<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?468708-1/senate-impeachment-trial-day-11">Click here to watch</a>&nbsp;day 11 of the impeachment trial

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate rejected the idea of witnesses in President Donald Trump’s impeachment trial late Friday, all but ensuring his eventual acquittal. But senators considered pushing off final voting on his fate to next week.

The vote on allowing new witnesses was defeated 51-49 on a near party-line vote.

Despite the Democrats singular focus on hearing new testimony, the Republican majority brushed past those demands to make this the first Senate impeachment trial without witnesses. Even new revelations Friday from former national security adviser John Bolton did not sway GOP senators, who said they'd heard enough.

That means the eventual outcome for Trump would be an acquittal “in name only,” said Rep. Val Demings, D-Fla., a House prosecutor, during final debate. Some called it a cover-up.

The impeachment of the president now lands squarely in an election year before a divided nation. Caucus voting begins Monday in Iowa, and Trump gives his State of the Union address the next night.

Trump was impeached by the House last month on charges the he abused power and obstructed Congress like no other president has done as he tried to pressure Ukraine to investigate Democratic rival Joe Biden, and then blocked the congressional probe of his actions.

The Democrats had badly wanted testimony from John Bolton, Trump's former national security adviser whose forthcoming book links Trump directly to the charges. But Bolton won't be summoned, and none of this appeared to affect the trial's expected outcome.

In an unpublished manuscript, Bolton writes that the president asked him during an Oval Office meeting in early May to bolster his effort to get Ukraine to investigate Democrats, according to a person who read the passage and told The Associated Press. The person, who was not authorized to disclose contents of the book, spoke only on condition of anonymity.

In the meeting, Bolton said the president asked him to call new Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and persuade him to meet with Trump's personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, who was planning to go to Ukraine to coax the Ukrainians to investigate the president's political rivals. Bolton writes that he never made the call to Zelenskiy after the meeting, which included acting chief of staff Mick Mulvaney and White House Counsel Pat Cipollone.

The revelation adds more detail to allegations of when and how Trump first sought to influence Ukraine to aid investigations of his rivals that are central to the abuse of power charge in the first article of impeachment.

The story was first reported Friday by The New York Times.

"I never instructed John Bolton to set up a meeting for Rudy Giuliani, one of the greatest corruption fighters in America and by far the greatest mayor in the history of NYC, to meet with President Zelenskiy," Trump said. “That meeting never happened.”

Key Republican senators said even if Trump committed the offenses as charged by the House, they are not impeachable and the partisan proceedings must end.

"I didn't need any more evidence because I thought it was proved that the president did what he was charged with doing," retiring GOP Sen. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, a key hold out, told reporters Friday at the Capitol. “But that didn't rise to the level of an impeachable offense.”

Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska said she, too, would oppose more testimony in the charged partisan atmosphere, having "come to the conclusion that there will be no fair trial in the Senate.'' She said, "The Congress has failed.”

Eager for a conclusion, Trump's allies nevertheless suggesting the shift in timing to extend the proceedings into next week and it shows the significance of the moment for senators in casting votes in only the third presidential impeachment trial in American history.

The situation remained fluid, but senators have indicated they want more time to publicly debate the charges and air their positions on the coming vote, according to a Republican familiar with the proposal but unauthorized to discuss it. The person was granted anonymity.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the offer to Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, the person said. Senators were considering it while the proceedings were underway on the Senate floor. Schumer had not yet agreed to it.

Under the proposal, the Senate would resume Monday for final arguments, with time Monday and Tuesday for senators to speak. The final voting would be Wednesday.

To bring the trial toward a conclusion, Trump's attorneys argued the House had already heard from 17 witnesses and presented its 28,578-page report to the Senate. They warned against prolonging it even further after House impeached Trump largely along party lines after less than thee months of formal proceedings making it the quickest, most partisan presidential impeachment in U.S. history.

Some senators pointed to the importance of the moment.

“What do you want your place in history to be?” asked one of the House managers, Rep. Jason Crow, D-Colo., a former Army Ranger.

Trump is almost assured of eventual acquittal with the Senate nowhere near the 67 votes needed for conviction and removal.

To hear more witnesses, it would take four Republicans to break with the 53-seat majority and join with all Democrats in demanding more testimony.

But that effort tell short. Just two Republicans, Mitt Romney of Utah and Sen. Susan Collins of Maine are expected to join most Democrats in voting to seek more witnesses and documents.

Chief Justice John Roberts, in the rare role presiding over the impeachment trial, could break a tie, but that seems unlikely.

Murkowski noted in announcing her decision that she did not want to drag the chief justice into the partisan fray.

Protesters stood outside the Capitol as senators arrived on Friday, bu few visitors have been watching from the Senate galleries.

Bolton's forthcoming book contends he personally heard Trump say he wanted military aid withheld from Ukraine until it agreed to investigate the Bidens. Trump denies saying such a thing.

The White House has blocked its officials from testifying in the proceedings and objected that there are “significant amounts of classified information" in Bolton's manuscript. Bolton resigned last September — Trump says he was fired — and he and his attorney have insisted the book does not contain any classified information.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate has voted to reject efforts to call more witnesses in President Donald Trump's impeachment trial, pushing one step closer to an acquittal vote.

The Senate is considering pushing off final acquittal in President Donald Trump's impeachment trial until next week under a proposal being negotiated Friday by party leaders.

The shift in timing ahead of Trump's all but certain acquittal shows the significance of the moment to senators in voting that would bring to a close the third presidential impeachment trial in American history.

Trump still appeared headed for acquittal as senators prepared on Friday to reject efforts to call more witnesses and moved to start bringing the trial to a close.

Under the proposal, the vote on witnesses would still occur late Friday. But the Senate would resume Monday for final arguments, with time Monday and Tuesday for senators to speak. The final voting would be Wednesday.

The impeachment of the president is playing out in an election year before a divided nation. Democratic caucus voting begins Monday in Iowa, and Trump gives his State of the Union address the next night.

Eager for a conclusion, the president and his allies in the Republican majority are brushing past new revelations from John Bolton, Trump's former national security adviser, as well as historic norms that could make this the first Senate impeachment trial without witnesses.

In the meeting, Bolton said the president asked him to call new Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and persuade him to meet with Trump's personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, who was planning to go to Ukraine to coax the Ukrainians to investigate the president's political rivals. Bolton writes that he never made the call to Zelenskiy after the meeting, which included acting chief of staff Mick Mulvaney and White House Counsel Pat Cipollone. The revelation adds more detail to allegations of when and how Trump first sought to influence Ukraine to aid investigations of his rivals.

