Here's a guide to watch and listen to the opening weekend of the 2020 XFL Season:

Saturday: Seattle vs. DC, 2 p.m. ET (ABC); Saturday: Los Angeles vs. Houston, 5 p.m. ET (FOX); Sunday: Tampa Bay vs. New York, 2 p.m. ET (FOX); Sunday: St. Louis vs. Dallas, 5 p.m. ET (ESPN)

ABC/ESPN The XFL on ABC can be streamed live on the ESPN and ABC App. The XFL on ESPN can be streamed live on the ESPN App.

FOX The XFL of FOX can be streamed live the Fox Sports App.

ESPN Deportes Sunday: St. Louis vs. Dallas, 5 p.m. ET

Fox Deportes Saturday: Los Angeles vs. Houston, 5 p.m. ET;&nbsp;Sunday: Tampa Bay vs. New York, 2 p.m. ET

Fans nationwide can hear live play-by-play broadcasts of the Opening Weekend XFL games on SiriusXM.&nbsp; All game broadcasts are produced by ESPN and Fox and will air on ESPN Xtra (SiriusXM channel 81) and Fox Sports Radio (SiriusXM channel 83) respectively.&nbsp; The game broadcasts can be heard on both SiriusXM radios and the SiriusXM app.&nbsp;

Saturday:Seattle vs. DC –&nbsp;2 p.m. ET&nbsp;– ESPN Xtra (<a href="https://siriusxm.us/XFLonESPNXtra">SiriusXM 81</a>)LA vs. Houston –&nbsp;5 p.m. ET&nbsp;– Fox Sports Radio (<a href="https://siriusxm.us/XFLonFox">SiriusXM 83</a>)

Sunday: Tampa Bay vs. NY –&nbsp;2 p.m. ET&nbsp;– Fox Sports Radio (<a href="https://siriusxm.us/XFLonFox">SiriusXM 83</a>) St. Louis vs. Dallas –&nbsp;5 p.m. ET&nbsp;– ESPN Xtra (<a href="https://siriusxm.us/XFLonESPNXtra">SiriusXM 81</a>)

--<a href="http://xfl.com">XFL</a>--

Here's a guide to watch and listen to the opening weekend of the 2020 XFL Season:<h2>TV</h2>Saturday: Seattle vs. DC, 2 p.m. ET (ABC); Saturday: Los Angeles vs. Houston, 5 p.m. ET (FOX); Sunday: Tampa Bay vs. New York, 2 p.m. ET (FOX); Sunday: St. Louis vs. Dallas, 5 p.m. ET (ESPN)<h2>STREAMING</h2>ABC/ESPN The XFL on ABC can be streamed live on the ESPN and ABC App. The XFL on ESPN can be streamed live on the ESPN App.FOX The XFL of FOX can be streamed live the Fox Sports App.<h2>SPANISH LANGUAGE</h2>ESPN Deportes Sunday: St. Louis vs. Dallas, 5 p.m. ETFox Deportes Saturday: Los Angeles vs. Houston, 5 p.m. ET;&nbsp;Sunday: Tampa Bay vs. New York, 2 p.m. ET<h2>SATELLITE RADIO</h2>Fans nationwide can hear live play-by-play broadcasts of the Opening Weekend XFL games on SiriusXM.&nbsp; All game broadcasts are produced by ESPN and Fox and will air on ESPN Xtra (SiriusXM channel 81) and Fox Sports Radio (SiriusXM channel 83) respectively.&nbsp; The game broadcasts can be heard on both SiriusXM radios and the SiriusXM app.&nbsp;Saturday:Seattle vs. DC –&nbsp;2 p.m. ET&nbsp;– ESPN Xtra (<a href="https://siriusxm.us/XFLonESPNXtra">SiriusXM 81</a>)LA vs. Houston –&nbsp;5 p.m. ET&nbsp;– Fox Sports Radio (<a href="https://siriusxm.us/XFLonFox">SiriusXM 83</a>)Sunday: Tampa Bay vs. NY –&nbsp;2 p.m. ET&nbsp;– Fox Sports Radio (<a href="https://siriusxm.us/XFLonFox">SiriusXM 83</a>) St. Louis vs. Dallas –&nbsp;5 p.m. ET&nbsp;– ESPN Xtra (<a href="https://siriusxm.us/XFLonESPNXtra">SiriusXM 81</a>)--<a href="http://xfl.com">XFL</a>--

XFL season kicks off Saturday

Edward Frank Popelka, son of William and Christie (Bartak) Popelka was born November 19, 1933 in Belleville, Kansas and passed away on February 5, 2020 at Belleville Health Care Center, Belleville, Kansas at the age of 86 years, 2 months and 16 days.

Edward also known as Eddie or Ed grew up on a farm one mile east of Belleville, Kansas.&nbsp; He attended Hills Country School and then Belleville High School graduating in May of 1951.&nbsp;

On June 7, 1956 at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Morrowville, Kansas he was united in marriage to Barbara Turinsky and to this union five sons were born, Frank, Mark, John, Robert and Michael.

He served in the United States Army from July of 1956 to June 1958 stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri and Frankfort Germany.&nbsp; Upon returning from Germany he and Barbara moved to their home north of Cuba, Kansas where they lived over 60 years raising their family and farmed.

Farming and family was his life.&nbsp; He especially liked to drive the country roads and checking the farm crops, as was playing cards, listening to polka music and dancing.

He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and St. Edward’s Catholic Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Christie Popelka, grandson, Jordan Popelka, brothers, Henry Popelka and Stanley Popelka, sister Libbie Hallack.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Barbara Popelka of Belleville, KS, five sons, Frank Popelka of Cuba, KS, Mark (Michelle) Popelka of Belleville, KS, John (Terri) Popelka of Belleville, KS, Robert (Leslie) Popelka of Cuba, KS, Michael (Summer) Popelka of Seattle, WA, nine grandchildren, one great grandson, one sister, Mary Reed of Belleville, KS, nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 AM Saturday, February 8, 2020, St. Edward’s Catholic Church, Belleville, KS, conducted by Rev. Henry Baxa

Interment will be in Tabor Cemetery, rural Munden, KS.

Vigil/Rosary service will be held at 6:00 PM, Friday, February 7, 2020 at Bachelor-Surber Memorial Chapel, Belleville, KS.

Memorials may be given to the Edward F. Popelka memorial fund.

Friends may call on Friday, February 7, 2020 from 1 PM to 8 PM at Bachelor-Surber Funeral Home, Belleville, KS.

Online condolences and information at www.bachelor-surber.com

Bachelor-Surber Funeral Home, Belleville, KS in charge of arrangements

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580952044871.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Edward Frank Popelka, son of William and Christie (Bartak) Popelka was born November 19, 1933 in Belleville, Kansas and passed away on February 5, 2020 at Belleville Health Care Center, Belleville, Kansas at the age of 86 years, 2 months and 16 days.Edward also known as Eddie or Ed grew up on a farm one mile east of Belleville, Kansas.&nbsp; He attended Hills Country School and then Belleville High School graduating in May of 1951.&nbsp;On June 7, 1956 at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Morrowville, Kansas he was united in marriage to Barbara Turinsky and to this union five sons were born, Frank, Mark, John, Robert and Michael.He served in the United States Army from July of 1956 to June 1958 stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri and Frankfort Germany.&nbsp; Upon returning from Germany he and Barbara moved to their home north of Cuba, Kansas where they lived over 60 years raising their family and farmed.Farming and family was his life.&nbsp; He especially liked to drive the country roads and checking the farm crops, as was playing cards, listening to polka music and dancing.He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and St. Edward’s Catholic Church.He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Christie Popelka, grandson, Jordan Popelka, brothers, Henry Popelka and Stanley Popelka, sister Libbie Hallack.He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Barbara Popelka of Belleville, KS, five sons, Frank Popelka of Cuba, KS, Mark (Michelle) Popelka of Belleville, KS, John (Terri) Popelka of Belleville, KS, Robert (Leslie) Popelka of Cuba, KS, Michael (Summer) Popelka of Seattle, WA, nine grandchildren, one great grandson, one sister, Mary Reed of Belleville, KS, nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends.Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 AM Saturday, February 8, 2020, St. Edward’s Catholic Church, Belleville, KS, conducted by Rev. Henry BaxaInterment will be in Tabor Cemetery, rural Munden, KS.Vigil/Rosary service will be held at 6:00 PM, Friday, February 7, 2020 at Bachelor-Surber Memorial Chapel, Belleville, KS.Memorials may be given to the Edward F. Popelka memorial fund.Friends may call on Friday, February 7, 2020 from 1 PM to 8 PM at Bachelor-Surber Funeral Home, Belleville, KS.Online condolences and information at www.bachelor-surber.comBachelor-Surber Funeral Home, Belleville, KS in charge of arrangements

Edward Frank Popelka

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- World Champion Kansas City Chief's Head Coach Andy Reid fielded media questions Tuesday. Following are his comments.

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;"No injuries&nbsp;(laughter). That's a good thing. I'm so happy for the city of Kansas City. What a great thing this is. The support we've had all year has been phenomenal, at home and on the road. It was no different there. For Patrick (Mahomes, it was no different at Disney World. It was a beautiful thing. The Hunt Family, what can you say? They've been phenomenal to work for. Clark (Hunt, obviously, following in his father's footsteps, but then even taking it up a notch and keeping it as one of the top organizations, and now the top organization, in the National Football League. The entire organization, and the job that everybody did, there are so many people that don't get recognized throughout the building. It was great to see them and the smiles on their faces for all of the hard work that they put in. The coaches and players, my hat goes off to them for the effort that they've put in and the resiliency they've had throughout the year. Those highs and these lows throughout a season, they powered through those. They never asked why. They were just so unsung that way. From a coach's standpoint, a real pleasure to work with. All-in-all, a good day. Love standing here with this result. It's a beautiful thing for a lot of people. Anyways, time's yours."

Q:&nbsp;Have you gone back and watched the game yet?

