TOPEKA — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect who surrendered after more than five hours of negotiations and standoff in Topeka.

Just after 10:30 p.m. Saturday, officers responded to a home in the 3600 block of SW Skyline Parkway on a check welfare call, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Koenen.

Upon arrival, officers discovered that an adult female victim was being held against her will. A short time later, the victim was able to leave the home safely.

Police ultimately took the suspect identified as&nbsp;38-year-old Brian M. Wright into custod&nbsp; around 6:15 a.m. Sunday.

Wright was is being held on requested charges of&nbsp;Domestic Battery,, Criminal Restraint and Aggravated Assault, according to Koenen.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591567742989.png" alt="Wright photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Wright photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect who surrendered after more than five hours of negotiations and standoff in Topeka.Just after 10:30 p.m. Saturday, officers responded to a home in the 3600 block of SW Skyline Parkway on a check welfare call, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Koenen.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591553436416.png" alt="Police on the scene of the standoff -image courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the standoff -image courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>Upon arrival, officers discovered that an adult female victim was being held against her will. A short time later, the victim was able to leave the home safely.Police ultimately took the suspect identified as&nbsp;38-year-old Brian M. Wright into custod&nbsp; around 6:15 a.m. Sunday.Wright was is being held on requested charges of&nbsp;Domestic Battery,, Criminal Restraint and Aggravated Assault, according to Koenen.

Kansas man arrested after 5-hour standoff

Kansas City (AP) — As demonstrators flooded streets across America to decry the killing of George Floyd, public health experts watched in alarm — the close proximity of protesters and their failures in many cases to wear masks, along with the police using tear gas, could fuel new transmissions of the coronavirus.

Many of the protests broke out in places where the virus is still circulating widely in the population. In fact, an Associated Press review found that demonstrations have taken place in every one of the 25 U.S. communities with the highest concentrations of new cases. Some have seen major protests over multiple days, including Minneapolis-St. Paul, Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles.

The protests have come just as communities across the nation loosen restrictions on businesses and public life that have helped slow the spread of the virus, deepening concern that the two factors taken together could create a national resurgence in cases.

“As a nation, we have to be concerned about a rebound,” Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser warned Sunday after days of protests rocked the nation’s capital. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo bemoaned the crowds, saying that hundreds could potentially have been infected, undoing months of social distancing.

A fresh outbreak in the places where protesters gathered could lead to reinstituting shutdowns.

The AP’s review focused on large metro counties — the central counties within metro areas with more than 1 million people — that showed the highest rates of new cases per capita over the past 14 days.

While case numbers and deaths have been trending down in several of the cities where the largest protests have occurred, the number of people in those places infected with the virus — and with the ability to spread it — remains high. And in some of the communities, such as Minneapolis, the number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 has been rising.

Floyd died May 25 after a Minneapolis police officer pressed a knee into his neck for several minutes, even as he pleaded that he couldn’t breathe. Minneapolis has been ground zero for the sprawling protests, which have crossed the Mississippi River into neighboring St. Paul.

The unrest has coincided with “the very worst days of the pandemic so far” in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, said Michael T. Osterholm, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota.

“Our ICU bed care is at its all-time high and is really on the edge,” he said.

Ramsey and Hennepin counties, home to the Twin Cities, ranked seventh and eighth for the highest per capita new cases in the AP analysis. Each has seen more than 250 cases per 100,000 population in the past two weeks, together reporting nearly 2,000 new cases in the last week alone.

Experts point out that other factors associated with protests could accelerate the spread of the virus. For instance, tear gas can cause people to cough and sneeze, as can the smoke from fires set by people bent on destruction. And both also prompt protesters to remove their masks.

Crowding protesters who have been arrested into jail cells can also increase the risk of contagion. An AP tally found that, thus far, more than 5,600 people have been taken into custody.

Protesters and police shouting at one another nose-to-nose also is raising alarms.

Osterholm and other public health experts note, however, that the protests aren’t necessarily as alarming as other events that could fuel new cases because they take place outside and many people are wearing masks. In some cases, hand sanitizer also is being informally distributed.

And Dr. David Eisenman, director of the Center for Public Health and Disasters at the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, said he feared partisan forces might accuse cities of bringing fresh cases on themselves.

“I’m actually more worried about how, if those spikes occur, how that information will be weaponized against the notion of protests,” he said.

Eisenman called protesting an “essential activity,” possible to practice with reduced risk. He said his grown children protested in Los Angeles and are taking safety precautions now, including isolating themselves at home. They plan to get tested for COVID-19 in about a week.

Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician and public health professor at George Washington University, said the hospitalizations for coronavirus in the Washington metro area have been on the decline but that she knows that could change.

“There are a lot of unknowns about what happens next,” she said.

Wen was the health commissioner for the city of Baltimore during the 2015 uprising after the death of Freddie Gray in police custody and said many health clinics were closed and pharmacies burned down, making it difficult for members of disadvantaged communities to access health care.

“You will have compounded health issues that go beyond COVID-19,” she said.

Public health experts said it will take two to three weeks to know whether the protests cause a surge in coronavirus cases. And even then, they can’t definitively tie it to the demonstrations.

The unrest is happening in tandem with the reopening of gyms, hair salons, restaurants, parks and beaches. It also comes on the heels of the Memorial Day weekend, when many people attended large gatherings, so experts already were bracing for a case increase, said Jennifer Nuzzo, an epidemiologist at Johns Hopkins University.

In Los Angeles, barbershops and in-person dining were allowed to resume last weekend, just as protests descended into destruction and more than 1,000 people were arrested. Nearly 10,000 new cases have been reported in Los Angeles County in the past week.

Hundreds of people also were arrested in Chicago, where Cook County has had among the highest per capita rates of new cases of any large county in the nation, with 283 new cases per 100,000 population in the past two weeks.

“The absolute number of cases is still high. We feel good about the fact that we’ve established a decreasing incidence, but we have a ways to go,” said Dr. Ronald Hershow the director of the Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the University of Illinois-Chicago.

Hershow and others noted that the racial disparities laid bare by coronavirus — with communities of color bearing a disproportionate burden of infections and deaths — overlap with the issues being protested on streets across America and around the globe.

“Racism kills,” Hershow said. “Sometimes that’s direct, as in the case of George Floyd. And sometimes it’s through a virus like COVID-19.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590799948580.png" alt="Crowds protesting last weekend in Kansas City -image courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Crowds protesting last weekend in Kansas City -image courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas City (AP) — As demonstrators flooded streets across America to decry the killing of George Floyd, public health experts watched in alarm — the close proximity of protesters and their failures in many cases to wear masks, along with the police using tear gas, could fuel new transmissions of the coronavirus.Many of the protests broke out in places where the virus is still circulating widely in the population. In fact, an Associated Press review found that demonstrations have taken place in every one of the 25 U.S. communities with the highest concentrations of new cases. Some have seen major protests over multiple days, including Minneapolis-St. Paul, Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles.The protests have come just as communities across the nation loosen restrictions on businesses and public life that have helped slow the spread of the virus, deepening concern that the two factors taken together could create a national resurgence in cases.“As a nation, we have to be concerned about a rebound,” Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser warned Sunday after days of protests rocked the nation’s capital. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo bemoaned the crowds, saying that hundreds could potentially have been infected, undoing months of social distancing.A fresh outbreak in the places where protesters gathered could lead to reinstituting shutdowns.The AP’s review focused on large metro counties — the central counties within metro areas with more than 1 million people — that showed the highest rates of new cases per capita over the past 14 days.While case numbers and deaths have been trending down in several of the cities where the largest protests have occurred, the number of people in those places infected with the virus — and with the ability to spread it — remains high. And in some of the communities, such as Minneapolis, the number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 has been rising.Floyd died May 25 after a Minneapolis police officer pressed a knee into his neck for several minutes, even as he pleaded that he couldn’t breathe. Minneapolis has been ground zero for the sprawling protests, which have crossed the Mississippi River into neighboring St. Paul.The unrest has coincided with “the very worst days of the pandemic so far” in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, said Michael T. Osterholm, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota.“Our ICU bed care is at its all-time high and is really on the edge,” he said.Ramsey and Hennepin counties, home to the Twin Cities, ranked seventh and eighth for the highest per capita new cases in the AP analysis. Each has seen more than 250 cases per 100,000 population in the past two weeks, together reporting nearly 2,000 new cases in the last week alone.Experts point out that other factors associated with protests could accelerate the spread of the virus. For instance, tear gas can cause people to cough and sneeze, as can the smoke from fires set by people bent on destruction. And both also prompt protesters to remove their masks.Crowding protesters who have been arrested into jail cells can also increase the risk of contagion. An AP tally found that, thus far, more than 5,600 people have been taken into custody.Protesters and police shouting at one another nose-to-nose also is raising alarms.Osterholm and other public health experts note, however, that the protests aren’t necessarily as alarming as other events that could fuel new cases because they take place outside and many people are wearing masks. In some cases, hand sanitizer also is being informally distributed.And Dr. David Eisenman, director of the Center for Public Health and Disasters at the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, said he feared partisan forces might accuse cities of bringing fresh cases on themselves.“I’m actually more worried about how, if those spikes occur, how that information will be weaponized against the notion of protests,” he said.Eisenman called protesting an “essential activity,” possible to practice with reduced risk. He said his grown children protested in Los Angeles and are taking safety precautions now, including isolating themselves at home. They plan to get tested for COVID-19 in about a week.Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician and public health professor at George Washington University, said the hospitalizations for coronavirus in the Washington metro area have been on the decline but that she knows that could change.“There are a lot of unknowns about what happens next,” she said.Wen was the health commissioner for the city of Baltimore during the 2015 uprising after the death of Freddie Gray in police custody and said many health clinics were closed and pharmacies burned down, making it difficult for members of disadvantaged communities to access health care.It’s a concern for her now, too.“You will have compounded health issues that go beyond COVID-19,” she said.Public health experts said it will take two to three weeks to know whether the protests cause a surge in coronavirus cases. And even then, they can’t definitively tie it to the demonstrations.The unrest is happening in tandem with the reopening of gyms, hair salons, restaurants, parks and beaches. It also comes on the heels of the Memorial Day weekend, when many people attended large gatherings, so experts already were bracing for a case increase, said Jennifer Nuzzo, an epidemiologist at Johns Hopkins University.In Los Angeles, barbershops and in-person dining were allowed to resume last weekend, just as protests descended into destruction and more than 1,000 people were arrested. Nearly 10,000 new cases have been reported in Los Angeles County in the past week.Hundreds of people also were arrested in Chicago, where Cook County has had among the highest per capita rates of new cases of any large county in the nation, with 283 new cases per 100,000 population in the past two weeks.“The absolute number of cases is still high. We feel good about the fact that we’ve established a decreasing incidence, but we have a ways to go,” said Dr. Ronald Hershow the director of the Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the University of Illinois-Chicago.Hershow and others noted that the racial disparities laid bare by coronavirus — with communities of color bearing a disproportionate burden of infections and deaths — overlap with the issues being protested on streets across America and around the globe.“Racism kills,” Hershow said. “Sometimes that’s direct, as in the case of George Floyd. And sometimes it’s through a virus like COVID-19.”___

