KANSAS CITY (AP) — Virtual instruction. Mandated masks. Physical distancing. The start of school will look very different this year because of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">coronavirus</a>&nbsp;— and that’s OK with the vast majority of Americans.

Only about 1 in 10 Americans think daycare centers, preschools or K-12 schools should open this fall without restrictions, according to a new poll from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnorc.org/" target="_blank">The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs</a>. Most think mask requirements and other safety measures are necessary to restart in-person instruction, and roughly 3 in 10 say that teaching kids in classrooms shouldn’t happen at all.

The findings are a sharp contrast to the picture that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/be1ed8b75986393fe0385cae85b6a6c8">President Donald Trump paints as he pressures</a>&nbsp;schools to reopen. Trump said Wednesday that he would be “comfortable” with his son Barron and grandchildren attending school in person this fall.

“I would like to see the schools open,” he told reporters.

<a href="https://apnews.com/462cdd447c84138c17d0bc0100d6f671">Few schools, however, plan to return to business as usual</a>. Many of the nation’s largest school districts have announced that they’ll be entirely virtual in the fall or use a hybrid model that has children in classrooms only a couple of days a week.

The poll finds only 8% of Americans say K-12 schools should open for normal in-person instruction. Just 14% think they can reopen with minor adjustments, while 46% think major adjustments are needed. Another 31% think instruction should not be in person this fall. It’s little different among the parents of school-age children.

The poll also shows Americans feel the same about colleges and universities reopening this fall.

Americans show little confidence in Trump’s handling of education issues. Only 36% say they approve of Trump’s performance, while 63% disapprove. But a stark political divide on opening schools suggests many Republicans are taking cues from the president.

About 9 in 10 Democrats say requiring students and staff to wear masks is essential to reopening, while only about half of Republicans say the same. Democrats are roughly twice as likely as Republicans to say schools should use a mix of in-person and virtual instruction to reduce the number of students in buildings, 77% to 39%.

Patty Kasbek, of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, said she desperately wants her two children, ages 5 and 10, to return to school. After months at home, the family is stressed and anxious. But with the virus surging, she doesn’t see a safe way to reopen.

“School shouldn’t even be considered right now,” said Kasbek, 40. “We need to get this under control before we play with the virus. It’s just too dangerous to put our kids out there like guinea pigs.”

Her local school district is planning to reopen with new safety measures, she said, but she’s opting to enroll her children in a virtual school. She isn’t as worried about her own health but fears that reopening schools could spread the virus to others.

“I just see it going very badly, and I’m very, very worried for the teachers,” said Kasbek, who considers herself a Democrat.

The poll finds a majority of Americans, 56%, say they are very or extremely concerned that reopening schools will lead to additional infections in their communities; another 24% are somewhat concerned.

Some, however, see little risk. James Rivers, of Ramsey, Minnesota, said schools should reopen without protective measures against the virus. Rivers, a Republican, says Trump is doing a “fine job” and will have his vote in November.

“I think it should be just business as usual,” said Rivers, 54. “Yes, there is a COVID virus, but is it any more deadly than the common flu? I don’t think so.”

Rivers, who does not have school-age children, said parents who fear the virus can home school. “As for everybody else who isn’t afraid of a virus that has a less than 2% chance of being fatal, send your kid back to school. Let’s get it done,” he said.

Majorities say it is essential that buildings be disinfected daily, temperature checks and face masks be mandatory and desks be spread apart if schools are to reopen.

And 6 in 10 think a mix of in-person and virtual instruction is necessary, to limit the number of students inside at one time. Some of the nation’s largest districts, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/7c00390468e4a2a6e3b5fd2d2aad4efc">New York City’s schools</a>, plan to use that model. But&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/cc2afd89f4d2cc572aa08b172283916b">Education Secretary Betsy DeVos</a>&nbsp;says that fails students and taxpayers, arguing that students should be in the classroom every day.

In his campaign to reopen schools, Trump argues that Democrats oppose it for political reasons. He has threatened to cut federal funding for schools that fail to reopen fully. The White House has said he wants to work with Congress to tie future relief funding to reopening. He argues that other countries have reopened schools safely, although some he cites have used the hybrid model that DeVos decried.

The Trump administration also has argued that it’s not just about academics. Students need access to meal programs and mental health services, it says.

But Trump’s demands put him at odds with his own health officials. He&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/8c6cad882541d63afa924f93a1b2329a">rebuked the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a>&nbsp;for releasing school guidelines that he said were too tough.

The poll finds about half of parents saying they are at least somewhat concerned about their child losing services like school lunches or counseling because of the pandemic.

More say they are worried about their child falling behind academically: 55% are very concerned, with another 21% somewhat concerned.

A majority of parents, 65%, are at least somewhat concerned about their own ability to juggle responsibilities.

Jimmy La Londe, 70, of Hiawassee, Georgia, thinks schools should reopen with safety measures that local officials think are necessary. Still, La Londe, who considers himself a Republican, said keeping schools closed will only hurt students and anger taxpayers.

“They have to keep the momentum, they have to keep people used to going to school,” he said. “I don’t think you can stop school forever.”

The <a href="https://apnorc.org/">AP-NORC poll</a> of 1,057 adults was conducted July 16-20 using a sample drawn from NORC’s probability-based AmeriSpeak Panel, which is designed to be representative of the U.S. population. The margin of sampling error for all respondents is plus or minus 4.3 percentage points.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Virtual instruction. Mandated masks. Physical distancing. The start of school will look very different this year because of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">coronavirus</a>&nbsp;— and that’s OK with the vast majority of Americans.Only about 1 in 10 Americans think daycare centers, preschools or K-12 schools should open this fall without restrictions, according to a new poll from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnorc.org/" target="_blank">The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs</a>. Most think mask requirements and other safety measures are necessary to restart in-person instruction, and roughly 3 in 10 say that teaching kids in classrooms shouldn’t happen at all.The findings are a sharp contrast to the picture that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/be1ed8b75986393fe0385cae85b6a6c8">President Donald Trump paints as he pressures</a>&nbsp;schools to reopen. Trump said Wednesday that he would be “comfortable” with his son Barron and grandchildren attending school in person this fall.“I would like to see the schools open,” he told reporters.<a href="https://apnews.com/462cdd447c84138c17d0bc0100d6f671">Few schools, however, plan to return to business as usual</a>. Many of the nation’s largest school districts have announced that they’ll be entirely virtual in the fall or use a hybrid model that has children in classrooms only a couple of days a week.The poll finds only 8% of Americans say K-12 schools should open for normal in-person instruction. Just 14% think they can reopen with minor adjustments, while 46% think major adjustments are needed. Another 31% think instruction should not be in person this fall. It’s little different among the parents of school-age children.The poll also shows Americans feel the same about colleges and universities reopening this fall.Americans show little confidence in Trump’s handling of education issues. Only 36% say they approve of Trump’s performance, while 63% disapprove. But a stark political divide on opening schools suggests many Republicans are taking cues from the president.About 9 in 10 Democrats say requiring students and staff to wear masks is essential to reopening, while only about half of Republicans say the same. Democrats are roughly twice as likely as Republicans to say schools should use a mix of in-person and virtual instruction to reduce the number of students in buildings, 77% to 39%.Patty Kasbek, of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, said she desperately wants her two children, ages 5 and 10, to return to school. After months at home, the family is stressed and anxious. But with the virus surging, she doesn’t see a safe way to reopen.“School shouldn’t even be considered right now,” said Kasbek, 40. “We need to get this under control before we play with the virus. It’s just too dangerous to put our kids out there like guinea pigs.”Her local school district is planning to reopen with new safety measures, she said, but she’s opting to enroll her children in a virtual school. She isn’t as worried about her own health but fears that reopening schools could spread the virus to others.“I just see it going very badly, and I’m very, very worried for the teachers,” said Kasbek, who considers herself a Democrat.The poll finds a majority of Americans, 56%, say they are very or extremely concerned that reopening schools will lead to additional infections in their communities; another 24% are somewhat concerned.Some, however, see little risk. James Rivers, of Ramsey, Minnesota, said schools should reopen without protective measures against the virus. Rivers, a Republican, says Trump is doing a “fine job” and will have his vote in November.“I think it should be just business as usual,” said Rivers, 54. “Yes, there is a COVID virus, but is it any more deadly than the common flu? I don’t think so.”Rivers, who does not have school-age children, said parents who fear the virus can home school. “As for everybody else who isn’t afraid of a virus that has a less than 2% chance of being fatal, send your kid back to school. Let’s get it done,” he said.Majorities say it is essential that buildings be disinfected daily, temperature checks and face masks be mandatory and desks be spread apart if schools are to reopen.And 6 in 10 think a mix of in-person and virtual instruction is necessary, to limit the number of students inside at one time. Some of the nation’s largest districts, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/7c00390468e4a2a6e3b5fd2d2aad4efc">New York City’s schools</a>, plan to use that model. But&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/cc2afd89f4d2cc572aa08b172283916b">Education Secretary Betsy DeVos</a>&nbsp;says that fails students and taxpayers, arguing that students should be in the classroom every day.In his campaign to reopen schools, Trump argues that Democrats oppose it for political reasons. He has threatened to cut federal funding for schools that fail to reopen fully. The White House has said he wants to work with Congress to tie future relief funding to reopening. He argues that other countries have reopened schools safely, although some he cites have used the hybrid model that DeVos decried.The Trump administration also has argued that it’s not just about academics. Students need access to meal programs and mental health services, it says.But Trump’s demands put him at odds with his own health officials. He&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/8c6cad882541d63afa924f93a1b2329a">rebuked the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a>&nbsp;for releasing school guidelines that he said were too tough.The poll finds about half of parents saying they are at least somewhat concerned about their child losing services like school lunches or counseling because of the pandemic.More say they are worried about their child falling behind academically: 55% are very concerned, with another 21% somewhat concerned.A majority of parents, 65%, are at least somewhat concerned about their own ability to juggle responsibilities.Jimmy La Londe, 70, of Hiawassee, Georgia, thinks schools should reopen with safety measures that local officials think are necessary. Still, La Londe, who considers himself a Republican, said keeping schools closed will only hurt students and anger taxpayers.“They have to keep the momentum, they have to keep people used to going to school,” he said. “I don’t think you can stop school forever.”The <a href="https://apnorc.org/">AP-NORC poll</a> of 1,057 adults was conducted July 16-20 using a sample drawn from NORC’s probability-based AmeriSpeak Panel, which is designed to be representative of the U.S. population. The margin of sampling error for all respondents is plus or minus 4.3 percentage points.___