REID:&nbsp;"No. Today, I got in early and worked – I try to give the coaches and the players an offseason calendar, so that they know where they're going and what to expect for the next however many months. That takes a little bit of time. (Senior Assistant to the Head Coach) Porter (Ellett) and myself did that. Didn't have time to look at the game. I will, but I haven't had a chance to look at it. Then, we met with the players. Met with every player and talked to them. They had their exit physicals and then we got them out of here – until tomorrow."

Q:&nbsp;How different was it conducting those exit interviews after a Super Bowl win, compared to past seasons when those interviews were conducted following a loss?

REID:&nbsp;"It's positive. Listen, there are challenges ahead. The fact that once you're there, you want to go again, how do you go about that when expectations are extremely high? At the same time, enjoying what you've accomplished. There's a fine balance there. We talked about that, what each person needed to do to up their game and what they did well. Everybody was positive, to answer your question in a roundabout way – which this team has been. They've been very humble that way."

Q:&nbsp;Prior to the game, did you know what the message that you wanted to convey to the team today was going to be, whether you won or lost the game?

REID:&nbsp;"No. I didn't plan it either way. I know this sounds redundant here, but I go in, focus in and put all of my energy into what it is going to take to win the game. My coaches do the same thing and the players do the same thing. Then, you go from the emotion of it after that. Like I said, I got in early, so I had some time before I met with them today to think through everything. I knew what I wanted when I got up there. Didn't sound too foolish, right? Again, there are challenges. You have to remain humble and work hard. Those are the primary things. That's what this team did. You have to be able to do that even after you kiss the Lombardi Trophy?"

Q:&nbsp;How soon did the turn to next season click with you, or has that not happened yet?

REID:&nbsp;"I ended up saying it right afterwards, so I guess it clicked in pretty quick. Once you've been there and experienced it, you want to go back. I was lucky enough, when I was younger and coaching in Green Bay, that I went to a couple of these. It's great when you win. But there's an urgency that you feel to get back. You have to step back and relax for a minute, and then it's time to go. You'll be everybody's best game when you win that."

Q:&nbsp;When you were an assistant with the Packers, what do you remember the offseason being like after winning the Super Bowl, before ultimately losing in the Super Bowl the next season?

REID:&nbsp;"We lost a couple of the leaders on our team. That was one thing. We got banged up a little bit, that was another thing. We played a good team. We were favored in the game. We went up immediately, on the first drive, and then we weren't able to hold the lead."

Q:&nbsp;What was the actual offseason like before that season?

REID:&nbsp;"It's a tough road. That's a tough road. It's tough to get there anyways. It takes a special mindset to get there."

Q:&nbsp;You're answering from a team standpoint. In your perspective, how is this offseason going to be different for you personally?

REID:&nbsp;"I don't know that, right?&nbsp;(laughter)&nbsp;I know that I'm going to work hard. I'm in this building a lot, unlike the players that are out there among everybody. I think it is a lot easier for me or one of the coaches to stay focused because we spend so much time here. That part won't change. I'm not going to change. I've been doing it a long time. I'm not going to change that part."

Q:&nbsp;You've mentioned about how your mentors belong in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Why is that honor so important for you? What's so special about achieving that?

REID:&nbsp;"My mind doesn't go there. I'm humbled by all of that stuff, but that's not where I go. Whether we win or lose, I don't think of it that way. I always tell you that each team has its own personality and you work with that – that's the part that I enjoy, watching teams grow and the relationships that you develop. I don't think much past that about what goes in the future. That's out of my hands. I try to control what I can control, and that's trying to get us to be better as a team."

Q:&nbsp;In October of 2015, you saw the city celebrate the Royals and their parade, what do you remember of that spectacle?

REID:&nbsp;“It was unbelievable. Brett Veach and I joke about this all the time, but we go to Philadelphia and boom, Philly wins it. We come here and boom, the Royals win it and I’m going dog gone, let’s go (laughter). What a celebration. It was phenomenal. I can’t wait until tomorrow. I know it’s going to be cold and all that but your juices are going and everybody in the city going, I mean you’re talking over a million people. The schools are closed and business are closed. Let’s go. Let’s enjoy it. It took us 50 years to get here, let’s go. Let’s go. Keep the city intact&nbsp;(laughter). Let’s not ruin what we got but let’s enjoy the heck out of it.”

Q:&nbsp;You went to Q39 last night, what was the reaction by people with you being back in Kansas City for the first time as a champion?

REID:&nbsp;“There’s not a barbeque place first of all that I don’t like here. I mean I haven’t met one burnt end or rib that I haven’t liked. Listen, we went to Q39 and I had a craving for burnt ends, I wasn’t joking. I didn’t want my wife or myself cooking last night so my daughter, my sister-in-law and my wife and I went to Q39. We got some burnt ends and straws, you know those onion straws, a little mac and cheese and a diet coke to chase it. The fans were unbelievable there. The people there were unbelievable, and we took a lot of pictures. It was a great reception.”

Q:&nbsp;When you speak tomorrow, is it something you’re going to plan or let it come from the heart?

REID:&nbsp;“I normally let it go and talk from the heart. That’s how I roll.”

Q:&nbsp;You say you like to let your players personalities show and guys like Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, do you ever have to step back and hope they don’t say anything out of line?

REID:&nbsp;“Listen, I’m around them all the time&nbsp;(laughter). I’ve dang near heard all of it. We’ll see what goes. I’m sure they’ll let their personalities show. Especially the second one you mentioned there.”

Q:&nbsp;Going into the offseason, how do you keep guys reeled in even with all the accolades?

REID:&nbsp;“We talked about that. That’s one of the things we talked about. They’re going to have a lot of opportunities in the short way but also understand what feeds the family and that’s this job here. Enjoy that, the other part of being a champion. On the other hand, you better get yourself right to play this game. There’s a fine line right there, you know, of doing it the right way and doing it the halfway. Don’t neglect the part that is the most important part of your profession, or your professional life at least.”

Q:&nbsp;Can you speak to what it’s like with Patrick to have essentially 50 bad minutes and then 10 straight minutes of good in a Super Bowl?

REID:&nbsp;“That’s what makes him a great player. It’s just one more thing that you’ve had a chance to see in his young career here. It wasn’t all pretty. It wasn’t all the way it was drawn up and all this, but he kept firing. He didn’t get down and a lot of the guys around him didn’t get down. I’ll tell you the same thing on the defensive side with Tyrann (Mathieu, the same deal. Frank Clark and those guys, they didn’t let things, and (Terrell) Suggs, those guys all stayed positive. We felt like if we pulled it together, we’d be ok. I think the great part of the game, when you go back and look at it even though might it just say the fourth quarter but part of the fourth quarter was field position, a great job by the special teams. The defense, stepping up and getting the stops they did and the offense getting on a roll where they were unstoppable there. That’s this team. That’s their mindset. They never give up. They work hard and that’s what you get.”

Q:&nbsp;I know it’s a luxury to have Mitchell Schwartz, but what is it like for him to not give up a sack in the post season and for his play to get better as the stage just got bigger?

REID:&nbsp;“We have a ton of respect for him here and all that he does. That’s what’s made him so good with his stop here in Kansas City. He’s a big part of this thing and why we’ve had success. It doesn’t surprise me at all. That’s just how he’s wired. He’s a brilliant guy and loves to play the game.”

Q:&nbsp;You don’t make things about yourself but now that you have won a Super Bowl, is it freeing to accomplish what so many people around the league have said about you?

REID:&nbsp;“I mean I really don’t worry about those things. I didn’t before Sunday and I probably won't after Sunday. I think we all try to do our best, I’m no different. I try to do the best I possibly can at the job I’m presented. You can’t do anything more than that if you exhaust that part of that. That part doesn’t change, and I’ll keep doing that. With that, I also respect that it’s a team sport and it’s not about one guy at all. I learned that when I played offensive line, as you know. It takes five guys to dance the dance and you have to be doing it the right way. It’s not about one guy there and you learn real quick that it’s about a team.”

