powers, assistant superintendent of the Kansas City-area Turner school district where Coleman went to elementary school, said it does not “put kids in closets.”

State Democratic Party officials are not commenting at least until the vote-counting is done. Jacques Barber, Wyandotte County’s Democratic chairman, said the party shouldn’t try to overturn the result if Coleman is declared the nominee but “try to counsel him and give him as much guidance as we can.”

“He has been elected by the people, and the people have been exposed to what he’s said and done, and apparently, that’s their choice,” Barber said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597491942776.png" alt="Photo courtesy Aaron Coleman for Kansas" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Aaron Coleman for Kansas</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Democrats are scrambling to deal with the strong possibility that a 19-year-old candidate for a Kansas House seat in Kansas City will unseat a veteran lawmaker despite making incendiary comments on social media and acknowledging abusive behavior online toward girls in middle school.Aaron Coleman, a dishwasher and community college student, holds a five-vote lead over seven-term state Rep. Stan Frownfelter, a 69-year-old small business owner. Officials in their home of Wyandotte County are scheduled to meet Monday to review provisional ballots and decide whether to count them, potentially altering Coleman’s 807-802 lead in voting.Coleman is running a liberal platform that includes universal health coverage, eliminating college tuition, defunding the police and legalizing marijuana. But he received more attention for a social media post suggesting he would “laugh and giggle” if a former GOP state lawmaker died of COVID-19, another post endorsing abortion up to the moment of birth and a third acknowledging that allegations that he engaged in online bullying, blackmail and revenge porn were true. He apologized for the comments and said his past behavior targeting several middle-school girls was that of “a sick and troubled” 14-year-old.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597492154851.png" alt="Photo courtesy Stan Frownfelter for Kansas" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Stan Frownfelter for Kansas</figcaption>
 </figure>Some Democrats are struggling with the possibility that with no Republican on the ballot in the 37th District this fall, Coleman could sit in the House come January. Frownfelter argues that Coleman’s nomination could hurt Democrats’ efforts to pick up seats in the GOP-controlled Legislature.“He is not fit to serve in the Legislature,” said Lauren Fitzgerald, a spokeswoman for Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly.Coleman also ran as an independent write-in candidate for governor in 2018. He attributed the results of the House primary to his door-to-door campaigning and said in an email to The Associated Press that he was “absolutely shocked” by the results.“I ran to talk about how to make Kansas better for working people,” Coleman said. “I never expected I would win.”Frownfelter won the Kansas City, Kansas, seat in 2006 and hadn’t previously faced a contested primary. He also faced no opponent at all in five of his seven previous elections. Frownfelter said in an interview that he believes that had turnout been higher, he would have won and suggested that young voters came out to back Coleman while older constituents did not vote.“Everybody I talked to said, ”Oh, you don’t have to worry. You’re going to win,’” Frownfelter said. He added that that many voters didn’t know of Coleman’s social media posts or past behavior.Coleman’s social media posts about coronavirus and abortion have been taken down, and in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Aaron.Coleman4Kansas/posts/923698718107596?__tn__=-R" target="_blank">an Aug. 1 post</a>&nbsp;on Facebook, he apologized that he had “crossed a boundary.”“I’m new at politics and so sometimes I speak a little too directly,” he said in his email Friday to AP. “But these issues are life and death.”The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/opinion/editorials/article244930027.html" target="_blank">detailed the allegations&nbsp;</a>about Coleman’s behavior in middle school in a recent editorial decrying the possibility that he could serve in the House. He did not dispute the newspaper’s account.The Star said Coleman obtained a nude photo of a girl, threatened distribute it unless she sent him more nude photos and followed through with the threat when she didn’t provide more photos. Asked about the accuracy of those details, Coleman said in his email to the AP, “They’re accurate.”Coleman said Friday that he was diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder at age 15. In a June 17 Facebook post, he attributed his problems partly to spending “the vast majority” of his elementary school education “in a closet” instead of getting proper help at school. He said he was home-schooled in middle school.“I’ve grown a great deal since then,” he said in his Friday email.Doug Powers, assistant superintendent of the Kansas City-area Turner school district where Coleman went to elementary school, said it does not “put kids in closets.”State Democratic Party officials are not commenting at least until the vote-counting is done. Jacques Barber, Wyandotte County’s Democratic chairman, said the party shouldn’t try to overturn the result if Coleman is declared the nominee but “try to counsel him and give him as much guidance as we can.”“He has been elected by the people, and the people have been exposed to what he’s said and done, and apparently, that’s their choice,” Barber said.

Candidate in Kan. House race admits revenge porn

Shawnee County—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on numerous charges after a chase.

Just before 12:30 a.m. Thursday, a deputy with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office observed a 2003 Kia Optima fail to stop at a red light at the intersection of SE 29th and California Avenue in Topeka, according to Sgt. Todd Stallbaumer.

The deputy attempted a traffic stop but the driver later identified as 27-year-old Ivan Blanco of Topeka refused to stop and continued west on SE 29th&nbsp;Street.

He&nbsp; turned north on SE Indiana Ave, east on SE 10th&nbsp;St, and south on SE Locust Street.&nbsp; The pursuit ended in the 1000 block of SE Locust Street.&nbsp; During the pursuit, Shawnee County Sheriff Dispatch notified the deputy that the license plate was reported stolen through the City of Topeka.

