By NOMIN UJIYEDIIN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-07-16/kansas-prisons-prepare-for-possible-second-coronavirus-outbreak-behind-bars">Kansas News Service</a>

LAWRENCE — As an inmate at the Wichita Work Release 
Facility with only a few months left on his sentence, Timothy Lesher 
enjoyed freedoms that many in prison don’t. He was a line cook at a 
Wichita restaurant and bought saline solution from Walmart to clean his 
CPAP machine, which helps him breathe at night.

But after a few 
dozen inmates and employees at the facility tested positive for COVID-19
 in April, Lesher and about 200 other men <a href="https://www.kwch.com/content/news/Increase-in-Sedgwick-County-COVID-19-cases-linked-to-cluster-at-Wichita-Work-Release-Facility-570454251.html" target="_blank">were moved</a>
 to the Lansing Correctional Facility in northeast Kansas. It was 
supposed to increase social distancing among the Wichita inmates by 
putting them in a larger facility.

The bus ride to the new prison 
was overflowing, Lesher told his wife, Dee Lesher. And by that point, 
Lansing already had one of the <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-05-12/family-says-lansing-correctional-facility-worker-died-this-week-from-covid-19" target="_blank">largest coronavirus outbreaks in the country</a>.

<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas" target="_blank">Kansas topped 20,000 coronavirus cases</a>
 this month, fueled by a dramatic increase in positive test results. The
 Kansas Department of Corrections said it is taking precautions against 
what seems to be an inevitable increase behind bars, keeping 
restrictions on family visits and continuing to encourage handwashing 
and mask wearing among inmates and staff.

“Increased numbers in 
communities have us pretty concerned right now,” said Randy Bowman, 
executive director of public affairs at the Kansas Department of 
Corrections.

Yet Dee Lesher and an inmate at the Topeka 
Correctional Facility told the Kansas News Service that prisoners are 
not getting enough information or access to health care. Some aren’t 
wearing state-provided masks.

“I don't feel this pandemic is being
 taken seriously enough by the prison,” an inmate at the state’s only 
correctional facility for women said in an email. She spoke on the 
condition of anonymity because she said she was afraid of retaliation 
from prison staff. “I doubt if we’re ready for a 2nd (sic) wave.”

The
 Lansing prison has seen 946 cases overall, with four inmates and two 
staff members who died. Facility-wide testing revealed about half of the
 men incarcerated there were positive for the virus, the majority of 
them asymptomatic.

During the outbreak in Lansing, which the 
corrections department announced was contained in June, Timothy Lesher 
had to wear the same dirty clothes day after day. His wife said he told 
her he was only allowed to bring two sets of clothing to Lansing from 
Wichita, and wasn’t able to do laundry. He and other men from the 
Wichita facility were fed peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for three 
meals a day.

The meals have gotten better, Dee Lesher said, though Timothy, 
previously a minimum security inmate, is still on lockdown 22 hours a 
day. He’s stopped using his CPAP machine because he doesn’t have access 
to saline to clean it. And he also doesn’t have access to all of his 
prescribed medication for his blood pressure and kidney conditions.

“He’s scared. I’m scared for him,” she said. “I’m scared for the other prisoners.”

Her
 husband told her it’s still hard for inmates to get their questions 
answered by staff. And many inmates aren’t careful about wearing masks 
or washing their hands.

“It’s like a zoo,” she said. “Because they have no clue. It’s frustrating.”

The Topeka Correctional Facility, which houses women, has had 11 cases of COVID-19.

The
 inmate who spoke on condition of anonymity says she often goes days 
without soap in her bathroom, despite telling officers that they haven’t
 been ordering enough. She also said inmates have also been unable to 
get their regular dental cleanings during the pandemic.

Bowman 
with the Department of Corrections countered that there is adequate 
soap, and noted that non-urgent dental services have been paused to 
limit possible virus exposure.

The inmate also brought up that two
 staff members in the prison had gone to a bar in Topeka that later was 
found to be a site of a COVID outbreak. Without saying how she knew, the
 woman said those staffers were told to quarantine only seven days 
before returning to work. The standard is 14 days.

Bowman 
confirmed that a staff member in one of the facility’s dorms recently 
tested positive. The whole dorm was quarantined and all of the inmates 
living there were tested, with no other positive results. Staff members 
who may have been exposed to the virus often don’t know until days 
later, he said, which is why the two who visited the Topeka bar were 
only told to quarantine for a week after they found out.

He added 
that as the state has mostly reopened, the department has been 
encouraging its employees to be “overly cautious” and wear masks outside
 of work.

“Like every other citizen in the state of Kansas, 
they’re probably wanting to do a little bit more in their private 
lives,” he said.

Last
 month, a nonprofit that researches prisons and advocates for criminal 
justice reform released a report card for how state prisons and jails 
have handled the pandemic.

The <a href="https://www.prisonpolicy.org/reports/failing_grades.html" target="_blank">Prison Policy Initiative</a>’s letter grade was based primarily on whether it had released people or tested a large number of prisoners.

Kansas received an F+, alongside 27 other states. Only nine states got the highest grade: a D-.

Kansas
 received high marks for providing masks to all of its staff and 
inmates, Wanda Bertram with the nonprofit said, but the state received 
low grades for not ordering the release of prisoners to promote social 
distancing.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas unsuccessfully <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-04-30/kansas-prisons-are-fighting-a-lawsuit-to-release-prisoners-to-reduce-covid-19-spread" target="_blank">sued the state in April</a>,
 asking for the release of thousands of people who were in prison for 
minor crimes, nearing the end of their sentence or more vulnerable due 
to age or medical conditions. In the end, the state only<a href="https://apnews.com/31673502b3271e605e1b13ad197c9dc4" target="_blank"> released six inmates on house arrest</a>.

Bertram
 said at the time the report card was compiled, her organization did not
 have information on whether Kansas had tested its staff. The Department
 of Corrections announced it would test all staff in May.

The 
Kansas Department of Corrections said one of the primary measures it’s 
taking against the virus is consistently screening staff and others who 
come and go from the prisons for coronavirus symptoms and elevated 
temperatures. However, in many cases, people may be infected and 
asymptomatic, as the Lansing outbreak proved. The department is also 
testing people who may have been exposed to staff cases that have 
emerged in the past few weeks.

Bowman also said the state is 
looking at ways to spread out dormitory housing, which comprises about 
one-third of the state’s prison beds.

It helps that the population
 has declined by a few hundred in recent months, partially because 
courts have been unable to conduct most criminal proceedings like trials
 and sentencing hearings, during the pandemic.

Kansas prisons had 
been at or over capacity for years. Bertram noted that the population 
decline did help Kansas compared to other states when it comes to 
handling the pandemic.

Still, Bertram said, prisons and jails are 
“incredibly dangerous” and have been hotspots for coronavirus outbreaks 
throughout the U.S. because of the close quarters and poor health care.