Protests in top virus hot spots ignite fears of contagion

MANHATTAN —Two 5-foot long alligators were taken from Reptile World, 1917 Fort Riley Blvd in Manhattan on Friday night, according to the Riley County Police Department.

It's illegal to have an alligator this size in the city of Manhattan without a pet store license, according to the RCPD.

If you have any info on the gators, contact Riley County Police or Crime Stoppers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591574201606.png" alt="The gators are larger than this photo taken one year ago- photo courtesy RCPD" />
 <figcaption>The gators are larger than this photo taken one year ago- photo courtesy RCPD</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN —Two 5-foot long alligators were taken from Reptile World, 1917 Fort Riley Blvd in Manhattan on Friday night, according to the Riley County Police Department.It's illegal to have an alligator this size in the city of Manhattan without a pet store license, according to the RCPD.If you have any info on the gators, contact Riley County Police or Crime Stoppers.

Police: Gators stolen from Reptile World in Manhattan

KANSAS CITY – A Kansas man who initially was arrested after throwing water bottles at police officers during protests at the Country Club Plaza was charged in federal court today with illegally possessing a firearm, according to the United State's Attorney's office.

“Hijacking a peaceful protest by attacking police officers engaged in their duty to protect the public carries significant consequences in this district,” said U.S. Attorney Tim Garrison. “Illegally carrying a loaded handgun to a public demonstration multiplies those consequences with federal penalties. I have no tolerance for anyone who hides behind the lawful exercise of constitutional rights as cover for their criminal acts. We are working alongside our local law enforcement partners to protect the public and maintain order.”&nbsp;

Matthew E. Madden, 22, Kansas City, Kan., was charged in a criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Missouri, with one count of being a drug user in possession of a firearm.

Today’s criminal complaint alleges that Madden, who is a habitual user of, or addicted to, marijuana, was in possession of a Glock .40-caliber semi-automatic handgun on June 2, 2020.

According to an affidavit filed in support of the federal criminal complaint, Madden traveled from Kansas City, Kansas, to participate in the protests at the Country Club Plaza in Kansas City, Missouri, on Tuesday, June 2. During the protests over the previous five days, police officers who monitored the crowd and participated in crowd control reported some violent protesters threw bottles and rocks at them, causing injury to officers and damage to personal and public property. On Tuesday, law enforcement officers observed Madden throwing water bottles at officers who were providing security in the area of 47th Street and J.C. Nichols Parkway. Later the same evening, officers observed Madden throwing waters bottles from the southwest corner of Mill Creek Park (located at 47th Street and J.C. Nichols Parkway).

Police officers approached Madden as he walked away from the crowd and asked him to stop so they could talk to him. &nbsp;Madden immediately ran away through the park, but officers captured him near a tree line on the east side of the park. During the pursuit, an officer saw Madden discard the black fanny pack that he had been previously observed carrying over his shoulder. Officers recovered the fanny pack, which contained a .40-caliber semiautomatic handgun loaded with 15 round of ammunition, another magazine containing an additional 27 rounds of ammunition, and 1.23 grams of marijuana. &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591476241354.png" alt="Madden -photo Wyandotte Co." />
 <figcaption>Madden -photo Wyandotte Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY – A Kansas man who initially was arrested after throwing water bottles at police officers during protests at the Country Club Plaza was charged in federal court today with illegally possessing a firearm, according to the United State's Attorney's office.“Hijacking a peaceful protest by attacking police officers engaged in their duty to protect the public carries significant consequences in this district,” said U.S. Attorney Tim Garrison. “Illegally carrying a loaded handgun to a public demonstration multiplies those consequences with federal penalties. I have no tolerance for anyone who hides behind the lawful exercise of constitutional rights as cover for their criminal acts. We are working alongside our local law enforcement partners to protect the public and maintain order.”&nbsp;Matthew E. Madden, 22, Kansas City, Kan., was charged in a criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Missouri, with one count of being a drug user in possession of a firearm.Today’s criminal complaint alleges that Madden, who is a habitual user of, or addicted to, marijuana, was in possession of a Glock .40-caliber semi-automatic handgun on June 2, 2020.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590925459037.png" alt="Protest marchers at the Country Club Plaza in Kansas City -photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Protest marchers at the Country Club Plaza in Kansas City -photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>According to an affidavit filed in support of the federal criminal complaint, Madden traveled from Kansas City, Kansas, to participate in the protests at the Country Club Plaza in Kansas City, Missouri, on Tuesday, June 2. During the protests over the previous five days, police officers who monitored the crowd and participated in crowd control reported some violent protesters threw bottles and rocks at them, causing injury to officers and damage to personal and public property. On Tuesday, law enforcement officers observed Madden throwing water bottles at officers who were providing security in the area of 47th Street and J.C. Nichols Parkway. Later the same evening, officers observed Madden throwing waters bottles from the southwest corner of Mill Creek Park (located at 47th Street and J.C. Nichols Parkway).Police officers approached Madden as he walked away from the crowd and asked him to stop so they could talk to him. &nbsp;Madden immediately ran away through the park, but officers captured him near a tree line on the east side of the park. During the pursuit, an officer saw Madden discard the black fanny pack that he had been previously observed carrying over his shoulder. Officers recovered the fanny pack, which contained a .40-caliber semiautomatic handgun loaded with 15 round of ammunition, another magazine containing an additional 27 rounds of ammunition, and 1.23 grams of marijuana. &nbsp;

Kansas man charged with bringing gun to protest march

TOPEKA— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a stabbing and have made an arrest.

On Friday, officers responded to the 2100 block of SW Edgewater Terrace in Topeka on a report of a possible stabbing, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Koenen.

The victim, an adult female, sustained non-life threatening injuries in the incident.

Officers developed information at the scene and an attempt to locate was issued for 37-yearold Victorio G. Peres. Peres is known to the victim.

Just after 2:30a.m. Sunday, police located him in the 1000 block of SW Garfield Avenue. He was taken into custody without incident and later booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested&nbsp;charges of Aggravated Battery and Battery, according to Koenen.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591567651175.png" alt="Peres" />
 <figcaption>Peres</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a stabbing and have made an arrest.On Friday, officers responded to the 2100 block of SW Edgewater Terrace in Topeka on a report of a possible stabbing, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Koenen.The victim, an adult female, sustained non-life threatening injuries in the incident.Officers developed information at the scene and an attempt to locate was issued for 37-yearold Victorio G. Peres. Peres is known to the victim.Just after 2:30a.m. Sunday, police located him in the 1000 block of SW Garfield Avenue. He was taken into custody without incident and later booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested&nbsp;charges of Aggravated Battery and Battery, according to Koenen.