At the trial, Democrats contended that without witnesses the final outcome wouldn't be a true acquittal for Trump but a cover-up.

“Is this a fair trial?” asked Rep. Val Demings, D-Fla., a House impeachment manager. “These proceedings will be a trial in name only."

Republicans warned that the House had already heard from 17 witnesses and presented its 28,578-page report to the Senate. The House impeached Trump largely along party lines after less than thee months of formal proceedings making it the quickest, most partisan presidential impeachment in U.S. history, they said. The trial has gone for two weeks, and they argued against prolonging it.

Trump was impeached by the House last month on two charges, first that he abused his power like no other president, jeopardizing Ukraine and U.S.-Ukraine relations. Democrats say Trump asked the vulnerable ally to investigate Joe Biden and debunked theories of 2016 election interference, withholding American security aid to the country as it battled Russia at its border. The second article of impeachment says Trump then obstructed the House probe in a way that threatened the nation's three-branch system of checks and balances.

Despite the Democrats' singular, sometimes-passionate focus on calling witnesses, the numbers are now falling short. It would take four Republicans to break with the 53-seat majority and join with all Democrats to demand more testimony.

GOP Sen. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, said the Democrats had proved their case, that Trump abused power and obstructed Congress, but he did not think Trump's actions rose to the impeachable level.

"I didn't need any more evidence because I thought it was proved that the president did what he was charged with doing," Alexander told reporters. “But that didn't rise to the level of an impeachable offense.”

Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska said she, too, would oppose more testimony, having "come to the conclusion that there will be no fair trial in the Senate.'' She said, "The Congress has failed.”

Sen. Susan Collins of Maine said late Thursday she would vote to allow witnesses in the impeachment trial, briefly raising Democrats' hopes for a breakthrough.

Protesters stood outside the Capitol as senators arrived on Friday, but few visitors have been watching from the Senate galleries.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump seems headed for acquittal in his impeachment trial after Sen. Lamar Alexander's decision to stick with fellow Republicans and oppose Democratic efforts to call more witnesses and keep the Senate trial going for weeks or even months.

A vote on witnesses, expected Friday, could lead to an abrupt end and assured acquittal in only the third presidential impeachment trial in American history. Trump has been pressing for action in time for his State of the Union address next Tuesday, and that now seems likely.

Despite the Democrats' singular, sometimes-passionate focus on calling witnesses after revelations from John Bolton, the former national security adviser, the numbers are now falling short. It would take four Republicans to break with the 53-seat majority and join with all Democrats to demand more testimony.

Alexander said in a statement late Thursday there was “no need for more evidence,” giving the Trump team the likelihood of a Senate vote in its direction. Not that he accepted Trump's repeated claim of “perfect” dealings with Ukraine.

"II concluded, after nine long days and hearing 200 video clips of witnesses ... I didn't need any more evidence because I thought it was proved that the president did what he was charged with doing," Alexander told reporters Friday. "But that didn't rise to the level of an impeachable offense, so I didn't I didn't need any more evidence to make my decision.”

Asked whether Trump deserved reelection in the wake of such wrongdoing, Alexander said, “Everyone will have to make that decision for themselves.”

Trump was impeached by the House last month on charges that he abused his power like no other president, jeopardizing Ukraine and U.S.-Ukraine relations. Democrats say Trump asked the vulnerable ally to investigate Joe Biden and debunked theories of 2016 election interference, withholding American security aid to the country as it battled Russia at its border. The second article of impeachment says Trump then obstructed the House probe in a way that threatened the nation's three-branch system of checks and balances.

Before Alexander's statement, Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine said late Thursday she would vote to allow witnesses in the impeachment trial, briefly raising Democrats' hopes for a breakthrough.

Collins, Alexander and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska played an outsize role in the final hours of debate with pointed questions. Another Republican senator, Mitt Romney of Utah, has made clear he will vote for witnesses.

Murkowski was expected to announce her decision on Friday, ahead of voting.

Democrats built pressure on senators for testimony, but Trump's lawyers argued it would take too long as they sped forward, even after Bolton's potential eyewitness account to Trump's actions detailed in a forthcoming book brought uncertainty.

Thursday's testimony included soaring pleas to the senators-as-jurors who will decide Trump's fate, to either stop a president who Democrats say has tried to cheat in the upcoming election and will again, or to shut down impeachment proceedings that Republicans insist were never more than a partisan attack.

“Let’s give the country a trial they can be proud of,” said Rep. Adam Schiff, the lead prosecutor for House Democrats. He offered to take just one week for depositions of new witnesses, sparking new discussions.

Trump attorney Eric Herschmann declared the Democrats are only prosecuting the president because they can't beat him in 2020.

“We trust the American people to decide who should be our president,” Herschmann said. “Enough is Enough. Stop all of this.”

Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell was toiling to keep Friday's vote on schedule even as the trial was unearthing fresh evidence from Bolton's new book and raising alarms among Democrats and some Republicans about a Trump attorney’s controversial defense.

In a day-after tweet, Trump attorney Alan Dershowitz, complained about the portrayal of his Wednesday night testimony when he said a president is essentially immune from impeachment if he believes his actions to be in the “national interest.”

That idea frustrated some inside the White House, who felt Dershowitz's claim was unnecessary and inflammatory — irking senators with a controversial claim of vast executive powers. But those officials left it to Dershowitz to back away, wary that any public White House retreat would be viewed poorly by the president.

“I said nothing like that,” the retired professor tweeted Thursday.

His words Wednesday night: "Every public official that I know believes that his election is in the public interest. And if a president does something which he believes will help him get elected is in the public interest, that cannot be the kind of quid pro quo that results in impeachment."

Asked about it in the trial Thursday, Democrat Schiff, said, "Have we learned nothing in the last half century?”

Schiff drew on the lessons of the Nixon era to warn of a “normalization of lawlessness” in the Trump presidency.

The focus was more narrow as debate closed Thursday night: What would Collins, Alexander and Murkowski do?

Murkowski drew a reaction when she asked simply: "Why should this body not call Ambassador Bolton?"

Alexander, whose career was influenced by the late Howard Baker — who broke with his party over Richard Nixon — also captured attention when he questioned partisanship in the proceedings thus far.