AP-NORC poll: Very few Americans back full school reopening

University of Kansas Law School hosts forum on racial injustice

By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/07/21/kansas-activist-attorneys-say-police-reform-needs-transparency/">Kansas Reflector</a>

When Ursula Minor, 
president of the Lawrence branch of the NAACP, sat down with a former 
member of the Lawrence Police Department, she was surprised to hear his 
cavalier attitude toward issues of racial justice.

“They said they didn’t see
 any problems. They told me minorities hadn’t told them about any 
problems,” Minor said at a virtual forum Tuesday on racial injustice and
 policing reform in Kansas.

The forum hosted by the 
University of Kansas School of Law included policymakers, activists and 
attorneys, including Kansas City, Missouri, Mayor Quinton Lucas and 
Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett, chairman for the Kansas 
Criminal Justice Reform Commission.

Panelists called for 
increased transparency from law enforcement, starting with improved data
 collection from arrests and traffic stops.

Minor said her branch of 
the NAACP helped push Lawrence to begin tracking key demographic 
information from all stops, not just those that result in a ticket, the 
LPD policy at the time.

“Data collection was a 
need so that we can prove that there were a lot of stops to a lot of 
minorities,” Minor said. “Those stops lead to other issues, like how 
Lawrence has a high rate of minorities in its jails, higher than the 
rest of the country.”

Lauren Bonds, legal 
director for the ACLU of Kansas, expressed similar concerns over a lack 
of preliminary knowledge of the issues in these police reform 
conversations. She pushed further, saying there needs to be 
accountability when that transparency is present, as well.

“There’s a real 
opportunity to look at these barriers preventing us from holding people 
accountable again, like qualified immunity,” Bonds said.

Qualified immunity is a 
legal doctrine protecting public employees, including police officers, 
when they violate constitutional rights as long as they do not break any
 “clearly established” law. The way the doctrine is applied often makes 
it nearly impossible to hold law enforcement accountable, Bonds said.

“If you kill somebody, a prosecutor should be able to prosecute you,” Bonds said.

She pointed to the trial of officer Aaron Chafee, of the Wichita Police Department, <a href="https://www.kansas.com/news/local/crime/article240672146.html">who fatally shot Marquez Smart</a>,
 a 23-year-old unarmed Black man, from behind as he was lying face down 
in a parking lot in 2012. In 2018, a U.S. District Court ruling 
dismissed a lawsuit brought by Smart’s parents because the officer was 
protected under the qualified immunity doctrine.

Bennett, who was named 
Sedgwick County district attorney after the Smart case, and Melody 
Brannon, a federal public defender in Kansas, pointed to mental health 
as an area of emphasis in their efforts to curb racial injustice in the 
criminal justice system.

“A lot of my time is spent
 with people who are rearrested and they aren’t going back to jail for 
new crimes,” Brannon said. “They are going back because of addiction, 
and very often because of mental health problems.

Brannon said it was 
morally shortsighted and economically absurd to continue the practice of
 re-imprisoning those with mental health and addictions, rather than 
addressing the underlying problem.

“We have not provided treatment or mental health services. That needs to be a priority moving forward,” Brannon said.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595433688298.png" alt="The University of Kansas School of Law on Tuesday hosted a panel discussion on racial injustice with, clockwise from top left, Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett; Lauren Bonds, legal director, ACLU of Kansas; Melody Brannon, federal public defender in Kansas; Kansas City, Missouri, Mayor Quinton Lucas; Ursula Minor, president of the Lawrence branch of the NAACP, and Catina Taylor, founder of DREAMS KC. (Composite from submitted photos)" />
 <figcaption>The University of Kansas School of Law on Tuesday hosted a panel discussion on racial injustice with, clockwise from top left, Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett; Lauren Bonds, legal director, ACLU of Kansas; Melody Brannon, federal public defender in Kansas; Kansas City, Missouri, Mayor Quinton Lucas; Ursula Minor, president of the Lawrence branch of the NAACP, and Catina Taylor, founder of DREAMS KC. (Composite from submitted photos)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>University of Kansas Law School hosts forum on racial injustice</h2>By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/07/21/kansas-activist-attorneys-say-police-reform-needs-transparency/">Kansas Reflector</a>When Ursula Minor, 
president of the Lawrence branch of the NAACP, sat down with a former 
member of the Lawrence Police Department, she was surprised to hear his 
cavalier attitude toward issues of racial justice.“They said they didn’t see
 any problems. They told me minorities hadn’t told them about any 
problems,” Minor said at a virtual forum Tuesday on racial injustice and
 policing reform in Kansas.The forum hosted by the 
University of Kansas School of Law included policymakers, activists and 
attorneys, including Kansas City, Missouri, Mayor Quinton Lucas and 
Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett, chairman for the Kansas 
Criminal Justice Reform Commission.Panelists called for 
increased transparency from law enforcement, starting with improved data
 collection from arrests and traffic stops.Minor said her branch of 
the NAACP helped push Lawrence to begin tracking key demographic 
information from all stops, not just those that result in a ticket, the 
LPD policy at the time.“Data collection was a 
need so that we can prove that there were a lot of stops to a lot of 
minorities,” Minor said. “Those stops lead to other issues, like how 
Lawrence has a high rate of minorities in its jails, higher than the 
rest of the country.”Lauren Bonds, legal 
director for the ACLU of Kansas, expressed similar concerns over a lack 
of preliminary knowledge of the issues in these police reform 
conversations. She pushed further, saying there needs to be 
accountability when that transparency is present, as well.“There’s a real 
opportunity to look at these barriers preventing us from holding people 
accountable again, like qualified immunity,” Bonds said.Qualified immunity is a 
legal doctrine protecting public employees, including police officers, 
when they violate constitutional rights as long as they do not break any
 “clearly established” law. The way the doctrine is applied often makes 
it nearly impossible to hold law enforcement accountable, Bonds said.“If you kill somebody, a prosecutor should be able to prosecute you,” Bonds said.She pointed to the trial of officer Aaron Chafee, of the Wichita Police Department, <a href="https://www.kansas.com/news/local/crime/article240672146.html">who fatally shot Marquez Smart</a>,
 a 23-year-old unarmed Black man, from behind as he was lying face down 
in a parking lot in 2012. In 2018, a U.S. District Court ruling 
dismissed a lawsuit brought by Smart’s parents because the officer was 
protected under the qualified immunity doctrine.Bennett, who was named 
Sedgwick County district attorney after the Smart case, and Melody 
Brannon, a federal public defender in Kansas, pointed to mental health 
as an area of emphasis in their efforts to curb racial injustice in the 
criminal justice system.“A lot of my time is spent
 with people who are rearrested and they aren’t going back to jail for 
new crimes,” Brannon said. “They are going back because of addiction, 
and very often because of mental health problems.Brannon said it was 
morally shortsighted and economically absurd to continue the practice of
 re-imprisoning those with mental health and addictions, rather than 
addressing the underlying problem.“We have not provided treatment or mental health services. That needs to be a priority moving forward,” Brannon said.Noah Taborda started his journalism career in public radio at KBIA in Columbia, Missouri, covering local government and producing an episode of the podcast Show Me The State while earning his bachelor’s degree in radio broadcasting at the University of Missouri School of Journalism. Noah then made a short move to Kansas City, Missouri, to work at KCUR as an intern on the talk show Central Standard and then in the newsroom, reporting on daily news and feature stories.