Nomin
 Ujiyediin reports on criminal justice and social welfare for the Kansas
 News Service. You can email her at nomin@kcur.org and follow
 her on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/nominuj" target="_blank">@NominUJ</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594928596379.png" alt="Some coronavirus precautions are still in place in Kansas' prisons, while other parts of life have returned to normal. For example, women at the Topeka Correctional Facility are again allowed to spend time outside. Nomin Ujiyediin / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Some coronavirus precautions are still in place in Kansas' prisons, while other parts of life have returned to normal. For example, women at the Topeka Correctional Facility are again allowed to spend time outside. Nomin Ujiyediin / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By NOMIN UJIYEDIIN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-07-16/kansas-prisons-prepare-for-possible-second-coronavirus-outbreak-behind-bars">Kansas News Service</a>LAWRENCE — As an inmate at the Wichita Work Release 
Facility with only a few months left on his sentence, Timothy Lesher 
enjoyed freedoms that many in prison don’t. He was a line cook at a 
Wichita restaurant and bought saline solution from Walmart to clean his 
CPAP machine, which helps him breathe at night.But after a few 
dozen inmates and employees at the facility tested positive for COVID-19
 in April, Lesher and about 200 other men <a href="https://www.kwch.com/content/news/Increase-in-Sedgwick-County-COVID-19-cases-linked-to-cluster-at-Wichita-Work-Release-Facility-570454251.html" target="_blank">were moved</a>
 to the Lansing Correctional Facility in northeast Kansas. It was 
supposed to increase social distancing among the Wichita inmates by 
putting them in a larger facility.The bus ride to the new prison 
was overflowing, Lesher told his wife, Dee Lesher. And by that point, 
Lansing already had one of the <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-05-12/family-says-lansing-correctional-facility-worker-died-this-week-from-covid-19" target="_blank">largest coronavirus outbreaks in the country</a>.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas" target="_blank">Kansas topped 20,000 coronavirus cases</a>
 this month, fueled by a dramatic increase in positive test results. The
 Kansas Department of Corrections said it is taking precautions against 
what seems to be an inevitable increase behind bars, keeping 
restrictions on family visits and continuing to encourage handwashing 
and mask wearing among inmates and staff.“Increased numbers in 
communities have us pretty concerned right now,” said Randy Bowman, 
executive director of public affairs at the Kansas Department of 
Corrections.Yet Dee Lesher and an inmate at the Topeka 
Correctional Facility told the Kansas News Service that prisoners are 
not getting enough information or access to health care. Some aren’t 
wearing state-provided masks.“I don't feel this pandemic is being
 taken seriously enough by the prison,” an inmate at the state’s only 
correctional facility for women said in an email. She spoke on the 
condition of anonymity because she said she was afraid of retaliation 
from prison staff. “I doubt if we’re ready for a 2nd (sic) wave.”<h2>Current conditions</h2>The
 Lansing prison has seen 946 cases overall, with four inmates and two 
staff members who died. Facility-wide testing revealed about half of the
 men incarcerated there were positive for the virus, the majority of 
them asymptomatic.During the outbreak in Lansing, which the 
corrections department announced was contained in June, Timothy Lesher 
had to wear the same dirty clothes day after day. His wife said he told 
her he was only allowed to bring two sets of clothing to Lansing from 
Wichita, and wasn’t able to do laundry. He and other men from the 
Wichita facility were fed peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for three 
meals a day.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594928649783.png" alt="Dee Lesher, left, with Timothy Lesher, center, and their granddaughter. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Dee Lesher, left, with Timothy Lesher, center, and their granddaughter. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The meals have gotten better, Dee Lesher said, though Timothy, 
previously a minimum security inmate, is still on lockdown 22 hours a 
day. He’s stopped using his CPAP machine because he doesn’t have access 
to saline to clean it. And he also doesn’t have access to all of his 
prescribed medication for his blood pressure and kidney conditions.“He’s scared. I’m scared for him,” she said. “I’m scared for the other prisoners.”Her
 husband told her it’s still hard for inmates to get their questions 
answered by staff. And many inmates aren’t careful about wearing masks 
or washing their hands.“It’s like a zoo,” she said. “Because they have no clue. It’s frustrating.”The Topeka Correctional Facility, which houses women, has had 11 cases of COVID-19.The
 inmate who spoke on condition of anonymity says she often goes days 
without soap in her bathroom, despite telling officers that they haven’t
 been ordering enough. She also said inmates have also been unable to 
get their regular dental cleanings during the pandemic.Bowman 
with the Department of Corrections countered that there is adequate 
soap, and noted that non-urgent dental services have been paused to 
limit possible virus exposure.The inmate also brought up that two
 staff members in the prison had gone to a bar in Topeka that later was 
found to be a site of a COVID outbreak. Without saying how she knew, the
 woman said those staffers were told to quarantine only seven days 
before returning to work. The standard is 14 days.Bowman 
confirmed that a staff member in one of the facility’s dorms recently 
tested positive. The whole dorm was quarantined and all of the inmates 
living there were tested, with no other positive results. Staff members 
who may have been exposed to the virus often don’t know until days 
later, he said, which is why the two who visited the Topeka bar were 
only told to quarantine for a week after they found out.He added 
that as the state has mostly reopened, the department has been 
encouraging its employees to be “overly cautious” and wear masks outside
 of work.“Like every other citizen in the state of Kansas, 
they’re probably wanting to do a little bit more in their private 
lives,” he said.<h2>Failing grades for Kansas, U.S. prisons</h2>Last
 month, a nonprofit that researches prisons and advocates for criminal 
justice reform released a report card for how state prisons and jails 
have handled the pandemic.The <a href="https://www.prisonpolicy.org/reports/failing_grades.html" target="_blank">Prison Policy Initiative</a>’s letter grade was based primarily on whether it had released people or tested a large number of prisoners.Kansas received an F+, alongside 27 other states. Only nine states got the highest grade: a D-.Kansas
 received high marks for providing masks to all of its staff and 
inmates, Wanda Bertram with the nonprofit said, but the state received 
low grades for not ordering the release of prisoners to promote social 
distancing.The American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas unsuccessfully <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-04-30/kansas-prisons-are-fighting-a-lawsuit-to-release-prisoners-to-reduce-covid-19-spread" target="_blank">sued the state in April</a>,
 asking for the release of thousands of people who were in prison for 
minor crimes, nearing the end of their sentence or more vulnerable due 
to age or medical conditions. In the end, the state only<a href="https://apnews.com/31673502b3271e605e1b13ad197c9dc4" target="_blank"> released six inmates on house arrest</a>.Bertram
 said at the time the report card was compiled, her organization did not
 have information on whether Kansas had tested its staff. The Department
 of Corrections announced it would test all staff in May.The 
Kansas Department of Corrections said one of the primary measures it’s 
taking against the virus is consistently screening staff and others who 
come and go from the prisons for coronavirus symptoms and elevated 
temperatures. However, in many cases, people may be infected and 
asymptomatic, as the Lansing outbreak proved. The department is also 
testing people who may have been exposed to staff cases that have 
emerged in the past few weeks.Bowman also said the state is 
looking at ways to spread out dormitory housing, which comprises about 
one-third of the state’s prison beds.It helps that the population
 has declined by a few hundred in recent months, partially because 
courts have been unable to conduct most criminal proceedings like trials
 and sentencing hearings, during the pandemic.Kansas prisons had 
been at or over capacity for years. Bertram noted that the population 
decline did help Kansas compared to other states when it comes to 
handling the pandemic.Still, Bertram said, prisons and jails are 
“incredibly dangerous” and have been hotspots for coronavirus outbreaks 
throughout the U.S. because of the close quarters and poor health care.Nomin
 Ujiyediin reports on criminal justice and social welfare for the Kansas
 News Service. You can email her at nomin@kcur.org and follow
 her on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/nominuj" target="_blank">@NominUJ</a>.

Kansas prisons prepare for possible second virus outbreak

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

&nbsp;Pedro Ramon Solis, a.k.a. Victor Ramos) is wanted for questioning in reference to an attempted 2nd degree homicide that occurred Friday, according to the Dodge City Police Department.

If you have any information on his whereabouts please contact the Dodge City Police Department at 620 225 8126, Dispatch at 620 227 4646 or utilize the tip411 service.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595101493638.png" alt="Pedro Ramon Solis-photo Dodge City Police" />
 <figcaption>Pedro Ramon Solis-photo Dodge City Police</figcaption>
 </figure>FORD COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an attempted homicide and asking the public for help to locate a suspect.&nbsp;Pedro Ramon Solis, a.k.a. Victor Ramos) is wanted for questioning in reference to an attempted 2nd degree homicide that occurred Friday, according to the Dodge City Police Department.If you have any information on his whereabouts please contact the Dodge City Police Department at 620 225 8126, Dispatch at 620 227 4646 or utilize the tip411 service.

Police ask for help to locate Kan. suspect for attempted 2nd-degree murder

TOPEKA—The Kansas judicial branch was awarded $1.6 million from the state's Federal Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding Program to help pay for technology improvements that will provide broader digital access to justice and allow courts to conduct more operations remotely.

"The grant comes at a critical time, and it will help us accelerate modernizing Kansas courts," said Chief Justice Marla Luckert. "We’ve been working to digitize and centralize case processing the last several years, often with limited resources. Despite our progress, the COVID-19 pandemic quickly showed us how much more needs to be done."

The judicial branch mandates electronic filing for attorneys and is implementing a statewide&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/gpjg0KDdoaKwzj29QhVS34Tg4oD6evJV-rglRTV2cNI" target="_blank">centralized case management system</a>&nbsp;that will be used by all state courts. But until recently nearly all court proceedings and services still required in-person meetings.

The pandemic forced courts to respond quickly. The immediate challenge was shifting to virtual court proceedings and equipping court staff to work remotely. Lack of technology was one challenge. Judges and court staff also had to develop new remote processes that met statutory and constitutional requirements and then help attorneys, parties, and the public adapt to them.

Court resources vary widely among the state's 105 counties. The state pays for judicial branch salaries, but operating costs of district courts fall to individual counties. Some county governments robustly support court technology infrastructure, but others do not have the resources to do so. In addition, more than half of the state's courts serve rural areas, where reliable internet service is sometimes unavailable.

Some courts were able to adapt to the new challenges more quickly because they had the resources. Others need additional support, which the grant funding provides in part.

Remote technology equipment and software

District courts require technology and software to process cases remotely and for most or all district court staff to telework. The grant will help courts pay for computers, cell phones, mobile hot spots, and other technology and software needs.

Branch-wide Zoom license and VPN access

The Office of Judicial Administration negotiated a statewide enterprise license option with Zoom for court videoconferencing. It will provide a Zoom account for every judge and each courthouse. It also covers virtual private network (VPN) licenses that allow teleworking personnel to access the judicial network.

Web portal to file for protective orders

The pandemic emphasized the judicial branch's dependence on paper-based, in-person processes for some court users and some case types, such as requests for orders of protection from abuse, stalking, sexual assault, or human trafficking.