Ivan A. Blanco, 27, of Topeka, was arrested and transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Felony flee and elude, DUI, ID Theft, Possession of stolen property, Interference with LEO, Operate motor vehicle without a License, No insurance, Tag not assigned, Transport open container and Multiple traffic violations, according to Stallbaumer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597438131171.png" alt="Blanco photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Blanco photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Shawnee County—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on numerous charges after a chase.Just before 12:30 a.m. Thursday, a deputy with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office observed a 2003 Kia Optima fail to stop at a red light at the intersection of SE 29th and California Avenue in Topeka, according to Sgt. Todd Stallbaumer.The deputy attempted a traffic stop but the driver later identified as 27-year-old Ivan Blanco of Topeka refused to stop and continued west on SE 29th&nbsp;Street.He&nbsp; turned north on SE Indiana Ave, east on SE 10th&nbsp;St, and south on SE Locust Street.&nbsp; The pursuit ended in the 1000 block of SE Locust Street.&nbsp; During the pursuit, Shawnee County Sheriff Dispatch notified the deputy that the license plate was reported stolen through the City of Topeka.Ivan A. Blanco, 27, of Topeka, was arrested and transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Felony flee and elude, DUI, ID Theft, Possession of stolen property, Interference with LEO, Operate motor vehicle without a License, No insurance, Tag not assigned, Transport open container and Multiple traffic violations, according to Stallbaumer.

Suspect jailed after chase with Kansas deputy

DONIPHAN COUNTY–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Doniphan County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the death of a man that occurred in rural Doniphan County.

Just after 9:45 a.m. August, the Doniphan County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a citizen who reported finding a body in the creek on his land, according to a media release from the KBI.

When deputies responded to the location, which was South of Troy, Kan., in a tributary of Rock Creek, they found a deceased male later identified as Darren A. Blandin, 55, of Horton, Kan. It is unknown how long he had been in the Creek.

An autopsy was conducted on Friday, Aug. 14. At this time, foul play is not suspected, but a full death investigation is being conducted as investigators wish to retrace Blandin’s final weeks.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597622804771.png" alt="Blandin-photo KBI" />
 <figcaption>Blandin-photo KBI</figcaption>
 </figure>DONIPHAN COUNTY–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Doniphan County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the death of a man that occurred in rural Doniphan County.Just after 9:45 a.m. August, the Doniphan County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a citizen who reported finding a body in the creek on his land, according to a media release from the KBI.When deputies responded to the location, which was South of Troy, Kan., in a tributary of Rock Creek, they found a deceased male later identified as Darren A. Blandin, 55, of Horton, Kan. It is unknown how long he had been in the Creek.An autopsy was conducted on Friday, Aug. 14. At this time, foul play is not suspected, but a full death investigation is being conducted as investigators wish to retrace Blandin’s final weeks.

KBI investigating death after man's body found in creek

TOPEKA – Law enforcement authorities are investigating an officer involved shooting that occurred Saturday morning in Topeka and have identified the suspect as 22-year-old Colten Hawley.

Just after 7:30 a.m. Saturday, an officer from the Topeka Police Department was following up on an attempt to locate for a suspect wanted for&nbsp;

Hawley was also being sought by the Topeka Police Department for an attempt to locate and alleged kidnapping, criminal threat and theft,&nbsp;according to Lt. Manuel Munoz.

Hawley was also wanted on a warrant for a parole violation on the original charge of fleeing and eluding, forgery and criminal possession of a firearm.

The officer located the vehicle Hawley&nbsp; had been driving in the lot of a motel at 709 SW Fairlawn in Topeka. 

The officer asked for additional units to assist and as he was waiting, he encountered the Hawley in the lot to the north of the motel.

Hawley&nbsp; was armed with a firearm and the officer fired their department issued firearm at least once, but did not strike the Hawley, according to Munoz.

Hawley fled on foot and the officer was able to take him into custody a short distance away. Hawley was taken to a local hospital to be checked out medically.

He was later booked on requested charges of aggravated assault on law enforcement officer, felon in possession of a firearm and felony obstruction, according to Munoz.

The officer did not sustain any injuries in the incident. The officer involved has been placed on paid administrative leave as is standard protocol.

The Kansas City Kansas Police Department is in charge of the investigation, according to Munoz.&nbsp;

TOPEKA – Law enforcement authorities are investigating an officer involved shooting that occurred Saturday morning in Topeka.

Just after 7:30 a.m. Saturday, an officer from the Topeka Police Department was following up on an attempt to locate for a suspect wanted for a felony crime, according to Lt. Manuel Munoz.

The officer located the vehicle the suspect had been driving in the lot of a motel at 709 SW Fairlawn in Topeka. 

The officer asked for additional units to assist and as he was waiting, he encountered the suspect in the lot to the north of the motel.

The suspect was armed with a firearm and the officer fired their department issued firearm at least once, but did not strike the suspect, according to Munoz.

The suspect fled on foot and the officer was able to take him into custody a short distance away. The suspect was taken to a local hospital to be checked out medically.

The Kansas City Kansas Police Department is in charge of the investigation, according to Munoz. Police have not released the name of the officer or the suspect.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597540083413.png" alt="Hawley" />
 <figcaption>Hawley</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA – Law enforcement authorities are investigating an officer involved shooting that occurred Saturday morning in Topeka and have identified the suspect as 22-year-old Colten Hawley.Just after 7:30 a.m. Saturday, an officer from the Topeka Police Department was following up on an attempt to locate for a suspect wanted for&nbsp;Hawley was also being sought by the Topeka Police Department for an attempt to locate and alleged kidnapping, criminal threat and theft,&nbsp;according to Lt. Manuel Munoz.Hawley was also wanted on a warrant for a parole violation on the original charge of fleeing and eluding, forgery and criminal possession of a firearm.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597509115770.png" alt="The scene of the officer-involved shooting investigation Saturday morning in Topeka. Photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>The scene of the officer-involved shooting investigation Saturday morning in Topeka. Photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>The officer located the vehicle Hawley&nbsp; had been driving in the lot of a motel at 709 SW Fairlawn in Topeka. The officer asked for additional units to assist and as he was waiting, he encountered the Hawley in the lot to the north of the motel.Hawley&nbsp; was armed with a firearm and the officer fired their department issued firearm at least once, but did not strike the Hawley, according to Munoz.Hawley fled on foot and the officer was able to take him into custody a short distance away. Hawley was taken to a local hospital to be checked out medically.He was later booked on requested charges of aggravated assault on law enforcement officer, felon in possession of a firearm and felony obstruction, according to Munoz.The officer did not sustain any injuries in the incident. The officer involved has been placed on paid administrative leave as is standard protocol.The Kansas City Kansas Police Department is in charge of the investigation, according to Munoz.&nbsp;----------TOPEKA – Law enforcement authorities are investigating an officer involved shooting that occurred Saturday morning in Topeka.Just after 7:30 a.m. Saturday, an officer from the Topeka Police Department was following up on an attempt to locate for a suspect wanted for a felony crime, according to Lt. Manuel Munoz.The officer located the vehicle the suspect had been driving in the lot of a motel at 709 SW Fairlawn in Topeka. The officer asked for additional units to assist and as he was waiting, he encountered the suspect in the lot to the north of the motel.The suspect was armed with a firearm and the officer fired their department issued firearm at least once, but did not strike the suspect, according to Munoz.The suspect fled on foot and the officer was able to take him into custody a short distance away. The suspect was taken to a local hospital to be checked out medically.The officer did not sustain any injuries in the incident. The officer involved has been placed on paid administrative leave as is standard protocol.The Kansas City Kansas Police Department is in charge of the investigation, according to Munoz. Police have not released the name of the officer or the suspect.