Police: Kansas man accused in violent knife attack on woman

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A freshman Kansas congressman who has toed the conservative line and steadfastly defended President Donald Trump nevertheless is battling accusations that he’s an impostor in a tough Republican primary race.

Rep. Steve Watkins’ voting record and statements decrying Trump’s impeachment leave little enough room to attack him from the right that the campaign of his main primary challenger, State Treasurer Jake LaTurner, is scrutinizing Watkins’ fundraising to question his loyalties.

Watkins was a political novice when he won the seat in 2018 by less than a percentage point in his GOP-leaning eastern Kansas district that Trump carried by a wide margin in 2016. His primary race this year is about whether he could self-destruct in the fall and cost Republicans what had been a safe seat. The national Democratic Party&nbsp;<a href="https://dccc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/01162020-Battlefield-Expansion.pdf" target="_blank">has said it sees “an opportunity”</a>&nbsp;as part of an expanded list of targeted House races.

The incumbent’s political troubles are tied largely to missteps and problems unrelated to policy, including rampant social media rumors late last fall that he would resign. The local district attorney in Topeka is investigating whether Watkins violated state election laws by listing a box at a UPS Inc. store as his residence on a voter registration form.

Though he grew up in Topeka, Watkins lived most of his adult life outside Kansas and hadn’t voted in its state or federal races until running for Congress. He wasn’t active in the local or state GOP before he won the 2018 primary with less than 27% of the vote.

“There is just a level of discomfort with Steve Watkins,” said former state Rep. Virgil Peck, chairman of the GOP in Montgomery County in southeast Kansas. “There’s still that little bit of uncertainty, distrust if you will.”

Watkins has the National Right to Life Committee’s endorsement but LaTurner has the backing of the conservative Family Policy Alliance of Kansas.

LaTurner also picked up the Kansas Farm Bureau’s endorsement, which confers cachet in rural areas and signals some nervousness within the GOP establishment about Watkins. Moreover, LaTurner’s honorary campaign co-chairs include a current and a former Republican National Committee member and big GOP donors active in the Kansas Chamber of Commerce.

As Watkins filed for office late last month, LaTurner’s campaign criticized him for accepting more than $20,000 in contributions in 2018 and 2019 from donors who also gave to Democrats.

The attack touched on doubts about Watkins’ fealty to the GOP that have lingered since he eked out a win during his crowded 2018 primary race. Three Democratic operatives said Watkins, a 43-year-old former Army officer and military contractor, had talked to them about running for Congress as a Democrat. He strongly denies it.

“There’s still with a lot of Republicans, grassroots Republicans and others, they haven’t fully verified that he is a conservative,” said former Kansas GOP Chairman Kelly Arnold.

Watkins shrugged off LaTurner’s demand that he return contributions from 10 donors named by LaTurner’s campaign. He said after filing that he’s voted 96% of the time in the House with Trump and said LaTurner is “creating unnecessary division” within the GOP as he seeks to climb the political ladder.

“I’m a guy who would like to do something, as opposed to somebody who wants to be somebody,” Watkins said.

The American Conservative Union recently gave Watkins an 86% rating for 2019. LaTurner, a former state senator, had a 76% rating from the group during his time in the Legislature.

University of Kansas political scientist Patrick Miller said Watkins has been a conservative congressman and LaTurner’s natural recourse is to raise a persistent question about Watkins from 2018: “Who is he, really?”

Kansas Republican Party Chairman Mike Kuckelman said he is not concerned that the GOP faces as tough a battle to keep Watkins’ 2nd District seat as it did in 2018. The presumed Democratic nominee, Topeka Mayor Michelle de la Isla, is less well-known than the 2018 nominee, ex-legislative leader Paul Davis, and the $338,000 she raised by the end of March was less than a third of what Davis had raised at the same point in 2018.

And Kuckelman said he’s heard of no problems with Watkins’ voting record as a congressman.

“I’m sure somebody could pick one vote and disagree with it, but overall, I would say he has a solid voting record,” Kuckelman said.

LaTurner cites a Watkins’ vote in November for a measure opposed by the National Rifle Association on big-game hunting overseas, which Watkins’ staff said would protect endangered species.

LaTurner also criticizes Watkins for being one of only five Republicans to vote for a non-binding Democratic resolution in December expressing support for a separate state for the Palestinians. LaTurner describes it as a vote against Trump’s Middle East policy; Watkins later praised a Trump plan for a two-state peace solution.

However, such issues seem secondary to questions about Watkins’ problems as a congressman.

“It’s not that there’s lack of information. It’s that the information that we do know is troubling,” LaTurner said, adding that Watkins narrowly won the 2018 election because Republicans felt “we had to eat our peas” to prevent a Democrat from winning.

Watkins’ problems include a Federal Election Commission review of contributions funneled by Watkins’ father to his 2018 campaign through other donors and a homeowners’ association’s now-resolved lawsuit threatening to foreclose on a condominium Watkins owns in Alaska over $1,535 in delinquent payments.

And there’s the still-ongoing criminal investigation into him registering to vote at a UPS store and whether he voted illegally in a Topeka City Council race. Watkins said he made an inadvertent mistake in listing his mailing address on a form in August, but he had to correct his registration twice within six weeks this winter.

“There’s no question that he has faults and vulnerabilities,” Miller said. “He hasn’t helped himself with these ridiculous gaffes about, where does he actually live?”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591476738251.png" alt="Rep. Steve Watkins" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Steve Watkins</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A freshman Kansas congressman who has toed the conservative line and steadfastly defended President Donald Trump nevertheless is battling accusations that he’s an impostor in a tough Republican primary race.Rep. Steve Watkins’ voting record and statements decrying Trump’s impeachment leave little enough room to attack him from the right that the campaign of his main primary challenger, State Treasurer Jake LaTurner, is scrutinizing Watkins’ fundraising to question his loyalties.Watkins was a political novice when he won the seat in 2018 by less than a percentage point in his GOP-leaning eastern Kansas district that Trump carried by a wide margin in 2016. His primary race this year is about whether he could self-destruct in the fall and cost Republicans what had been a safe seat. The national Democratic Party&nbsp;<a href="https://dccc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/01162020-Battlefield-Expansion.pdf" target="_blank">has said it sees “an opportunity”</a>&nbsp;as part of an expanded list of targeted House races.The incumbent’s political troubles are tied largely to missteps and problems unrelated to policy, including rampant social media rumors late last fall that he would resign. The local district attorney in Topeka is investigating whether Watkins violated state election laws by listing a box at a UPS Inc. store as his residence on a voter registration form.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Fighting Socialism here and at home. I got your six. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KS02?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KS02</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ksleg?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ksleg</a> <a href="https://t.co/ih7i7vwyMv">pic.twitter.com/ih7i7vwyMv</a>&mdash; Rep. Steve Watkins (@Rep_Watkins) <a href="https://twitter.com/Rep_Watkins/status/1261418628152426501?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Though he grew up in Topeka, Watkins lived most of his adult life outside Kansas and hadn’t voted in its state or federal races until running for Congress. He wasn’t active in the local or state GOP before he won the 2018 primary with less than 27% of the vote.“There is just a level of discomfort with Steve Watkins,” said former state Rep. Virgil Peck, chairman of the GOP in Montgomery County in southeast Kansas. “There’s still that little bit of uncertainty, distrust if you will.”Watkins has the National Right to Life Committee’s endorsement but LaTurner has the backing of the conservative Family Policy Alliance of Kansas.LaTurner also picked up the Kansas Farm Bureau’s endorsement, which confers cachet in rural areas and signals some nervousness within the GOP establishment about Watkins. Moreover, LaTurner’s honorary campaign co-chairs include a current and a former Republican National Committee member and big GOP donors active in the Kansas Chamber of Commerce.As Watkins filed for office late last month, LaTurner’s campaign criticized him for accepting more than $20,000 in contributions in 2018 and 2019 from donors who also gave to Democrats.The attack touched on doubts about Watkins’ fealty to the GOP that have lingered since he eked out a win during his crowded 2018 primary race. Three Democratic operatives said Watkins, a 43-year-old former Army officer and military contractor, had talked to them about running for Congress as a Democrat. He strongly denies it.“There’s still with a lot of Republicans, grassroots Republicans and others, they haven’t fully verified that he is a conservative,” said former Kansas GOP Chairman Kelly Arnold.Watkins shrugged off LaTurner’s demand that he return contributions from 10 donors named by LaTurner’s campaign. He said after filing that he’s voted 96% of the time in the House with Trump and said LaTurner is “creating unnecessary division” within the GOP as he seeks to climb the political ladder.“I’m a guy who would like to do something, as opposed to somebody who wants to be somebody,” Watkins said.The American Conservative Union recently gave Watkins an 86% rating for 2019. LaTurner, a former state senator, had a 76% rating from the group during his time in the Legislature.University of Kansas political scientist Patrick Miller said Watkins has been a conservative congressman and LaTurner’s natural recourse is to raise a persistent question about Watkins from 2018: “Who is he, really?”Kansas Republican Party Chairman Mike Kuckelman said he is not concerned that the GOP faces as tough a battle to keep Watkins’ 2nd District seat as it did in 2018. The presumed Democratic nominee, Topeka Mayor Michelle de la Isla, is less well-known than the 2018 nominee, ex-legislative leader Paul Davis, and the $338,000 she raised by the end of March was less than a third of what Davis had raised at the same point in 2018.And Kuckelman said he’s heard of no problems with Watkins’ voting record as a congressman.“I’m sure somebody could pick one vote and disagree with it, but overall, I would say he has a solid voting record,” Kuckelman said.LaTurner cites a Watkins’ vote in November for a measure opposed by the National Rifle Association on big-game hunting overseas, which Watkins’ staff said would protect endangered species.LaTurner also criticizes Watkins for being one of only five Republicans to vote for a non-binding Democratic resolution in December expressing support for a separate state for the Palestinians. LaTurner describes it as a vote against Trump’s Middle East policy; Watkins later praised a Trump plan for a two-state peace solution.However, such issues seem secondary to questions about Watkins’ problems as a congressman.“It’s not that there’s lack of information. It’s that the information that we do know is troubling,” LaTurner said, adding that Watkins narrowly won the 2018 election because Republicans felt “we had to eat our peas” to prevent a Democrat from winning.Watkins’ problems include a Federal Election Commission review of contributions funneled by Watkins’ father to his 2018 campaign through other donors and a homeowners’ association’s now-resolved lawsuit threatening to foreclose on a condominium Watkins owns in Alaska over $1,535 in delinquent payments.And there’s the still-ongoing criminal investigation into him registering to vote at a UPS store and whether he voted illegally in a Topeka City Council race. Watkins said he made an inadvertent mistake in listing his mailing address on a form in August, but he had to correct his registration twice within six weeks this winter.“There’s no question that he has faults and vulnerabilities,” Miller said. “He hasn’t helped himself with these ridiculous gaffes about, where does he actually live?”____