--<a href="http://chiefs.com">CHIEFS</a>--

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573517913595.png" alt="Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid. Photo courtesy Chiefs" />
 <figcaption>Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid. Photo courtesy Chiefs</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- World Champion Kansas City Chief's Head Coach Andy Reid fielded media questions Tuesday. Following are his comments.OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;"No injuries&nbsp;(laughter). That's a good thing. I'm so happy for the city of Kansas City. What a great thing this is. The support we've had all year has been phenomenal, at home and on the road. It was no different there. For Patrick (Mahomes, it was no different at Disney World. It was a beautiful thing. The Hunt Family, what can you say? They've been phenomenal to work for. Clark (Hunt, obviously, following in his father's footsteps, but then even taking it up a notch and keeping it as one of the top organizations, and now the top organization, in the National Football League. The entire organization, and the job that everybody did, there are so many people that don't get recognized throughout the building. It was great to see them and the smiles on their faces for all of the hard work that they put in. The coaches and players, my hat goes off to them for the effort that they've put in and the resiliency they've had throughout the year. Those highs and these lows throughout a season, they powered through those. They never asked why. They were just so unsung that way. From a coach's standpoint, a real pleasure to work with. All-in-all, a good day. Love standing here with this result. It's a beautiful thing for a lot of people. Anyways, time's yours."Q:&nbsp;Have you gone back and watched the game yet?REID:&nbsp;"No. Today, I got in early and worked – I try to give the coaches and the players an offseason calendar, so that they know where they're going and what to expect for the next however many months. That takes a little bit of time. (Senior Assistant to the Head Coach) Porter (Ellett) and myself did that. Didn't have time to look at the game. I will, but I haven't had a chance to look at it. Then, we met with the players. Met with every player and talked to them. They had their exit physicals and then we got them out of here – until tomorrow."Q:&nbsp;How different was it conducting those exit interviews after a Super Bowl win, compared to past seasons when those interviews were conducted following a loss?REID:&nbsp;"It's positive. Listen, there are challenges ahead. The fact that once you're there, you want to go again, how do you go about that when expectations are extremely high? At the same time, enjoying what you've accomplished. There's a fine balance there. We talked about that, what each person needed to do to up their game and what they did well. Everybody was positive, to answer your question in a roundabout way – which this team has been. They've been very humble that way."Q:&nbsp;Prior to the game, did you know what the message that you wanted to convey to the team today was going to be, whether you won or lost the game?REID:&nbsp;"No. I didn't plan it either way. I know this sounds redundant here, but I go in, focus in and put all of my energy into what it is going to take to win the game. My coaches do the same thing and the players do the same thing. Then, you go from the emotion of it after that. Like I said, I got in early, so I had some time before I met with them today to think through everything. I knew what I wanted when I got up there. Didn't sound too foolish, right? Again, there are challenges. You have to remain humble and work hard. Those are the primary things. That's what this team did. You have to be able to do that even after you kiss the Lombardi Trophy?"Q:&nbsp;How soon did the turn to next season click with you, or has that not happened yet?REID:&nbsp;"I ended up saying it right afterwards, so I guess it clicked in pretty quick. Once you've been there and experienced it, you want to go back. I was lucky enough, when I was younger and coaching in Green Bay, that I went to a couple of these. It's great when you win. But there's an urgency that you feel to get back. You have to step back and relax for a minute, and then it's time to go. You'll be everybody's best game when you win that."Q:&nbsp;When you were an assistant with the Packers, what do you remember the offseason being like after winning the Super Bowl, before ultimately losing in the Super Bowl the next season?REID:&nbsp;"We lost a couple of the leaders on our team. That was one thing. We got banged up a little bit, that was another thing. We played a good team. We were favored in the game. We went up immediately, on the first drive, and then we weren't able to hold the lead."Q:&nbsp;What was the actual offseason like before that season?REID:&nbsp;"It's a tough road. That's a tough road. It's tough to get there anyways. It takes a special mindset to get there."Q:&nbsp;You're answering from a team standpoint. In your perspective, how is this offseason going to be different for you personally?REID:&nbsp;"I don't know that, right?&nbsp;(laughter)&nbsp;I know that I'm going to work hard. I'm in this building a lot, unlike the players that are out there among everybody. I think it is a lot easier for me or one of the coaches to stay focused because we spend so much time here. That part won't change. I'm not going to change. I've been doing it a long time. I'm not going to change that part."Q:&nbsp;You've mentioned about how your mentors belong in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Why is that honor so important for you? What's so special about achieving that?REID:&nbsp;"My mind doesn't go there. I'm humbled by all of that stuff, but that's not where I go. Whether we win or lose, I don't think of it that way. I always tell you that each team has its own personality and you work with that – that's the part that I enjoy, watching teams grow and the relationships that you develop. I don't think much past that about what goes in the future. That's out of my hands. I try to control what I can control, and that's trying to get us to be better as a team."Q:&nbsp;In October of 2015, you saw the city celebrate the Royals and their parade, what do you remember of that spectacle?REID:&nbsp;“It was unbelievable. Brett Veach and I joke about this all the time, but we go to Philadelphia and boom, Philly wins it. We come here and boom, the Royals win it and I’m going dog gone, let’s go (laughter). What a celebration. It was phenomenal. I can’t wait until tomorrow. I know it’s going to be cold and all that but your juices are going and everybody in the city going, I mean you’re talking over a million people. The schools are closed and business are closed. Let’s go. Let’s enjoy it. It took us 50 years to get here, let’s go. Let’s go. Keep the city intact&nbsp;(laughter). Let’s not ruin what we got but let’s enjoy the heck out of it.”Q:&nbsp;You went to Q39 last night, what was the reaction by people with you being back in Kansas City for the first time as a champion?REID:&nbsp;“There’s not a barbeque place first of all that I don’t like here. I mean I haven’t met one burnt end or rib that I haven’t liked. Listen, we went to Q39 and I had a craving for burnt ends, I wasn’t joking. I didn’t want my wife or myself cooking last night so my daughter, my sister-in-law and my wife and I went to Q39. We got some burnt ends and straws, you know those onion straws, a little mac and cheese and a diet coke to chase it. The fans were unbelievable there. The people there were unbelievable, and we took a lot of pictures. It was a great reception.”Q:&nbsp;When you speak tomorrow, is it something you’re going to plan or let it come from the heart?REID:&nbsp;“I normally let it go and talk from the heart. That’s how I roll.”Q:&nbsp;You say you like to let your players personalities show and guys like Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, do you ever have to step back and hope they don’t say anything out of line?REID:&nbsp;“Listen, I’m around them all the time&nbsp;(laughter). I’ve dang near heard all of it. We’ll see what goes. I’m sure they’ll let their personalities show. Especially the second one you mentioned there.”Q:&nbsp;Going into the offseason, how do you keep guys reeled in even with all the accolades?REID:&nbsp;“We talked about that. That’s one of the things we talked about. They’re going to have a lot of opportunities in the short way but also understand what feeds the family and that’s this job here. Enjoy that, the other part of being a champion. On the other hand, you better get yourself right to play this game. There’s a fine line right there, you know, of doing it the right way and doing it the halfway. Don’t neglect the part that is the most important part of your profession, or your professional life at least.”Q:&nbsp;Can you speak to what it’s like with Patrick to have essentially 50 bad minutes and then 10 straight minutes of good in a Super Bowl?REID:&nbsp;“That’s what makes him a great player. It’s just one more thing that you’ve had a chance to see in his young career here. It wasn’t all pretty. It wasn’t all the way it was drawn up and all this, but he kept firing. He didn’t get down and a lot of the guys around him didn’t get down. I’ll tell you the same thing on the defensive side with Tyrann (Mathieu, the same deal. Frank Clark and those guys, they didn’t let things, and (Terrell) Suggs, those guys all stayed positive. We felt like if we pulled it together, we’d be ok. I think the great part of the game, when you go back and look at it even though might it just say the fourth quarter but part of the fourth quarter was field position, a great job by the special teams. The defense, stepping up and getting the stops they did and the offense getting on a roll where they were unstoppable there. That’s this team. That’s their mindset. They never give up. They work hard and that’s what you get.”Q:&nbsp;I know it’s a luxury to have Mitchell Schwartz, but what is it like for him to not give up a sack in the post season and for his play to get better as the stage just got bigger?REID:&nbsp;“We have a ton of respect for him here and all that he does. That’s what’s made him so good with his stop here in Kansas City. He’s a big part of this thing and why we’ve had success. It doesn’t surprise me at all. That’s just how he’s wired. He’s a brilliant guy and loves to play the game.”Q:&nbsp;You don’t make things about yourself but now that you have won a Super Bowl, is it freeing to accomplish what so many people around the league have said about you?REID:&nbsp;“I mean I really don’t worry about those things. I didn’t before Sunday and I probably won't after Sunday. I think we all try to do our best, I’m no different. I try to do the best I possibly can at the job I’m presented. You can’t do anything more than that if you exhaust that part of that. That part doesn’t change, and I’ll keep doing that. With that, I also respect that it’s a team sport and it’s not about one guy at all. I learned that when I played offensive line, as you know. It takes five guys to dance the dance and you have to be doing it the right way. It’s not about one guy there and you learn real quick that it’s about a team.”--<a href="http://chiefs.com">CHIEFS</a>--

Chiefs' Reid: 'What a great thing this is'

By KIM BALDWIN McPherson County farmer and rancher

I recently overheard a deep breakfast conversation between my husband and kids regarding the TV show they were viewing. It was such a good conversation I didn’t want to interrupt the thought process, so I remained sitting in the living room, eavesdropping and trying to control my giggles. Plus, I wanted to see how my husband would handle our daughter’s questions.&nbsp;

We’ve been without cable or satellite television for a few years now, so generally, during breakfast the kids get to watch something we’ve recorded on our TiVo. While we have quite a&nbsp;diverse collection of recordings, we generally select a program from PBS like “Odd Squad,” “Molly of Denali” or “Peg Plus Cat” before school. The kids are really into science, math, and adventures, so these three shows are a pretty regular morning rotation in our home.

However, on this particular morning, the conversation centered around these people who got lost and ended up being stranded on a tropical island after a three-hour tour. Yes, my kids also love watching “Gilligan’s Island” which airs on a local television channel. We have maintained a steady viewing of the 1960s sitcom for the last few years. In fact, our son requested to have a “Gilligan’s Island” themed birthday party once. There are many days I question my parenting tactics and decisions but allowing the kids to watch “Gilligan’s Island” has never caused me to fret.

During this breakfast conversation, my 4-year-old daughter was trying to make sense of the overall storyline.

“Let me tell you, Daddy,” she began. “I’d be working on fixing the holes in that boat if I got stuck on an island. Why didn’t they try to fix the holes?”

My 7-year-old would chime in to try to defend the plot and to help her better understand.

“Isannah, they’re stranded on an island, they don’t have the tools,” Banks would point out.&nbsp;

“If they don’t have tools, then why do they live in nice huts made from bamboo and trees?” she countered.&nbsp;

Isannah then moved on to her next item, “And let me tell you something else,” she said. “I wouldn’t take the boat at night — that’s when there’s waves!” I think she was referencing the opening scene of the show when the S.S. Minnow was tossed about by waves when the weather started getting rough. It was dark.

“Isannah, there’s always waves day and night,” Banks pointed out. “It’s in the ocean.”

Clearly, as they continued this back-and-forth dialogue, both children had different perspectives related to the tale of the seven castaways.&nbsp;

All the while, my husband, Adam, would nod his head and make random sounds to ensure the kids knew he was listening to them both. But ultimately, the kids led the conversation and Adam was not needed to referee the chat.&nbsp;

Not once did either of them get upset or belittle the other’s argument. Not once did either of them start screaming at the other or call the other names. Not once did either of them get frustrated and end the conversation.&nbsp;&nbsp;

While I think “Gilligan’s Island” provides entertainment for my family, it also is clearly causing my kids to think and verbalize their thoughts with one another in a civil conversation.

Perhaps we all need some little ones discussing “Gilligan’s Island” over breakfast from time to time to help remind us as adults how to interact with others who might have differing views.

After all, if the kids can model civil discourse, surely the rest of us can, too.