In response to Alexander and others, Democrat Rep. Zoe Lofgren of California, a congressional staffer during Watergate and now a House prosecutor, told the senators that the Nixon impeachment also started as a partisan inquiry before a bipartisan consensus emerged. She told them while the House acted on party lines against Trump, the Senate — "the greatest deliberative body on the planet'' — has a new opportunity.

Senators dispatched more than 100 queries over two days. The questions came from the parties' leaders, the senators running for the Democratic nomination against Trump and even bipartisan coalitions from both sides of the aisle.

Trump's lawyers focused some of their time Thursday refloating allegations against Biden and his son, Hunter Biden, who served on the board of a gas company in Ukraine while his father was vice president. Rep. Val Demings, D-Fla., one of the managers, said the Bidens have little to tell the Senate about Trump's efforts to “shake down” Ukraine for his campaign.

The White House has blocked its officials from testifying in the proceedings and objected that there is “significant amounts of classified information" in the manuscript. Bolton resigned last September — Trump says he was fired — and he and his attorney have insisted the book does not contain any classified information.

🎥 Senate rejects witnesses in Trump trial, ensuring acquittal

TOPEKA –&nbsp; The attorney general’s office has filed two lawsuits against out-of-state pop-up sellers of counterfeit Kansas City Chiefs and Super Bowl LIV merchandise, according to Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt said today.The lawsuits were filed as a part of a coordinated enforcement action in partnership with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS, Kansas Department of Revenue (KDOR) and Topeka Police Department (TPD). The attorney general’s office today served the lawsuits after agents from DHS made contact at the pop-up locations across Topeka, seizing all counterfeit items and all remaining funds collected from the sales of those items. KDOR also seized funds in the amount of taxes owed on those sales. TPD was on hand to assist in the event of an arrest of any individuals working at the sites who had outstanding warrants. The lawsuits were filed against:

The lawsuits were filed yesterday in Shawnee County District Court and allege sales of counterfeit merchandise in violation of the Kansas Consumer Protection Act and violations of the Kansas Door to Door Statutes. The attorney general’s office is seeking a civil penalty of up to $10,000 for each violation in addition to reimbursement of the cost of the investigation in both cases.

A copy of the petitions may be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/2uNU722">https://bit.ly/2uNU722</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/31jdc8r">https://bit.ly/31jdc8r</a>. &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580499867318.png" alt="The items were sold at five locations in Topeka, according to the petitions&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>The items were sold at five locations in Topeka, according to the petitions&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA –&nbsp; The attorney general’s office has filed two lawsuits against out-of-state pop-up sellers of counterfeit Kansas City Chiefs and Super Bowl LIV merchandise, according to Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt said today.The lawsuits were filed as a part of a coordinated enforcement action in partnership with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS, Kansas Department of Revenue (KDOR) and Topeka Police Department (TPD). The attorney general’s office today served the lawsuits after agents from DHS made contact at the pop-up locations across Topeka, seizing all counterfeit items and all remaining funds collected from the sales of those items. KDOR also seized funds in the amount of taxes owed on those sales. TPD was on hand to assist in the event of an arrest of any individuals working at the sites who had outstanding warrants. The lawsuits were filed against:<ol>
 <li>Philip Colwell, of Trelevant, Tennessee, d/b/a Novelties Jr.; operating five locations.</li><li>Jennifer Sugg, of Bessemer, Alabama, and Edward Sugg, of Helena, Alabama, d/b/a Sports Connection Plus; operating one location.</li>
 </ol>The lawsuits were filed yesterday in Shawnee County District Court and allege sales of counterfeit merchandise in violation of the Kansas Consumer Protection Act and violations of the Kansas Door to Door Statutes. The attorney general’s office is seeking a civil penalty of up to $10,000 for each violation in addition to reimbursement of the cost of the investigation in both cases.A copy of the petitions may be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/2uNU722">https://bit.ly/2uNU722</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/31jdc8r">https://bit.ly/31jdc8r</a>. &nbsp;

AG files lawsuits against Chiefs merchandise counterfeiters in Kan.

SEWARD COUNTY— One person died in an accident just before 8:30a.m. Friday in Seward County.

A 1998 Chevy Malibu driven by a 67-year-old woman was westbound on Tucker Road and stopped at the stop sign at at Country Estates Road ( U.S. 83, according to Liberal Police Captain Robert Rogers.

The driver proceeded across the intersection and failed to yield to a southbound 2010 Kenworth semi driven by a 30-year-old. The semi struck the Chevy on the passenger side.

The 76-year-old passenger in the Chevy had to be extracted from the vehicle. EMS transported both occupants of the Chevy to Southwest Medical Center. 

The 76-year-old passenger was later air-lifted to a Wichita hospital where he died, according to Rogers.&nbsp; Names of the victims have not been released along with additional details.

SEWARD COUNTY— One person died in an accident just before 8:30a.m. Friday in Seward County.A 1998 Chevy Malibu driven by a 67-year-old woman was westbound on Tucker Road and stopped at the stop sign at at Country Estates Road ( U.S. 83, according to Liberal Police Captain Robert Rogers.The driver proceeded across the intersection and failed to yield to a southbound 2010 Kenworth semi driven by a 30-year-old. The semi struck the Chevy on the passenger side.The 76-year-old passenger in the Chevy had to be extracted from the vehicle. EMS transported both occupants of the Chevy to Southwest Medical Center. The 76-year-old passenger was later air-lifted to a Wichita hospital where he died, according to Rogers.&nbsp; Names of the victims have not been released along with additional details.

76-year-old man dead after SW Kansas crash

KANSAS CITY —Kansas 3rd district Representative Sharice Davids has challenged California 15th district Representative Eric Swalwell&nbsp; to a friendly wager on whether Kansas City or the San Francisco 49ers will take home Sunday’s Super Bowl LIV championship title.

Davids will provide Swalwell’s office with world-famous Kansas City barbeque if the 49ers win; Swalwell will provide Davids’ office with chocolate from Blommer Chocolate Company if Kansas City wins. Additionally, the member from the losing team will have to wear the winning team’s jersey for one day.

“As a candy lover myself, I'm excited to taste some of California’s finest chocolates, but nothing will be as sweet as when Kansas City beats the 49ers,” said Davids. “With players like Pat Mahomes on the field and thousands of KC fans in the stands, I have no doubt we’ll bring the Vince Lombardi trophy back home where it belongs.”