The grant will help pay to create a scalable, accessible, and mobile-friendly web portal where a person seeking a protection order is guided through an online interview and the answers are used to populate forms a judge will review before granting an order.

People who need these orders will no longer have to visit the courthouse in person to file the required paperwork, a process that places these vulnerable individuals at risk.

Courthouse computer terminals for self-represented litigants

Grant money will allow courts to place computer terminals in courthouses or other public facilities and dedicate them to self-represented litigants who do not have equipment or internet access to appear for remote proceedings.

A centralized email service for all judicial branch personnel will allow the secure transmission of court-related documents, data, and communications between district courts and centralized judicial staff in the Office of Judicial Administration.

The state grant money will enhance other funding sources the judicial branch is using to modernize court services. The Kansas Supreme Court and the Office of Judicial Administration recently devoted about $750,000 in Court Improvement Program grant funds and fee funds to help district courts upgrade technology. However, that funding is insufficient to meet all district court needs.

The judicial branch continues to pursue other grant funding opportunities to strengthen digital access to justice and remote operations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/6/1561209324033.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>OJATOPEKA—The Kansas judicial branch was awarded $1.6 million from the state's Federal Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding Program to help pay for technology improvements that will provide broader digital access to justice and allow courts to conduct more operations remotely.The grant will help pay for:<ul>
 <li>remote technology equipment and software, including mobile hot spots, cell phones and service plans, laptop and tablet computers, computer accessories, webcams, printers, and software; </li><li>videoconferencing and virtual private network licenses; </li><li>a new web portal to allow people to seek protection orders without visiting a courthouse; </li><li>public access computer terminals to allow self-represented litigants access to virtual court proceedings; and </li><li>a centralized email system to allow the secure transmission of court-related documents, data, and messages.</li>
 </ul>"The grant comes at a critical time, and it will help us accelerate modernizing Kansas courts," said Chief Justice Marla Luckert. "We’ve been working to digitize and centralize case processing the last several years, often with limited resources. Despite our progress, the COVID-19 pandemic quickly showed us how much more needs to be done."The judicial branch mandates electronic filing for attorneys and is implementing a statewide&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/gpjg0KDdoaKwzj29QhVS34Tg4oD6evJV-rglRTV2cNI" target="_blank">centralized case management system</a>&nbsp;that will be used by all state courts. But until recently nearly all court proceedings and services still required in-person meetings.The pandemic forced courts to respond quickly. The immediate challenge was shifting to virtual court proceedings and equipping court staff to work remotely. Lack of technology was one challenge. Judges and court staff also had to develop new remote processes that met statutory and constitutional requirements and then help attorneys, parties, and the public adapt to them.Court resources vary widely among the state's 105 counties. The state pays for judicial branch salaries, but operating costs of district courts fall to individual counties. Some county governments robustly support court technology infrastructure, but others do not have the resources to do so. In addition, more than half of the state's courts serve rural areas, where reliable internet service is sometimes unavailable.Some courts were able to adapt to the new challenges more quickly because they had the resources. Others need additional support, which the grant funding provides in part.Remote technology equipment and softwareDistrict courts require technology and software to process cases remotely and for most or all district court staff to telework. The grant will help courts pay for computers, cell phones, mobile hot spots, and other technology and software needs.Branch-wide Zoom license and VPN accessThe Office of Judicial Administration negotiated a statewide enterprise license option with Zoom for court videoconferencing. It will provide a Zoom account for every judge and each courthouse. It also covers virtual private network (VPN) licenses that allow teleworking personnel to access the judicial network.Web portal to file for protective ordersThe pandemic emphasized the judicial branch's dependence on paper-based, in-person processes for some court users and some case types, such as requests for orders of protection from abuse, stalking, sexual assault, or human trafficking.The grant will help pay to create a scalable, accessible, and mobile-friendly web portal where a person seeking a protection order is guided through an online interview and the answers are used to populate forms a judge will review before granting an order.People who need these orders will no longer have to visit the courthouse in person to file the required paperwork, a process that places these vulnerable individuals at risk.Courthouse computer terminals for self-represented litigantsGrant money will allow courts to place computer terminals in courthouses or other public facilities and dedicate them to self-represented litigants who do not have equipment or internet access to appear for remote proceedings.Centralized email serviceA centralized email service for all judicial branch personnel will allow the secure transmission of court-related documents, data, and communications between district courts and centralized judicial staff in the Office of Judicial Administration.Other funding resourcesThe state grant money will enhance other funding sources the judicial branch is using to modernize court services. The Kansas Supreme Court and the Office of Judicial Administration recently devoted about $750,000 in Court Improvement Program grant funds and fee funds to help district courts upgrade technology. However, that funding is insufficient to meet all district court needs.The judicial branch continues to pursue other grant funding opportunities to strengthen digital access to justice and remote operations.

Federal COVID grant to provide digital access to Kansas courts

JACKSON COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman for alleged vehicle theft.&nbsp;

Just before 10p.m. Thursday deputies responded to a home in 17000 block of R. Road near Mayetta, according to sheriff Tim Morse.

A homeowner reported someone was outside the residence and got into their vehicle, started it and was revving the engine. 

When deputies arrived, they found a 2005 Dodge pickup belonging to the owner of the residence occupied by woman identified as Stella Mahkuk, 38, of Horton. 

Deputies arrested Mahkuk on a requested charge of attempted theft of a motor vehicle and she was booked into the Jackson County Jail.

The sheriff reminded citizens to lock vehicle doors, and keep keys out of vehicles.&nbsp; "Make sure to secure valuables and firearms when the vehicle is not in use. When something seems suspicious, follow your gut and contact law enforcement. Many people wait for a considerable amount of time before reporting suspicious situations. Delaying the reporting of a potential crime can result in something really bad happening or the perpetrator escaping."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595002129415.png" alt="Mahkuk photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Mahkuk photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman for alleged vehicle theft.&nbsp;Just before 10p.m. Thursday deputies responded to a home in 17000 block of R. Road near Mayetta, according to sheriff Tim Morse.A homeowner reported someone was outside the residence and got into their vehicle, started it and was revving the engine. When deputies arrived, they found a 2005 Dodge pickup belonging to the owner of the residence occupied by woman identified as Stella Mahkuk, 38, of Horton. Deputies arrested Mahkuk on a requested charge of attempted theft of a motor vehicle and she was booked into the Jackson County Jail.The sheriff reminded citizens to lock vehicle doors, and keep keys out of vehicles.&nbsp; "Make sure to secure valuables and firearms when the vehicle is not in use. When something seems suspicious, follow your gut and contact law enforcement. Many people wait for a considerable amount of time before reporting suspicious situations. Delaying the reporting of a potential crime can result in something really bad happening or the perpetrator escaping."

Kan. homeowner finds woman trying to steal his pickup

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A freshman Kansas congressman&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/9d6046fd12875b3664cf8388708105e8">facing felony criminal charges&nbsp;</a>over previously listing a UPS Inc. postal box as his residence on a state voter registration form has been forced to temporarily give up his House committee assignments.

Republican Rep. Steve Watkins said Friday that he is “temporarily and voluntarily” leaving the three committees on which he serves. But the House Republican conference’s rules require members facing a potential felony conviction to leave their committee posts.

Watkins stepped aside from his committees two days after three felony charges and one misdemeanor charge against him were filed by the local district attorney in state district court in Shawnee County, which includes his hometown, the state capital of Topeka. He is accused of voting illegally in a Topeka City Council race in November 2019 and providing false information to a sheriff’s deputy who was investigating whether he broke state election laws.

“Throughout my entire career, I have put service above myself, and this instance is no different,” Watkins, a former Army officer and military contractor said, adding that he was stepping aside so that the committees can “continue their critical work.”

He had been serving on the House education, foreign affairs and veterans’ affairs committees.

Some Republicans already were trying to oust Watkins in the state’s Aug. 4 primary, even though he’s largely toed the conservative line and supported President Donald Trump. Critics see Watkins as vulnerable to a Democratic challenge because he won his seat as political novice in 2018 by less than a percentage point in a GOP-leaning eastern Kansas district that Trump easily carried in 2016. The investigation into his voter registrations&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/989ace6f0a2711cb2b96398da0a92dfa">added to some Republicans’ misgivings.</a>

One of Watkins’ rivals, State Treasurer Jake LaTurner, picked up the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e31c35cda49df5bac39a950058b3e97e">endorsement of Wichita-area Rep. Ron Estes</a>&nbsp;on Thursday, with Estes citing the criminal charges as one reason.

“It is unfortunate that our veterans, foreign service professionals and all Kansans won’t be receiving the representation they deserve because Steve Watkins has not been conducting himself as an elected member of Congress should,” LaTurner spokeswoman Kara Zeyer said in a statement.

Dennis Taylor, a Topeka attorney, businessman and former head of several state agencies, also is seeking the Republican nomination, and the presumed Democratic nominee is Topeka Mayor Michelle De La Isla.