"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;Copyright © 2020 Kansas Farm Bureau, All rights reserved.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573617414005.jpeg" alt="Kim Baldwin. Photo courtesy KFB" />
 <figcaption>Kim Baldwin. Photo courtesy KFB</figcaption>
 </figure>By KIM BALDWIN McPherson County farmer and rancherI recently overheard a deep breakfast conversation between my husband and kids regarding the TV show they were viewing. It was such a good conversation I didn’t want to interrupt the thought process, so I remained sitting in the living room, eavesdropping and trying to control my giggles. Plus, I wanted to see how my husband would handle our daughter’s questions.&nbsp;We’ve been without cable or satellite television for a few years now, so generally, during breakfast the kids get to watch something we’ve recorded on our TiVo. While we have quite a&nbsp;diverse collection of recordings, we generally select a program from PBS like “Odd Squad,” “Molly of Denali” or “Peg Plus Cat” before school. The kids are really into science, math, and adventures, so these three shows are a pretty regular morning rotation in our home.However, on this particular morning, the conversation centered around these people who got lost and ended up being stranded on a tropical island after a three-hour tour. Yes, my kids also love watching “Gilligan’s Island” which airs on a local television channel. We have maintained a steady viewing of the 1960s sitcom for the last few years. In fact, our son requested to have a “Gilligan’s Island” themed birthday party once. There are many days I question my parenting tactics and decisions but allowing the kids to watch “Gilligan’s Island” has never caused me to fret.During this breakfast conversation, my 4-year-old daughter was trying to make sense of the overall storyline.“Let me tell you, Daddy,” she began. “I’d be working on fixing the holes in that boat if I got stuck on an island. Why didn’t they try to fix the holes?”My 7-year-old would chime in to try to defend the plot and to help her better understand.“Isannah, they’re stranded on an island, they don’t have the tools,” Banks would point out.&nbsp;“If they don’t have tools, then why do they live in nice huts made from bamboo and trees?” she countered.&nbsp;Silence. She did have a good point.Isannah then moved on to her next item, “And let me tell you something else,” she said. “I wouldn’t take the boat at night — that’s when there’s waves!” I think she was referencing the opening scene of the show when the S.S. Minnow was tossed about by waves when the weather started getting rough. It was dark.“Isannah, there’s always waves day and night,” Banks pointed out. “It’s in the ocean.”Silence. He had a good point.Clearly, as they continued this back-and-forth dialogue, both children had different perspectives related to the tale of the seven castaways.&nbsp;All the while, my husband, Adam, would nod his head and make random sounds to ensure the kids knew he was listening to them both. But ultimately, the kids led the conversation and Adam was not needed to referee the chat.&nbsp;Not once did either of them get upset or belittle the other’s argument. Not once did either of them start screaming at the other or call the other names. Not once did either of them get frustrated and end the conversation.&nbsp;&nbsp;While I think “Gilligan’s Island” provides entertainment for my family, it also is clearly causing my kids to think and verbalize their thoughts with one another in a civil conversation.Perhaps we all need some little ones discussing “Gilligan’s Island” over breakfast from time to time to help remind us as adults how to interact with others who might have differing views.After all, if the kids can model civil discourse, surely the rest of us can, too."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;Copyright © 2020 Kansas Farm Bureau, All rights reserved.

Insight: Just sit right back and you'll hear a tale

Positivity is coming to the Stiefel Theatre for the Performing Arts.

Stiefel Executive Director Jane Gates has announced that Michael Franti and Spearhead will perform on the Stiefel stage at 8 p.m. Aug. 11.

Tickets start at $39 and go on sale at noon Friday. To buy tickets, stop by or call the Stiefel at 785-827-1998 Monday through Friday, noon to 5 p.m. or buy online at <a href="http://www.stiefeltheatre.org">www.stiefeltheatre.org</a>.

An acclaimed artist and humanitarian, Franti radiates positivity on stage and off. AXS notes, “Michael Franti &amp; Spearhead are on a mission: to make the world a more positive place, one note at a time.”

Franti is a musician, humanitarian, filmmaker, and activist who is recognized as a pioneering force in the music industry. He believes that there is a great battle taking place in the world today between cynicism and optimism, so he made his most recent album, Stay Human Vol. II, his highest-charting album to date, to remind himself - and anyone who’s listening - that there is still good in the world and that it is worth fighting for. The songs on Stay Human Vol. II were inspired by Franti’s new self-directed documentary, Stay Human, which released in January and won an array of awards at film festivals worldwide. 

Throughout his multi-decade career, Franti has earned four Billboard No. 1 singles with triumphantly hopeful hits such as “Sound of Sunshine” and “Say Hey (I Love You,” five Top 30 Hot AC singles, eight Top 25 AAA Singles and four Billboard Top 5 Rock Albums and topped multiple charts with his latest release. 

Franti owns Soulshine Bali, the leading yoga retreat hotel in Ubud, Bali, and co-founded Do It For The Love with his wife, Sara Agah Franti, a wish-granting organization that brings people living with life-threatening illnesses, children with severe challenges, and wounded veterans to any live concert anywhere in the world. To date, they have granted more than 2,000 wishes!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580853151868.jpeg" alt="Michael Franti and Spearhead are scheduled to perform in the Stiefel Theatre for the Performing Arts on Aug. 11. Photo courtesy Stiefel Theatre for the Performing Arts" />
 <figcaption>Michael Franti and Spearhead are scheduled to perform in the Stiefel Theatre for the Performing Arts on Aug. 11. Photo courtesy Stiefel Theatre for the Performing Arts</figcaption>
 </figure>Positivity is coming to the Stiefel Theatre for the Performing Arts.Stiefel Executive Director Jane Gates has announced that Michael Franti and Spearhead will perform on the Stiefel stage at 8 p.m. Aug. 11.Tickets start at $39 and go on sale at noon Friday. To buy tickets, stop by or call the Stiefel at 785-827-1998 Monday through Friday, noon to 5 p.m. or buy online at <a href="http://www.stiefeltheatre.org">www.stiefeltheatre.org</a>.An acclaimed artist and humanitarian, Franti radiates positivity on stage and off. AXS notes, “Michael Franti &amp; Spearhead are on a mission: to make the world a more positive place, one note at a time.”Franti is a musician, humanitarian, filmmaker, and activist who is recognized as a pioneering force in the music industry. He believes that there is a great battle taking place in the world today between cynicism and optimism, so he made his most recent album, Stay Human Vol. II, his highest-charting album to date, to remind himself - and anyone who’s listening - that there is still good in the world and that it is worth fighting for. The songs on Stay Human Vol. II were inspired by Franti’s new self-directed documentary, Stay Human, which released in January and won an array of awards at film festivals worldwide. Throughout his multi-decade career, Franti has earned four Billboard No. 1 singles with triumphantly hopeful hits such as “Sound of Sunshine” and “Say Hey (I Love You,” five Top 30 Hot AC singles, eight Top 25 AAA Singles and four Billboard Top 5 Rock Albums and topped multiple charts with his latest release. Franti owns Soulshine Bali, the leading yoga retreat hotel in Ubud, Bali, and co-founded Do It For The Love with his wife, Sara Agah Franti, a wish-granting organization that brings people living with life-threatening illnesses, children with severe challenges, and wounded veterans to any live concert anywhere in the world. To date, they have granted more than 2,000 wishes!

Stiefel: Michael Franti and Spearhead to perform Aug. 11

The Southeast of Saline basketball teams hit the road today, albeit not for long, to take on the Sacred Heart Knights. If you&nbsp;can't make it to the games, you can listen on KINA (910 AM and 107.5 FM).

The KINA Pregame Show starts at 5:45 p.m.

The girls play at 6 p.m., with the boys' game following.

KINA, the home of Southeast of Saline athletics!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575654398271.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Southeast of Saline basketball teams hit the road today, albeit not for long, to take on the Sacred Heart Knights. If you&nbsp;can't make it to the games, you can listen on KINA (910 AM and 107.5 FM).The KINA Pregame Show starts at 5:45 p.m.The girls play at 6 p.m., with the boys' game following.KINA, the home of Southeast of Saline athletics!

SES basketball takes on Sacred Heart tonight

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Democratic party officials in Iowa worked furiously Tuesday to deliver the delayed results of their first-in-the-nation caucus, as frustrated presidential candidates claimed momentum and plowed ahead in their quest for the White House.

Technology problems and reporting “inconsistencies” kept Iowa Democratic Party officials from releasing results from Monday’s caucus, the much-hyped kickoff to the 2020 primary. It was an embarrassing twist after months of promoting the contest as a chance for Democrats to find some clarity in&nbsp;<a href="https://interactives.ap.org/2020-candidates/" target="_blank">a jumbled field with no clear front-runner</a>.

Instead, caucus day ended with no winner, no official results and many fresh questions about whether Iowa can retain its coveted “first” status.

State party officials said final results would be released later Tuesday and offered assurances that the problem was not a result of “a hack or an intrusion.” Officials were conducting quality checks and verifying results, prioritizing the integrity of the results, the party said in a statement.

The statement came after tens of thousands of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2ea52b33d206238118686bcf7d855684">voters spent hours Monday night</a>&nbsp;sorting through a field of nearly a dozen candidates who had spent much of the previous year fighting to win the opening contest of the 2020 campaign and, ultimately, the opportunity to take on President Donald Trump this fall.

The candidates didn’t wait for the party to resolve its issues before claiming, if not victory, progress and moving on to next-up New Hampshire.

“It looks like it’s going to be a long night, but we’re feeling good,” former Vice President Joe Biden said, suggesting the final results would “be close.”

Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders said he had “a good feeling we’re going to be doing very, very well here in Iowa” once results were posted. “Today marks the beginning of the end for Donald Trump,” he predicted.

“Listen, it’s too close to call,” Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren said. “The road won’t be easy. But we are built for the long haul.”

And Pete Buttigieg, the former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, was most certain.

“So we don’t know all the results, but we know by the time it’s all said and done, Iowa, you have shocked the nation,” he said. “By all indications, we are going on to New Hampshire victorious.”

Democrats faced the possibility that whatever numbers they ultimately released would be questioned. And beyond 2020, critics began wondering aloud whether the Iowa caucuses, a complicated set of political meetings staged in a state that is whiter and older than the Democratic Party, are a tradition whose time had passed.

The party has tried to accommodate critics, this year by promising to report three different data points about voters’ preferences, presumably improving transparency. But the new system created new headaches.