Freshman Kan. congressman faces attacks labeling him GOP impostor

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Three civil rights organizations say they will continue to pressure Kansas City police Chief Rick Smith to resign over long-simmering tension between police and minorities in the city, despite procedural changes announced this week.

The Kansas City chapter of the NAACP, the Urban League of Greater Kansas City and More2 issued a statement Wednesday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/8fd5d3554646ec3a353ebd16e96e4359">calling&nbsp;</a>for Smith's resignation because of his handling of excessive force complaints and police actions during recent protests over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

The Kansas City Board of Police Commissioners and Mayor Quinton Lucas on Thursday announced&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&amp;q=apnews.comb51e6c727b5b749fa9b29080364ab03d">several changes</a>&nbsp;to police procedures designed to improve accountability and oversight of the Police Department, including having outside agencies investigate all officer-involved shootings.

The Rev. Dr. Rodney Williams, president of the Kansas City chapter of the NAACP, said Friday that the proposed changes are appreciated but that the coalition wants to see entirely new police leadership, beginning with Smith's resignation.

“(The changes) are hopeful but we need to see them actually become reality," Williams said. “This is not just about the protests, this goes much further. We do not believe police are protecting the constitutional rights of African Americans and the head of that agency needs to resign.”

Smith has said he doesn't intend to resign and Lucas said Thursday that Smith will remain as police chief. Brad Lemon, president of the Kansas City Fraternal Order of Police, called the requests for Smith's resignation “ridiculous."

The tension comes after a week of protests over the death of Floyd, a black man who was handcuffed when a white Minneapolis police officer pressed a knee on his neck for several minutes even after he stopped movign and pleading for air.

During the first days of protests, violence erupted after dark. Police used tear gas and made several arrests. The protests have been relatively calm since Tuesday, when police changed tactics to “de-escalate” the tension.

The calm continued Friday, when several hundred people gathered in downtown Kansas City to hear speeches and demonstrate in front of City Hall, the Police Department and the Jackson County Courthouse — a change of scene from earlier protests at the Country Club Plaza and Westport entertainment districts.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591275596951.png" alt="Chief Rick Smith and Mayor Lucas spoke to the media prior to a protest march last week" />
 <figcaption>Chief Rick Smith and Mayor Lucas spoke to the media prior to a protest march last week</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — Three civil rights organizations say they will continue to pressure Kansas City police Chief Rick Smith to resign over long-simmering tension between police and minorities in the city, despite procedural changes announced this week.The Kansas City chapter of the NAACP, the Urban League of Greater Kansas City and More2 issued a statement Wednesday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/8fd5d3554646ec3a353ebd16e96e4359">calling&nbsp;</a>for Smith's resignation because of his handling of excessive force complaints and police actions during recent protests over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.The Kansas City Board of Police Commissioners and Mayor Quinton Lucas on Thursday announced&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&amp;q=apnews.comb51e6c727b5b749fa9b29080364ab03d">several changes</a>&nbsp;to police procedures designed to improve accountability and oversight of the Police Department, including having outside agencies investigate all officer-involved shootings.The Rev. Dr. Rodney Williams, president of the Kansas City chapter of the NAACP, said Friday that the proposed changes are appreciated but that the coalition wants to see entirely new police leadership, beginning with Smith's resignation.“(The changes) are hopeful but we need to see them actually become reality," Williams said. “This is not just about the protests, this goes much further. We do not believe police are protecting the constitutional rights of African Americans and the head of that agency needs to resign.”Smith has said he doesn't intend to resign and Lucas said Thursday that Smith will remain as police chief. Brad Lemon, president of the Kansas City Fraternal Order of Police, called the requests for Smith's resignation “ridiculous."The tension comes after a week of protests over the death of Floyd, a black man who was handcuffed when a white Minneapolis police officer pressed a knee on his neck for several minutes even after he stopped movign and pleading for air.During the first days of protests, violence erupted after dark. Police used tear gas and made several arrests. The protests have been relatively calm since Tuesday, when police changed tactics to “de-escalate” the tension.The calm continued Friday, when several hundred people gathered in downtown Kansas City to hear speeches and demonstrate in front of City Hall, the Police Department and the Jackson County Courthouse — a change of scene from earlier protests at the Country Club Plaza and Westport entertainment districts.

Groups still want Kansas City police chief to be ousted

By BRIAN GRIMMETT <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/pandemic-has-pushed-more-kansans-buy-local-butchers-and-farmers">Kansas News Service</a>

WICHITA, Kansas — For the last two months, employees
 at Walnut Valley Packing in El Dorado have been working extra hours, 
even Saturdays, to cut, grind and package meat so it can keep up with a 
sudden spike in demand.

“I think the first time in March when 
somebody walked into Walmart or Dillon’s and saw that there’s no meat, I
 think people kind of freaked out,” said Matt Carselowey, <a href="http://www.walnutvalleypacking.com/" target="_blank">Walnut Valley Packing</a>’s plant manager.&nbsp;

The lack of meat in grocery store chains is due in part to <a href="https://www.meatpoultry.com/articles/22993-covid-19-meat-plant-map">c</a><a href="https://www.meatpoultry.com/articles/22993-covid-19-meat-plant-map" target="_blank">oronavirus-related slowdowns and closures of meatpacking plants around the country</a>. But those supply chain difficulties are creating an opportunity for local food producers — from cattle to cabbage.

Before
 the pandemic, Walnut Valley was preparing to open up a second 
storefront in a nearby town. Carselowey said he had an entire store’s 
worth of inventory in the freezer, ready to be sold.

It was barely enough to meet demand. The small, family-owned beef, pork and game processor quickly sold out of everything.

“We’ve had a lot of new customers come through the door that might not have came in otherwise,” he said.

Many were just people trying to find meat anywhere they could. But for Carselowey, it was also an opportunity.

“I
 think this has kind of opened a lot more people’s eyes to ‘Where is my 
meat coming from,’” he said, adding that people might be realizing too 
that “small processors … can offer a different product or … unique 
products.”

Walnut Valley also processes meat for local cattle 
ranchers, who sell it under their own private label (it’s called direct 
marketing).

Normally, those ranchers can get meat processed in 
about a month. But now is far from normal, and Walnut Valley’s first 
open slot is May 2021.

“We are really struggling to meet demand for our product,” said Linda Pechin-Long, co-owner of <a href="https://www.grazetheprairie.com/" target="_blank">Graze The Prairie cattle ranch in the Flint Hills</a>. “Which is a good problem to have, I guess.”

Pechin-Long
 and her husband sell their meat online and at a few local farmers 
markets. But like many direct market ranchers, they’re struggling to get
 a spot at any of the few dozen local processors left in Kansas.

“Right
 now, we’re looking at not having summer sausage for Christmas because 
we usually schedule that for processing in October, and they are booked 
through January or February of next year,” she said.

The coronavirus also 
appears to be pushing people to tap into other local producers — at 
least more than they normally would. That includes farmers markets.