“While I am happy to see Kansas City finally make it to the Super Bowl, they’re simply no match for our 49ers,” said Swalwell. “I am looking forward to enjoying the Kansas City BBQ provided by Rep. Davids on Monday, February 3rd. Go Niners!”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580333352401.png" alt="Kansas 3rd District Rep. Sharice Davids and Rep. Swalwell" />
 <figcaption>Kansas 3rd District Rep. Sharice Davids and Rep. Swalwell</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Kansas 3rd district Representative Sharice Davids has challenged California 15th district Representative Eric Swalwell&nbsp; to a friendly wager on whether Kansas City or the San Francisco 49ers will take home Sunday’s Super Bowl LIV championship title.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I&#39;m so confident KC is going to win the Super Bowl that I&#39;m willing to bet <a href="https://twitter.com/RepSwalwell?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RepSwalwell</a> some world-famous Kansas City BBQ. And as a candy lover myself, I&#39;m excited to taste some of California’s finest chocolates, but nothing will be as sweet as when KC beats the 49ers. Game on! <a href="https://t.co/z8eRHcJq9P">pic.twitter.com/z8eRHcJq9P</a>&mdash; Rep. Sharice Davids (@RepDavids) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepDavids/status/1222614272896851969?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Davids will provide Swalwell’s office with world-famous Kansas City barbeque if the 49ers win; Swalwell will provide Davids’ office with chocolate from Blommer Chocolate Company if Kansas City wins. Additionally, the member from the losing team will have to wear the winning team’s jersey for one day.“As a candy lover myself, I'm excited to taste some of California’s finest chocolates, but nothing will be as sweet as when Kansas City beats the 49ers,” said Davids. “With players like Pat Mahomes on the field and thousands of KC fans in the stands, I have no doubt we’ll bring the Vince Lombardi trophy back home where it belongs.”“While I am happy to see Kansas City finally make it to the Super Bowl, they’re simply no match for our 49ers,” said Swalwell. “I am looking forward to enjoying the Kansas City BBQ provided by Rep. Davids on Monday, February 3rd. Go Niners!”

🎥 Kansas congresswoman makes Super Bowl wager

By TOM SHINE, <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/spirit-resume-737-max-production-reduced-pace">Kansas News Service</a>

Spirit
 AeroSystems said Thursday it has reached an agreement with Boeing to 
resume production of the 737 Max, but at reduced levels.

Both 
Boeing and Spirit halted production of the plane last month; the jet was
 grounded globally last March following two fatal crashes in 2018 and 
2019. Spirit makes about 70 percent of the 737 Max, and the program 
accounts for about half of the company’s annual revenue.

At its 
peak, Spirit was making about 600 shipsets per year for Boeing 
consisting of the 737’s fuselage, pylon, wing leading edges, thrust 
reverser and engine nacelles.

Spirit is expected to make only 216 shipsets in 2020. And it does not expect to return to peak production until late 2022.

Before
 the 737 Max was grounded, Spirit was making 52 shipsets a month. It 
continued full production for several months after the plane was 
grounded, stacking up extra shipsets at the company’s plant in south 
Wichita.

How the agreement will affect employment at Spirit is unknown. The company laid off 2,800 employees earlier this month.

The shutdown also has affected smaller aviation supply businesses in Wichita, leading to layoffs there as well.

Thursday’s
 announcement assumes the 737 Max will be cleared by federal regulators 
to return to service by this summer. Boeing CEO David Calhoun reiterated
 this week that he thinks the plane will meet that timeline.

Boeing
 reported this week that the 737 Max problems have cost the company 
$18.6 billion due to production delays, lost deliveries and compensation
 to airlines that have canceled tens of thousands of Max flights.

Spirit
 also announced Thursday that Chief Financial Officer Jose Garcia has 
resigned after the company found it did not comply with its established 
accounting processes. Spirit said it began a review of its accounting 
process compliance in December.

John Gilson, the company’s vice president, controller and principal accounting officer, also resigned.

Spirit
 said Mark Suchinski is the company's new senior vice president and 
chief financial officer. He has been with the company since 2006.

Tom Shine is the director of news and public affairs. Follow him on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/thomaspshine?lang=en" target="_blank">@thomaspshine.</a> To contact KMUW News or to send in a news tip, reach us at <a href="mailto:news@kmuw.org">news@kmuw.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580497975886.jpeg" alt="Spirit AeroSystems plans to resume production of Boeing's 737 Max. Elaine Thompson/AP/NPR" />
 <figcaption>Spirit AeroSystems plans to resume production of Boeing's 737 Max. Elaine Thompson/AP/NPR</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOM SHINE, <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/spirit-resume-737-max-production-reduced-pace">Kansas News Service</a>Spirit
 AeroSystems said Thursday it has reached an agreement with Boeing to 
resume production of the 737 Max, but at reduced levels.Both 
Boeing and Spirit halted production of the plane last month; the jet was
 grounded globally last March following two fatal crashes in 2018 and 
2019. Spirit makes about 70 percent of the 737 Max, and the program 
accounts for about half of the company’s annual revenue.At its 
peak, Spirit was making about 600 shipsets per year for Boeing 
consisting of the 737’s fuselage, pylon, wing leading edges, thrust 
reverser and engine nacelles.Spirit is expected to make only 216 shipsets in 2020. And it does not expect to return to peak production until late 2022.Before
 the 737 Max was grounded, Spirit was making 52 shipsets a month. It 
continued full production for several months after the plane was 
grounded, stacking up extra shipsets at the company’s plant in south 
Wichita.How the agreement will affect employment at Spirit is unknown. The company laid off 2,800 employees earlier this month.The shutdown also has affected smaller aviation supply businesses in Wichita, leading to layoffs there as well.Thursday’s
 announcement assumes the 737 Max will be cleared by federal regulators 
to return to service by this summer. Boeing CEO David Calhoun reiterated
 this week that he thinks the plane will meet that timeline.Boeing
 reported this week that the 737 Max problems have cost the company 
$18.6 billion due to production delays, lost deliveries and compensation
 to airlines that have canceled tens of thousands of Max flights.Spirit
 also announced Thursday that Chief Financial Officer Jose Garcia has 
resigned after the company found it did not comply with its established 
accounting processes. Spirit said it began a review of its accounting 
process compliance in December.John Gilson, the company’s vice president, controller and principal accounting officer, also resigned.Spirit
 said Mark Suchinski is the company's new senior vice president and 
chief financial officer. He has been with the company since 2006.Tom Shine is the director of news and public affairs. Follow him on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/thomaspshine?lang=en" target="_blank">@thomaspshine.</a> To contact KMUW News or to send in a news tip, reach us at <a href="mailto:news@kmuw.org">news@kmuw.org</a>.