State party spokeswoman Mandy McClure said it had “found inconsistencies in the reporting of three sets of results,” forcing officials to try to verify results with “underlying data” and the paper trail.

Some of the trouble stemmed from issues with a new mobile app developed to report results to the party. Caucus organizers reported problems downloading the app and other glitches.

Des Moines County Democratic Chair Tom Courtney said the new app created “a mess.” As a result, Courtney said precinct leaders were phoning in results to the state party headquarters, which was too busy to answer their calls in some cases.

Organizers were still looking for missing results several hours after voting concluded.

Shortly before 2 a.m., the state party was making plans to dispatch people to the homes of precinct captains who hadn’t reported their numbers. That’s according to a state party official in the room who was not authorized to share internal discussions publicly.

Earlier in the night,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/609d889a1bc0a50f3fef40a2b89bd81b">Iowa Democrats across the state cast their votes</a>, balancing a strong preference for fundamental change with an overwhelming desire to defeat Trump. At least four high-profile candidates vied for the lead in a contest that offered the opening test of who and what the party stands for in the turbulent age of Trump.

It’s just the first in a primary season that will span all 50 states and several U.S. territories, ending at the party’s national convention in mid-July.

For Democrats, the moment was thick with promise for a party that has seized major gains in states since Trump won the White House in 2016. But instead of clear optimism, a growing cloud of uncertainty and intraparty resentment hung over the election as the prospect of an unclear result raised fears of a long and divisive primary fight in the months ahead.

One unsurprising development: Trump won the Republican caucus, a largely symbolic victory given that he faced no significant opposition.

The president’s campaign eagerly seized on the Democrats’ problems.

“Democrats are stewing in a caucus mess of their own creation with the sloppiest train wreck in history,” Trump campaign manager Brad Parscale said. “It would be natural for people to doubt the fairness of the process. And these are the people who want to run our entire health care system?”

Pre-caucus polls suggested Sanders entered the night with a narrow lead, but any of the top four candidates — Sanders, Biden, Warren and Buttigieg — was positioned to score a victory. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, who represents neighboring Minnesota, was also claiming momentum, while outsider candidates including entrepreneur Andrew Yang, billionaire activist Tom Steyer and Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard could be factors.

“We know one thing: We are punching above our weight,” Klobuchar said late Monday, promising to keep fighting in New Hampshire.

New voters played a significant role in shaping Iowa’s election.

About one-quarter of all voters reported that they were caucusing for the first time, according to AP VoteCast, a survey of voters who said they planned to take part in Monday’s Democratic caucuses. The first-timers were slightly more likely to support Sanders, Warren or Buttigieg, compared with other candidates.

At the same time, VoteCast found that roughly two-thirds of caucusgoers said supporting a candidate who would fundamentally change how the system in Washington works was important to their vote. That compared to about a third of caucusgoers who said it was more important to support a candidate who would restore the political system to how it was before Trump’s election in 2016.

Not surprisingly, nearly every Iowa Democrat said the ability to beat Trump was an important quality for a presidential nominee. VoteCast found that measure outranked others as the most important quality for a nominee.

The 2020 fight has already played out over myriad distractions, particularly congressional Democrats’ push to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/Trumpimpeachment">impeach Trump</a>, which has often overshadowed the primary and effectively pinned several leading candidates to Washington at the pinnacle of the early campaign season.

Meanwhile, ultrabillionaire Mike Bloomberg, the former mayor of New York City, is running&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/bac9e3f425361b7cc4ba02ca138a3ff6">a parallel campaign that ignored Iowa</a>&nbsp;as he prepares to pounce on any perceived weaknesses in the field come March.

The amalgam of oddities was building toward what could be a murky Iowa finale before the race pivoted quickly to New Hampshire, which votes Feb. 11.

For the first time, the Iowa Democratic Party planned to report three sets of results: a tally of caucusgoers’ initial candidate preference; vote totals from the “final alignment” after supporters of lower-ranking candidates were able to make a second choice; and the total number of State Delegate Equivalents each candidate receives.

There is no guarantee that all three will show the same winner when they’re ultimately released.

The Associated Press will declare a winner based on the number of state delegates each candidate wins, which has been the traditional standard.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580819711143.png" alt="Bernie Sanders supporters waiting for caucus results in Iowa on Monday night photo courtesy Sanders campaign for President" />
 <figcaption>Bernie Sanders supporters waiting for caucus results in Iowa on Monday night photo courtesy Sanders campaign for President</figcaption>
 </figure>DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Democratic party officials in Iowa worked furiously Tuesday to deliver the delayed results of their first-in-the-nation caucus, as frustrated presidential candidates claimed momentum and plowed ahead in their quest for the White House.Technology problems and reporting “inconsistencies” kept Iowa Democratic Party officials from releasing results from Monday’s caucus, the much-hyped kickoff to the 2020 primary. It was an embarrassing twist after months of promoting the contest as a chance for Democrats to find some clarity in&nbsp;<a href="https://interactives.ap.org/2020-candidates/" target="_blank">a jumbled field with no clear front-runner</a>.Instead, caucus day ended with no winner, no official results and many fresh questions about whether Iowa can retain its coveted “first” status.State party officials said final results would be released later Tuesday and offered assurances that the problem was not a result of “a hack or an intrusion.” Officials were conducting quality checks and verifying results, prioritizing the integrity of the results, the party said in a statement.The statement came after tens of thousands of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2ea52b33d206238118686bcf7d855684">voters spent hours Monday night</a>&nbsp;sorting through a field of nearly a dozen candidates who had spent much of the previous year fighting to win the opening contest of the 2020 campaign and, ultimately, the opportunity to take on President Donald Trump this fall.The candidates didn’t wait for the party to resolve its issues before claiming, if not victory, progress and moving on to next-up New Hampshire.“It looks like it’s going to be a long night, but we’re feeling good,” former Vice President Joe Biden said, suggesting the final results would “be close.”Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders said he had “a good feeling we’re going to be doing very, very well here in Iowa” once results were posted. “Today marks the beginning of the end for Donald Trump,” he predicted.“Listen, it’s too close to call,” Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren said. “The road won’t be easy. But we are built for the long haul.”And Pete Buttigieg, the former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, was most certain.“So we don’t know all the results, but we know by the time it’s all said and done, Iowa, you have shocked the nation,” he said. “By all indications, we are going on to New Hampshire victorious.”Democrats faced the possibility that whatever numbers they ultimately released would be questioned. And beyond 2020, critics began wondering aloud whether the Iowa caucuses, a complicated set of political meetings staged in a state that is whiter and older than the Democratic Party, are a tradition whose time had passed.The party has tried to accommodate critics, this year by promising to report three different data points about voters’ preferences, presumably improving transparency. But the new system created new headaches.State party spokeswoman Mandy McClure said it had “found inconsistencies in the reporting of three sets of results,” forcing officials to try to verify results with “underlying data” and the paper trail.Some of the trouble stemmed from issues with a new mobile app developed to report results to the party. Caucus organizers reported problems downloading the app and other glitches.Des Moines County Democratic Chair Tom Courtney said the new app created “a mess.” As a result, Courtney said precinct leaders were phoning in results to the state party headquarters, which was too busy to answer their calls in some cases.Organizers were still looking for missing results several hours after voting concluded.Shortly before 2 a.m., the state party was making plans to dispatch people to the homes of precinct captains who hadn’t reported their numbers. That’s according to a state party official in the room who was not authorized to share internal discussions publicly.Earlier in the night,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/609d889a1bc0a50f3fef40a2b89bd81b">Iowa Democrats across the state cast their votes</a>, balancing a strong preference for fundamental change with an overwhelming desire to defeat Trump. At least four high-profile candidates vied for the lead in a contest that offered the opening test of who and what the party stands for in the turbulent age of Trump.It’s just the first in a primary season that will span all 50 states and several U.S. territories, ending at the party’s national convention in mid-July.For Democrats, the moment was thick with promise for a party that has seized major gains in states since Trump won the White House in 2016. But instead of clear optimism, a growing cloud of uncertainty and intraparty resentment hung over the election as the prospect of an unclear result raised fears of a long and divisive primary fight in the months ahead.One unsurprising development: Trump won the Republican caucus, a largely symbolic victory given that he faced no significant opposition.The president’s campaign eagerly seized on the Democrats’ problems.“Democrats are stewing in a caucus mess of their own creation with the sloppiest train wreck in history,” Trump campaign manager Brad Parscale said. “It would be natural for people to doubt the fairness of the process. And these are the people who want to run our entire health care system?”Pre-caucus polls suggested Sanders entered the night with a narrow lead, but any of the top four candidates — Sanders, Biden, Warren and Buttigieg — was positioned to score a victory. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, who represents neighboring Minnesota, was also claiming momentum, while outsider candidates including entrepreneur Andrew Yang, billionaire activist Tom Steyer and Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard could be factors.“We know one thing: We are punching above our weight,” Klobuchar said late Monday, promising to keep fighting in New Hampshire.New voters played a significant role in shaping Iowa’s election.About one-quarter of all voters reported that they were caucusing for the first time, according to AP VoteCast, a survey of voters who said they planned to take part in Monday’s Democratic caucuses. The first-timers were slightly more likely to support Sanders, Warren or Buttigieg, compared with other candidates.At the same time, VoteCast found that roughly two-thirds of caucusgoers said supporting a candidate who would fundamentally change how the system in Washington works was important to their vote. That compared to about a third of caucusgoers who said it was more important to support a candidate who would restore the political system to how it was before Trump’s election in 2016.Not surprisingly, nearly every Iowa Democrat said the ability to beat Trump was an important quality for a presidential nominee. VoteCast found that measure outranked others as the most important quality for a nominee.The 2020 fight has already played out over myriad distractions, particularly congressional Democrats’ push to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/Trumpimpeachment">impeach Trump</a>, which has often overshadowed the primary and effectively pinned several leading candidates to Washington at the pinnacle of the early campaign season.Meanwhile, ultrabillionaire Mike Bloomberg, the former mayor of New York City, is running&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/bac9e3f425361b7cc4ba02ca138a3ff6">a parallel campaign that ignored Iowa</a>&nbsp;as he prepares to pounce on any perceived weaknesses in the field come March.The amalgam of oddities was building toward what could be a murky Iowa finale before the race pivoted quickly to New Hampshire, which votes Feb. 11.For the first time, the Iowa Democratic Party planned to report three sets of results: a tally of caucusgoers’ initial candidate preference; vote totals from the “final alignment” after supporters of lower-ranking candidates were able to make a second choice; and the total number of State Delegate Equivalents each candidate receives.There is no guarantee that all three will show the same winner when they’re ultimately released.The Associated Press will declare a winner based on the number of state delegates each candidate wins, which has been the traditional standard.___

In embarrassing twist, Democrats have no Iowa caucus results

By JIM MCLEAN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/kansas-gop-senate-candidates-vie-title-trump-s-top-ally-first-debate#stream/0">Kansas News Service</a>

OLATHE, Kansas — Candidates determined to keep 
Kansas’ U.S. Senate seats in Republican hands quarreled Saturday over 
immigration, health care and federal spending, but no topic was more 
debated than who is the most friendly and in step with President Donald 
Trump.