“Over the past three weeks, I’ve had consistent crowds showing up,” said Luke Snow, president of the <a href="https://oldtownfarmandartmarket.com/" target="_blank">Old Town Farm and Art Market in Wichita</a>. “Everyone’s I think just happy to get out in the fresh air and sunshine and do some shopping.”

He
 said while the pure number of people attending is a little lower than 
normal, sales have been through the roof. It’s the selling points of 
local food — knowing where it comes from, if chemicals were applied and 
who has handled it — that he thinks are more appealing than ever.

At the <a href="https://kansasgrowninc.com/" target="_blank">Kansas Grown Farmers Market</a>
 across town, Jill Stimatze with Natural to the Corr said they’ve also 
seen lots of new customers this spring.&nbsp;She said she thinks one reason 
is because people feel safer at the market.

“I feel like it’s 
because it’s in the open and actually people are not touching everything
 like they would in a grocery store,” she said.

A few booths 
away, Arno Miller of Miller’s Homestyle Meals told a similar story. He 
and his wife ramped up home-delivery service as the impacts of the 
coronavirus began to set in. In early May, they set a sales record.

“I have no idea whether it will be a long-term benefit or not,” he said. “But for the time being, we’re happy to serve.”

Brian
 Grimmett reports on the environment, energy and natural resources for 
KMUW in Wichita and the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on 
Twitter&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/briangrimmett?lang=en">@briangrimmett</a>&nbsp;or
 email him at grimmett@kmuw (dot) org. The Kansas News Service is a
 collaboration of KCUR, Kansas Public Radio, KMUW and High Plains Public
 Radio focused on health, the social determinants of health and their 
connection to public policy.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591216124433.jpeg" alt=" A Walnut Valley Packing employee begins the process of turning a cow into a steak. Brian Grimmett / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> A Walnut Valley Packing employee begins the process of turning a cow into a steak. Brian Grimmett / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRIAN GRIMMETT <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/pandemic-has-pushed-more-kansans-buy-local-butchers-and-farmers">Kansas News Service</a>WICHITA, Kansas — For the last two months, employees
 at Walnut Valley Packing in El Dorado have been working extra hours, 
even Saturdays, to cut, grind and package meat so it can keep up with a 
sudden spike in demand.“I think the first time in March when 
somebody walked into Walmart or Dillon’s and saw that there’s no meat, I
 think people kind of freaked out,” said Matt Carselowey, <a href="http://www.walnutvalleypacking.com/" target="_blank">Walnut Valley Packing</a>’s plant manager.&nbsp;The lack of meat in grocery store chains is due in part to <a href="https://www.meatpoultry.com/articles/22993-covid-19-meat-plant-map">c</a><a href="https://www.meatpoultry.com/articles/22993-covid-19-meat-plant-map" target="_blank">oronavirus-related slowdowns and closures of meatpacking plants around the country</a>. But those supply chain difficulties are creating an opportunity for local food producers — from cattle to cabbage.Before
 the pandemic, Walnut Valley was preparing to open up a second 
storefront in a nearby town. Carselowey said he had an entire store’s 
worth of inventory in the freezer, ready to be sold.It was barely enough to meet demand. The small, family-owned beef, pork and game processor quickly sold out of everything.“We’ve had a lot of new customers come through the door that might not have came in otherwise,” he said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591216333247.jpeg" alt=" Customers stop into the Walnut Valley retail store while butchers work behind glass. Credit Brian Grimmett / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> Customers stop into the Walnut Valley retail store while butchers work behind glass. Credit Brian Grimmett / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>Many were just people trying to find meat anywhere they could. But for Carselowey, it was also an opportunity.“I
 think this has kind of opened a lot more people’s eyes to ‘Where is my 
meat coming from,’” he said, adding that people might be realizing too 
that “small processors … can offer a different product or … unique 
products.”Walnut Valley also processes meat for local cattle 
ranchers, who sell it under their own private label (it’s called direct 
marketing).Normally, those ranchers can get meat processed in 
about a month. But now is far from normal, and Walnut Valley’s first 
open slot is May 2021.“We are really struggling to meet demand for our product,” said Linda Pechin-Long, co-owner of <a href="https://www.grazetheprairie.com/" target="_blank">Graze The Prairie cattle ranch in the Flint Hills</a>. “Which is a good problem to have, I guess.”Pechin-Long
 and her husband sell their meat online and at a few local farmers 
markets. But like many direct market ranchers, they’re struggling to get
 a spot at any of the few dozen local processors left in Kansas.“Right
 now, we’re looking at not having summer sausage for Christmas because 
we usually schedule that for processing in October, and they are booked 
through January or February of next year,” she said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591216361857.jpeg" alt=" A sign at the Kansas Grown Farmers Market encourages social distancing to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Credit Brian Grimmett / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> A sign at the Kansas Grown Farmers Market encourages social distancing to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Credit Brian Grimmett / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The farmers market rush</h2>The coronavirus also 
appears to be pushing people to tap into other local producers — at 
least more than they normally would. That includes farmers markets.“Over the past three weeks, I’ve had consistent crowds showing up,” said Luke Snow, president of the <a href="https://oldtownfarmandartmarket.com/" target="_blank">Old Town Farm and Art Market in Wichita</a>. “Everyone’s I think just happy to get out in the fresh air and sunshine and do some shopping.”He
 said while the pure number of people attending is a little lower than 
normal, sales have been through the roof. It’s the selling points of 
local food — knowing where it comes from, if chemicals were applied and 
who has handled it — that he thinks are more appealing than ever.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591216400264.jpeg" alt=" Jill Stimatze prepares to bag asparagus for a customer. Credit Brian Grimmett / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> Jill Stimatze prepares to bag asparagus for a customer. Credit Brian Grimmett / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>At the <a href="https://kansasgrowninc.com/" target="_blank">Kansas Grown Farmers Market</a>
 across town, Jill Stimatze with Natural to the Corr said they’ve also 
seen lots of new customers this spring.&nbsp;She said she thinks one reason 
is because people feel safer at the market.“I feel like it’s 
because it’s in the open and actually people are not touching everything
 like they would in a grocery store,” she said.A few booths 
away, Arno Miller of Miller’s Homestyle Meals told a similar story. He 
and his wife ramped up home-delivery service as the impacts of the 
coronavirus began to set in. In early May, they set a sales record.“I have no idea whether it will be a long-term benefit or not,” he said. “But for the time being, we’re happy to serve.”Brian
 Grimmett reports on the environment, energy and natural resources for 
KMUW in Wichita and the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on 
Twitter&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/briangrimmett?lang=en">@briangrimmett</a>&nbsp;or
 email him at grimmett@kmuw (dot) org. The Kansas News Service is a
 collaboration of KCUR, Kansas Public Radio, KMUW and High Plains Public
 Radio focused on health, the social determinants of health and their 
connection to public policy.

Pandemic pushed more Kansans to buy from local butchers, farmers

RAEFORD, N.C. (AP) — Protesters streamed into the nation’s capital Saturday for what was expected to be the city’s largest demonstration yet against police brutality, while George Floyd was mourned in his North Carolina hometown, where hundreds of mourners lined up to squeeze into a church to pay their respects.

Military vehicles and officers in fatigues closed off much of downtown Washington to traffic ahead of the planned march, which authorities estimated would attract up to 200,000 people outraged by Floyd’s death 12 days ago at the hands of police in Minneapolis.

Large protests also took place across the U.S. and in major cities overseas, including London, Paris, Berlin and Sydney, Australia.

In Raeford, the small town near Fayetteville where Floyd was born 46 years ago, a long line of people formed outside a church, waiting to enter in small groups for a chance to look at his coffin. A private memorial service was scheduled for later in the day.

The line of people waiting to view the coffin included families with young children and teenagers. One young woman wore a green and gold graduation cap and gown as she walked beside her parents. Most people wore surgical masks or cloth face coverings.

When a hearse bearing Floyd’s coffin arrived, chants of “Black Power,” “George Floyd” and “No justice, no peace,” echoed from beneath the covered entrance.

“It could have been me. It could have been my brother, my father, any of my friends who are black,” said a man in the crowd, Erik Carlos of Fayetteville. “It was a heavy hit, especially knowing that George Floyd was born near my hometown. It made me feel very vulnerable at first.”

Washington has seen daily protests for the past week — largely peaceful, with people marching back and forth from the White House to the Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial. Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy said local officials expected 100,000 to 200,000 protesters for Saturday’s event. The White House has been fortified with new fencing and extra security precautions.

President Donald Trump had no public events on his daily schedule. But about 100 protesters gathered at his golf resort in Doral, Florida, just outside Miami. The protest was organized by Latinos for Black Lives Matter.

In general, demonstrations in the U.S. have shifted to a calmer tenor in recent days after frequent episodes of violence in the early stages. Protesters and their supporters in public office say they are determined to turn the extraordinary outpouring of anger and grief into change, notably in regard to policing policies.