A hearing in Watkins’ criminal case isn’t set until Dec. 3, a month after the November general election.

Watkins filed a state voter registration form in late August 2019 listing the UPS postal box as his residential address. The postal box still was listed as his residential address when he cast a mailed-in ballot that included the Topeka City Council race.

The congressman and his staff have said he inadvertently listed his mailing address instead of his residential address by mistake. He&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/07b5cc37067da9b23bd489a8e6eaddbe">later twice corrected</a>&nbsp;his address to an apartment, but it is not in the same City Council district as the UPS store, raising questions about potential illegal voting.

Watkins’ reelection campaign launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHuRaq0E0Zw" target="_blank">a new ad</a>&nbsp;Friday accusing Shawnee Country District Attorney Mike Kagay of colluding with LaTurner because both share a direct-mail consultant who provides services to many Republican candidates. The ad suggests the criminal case represents “bogus charges against an American patriot.”

“I look forward to exposing the corruption and collusion behind this blatant political prosecution and holding those responsible accountable,” Watkins said in his statement.

Kagay did not immediately respond to telephone and email messages seeking a response to Watkins’ comments.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595018368769.png" alt="Photo courtesy Rep. Steve Watkins" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Rep. Steve Watkins</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A freshman Kansas congressman&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/9d6046fd12875b3664cf8388708105e8">facing felony criminal charges&nbsp;</a>over previously listing a UPS Inc. postal box as his residence on a state voter registration form has been forced to temporarily give up his House committee assignments.Republican Rep. Steve Watkins said Friday that he is “temporarily and voluntarily” leaving the three committees on which he serves. But the House Republican conference’s rules require members facing a potential felony conviction to leave their committee posts.Watkins stepped aside from his committees two days after three felony charges and one misdemeanor charge against him were filed by the local district attorney in state district court in Shawnee County, which includes his hometown, the state capital of Topeka. He is accused of voting illegally in a Topeka City Council race in November 2019 and providing false information to a sheriff’s deputy who was investigating whether he broke state election laws.“Throughout my entire career, I have put service above myself, and this instance is no different,” Watkins, a former Army officer and military contractor said, adding that he was stepping aside so that the committees can “continue their critical work.”He had been serving on the House education, foreign affairs and veterans’ affairs committees.Some Republicans already were trying to oust Watkins in the state’s Aug. 4 primary, even though he’s largely toed the conservative line and supported President Donald Trump. Critics see Watkins as vulnerable to a Democratic challenge because he won his seat as political novice in 2018 by less than a percentage point in a GOP-leaning eastern Kansas district that Trump easily carried in 2016. The investigation into his voter registrations&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/989ace6f0a2711cb2b96398da0a92dfa">added to some Republicans’ misgivings.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594982785665.png" alt="Rep. Estes and Laturner pose for a photo Thursday night" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Estes and Laturner pose for a photo Thursday night</figcaption>
 </figure>One of Watkins’ rivals, State Treasurer Jake LaTurner, picked up the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e31c35cda49df5bac39a950058b3e97e">endorsement of Wichita-area Rep. Ron Estes</a>&nbsp;on Thursday, with Estes citing the criminal charges as one reason.“It is unfortunate that our veterans, foreign service professionals and all Kansans won’t be receiving the representation they deserve because Steve Watkins has not been conducting himself as an elected member of Congress should,” LaTurner spokeswoman Kara Zeyer said in a statement.Dennis Taylor, a Topeka attorney, businessman and former head of several state agencies, also is seeking the Republican nomination, and the presumed Democratic nominee is Topeka Mayor Michelle De La Isla.A hearing in Watkins’ criminal case isn’t set until Dec. 3, a month after the November general election.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575500685589.png" alt="The UPS store Rep. Watkins used as his address -google image" />
 <figcaption>The UPS store Rep. Watkins used as his address -google image</figcaption>
 </figure>Watkins filed a state voter registration form in late August 2019 listing the UPS postal box as his residential address. The postal box still was listed as his residential address when he cast a mailed-in ballot that included the Topeka City Council race.The congressman and his staff have said he inadvertently listed his mailing address instead of his residential address by mistake. He&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/07b5cc37067da9b23bd489a8e6eaddbe">later twice corrected</a>&nbsp;his address to an apartment, but it is not in the same City Council district as the UPS store, raising questions about potential illegal voting.Watkins’ reelection campaign launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHuRaq0E0Zw" target="_blank">a new ad</a>&nbsp;Friday accusing Shawnee Country District Attorney Mike Kagay of colluding with LaTurner because both share a direct-mail consultant who provides services to many Republican candidates. The ad suggests the criminal case represents “bogus charges against an American patriot.”“I look forward to exposing the corruption and collusion behind this blatant political prosecution and holding those responsible accountable,” Watkins said in his statement.Kagay did not immediately respond to telephone and email messages seeking a response to Watkins’ comments.

Kan. congressman forced to leave committees after charges

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating another shooting in Topeka.

Just before 3a.m. Saturday, police responded to the 400 Block SE Locust in Topeka on reports of gunshots in the area, according to&nbsp;Lieutenant John Sturgeon.

Officers located evidence consistent with the usage of a firearm(s) in this area. While on the scene investigating, an adult male arrived at a local hospital suffering from gunshot injuries. 

Although the injured person was unwilling to share information with investigators, officers were able to determine he was involved in the incident on SE Locust.

Police reported no additional details Saturday afternoon.

This is the fourth reported shooting in Topeka since Monday. Three have died due to the gun violence including a 13-year-old girl.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595099854567.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation early Saturday-photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation early Saturday-photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating another shooting in Topeka.Just before 3a.m. Saturday, police responded to the 400 Block SE Locust in Topeka on reports of gunshots in the area, according to&nbsp;Lieutenant John Sturgeon.Officers located evidence consistent with the usage of a firearm(s) in this area. While on the scene investigating, an adult male arrived at a local hospital suffering from gunshot injuries. Although the injured person was unwilling to share information with investigators, officers were able to determine he was involved in the incident on SE Locust.Police reported no additional details Saturday afternoon.This is the fourth reported shooting in Topeka since Monday. Three have died due to the gun violence including a 13-year-old girl.

Victim in Kansas shooting not cooperating with police investigtion

LAWSON, Mo. (AP) — A dog named Cleo who disappeared from her home in Kansas earlier this month turned up a few days later at her old home in Missouri, about 50 miles away.

Colton Michael told television station&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kmbc.com/article/dog-somehow-makes-57-mile-journey-to-her-old-home-in-lawson/33341915" target="_blank">KMBC&nbsp;</a>that the 4-year-old Labrador retriever-border collie mix showed up on the front porch of his family’s home in Lawson, which is about 30 miles (48 kilometers) northeast of Kansas City.

At first, she wouldn’t let anyone get near her, said Michael, who has lived in the home for nearly two years.

“She finds her way home, and there’s some strangers living in it. That would be scary for anybody,” he said.

Eventually, he was able to gain Cleo’s trust and to get her checked for a microchip, which showed that she belonged to the former owners of his house.

Cleo’s owners, who had moved to Olathe, Kansas, about 50 miles southwest of Lawson, couldn’t believe it when Michael called and said the dog had turned up at their old home. They had posted on Facebook a week earlier about the missing dog. Neither family knows how Cleo made the trip, which would have required her to cross at least one river.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595090480550.png" alt="Photo courtesy KMBC TV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KMBC TV</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWSON, Mo. (AP) — A dog named Cleo who disappeared from her home in Kansas earlier this month turned up a few days later at her old home in Missouri, about 50 miles away.Colton Michael told television station&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kmbc.com/article/dog-somehow-makes-57-mile-journey-to-her-old-home-in-lawson/33341915" target="_blank">KMBC&nbsp;</a>that the 4-year-old Labrador retriever-border collie mix showed up on the front porch of his family’s home in Lawson, which is about 30 miles (48 kilometers) northeast of Kansas City.At first, she wouldn’t let anyone get near her, said Michael, who has lived in the home for nearly two years.“She finds her way home, and there’s some strangers living in it. That would be scary for anybody,” he said.Eventually, he was able to gain Cleo’s trust and to get her checked for a microchip, which showed that she belonged to the former owners of his house.Cleo’s owners, who had moved to Olathe, Kansas, about 50 miles southwest of Lawson, couldn’t believe it when Michael called and said the dog had turned up at their old home. They had posted on Facebook a week earlier about the missing dog. Neither family knows how Cleo made the trip, which would have required her to cross at least one river.

Kansas dog makes 50-mile trek to her old home in Missouri

CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — Prosecutors in Wyoming have again decided not to pursue sexual abuse charges against a retired Roman Catholic bishop accused of abusing boys over decades.

They felt they couldn’t successfully prosecute Bishop Joseph Hart after reviewing a police investigation, Natrona County assistant district attorney Michael Schafer said this week.

Hart was among the highest-ranking church officials around the world facing prosecution and other sanctions for alleged sex abuse.