Kansas activist, attorneys say police reform needs transparency

By <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-07-24/former-kansas-state-senate-president-dick-bond-has-died">Jim McLean</a>, Kansas News Service

TOPEKA, Kansas —&nbsp;Richard “Dick” Bond, a Republican former president of the Kansas Senate who later broke with the party as it grew more conservative, died Thursday.

He was 84 and had been in failing health.

Known for his humor and deft management of the Senate, the banker and attorney had a long political career.

He spent 25 years as a top aide to three members of Congress before serving 14 years in the Kansas Legislature representing a district covering Overland Park. He retired from office in 2001 after serving four years as Senate president.

Governing Magazine named Bond one of its “public officials of the year” in 2000 for securing $40 million for the first renovation of the Capitol building in Topeka since World War I.

At the time, Bond joked the project would probably be “the only thing I’ve done that will have lasting value and importance.”

State Sen. Anthony Hensley, the Democratic leader in the Senate, said Bond “single-handedly persuaded his fellow legislators to approve and finance (the Capitol renovation).”

Others remembered Bond for his support of public education and his skill in managing a divided Senate. In addition to Democrats, Bond needed to work with a growing group of more conservative Republicans intent on lowering taxes and tightening state restrictions on abortion.

“He was both gentle and tough at the same time,” said Burdett Loomis, a University of Kansas political scientist who manages a legislative internship program.“That’s a difficult combination, but I think Dick pulled it off.”

Bond broke with his party as it became more conservative. In 2014, he joined more than 100 GOP notables in backing House Democratic leader Paul Davis’ bid to unseat Republican Gov. Sam Brownback.

In February 2019, Bond joined two other former Republican Senate presidents in criticizing current Senate President Susan Wagle for blocking a vote on Medicaid expansion.

Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly, a former state senator, called Bond a friend in a statement and said she was “deeply saddened” to hear of his death.

Kelly said Bond’s ability to work across the aisle “served as a model for every member of the Legislature.”

David Adkins, a former Senate colleague of Bond’s and now the chief executive of the Council of State Governments, said on Facebook that Bond “left Kansas a better place for having lived a life of service.”

“Dick Bond will always represent the best of Kansas to me,” Adkins wrote.

Here's an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/b028no755v0an8c/Dick%20Bond%2009-06-19.mp3?dl=0" target="_blank">oral history of Bond talking</a>&nbsp;about his time in the Legislature.

Jim McLean is the senior correspondent for the Kansas News Service. You can reach him on Twitter&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/jmcleanks" target="_blank">@jmcleanks</a>&nbsp;or email jim (at) kcur (dot) org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595697971643.png" alt="Dick Bond&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; photo by Luke X. Martin/ Kansas News Service " />
 <figcaption>Dick Bond&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; photo by Luke X. Martin/ Kansas News Service </figcaption>
 </figure>By <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-07-24/former-kansas-state-senate-president-dick-bond-has-died">Jim McLean</a>, Kansas News ServiceTOPEKA, Kansas —&nbsp;Richard “Dick” Bond, a Republican former president of the Kansas Senate who later broke with the party as it grew more conservative, died Thursday.He was 84 and had been in failing health.Known for his humor and deft management of the Senate, the banker and attorney had a long political career.He spent 25 years as a top aide to three members of Congress before serving 14 years in the Kansas Legislature representing a district covering Overland Park. He retired from office in 2001 after serving four years as Senate president.Governing Magazine named Bond one of its “public officials of the year” in 2000 for securing $40 million for the first renovation of the Capitol building in Topeka since World War I.At the time, Bond joked the project would probably be “the only thing I’ve done that will have lasting value and importance.”State Sen. Anthony Hensley, the Democratic leader in the Senate, said Bond “single-handedly persuaded his fellow legislators to approve and finance (the Capitol renovation).”Others remembered Bond for his support of public education and his skill in managing a divided Senate. In addition to Democrats, Bond needed to work with a growing group of more conservative Republicans intent on lowering taxes and tightening state restrictions on abortion.“He was both gentle and tough at the same time,” said Burdett Loomis, a University of Kansas political scientist who manages a legislative internship program.“That’s a difficult combination, but I think Dick pulled it off.”Bond broke with his party as it became more conservative. In 2014, he joined more than 100 GOP notables in backing House Democratic leader Paul Davis’ bid to unseat Republican Gov. Sam Brownback.In February 2019, Bond joined two other former Republican Senate presidents in criticizing current Senate President Susan Wagle for blocking a vote on Medicaid expansion.Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly, a former state senator, called Bond a friend in a statement and said she was “deeply saddened” to hear of his death.Kelly said Bond’s ability to work across the aisle “served as a model for every member of the Legislature.”David Adkins, a former Senate colleague of Bond’s and now the chief executive of the Council of State Governments, said on Facebook that Bond “left Kansas a better place for having lived a life of service.”“Dick Bond will always represent the best of Kansas to me,” Adkins wrote.Here's an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/b028no755v0an8c/Dick%20Bond%2009-06-19.mp3?dl=0" target="_blank">oral history of Bond talking</a>&nbsp;about his time in the Legislature.Jim McLean is the senior correspondent for the Kansas News Service. You can reach him on Twitter&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/jmcleanks" target="_blank">@jmcleanks</a>&nbsp;or email jim (at) kcur (dot) org.

Former Kansas Senate president Dick Bond dies

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas on Friday reported its worst week-long spike in COVID-19-related deaths since June 1 as the number of reported cases rose past 25,000.

The state Department of Health and Environment said Kansas has had 326 death since the pandemic reached the state in early March, up 18 or 5.8% since Wednesday.

The state has reported an additional 27 deaths over the previous seven days for an average of 3.86 a day. The last time the average for the previous seven days was that high was June 1, when it was 4.14.

The state health department also reported that Kansas had 1,005 new reported coronavirus cases since Wednesday, an increase of 4.2% to bring the total for the pandemic to 25,109. However, the number of cases is thought to be far higher because people can be infected without feeling ill and because of low testing, particularly early in the pandemic.

Health department head and Dr. Lee Norman tweeted, “Wrong direction!”

The state has reported 3,144 new coronavirus cases over the past seven days, an increase of 14.3%. The rolling seven-day average for new cases was 449. That’s lower than it has been in the past two weeks but well above the state’s last peak in May.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594727612359.png" alt="KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman during a governor's press conference in early June." />
 <figcaption>KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman during a governor's press conference in early June.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas on Friday reported its worst week-long spike in COVID-19-related deaths since June 1 as the number of reported cases rose past 25,000.The state Department of Health and Environment said Kansas has had 326 death since the pandemic reached the state in early March, up 18 or 5.8% since Wednesday.The state has reported an additional 27 deaths over the previous seven days for an average of 3.86 a day. The last time the average for the previous seven days was that high was June 1, when it was 4.14.The state health department also reported that Kansas had 1,005 new reported coronavirus cases since Wednesday, an increase of 4.2% to bring the total for the pandemic to 25,109. However, the number of cases is thought to be far higher because people can be infected without feeling ill and because of low testing, particularly early in the pandemic.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Wrong direction! In Kansas, 1005 new cases &amp; 18 deaths since Wed. Cases recorded in 103 counties (surely the remaining two have had undiagnosed cases). Masks, social distancing, clean hands, and stay home from mass gatherings! It’s not worth it. Fix this so schools open safely.&mdash; Lee Norman (@SecNorman) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecNorman/status/1286697604844265472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 24, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Health department head and Dr. Lee Norman tweeted, “Wrong direction!”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595610236246.png" alt="July 24, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>July 24, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>The state has reported 3,144 new coronavirus cases over the past seven days, an increase of 14.3%. The rolling seven-day average for new cases was 449. That’s lower than it has been in the past two weeks but well above the state’s last peak in May.

Kansas has worst 7-day spike in COVID-19 deaths since June 1

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas School of Engineering and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment have expanded a project to detect COVID-19 virus in the wastewater systems of local communities across the state.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/ku-partners-kansas-department-health-environment-trace-covid-19-wastewater-treatment-plants">original project launched this spring</a>&nbsp;looked for evidence of the virus in a dozen Kansas communities. This summer, that roster has expanded to 18 communities, including some in western Kansas. KU has also partnered with the City of Lawrence to test that city’s wastewater weekly.

“The idea is we can’t test everybody in our community,” said Belinda Sturm, associate vice chancellor for research and professor of civil, environmental &amp; architectural engineering, “but we can test the catchment to see if COVID is present in our community, if it’s increasing or decreasing.”

In late April, Sturm began collecting samples from wastewater plants — ranging from big urban plants to small-town lagoon systems from around the state — using a test that looks for signs of the virus’ RNA. Studies from the Netherlands and Massachusetts suggest that such analyses can help local officials understand if the virus is present in their community — and if so, how widespread any outbreak might be.

The results so far: The wastewater sampling technique appears able to give Kansas researchers a one-week heads up that the coronavirus is surging in a community, before the case numbers and hospitalizations begin to officially rise.