College student Maiya Mack, 19, who protested in Columbus, Ohio, said a key step would be effective discipline against police officers implicated in racist acts of violence.

“Police who have performed misconduct, they should be held accountable, not just you can still be at home, you can still get paid,” she said.

Theresa Bland, 68, a retired teacher and realtor protesting at the Ohio Statehouse, had a broader agenda in mind

“I’m looking at affordable housing, political justice, prison reform, the whole ball of wax,” she said. “The world is so askew right now ... with people dying from the virus and people dying in prisons and people dying because there’s not enough food.”

There already have been some tangible steps.

In Minneapolis, city officials have agreed to ban chokeholds and neck restraints by police and to require officers to try to stop any other officers they see using improper force. In California, Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered the state’s police training program to stop teaching officers how to use a neck hold that blocks the flow of blood to the brain.

Democrats in Congress are preparing a sweeping package of police reforms, which are expected to included changes to police-accountability laws, such as revising immunity provisions and creating a database of police use-of-force incidents. Revamped training requirements are planned, too, among them a ban on chokeholds.

The House is expected to vote by month’s end. With Democrats in the majority, the bills will almost certainly pass the House. The outcome in the Senate is less certain. Republican Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has said the chamber would look at the issues, but he has not endorsed any particular legislation.

Meanwhile in New York, two Buffalo police officers were charged with assault Saturday after a video showed them shoving a 75-year-old protester, who fell backwards onto the pavement and was hospitalized. Both pleaded not guilty to second-degree assault and were released without bail. The two were suspended without pay Friday after a TV crew captured the confrontation.

In London, thousands of demonstrators endured cold rain to gather in Parliament Square, a traditional venue for protests. They knelt in silence and chanted Floyd’s name before applauding his memory and then starting a march.

In Paris, hundreds of people gathered at the Place de la Concorde in defiance of a police ban on large protests. Members of the multiracial crowd chanted the name of Adama Traore, a black man whose death while in police custody a few years ago has been likened by critics of French police to Floyd’s death in Minnesota.

Chris Trabot, who works for Paris City Hall and is black, said Floyd’s death triggered his decision to demonstrate for the first time in his life.

Trabot said, “The violence happens every day. The moment has come to say stop.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591527693710.png" alt="Protest march on Saturday in Washington photo courtesy WUSA TV" />
 <figcaption>Protest march on Saturday in Washington photo courtesy WUSA TV</figcaption>
 </figure>RAEFORD, N.C. (AP) — Protesters streamed into the nation’s capital Saturday for what was expected to be the city’s largest demonstration yet against police brutality, while George Floyd was mourned in his North Carolina hometown, where hundreds of mourners lined up to squeeze into a church to pay their respects.Military vehicles and officers in fatigues closed off much of downtown Washington to traffic ahead of the planned march, which authorities estimated would attract up to 200,000 people outraged by Floyd’s death 12 days ago at the hands of police in Minneapolis.Large protests also took place across the U.S. and in major cities overseas, including London, Paris, Berlin and Sydney, Australia.In Raeford, the small town near Fayetteville where Floyd was born 46 years ago, a long line of people formed outside a church, waiting to enter in small groups for a chance to look at his coffin. A private memorial service was scheduled for later in the day.The line of people waiting to view the coffin included families with young children and teenagers. One young woman wore a green and gold graduation cap and gown as she walked beside her parents. Most people wore surgical masks or cloth face coverings.When a hearse bearing Floyd’s coffin arrived, chants of “Black Power,” “George Floyd” and “No justice, no peace,” echoed from beneath the covered entrance.“It could have been me. It could have been my brother, my father, any of my friends who are black,” said a man in the crowd, Erik Carlos of Fayetteville. “It was a heavy hit, especially knowing that George Floyd was born near my hometown. It made me feel very vulnerable at first.”Washington has seen daily protests for the past week — largely peaceful, with people marching back and forth from the White House to the Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial. Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy said local officials expected 100,000 to 200,000 protesters for Saturday’s event. The White House has been fortified with new fencing and extra security precautions.President Donald Trump had no public events on his daily schedule. But about 100 protesters gathered at his golf resort in Doral, Florida, just outside Miami. The protest was organized by Latinos for Black Lives Matter.In general, demonstrations in the U.S. have shifted to a calmer tenor in recent days after frequent episodes of violence in the early stages. Protesters and their supporters in public office say they are determined to turn the extraordinary outpouring of anger and grief into change, notably in regard to policing policies.College student Maiya Mack, 19, who protested in Columbus, Ohio, said a key step would be effective discipline against police officers implicated in racist acts of violence.“Police who have performed misconduct, they should be held accountable, not just you can still be at home, you can still get paid,” she said.Theresa Bland, 68, a retired teacher and realtor protesting at the Ohio Statehouse, had a broader agenda in mind“I’m looking at affordable housing, political justice, prison reform, the whole ball of wax,” she said. “The world is so askew right now ... with people dying from the virus and people dying in prisons and people dying because there’s not enough food.”There already have been some tangible steps.In Minneapolis, city officials have agreed to ban chokeholds and neck restraints by police and to require officers to try to stop any other officers they see using improper force. In California, Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered the state’s police training program to stop teaching officers how to use a neck hold that blocks the flow of blood to the brain.Democrats in Congress are preparing a sweeping package of police reforms, which are expected to included changes to police-accountability laws, such as revising immunity provisions and creating a database of police use-of-force incidents. Revamped training requirements are planned, too, among them a ban on chokeholds.The House is expected to vote by month’s end. With Democrats in the majority, the bills will almost certainly pass the House. The outcome in the Senate is less certain. Republican Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has said the chamber would look at the issues, but he has not endorsed any particular legislation.Meanwhile in New York, two Buffalo police officers were charged with assault Saturday after a video showed them shoving a 75-year-old protester, who fell backwards onto the pavement and was hospitalized. Both pleaded not guilty to second-degree assault and were released without bail. The two were suspended without pay Friday after a TV crew captured the confrontation.In London, thousands of demonstrators endured cold rain to gather in Parliament Square, a traditional venue for protests. They knelt in silence and chanted Floyd’s name before applauding his memory and then starting a march.In Paris, hundreds of people gathered at the Place de la Concorde in defiance of a police ban on large protests. Members of the multiracial crowd chanted the name of Adama Traore, a black man whose death while in police custody a few years ago has been likened by critics of French police to Floyd’s death in Minnesota.Chris Trabot, who works for Paris City Hall and is black, said Floyd’s death triggered his decision to demonstrate for the first time in his life.Trabot said, “The violence happens every day. The moment has come to say stop.”___

Massive, peaceful protests across US demand police reform

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas education officials are preparing to reopen the state’s schools in the fall but acknowledged that the coronavirus pandemic will force widespread changes.

“We want Kansans to know that we will have school in the fall, and that we are prepared to do everything within our power to keep staff, students and families safe,” Kansas Commissioner of Education Dr. Randy Watson said in a news release Friday.

Watson assembled a task force in May to develop comprehensive guidance for safely reopening school buildings. One team is working working on guidance about sanitation, social distancing, busing and food served, while another is focused on instruction.

The Kansas State Board of Education will consider the guidelines at its July meeting.

Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly became the nation’s first governor to order the closure of school buildings on March 17.

Statewide, Kansas has recorded 232 deaths and 10,300 cases, according to Johns Hopkins University.

In the Wichita area, where some of <a href="https://www.sedgwickcounty.org/covid-19/">the largest increases</a> have been recorded, Sedgwick County Health Officer Dr. Garold Minns is raising concerns that the area may have moved too fast to fully reopen the economy. Minns is urging residents to continue social distancing practices, wearing protective face coverings and working from home when possible.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591480312815.png" alt="Virus testing image courtesy Sedgwick Co. Health Department" />
 <figcaption>Virus testing image courtesy Sedgwick Co. Health Department</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas education officials are preparing to reopen the state’s schools in the fall but acknowledged that the coronavirus pandemic will force widespread changes.“We want Kansans to know that we will have school in the fall, and that we are prepared to do everything within our power to keep staff, students and families safe,” Kansas Commissioner of Education Dr. Randy Watson said in a news release Friday.Watson assembled a task force in May to develop comprehensive guidance for safely reopening school buildings. One team is working working on guidance about sanitation, social distancing, busing and food served, while another is focused on instruction.The Kansas State Board of Education will consider the guidelines at its July meeting.Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly became the nation’s first governor to order the closure of school buildings on March 17.Statewide, Kansas has recorded 232 deaths and 10,300 cases, according to Johns Hopkins University.In the Wichita area, where some of <a href="https://www.sedgwickcounty.org/covid-19/">the largest increases</a> have been recorded, Sedgwick County Health Officer Dr. Garold Minns is raising concerns that the area may have moved too fast to fully reopen the economy. Minns is urging residents to continue social distancing practices, wearing protective face coverings and working from home when possible.