In front of a standing-room only crowd at the 2020 Kansas 
Republican Party convention, U.S. Rep. Roger Marshall, former Secretary 
of State Kris Kobach and state Senate President Susan Wagle argued over 
which of them was the most conservative and would be Trump’s most loyal 
foot soldier in the U.S. Senate.

Claiming that he’s voted with 
the president 98% of the time during his two terms in the U.S. House, 
Marshall pledged to “keep standing beside this president to stop the 
left’s socialist agenda.”

But Kobach argued that since most of the legislation considered by 
Congress isn’t controversial, virtually all Republicans — even many 
Democrats — vote “with the president” most of the time.&nbsp;

“So, that’s not an answer to the question,” he said.&nbsp;

Kobach
 won the 2018 Republican primary for Kansas governor with Trump’s 
backing, but lost the general election to Democrat Laura Kelly. For many
 Republicans, that’s a cause for concern heading into what is likely to 
be the state’s most competitive race for a U.S. Senate seat in decades. 
Longtime U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts is retiring.

Republicans would be risking a seat they’ve controlled since the Great Depression by nominating Kobach, Wagle said.&nbsp;

“Oh, there’s no question we’d lose,” she said in an interview after the debate.&nbsp;

Kobach
 pointed to his two winning campaigns for Kansas secretary of state: “I 
can say that in this presidential election year I certainly will win 
again.”&nbsp;

The frontrunner for the Democratic U.S. Senate 
nomination is Kansas Sen. Barbara Bollier, a former Republican who 
switched parties last year. She’s raised nearly $1.2 million since 
launching her campaign in October.

Marshall, whose 1st Congressional District covers roughly two-thirds 
of the state, is the runaway leader in fundraising on the Republican 
side: $1.9 million on hand as of Sept. 30, the end of the last reporting
 period. He hasn’t made his year-end fundraising report public. Kobach 
finished the year with $190,387 in his campaign account, and after 
loaning her campaign $275,000, Wagle ended the year with $522,683.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Marshall
 and Kobach have personal relationships with Trump, and both claimed to 
have met with him recently. Wagle can’t say that, so she touted her 
record as a leader in both the Kansas House and Senate.

“I’m the proven conservative in the race,” she said. “I get things done. People follow me.”

Immigration
 came up more than once during the debate. Kobach, who’s helped toughen 
immigration laws across the country, said he’d be Trump’s “point man” in
 an effort to do the same in Congress. Marshall said he has consistently
 opposed compromise proposals that would grant “amnesty” to people who 
entered the country illegally or overstayed their work visas.&nbsp;

The national debt, which the <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-national-debt-will-rise-to-98-of-gdp-by-2030-cbo-projects-11580238089" target="_blank">Congressional Budget Office says</a>
 will reach $1 trillion in 2020, also made its way into the 
conversation. Kobach said he would hold the line on spending, and 
criticized Marshall for voting against a measure to reduce spending, 
adding Republicans talk the talk but “we don’t always walk the walk.”

Marshall dismissed Kobach’s charge as “fake news” from a “professional politician.”

Kobach also criticized Marshall for his <a href="https://www.kansascity.com/opinion/readers-opinion/guest-commentary/article230268584.html" target="_blank">May 2019 op-ed</a> in the Kansas City Star that called for a stop to Trump’s tariff war due to the effects on Kansas farmers.

“It’s
 critical that the president have people who have his back,” Kobach 
said. “He cannot have Midwestern congressmen shooting arrows at his back
 when he’s trying to hold firm with China.”

That drew another 
heated response from Marshall: “That’s exactly what the national press 
does … they grab one little excerpt and spin it into a great big lie.”

Marshall,
 a physician, said that one of his top priorities is replacing the 
Affordable Care Act. He said he has worked with Trump for months to 
“outline” a policy that would reduce health care costs by increasing 
competition, but didn’t give any specifics during the debate or 
afterward to reporters.&nbsp;

Taking a shot at Kobach’s perceived 
weakness as a general election candidate, Marshall said that Kansas 
Republicans can’t risk losing to a Democrat who would “vote for Medicare
 For All,” a policy that U.S. Sens. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren 
are advocating for during their campaigns for the White House.&nbsp;

While vowing to stand with the president, Marshall said he would 
attempt to bridge the partisan divide by continuing to build personal 
relationships with Democrats at a weekly prayer meetings attended by 
members of both parties.&nbsp;

Wagle said she has never compromised 
her conservative principles but is the kind of leader who “brings other 
people under the tent.”

While it would be nice to return to the 
bipartisan way that Washington, D.C., used to work, Kobach said, he 
doesn't believe that's possible.&nbsp;

“We’re in a different era in politics right now,” he said. “We need a fighter.”

GOP
 candidate Dave Lindstrom was not able to attend the debate due to 
emergency surgery on Friday, but had a member of his campaign provide an
 opening statement.

Kansas News Service news editor Erica Hunzinger contributed to this report.

Jim
 McLean is the senior correspondent for 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. You can reach him on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/jmcleanks">@jmcleanks</a> or email jim@kcur.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580740287114.jpeg" alt=" Kansas Republicans packed into a room in Olathe hear three of the four U.S. Senate candidates debate for the first time on Saturday. Erica Hunzinger / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> Kansas Republicans packed into a room in Olathe hear three of the four U.S. Senate candidates debate for the first time on Saturday. Erica Hunzinger / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By JIM MCLEAN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/kansas-gop-senate-candidates-vie-title-trump-s-top-ally-first-debate#stream/0">Kansas News Service</a>OLATHE, Kansas — Candidates determined to keep 
Kansas’ U.S. Senate seats in Republican hands quarreled Saturday over 
immigration, health care and federal spending, but no topic was more 
debated than who is the most friendly and in step with President Donald 
Trump.In front of a standing-room only crowd at the 2020 Kansas 
Republican Party convention, U.S. Rep. Roger Marshall, former Secretary 
of State Kris Kobach and state Senate President Susan Wagle argued over 
which of them was the most conservative and would be Trump’s most loyal 
foot soldier in the U.S. Senate.Claiming that he’s voted with 
the president 98% of the time during his two terms in the U.S. House, 
Marshall pledged to “keep standing beside this president to stop the 
left’s socialist agenda.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580740336524.jpeg" alt=" Kris Kobach's booth at the Kansas Republican Party convention included a cutout of President Donald Trump. Credit Jim McLean / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> Kris Kobach's booth at the Kansas Republican Party convention included a cutout of President Donald Trump. Credit Jim McLean / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>But Kobach argued that since most of the legislation considered by 
Congress isn’t controversial, virtually all Republicans — even many 
Democrats — vote “with the president” most of the time.&nbsp;“So, that’s not an answer to the question,” he said.&nbsp;Kobach
 won the 2018 Republican primary for Kansas governor with Trump’s 
backing, but lost the general election to Democrat Laura Kelly. For many
 Republicans, that’s a cause for concern heading into what is likely to 
be the state’s most competitive race for a U.S. Senate seat in decades. 
Longtime U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts is retiring.Republicans would be risking a seat they’ve controlled since the Great Depression by nominating Kobach, Wagle said.&nbsp;“Oh, there’s no question we’d lose,” she said in an interview after the debate.&nbsp;Kobach
 pointed to his two winning campaigns for Kansas secretary of state: “I 
can say that in this presidential election year I certainly will win 
again.”&nbsp;The frontrunner for the Democratic U.S. Senate 
nomination is Kansas Sen. Barbara Bollier, a former Republican who 
switched parties last year. She’s raised nearly $1.2 million since 
launching her campaign in October.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580740365629.jpeg" alt=" After Saturday's debate, U.S. Rep. Roger Marshall talks with Charles Burton Starks, who used to live in Larned but now resides in Olathe. Credit Jim McLean / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> After Saturday's debate, U.S. Rep. Roger Marshall talks with Charles Burton Starks, who used to live in Larned but now resides in Olathe. Credit Jim McLean / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>Marshall, whose 1st Congressional District covers roughly two-thirds 
of the state, is the runaway leader in fundraising on the Republican 
side: $1.9 million on hand as of Sept. 30, the end of the last reporting
 period. He hasn’t made his year-end fundraising report public. Kobach 
finished the year with $190,387 in his campaign account, and after 
loaning her campaign $275,000, Wagle ended the year with $522,683.&nbsp;&nbsp;Marshall
 and Kobach have personal relationships with Trump, and both claimed to 
have met with him recently. Wagle can’t say that, so she touted her 
record as a leader in both the Kansas House and Senate.“I’m the proven conservative in the race,” she said. “I get things done. People follow me.”<h2>Debate details</h2>Immigration
 came up more than once during the debate. Kobach, who’s helped toughen 
immigration laws across the country, said he’d be Trump’s “point man” in
 an effort to do the same in Congress. Marshall said he has consistently
 opposed compromise proposals that would grant “amnesty” to people who 
entered the country illegally or overstayed their work visas.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580740401021.jpeg" alt=" Kansas state Senate President Susan Wagle touted her work in the Statehouse. Credit Erica Hunzinger / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> Kansas state Senate President Susan Wagle touted her work in the Statehouse. Credit Erica Hunzinger / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>The national debt, which the <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-national-debt-will-rise-to-98-of-gdp-by-2030-cbo-projects-11580238089" target="_blank">Congressional Budget Office says</a>
 will reach $1 trillion in 2020, also made its way into the 
conversation. Kobach said he would hold the line on spending, and 
criticized Marshall for voting against a measure to reduce spending, 
adding Republicans talk the talk but “we don’t always walk the walk.”Marshall dismissed Kobach’s charge as “fake news” from a “professional politician.”Kobach also criticized Marshall for his <a href="https://www.kansascity.com/opinion/readers-opinion/guest-commentary/article230268584.html" target="_blank">May 2019 op-ed</a> in the Kansas City Star that called for a stop to Trump’s tariff war due to the effects on Kansas farmers.“It’s
 critical that the president have people who have his back,” Kobach 
said. “He cannot have Midwestern congressmen shooting arrows at his back
 when he’s trying to hold firm with China.”That drew another 
heated response from Marshall: “That’s exactly what the national press 
does … they grab one little excerpt and spin it into a great big lie.”Marshall,
 a physician, said that one of his top priorities is replacing the 
Affordable Care Act. He said he has worked with Trump for months to 
“outline” a policy that would reduce health care costs by increasing 
competition, but didn’t give any specifics during the debate or 
afterward to reporters.&nbsp;Taking a shot at Kobach’s perceived 
weakness as a general election candidate, Marshall said that Kansas 
Republicans can’t risk losing to a Democrat who would “vote for Medicare
 For All,” a policy that U.S. Sens. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren 
are advocating for during their campaigns for the White House.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580740432903.jpeg" alt=" The crowd listens during the first GOP debate for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Pat Roberts. Credit Erica Hunzinger / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> The crowd listens during the first GOP debate for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Pat Roberts. Credit Erica Hunzinger / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>While vowing to stand with the president, Marshall said he would 
attempt to bridge the partisan divide by continuing to build personal 
relationships with Democrats at a weekly prayer meetings attended by 
members of both parties.&nbsp;Wagle said she has never compromised 
her conservative principles but is the kind of leader who “brings other 
people under the tent.”While it would be nice to return to the 
bipartisan way that Washington, D.C., used to work, Kobach said, he 
doesn't believe that's possible.&nbsp;“We’re in a different era in politics right now,” he said. “We need a fighter.”GOP
 candidate Dave Lindstrom was not able to attend the debate due to 
emergency surgery on Friday, but had a member of his campaign provide an
 opening statement.Kansas News Service news editor Erica Hunzinger contributed to this report.Jim
 McLean is the senior correspondent for 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. You can reach him on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/jmcleanks">@jmcleanks</a> or email jim@kcur.org.