Police ID suspect in Kansas officer-involved shooting

BELLE PLAINE, Kan. (AP) — The prosecution of a Kansas researcher ensnared in a U.S. government crackdown on Chinese economic espionage and trade secret theft opens the door to criminalizing workplace disagreements, his attorneys argued Friday in a motion asking a court to throw out the charges.

Feng “Franklin” Tao&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/dd57960c3ca268125cb37fc2df2abdc3">is charged</a>&nbsp;with not disclosing on conflict-of-interest forms work he was allegedly doing for China while employed at the University of Kansas — something federal prosecutors have portrayed as a scheme to defraud the university, the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation.

In their request to dismiss the case, defense lawyers Peter Zeidenberg and Michael Dearington wrote that the government seeks to use Tao’s prosecution as a potential new model for the Justice Department to prosecute professors “without having to produce evidence of intellectual property theft or export control violations.”

The motion takes aim at the broader&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/afbf4d7f4aac4745b01852571179ceb3">China Initiative</a>&nbsp;announced by the Justice Department in 2018 to counter the threat of Chinese espionage and intellectual property theft, including on American college campuses. Since then, federal prosecutors have charged Chinese academics across the country of failing to disclose foreign sources of funding and lying about their links to China.

The Trump administration, meanwhile, has escalated its rhetoric against Beijing and taken steps to confront China, including by shutting down the Chinese consulate in Houston and through executive actions that ban dealings with the Chinese owners of TikTok and WeChat. FBI Director Chris Wray said in a speech last month that the bureau opens a new counterintelligence case linked to China about every 10 hours.

The indictment against Tao alleges that the Lawrence man’s motive was to help China by participating in its “talent plan,” which prosecutors contend is designed to encourage the transfer of original ideas and intellectual property from U.S. universities to Chinese government institutions.

Prosecutors accuse Tao of not informing the University of Kansas that he was selected for the Changjiang Professorship or the salary for his appointment to Fuzhou University in China.

In their motion, his lawyers warn that the case would open the door to criminalizing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/d9f286ea73424a55ac0a5d294ec604af">employment disputes</a>&nbsp;that are better resolved by a human resources department. Tao faces 10 counts, including seven counts of wire fraud, based on two conflict-of-interest forms he submitted to the university.

“The Department of Justice is not the Ministry of Truth, and it lacks authority to regulate routine, private miscommunications between employees and employers regarding employee activities,” the motion says.

The motion presents hypothetical scenarios in which an employee who misleads an employer could wind up facing charges, rather than simply being reprimanded or fired by an employer. One example: A doctor’s office employee in Missouri who falsely calls in sick from his home in Kansas could be charged with false statements or wire fraud if the worker continues to collect wages.

“This is because the Indictment equates dishonesty in the workplace with fraud, merely because all employees receive salary from their employers, and false statements, merely because an employer receives federal funding,” the lawyers wrote.

“If the Court permits this Indictment to proceed to trial, it would open the floodgates to a vast range of federal prosecutions for garden-variety employment disputes that otherwise would have, at most, subjected the employee to administrative discipline at work,” they added. “This government overreach would not be limited to university professors.”

Tao, an associate professor of engineering, was born in China and moved to the United States in 2002. He has been employed since August 2014 at the University of Kansas’ Center for Environmentally Beneficial Catalysis, which conducts research on sustainable technology to conserve natural resources and energy.

Justice Department prosecutors in recent years have been particularly focused on Chinese government initiatives that recruit professors in specialized areas in the United States to work in China.

A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/739cdc0c25db16116ee2c30f2fcf83d0">University of Arkansas professor&nbsp;</a>was indicted last month on charges of wire fraud and passport fraud for allegedly failing to disclose ties to the Chinese government and Chinese companies when he received grant money from NASA.