“It’s a way for us to make sure the community is aware of the prevalence of COVID in the community,” Sturm said. “So that we are not responding after the spike, but preparing before the spike.”

But researchers and public health officials are still figuring out the best way to make use of the information, she added.” Right now, the data is so new we have to get to the point where we know how to use it and have confidence in it.”

The preliminary results have been encouraging enough to warrant expanding the effort to other communities. The City of Lawrence plans to use the information to be ready for any increased demand on medical personnel, equipment and other health resources.

“The wastewater study is a great example of how our community is collaborating and using every tool in our toolbox to plan and prepare for fighting coronavirus,” said Sonia Jordan, director of informatics for Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health. “This study will help us make informed decisions moving forward, including related to staffing, bandwidth and surge capacity.”

Sturm began the project after KDHE reached out to her.

“I’ve worked with Professor Sturm on a lot of things — I knew she was on the cutting edge on a lot of issues regarding wastewater,” said Tom Stiles, who directs the Bureau of Water for KDHE. “She jumped right on in.”

One technical challenge, Sturm and Stiles said, is determining how sensitive the test is. Can it detect just a few cases in a large urban wastewater system? Can it give an accurate sense of how widespread an outbreak is in the community?

“We don’t want false negatives, and we don’t want false positives,” Sturm said. “It’s like looking for a needle in a haystack.”

Sturm wanted to emphasize that observing viral RNA in wastewater does not imply that the wastewater is infectious. According to the Centers for Disease Control, researchers do not know whether this virus can cause disease if a person is exposed to untreated wastewater or sewage systems. There is no evidence to date that this has occurred.

KU and KDHE are sharing their results with other researchers nationwide in order to help develop best practices for detecting and fighting the virus. That should benefit the state of Kansas, Sturm and Stiles said.

“This is part of a wide initiative across the world,” Sturm said. “Across the US there are a lot of folks like me who are doing this, and we’re talking together. A lot of academics are exchanging knowledge right now, in real time — we usually wait to publish. From a science perspective, it’s really cool to see our scientific infrastructure respond to this crisis.”

KU News ServiceLAWRENCE — The University of Kansas School of Engineering and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment have expanded a project to detect COVID-19 virus in the wastewater systems of local communities across the state.<figure>
 <img src="https://news.ku.edu/sites/news.ku.edu/files/images/general/2020_news/july/sturm%20wastewater%20225.jpg" alt="Belinda Sturm" />
 <figcaption>Belinda Sturm</figcaption>
 </figure>The&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/ku-partners-kansas-department-health-environment-trace-covid-19-wastewater-treatment-plants">original project launched this spring</a>&nbsp;looked for evidence of the virus in a dozen Kansas communities. This summer, that roster has expanded to 18 communities, including some in western Kansas. KU has also partnered with the City of Lawrence to test that city’s wastewater weekly.“The idea is we can’t test everybody in our community,” said Belinda Sturm, associate vice chancellor for research and professor of civil, environmental &amp; architectural engineering, “but we can test the catchment to see if COVID is present in our community, if it’s increasing or decreasing.”In late April, Sturm began collecting samples from wastewater plants — ranging from big urban plants to small-town lagoon systems from around the state — using a test that looks for signs of the virus’ RNA. Studies from the Netherlands and Massachusetts suggest that such analyses can help local officials understand if the virus is present in their community — and if so, how widespread any outbreak might be.The results so far: The wastewater sampling technique appears able to give Kansas researchers a one-week heads up that the coronavirus is surging in a community, before the case numbers and hospitalizations begin to officially rise.“It’s a way for us to make sure the community is aware of the prevalence of COVID in the community,” Sturm said. “So that we are not responding after the spike, but preparing before the spike.”But researchers and public health officials are still figuring out the best way to make use of the information, she added.” Right now, the data is so new we have to get to the point where we know how to use it and have confidence in it.”The preliminary results have been encouraging enough to warrant expanding the effort to other communities. The City of Lawrence plans to use the information to be ready for any increased demand on medical personnel, equipment and other health resources.“The wastewater study is a great example of how our community is collaborating and using every tool in our toolbox to plan and prepare for fighting coronavirus,” said Sonia Jordan, director of informatics for Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health. “This study will help us make informed decisions moving forward, including related to staffing, bandwidth and surge capacity.”Sturm began the project after KDHE reached out to her.“I’ve worked with Professor Sturm on a lot of things — I knew she was on the cutting edge on a lot of issues regarding wastewater,” said Tom Stiles, who directs the Bureau of Water for KDHE. “She jumped right on in.”One technical challenge, Sturm and Stiles said, is determining how sensitive the test is. Can it detect just a few cases in a large urban wastewater system? Can it give an accurate sense of how widespread an outbreak is in the community?“We don’t want false negatives, and we don’t want false positives,” Sturm said. “It’s like looking for a needle in a haystack.”Sturm wanted to emphasize that observing viral RNA in wastewater does not imply that the wastewater is infectious. According to the Centers for Disease Control, researchers do not know whether this virus can cause disease if a person is exposed to untreated wastewater or sewage systems. There is no evidence to date that this has occurred.KU and KDHE are sharing their results with other researchers nationwide in order to help develop best practices for detecting and fighting the virus. That should benefit the state of Kansas, Sturm and Stiles said.“This is part of a wide initiative across the world,” Sturm said. “Across the US there are a lot of folks like me who are doing this, and we’re talking together. A lot of academics are exchanging knowledge right now, in real time — we usually wait to publish. From a science perspective, it’s really cool to see our scientific infrastructure respond to this crisis.”

 COVID-19 in wastewater provides early warning to Kansans

A quick cheat sheet to get you ready for the next election in Kansas, the Aug. 4 primary

By ERICA HUNZINGER <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-07-24/your-guide-to-the-2020-kansas-congressional-primary-races">Kansas News Service</a>

Political campaigns are competing against a pandemic for Kansans’ 
attention. So, heads up: There’s a big primary election on the horizon.

The
 first step toward a new senator from Kansas in Washington, D.C., begins
 Aug. 4, though there’s more at stake than just deciding which 
Republican will go up against Democrat Barbara Bollier in fall.

Three
 of the state’s four U.S. House seats are in play — one is wide open, 
another pits incumbent vs. his party and yet has another a crowded 
field.

The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day, <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-06-22/more-kansans-are-asking-for-mail-ballots-while-officials-work-to-make-polling-places-pandemic-safe" target="_blank">with extra safety measures in place</a>
 (masks are suggested but not required). You don’t have to go in person.
 Many Kansans are turning to mail-in ballots to avoid an extra trip 
outside the home, but remember, they must be postmarked by Aug. 4.

Sen. Pat Roberts has spent more than 40 years in Congress representing Kansas, 23 of those in the Senate. But <a href="https://www.harvestpublicmedia.org/post/us-senator-who-helped-shape-8-farm-bills-wont-run-re-election-2020" target="_blank">he’s hanging it up</a> after this year.

The field for the Republican nomination to replace him <a href="https://www.kcur.org/politics-elections-and-government/2020-03-30/10-and-counting-your-guide-to-the-candidates-competing-for-kansas-u-s-sen-pat-roberts-job" target="_blank">looks big</a>,
 but it’s dominated by four men. Former NFL player Dave Lindstrom and 
Kansas City-area businessman Bob Hamilton have the money and visibility 
to be competitive, but the headlines focus on two more well-known 
players: former Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach and U.S. Rep. 
Roger Marshall from the 1st Congressional District.

The <a href="https://www.npr.org/2020/05/28/864410817/republicans-are-worried-they-may-lose-a-senate-seat-in-kansas" target="_blank">concern</a> among more moderate Republicans is that Kobach could get the nod from primary voters, <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-07-20/democrats-want-to-face-kobach-in-senate-race-but-a-gop-group-is-spending-millions-to-stop-him" target="_blank">he won’t cut it </a>against
 a Democratic candidate who flipped parties after President Donald Trump
 got into office. Roberts recently endorsed Marshall, a doctor.

The Big 1st represents more than half of 
Kansas’ counties, stretching from just east of Manhattan, south to 
Hutchinson and west to the Colorado border.

There’s a big bunch of
 candidates looking to fill the wide-open congressional seat being 
vacated by Marshall so he can run for the Senate. We spoke to most of 
them, Democrats and Republicans, earlier this month to understand <a href="https://www.hppr.org/post/look-sizable-pool-candidates-hoping-represent-kansas-big-1st" target="_blank">where they stand</a> on the most pressing issues of the year.

It’s rare for a sitting congressman to face a challenge from his party. But <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-07-13/outsider-kansas-republican-congressman-faces-a-challenge-from-fellow-conservatives" target="_blank">here we are</a>, with freshman U.S. Rep. Steve Watkins going up against Kansas Treasurer Jake LaTurner and former state official Dennis Taylor.

Even rarer is a sitting congressman <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-07-14/topeka-congressman-steve-watkins-charged-with-felonies-over-voter-registration-at-ups-store" target="_blank">charged with felonies</a> related to voter registration about a month before a primary. We’re there, too, and explain how <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-07-21/felony-voter-registration-charges-altered-the-dynamics-of-u-s-rep-watkins-run-for-a-second-term" target="_blank">that’s changed the race</a> and the pile of endorsements.