Spirit to resume 737 Max production, but at reduced pace 

SEDGWICK COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a homicide and have a suspect in custody.

On Thursday, Laura Branning, 30, Wichita, on requested charges of arson and criminal desecration unauthorized control of a dead body. The arrest is in connection with a body found in a burning SUV in Wichita.

Just before 4a.m. Wednesday, police responded to a report of shots fired near the 1700 Block of South El Pico in Wichita,&nbsp;according to Captain Brent Allred.

Police located a 2002 Ford Expedition engulfed in flames in a grassy area near an apartment building. Fire crews responded and extinguished the fire and found the body of an individual in the SUV.

Investigators are working with the regional forensics science center to determine the person's identity and confirm the cause of death, according to officer Charley Davidson.

Through their investigation, police were able to determine Branning's involvement with the fire of the vehicle.

Fire department arson investigators are also assisting police to determine if there was an accelerant on or inside the SUV.&nbsp;

Branning has previous convictions that include flee and attempt to elude law enforcement and for possession of narcotic drugs, according to Davidson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580486793874.png" alt="Laura Branning photo Sedgwick Co. " />
 <figcaption>Laura Branning photo Sedgwick Co. </figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a homicide and have a suspect in custody.On Thursday, Laura Branning, 30, Wichita, on requested charges of arson and criminal desecration unauthorized control of a dead body. The arrest is in connection with a body found in a burning SUV in Wichita.Just before 4a.m. Wednesday, police responded to a report of shots fired near the 1700 Block of South El Pico in Wichita,&nbsp;according to Captain Brent Allred.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580308248333.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation early Wednesday photo&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwch.com/content/news/WPD-investigating-burned-vehicle-in-SE-Wichita-567387361.html">courtesy KWCH</a>" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation early Wednesday photo&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwch.com/content/news/WPD-investigating-burned-vehicle-in-SE-Wichita-567387361.html">courtesy KWCH</a></figcaption>
 </figure>Police located a 2002 Ford Expedition engulfed in flames in a grassy area near an apartment building. Fire crews responded and extinguished the fire and found the body of an individual in the SUV.Investigators are working with the regional forensics science center to determine the person's identity and confirm the cause of death, according to officer Charley Davidson.Through their investigation, police were able to determine Branning's involvement with the fire of the vehicle.Fire department arson investigators are also assisting police to determine if there was an accelerant on or inside the SUV.&nbsp;Branning has previous convictions that include flee and attempt to elude law enforcement and for possession of narcotic drugs, according to Davidson.

Kan. woman arrested after body found in burned SUV

BARTON COUNTY —One person was injured in a chain reaction crash just after 5:30 p.m. Thursday in Barton County.

A 2018 Dodge 2500 pickup driven by Robert Wood, Claflin, was eastbound on U.S. 56 just east of Great Bend, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir.

The driver evidently did not see two vehicles stopped. The pickup rear-ended a 2015 Nissan Altima driven by James Misunas, Nickerson. The collision pushed the Nissan into a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by Heather Ward of Great Bend that had stopped to make a left turn.

EMS transported Misunas to the hospital in Great Bend with possible back and head injuries, according to Bellendir. The other drivers refused treatment at the scene.

All three drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to Bellendir.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580490482774.jpeg" alt="Thursday crash scene / photo Barton Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Thursday crash scene / photo Barton Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY —One person was injured in a chain reaction crash just after 5:30 p.m. Thursday in Barton County.A 2018 Dodge 2500 pickup driven by Robert Wood, Claflin, was eastbound on U.S. 56 just east of Great Bend, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir.The driver evidently did not see two vehicles stopped. The pickup rear-ended a 2015 Nissan Altima driven by James Misunas, Nickerson. The collision pushed the Nissan into a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by Heather Ward of Great Bend that had stopped to make a left turn.EMS transported Misunas to the hospital in Great Bend with possible back and head injuries, according to Bellendir. The other drivers refused treatment at the scene.All three drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to Bellendir.

Sheriff: Kan. man hospitalized after 3-vehicle Barton Co. crash

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas girl after a violent attack.

Just after 4:30p.m. Thursday, the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center was contacted in reference to a disturbance that had occurred at the Boys and Girls Club - Montara Unit, on SW Westview Road, according to Sgt. Todd Stallbaumer.&nbsp;

Deputies arrived and investigated an incident involving a 15-year-old girl who gained entry into the facility and battered a 15-year-old girl who was working at the Boys and Girls Club.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Another juvenile female arrived with the suspect but a preliminary investigation indicates that only the suspect was involved in the altercation with the teen victim.&nbsp;&nbsp;The suspect and her acquaintance then left the facility.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Deputies made contact with the teen suspect and her family at their residence and she was transported to the Shawnee County Juvenile Department of Corrections on requested charges of Aggravated Battery and Intimidation of a Witness, according to Stallbaumer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580479447933.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas girl after a violent attack.Just after 4:30p.m. Thursday, the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center was contacted in reference to a disturbance that had occurred at the Boys and Girls Club - Montara Unit, on SW Westview Road, according to Sgt. Todd Stallbaumer.&nbsp;Deputies arrived and investigated an incident involving a 15-year-old girl who gained entry into the facility and battered a 15-year-old girl who was working at the Boys and Girls Club.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Another juvenile female arrived with the suspect but a preliminary investigation indicates that only the suspect was involved in the altercation with the teen victim.&nbsp;&nbsp;The suspect and her acquaintance then left the facility.&nbsp;&nbsp;Deputies made contact with the teen suspect and her family at their residence and she was transported to the Shawnee County Juvenile Department of Corrections on requested charges of Aggravated Battery and Intimidation of a Witness, according to Stallbaumer.

Kansas girl arrested for attack at Boys and Girls Club

Hays Post is partnering with Grow Hays to help employers find workers and workers find careers.

<a href="http://www.hayshasjobs.com/JOBSEEKERS/JobOpportunities.aspx" target="_blank">Hays Has Jobs</a>&nbsp;offers a comprehensive listing of employment opportunities in the Hays area, ranging from education to health care, service to manufacturing.

Aside from job listings, the site also includes the latest business opportunities in the area and tips for job seekers. Users also will find information on the latest job fairs locally and around the region.