Also last month, a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e7eaecdf9b17232358b2baa81dcda679">rheumatology professor</a>&nbsp;who worked at schools including Ohio State University was charged with using millions of dollars in grant money from the U.S. government to help China develop expertise in rheumatology and immunology.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574105486339.png" alt="Feng “Franklin” Tao-photo University of Kansas" />
 <figcaption>Feng “Franklin” Tao-photo University of Kansas</figcaption>
 </figure>BELLE PLAINE, Kan. (AP) — The prosecution of a Kansas researcher ensnared in a U.S. government crackdown on Chinese economic espionage and trade secret theft opens the door to criminalizing workplace disagreements, his attorneys argued Friday in a motion asking a court to throw out the charges.Feng “Franklin” Tao&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/dd57960c3ca268125cb37fc2df2abdc3">is charged</a>&nbsp;with not disclosing on conflict-of-interest forms work he was allegedly doing for China while employed at the University of Kansas — something federal prosecutors have portrayed as a scheme to defraud the university, the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation.In their request to dismiss the case, defense lawyers Peter Zeidenberg and Michael Dearington wrote that the government seeks to use Tao’s prosecution as a potential new model for the Justice Department to prosecute professors “without having to produce evidence of intellectual property theft or export control violations.”The motion takes aim at the broader&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/afbf4d7f4aac4745b01852571179ceb3">China Initiative</a>&nbsp;announced by the Justice Department in 2018 to counter the threat of Chinese espionage and intellectual property theft, including on American college campuses. Since then, federal prosecutors have charged Chinese academics across the country of failing to disclose foreign sources of funding and lying about their links to China.The Trump administration, meanwhile, has escalated its rhetoric against Beijing and taken steps to confront China, including by shutting down the Chinese consulate in Houston and through executive actions that ban dealings with the Chinese owners of TikTok and WeChat. FBI Director Chris Wray said in a speech last month that the bureau opens a new counterintelligence case linked to China about every 10 hours.The indictment against Tao alleges that the Lawrence man’s motive was to help China by participating in its “talent plan,” which prosecutors contend is designed to encourage the transfer of original ideas and intellectual property from U.S. universities to Chinese government institutions.Prosecutors accuse Tao of not informing the University of Kansas that he was selected for the Changjiang Professorship or the salary for his appointment to Fuzhou University in China.In their motion, his lawyers warn that the case would open the door to criminalizing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/d9f286ea73424a55ac0a5d294ec604af">employment disputes</a>&nbsp;that are better resolved by a human resources department. Tao faces 10 counts, including seven counts of wire fraud, based on two conflict-of-interest forms he submitted to the university.“The Department of Justice is not the Ministry of Truth, and it lacks authority to regulate routine, private miscommunications between employees and employers regarding employee activities,” the motion says.The motion presents hypothetical scenarios in which an employee who misleads an employer could wind up facing charges, rather than simply being reprimanded or fired by an employer. One example: A doctor’s office employee in Missouri who falsely calls in sick from his home in Kansas could be charged with false statements or wire fraud if the worker continues to collect wages.“This is because the Indictment equates dishonesty in the workplace with fraud, merely because all employees receive salary from their employers, and false statements, merely because an employer receives federal funding,” the lawyers wrote.“If the Court permits this Indictment to proceed to trial, it would open the floodgates to a vast range of federal prosecutions for garden-variety employment disputes that otherwise would have, at most, subjected the employee to administrative discipline at work,” they added. “This government overreach would not be limited to university professors.”Tao, an associate professor of engineering, was born in China and moved to the United States in 2002. He has been employed since August 2014 at the University of Kansas’ Center for Environmentally Beneficial Catalysis, which conducts research on sustainable technology to conserve natural resources and energy.Justice Department prosecutors in recent years have been particularly focused on Chinese government initiatives that recruit professors in specialized areas in the United States to work in China.A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/739cdc0c25db16116ee2c30f2fcf83d0">University of Arkansas professor&nbsp;</a>was indicted last month on charges of wire fraud and passport fraud for allegedly failing to disclose ties to the Chinese government and Chinese companies when he received grant money from NASA.Also last month, a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e7eaecdf9b17232358b2baa81dcda679">rheumatology professor</a>&nbsp;who worked at schools including Ohio State University was charged with using millions of dollars in grant money from the U.S. government to help China develop expertise in rheumatology and immunology.___

Filing: KU prof's prosecution criminalizes job disputes

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Trump’s top coronavirus adviser used a visit to Kansas to urge people to wear masks regardless of where they live.

“What’s really important for every Kansan to understand is that this epidemic that we have been seeing this summer is both urban and rural,” Dr. Deborah Birx, coordinator of the White House coronavirus task force said Saturday. “So we are really asking all communities, whether you are urban or rural communities, to really wear a mask inside, outside, every day.”

She also stressed that people should socially distance and not have gatherings while in Kansas City, Kansas, for a meeting with Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, as well as community and state health officials at KU Medical Center.

“You can’t tell who’s infected,” Birx said. “Much of the spread is asymptomatic. I know we all want to believe that our family members cannot be positive. They are.”

Birx said when communities start seeing a rise in positive cases, leaders need to close the bars, restrict indoor dining, decrease social gatherings and ensure there’s a mask mandate.

“We have been doing that across the South and we’ve seen a dramatic decrease in cases where the population has followed those guidelines,” she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597516477980.png" alt="Dr. Deborah Birx, coordinator of the White House coronavirus task force in Kansas on Saturday -photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Deborah Birx, coordinator of the White House coronavirus task force in Kansas on Saturday -photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Trump’s top coronavirus adviser used a visit to Kansas to urge people to wear masks regardless of where they live.“What’s really important for every Kansan to understand is that this epidemic that we have been seeing this summer is both urban and rural,” Dr. Deborah Birx, coordinator of the White House coronavirus task force said Saturday. “So we are really asking all communities, whether you are urban or rural communities, to really wear a mask inside, outside, every day.”She also stressed that people should socially distance and not have gatherings while in Kansas City, Kansas, for a meeting with Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, as well as community and state health officials at KU Medical Center.“You can’t tell who’s infected,” Birx said. “Much of the spread is asymptomatic. I know we all want to believe that our family members cannot be positive. They are.”Birx said when communities start seeing a rise in positive cases, leaders need to close the bars, restrict indoor dining, decrease social gatherings and ensure there’s a mask mandate.“We have been doing that across the South and we’ve seen a dramatic decrease in cases where the population has followed those guidelines,” she said.