In the Democratic primary, Topeka Mayor <a href="https://www.michelleforkansas.com/" target="_blank">Michelle De La Isla</a>
 has the money advantage — and star power town-hall fundraiser assists 
from U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren and former presidential candidate Pete 
Buttigeig — over <a href="https://www.jamesforkansas.com/" target="_blank">James Windholz</a>.

The 3rd District, which covers Johnson, Wyandotte and a slice of Miami counties, also has a packed primary.

<a href="https://www.kcur.org/politics-elections-and-government/2020-04-20/meet-the-five-republicans-looking-to-unseat-u-s-rep-sharice-davids-in-november" target="_blank">Five Republicans</a>
 are looking to go up against first-term U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, one 
of the first Native American women to serve in Congress who beat the 
incumbent GOP opponent in 2018 by 9 percentage points.

Their experiences range from the executive suite to the Statehouse, and all of them have had to <a href="https://www.kcur.org/politics-elections-and-government/2020-07-22/the-crowded-field-for-kansas-3rd-district-charging-toward-gop-primary-with-a-focus-on-issues-money" target="_blank">shift their focus</a> to topics that are top-of-mind for voters in a district that is racially diverse and financially well-off.

Neither
 candidate, Republican U.S. Rep. Ron Estes and Democrat Lombard, has 
contested primary races. Check back during the general election for 
stories about this seat, for which Estes is seeking his third term.

Erica Hunzinger is the news editor for the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/ehunzinger" target="_blank">@ehunzinger</a> or email her at erica@kcur.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595618651933.jpeg" alt="Shawnee County voting machines in 2018. Celia Llopis-Jepsen / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Shawnee County voting machines in 2018. Celia Llopis-Jepsen / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>A quick cheat sheet to get you ready for the next election in Kansas, the Aug. 4 primary</h2>By ERICA HUNZINGER <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-07-24/your-guide-to-the-2020-kansas-congressional-primary-races">Kansas News Service</a>Political campaigns are competing against a pandemic for Kansans’ 
attention. So, heads up: There’s a big primary election on the horizon.The
 first step toward a new senator from Kansas in Washington, D.C., begins
 Aug. 4, though there’s more at stake than just deciding which 
Republican will go up against Democrat Barbara Bollier in fall.Three
 of the state’s four U.S. House seats are in play — one is wide open, 
another pits incumbent vs. his party and yet has another a crowded 
field.The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day, <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-06-22/more-kansans-are-asking-for-mail-ballots-while-officials-work-to-make-polling-places-pandemic-safe" target="_blank">with extra safety measures in place</a>
 (masks are suggested but not required). You don’t have to go in person.
 Many Kansans are turning to mail-in ballots to avoid an extra trip 
outside the home, but remember, they must be postmarked by Aug. 4.Here’s a handy rundown on the races.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595618727433.jpeg" alt="Kobach / File photo" />
 <figcaption>Kobach / File photo</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>U.S. Senate</h2>Sen. Pat Roberts has spent more than 40 years in Congress representing Kansas, 23 of those in the Senate. But <a href="https://www.harvestpublicmedia.org/post/us-senator-who-helped-shape-8-farm-bills-wont-run-re-election-2020" target="_blank">he’s hanging it up</a> after this year.The field for the Republican nomination to replace him <a href="https://www.kcur.org/politics-elections-and-government/2020-03-30/10-and-counting-your-guide-to-the-candidates-competing-for-kansas-u-s-sen-pat-roberts-job" target="_blank">looks big</a>,
 but it’s dominated by four men. Former NFL player Dave Lindstrom and 
Kansas City-area businessman Bob Hamilton have the money and visibility 
to be competitive, but the headlines focus on two more well-known 
players: former Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach and U.S. Rep. 
Roger Marshall from the 1st Congressional District.The <a href="https://www.npr.org/2020/05/28/864410817/republicans-are-worried-they-may-lose-a-senate-seat-in-kansas" target="_blank">concern</a> among more moderate Republicans is that Kobach could get the nod from primary voters, <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-07-20/democrats-want-to-face-kobach-in-senate-race-but-a-gop-group-is-spending-millions-to-stop-him" target="_blank">he won’t cut it </a>against
 a Democratic candidate who flipped parties after President Donald Trump
 got into office. Roberts recently endorsed Marshall, a doctor.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595618763592.jpeg" alt="Corinne Boyer" />
 <figcaption>Corinne Boyer</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>1st District</h2>The Big 1st represents more than half of 
Kansas’ counties, stretching from just east of Manhattan, south to 
Hutchinson and west to the Colorado border.There’s a big bunch of
 candidates looking to fill the wide-open congressional seat being 
vacated by Marshall so he can run for the Senate. We spoke to most of 
them, Democrats and Republicans, earlier this month to understand <a href="https://www.hppr.org/post/look-sizable-pool-candidates-hoping-represent-kansas-big-1st" target="_blank">where they stand</a> on the most pressing issues of the year.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595618808187.jpeg" alt="U.S. Rep. Steve Watkins on Election Night in 2018. Brian Grimmett" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Rep. Steve Watkins on Election Night in 2018. Brian Grimmett</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>2nd District</h2>It’s rare for a sitting congressman to face a challenge from his party. But <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-07-13/outsider-kansas-republican-congressman-faces-a-challenge-from-fellow-conservatives" target="_blank">here we are</a>, with freshman U.S. Rep. Steve Watkins going up against Kansas Treasurer Jake LaTurner and former state official Dennis Taylor.Even rarer is a sitting congressman <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-07-14/topeka-congressman-steve-watkins-charged-with-felonies-over-voter-registration-at-ups-store" target="_blank">charged with felonies</a> related to voter registration about a month before a primary. We’re there, too, and explain how <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-07-21/felony-voter-registration-charges-altered-the-dynamics-of-u-s-rep-watkins-run-for-a-second-term" target="_blank">that’s changed the race</a> and the pile of endorsements.In the Democratic primary, Topeka Mayor <a href="https://www.michelleforkansas.com/" target="_blank">Michelle De La Isla</a>
 has the money advantage — and star power town-hall fundraiser assists 
from U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren and former presidential candidate Pete 
Buttigeig — over <a href="https://www.jamesforkansas.com/" target="_blank">James Windholz</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595618848373.jpeg" alt="Adrienne Vallejo-Foster campaigns in July for the 3rd Congressional District GOP nomination. Aviva Okeson-Haberman" />
 <figcaption>Adrienne Vallejo-Foster campaigns in July for the 3rd Congressional District GOP nomination. Aviva Okeson-Haberman</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>3rd District</h2>The 3rd District, which covers Johnson, Wyandotte and a slice of Miami counties, also has a packed primary.<a href="https://www.kcur.org/politics-elections-and-government/2020-04-20/meet-the-five-republicans-looking-to-unseat-u-s-rep-sharice-davids-in-november" target="_blank">Five Republicans</a>
 are looking to go up against first-term U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, one 
of the first Native American women to serve in Congress who beat the 
incumbent GOP opponent in 2018 by 9 percentage points.Their experiences range from the executive suite to the Statehouse, and all of them have had to <a href="https://www.kcur.org/politics-elections-and-government/2020-07-22/the-crowded-field-for-kansas-3rd-district-charging-toward-gop-primary-with-a-focus-on-issues-money" target="_blank">shift their focus</a> to topics that are top-of-mind for voters in a district that is racially diverse and financially well-off.<h2>4th District</h2>Neither
 candidate, Republican U.S. Rep. Ron Estes and Democrat Lombard, has 
contested primary races. Check back during the general election for 
stories about this seat, for which Estes is seeking his third term.Erica Hunzinger is the news editor for the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/ehunzinger" target="_blank">@ehunzinger</a> or email her at erica@kcur.org.

Your guide to the 2020 Kansas congressional primary races

SHAWNEE COUNTY– Law enforcement authorities are investigating a woman who was arrested after barricaded herself inside a home for nearly three hours.

Just after noon Thursday, police responded to the 1200 block of SE Monroe Street in Topeka on a report of an aggravated burglary and an attempted kidnapping that had just occurred, according to Lt. Ron Ekis.

The suspect reportedly entered a home and took an item. After leaving the home, the suspect reportedly attempted to kidnap a child. The child’s mother was able to protect the child from the suspect, according to Ekis. No injuries were reported in either incident.

Shortly after officers responded to the area, the suspect, later identified as Shelby Parker, 40, of Topeka barricaded herself inside a home in the 1100 block of SE Madison Street.