Hays Hays Jobs, which is refreshed continually as new job opportunities are added, can be found under “Local” on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hayspost.com/" target="_blank">HaysPost.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579031298910.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hays Post is partnering with Grow Hays to help employers find workers and workers find careers.<a href="http://www.hayshasjobs.com/JOBSEEKERS/JobOpportunities.aspx" target="_blank">Hays Has Jobs</a>&nbsp;offers a comprehensive listing of employment opportunities in the Hays area, ranging from education to health care, service to manufacturing.Aside from job listings, the site also includes the latest business opportunities in the area and tips for job seekers. Users also will find information on the latest job fairs locally and around the region.Hays Hays Jobs, which is refreshed continually as new job opportunities are added, can be found under “Local” on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hayspost.com/" target="_blank">HaysPost.com</a>.

New career listings from Hays Has Jobs

Area law enforcement is asking for the public's help finding a teen missing from Liberal since Jan. 12.

Anthony Martinez, 15, may be in Liberal or in the Hays, Wichita or Hoisington areas.

Martinez is described as a Hispanic male with brown hair, brown eyes,&nbsp; 5'9" tall and 130 lbs.

Anyone with information is asked to call 911 or the Liberal Police Department at&nbsp;620-626-0150.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580410429373.jpeg" alt="Anthony Martinez" />
 <figcaption>Anthony Martinez</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostArea law enforcement is asking for the public's help finding a teen missing from Liberal since Jan. 12.Anthony Martinez, 15, may be in Liberal or in the Hays, Wichita or Hoisington areas.Martinez is described as a Hispanic male with brown hair, brown eyes,&nbsp; 5'9" tall and 130 lbs.Anyone with information is asked to call 911 or the Liberal Police Department at&nbsp;620-626-0150.

Area authorities searching for missing teen

RILEY COUNTY — One person died in an accident just before 11p.m. Thursday in Riley County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Kia Soul driven by&nbsp; Raymond E Riis, 72, Topeka, was eastbound on Interstate 70 in the westbound passing lane just west of the Wabaunsee-Riley County line.

The Kia came to the top of a hill and struck a 2020 International semi driven by Jerrod A. Burgardt, 30, Wichita, head-on.

Riis was pronounced dead a the scene and transported to&nbsp;Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Mortuary.&nbsp; Burgardt was not injured. Riis was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

RILEY COUNTY— The Kansas Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal crash that occurred just before 11p.m. Thursday in Riley County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a vehicle was eastbound on Interstate 70 in the westbound passing lane just west of the Wabaunsee-Riley County line.&nbsp;

The vehicle came to the top of a hill and struck another vehicle head-on.&nbsp; The KHP has released no additional details.&nbsp; Check the Post for more information as it becomes available.

RILEY COUNTY — One person died in an accident just before 11p.m. Thursday in Riley County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Kia Soul driven by&nbsp; Raymond E Riis, 72, Topeka, was eastbound on Interstate 70 in the westbound passing lane just west of the Wabaunsee-Riley County line.The Kia came to the top of a hill and struck a 2020 International semi driven by Jerrod A. Burgardt, 30, Wichita, head-on.Riis was pronounced dead a the scene and transported to&nbsp;Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Mortuary.&nbsp; Burgardt was not injured. Riis was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.-------RILEY COUNTY— The Kansas Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal crash that occurred just before 11p.m. Thursday in Riley County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a vehicle was eastbound on Interstate 70 in the westbound passing lane just west of the Wabaunsee-Riley County line.&nbsp;The vehicle came to the top of a hill and struck another vehicle head-on.&nbsp; The KHP has released no additional details.&nbsp; Check the Post for more information as it becomes available.

KHP identifies Kan. man who died in I-70 wrong-way crash

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly declared Thursday that a proposed anti-abortion amendment to the Kansas Constitution would return the state “to the Dark Ages” and called it a political attack on women's rights that will hurt the state's business climate.

Kelly, a strong supporter of abortion rights elected in 2018, has no formal role as the Republican-controlled Legislature considers putting the proposed amendment on the ballot for possible approval by voters. The measure would overturn a Kansas Supreme Court decision last year declaring access to abortion a “fundamental” right under the state's Bill of Rights.

The Democratic governor had a Statehouse news conference a day after the Senate approved the measure and sent it to the House. It's not clear that abortion opponents have the two-thirds majority needed there to get the measure on the ballot in the August primary election as planned.

Kelly said the proposed amendment attacked “fundamental American freedoms that should never be subject to a vote.”

“They are foundational to who we are as a state and as a nation,” Kelly said. “I fear for a future in which the Legislature chooses to stand between a woman and her doctor. This would throw the state back into the Dark Ages.”

Republicans and anti-abortion groups pushing the amendment immediately called their own news conference to answer the governor. They portrayed Kelly as opposing “protections for both women and their babies” because she voted consistently against abortion restrictions as a state senator before being elected governor.

“Gov. Kelly is very concerned about women's rights. She's concerned about the mom's heartbeat," said Senate President Susan Wagle, a Wichita Republican who led anti-abortion forces in her chamber's debate. "And we stand here as the pro-life community concerned about two heartbeats, the mom and the baby inside the womb.”

Kelly did not say whether she'd take steps other than publicly expressing her opposition to the proposed amendment and urging lawmakers to vote against it. But her comments could help solidify Democrats against the measure, making it trickier for GOP leaders to get it through the House.

The proposed amendment would give the Legislature the authority to regulate abortion as it sees fit, consistent with federal court decisions. Anti-abortion groups and lawmakers fear that without a constitutional change, the Kansas Supreme Court will strike down a raft of restrictions that would or have withstood federal court challenges.

“We are not banning abortions,” said Rep. Susan Humphries, another Wichita Republican, suggesting that the danger of not acting is “unregulated abortion.”

The proposal is modeled after an amendment that Tennessee's&nbsp;voters added to their state's constitution in 2014, though the language is not identical. Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, a Republican, announced last week that he would pursue legislation to ban most abortions.

A similar 2019 law in Georgia, burgeoning hub for film and TV production, drew condemnation from Hollywood writers and celebrities. The law has been blocked by a federal judge.

Kelly said of the Kansas amendment will “make companies think twice about coming here.”