Top coronavirus adviser meets with Kan. governor, health officials

By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/08/11/kansas-farmers-find-themselves-increasingly-isolated-in-need-amid-pandemic">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA
 — Mark Pringle has seen the self-sufficient mindset of many Kansas 
farmers and their families challenged by COVID-19 as the virus 
disproportionately impacts rural communities.

Pringle
 is a fourth-generation farmer and the Democratic candidate for the 
Kansas House in the 13th District. He and his wife, Mary Jane Shanklin, a
 registered nurse, have watched as communities like theirs in Woodson 
County cancel fairs and close hospitals, distancing themselves from one 
another.

“There
 is this idea, from outside and within some parts our community, that 
farmers are tough and resilient and can do it all on their own,” Pringle
 said. “Truthfully, farming was already a very marginal, at-risk 
business. Now, without many of those face-to-face interactions, we feel 
pretty much on our own to deal with our problems and that can be 
frightening.”

The
 pandemic has exposed and uncovered fissures in communities nationwide, 
as marginalized groups feel the brunt of the pandemic’s impact. In 
Kansas, that includes many small and midsized farmers, who activists say
 already struggled with access to health care and unstable trade before 
COVID-19.

Bankruptcies
 among farmers were at eight-year highs entering March, and then the 
pandemic hit, scrambling the food-supply chain. Restaurants closed and 
prices for cattle and hogs dropped as meatpacking plants, including many
 in Southwest Kansas, became hot spots for the virus.

“It’s
 morally inconsistent and economically insane not to address these 
issues,” said the Rev. William Barber II, a leader of the Poor People’s 
Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival. “If we don’t address these 
issues that have been exposed, we could find ourselves in another Great 
Depression economically and an even greater depression morally.”

The
 Poor People’s Campaign is a nationwide revival of Martin Luther King 
Jr. ‘s 1968 movement to unite and uplift poor and impacted communities 
across the nation. Led by Barber and Liz Theoharris, of the Kairos 
Center for Religions, Rights and Social Justice, the campaign is focused
 on confronting systemic racism, poverty and ecological devastation, 
among other issues.

Amid
 COVID-19, the movement has pushed for a moral reopening plan that does 
not cast these marginalized communities aside. Earlier this year, Barber
 led a protest against various states’ reopening plans that left 
disadvantaged communities vulnerable.

“Whether
 you are a Black person in an urban area or a white farmer in rural 
Kansas, this issue of being overlooked existed long before the 
pandemic,” said Letiah Fraser, a convener for the Poor People’s Campaign
 of Kansas. “It’s just much more evident during a health crisis that we 
have communities being left without care and medical attention.”

Access to health care is a primary concern for Fraser. Since 2010, <a href="https://www.shepscenter.unc.edu/programs-projects/rural-health/rural-hospital-closures/">seven rural Kansas hospitals have closed their doors</a>.&nbsp;

The
 nearest hospital to Pringle and Shanklin is 30 minutes away, driving at
 about 70 mph, and the clinic in town is only open four days per week. 
Shanklin has also noticed a concerning decrease in the number of people 
accessing the health facilities that have remained open.&nbsp;

“I
 can say from the people I have spoken to that many are scared to go in 
and get that health help amid the pandemic,” Shanklin said. “It was 
already difficult to get the care one needs in these rural areas.”

She also noted a lack of accessible testing when the virus was first identified in the county.

Claire
 Chadwick, another convener for the Poor People’s Campaign of Kansas, 
said expanding Medicaid is something the organization is working to 
address now.

“Our ‘health care is a human right’ campaign
 has been going on for a little over a year now,” Fraser said. “We need 
to make sure to bridge the gap for those left uncovered and unprotected 
during a medical crisis like the coronavirus.”

<a href="https://www.khi.org/policy/article/20-05">According to the Kansas Health Institute</a>,
 a total of 132,000 Kansans would newly enroll in KanCare if Medicaid 
were expanded, including 77,000 previously uninsured. Expanding Medicaid
 would also provide an additional boost to at-risk rural hospitals who 
often receive pennies on the dollar when uninsured clients pay out of 
pocket.

Fraser
 and Chadwick emphasized the interlocking nature of these issues for 
farmers. As these smaller farms continue to battle with larger producers
 and revenues decrease, many family members have been forced to pick up 
second jobs for insurance purposes or just for extra income, Chadwick 
said.

“Many
 of these jobs are what are known, at least in pandemic times, as 
essential jobs,” Chadwick said. “As we know, many of these jobs also 
expose people to a greater risk for contracting COVID-19, which leads us
 to issues of access to care when they need it.”

As
 farmers in Kansas see their already lingering issues worsened by 
COVID-19 — poor margins and lack of health care among them — groups like
 the Poor People’s Campaign say help is needed now to nip these growing 
issues in the bud.&nbsp;

Pringle
 said a good first step, beyond expanding Medicaid, would be additional 
aid for small farmers from the federal government.