The Topeka Response Team and Crisis Negotiators responded to the scene to negotiate with Parker. They took her into custody just after&nbsp;4 p.m.&nbsp;

She was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of, Attempted Kidnapping, Aggravated Burglary, Child Endangerment, Battery, Interference and Theft.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595586478405.png" alt="Parker -photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Parker -photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY– Law enforcement authorities are investigating a woman who was arrested after barricaded herself inside a home for nearly three hours.Just after noon Thursday, police responded to the 1200 block of SE Monroe Street in Topeka on a report of an aggravated burglary and an attempted kidnapping that had just occurred, according to Lt. Ron Ekis.The suspect reportedly entered a home and took an item. After leaving the home, the suspect reportedly attempted to kidnap a child. The child’s mother was able to protect the child from the suspect, according to Ekis. No injuries were reported in either incident.Shortly after officers responded to the area, the suspect, later identified as Shelby Parker, 40, of Topeka barricaded herself inside a home in the 1100 block of SE Madison Street.The Topeka Response Team and Crisis Negotiators responded to the scene to negotiate with Parker. They took her into custody just after&nbsp;4 p.m.&nbsp;She was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of, Attempted Kidnapping, Aggravated Burglary, Child Endangerment, Battery, Interference and Theft.

Mother saves child from alleged kidnapping suspect 

RILEY COUNTY—The search for one of two alligators taken from Reptile World in Manhattan is over. The store reported late Thursday their gator&nbsp;Beauregard has been captured out of Wildcat Creek and is now safely back home at the store.

The 5-foot alligator was captured Thursday after it was seen sunbathing near the creek. The owners of Manhattan Reptile World reported the two alligators were stolen in early June. One was spotted in Wildcat Creek days later but it ultimately drowned in a trap. 

The second alligator, named Beauregard, was captured Thursday when a member of a construction crew, Hunter Cragg, waded into the creek and grabbed it, after efforts to catch it with bait were unsuccessful. Officials don’t know who took the alligators or how they ended up in the creek.

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

- The Associated Press contributed to this story

RILEY COUNTY — One of two alligators stolen from Reptile World in Manhattan has been found and has died.

The owners of Reptile World reported on social media late Saturday, "We are very sad to report that our alligator that was in Wildcat Creek was found dead tonight. He somehow fell into the water after getting caught in the trap set out for him/her. It’s a very sad outcome but he/she is out of the water now RIP. Our other alligator has not been found."

The section of Linear Trail between S. Manhattan Avenue and Pecan Circle will remain closed until the animals are captured safely. Reptile World acquired the two animals as rescues. One was rescued from Kansas City where it was living in a pool at a private residence, and the other was rescued from the bathtub of a private residence in Manhattan.

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595586692767.png" alt="Photo courtesy Reptile World" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Reptile World</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY—The search for one of two alligators taken from Reptile World in Manhattan is over. The store reported late Thursday their gator&nbsp;Beauregard has been captured out of Wildcat Creek and is now safely back home at the store.The 5-foot alligator was captured Thursday after it was seen sunbathing near the creek. The owners of Manhattan Reptile World reported the two alligators were stolen in early June. One was spotted in Wildcat Creek days later but it ultimately drowned in a trap. The second alligator, named Beauregard, was captured Thursday when a member of a construction crew, Hunter Cragg, waded into the creek and grabbed it, after efforts to catch it with bait were unsuccessful. Officials don’t know who took the alligators or how they ended up in the creek.It's illegal to have an alligator this size in the city of Manhattan without a pet store license, according to the RCPD.- The Associated Press contributed to this story-------RILEY COUNTY — One of two alligators stolen from Reptile World in Manhattan has been found and has died.The owners of Reptile World reported on social media late Saturday, "We are very sad to report that our alligator that was in Wildcat Creek was found dead tonight. He somehow fell into the water after getting caught in the trap set out for him/her. It’s a very sad outcome but he/she is out of the water now RIP. Our other alligator has not been found."The section of Linear Trail between S. Manhattan Avenue and Pecan Circle will remain closed until the animals are captured safely. Reptile World acquired the two animals as rescues. One was rescued from Kansas City where it was living in a pool at a private residence, and the other was rescued from the bathtub of a private residence in Manhattan.--------------MANHATTAN —Two 5-foot long alligators were taken from Reptile World, 1917 Fort Riley Blvd in Manhattan on Friday night, according to the Riley County Police Department.It's illegal to have an alligator this size in the city of Manhattan without a pet store license, according to the RCPD.If you have any info on the gators, contact Riley County Police or Crime Stoppers.

Update: Second stolen alligator recovered in Manhattan

TOPEKA, Kansas – Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) Secretary Jeff Zmuda announced Friday that one resident at the Hutchinson Correctional Facility (HCF) and five residents at the El Dorado Correctional Facility (EDCF) have tested positive for COVID-19.

Earlier in the month, one staff member at both HCF and EDCF were identified as positive for COVID-19. Contact tracing occurred and mass testing took place of the living units that had been exposed to the identified staff members. At HCF, 158 residents were tested. At EDCF, 400 residents were tested, according to a media release from the KDOC.

The resident at HCF is a male over the age of 20. The EDCF residents are all males over the ages of 30, 40, 50, 50 and 70. All men are asymptomatic. In order to protect their identities, no other information will be released. Mandatory mask protocol for staff and residents was implemented on July 3.

The KDOC has been in consultation with officials from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) on next steps to address these circumstances. As a result of that consultation with KDHE, the following steps were implemented:

“We are thankful that the contact tracing and mass testing appears to be doing what it is intended to do,” Zmuda said. “With this method, we have been able to identify the positive cases and isolate them before the virus spreads throughout the entire facility.”

These 10 men plus one from Norton Correctional Facility (NCF) are in an isolation unit by themselves at LCF.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586545600154.png" alt="KDOC Secretary Jeff Zmuda during a press briefing for the governor's office in March" />
 <figcaption>KDOC Secretary Jeff Zmuda during a press briefing for the governor's office in March</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kansas – Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) Secretary Jeff Zmuda announced Friday that one resident at the Hutchinson Correctional Facility (HCF) and five residents at the El Dorado Correctional Facility (EDCF) have tested positive for COVID-19.Earlier in the month, one staff member at both HCF and EDCF were identified as positive for COVID-19. Contact tracing occurred and mass testing took place of the living units that had been exposed to the identified staff members. At HCF, 158 residents were tested. At EDCF, 400 residents were tested, according to a media release from the KDOC.The resident at HCF is a male over the age of 20. The EDCF residents are all males over the ages of 30, 40, 50, 50 and 70. All men are asymptomatic. In order to protect their identities, no other information will be released. Mandatory mask protocol for staff and residents was implemented on July 3.The KDOC has been in consultation with officials from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) on next steps to address these circumstances. As a result of that consultation with KDHE, the following steps were implemented:<ul>
 <li>All six men and an additional four EDCF men, who were roommates of those who tested positive, were moved to Lansing Correctional Facility (LCF) to be in a more modern facility that is better equipped to control the spread of the virus</li><li>Additional testing will take place at both HCF and EDCF as we continue to work to control the spread</li><li>KDOC will remain diligent in monitoring other staff and residents for symptoms</li>
 </ul>“We are thankful that the contact tracing and mass testing appears to be doing what it is intended to do,” Zmuda said. “With this method, we have been able to identify the positive cases and isolate them before the virus spreads throughout the entire facility.”These 10 men plus one from Norton Correctional Facility (NCF) are in an isolation unit by themselves at LCF.

More coronavirus cases reported in Kansas prisons

FINNEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal vehicle vs pedestrian crash and asking the public for help to locate a vehicle that left the scene.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol Albarran Martin Castro, 49, Garden City, was walking, in the south lane of U.S. 83 eight miles south of Garden City between 12a.m. and 3a.m. Friday. 

An unknown vehicle struck and killed Castro, according to KHP Trooper Michael Racy.

When troopers arrived, the vehicle was gone.&nbsp; Anyone with information on the crash should call the KHP (620)-276-3201.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/9/1569406984684.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal vehicle vs pedestrian crash and asking the public for help to locate a vehicle that left the scene.According to the Kansas Highway Patrol Albarran Martin Castro, 49, Garden City, was walking, in the south lane of U.S. 83 eight miles south of Garden City between 12a.m. and 3a.m. Friday. An unknown vehicle struck and killed Castro, according to KHP Trooper Michael Racy.When troopers arrived, the vehicle was gone.&nbsp; Anyone with information on the crash should call the KHP (620)-276-3201.

KHP investigating hit and run crash that killed Kansas man

SUMNER COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal shooting in Wellington have identified the victim as Travis A. Schneider, 34, of Wellington, according to Police Chief Tracy Heath.

A 1:43p.m. Wednesday, police responded to a shooting in the 800 block of East 16th Street in Wellington, according Police Captain Paul Nefzger.

Upon arrival officers found Schneider who had been shot in the chest. He died at the scene.

According to Nefzger, investigators determined two vehicle were&nbsp; westbound on 16th Street when someone in a car shot at the pickup and hit Schneider.

After visiting with witnesses, police had one suspect in custody Wednesday evening, according to Nefzger. 

&nbsp;Walter Edward Taylor, 21, is being held without bond on a requested charge of second-degree murder, according to online jail records in Sumner County.&nbsp; Formal charges in the case are expected Friday afternoon, according to Nefzger.