Health officials warn of rising COVID-19 numbers in Wichita

TOPEKA —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a video that depicts animal cruelty.

On Thursday, several citizens informed members of the Topeka Police Department of a video posted on a juvenile’s Facebook page, according to Lt. Aaron Jones.

The video depicts a person throwing a cat in the air. When the cat comes down it hits the windshield of a car. The video is short, it leaves a lot to the imagination, but it is disturbing none the less, according to Jones.

Detectives were able to locate the juvenile and determine the video was of people other than the poster and the event occurred in another state. 

Investigators were attempting to contact the proper authorities outside of Kansas. 

TOPEKA —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a video that depicts animal cruelty.On Thursday, several citizens informed members of the Topeka Police Department of a video posted on a juvenile’s Facebook page, according to Lt. Aaron Jones.The video depicts a person throwing a cat in the air. When the cat comes down it hits the windshield of a car. The video is short, it leaves a lot to the imagination, but it is disturbing none the less, according to Jones.Detectives were able to locate the juvenile and determine the video was of people other than the poster and the event occurred in another state. Investigators were attempting to contact the proper authorities outside of Kansas.

Police in Kansas investigate video of alleged animal cruelty

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Residents gathered for a protest march down Main Street in Hutchinson Saturday morning. The march, spearheaded by local resident Teresa Delgado was going to be held Friday but after social media posts showed the event could be threatened, it was postponed until Saturday.

The decision for the postponement came after Delgado met with law enforcement and others. Police still urged organizers to cancel the event to another day but the march went on peacefully. The march started at 30th and Main then stopped at the intersection of 25th and Main where the group knelt for nine minutes before continuing south for several more blocks before turning back north.

The group of about 40 participants were peaceful and were heavily supported by law enforcement who had patrol cars in front and back of the group as well as officers blocking each intersection as the group passed by. Police did have word there could be some counter-protests or trouble from outside Hutchinson but nothing materialized. The Highway Patrol, South Hutchinson Police, and the Reno County Sheriff's department were all on hand.

Many residents supported the march by offering water on a hot day or displaying signs of support. Others drove by and honked in support. Some business owners stood in front of their buildings and one restaurant closed for the day and boarded up their doors and windows.

The group was marching to protest the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis Police. All four officers have now been arrested and charged in that case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591464071734.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Residents gathered for a protest march down Main Street in Hutchinson Saturday morning. The march, spearheaded by local resident Teresa Delgado was going to be held Friday but after social media posts showed the event could be threatened, it was postponed until Saturday.The decision for the postponement came after Delgado met with law enforcement and others. Police still urged organizers to cancel the event to another day but the march went on peacefully. The march started at 30th and Main then stopped at the intersection of 25th and Main where the group knelt for nine minutes before continuing south for several more blocks before turning back north.The group of about 40 participants were peaceful and were heavily supported by law enforcement who had patrol cars in front and back of the group as well as officers blocking each intersection as the group passed by. Police did have word there could be some counter-protests or trouble from outside Hutchinson but nothing materialized. The Highway Patrol, South Hutchinson Police, and the Reno County Sheriff's department were all on hand.Many residents supported the march by offering water on a hot day or displaying signs of support. Others drove by and honked in support. Some business owners stood in front of their buildings and one restaurant closed for the day and boarded up their doors and windows.The group was marching to protest the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis Police. All four officers have now been arrested and charged in that case.

Small gathering for postponed protest march in Hutchinson

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Authorities say one person was killed and four were injured in a shooting in a historic jazz district in Kansas City.

Police responded around 2:30 a.m. Saturday to the shooting in the 18th and Vine district, near the American Jazz Museum, which draws thousands of visitors every year.

Kansas City Police Department spokesman Sgt. Jacob Becchina said officers also went to a nearby hospital, where several shooting victims had arrived.

Police didn't immediately release the name of the man who was killed. The other four victims, three men and one woman, were in stable condition.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Authorities say one person was killed and four were injured in a shooting in a historic jazz district in Kansas City.Police responded around 2:30 a.m. Saturday to the shooting in the 18th and Vine district, near the American Jazz Museum, which draws thousands of visitors every year.Kansas City Police Department spokesman Sgt. Jacob Becchina said officers also went to a nearby hospital, where several shooting victims had arrived.Police didn't immediately release the name of the man who was killed. The other four victims, three men and one woman, were in stable condition.

1 killed, 4 hurt in Kansas City jazz district shooting

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Health officials are asking everyone who attended a Lawrence protest over the death of George Floyd to monitor for symptoms of the coronavirus after one of the participants tested positive.

The Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health said in a news release Friday that the infected person didn’t wear a mask while attending Sunday’s protest, which attracted thousands of people to the downtown.

The person’s sample was taken on Thursday, and health officials were notified of the positive test Friday. The patient disclosed during the contact tracing and disease-investigation process that he was not wearing a mask.

“Similar to what we would ask anyone who goes out in public right now, we are asking anyone who attended the recent protest to self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms and isolate if they become sick as well as call their healthcare provider for next steps,” Sonia Jordan, informatics director, said in the release.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591460582298.png" alt="Protest rally in Lawrence on Monday -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Protest rally in Lawrence on Monday -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Health officials are asking everyone who attended a Lawrence protest over the death of George Floyd to monitor for symptoms of the coronavirus after one of the participants tested positive.The Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health said in a news release Friday that the infected person didn’t wear a mask while attending Sunday’s protest, which attracted thousands of people to the downtown.The person’s sample was taken on Thursday, and health officials were notified of the positive test Friday. The patient disclosed during the contact tracing and disease-investigation process that he was not wearing a mask.“Similar to what we would ask anyone who goes out in public right now, we are asking anyone who attended the recent protest to self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms and isolate if they become sick as well as call their healthcare provider for next steps,” Sonia Jordan, informatics director, said in the release.

Kansas protester who didn't wear mask infected with COVID-19

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Gov. Laura Kelly said Friday that her administration will consider using part of Kansas’ share of federal coronavirus relief funds to help people struggling to pay their rents or home mortgages because of economic problems tied to the pandemic.

Kelly defended&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/037a5df1a0ec6959576338b6193e1a0d">a May 26 decision</a>&nbsp;to rescind an executive order that had banned landlords from pursuing new evictions or lenders from starting to foreclose on home mortgages. She said she had to lift the order because keeping it in place would have stressed lenders and businesses that rent homes and apartments.

The governor rescinded the order as she&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a5e30a0ec7a5943ada9f03af22ee1970">lifted all statewide restrictions</a>&nbsp;on businesses and left it to the state’s 105 counties to determine their own rules for checking the spread of the new coronavirus.

She said reopening the economy and improving the state’s delivery of unemployment benefits — a problem for weeks — eased the stress on renters and home owners. But housing advocates have worried that a wave of evictions and mortgage foreclosures is coming.

“I want struggling Kansans to know that I understand how you feel and how fearful you remain for your future,” Kelly said, calling such a program “a top priority” during a Statehouse news conference.

The Democratic governor also told reporters that she hopes to avoid two big financial maneuvers that past governors from both parties have used to avoid cuts in state programs. She said she does not intend to divert money from highway projects or short the state’s payments to its pension system for teachers and government workers to help close a shortfall in the next state budget.

While those moves prevented year-to-year cuts in the past, they delayed road projects and left the state with pension obligations to pay later.

The state faces a projected shortfall of about $600 million for the budget year that begins in July. Kelly said she hopes to avoid cutting spending that’s vital to boosting the economy, including funding for public schools.

But she added: “I haven’t committed to not touching anything at this point.”

She and other state officials have justified the lifting of restrictions on businesses by saying that weekslong trends show the growth in new coronavirus cases, hospitalizations and deaths slowing.

But Kansas’ four most populous counties reported dozens of new coronavirus cases in the past two days, with the state Department of Health and Environment saying Friday that Kansas has had a total of 10,393 cases since the pandemic reached the state in early March. That’s up 2.2% or 223 from Monday.

The department’s figures show that 70% of the new cases over the past two days — 156 in all — came from only four counties. They were Sedgwick County, home to the state’s largest city, Wichita; Shawnee County, home to Topeka, and Johnson and Wyandotte counties in the Kansas City area, the state’s first hot spot. Those four counties have about half the state’s 2.9 million residents.

The state reported 10 new COVID-19-related deaths over the past two days, up 4% to 232.

Kansas has received $1.25 billion in federal coronavirus relief funds, and $116 million already has been allocated to Johnson County and almost $100 million, to Sedgwick County. An economic recovery task force appointed by Kelly has proposed distributing $400 million to other counties and cities to cover their coronavirus-related costs, and the governor hopes they receive the funds later this month.