“The
 federal government keeps saying these larger relief bills will end up 
benefiting the small farmer, but I don’t see those funds going to anyone
 but the big producers,” Pringle said. “If we aren’t careful, we won’t 
be able to come back without a lot more help than we need now.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597165440197.jpeg" alt="Mark Pringle and his wife, Mary Jane Shanklin, say the pandemic has exacerbated issues that already existed in farming communities (Submitted)" />
 <figcaption>Mark Pringle and his wife, Mary Jane Shanklin, say the pandemic has exacerbated issues that already existed in farming communities (Submitted)</figcaption>
 </figure>By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/08/11/kansas-farmers-find-themselves-increasingly-isolated-in-need-amid-pandemic">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA
 — Mark Pringle has seen the self-sufficient mindset of many Kansas 
farmers and their families challenged by COVID-19 as the virus 
disproportionately impacts rural communities.Pringle
 is a fourth-generation farmer and the Democratic candidate for the 
Kansas House in the 13th District. He and his wife, Mary Jane Shanklin, a
 registered nurse, have watched as communities like theirs in Woodson 
County cancel fairs and close hospitals, distancing themselves from one 
another.“There
 is this idea, from outside and within some parts our community, that 
farmers are tough and resilient and can do it all on their own,” Pringle
 said. “Truthfully, farming was already a very marginal, at-risk 
business. Now, without many of those face-to-face interactions, we feel 
pretty much on our own to deal with our problems and that can be 
frightening.”The
 pandemic has exposed and uncovered fissures in communities nationwide, 
as marginalized groups feel the brunt of the pandemic’s impact. In 
Kansas, that includes many small and midsized farmers, who activists say
 already struggled with access to health care and unstable trade before 
COVID-19.Bankruptcies
 among farmers were at eight-year highs entering March, and then the 
pandemic hit, scrambling the food-supply chain. Restaurants closed and 
prices for cattle and hogs dropped as meatpacking plants, including many
 in Southwest Kansas, became hot spots for the virus.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597165498473.jpeg" alt="The Rev. William Barber II and the Poor People’s Campaign are pushing for moral solutions to the issues of systemic racism and systemic poverty. (Screenshot/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>The Rev. William Barber II and the Poor People’s Campaign are pushing for moral solutions to the issues of systemic racism and systemic poverty. (Screenshot/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>“It’s
 morally inconsistent and economically insane not to address these 
issues,” said the Rev. William Barber II, a leader of the Poor People’s 
Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival. “If we don’t address these 
issues that have been exposed, we could find ourselves in another Great 
Depression economically and an even greater depression morally.”The
 Poor People’s Campaign is a nationwide revival of Martin Luther King 
Jr. ‘s 1968 movement to unite and uplift poor and impacted communities 
across the nation. Led by Barber and Liz Theoharris, of the Kairos 
Center for Religions, Rights and Social Justice, the campaign is focused
 on confronting systemic racism, poverty and ecological devastation, 
among other issues.Amid
 COVID-19, the movement has pushed for a moral reopening plan that does 
not cast these marginalized communities aside. Earlier this year, Barber
 led a protest against various states’ reopening plans that left 
disadvantaged communities vulnerable.“Whether
 you are a Black person in an urban area or a white farmer in rural 
Kansas, this issue of being overlooked existed long before the 
pandemic,” said Letiah Fraser, a convener for the Poor People’s Campaign
 of Kansas. “It’s just much more evident during a health crisis that we 
have communities being left without care and medical attention.”Access to health care is a primary concern for Fraser. Since 2010, <a href="https://www.shepscenter.unc.edu/programs-projects/rural-health/rural-hospital-closures/">seven rural Kansas hospitals have closed their doors</a>.&nbsp;The
 nearest hospital to Pringle and Shanklin is 30 minutes away, driving at
 about 70 mph, and the clinic in town is only open four days per week. 
Shanklin has also noticed a concerning decrease in the number of people 
accessing the health facilities that have remained open.&nbsp;“I
 can say from the people I have spoken to that many are scared to go in 
and get that health help amid the pandemic,” Shanklin said. “It was 
already difficult to get the care one needs in these rural areas.”She also noted a lack of accessible testing when the virus was first identified in the county.Claire
 Chadwick, another convener for the Poor People’s Campaign of Kansas, 
said expanding Medicaid is something the organization is working to 
address now.“Our ‘health care is a human right’ campaign
 has been going on for a little over a year now,” Fraser said. “We need 
to make sure to bridge the gap for those left uncovered and unprotected 
during a medical crisis like the coronavirus.”<a href="https://www.khi.org/policy/article/20-05">According to the Kansas Health Institute</a>,
 a total of 132,000 Kansans would newly enroll in KanCare if Medicaid 
were expanded, including 77,000 previously uninsured. Expanding Medicaid
 would also provide an additional boost to at-risk rural hospitals who 
often receive pennies on the dollar when uninsured clients pay out of 
pocket.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597165536138.jpeg" alt="Poor People’s Campaign of Kansas holds a protest calling for the expansion of Medicaid (Submitted)" />
 <figcaption>Poor People’s Campaign of Kansas holds a protest calling for the expansion of Medicaid (Submitted)</figcaption>
 </figure>Fraser
 and Chadwick emphasized the interlocking nature of these issues for 
farmers. As these smaller farms continue to battle with larger producers
 and revenues decrease, many family members have been forced to pick up 
second jobs for insurance purposes or just for extra income, Chadwick 
said.“Many
 of these jobs are what are known, at least in pandemic times, as 
essential jobs,” Chadwick said. “As we know, many of these jobs also 
expose people to a greater risk for contracting COVID-19, which leads us
 to issues of access to care when they need it.”As
 farmers in Kansas see their already lingering issues worsened by 
COVID-19 — poor margins and lack of health care among them — groups like
 the Poor People’s Campaign say help is needed now to nip these growing 
issues in the bud.&nbsp;Pringle
 said a good first step, beyond expanding Medicaid, would be additional 
aid for small farmers from the federal government.“The
 federal government keeps saying these larger relief bills will end up 
benefiting the small farmer, but I don’t see those funds going to anyone
 but the big producers,” Pringle said. “If we aren’t careful, we won’t 
be able to come back without a lot more help than we need now.”Noah Taborda started his journalism career in public radio at KBIA in Columbia, Missouri, covering local government and producing an episode of the podcast Show Me The State while earning his bachelor’s degree in radio broadcasting at the University of Missouri School of Journalism. Noah then made a short move to Kansas City, Missouri, to work at KCUR as an intern on the talk show Central Standard and then in the newsroom, reporting on daily news and feature stories.

Kan. farmers find themselves increasingly isolated, in need amid pandemic

By ALLISON WINTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/08/14/kansas-makes-history-as-record-number-of-u-s-women-bid-for-congress/">Kansas Reflector</a>

WASHINGTON — More women 
from across the nation are running for Congress this year than ever 
before, and Kansas is leading the way in making history on the ballot.