Officers continue to question others and have received videos from citizens to assist with the investigation, according to Nefzger.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595470296475.png" alt="Police on the scene of the shooting investigation in Wellington photo courtesy KAKE" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the shooting investigation in Wellington photo courtesy KAKE</figcaption>
 </figure>SUMNER COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal shooting in Wellington have identified the victim as Travis A. Schneider, 34, of Wellington, according to Police Chief Tracy Heath.A 1:43p.m. Wednesday, police responded to a shooting in the 800 block of East 16th Street in Wellington, according Police Captain Paul Nefzger.Upon arrival officers found Schneider who had been shot in the chest. He died at the scene.According to Nefzger, investigators determined two vehicle were&nbsp; westbound on 16th Street when someone in a car shot at the pickup and hit Schneider.After visiting with witnesses, police had one suspect in custody Wednesday evening, according to Nefzger. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595602996599.png" alt="Walter Taylor- photo Sumner Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Walter Taylor- photo Sumner Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Walter Edward Taylor, 21, is being held without bond on a requested charge of second-degree murder, according to online jail records in Sumner County.&nbsp; Formal charges in the case are expected Friday afternoon, according to Nefzger.Officers continue to question others and have received videos from citizens to assist with the investigation, according to Nefzger.

Police ID victim in fatal drive-by shooting in Wellington 

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 1005 to a total of 24,104 the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;

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

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 1005 to a total of 24,104 the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 326<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Wrong direction! In Kansas, 1005 new cases &amp; 18 deaths since Wed. Cases recorded in 103 counties (surely the remaining two have had undiagnosed cases). Masks, social distancing, clean hands, and stay home from mass gatherings! It’s not worth it. Fix this so schools open safely.&mdash; Lee Norman (@SecNorman) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecNorman/status/1286697604844265472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 24, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional numbers from the KDHE.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595610236246.png" alt="Friday July 24, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Friday July 24, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

PRATT COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating three suspects on multiple charges after a high-speed chase in Pratt County.&nbsp;

Just after 7:30a.m. Thursday Pratt County 911 was advised of a high speed chase with Kansas Highway Patrol officers, and Kingman County sheriff’s deputies coming west through Kingman County, according to sheriff Jimmy White.

Pratt County Sheriff’s Units were notified and began preparing. Pratt Police Officers also set up inside the City of Pratt, in case the chase made it to the city limits.

The driver of the vehicle was able to avoid spike strips as they neared the city of Pratt, and at one time swerved the vehicle at a Pratt County Sheriff’s Deputy.

The driver showed no concern for public safety as they drove through fences, ditches, and signs prior to, and as they entered the city of Pratt.

The chase continued through Pratt until officers lost sight of the vehicle in morning traffic.

The vehicle, a silver and black Camaro was found a short time later in the northwest part of Pratt hidden in some trees a short distance from the roadway near several houses.

A large manhunt began involving the Pratt County Sheriff’s Office, Pratt Police Department, Kansas Highway Patrol, Kiowa County Sheriff’s Office, Pratt County EMS, Pratt County Fire, Pratt County Emergency Management, and a Game Warden from the Kansas Department of Wildlife Parks and Tourism.

Three suspicious individuals were seen later in another part of town and Pratt Police Officers were able to keep an eye on them until they were seen walking to a local motel.

Officers were able to look in the vehicle and find information identifying one of the subjects, who were confirmed as one of the persons purchasing the room at the Motel.

Officers surrounded the motel for a short time, and the three individuals surrendered without incident after a brief standoff.

The suspects identified as 23-year-old Cardell Wilson, 23-year-old Dion Winston and 26-year-old Bobby Hudson, according to online jail records, are being held on requested charges&nbsp; of Aggravated Assault on a law enforcement officer, felony flee and elude, possession of stolen property, reckless driving, and leaving the scene of an accident.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595589569452.png" alt="Cardell Wilson -photo Pratt Co." />
 <figcaption>Cardell Wilson -photo Pratt Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>PRATT COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating three suspects on multiple charges after a high-speed chase in Pratt County.&nbsp;Just after 7:30a.m. Thursday Pratt County 911 was advised of a high speed chase with Kansas Highway Patrol officers, and Kingman County sheriff’s deputies coming west through Kingman County, according to sheriff Jimmy White.Pratt County Sheriff’s Units were notified and began preparing. Pratt Police Officers also set up inside the City of Pratt, in case the chase made it to the city limits.The driver of the vehicle was able to avoid spike strips as they neared the city of Pratt, and at one time swerved the vehicle at a Pratt County Sheriff’s Deputy.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595589592194.png" alt="Dion Winston photo Pratt Co." />
 <figcaption>Dion Winston photo Pratt Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The driver showed no concern for public safety as they drove through fences, ditches, and signs prior to, and as they entered the city of Pratt.The chase continued through Pratt until officers lost sight of the vehicle in morning traffic.The vehicle, a silver and black Camaro was found a short time later in the northwest part of Pratt hidden in some trees a short distance from the roadway near several houses.A large manhunt began involving the Pratt County Sheriff’s Office, Pratt Police Department, Kansas Highway Patrol, Kiowa County Sheriff’s Office, Pratt County EMS, Pratt County Fire, Pratt County Emergency Management, and a Game Warden from the Kansas Department of Wildlife Parks and Tourism.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595589614191.png" alt="Bobby Hudson photo Pratt Co." />
 <figcaption>Bobby Hudson photo Pratt Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Three suspicious individuals were seen later in another part of town and Pratt Police Officers were able to keep an eye on them until they were seen walking to a local motel.Officers were able to look in the vehicle and find information identifying one of the subjects, who were confirmed as one of the persons purchasing the room at the Motel.Officers surrounded the motel for a short time, and the three individuals surrendered without incident after a brief standoff.The suspects identified as 23-year-old Cardell Wilson, 23-year-old Dion Winston and 26-year-old Bobby Hudson, according to online jail records, are being held on requested charges&nbsp; of Aggravated Assault on a law enforcement officer, felony flee and elude, possession of stolen property, reckless driving, and leaving the scene of an accident.

Sheriff: 3 suspects jailed after chase, manhunt in Pratt

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump awarded the nation's highest civilian honor Friday morning to Jim Ryun, a former Kansas congressmen who was the first high school runner to clock a mile in under 4 minutes.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3npwSbOYZpU">Click here to watch</a>&nbsp;a replay of the ceremony&nbsp;

Trump honored the three-time Olympian with the Presidential Medal of Freedom at the White House.&nbsp;

 The Wichita native entered the record books in 1964 at age 17 by becoming the first high school runner to break the 4-minute barrier in the mile with a time of 3 minutes, 59 seconds. 

He competed in the 1964, 1968 and 1972 Olympics and earned a silver medal in the 1,500 meters in 1968. He was the last American runner to hold the world record in the mile with a time of 3:51.1, set in 1967.

He graduated from KU in 1970 and later served as a 4-term congressman from Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595605618937.png" alt="President Trump presents the Presidential medal of Freedom to Jim Ryun during a White House Ceremony Friday morning -photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>President Trump presents the Presidential medal of Freedom to Jim Ryun during a White House Ceremony Friday morning -photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump awarded the nation's highest civilian honor Friday morning to Jim Ryun, a former Kansas congressmen who was the first high school runner to clock a mile in under 4 minutes.<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3npwSbOYZpU">Click here to watch</a>&nbsp;a replay of the ceremony&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595003758174.png" alt="Image courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>Trump honored the three-time Olympian with the Presidential Medal of Freedom at the White House.&nbsp; The Wichita native entered the record books in 1964 at age 17 by becoming the first high school runner to break the 4-minute barrier in the mile with a time of 3 minutes, 59 seconds. He competed in the 1964, 1968 and 1972 Olympics and earned a silver medal in the 1,500 meters in 1968. He was the last American runner to hold the world record in the mile with a time of 3:51.1, set in 1967.He graduated from KU in 1970 and later served as a 4-term congressman from Kansas.

🎥  Kansas legend Jim Ryun awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom 

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a&nbsp; shooting and have made an arrest.

Just after 9 p.m.&nbsp; July 1, police responded to a shooting call in the 1800 block of North Amidon in Wichita after a 36-year-old man flagged down a motorist and reported being shot, according to officer Charley Davidson.

&nbsp;Upon arrival, officers contacted the victim, who had a single gunshot wound to his abdomen.&nbsp; He was transported to an area hospital for medical treatment of a serious but non-life-threatening injury.

The investigation revealed the victim and the suspect later identified as 40-year-old Michael Howard are known to each other, were in the area of 1800 north Amidon, and got into an argument over money and drugs.&nbsp; 

During the argument, Howard pulled out a handgun and fired one shot that struck the victim.&nbsp; 

Investigators determined Howard was involved in the incident and on Wednesday, police contacted him in the 900 block of North Main and arrested without incident.