The announcement ends a two-year criminal investigation into Hart. Prosecutors in Laramie County in southeastern Wyoming had referred the investigation to prosecutors in Natrona County in central Wyoming after Cheyenne’s top prosecutor recused herself, citing a conflict of interest.

In June, Natrona County prosecutors told an alleged victim Hart wouldn’t be prosecuted but reconsidered after meeting with Cheyenne police and realizing prosecutors had misread important case documents.

Wyoming has no statute of limitations in sexual abuse cases and represented perhaps the only chance for Hart to face criminal prosecution for his alleged abuse. Hart also faced accusations in Missouri but that state prohibits prosecution years after an alleged crime.

Hart, 88, was a priest in Kansas City, Missouri, for 21 years before moving to Wyoming, where he served as auxiliary and then full bishop from 1976 until his retirement in 2001.

The first known allegations against Hart dated to the early 1960s and were made in the late 1980s. At least six men have come forward in the past two years to say Hart abused them in Wyoming.

Hart has consistently denied all accusations of misconduct. His attorney, Tom Jubin, said Tuesday he was “gratified by the district attorney’s decision.”

“Bishop Hart has consistently maintained his innocence while never diminishing the pain felt by the victims of abuse,” Jubin wrote in an email.

Not pursuing a criminal case against Hart “does not mean that the victims are not credible,” Diocese of Cheyenne Bishop Steven Biegler said in a statement in June. The diocese has “nothing new to add” to that statement, spokeswoman Diana Marie Waggener said by email Wednesday.

“We’re very, very, very disappointed. There aren’t words to express the level of disappointment that we have,” Rebecca Randles, an attorney in Kansas City who has represented Hart’s accusers in civil suits against the church, said Wednesday.

“It makes you wonder how many children does it take before a bishop can be brought to justice,” Randles added.

The Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph has settled in court with at least 10 victims. The dioceses in Cheyenne and Kansas City have said the men who’ve come forward against Hart are credible and church officials have substantiated the allegations against Hart.

CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — Prosecutors in Wyoming have again decided not to pursue sexual abuse charges against a retired Roman Catholic bishop accused of abusing boys over decades.They felt they couldn’t successfully prosecute Bishop Joseph Hart after reviewing a police investigation, Natrona County assistant district attorney Michael Schafer said this week.Hart was among the highest-ranking church officials around the world facing prosecution and other sanctions for alleged sex abuse.The announcement ends a two-year criminal investigation into Hart. Prosecutors in Laramie County in southeastern Wyoming had referred the investigation to prosecutors in Natrona County in central Wyoming after Cheyenne’s top prosecutor recused herself, citing a conflict of interest.In June, Natrona County prosecutors told an alleged victim Hart wouldn’t be prosecuted but reconsidered after meeting with Cheyenne police and realizing prosecutors had misread important case documents.Wyoming has no statute of limitations in sexual abuse cases and represented perhaps the only chance for Hart to face criminal prosecution for his alleged abuse. Hart also faced accusations in Missouri but that state prohibits prosecution years after an alleged crime.Hart, 88, was a priest in Kansas City, Missouri, for 21 years before moving to Wyoming, where he served as auxiliary and then full bishop from 1976 until his retirement in 2001.The first known allegations against Hart dated to the early 1960s and were made in the late 1980s. At least six men have come forward in the past two years to say Hart abused them in Wyoming.Hart has consistently denied all accusations of misconduct. His attorney, Tom Jubin, said Tuesday he was “gratified by the district attorney’s decision.”“Bishop Hart has consistently maintained his innocence while never diminishing the pain felt by the victims of abuse,” Jubin wrote in an email.Not pursuing a criminal case against Hart “does not mean that the victims are not credible,” Diocese of Cheyenne Bishop Steven Biegler said in a statement in June. The diocese has “nothing new to add” to that statement, spokeswoman Diana Marie Waggener said by email Wednesday.“We’re very, very, very disappointed. There aren’t words to express the level of disappointment that we have,” Rebecca Randles, an attorney in Kansas City who has represented Hart’s accusers in civil suits against the church, said Wednesday.“It makes you wonder how many children does it take before a bishop can be brought to justice,” Randles added.The Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph has settled in court with at least 10 victims. The dioceses in Cheyenne and Kansas City have said the men who’ve come forward against Hart are credible and church officials have substantiated the allegations against Hart.

Former Kansas City priest won't face sex abuse charges    

As school districts across the country decide how and when they can bring students back to campus safely, a major sticking point is emerging: the money to make it happen.

Keeping public schools for 50 million students and more than 7 million staff safe from the coronavirus could require more teachers and substitutes, nurses and custodians. School districts will need to find more buses to allow for more space between children and buy more computers for distance learning. They’ll need to buy sanitizer, masks and other protective equipment. Some are putting up plastic dividers in offices and classrooms.

While public health concerns are getting most of the attention, especially with the nation’s infections and hospitalizations rising, costs have become a major consideration. Many districts are hoping Congress will step in.

The Council of Chief State School Officers says safely reopening public schools could cost between $158 billion and $245 billion, while the American Federation of Teachers put the figure at $116.5 billion. The Association of School Business Officials International estimates that reopening will require additional spending equivalent to about 3.5% of districts’ normal budgets.

“If you don’t have this money, how are you going to afford PPE? How are you going to have cleaning every day?” asked Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, a major union. “That’s why you’re going to see more and more districts, even when they don’t have surges, staying with remote learning.”

In Kansas, Governor Laura said she would delay the reopening of the state’s K-12 schools for nearly a month until after Labor Day because of a resurgence in reported coronavirus cases. She is expected to announce additional details next week.

School officials in Los Angeles and San Diego, the two largest districts in California, said this week their year will begin with online classes only. Many others, including New York City, are planning to have each student attend class in person only some days while doing work online the rest of the time.

The school district in Columbus, Ohio, expects to bring back younger students in shifts while having high schoolers take all their classes online. But district spokesman Scott Wortman said those plans are not certain, and the ability to pay for measures needed to safely reopen will play a role in the final decision.

The district estimates its reopening costs at $100 million — nearly four times the previously approved federal funding that it expects to get.

Virginia Department of Education spokesman Charles B. Pyle said school districts there will need more than the $282 million the state received in the previous congressional relief bill to safely reopen “and respond to the spikes that will inevitably occur during the year.”

In Georgia’s Bibb County School District, based in Macon, chief of staff Keith Simmons said cleaning materials, temperature-taking kiosks, masks and other materials could cost $750,000 to $1 million. But that does not include everything the district probably needs to do, he said.

“We’ve calculated the cost based on what we think we can afford, not based on what we need,” he said.

The district has pushed back its opening day from Aug. 10 to Sept. 10 to make adjustments in a state where cases have been rising. Up to 45% of students are choosing to start the school year by taking classes only remotely, according to Simmons. That should leave enough room for the remaining students to return to classrooms, he said.

Coronavirus aid will be the highest-profile item on the agenda when Congress returns next week, including how much money to make available for school districts.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican from Kentucky, has scoffed at the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/55887a1d2b734020c8dae29004f087d6">$3 trillion overall aid package</a>&nbsp;Democrats are calling for, but he has said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/23f92d36608ae19805c2a5b354f58364">funding education will be a priority</a>.

President Donald Trump has said in recent weeks that schools that don’t reopen for full, in-person classes could see federal money reduced.

Congress has already approved more than $3 trillion in aid to address the coronavirus outbreak and economic fallout. That includes $150 billion for states, territories, large local governments and Native American tribes, plus more than $13 billion directed specifically to education.

On conference calls with governors and in a briefing this month, Vice President Mike Pence has been critical of states because only a small portion of the $13 billion — 1.5% as of last week — had been paid out. Chip Slaven, the chief advocacy officer for the National School Boards Association, said slow spending of that money should not keep Congress from providing more money to make schools safe for reopening. Districts are still trying to figure out how they can spend the money in accordance with guidelines set by U.S. Department of Education, he said.

Slaven said the federal government should send at least $200 billion to state education departments and school districts. That’s in line with what the Council of Chief State School Officers has called for.

“The whole point of the federal government is — when there’s a national emergency like this — is to step up to the plate with a plan, with resources and with help,” he said.

For schools in many states, high reopening costs are only one side of the coin. State tax collections plunged when much of the economy was shut in the spring. That had a trickle-down effect on school funding, typically the largest part of a state budget.

The Sioux Falls School District, the largest in South Dakota, estimates it will need $7.8 million for protective equipment, cleaning supplies, putting high-powered filters on ventilation systems and other items to make it safer to reopen school buildings

The district plans on using $4.1 million from earlier federal funding but is applying for other grants to make up the rest.

At the same time, the district has slashed $1.3 million from its regular budget to prepare for possible funding cuts from the state. District business manager Todd Vik said administrators canceled plans for building expansions and hiring 15 teachers and reduced planned salary increases.