Kan. GOP Senate candidates vie for title of Trump’s top ally

HUTCHINSON — It’s time to brush up on your “Country Grammar” — hip-hop rapper Nelly is coming to the Kansas State Fair.

The three-time Grammy award winner will perform at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 19 at the Nex-Tech Wireless Grandstand. Opening for Nelly is rising star Willie Jones.&nbsp;

Tickets go on sale at 8 a.m. Feb. 7. The Fair’s ticket office will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. that day to accommodate walk-in traffic and phone calls. Fans can snag tickets two days earlier, on Feb. 5, by signing up for the fair’s email list at <a href="http://bit.ly/KSFNellyPresale">http://bit.ly/KSFNellyPresale</a>.

Ticket prices are $25 to $65, which includes gate admission to the Fair if purchased by Aug. 15.&nbsp;

“We are excited to add another concert to our already strong lineup, especially one in a genre we haven’t normally offered at the Kansas State Fair,” said the Fair’s General Manager Robin Jennison. “Nelly is obviously one of the top-selling rappers in history. However, he also has a wide appeal among many demographics, thanks to his success collaborating with country group Florida Georgia Line.”

Nelly, a diamond-selling, multi-platinum artist, entrepreneur, philanthropist and actor, has sold more than 22 million albums, ranking him as one of the best-selling rap artists in America. Nelly burst onto the scene in the early 2000s with songs such as “Ride Wit Me,” “Hot in Herre,” “Air Force Ones” and “Country Grammar,” which will celebrate its 20th anniversary in June.&nbsp;

Other hits include “Shake Ya Tailfeather,” “Dilemma,” “Over and Over” featuring Tim McGraw and “Just a Dream.”

Both Nelly’s Country Grammar album and his collaboration on Florida Georgia Line’s single “Cruise” achieved diamond status. “Cruise” is one of 35 singles — and only two country songs — to reach diamond certification. Nelly is just one of about 15 rappers to achieve this honor.

Up-and-coming star Willie Jones blends his country roots with R&amp;B and hip-hop influences. Born in Shreveport, Louisiana, Jones began singing gospel at an early age and was a finalist on X-Factor in 2012.

His recent singles include “Whole Lotta Love," “Bachelorettes on Broadway” and “Down For it.” Jones already has amassed more than a million monthly listeners on Spotify. In June, Rolling Stone named him an “Artist You Need to Know.” Jones recently toured with Dwight Yoakam, Willie Nelson, Chase Rice, and the Eli Young Band.

Fair officials advise fairgoers to be cautious when purchasing tickets. Etix is the only authorized seller for Fair tickets. Tickets can be purchased through Etix by visiting the Kansas State Fair’s website — www.kansasstatefair.com or by stopping in at the Administration Building at 2000 N. Poplar, Hutchinson. After the on-sale date of Feb. 7, the ticket office will open in the spring when all the Fair’s concerts have been announced.&nbsp;

Fair officials are still finalizing the remaining Nex-Tech Wireless Grandstand concert series. Here are the acts announced so far:

38 Special — 7:30 p.m. Sept. 17. Spanning five decades, 38 Special helped write the classic rock soundtrack of the 1970s and 1980s with hits like “Hold on Loosely” and “Caught Up in You.” Ticket prices are all general admission – $20 in the grandstand seating area and $45 in the Bud Light Party Pit — a standing-room-only experience that is up close next to the stage.

Darci Lynne Farmer — 3 p.m. Sept. 20. Teen ventriloquist Darci Lynne Farmer hit stardom in 2017 after becoming one of the youngest contestants to ever win NBC’s America’s Got Talent.” Darci Lynne will be accompanied by her puppet friends: divaesque rabbit Petunia, shy and soulful mouse Oscar and a sarcastic old woman named Edna. Ticket prices start at $20.&nbsp;

--<a href="http://www.kansasstatefair.com">Kansas State Fair</a>--

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580491193732.jpeg" alt="Nelly is scheduled to perform Sept. 19. Photo courtesy Kansas State Fair" />
 <figcaption>Nelly is scheduled to perform Sept. 19. Photo courtesy Kansas State Fair</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON — It’s time to brush up on your “Country Grammar” — hip-hop rapper Nelly is coming to the Kansas State Fair.The three-time Grammy award winner will perform at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 19 at the Nex-Tech Wireless Grandstand. Opening for Nelly is rising star Willie Jones.&nbsp;Tickets go on sale at 8 a.m. Feb. 7. The Fair’s ticket office will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. that day to accommodate walk-in traffic and phone calls. Fans can snag tickets two days earlier, on Feb. 5, by signing up for the fair’s email list at <a href="http://bit.ly/KSFNellyPresale">http://bit.ly/KSFNellyPresale</a>.Ticket prices are $25 to $65, which includes gate admission to the Fair if purchased by Aug. 15.&nbsp;“We are excited to add another concert to our already strong lineup, especially one in a genre we haven’t normally offered at the Kansas State Fair,” said the Fair’s General Manager Robin Jennison. “Nelly is obviously one of the top-selling rappers in history. However, he also has a wide appeal among many demographics, thanks to his success collaborating with country group Florida Georgia Line.”About NellyNelly, a diamond-selling, multi-platinum artist, entrepreneur, philanthropist and actor, has sold more than 22 million albums, ranking him as one of the best-selling rap artists in America. Nelly burst onto the scene in the early 2000s with songs such as “Ride Wit Me,” “Hot in Herre,” “Air Force Ones” and “Country Grammar,” which will celebrate its 20th anniversary in June.&nbsp;Other hits include “Shake Ya Tailfeather,” “Dilemma,” “Over and Over” featuring Tim McGraw and “Just a Dream.”Both Nelly’s Country Grammar album and his collaboration on Florida Georgia Line’s single “Cruise” achieved diamond status. “Cruise” is one of 35 singles — and only two country songs — to reach diamond certification. Nelly is just one of about 15 rappers to achieve this honor.About JonesUp-and-coming star Willie Jones blends his country roots with R&amp;B and hip-hop influences. Born in Shreveport, Louisiana, Jones began singing gospel at an early age and was a finalist on X-Factor in 2012.His recent singles include “Whole Lotta Love," “Bachelorettes on Broadway” and “Down For it.” Jones already has amassed more than a million monthly listeners on Spotify. In June, Rolling Stone named him an “Artist You Need to Know.” Jones recently toured with Dwight Yoakam, Willie Nelson, Chase Rice, and the Eli Young Band.Fair officials advise fairgoers to be cautious when purchasing tickets. Etix is the only authorized seller for Fair tickets. Tickets can be purchased through Etix by visiting the Kansas State Fair’s website — www.kansasstatefair.com or by stopping in at the Administration Building at 2000 N. Poplar, Hutchinson. After the on-sale date of Feb. 7, the ticket office will open in the spring when all the Fair’s concerts have been announced.&nbsp;Fair officials are still finalizing the remaining Nex-Tech Wireless Grandstand concert series. Here are the acts announced so far:38 Special — 7:30 p.m. Sept. 17. Spanning five decades, 38 Special helped write the classic rock soundtrack of the 1970s and 1980s with hits like “Hold on Loosely” and “Caught Up in You.” Ticket prices are all general admission – $20 in the grandstand seating area and $45 in the Bud Light Party Pit — a standing-room-only experience that is up close next to the stage.Darci Lynne Farmer — 3 p.m. Sept. 20. Teen ventriloquist Darci Lynne Farmer hit stardom in 2017 after becoming one of the youngest contestants to ever win NBC’s America’s Got Talent.” Darci Lynne will be accompanied by her puppet friends: divaesque rabbit Petunia, shy and soulful mouse Oscar and a sarcastic old woman named Edna. Ticket prices start at $20.&nbsp;--<a href="http://www.kansasstatefair.com">Kansas State Fair</a>--

Hip-Hop rapper Nelly to heat up Kansas State Fair

“Getting it right” is one reliable defense for a free press in today’s media world against critics who often base objections and critiques more on political differences than factual error.