This was not a random incident.&nbsp; Additionally, Howard has been previously arrested and convicted on charges that include aggravated battery, criminal damage to property,&nbsp; and criminal possession of a weapon.&nbsp; Howard is currently on community corrections through the Kansas Department of Corrections.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595535314234.png" alt="Howard-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Howard-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a&nbsp; shooting and have made an arrest.Just after 9 p.m.&nbsp; July 1, police responded to a shooting call in the 1800 block of North Amidon in Wichita after a 36-year-old man flagged down a motorist and reported being shot, according to officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp;Upon arrival, officers contacted the victim, who had a single gunshot wound to his abdomen.&nbsp; He was transported to an area hospital for medical treatment of a serious but non-life-threatening injury.The investigation revealed the victim and the suspect later identified as 40-year-old Michael Howard are known to each other, were in the area of 1800 north Amidon, and got into an argument over money and drugs.&nbsp; During the argument, Howard pulled out a handgun and fired one shot that struck the victim.&nbsp; Investigators determined Howard was involved in the incident and on Wednesday, police contacted him in the 900 block of North Main and arrested without incident.This was not a random incident.&nbsp; Additionally, Howard has been previously arrested and convicted on charges that include aggravated battery, criminal damage to property,&nbsp; and criminal possession of a weapon.&nbsp; Howard is currently on community corrections through the Kansas Department of Corrections.&nbsp;

Police track down Kan. man for alleged shooting over cash, drugs

WASHINGTON (AP) — The nation got another dose of bad economic news Thursday as the number of laid-off workers seeking jobless benefits rose for the first time since late March, intensifying concerns the resurgent coronavirus is stalling or even reversing the economic recovery.

And an extra $600 in weekly unemployment benefits, provided by the federal government on top of whatever assistance states provide, is set to expire July 31, though this is the last week recipients will get the extra funds. It is the last major source of economic help from the $2 trillion relief package that Congress approved in March. A small business lending program and one-time $1,200 payment have largely run their course.

With the count of U.S. infections passing 4 million and the aid ending, nearly 30 million unemployed people&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/0f7785a3823891bbb46cf3cc5fea68ea">could struggle to pay rent</a>, utilities or other bills, and economists worry that overall consumer spending will drop, adding another economic blow.

“I’m going to be broke,” said Melissa Bennett, who was laid off from her job at a vacation time-share in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. “I’ll be broke-broke. I want to go to work, I want health insurance, I want a 401K. I want a life; I have no life right now.”

Without the extra unemployment benefits, Bennett will receive just $200 a week, and she’ll have to decide whether to pay her mortgage or her utilities first.

More than 1.4 million people applied for jobless benefits last week, the Labor Department&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dol.gov/ui/data.pdf" target="_blank">said Thursday</a>, up from 1.3 million the previous week. That is the first increase since March and 18th straight week that it has topped 1 million. Before the pandemic, applications had never exceeded 700,000. An additional 975,000 people applied for aid under a separate program that has made self-employed and gig workers eligible for the first time.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The nation got another dose of bad economic news Thursday as the number of laid-off workers seeking jobless benefits rose for the first time since late March, intensifying concerns the resurgent coronavirus is stalling or even reversing the economic recovery.And an extra $600 in weekly unemployment benefits, provided by the federal government on top of whatever assistance states provide, is set to expire July 31, though this is the last week recipients will get the extra funds. It is the last major source of economic help from the $2 trillion relief package that Congress approved in March. A small business lending program and one-time $1,200 payment have largely run their course.With the count of U.S. infections passing 4 million and the aid ending, nearly 30 million unemployed people&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/0f7785a3823891bbb46cf3cc5fea68ea">could struggle to pay rent</a>, utilities or other bills, and economists worry that overall consumer spending will drop, adding another economic blow.“I’m going to be broke,” said Melissa Bennett, who was laid off from her job at a vacation time-share in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. “I’ll be broke-broke. I want to go to work, I want health insurance, I want a 401K. I want a life; I have no life right now.”Without the extra unemployment benefits, Bennett will receive just $200 a week, and she’ll have to decide whether to pay her mortgage or her utilities first.More than 1.4 million people applied for jobless benefits last week, the Labor Department&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dol.gov/ui/data.pdf" target="_blank">said Thursday</a>, up from 1.3 million the previous week. That is the first increase since March and 18th straight week that it has topped 1 million. Before the pandemic, applications had never exceeded 700,000. An additional 975,000 people applied for aid under a separate program that has made self-employed and gig workers eligible for the first time.The news sent stocks slumping on Wall Street, with the S&amp;P 500 recording its worst loss in nearly four weeks. Uncertainty across markets helped gold touch its highest price in nearly nine years.The weakening of the labor market has raised fears the economy will shed jobs again in July, after two sharp hiring gains in May and June.Analysts say the economy can’t improve until authorities can control the spread of the virus, a need that is complicating the reopening of businesses and schools.Adm. Brett Giroir, assistant secretary of health and a member of the Trump administration’s coronavirus task force, even suggested another shutdown might be necessary. He noted that nearly universal mask-wearing, sharp restrictions on restaurant occupancy and shutting down bars were nearly as effective in controlling the virus as another shutdown of all nonessential businesses.“Now, if you don’t do that, and people don’t achieve those goals, particularly mask-wearing, there may be no alternative,” Giroir said on MSNBC.Congress is negotiating&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/b3ef7ed649eca2c3ee6438408243df8a">another aid package</a>&nbsp;that could extend the extra unemployment support, though likely at less than $600. With the extra $600, roughly two-thirds of the unemployed are receiving more than they earned at their former jobs, research has shown. Republicans argue that it’s discouraging people from returning to work.On Thursday, Senate Republicans unveiled a $1 trillion package that would replace the $600 with an amount that would bring a laid-off worker’s jobless benefits to 70% of their previous income. Both parties have agreed on another $1,200 stimulus check.Democrats in the House approved a $3 trillion package last month that would extend the $600 through January. Given the limited time available, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin urged a bill dealing with jobless benefits and aid to schools be considered next week. Democrats say the Republican plans are not enough.The economic woes come as outbreaks worsen, particularly in the South and West. Florida officials reported 173 new virus deaths Thursday, a daily high that brings the overall number to more than 5,500. With cases surging, President Donald Trump scrapped plans for a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/fc18446b58a6c265b054934780f51ca8">Republican National Convention</a>&nbsp;celebration in the state.California saw a record 157 new deaths, raising its toll to 8,027. An additional 89 deaths in Arizona pushed its total to 3,000, with over 1,000 deaths reported in the past 15 days.Desperate to stop the spread of the virus and its resulting economic impact, more states are adding or broadening mask requirements. A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/9126a38ef22c244f9ca18f9584061f8d">new survey</a>&nbsp;from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research says three out of four Americans, including a majority of Republicans, favor requiring people to wear face coverings outside their homes.In a small step toward normalcy, many Americans eagerly welcomed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/62d86588e4926d68875a8cf0ce985746">baseball’s opening day</a>, which arrived four months late.In contrast to the U.S., the outlook has brightened for some other major economies. Europe is forecast to rebound next year after it managed to shrink its coronavirus caseload. Unemployment in the 19 countries that use the euro has remained contained, reflecting aggressive government efforts to keep workers on payrolls.China has become the first major economy to grow since the start of the pandemic. Economists say China will likely recover relatively fast because of the Communist Party’s move to impose early and intensive anti-disease measures.In the U.S., applications for unemployment benefits declined in many states hard hit by the virus, including Texas, Florida, Georgia and Arizona. But claims rose in other states seeing increases, including Louisiana, California and Tennessee.The U.S. government said the total number of people receiving jobless benefits fell 1.1 million, to 16.2 million. It’s a hopeful sign that even as layoffs remain high, some companies are recalling workers. Yet that figure is still roughly 10 times what it was before the pandemic.Unemployment aid accounted for 6% of all U.S. income in May, a greater share than even Social Security. Economists say it’s one reason why retail spending rebounded as quickly as it did in May and June.The end of the added benefit coincides with the expiration of a federal moratorium on evictions Saturday. Without it, about 22 million people are at risk of losing their federally subsidized housing.“It’s scary, it’s really scary,” said Victorita Raaen, 46, who was laid off in March from her job as a light and sound technician in Boise, Idaho.The extra payments helped her build a thin financial cushion, but once it goes away, things will get significantly tighter. She figures she can live on ramen, hot dogs and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for a while but might not be able to pay for gas.“I want to go back to work,” she said. “I’d rather go back than sitting here earning unemployment.”Real-time measures of the economy suggest companies are pulling back on hiring and more small businesses are closing permanently. Credit card spending has been stuck at about 10% below year-ago levels for nearly a month, according to JPMorgan Chase, after having risen steadily from mid-April to mid-June.Data from the consumer-review website Yelp, which tracks millions of small businesses, shows more such companies are permanently shutting down. Nearly 73,000 small businesses have closed for good since the pandemic intensified in March, up 28% from mid-June.“Every time a business closes, that makes the recovery longer and harder, so that worries me,” said Ernie Tedeschi, an economist at the investment bank Evercore ISI.