That would leave about $634 million, with plans to distribute it before November.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591392554433.png" alt="Kansas Governor Laura Kelly discussed the issue of rent and home mortgages during Friday's press briefing." />
 <figcaption>Kansas Governor Laura Kelly discussed the issue of rent and home mortgages during Friday's press briefing.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Gov. Laura Kelly said Friday that her administration will consider using part of Kansas’ share of federal coronavirus relief funds to help people struggling to pay their rents or home mortgages because of economic problems tied to the pandemic.Kelly defended&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/037a5df1a0ec6959576338b6193e1a0d">a May 26 decision</a>&nbsp;to rescind an executive order that had banned landlords from pursuing new evictions or lenders from starting to foreclose on home mortgages. She said she had to lift the order because keeping it in place would have stressed lenders and businesses that rent homes and apartments.The governor rescinded the order as she&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a5e30a0ec7a5943ada9f03af22ee1970">lifted all statewide restrictions</a>&nbsp;on businesses and left it to the state’s 105 counties to determine their own rules for checking the spread of the new coronavirus.She said reopening the economy and improving the state’s delivery of unemployment benefits — a problem for weeks — eased the stress on renters and home owners. But housing advocates have worried that a wave of evictions and mortgage foreclosures is coming.“I want struggling Kansans to know that I understand how you feel and how fearful you remain for your future,” Kelly said, calling such a program “a top priority” during a Statehouse news conference.The Democratic governor also told reporters that she hopes to avoid two big financial maneuvers that past governors from both parties have used to avoid cuts in state programs. She said she does not intend to divert money from highway projects or short the state’s payments to its pension system for teachers and government workers to help close a shortfall in the next state budget.While those moves prevented year-to-year cuts in the past, they delayed road projects and left the state with pension obligations to pay later.The state faces a projected shortfall of about $600 million for the budget year that begins in July. Kelly said she hopes to avoid cutting spending that’s vital to boosting the economy, including funding for public schools.But she added: “I haven’t committed to not touching anything at this point.”She and other state officials have justified the lifting of restrictions on businesses by saying that weekslong trends show the growth in new coronavirus cases, hospitalizations and deaths slowing.But Kansas’ four most populous counties reported dozens of new coronavirus cases in the past two days, with the state Department of Health and Environment saying Friday that Kansas has had a total of 10,393 cases since the pandemic reached the state in early March. That’s up 2.2% or 223 from Monday.The department’s figures show that 70% of the new cases over the past two days — 156 in all — came from only four counties. They were Sedgwick County, home to the state’s largest city, Wichita; Shawnee County, home to Topeka, and Johnson and Wyandotte counties in the Kansas City area, the state’s first hot spot. Those four counties have about half the state’s 2.9 million residents.The state reported 10 new COVID-19-related deaths over the past two days, up 4% to 232.Kansas has received $1.25 billion in federal coronavirus relief funds, and $116 million already has been allocated to Johnson County and almost $100 million, to Sedgwick County. An economic recovery task force appointed by Kelly has proposed distributing $400 million to other counties and cities to cover their coronavirus-related costs, and the governor hopes they receive the funds later this month.That would leave about $634 million, with plans to distribute it before November.

Kansas governor considering relief for renters, home owners

WASHINGTON (AP) — Joe Biden formally clinched the Democratic presidential nomination Friday, setting him up for a bruising challenge to President Donald Trump that will play out against the unprecedented backdrop of a pandemic, economic collapse and civil unrest.

“It was an honor to compete alongside one of the most talented groups of candidates the Democratic party has ever fielded,” Biden said in a statement Friday night, ”and I am proud to say that we are going into this general election a united party.”

The former vice president has effectively been his party’s leader since his last challenger in the Democratic primary, Bernie Sanders, ended his campaign in April. But Biden pulled together the 1,991 delegates needed to become the nominee after seven states and the District of Columbia held presidential primaries Tuesday.

Biden reached the threshold three days after the primaries because several states, overwhelmed by huge increases in mail ballots, took days to tabulate results. A team of analysts at The Associated Press then parsed the votes into individual congressional districts. Democrats award most delegates to the party’s national convention based on results in individual congressional districts.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583675671957.png" alt="Joe Biden during a&nbsp; March 2020 campaign stop in Kansas City -photo courtesy Joe Biden for President" />
 <figcaption>Joe Biden during a&nbsp; March 2020 campaign stop in Kansas City -photo courtesy Joe Biden for President</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Joe Biden formally clinched the Democratic presidential nomination Friday, setting him up for a bruising challenge to President Donald Trump that will play out against the unprecedented backdrop of a pandemic, economic collapse and civil unrest.“It was an honor to compete alongside one of the most talented groups of candidates the Democratic party has ever fielded,” Biden said in a statement Friday night, ”and I am proud to say that we are going into this general election a united party.”The former vice president has effectively been his party’s leader since his last challenger in the Democratic primary, Bernie Sanders, ended his campaign in April. But Biden pulled together the 1,991 delegates needed to become the nominee after seven states and the District of Columbia held presidential primaries Tuesday.Biden reached the threshold three days after the primaries because several states, overwhelmed by huge increases in mail ballots, took days to tabulate results. A team of analysts at The Associated Press then parsed the votes into individual congressional districts. Democrats award most delegates to the party’s national convention based on results in individual congressional districts.Biden now has 1,995 delegates, with contests still to come in eight states and three U.S. territories.The moment was met with little of the traditional fanfare as the nation confronts overlapping crises. While Biden has started to venture out more this week, the coronavirus pandemic has largely confined him to his Wilmington, Delaware, home for much of the past three months.The country faces the worst rate of unemployment since the Great Depression. And civil unrest that harkens back to the 1960s has erupted in dozens of cities following the death of George Floyd, a black man who died when a white Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee into Floyd’s neck for several minutes even after he stopped moving and pleading for air.It’s a confluence of events that no U.S. leader has faced in modern times, made all the more complicated by a president who has at times antagonized the protesters and is eager to take the fight to Biden.“This is a difficult time in America’s history,” Biden said Friday night. “And Donald Trump’s angry, divisive politics is no answer. The country is crying out for leadership. Leadership that can unite us. Leadership that can bring us together.”Biden spent 36 years in the Senate before becoming Barack Obama’s vice president. This is 77-year-old Biden’s third bid for the presidency and his success in capturing the Democratic nomination was driven by strong support from black voters.He finished an embarrassing fourth place in the overwhelmingly white Iowa caucuses that kicked off the nomination process in February. Biden fared little better in the New Hampshire primary, where his standing was so low that he left the state before polls closed on election night to instead rally black voters in South Carolina.His rebound began in the more diverse caucuses in Nevada but solidified in South Carolina, where Biden stomped Sanders, his nearest rival, by nearly 29 points. He followed that with a dominant showing three days later during the Super Tuesday contests, taking 10 of the 14 states.Biden’s strong showing in states such as North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee and Texas reinforced his status as the preferred Democratic candidate of African American voters — but the relationship has not been without its strained moments. After a tense exchange with an influential black radio host, Biden took sharp criticism for suggesting that African American voters still deciding between him and Trump “ain’t black.”That comment, and protests that have spread nationwide, have increased pressure on Biden to pick an African American running mate. He has already committed to picking a woman as a vice presidential candidate.Black voters are unlikely to back Trump over Biden by a wide margin. A recent Fox News poll shows just 14% of African Americans who are registered to vote have a favorable opinion of the president compared with 75% who favorably view Biden.But Biden must ensure that black voters are motivated to show up to the polls in November, especially in critical swing states that narrowly went for Trump in 2016.At one point, the Democratic primary included dozens of candidates of different races, genders and generations and an openly gay man. The contest was dominated by debate over unapologetically progressive ideas, including fully government-funded health care under “Medicare for All” and a sweeping proposal to combat climate change known as the “Green New Deal.”Biden prevailed by mostly offering more moderate approaches that he argued would make him more electable against Trump.He refused to budge on his rejection of universal health care and some of the Green New Deal’s most ambitious provisions to combat climate change.Since clinching the nomination, however, Biden has worked to build his appeal among progressives, forming joint task forces with Sanders’ campaign to find common ground on key issues like health care, the economy and the environment. Biden has also embraced a plan to forgive millions of Americans’ student debt, meaning that he clinches the nomination as easily the most liberal standard bearer the Democratic Party has ever had.Biden’s embrace of his party’s left flank could help him consolidate a Democratic base that remained deeply divided after the 2016 primary and ultimately hurt Hillary Clinton in her defeat to Trump. But it could also undermine Biden’s attempts to rebuild the Obama coalition, which is often loosely defined as minorities and young people, as well as educated Americans and some working-class voters.The former vice president has sought, since announcing his candidacy, to cast the election as a battle “for the soul of the nation,” and promised to restore order and dignity to the White House while rehabilitating the U.S. image on the world stage. Such an approach, though, necessarily focuses on being more of an alternative to Trump than offering radically new political ideas. And that further underscores Biden’s difficult task of trying to unite his party’s base while appealing to voters from far beyond it.“I am going to spend every day between now and November 3rd fighting to earn the votes of Americans all across this great country,” Biden promised Friday, “so that, together, we can win the battle for the soul of this nation, and make sure that as we rebuild our economy, everyone comes along.”