“This only creates another hurdle for businesses interested in recruiting talented young people to our state,” she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580431810853.png" alt="Gov. Laura Kelly during her news conference Thursday on the abortion amendment" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Laura Kelly during her news conference Thursday on the abortion amendment</figcaption>
 </figure>BY JOHN HANNA, AP&nbsp;Political WriterTOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly declared Thursday that a proposed anti-abortion amendment to the Kansas Constitution would return the state “to the Dark Ages” and called it a political attack on women's rights that will hurt the state's business climate.Kelly, a strong supporter of abortion rights elected in 2018, has no formal role as the Republican-controlled Legislature considers putting the proposed amendment on the ballot for possible approval by voters. The measure would overturn a Kansas Supreme Court decision last year declaring access to abortion a “fundamental” right under the state's Bill of Rights.The Democratic governor had a Statehouse news conference a day after the Senate approved the measure and sent it to the House. It's not clear that abortion opponents have the two-thirds majority needed there to get the measure on the ballot in the August primary election as planned.Kelly said the proposed amendment attacked “fundamental American freedoms that should never be subject to a vote.”“They are foundational to who we are as a state and as a nation,” Kelly said. “I fear for a future in which the Legislature chooses to stand between a woman and her doctor. This would throw the state back into the Dark Ages.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Listen to Susan share why the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ValueThemBoth?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ValueThemBoth</a> amendment is so important to protecting life. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ksleg?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ksleg</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kssen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kssen</a> <a href="https://t.co/XBt9seSstB">pic.twitter.com/XBt9seSstB</a>&mdash; Susan Wagle (@WagleforKansas) <a href="https://twitter.com/WagleforKansas/status/1222633804029931523?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Republicans and anti-abortion groups pushing the amendment immediately called their own news conference to answer the governor. They portrayed Kelly as opposing “protections for both women and their babies” because she voted consistently against abortion restrictions as a state senator before being elected governor.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580431482631.png" alt="Senate Preident Susan Wagle held a Press Conference regarding Value Them Both after Governor Kelly inserts herself into the legislative process.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Senate Preident Susan Wagle held a Press Conference regarding Value Them Both after Governor Kelly inserts herself into the legislative process.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>“Gov. Kelly is very concerned about women's rights. She's concerned about the mom's heartbeat," said Senate President Susan Wagle, a Wichita Republican who led anti-abortion forces in her chamber's debate. "And we stand here as the pro-life community concerned about two heartbeats, the mom and the baby inside the womb.”Kelly did not say whether she'd take steps other than publicly expressing her opposition to the proposed amendment and urging lawmakers to vote against it. But her comments could help solidify Democrats against the measure, making it trickier for GOP leaders to get it through the House.The proposed amendment would give the Legislature the authority to regulate abortion as it sees fit, consistent with federal court decisions. Anti-abortion groups and lawmakers fear that without a constitutional change, the Kansas Supreme Court will strike down a raft of restrictions that would or have withstood federal court challenges.“We are not banning abortions,” said Rep. Susan Humphries, another Wichita Republican, suggesting that the danger of not acting is “unregulated abortion.”The proposal is modeled after an amendment that Tennessee's&nbsp;voters added to their state's constitution in 2014, though the language is not identical. Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, a Republican, announced last week that he would pursue legislation to ban most abortions.A similar 2019 law in Georgia, burgeoning hub for film and TV production, drew condemnation from Hollywood writers and celebrities. The law has been blocked by a federal judge.Kelly said of the Kansas amendment will “make companies think twice about coming here.”“This only creates another hurdle for businesses interested in recruiting talented young people to our state,” she said.

Governor: Abortion measure would put Kansas in 'Dark Ages'

FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man in connection with a violent attack on a woman in Garden City.

Just after 1:30p.m. Wednesday, police responded to the 1200 Block of East Fulton Avenue in Garden City in reference to a battery in progress involving a man identified as&nbsp;39-year-old Tommy Lee Aguilar and woman, according to Sgt. Lana Urteaga.

Police separated Aguilar from the woman and immediately detained him.

Investigators learned a physical altercation occurred between the two at another location in Garden City. The woman attempted to get away and fled to the East Fulton address&nbsp; where officers arrived in time to arrest Aguilar.

The woman sustained multiple injuries including significant injuries as a result of being strangled and beaten by Aguilar. EMS treated the woman at the scene and she was later treated at St. Catherine Hospital, according to Urteaga.

Aguilar is being held on requested charges of attempted-murder, aggravated domestic battery, violation of a protection order and interference with law enforcement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580422356811.png" alt="Aguilar photo Finney County" />
 <figcaption>Aguilar photo Finney County</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man in connection with a violent attack on a woman in Garden City.Just after 1:30p.m. Wednesday, police responded to the 1200 Block of East Fulton Avenue in Garden City in reference to a battery in progress involving a man identified as&nbsp;39-year-old Tommy Lee Aguilar and woman, according to Sgt. Lana Urteaga.Police separated Aguilar from the woman and immediately detained him.Investigators learned a physical altercation occurred between the two at another location in Garden City. The woman attempted to get away and fled to the East Fulton address&nbsp; where officers arrived in time to arrest Aguilar.The woman sustained multiple injuries including significant injuries as a result of being strangled and beaten by Aguilar. EMS treated the woman at the scene and she was later treated at St. Catherine Hospital, according to Urteaga.Aguilar is being held on requested charges of attempted-murder, aggravated domestic battery, violation of a protection order and interference with law enforcement.

Police: Kan. man jailed after violent attack on woman

FORD COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged sexual assault and asking the public for help to locate a suspect.

&nbsp;Juan Carlos Gonzalez, 22, is wanted for Rape and Aggravated Kidnapping and is believed to have traveled outside of Kansas and may be in surrounding states, according to a social media report from Ford County Sheriff Bill Carr.

If you see Juan Carlos Gonzalez, contact the Ford County Sheriff’s Office in Dodge Cit or call 911.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580420956350.png" alt="Juan Carlos Gonzalez" />
 <figcaption>Juan Carlos Gonzalez</figcaption>
 </figure>FORD COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged sexual assault and asking the public for help to locate a suspect.&nbsp;Juan Carlos Gonzalez, 22, is wanted for Rape and Aggravated Kidnapping and is believed to have traveled outside of Kansas and may be in surrounding states, according to a social media report from Ford County Sheriff Bill Carr.If you see Juan Carlos Gonzalez, contact the Ford County Sheriff’s Office in Dodge Cit or call 911.

Sheriff asks for help to locate SW Kan. rape suspect

TOPEKA, Kan. – Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman on drug charges after discovering a large quantity of meth in a narcotics interdiction operation earlier this week in Shawnee County.