“While we’re looking at cutting on one hand,” he said, “we’re looking at responding to the coronavirus and increasing spending in other areas.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594844891982.png" alt="Kansas Governor Laura Kelly prepares to open Wednesdays news conference to discuss the state's plan on K-12 Education.&nbsp;Kansas is reporting that it saw more than 1,000 new coronavirus cases in two days. The new numbers Friday again gave the state its worst seven-day spike in new reported cases since the pandemic began." />
 <figcaption>Kansas Governor Laura Kelly prepares to open Wednesdays news conference to discuss the state's plan on K-12 Education.&nbsp;Kansas is reporting that it saw more than 1,000 new coronavirus cases in two days. The new numbers Friday again gave the state its worst seven-day spike in new reported cases since the pandemic began.</figcaption>
 </figure>By GEOFF MULVIHILL, Associated PressAs school districts across the country decide how and when they can bring students back to campus safely, a major sticking point is emerging: the money to make it happen.Keeping public schools for 50 million students and more than 7 million staff safe from the coronavirus could require more teachers and substitutes, nurses and custodians. School districts will need to find more buses to allow for more space between children and buy more computers for distance learning. They’ll need to buy sanitizer, masks and other protective equipment. Some are putting up plastic dividers in offices and classrooms.While public health concerns are getting most of the attention, especially with the nation’s infections and hospitalizations rising, costs have become a major consideration. Many districts are hoping Congress will step in.The Council of Chief State School Officers says safely reopening public schools could cost between $158 billion and $245 billion, while the American Federation of Teachers put the figure at $116.5 billion. The Association of School Business Officials International estimates that reopening will require additional spending equivalent to about 3.5% of districts’ normal budgets.“If you don’t have this money, how are you going to afford PPE? How are you going to have cleaning every day?” asked Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, a major union. “That’s why you’re going to see more and more districts, even when they don’t have surges, staying with remote learning.”In Kansas, Governor Laura said she would delay the reopening of the state’s K-12 schools for nearly a month until after Labor Day because of a resurgence in reported coronavirus cases. She is expected to announce additional details next week.School officials in Los Angeles and San Diego, the two largest districts in California, said this week their year will begin with online classes only. Many others, including New York City, are planning to have each student attend class in person only some days while doing work online the rest of the time.The school district in Columbus, Ohio, expects to bring back younger students in shifts while having high schoolers take all their classes online. But district spokesman Scott Wortman said those plans are not certain, and the ability to pay for measures needed to safely reopen will play a role in the final decision.The district estimates its reopening costs at $100 million — nearly four times the previously approved federal funding that it expects to get.Virginia Department of Education spokesman Charles B. Pyle said school districts there will need more than the $282 million the state received in the previous congressional relief bill to safely reopen “and respond to the spikes that will inevitably occur during the year.”In Georgia’s Bibb County School District, based in Macon, chief of staff Keith Simmons said cleaning materials, temperature-taking kiosks, masks and other materials could cost $750,000 to $1 million. But that does not include everything the district probably needs to do, he said.“We’ve calculated the cost based on what we think we can afford, not based on what we need,” he said.The district has pushed back its opening day from Aug. 10 to Sept. 10 to make adjustments in a state where cases have been rising. Up to 45% of students are choosing to start the school year by taking classes only remotely, according to Simmons. That should leave enough room for the remaining students to return to classrooms, he said.Coronavirus aid will be the highest-profile item on the agenda when Congress returns next week, including how much money to make available for school districts.Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican from Kentucky, has scoffed at the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/55887a1d2b734020c8dae29004f087d6">$3 trillion overall aid package</a>&nbsp;Democrats are calling for, but he has said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/23f92d36608ae19805c2a5b354f58364">funding education will be a priority</a>.President Donald Trump has said in recent weeks that schools that don’t reopen for full, in-person classes could see federal money reduced.Congress has already approved more than $3 trillion in aid to address the coronavirus outbreak and economic fallout. That includes $150 billion for states, territories, large local governments and Native American tribes, plus more than $13 billion directed specifically to education.On conference calls with governors and in a briefing this month, Vice President Mike Pence has been critical of states because only a small portion of the $13 billion — 1.5% as of last week — had been paid out. Chip Slaven, the chief advocacy officer for the National School Boards Association, said slow spending of that money should not keep Congress from providing more money to make schools safe for reopening. Districts are still trying to figure out how they can spend the money in accordance with guidelines set by U.S. Department of Education, he said.Slaven said the federal government should send at least $200 billion to state education departments and school districts. That’s in line with what the Council of Chief State School Officers has called for.“The whole point of the federal government is — when there’s a national emergency like this — is to step up to the plate with a plan, with resources and with help,” he said.For schools in many states, high reopening costs are only one side of the coin. State tax collections plunged when much of the economy was shut in the spring. That had a trickle-down effect on school funding, typically the largest part of a state budget.The Sioux Falls School District, the largest in South Dakota, estimates it will need $7.8 million for protective equipment, cleaning supplies, putting high-powered filters on ventilation systems and other items to make it safer to reopen school buildingsThe district plans on using $4.1 million from earlier federal funding but is applying for other grants to make up the rest.At the same time, the district has slashed $1.3 million from its regular budget to prepare for possible funding cuts from the state. District business manager Todd Vik said administrators canceled plans for building expansions and hiring 15 teachers and reduced planned salary increases.“While we’re looking at cutting on one hand,” he said, “we’re looking at responding to the coronavirus and increasing spending in other areas.”___

Cost of ensuring school safety complicates reopening plans

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly today announced the launch of the new&nbsp;KANSASWORKS&nbsp;KanVet&nbsp;website. The new site provides access to State of Kansas veteran-specific resources and benefits on a one-stop, convenient web page.

“Kansas veterans contribute significantly to their communities, and we owe them a debt of gratitude for their service to our country,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said. “Growing up in a military family, I know firsthand the sacrifices our service members and their families make to keep us safe. We are proud to help Kansas veterans find careers in our state.”

Resources available to veterans on the site include, but are not limited to:

In addition to veterans’ resources, the&nbsp;KanVet&nbsp;site also allows employers to take the&nbsp;Hire a Veteran&nbsp;Pledge to publicly show their commitment to the men and women who have defended our nation. This serves as a further demonstration of the state of Kansas’ commitment to providing support for veterans, as well as signifying the desire for veterans to remain in Kansas after their service.

“Ensuring that veterans can easily find careers in Kansas benefits both the service members and the businesses in our state,”&nbsp;Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “This is a group of high-quality leaders who are ready to work, and they come equipped with all of the skills employers are looking for. Keeping incredible people in our state and supplying Kansas companies with a qualified, dedicated workforce is a win for everyone involved.”

The site is live and can be viewed at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kanvet.org%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7C6e5c70674f074ad8d8b708d825023ef6%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637300038852197122&amp;sdata=hgGVSNKg%2FVImvZwc2bGcfO4LXLCxeUHQnbLVs4%2BRWdk%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">kanvet.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594650025122.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly today announced the launch of the new&nbsp;KANSASWORKS&nbsp;KanVet&nbsp;website. The new site provides access to State of Kansas veteran-specific resources and benefits on a one-stop, convenient web page.“Kansas veterans contribute significantly to their communities, and we owe them a debt of gratitude for their service to our country,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said. “Growing up in a military family, I know firsthand the sacrifices our service members and their families make to keep us safe. We are proud to help Kansas veterans find careers in our state.”Resources available to veterans on the site include, but are not limited to:<ul>
 <li>Employment resources</li><li>Veteran and family assistance</li><li>Education resources</li><li>Mental health support</li>
 </ul>In addition to veterans’ resources, the&nbsp;KanVet&nbsp;site also allows employers to take the&nbsp;Hire a Veteran&nbsp;Pledge to publicly show their commitment to the men and women who have defended our nation. This serves as a further demonstration of the state of Kansas’ commitment to providing support for veterans, as well as signifying the desire for veterans to remain in Kansas after their service.“Ensuring that veterans can easily find careers in Kansas benefits both the service members and the businesses in our state,”&nbsp;Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “This is a group of high-quality leaders who are ready to work, and they come equipped with all of the skills employers are looking for. Keeping incredible people in our state and supplying Kansas companies with a qualified, dedicated workforce is a win for everyone involved.”The site is live and can be viewed at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kanvet.org%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7C6e5c70674f074ad8d8b708d825023ef6%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637300038852197122&amp;sdata=hgGVSNKg%2FVImvZwc2bGcfO4LXLCxeUHQnbLVs4%2BRWdk%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">kanvet.org</a>.

New KanVet site helps veterans find careers in Kansas

WICHITA, KAN. – A Kan man who caught law enforcement’s attention when he was shot pleaded guilty Wednesday to growing hallucinogenic mushrooms, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.

Corey A. Logan, 35, Wichita, pleaded guilty to one count of manufacturing a controlled substance. In his plea, Logan admitted that in March 2018 police were dispatched to his home in the 1900 block of East Maywood. Logan reported being shot by an unknown assailant. Police found a mushroom growing operation in a bedroom of his home.