For the first time ever, 
there will be a female candidate in each of Kansas’ U.S. House and 
Senate races in November. All of the Democratic contenders are women. 
And one Republican woman candidate will challenge Rep. Sharice Davids to
 represent the Kansas City suburbs.

The Kansans are among a 
record-breaking number of women making bids for Congress, according to 
the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University.

And with presumptive 
Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden’s choice of Sen. Kamala Harris
 as his running mate, there will be another historic female candidate at
 the top of the ballot — the first Black woman and first Asian American 
to run for vice president on a major party ticket.

“In 2020, we’re surpassing
 the records of just two years ago, an encouraging sign that we could be
 entering a new era of women’s political participation,” said Debbie 
Walsh, director of the Center for Women in American Politics at Rutgers.
 “But electoral progress for women should be the norm, not the 
exception, in a political system where women remain significantly 
underrepresented as officeholders.”

Women hold fewer than a 
quarter of seats in Congress, though Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., 
leads the House. In the Kansas Legislature, women hold 26% of the seats.

Democratic women came out 
in record numbers to run for office after the election of President 
Donald Trump. That tide of newly elected female Democratic 
representatives helped to flip control of the House in 2018, leading 
some to call it “the second year of the woman.”

For this year’s general 
election, even more women have launched campaigns. A record 261 women 
have secured nominations for U.S. House seats in the 2020 election — 78 
Republicans and 183 Democrats. Eight states have not yet had their 
primaries, so the number could rise.

Although deep-red Kansas 
is considered a conservative state, it has a long history of supporting 
women’s voting rights and historic elections for women. Kansas was the 
eighth state to provide voting rights to women, the first to elect a 
woman mayor, and the first to elect a female U.S. senator in her own 
right, Republican Sen. Nancy Kassaubaum in 1978.

And in its early days, 
Kansas — established as a free state — was thought of as a progressive 
stronghold that would support women’s right to vote.

“It was a state of 
abolitionists fighting against slavery, and those abolitionists, men and
 women, came here, and once they succeeded in making Kansas a free 
state, a lot of women turned their attention to suffrage,” said Mary 
Moore, director of the Kansas Museum of History in Topeka.

The museum has an <a href="https://www.kshs.org/exhibits/upward/pdfs/upward_to_equality_catalog.pdf">exhibit on the women’s suffrage movement</a>&nbsp;that
 was scheduled to open in March before the museum had to close its doors
 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It hopes to allow visitors again in 
September.