However, criticism for getting it wrong is fair game for press skeptics — with “wrong” covering a multitude of alleged sins, as occurred following the Jan. 26 deaths of NBA superstar Kobe Bryant, his daughter and seven others in a helicopter crash.

Even though many times the news outlets themselves quickly corrected errors or apologized, those moves often fell short of placating many on social media.

The BBC apologized quickly Sunday for using video of NBA star LeBron James during a segment on Bryant’s death — a mistake the harkened to an old racist saw that to whites, all black people “look alike.”

The BBC’s quick apology: “In tonight’s coverage of the death of Kobe Bryant on #BBCNewsTen, we mistakenly used pictures of LeBron James in one section of the report,” BBC Editor Paul Royall tweeted hours later. “We apologize for this human error, which fell below our usual standards.”

A slew of online critics — some starting an online petition calling for resignation — have questioned the sincerity of an MSNBC anchor’s apology Sunday after she appeared to use the n-word when reporting on Bryant’s death. Alison Morris later posted on Twitter: “Earlier today, while reporting on the tragic news of Kobe Bryant’s passing, I unfortunately stuttered on air, combining the names of the Knicks and the Lakers to say ‘Nakers.’” Please know I did not &amp; would NEVER use a racist term. I apologize for the confusion this caused.”

Gossip site TMZ was the first to report Bryant’s death. Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva later said, “It would be extremely disrespectful to understand that your loved one … perished and you learn about it from TMZ.” Los Angeles County Undersheriff Tim Murakami ‏tweeted that he understood the pressures related to “… getting the scoop, but please allow us time to make personal notifications to their loved ones. It’s very cold to hear of the loss via media.”

Less clear is why&nbsp;The Washington Post&nbsp;placed a national political reporter, Felicia Sonmez, on administrative leave Monday — only to reverse the action Tuesday — because of tweets that began with a link to a 2016 Daily Beast story titled, “Kobe Bryant’s Disturbing Rape Case: The DNA Evidence, the Accuser’s Story and the Half-Confession.”

It is unclear whether the&nbsp;Post’s initial action was in response to many online critics who called the tweet “insensitive” — some issuing death threats, Sonmez said — or because one of her tweets on the subject included a screen shot of her work email inbox, showing the names of critics.

By Tuesday, newsroom colleagues were rallying around Sonmez and&nbsp;Post&nbsp;columnist Erik Wemple wrote that the newspaper’s concerns, per an email from management to Sonmez, were that “‘they didn’t ‘pertain’ to the reporter’s ‘coverage area’” and that “your behavior on social media is making it harder for others to do their work as&nbsp;Washington Post&nbsp;journalists.’” In the same column, Sonmez was quoted as saying she was never told the suspension involved the screen grab of her work email box.

Wemple raised questions about the action, noting that “if journalists at the&nbsp;Post&nbsp;are prone to suspension for tweeting stories off their beats, the entire newsroom should be on administrative leave.”

On Tuesday evening, “After conducting an internal review, we have determined that, while we consider Felicia’s tweets ill-timed, she was not in clear and direct violation of our social media policy,” Tracy Grant, managing editor of the&nbsp;Post, said in a statement.

Several news outlets drew a line from an early Fox News report with the incorrect number of those who died to a President Trump tweet repeating the error. ABC News on Wednesday suspended correspondent Matt Gutman after he erroneously reported on Sunday that all four of Bryant’s daughters were on the helicopter that crashed. Gutman, who also reported strong criticism on social media, apologized: “We are in the business of holding people accountable, and I hold myself accountable for a terrible mistake, which I deeply regret.”

A common factor here is the desire for a speedy post, reaction or comment, seemingly based on an assumption that readers and viewers and listeners care most about hearing news and seeing reactions “now.” But what about the values of accuracy, deliberation and thoroughness in an era in which much of the nation considers the news media unreliable, if not deliberately manipulative and unduly provocative?

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573872297806.png" alt="Gene Policinski" />
 <figcaption>Gene Policinski</figcaption>
 </figure>By GENE POLICINSKI“Getting it right” is one reliable defense for a free press in today’s media world against critics who often base objections and critiques more on political differences than factual error.However, criticism for getting it wrong is fair game for press skeptics — with “wrong” covering a multitude of alleged sins, as occurred following the Jan. 26 deaths of NBA superstar Kobe Bryant, his daughter and seven others in a helicopter crash.Even though many times the news outlets themselves quickly corrected errors or apologized, those moves often fell short of placating many on social media.The BBC apologized quickly Sunday for using video of NBA star LeBron James during a segment on Bryant’s death — a mistake the harkened to an old racist saw that to whites, all black people “look alike.”The BBC’s quick apology: “In tonight’s coverage of the death of Kobe Bryant on #BBCNewsTen, we mistakenly used pictures of LeBron James in one section of the report,” BBC Editor Paul Royall tweeted hours later. “We apologize for this human error, which fell below our usual standards.”A slew of online critics — some starting an online petition calling for resignation — have questioned the sincerity of an MSNBC anchor’s apology Sunday after she appeared to use the n-word when reporting on Bryant’s death. Alison Morris later posted on Twitter: “Earlier today, while reporting on the tragic news of Kobe Bryant’s passing, I unfortunately stuttered on air, combining the names of the Knicks and the Lakers to say ‘Nakers.’” Please know I did not &amp; would NEVER use a racist term. I apologize for the confusion this caused.”Gossip site TMZ was the first to report Bryant’s death. Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva later said, “It would be extremely disrespectful to understand that your loved one … perished and you learn about it from TMZ.” Los Angeles County Undersheriff Tim Murakami ‏tweeted that he understood the pressures related to “… getting the scoop, but please allow us time to make personal notifications to their loved ones. It’s very cold to hear of the loss via media.”Less clear is why&nbsp;The Washington Post&nbsp;placed a national political reporter, Felicia Sonmez, on administrative leave Monday — only to reverse the action Tuesday — because of tweets that began with a link to a 2016 Daily Beast story titled, “Kobe Bryant’s Disturbing Rape Case: The DNA Evidence, the Accuser’s Story and the Half-Confession.”It is unclear whether the&nbsp;Post’s initial action was in response to many online critics who called the tweet “insensitive” — some issuing death threats, Sonmez said — or because one of her tweets on the subject included a screen shot of her work email inbox, showing the names of critics.By Tuesday, newsroom colleagues were rallying around Sonmez and&nbsp;Post&nbsp;columnist Erik Wemple wrote that the newspaper’s concerns, per an email from management to Sonmez, were that “‘they didn’t ‘pertain’ to the reporter’s ‘coverage area’” and that “your behavior on social media is making it harder for others to do their work as&nbsp;Washington Post&nbsp;journalists.’” In the same column, Sonmez was quoted as saying she was never told the suspension involved the screen grab of her work email box.Wemple raised questions about the action, noting that “if journalists at the&nbsp;Post&nbsp;are prone to suspension for tweeting stories off their beats, the entire newsroom should be on administrative leave.”On Tuesday evening, “After conducting an internal review, we have determined that, while we consider Felicia’s tweets ill-timed, she was not in clear and direct violation of our social media policy,” Tracy Grant, managing editor of the&nbsp;Post, said in a statement.Several news outlets drew a line from an early Fox News report with the incorrect number of those who died to a President Trump tweet repeating the error. ABC News on Wednesday suspended correspondent Matt Gutman after he erroneously reported on Sunday that all four of Bryant’s daughters were on the helicopter that crashed. Gutman, who also reported strong criticism on social media, apologized: “We are in the business of holding people accountable, and I hold myself accountable for a terrible mistake, which I deeply regret.”A common factor here is the desire for a speedy post, reaction or comment, seemingly based on an assumption that readers and viewers and listeners care most about hearing news and seeing reactions “now.” But what about the values of accuracy, deliberation and thoroughness in an era in which much of the nation considers the news media unreliable, if not deliberately manipulative and unduly provocative?Yes, many major news operations got it right — by waiting for information to be verified. The&nbsp;Los Angeles Times&nbsp;at least took the intermediate approach of acknowledging online the early accounts of Bryant’s death and advising its readers it still was investigating those reports.Sonmez’s incident is a more challenging call — for the&nbsp;Post, for the public and for a free press generally. Certainly, there is the longstanding social pressure and even journalistic guidelines to avoid sensationalism and inflicting undue pain — that seems to lean toward avoiding disparaging news of a person immediately after his/her death.But then, to ignore a woman’s allegation and resulting legal action in the #MeToo era (or anytime) likely would have resulted in legitimate complaints that journalists were channeling gender bias and hero worship and sanitizing a life. For the record, criminal charges against Bryan were dropped and a civil lawsuit settled out of court.There is not one&nbsp;perfect&nbsp;way to gather or report news. The tasks are too complex and dependent on facts of each instance to produce cookie-cutter rules. And to large degree, the First Amendment rules out the enforceable codes of conduct that govern professions such as law and medicine.But having been a young reporter at one time whose on-deadline job all too often was to collect a photo and interview family members of a recently deceased newsworthy person, I know there is a&nbsp;better&nbsp;way, with sensitivity, honesty and an emphasis on getting things right the first time, even when giving audiences an accurate news account.Those terms — sensitivity, honesty, getting it right and accurate — are not in the First Amendment’s 45 words, to be sure. But that doesn’t mean those values aren’t as real or applicable to how a free press should operate.Gene Policinski is president and chief operating officer of the Freedom Forum Institute. He can be reached at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:gpolicinski@freedomforum.org" target="_blank">gpolicinski@freedomforum.org</a>, or follow him on Twitter at&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/@genefac" target="_blank">@genefac</a>.