Sentencing is set for Oct. 2. He could face a penalty of up to 20 years in federal prison.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594838525688.png" alt="Logan-photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Logan-photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, KAN. – A Kan man who caught law enforcement’s attention when he was shot pleaded guilty Wednesday to growing hallucinogenic mushrooms, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.Corey A. Logan, 35, Wichita, pleaded guilty to one count of manufacturing a controlled substance. In his plea, Logan admitted that in March 2018 police were dispatched to his home in the 1900 block of East Maywood. Logan reported being shot by an unknown assailant. Police found a mushroom growing operation in a bedroom of his home.Sentencing is set for Oct. 2. He could face a penalty of up to 20 years in federal prison.&nbsp;

Kansas man admits growing hallucinogenic mushrooms

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (AP) — The U.S. government on Friday put to death an Iowa chemistry student-turned-meth kingpin convicted of killing five people, the third execution by the federal government in a week.

<a href="https://apnews.com/a8ee04007265bdaa742add8a3b1e3362">Dustin Honken</a>, 52, who prosecutors said killed key witnesses to stop them from testifying in his drugs case, received a lethal injection at the Federal Correctional Complex in Terre Haute, Indiana. Two others were also put to death during the week after a hiatus of nearly 20 years, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a494e22c8a4449118f7ee60963804f92">Wesley Purkey.</a>&nbsp;His lawyers contended he had dementia and didn’t know why he was being executed.

The first in the spate federal executions happened Tuesday, when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/638826b00bba1b389756126e4cfae97a">Daniel Lewis Lee</a>&nbsp;was put to death for killing a family in the 1990s as part of a plot to build a whites-only nation. Lee’s execution, like Purkey’s, went ahead only after the U.S. Supreme Court gave it a green light in a 5-4 decision hours before.

Honken, who had been on death row since 2005, was pronounced dead at 4:36 p.m. The inmate — known for his verbosity at trial and for making a long statement of his innocence at his sentencing — spoke only briefly, neither addressing victims’ family members nor saying he was sorry. His last words were, “Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for me.”

Honken’s lawyer, Shawn Nolan, said his client was “redeemed” and had repented for his crimes. Honken was a devout Catholic who “cared for everyone he came into contact with” in prison, Nolan said.

“There was no reason for the government to kill him, in haste or at all. In any case, they failed. The Dustin Honken they wanted to kill is long gone,” Nolan said. “The man they killed today was a human being, who could have spent the rest of his days helping others and further redeeming himself. May he rest in peace.”

In a statement, Justice Department spokesperson Kerri Kupec said “just punishment has been carried out.”

“Nearly three decades after Honken coldly ended the lives of five people, including two young girls, all in an effort to protect himself and his criminal enterprise, he has finally faced justice,” Kupec said.

After officials began administering the lethal injection, Honken began blinking his eyes and his fingers twitched. After several minutes his breathing became more labored. He turned increasingly ashen as blood drained from his face and hands. His hands gradually stopped twitching, and his breathing became shallower.

Honken was pronounced dead about 30 minutes after the process began — longer than the other two executions. An official with a stethoscope walked into the small death chamber, put his fingers on Honken’s neck to check for a pulse, listened for a heartbeat, then exited.

Seconds later, officials announced the time of death.

Honken, whose crimes struck at the foundation of the U.S. justice system, always seemed the least likely to win a reprieve from the courts. After the two previous executions were stopped and started amid back-and-forth legal maneuvering, Honken’s began almost on the minute it was scheduled.

While out on bond in his drugs case in July 1993, Honken and his girlfriend Angela Johnson kidnapped Lori Duncan and her two daughters from their Mason City, Iowa, home, then killed and buried them in a wooded area nearby. Ten-year-old Kandi and 6-year-old Amber were still in their swimsuits on the hot summer day when they were shot execution-style in the back of the head.

Their primary target that day was Lori Duncan’s then-boyfriend, Greg Nicholson, who also lived at the home and was also killed. He and Lori Duncan were bound and gagged and shot multiple times. Honken had recently learned Nicholson, a former drug-dealing associate, was cooperating with investigators and would likely testify against Honken at trial.

Lori Duncan didn’t know Nicholson was an informant and she wasn’t involved in drugs.

As the investigation into Honken continued, he killed another drug dealer working with him, Terry DeGeus, beating him with a bat and shooting him.

Honken had earlier informed the judge in his drug case that he would plead guilty at the end of July. But days after the still-undiscovered killings of Nicholson and the Duncans, he told the court he would stick to his not guilty plea.

A statement from the Duncan family said the execution provided a degree of justice and closure to the family.

The two young Duncan girls “never had a chance to grow up and share in the joys and sorrows of their life,” it said. “Their mother never got to see them having their first dance, first date or first walk down the aisle at their wedding.”

“We will continue to live with their loss,” it said. “However, this is a step toward healing of broken hearts and shattered lives.”

Investigators found the Nicholson and Duncan bodies only seven years after the killings, in 2000, after Johnson scrawled out a map showing a jailhouse informant where they were buried. DeGeus’ body was found a few miles from the wooded area.

Honken was considered so dangerous that the judge took the rare step of impaneling an anonymous jury. Other security measures included fitting Honken with a stun belt under his clothes to prevent him from trying to escape.

Johnson, Honken’s girlfriend, was convicted in a separate trial and sentenced to death. A judge later reduced her sentence to life behind bars.

In recent days, prison authorities permitted Honken to make his last calls to family and friends, according to Sister Betty Donoghue, a Catholic nun whom he called Wednesday.

On death row, Honken befriended Lee and knew his execution was called off one hour, then was back on another hour, Donoghue said.

“He was very upset with the way Danny died,” said Donoghue, who visited Honken regularly over the past decade.

Yet Donoghue, of the Sisters of Providence just outside Terre Haute, said she was startled by how calm Honken sounded over the phone.

“He was at peace. I was totally amazed,” she said. “He believed he would go to heaven. He is ready to meet his maker.”

At his sentencing in 2005, Honken denied killing anybody, but Donoghue said she never heard him say he was innocent.

Honken’s mother, brother and college-age daughter visited him in prison in recent days, she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595025298276.png" alt="Honken photo Mason City Police" />
 <figcaption>Honken photo Mason City Police</figcaption>
 </figure>TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (AP) — The U.S. government on Friday put to death an Iowa chemistry student-turned-meth kingpin convicted of killing five people, the third execution by the federal government in a week.<a href="https://apnews.com/a8ee04007265bdaa742add8a3b1e3362">Dustin Honken</a>, 52, who prosecutors said killed key witnesses to stop them from testifying in his drugs case, received a lethal injection at the Federal Correctional Complex in Terre Haute, Indiana. Two others were also put to death during the week after a hiatus of nearly 20 years, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a494e22c8a4449118f7ee60963804f92">Wesley Purkey.</a>&nbsp;His lawyers contended he had dementia and didn’t know why he was being executed.The first in the spate federal executions happened Tuesday, when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/638826b00bba1b389756126e4cfae97a">Daniel Lewis Lee</a>&nbsp;was put to death for killing a family in the 1990s as part of a plot to build a whites-only nation. Lee’s execution, like Purkey’s, went ahead only after the U.S. Supreme Court gave it a green light in a 5-4 decision hours before.Honken, who had been on death row since 2005, was pronounced dead at 4:36 p.m. The inmate — known for his verbosity at trial and for making a long statement of his innocence at his sentencing — spoke only briefly, neither addressing victims’ family members nor saying he was sorry. His last words were, “Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for me.”Honken’s lawyer, Shawn Nolan, said his client was “redeemed” and had repented for his crimes. Honken was a devout Catholic who “cared for everyone he came into contact with” in prison, Nolan said.“There was no reason for the government to kill him, in haste or at all. In any case, they failed. The Dustin Honken they wanted to kill is long gone,” Nolan said. “The man they killed today was a human being, who could have spent the rest of his days helping others and further redeeming himself. May he rest in peace.”In a statement, Justice Department spokesperson Kerri Kupec said “just punishment has been carried out.”“Nearly three decades after Honken coldly ended the lives of five people, including two young girls, all in an effort to protect himself and his criminal enterprise, he has finally faced justice,” Kupec said.After officials began administering the lethal injection, Honken began blinking his eyes and his fingers twitched. After several minutes his breathing became more labored. He turned increasingly ashen as blood drained from his face and hands. His hands gradually stopped twitching, and his breathing became shallower.Honken was pronounced dead about 30 minutes after the process began — longer than the other two executions. An official with a stethoscope walked into the small death chamber, put his fingers on Honken’s neck to check for a pulse, listened for a heartbeat, then exited.Seconds later, officials announced the time of death.Honken, whose crimes struck at the foundation of the U.S. justice system, always seemed the least likely to win a reprieve from the courts. After the two previous executions were stopped and started amid back-and-forth legal maneuvering, Honken’s began almost on the minute it was scheduled.While out on bond in his drugs case in July 1993, Honken and his girlfriend Angela Johnson kidnapped Lori Duncan and her two daughters from their Mason City, Iowa, home, then killed and buried them in a wooded area nearby. Ten-year-old Kandi and 6-year-old Amber were still in their swimsuits on the hot summer day when they were shot execution-style in the back of the head.Their primary target that day was Lori Duncan’s then-boyfriend, Greg Nicholson, who also lived at the home and was also killed. He and Lori Duncan were bound and gagged and shot multiple times. Honken had recently learned Nicholson, a former drug-dealing associate, was cooperating with investigators and would likely testify against Honken at trial.Lori Duncan didn’t know Nicholson was an informant and she wasn’t involved in drugs.As the investigation into Honken continued, he killed another drug dealer working with him, Terry DeGeus, beating him with a bat and shooting him.Honken had earlier informed the judge in his drug case that he would plead guilty at the end of July. But days after the still-undiscovered killings of Nicholson and the Duncans, he told the court he would stick to his not guilty plea.A statement from the Duncan family said the execution provided a degree of justice and closure to the family.The two young Duncan girls “never had a chance to grow up and share in the joys and sorrows of their life,” it said. “Their mother never got to see them having their first dance, first date or first walk down the aisle at their wedding.”“We will continue to live with their loss,” it said. “However, this is a step toward healing of broken hearts and shattered lives.”Investigators found the Nicholson and Duncan bodies only seven years after the killings, in 2000, after Johnson scrawled out a map showing a jailhouse informant where they were buried. DeGeus’ body was found a few miles from the wooded area.Honken was considered so dangerous that the judge took the rare step of impaneling an anonymous jury. Other security measures included fitting Honken with a stun belt under his clothes to prevent him from trying to escape.Johnson, Honken’s girlfriend, was convicted in a separate trial and sentenced to death. A judge later reduced her sentence to life behind bars.In recent days, prison authorities permitted Honken to make his last calls to family and friends, according to Sister Betty Donoghue, a Catholic nun whom he called Wednesday.On death row, Honken befriended Lee and knew his execution was called off one hour, then was back on another hour, Donoghue said.“He was very upset with the way Danny died,” said Donoghue, who visited Honken regularly over the past decade.Yet Donoghue, of the Sisters of Providence just outside Terre Haute, said she was startled by how calm Honken sounded over the phone.“He was at peace. I was totally amazed,” she said. “He believed he would go to heaven. He is ready to meet his maker.”At his sentencing in 2005, Honken denied killing anybody, but Donoghue said she never heard him say he was innocent.Honken’s mother, brother and college-age daughter visited him in prison in recent days, she said.