On Monday, members of the Topeka Police Department Narcotics and K-9 Units in partnership with the Shawnee County Drug Task Force conducted a narcotics interdiction operation in the 1200 block SE Locust in Topeka, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Koenen.

The operation resulted in the seizure of nearly 15 pounds of methamphetamine, which has an estimated local street value of $75,000.

As a result of the investigation, 37-year-old Angelica M. Alvarez was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges that include Distribution of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Aggravated Child Endangerment and Use of a Communication Device in furtherance of a felony drug violation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580334554322.png" alt="Angelica M. Alvarez photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Angelica M. Alvarez photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. – Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman on drug charges after discovering a large quantity of meth in a narcotics interdiction operation earlier this week in Shawnee County.On Monday, members of the Topeka Police Department Narcotics and K-9 Units in partnership with the Shawnee County Drug Task Force conducted a narcotics interdiction operation in the 1200 block SE Locust in Topeka, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Koenen.The operation resulted in the seizure of nearly 15 pounds of methamphetamine, which has an estimated local street value of $75,000.As a result of the investigation, 37-year-old Angelica M. Alvarez was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges that include Distribution of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Aggravated Child Endangerment and Use of a Communication Device in furtherance of a felony drug violation.

Kan. officers seize meth with street value of $75,000 

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP)- Conservative Republicans are pushing for a law requiring government buildings and schools across Kansas to post the national motto of “In God We Trust,” an idea critics say is part of a broader effort by the Christian right to promote their religious beliefs in public life.

A Kansas House committee heard testimony Thursday on a bill sponsored by 13 GOP lawmakers that would, among other things, require all public school classrooms and libraries to post the motto. Under the measure, the motto must be posted as soon as schools, colleges, cities and counties receive donations, either of “durable" posters or money to cover the costs.

It drew immediate opposition from Democrats, and even one conservative Republican expressed concern about the bill's scope. The national American Atheists organization said such a law would stigmatize nonbelievers and religious minorities and represent a step toward harsher anti-LGBTQ and anti-abortion measures. The bill mirrors model legislation promoted by some conservative Christian groups.

The hearing Thursday tapped briefly into longstanding tensions between people who want to keep government from promoting religious beliefs and those who argue that faith's role in public life has been narrowed too much. American churches also are wrestling with a rise in the number of Americans with no religious affiliation.

“These bills are not innocuous. They're part of a larger strategy,” said American Atheists spokesman Tom Van Denburgh. “A lot of these campaigns are focusing on children. I mean, if you put ‘In God We Trust’ in schools, you're trying to essentially indoctrinate them."

Eight states require schools to display the national motto, and mandates in Kentucky, Louisiana and South Dakota started this school year, according to the Education Commission of the States. In addition, Arkansas has a law similar to the one Kansas is considering.

Kansas state Rep. Michael Capps, the Wichita Republican and the bill's lead sponsor, said the motto should be displayed to acknowledge the nation's “history and founding principles.” Congress adopted “In God We Trust” as the national motto in the 1950s, but Capps said the phrase echoes words in the national anthem and the Declaration of Independence.

Capps noted that federal courts have repeatedly ruled that its display does not violate the guarantees of religious freedom under the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment. His bill specifies either a durable poster or framed picture with the motto, at least 11 inches by 14 inches, with American and Kansas flags.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580416483649.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By John HannaTOPEKA, Kan. (AP)- Conservative Republicans are pushing for a law requiring government buildings and schools across Kansas to post the national motto of “In God We Trust,” an idea critics say is part of a broader effort by the Christian right to promote their religious beliefs in public life.A Kansas House committee heard testimony Thursday on a bill sponsored by 13 GOP lawmakers that would, among other things, require all public school classrooms and libraries to post the motto. Under the measure, the motto must be posted as soon as schools, colleges, cities and counties receive donations, either of “durable" posters or money to cover the costs.It drew immediate opposition from Democrats, and even one conservative Republican expressed concern about the bill's scope. The national American Atheists organization said such a law would stigmatize nonbelievers and religious minorities and represent a step toward harsher anti-LGBTQ and anti-abortion measures. The bill mirrors model legislation promoted by some conservative Christian groups.The hearing Thursday tapped briefly into longstanding tensions between people who want to keep government from promoting religious beliefs and those who argue that faith's role in public life has been narrowed too much. American churches also are wrestling with a rise in the number of Americans with no religious affiliation.“These bills are not innocuous. They're part of a larger strategy,” said American Atheists spokesman Tom Van Denburgh. “A lot of these campaigns are focusing on children. I mean, if you put ‘In God We Trust’ in schools, you're trying to essentially indoctrinate them."Eight states require schools to display the national motto, and mandates in Kentucky, Louisiana and South Dakota started this school year, according to the Education Commission of the States. In addition, Arkansas has a law similar to the one Kansas is considering.Kansas state Rep. Michael Capps, the Wichita Republican and the bill's lead sponsor, said the motto should be displayed to acknowledge the nation's “history and founding principles.” Congress adopted “In God We Trust” as the national motto in the 1950s, but Capps said the phrase echoes words in the national anthem and the Declaration of Independence.Capps noted that federal courts have repeatedly ruled that its display does not violate the guarantees of religious freedom under the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment. His bill specifies either a durable poster or framed picture with the motto, at least 11 inches by 14 inches, with American and Kansas flags.Told after the hearing of Atheist America's view that posting the motto would stigmatize non-believers, he said: “I can't control what someone else thinks. It's not my responsibility to be in their heads.”Capps noted that the state constitution mentions God, starting in its preamble and added, “Does having the reference to God in the Kansas state constitution make every atheist feel second-class?”Rep. Stephanie Clayton, a Kansas City-area Democrat, said she has “heartburn” over the potential message to atheists. She also raised concern that the bill could allow groups like the Ku Klux Klan to donate posters or money for posters. Capps said donors wouldn't be credited.Rep. Blake Carpenter, a conservative Wichita-area Republican, asked Capps whether it was “slight overkill” to require the motto to be posted in every classroom and library, rather than in the main entrance of a school.Capps replied: “Generally speaking, every classroom has had an American flag in it. We don't consider that to be overkill.”Committee Chairman John Barker is a Republican from Abilene, the hometown of President Dwight Eisenhower, who signed the legislation making “In God We Trust” the national motto. But Barker said he personally likes a Latin motto Congress first adopted in the 1780s that remains on the U.S. seal.“E Pluribus Unum,” Barker said. “From many, we are one.”