This year, the Barton County Fair is going to be quite different. The static exhibits such as foods and crafts are all going to be shown online, not out at the Expo buildings in plain view. Livestock shows will go on, but with a different schedule and with no spectators. This is all in place because of Covid 19 restrictions that needed to be in place in May to even be able to plan for a fair.&nbsp;

Before Covid sent us all to our homes, most 4H’ers were already hard at work so their projects would be them ready at Fair time. For example, in order to participate in the 4-H Market Beef show, that animal needs to be weighed and tagged by the Extension office. The weigh in date for 2020 was back on February 29th.&nbsp; (This is just one beef project).&nbsp; For a Foods project, the 4-H’er should be learning about the project and cooking all year long. Art projects are worked on for the entire year at times, and to get the perfect snowstorm picture, you need to have snow. Fair is the culmination of their yearlong hard work, and it is meant to celebrate the 4H’ers and what they have learned along the way.&nbsp;

For 2020, even though you cannot come out to the Expo grounds to view all of the finished projects, you can still help celebrate the children and their hard efforts. There will be several avenues to be able to view their projects. On flipgrid.com, you can search for 4-H Public Showcase with the flip code “btcofair” to view some of the virtual videos of the 4Hers and their projects! You can also visit the Barton County Fair website at bartoncountyfair.com. Facebook will also be busy with livestreaming! <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ksrecottonwood">https://www.facebook.com/ksrecottonwood</a> will livestream the livestock shows for people to be able to still watch amongst other activities. You can also go to the Barton County Fair’s Facebook page at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BartonCoFair">https://www.facebook.com/BartonCoFair</a> for fun and exciting content!&nbsp;

This year has been challenging for many reasons; and The Barton County Fair falls in that category. With a little ingenuity, willingness to be flexible and the ability to learn new things, we will do our absolute best to celebrate what 4-H is about; the learning process and the journey it takes to get there above all!

Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592579538317.png" alt="Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District." />
 <figcaption>Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District.</figcaption>
 </figure>This year, the Barton County Fair is going to be quite different. The static exhibits such as foods and crafts are all going to be shown online, not out at the Expo buildings in plain view. Livestock shows will go on, but with a different schedule and with no spectators. This is all in place because of Covid 19 restrictions that needed to be in place in May to even be able to plan for a fair.&nbsp;Before Covid sent us all to our homes, most 4H’ers were already hard at work so their projects would be them ready at Fair time. For example, in order to participate in the 4-H Market Beef show, that animal needs to be weighed and tagged by the Extension office. The weigh in date for 2020 was back on February 29th.&nbsp; (This is just one beef project).&nbsp; For a Foods project, the 4-H’er should be learning about the project and cooking all year long. Art projects are worked on for the entire year at times, and to get the perfect snowstorm picture, you need to have snow. Fair is the culmination of their yearlong hard work, and it is meant to celebrate the 4H’ers and what they have learned along the way.&nbsp;For 2020, even though you cannot come out to the Expo grounds to view all of the finished projects, you can still help celebrate the children and their hard efforts. There will be several avenues to be able to view their projects. On flipgrid.com, you can search for 4-H Public Showcase with the flip code “btcofair” to view some of the virtual videos of the 4Hers and their projects! You can also visit the Barton County Fair website at bartoncountyfair.com. Facebook will also be busy with livestreaming! <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ksrecottonwood">https://www.facebook.com/ksrecottonwood</a> will livestream the livestock shows for people to be able to still watch amongst other activities. You can also go to the Barton County Fair’s Facebook page at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BartonCoFair">https://www.facebook.com/BartonCoFair</a> for fun and exciting content!&nbsp;This year has been challenging for many reasons; and The Barton County Fair falls in that category. With a little ingenuity, willingness to be flexible and the ability to learn new things, we will do our absolute best to celebrate what 4-H is about; the learning process and the journey it takes to get there above all!Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District.

BOOR: Big changes at Barton Co. Fair in 2020

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Kansas City’s Black mayor said Monday that he was called a racist slur and told he should “swing from a tree” after he announced mandatory face masks in the Missouri city.

Mayor Quinton Lucas on Twitter shared a screenshot of the texts, which came after he announced Friday that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/d46319f474c58304165f2acca6a52ec9">masks will be required</a>&nbsp;in Kansas City when 6 feet of separation isn’t feasible.