Iowa meth kingpin is 3rd executed by US government this week

AUGUSTA, Kan. (AP) — Authorities are investigating after the body of an elderly man was found in a rural area of south-central Kansas along with some bicyclist equipment.

Butler County Sheriff Kelly Herzet said Friday afternoon that a man and a woman found the body while working on a fence southwest of Augusta, KAKE-TV&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kake.com/story/42382728/sheriffs-office-investigates-after-body-found-near-augusta" target="_blank">reports.&nbsp;</a>The body had been there several days.

Herzet is asking anyone who knows of a missing bicyclist to contact law enforcement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595024136688.png" alt="Deputies on the scene of the investigation Friday photo courtesy KAKE" />
 <figcaption>Deputies on the scene of the investigation Friday photo courtesy KAKE</figcaption>
 </figure>AUGUSTA, Kan. (AP) — Authorities are investigating after the body of an elderly man was found in a rural area of south-central Kansas along with some bicyclist equipment.Butler County Sheriff Kelly Herzet said Friday afternoon that a man and a woman found the body while working on a fence southwest of Augusta, KAKE-TV&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kake.com/story/42382728/sheriffs-office-investigates-after-body-found-near-augusta" target="_blank">reports.&nbsp;</a>The body had been there several days.Herzet is asking anyone who knows of a missing bicyclist to contact law enforcement.

Body, bicycle equipment found in rural area of Kansas

Unpublicized recommendations say states should return to stringent control measures

By LIZ ESSLEY WHYTE <a href="https://publicintegrity.org/health/coronavirus-and-inequality/exclusive-white-house-document-shows-18-states-in-coronavirus-red-zone-covid-19/">Center for Public Integrity</a>

A document prepared for the White House Coronavirus Task Force but 
not publicized suggests more than a dozen states should revert to more 
stringent protective measures, limiting social gatherings to 10 people 
or fewer, closing bars and gyms and asking residents to wear masks at 
all times.

The document, dated July 14 and obtained by the Center for Public 
Integrity, says 18 states are in the “red zone” for COVID-19 cases, 
meaning they had more than 100 new cases per 100,000 population last 
week. Eleven states are in the “red zone” for test positivity, meaning 
more than 10 percent of diagnostic test results came back positive.&nbsp;

It includes county-level data and reflects the insistence of the 
Trump administration that states and counties should take the lead in 
responding to the coronavirus. The document has been shared within the 
federal government but does not appear to be posted publicly.

Dr. Ashish Jha, director of the Harvard Global Health Institute, said
 he thought the information and recommendations were mostly good.

<h2>Unpublicized recommendations say states should return to stringent control measures</h2>By LIZ ESSLEY WHYTE <a href="https://publicintegrity.org/health/coronavirus-and-inequality/exclusive-white-house-document-shows-18-states-in-coronavirus-red-zone-covid-19/">Center for Public Integrity</a>A document prepared for the White House Coronavirus Task Force but 
not publicized suggests more than a dozen states should revert to more 
stringent protective measures, limiting social gatherings to 10 people 
or fewer, closing bars and gyms and asking residents to wear masks at 
all times.The document, dated July 14 and obtained by the Center for Public 
Integrity, says 18 states are in the “red zone” for COVID-19 cases, 
meaning they had more than 100 new cases per 100,000 population last 
week. Eleven states are in the “red zone” for test positivity, meaning 
more than 10 percent of diagnostic test results came back positive.&nbsp;It includes county-level data and reflects the insistence of the 
Trump administration that states and counties should take the lead in 
responding to the coronavirus. The document has been shared within the 
federal government but does not appear to be posted publicly.Dr. Ashish Jha, director of the Harvard Global Health Institute, said
 he thought the information and recommendations were mostly good.“The fact that it’s not public makes no 
sense to me,” Jha said Thursday. “Why are we hiding this information 
from the American people? This should be published and updated every 
day.”<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/6990125-Governor-s-Report-14-July-20.html#document/p1">View the document here.</a>Dr. Deborah Birx, a leader of the task force, <a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?473708-1/vice-president-reiterates-presidents-call-open-schools-fall&amp;vod=">referenced an earlier version</a>
 of what appears to be the same report — which she said was updated 
weekly and sent to governors — in a press conference July 8 in which 
Vice President Mike Pence urged local leaders to open schools in the 
fall. She said <a href="https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/florida-among-red-zone-states-the-coronavirus-task-force-asks-to-wear-masks-reduce-social-gatherings/67-f2704831-e44c-4534-9e5b-d5247397e5e9">Arizona, California, Florida and Texas</a>
 were among the states the task force was monitoring carefully and that 
“a series of other states” were also in the red zone and should consider
 limiting gatherings.It’s clear some states are not following the task force’s advice. For
 instance, the document recommends that Georgia, in the red zone for 
both cases and test positivity, “mandate statewide wearing of cloth face
 coverings outside the home.” But Gov. Brian Kemp <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2020/07/16/kemp-georgia-mask-mandates/">signed an order Wednesday</a> banning localities from requiring masks.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595017874915.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The 18 states that are included in the red zone for cases in the 
document are: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, 
Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nevada, 
Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Utah.The 11 states that are in the red zone for test positivity are 
Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Louisiana, Mississippi, 
Nevada, South Carolina, Texas and Washington.In May, the World Health Organization recommended that governments 
make sure test positivity rates were at 5 percent or lower for 14 days 
before reopening. A COVID-19 tracker from Johns Hopkins University shows
 that 33 states were <a href="https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/testing/testing-positivity">above that recommended positivity</a> as of July 16.“If the test positivity rate is above 10 
percent, that means we’re not doing a good job mitigating the outbreak,”
 said Jessica Malaty Rivera, science communication lead at the <a href="https://covidtracking.com/">COVID Tracking Project</a>, a volunteer organization launched by journalists from The Atlantic. “Ideally we want the test positivity rate to be below 3 percent, because that shows that we’re suppressing COVID-19.”&nbsp;The White House and Kemp did not respond to requests for comment Thursday.This article about the <a href="https://publicintegrity.org/health/coronavirus-and-inequality/exclusive-white-house-document-shows-18-states-in-coronavirus-red-zone-covid-19">coronavirus red zone</a> was originally published by the&nbsp;<a href="https://publicintegrity.org/">Center for Public Integrity</a>, a nonprofit newsroom based in Washington, D.C.