National leaders for 
women’s suffrage chose Kansas as their first battleground in the fight 
for women’s right to vote. A booklet distributed in 1867 heralded their 
campaign with this verse on the cover: “Kansas will win the world’s 
applause / As the sole champion of Woman’s cause / So light the 
bonfires! Have the flag unfurled / To the Banner State of all the 
world.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597415485024.jpeg" alt="For the first time, there will be a woman on the ballot in every congressional race in Kansas. Clockwise from bottom left: Rep. Sharice Davids, Kali Barnett, state Sen. Barbara Bollier, Laura Lombard, Topeka Mayor Michelle De La Isla, all Democrats, and Republican Amanda Adkins. (Composite by Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>For the first time, there will be a woman on the ballot in every congressional race in Kansas. Clockwise from bottom left: Rep. Sharice Davids, Kali Barnett, state Sen. Barbara Bollier, Laura Lombard, Topeka Mayor Michelle De La Isla, all Democrats, and Republican Amanda Adkins. (Composite by Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By ALLISON WINTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/08/14/kansas-makes-history-as-record-number-of-u-s-women-bid-for-congress/">Kansas Reflector</a>WASHINGTON — More women 
from across the nation are running for Congress this year than ever 
before, and Kansas is leading the way in making history on the ballot.For the first time ever, 
there will be a female candidate in each of Kansas’ U.S. House and 
Senate races in November. All of the Democratic contenders are women. 
And one Republican woman candidate will challenge Rep. Sharice Davids to
 represent the Kansas City suburbs.The Kansans are among a 
record-breaking number of women making bids for Congress, according to 
the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University.And with presumptive 
Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden’s choice of Sen. Kamala Harris
 as his running mate, there will be another historic female candidate at
 the top of the ballot — the first Black woman and first Asian American 
to run for vice president on a major party ticket.“In 2020, we’re surpassing
 the records of just two years ago, an encouraging sign that we could be
 entering a new era of women’s political participation,” said Debbie 
Walsh, director of the Center for Women in American Politics at Rutgers.
 “But electoral progress for women should be the norm, not the 
exception, in a political system where women remain significantly 
underrepresented as officeholders.”Women hold fewer than a 
quarter of seats in Congress, though Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., 
leads the House. In the Kansas Legislature, women hold 26% of the seats.Democratic women came out 
in record numbers to run for office after the election of President 
Donald Trump. That tide of newly elected female Democratic 
representatives helped to flip control of the House in 2018, leading 
some to call it “the second year of the woman.”For this year’s general 
election, even more women have launched campaigns. A record 261 women 
have secured nominations for U.S. House seats in the 2020 election — 78 
Republicans and 183 Democrats. Eight states have not yet had their 
primaries, so the number could rise.<h2>A suffragist history</h2>Although deep-red Kansas 
is considered a conservative state, it has a long history of supporting 
women’s voting rights and historic elections for women. Kansas was the 
eighth state to provide voting rights to women, the first to elect a 
woman mayor, and the first to elect a female U.S. senator in her own 
right, Republican Sen. Nancy Kassaubaum in 1978.And in its early days, 
Kansas — established as a free state — was thought of as a progressive 
stronghold that would support women’s right to vote.“It was a state of 
abolitionists fighting against slavery, and those abolitionists, men and
 women, came here, and once they succeeded in making Kansas a free 
state, a lot of women turned their attention to suffrage,” said Mary 
Moore, director of the Kansas Museum of History in Topeka.The museum has an <a href="https://www.kshs.org/exhibits/upward/pdfs/upward_to_equality_catalog.pdf">exhibit on the women’s suffrage movement</a>&nbsp;that
 was scheduled to open in March before the museum had to close its doors
 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It hopes to allow visitors again in 
September.National leaders for 
women’s suffrage chose Kansas as their first battleground in the fight 
for women’s right to vote. A booklet distributed in 1867 heralded their 
campaign with this verse on the cover: “Kansas will win the world’s 
applause / As the sole champion of Woman’s cause / So light the 
bonfires! Have the flag unfurled / To the Banner State of all the 
world.”The first resolution in 
the nation in favor of suffrage for women and Black men was introduced 
in Kansas in 1867 but ultimately failed. Kansans approved a state 
constitutional amendment to give women the right to vote in 1912 — eight
 years before the United States approved the 19th amendment.<h2>‘This is still Kansas’</h2>One hundred years later, 
women are voting and running for office in record numbers across the 
United States. In total, 583 women filed to run as major-party 
candidates for primaries for U.S. House seats this year — 227 of them 
Republican and 356 Democrats.But while more women of 
both parties are making bids, Democratic women have been generally more 
successful in winning their nominations — a trend reflected in Kansas.“Historically, Kansas and 
other states in the Great Plains and the West have been friendlier to 
electing women throughout the 20th century, for sure. But that is 
changing somewhat, and it is really driven by party,” said Patrick 
Miller, an associate professor of political science at the University of
 Kansas who studies voting behavior.“In the last 20 years,” he
 said, “Democratic women are winning Democratic primaries more than ever
 before and Republican women are getting less successful over time at 
winning Republican primaries.”Of the six women who won 
their congressional primaries in Kansas in 2020, five are Democrats. And
 in the predominantly GOP state, most of the Democratic women on the 
ballot face an uphill battle.“Academic studies show 
that when women run for office they win just as often as men do,” said 
Alexandra Middlewood, an assistant professor of political science at 
Wichita State University. “But this is still Kansas, and Democratic 
candidates are going to struggle in most of our congressional 
districts.”In 2016, Trump won all but two counties in Kansas and 56% of the vote. Hillary Clinton won 35.7%.But Gov. Laura Kelly 
recently proved that Democratic women can win in the state. She did so 
largely through strong Democratic turnout in Kansas’ five most populated
 counties and some crossover Republican votes.Vicki Hiatt, chairwoman of
 the Kansas Democratic Party, said more women have been eager to run for
 office on the heels of Kelly’s victory and Davids’ success in flipping 
the Kansas City suburbs for Democrats in 2018.“I think women in our 
state have started to see the fact that they could run and could win,” 
Hiatt said in an interview. “Women have just been stepping up, so it was
 not a hard recruiting task.”Kansas Republican Party 
chairman Mike Kuckelman said he made it one of his goals to recruit more
 Republicans to run for office and “to reach out specially to people of 
color, women, and the Hispanic/Latino communities.”In the 3rd District, three
 women competed in the Republican primary, along with two men. Amanda 
Adkins, a businesswoman from Overland Park and former chairwoman of the 
Kansas Republican Party, won the primary and will attempt to unseat 
Davids. The contest is rated “lean Democratic” by Cook Political Report,
 a nonpartisan election analysis newsletter.The other competitive 
House race is expected in the 2nd District, which includes Topeka and 
much of the eastern part of the state.Michelle De La Isla, the 
first Latina to serve as mayor of Topeka, will face Republican Jake 
LaTurner, who is from southeast Kansas.&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/08/04/u-s-house-2nd-district-laturner-crushes-u-s-rep-watkins-in-gop-primary/">LaTurner&nbsp;defeated incumbent Rep. Steve Watkins</a>&nbsp;in the primary, after Watkins was charged with <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/07/29/affidavit-rep-steve-watkins-lied-about-address-change-not-voting/">felonies related to voter fraud</a>.
 Cook Political Report ranks the contest as “likely Republican,” but 
recent polls have put the two candidates within a margin of error.The highest-profile female
 candidate in Kansas is Barbara Bollier, of Mission Hills, who is 
seeking to become the first Democratic U.S. senator from the state since
 1933. The race has gained national attention as Bollier, a former 
Republican state senator who switched parties after the election of 
Trump, has proven herself&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/07/28/democrats-see-opportunity-for-senate-seat-in-kansas-gop-primary-battle/">a powerful fundraiser and formidable candidate</a>.<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/08/04/u-s-senate-bollier-awaits-winner-of-messy-gop-primary/">She will face U.S. Rep. Roger Marshall,</a>&nbsp;who has played up his bonafides as a Trump supporter. The race&nbsp;is ranked “lean Republican” by the Cook Political Report.A new poll, released 
Wednesday, showed Marshall and Bollier in a dead heat. Marshall was two 
points ahead in the survey of 1,200 likely voters, but within the margin
 of error of the poll. SurveyUSA, a nationally recognized polling house,
 conducted the survey after a group of election enthusiasts on Twitter 
crowd-funded the polling effort.The other two 
congressional races are rated as “solid Republican” by Cook Political 
Report with slim chances for the Democratic women challengers. Democrat 
Kali Barnett, a music teacher from Garden City, will face Republican 
candidate Tracey Mann, of Salina, a former lieutenant governor, <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/08/04/u-s-house-1st-district-gop-candidate-tracey-mann-prevails-in-bitter-primary-feud/">in western Kansas’ large, rural 1st District.</a>&nbsp;The heavily GOP district has only once sent a Democrat to Congress.In the 4th District, which
 includes Wichita and south-central Kansas, Democrat Laura Lombard of 
Wichita, a 36-year-old business development consultant, will challenge 
incumbent Republican Ron Estes.Allison Winter is a Washington, D.C., correspondent for States Newsroom, a network of state-based nonprofit news outlets that includes Kansas Reflector.