“You walked with RIOTERS not wearing a mask idiot,” a text read, according to a screenshot Lucas shared. “You should swing from a tree, I’m not threatening it, but would love to see it.”

Lucas has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/14cdff4bf0ef25bc81ddac12edd0bc65">joined in Kansas City protests</a>&nbsp;sparked by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a55d2662f200ead0da4fed9e923b60a7">the death of George Floyd</a>&nbsp;and other Black people at the hands of police. Floyd died May 25 after a white Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee on Floyd’s neck for nearly eight minutes as the handcuffed man pleaded for air.

Lucas did not share the name or number of the person who allegedly sent the texts, which included a racist slur and obscene language describing the Black mayor.

In a tweet about the texts, Lucas wrote, “let’s do better.”

Masks as of Monday are required in Kansas City. The mandate will remain in place until at least July 12.

It’s unclear if police are investigating the texts to the mayor as a threat. An Associated Press request for comment to a Kansas City police spokesman wasn’t immediately returned Monday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589226208948.png" alt="Mayor Quinton Lucas prepares for a press conference in April-image courtesy city of KCMO" />
 <figcaption>Mayor Quinton Lucas prepares for a press conference in April-image courtesy city of KCMO</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — Kansas City’s Black mayor said Monday that he was called a racist slur and told he should “swing from a tree” after he announced mandatory face masks in the Missouri city.Mayor Quinton Lucas on Twitter shared a screenshot of the texts, which came after he announced Friday that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/d46319f474c58304165f2acca6a52ec9">masks will be required</a>&nbsp;in Kansas City when 6 feet of separation isn’t feasible.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A downside to giving your cell number to everyone. <a href="https://t.co/PIMntQWV9A">https://t.co/PIMntQWV9A</a>&mdash; Mayor Q (@QuintonLucasKC) <a href="https://twitter.com/QuintonLucasKC/status/1277630049110425603?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 29, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“You walked with RIOTERS not wearing a mask idiot,” a text read, according to a screenshot Lucas shared. “You should swing from a tree, I’m not threatening it, but would love to see it.”Lucas has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/14cdff4bf0ef25bc81ddac12edd0bc65">joined in Kansas City protests</a>&nbsp;sparked by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a55d2662f200ead0da4fed9e923b60a7">the death of George Floyd</a>&nbsp;and other Black people at the hands of police. Floyd died May 25 after a white Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee on Floyd’s neck for nearly eight minutes as the handcuffed man pleaded for air.Lucas did not share the name or number of the person who allegedly sent the texts, which included a racist slur and obscene language describing the Black mayor.In a tweet about the texts, Lucas wrote, “let’s do better.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Wearing a mask or face covering can be uncomfortable, but this is a necessary step to ensure we can save lives and keep our economy open. We wear masks to protect our loved ones, those around us, and their loved ones. Mayor Lucas’s updated Order goes into effect on Monday. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KCMO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KCMO</a> <a href="https://t.co/Cnf96dB9fY">pic.twitter.com/Cnf96dB9fY</a>&mdash; Mayor Quinton Lucas (@MayorLucasKC) <a href="https://twitter.com/MayorLucasKC/status/1276623543120297985?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Masks as of Monday are required in Kansas City. The mandate will remain in place until at least July 12.It’s unclear if police are investigating the texts to the mayor as a threat. An Associated Press request for comment to a Kansas City police spokesman wasn’t immediately returned Monday.

Kansas City mayor called racist slur after requiring masks

NEW YORK (AP) — Billions of dollars offered by Congress as a lifeline to small businesses struggling to survive the pandemic are about to be left on the table when a key government program stops accepting applications for loans.

Business owners and advocacy groups complain that the money in the Paycheck Protection Program was not fully put to work because the program created obstacles that stopped countless small businesses from applying. For those that did seek loans, the ever-changing application process proved to be an exercise in futility.

“It was a flawed structure to begin with,” said John Arensmeyer, CEO of Small Business Majority, an advocacy group. “It favored established businesses. It was set up to give money to people with strong banking relationships.”

The program’s shortcomings also made it more difficult for minority businesses to get loans, according to a report from the Center for Responsible Lending, a research group.

The loans were designed to give companies devastated by government-ordered shutdowns money to pay staffers and survive. The money was aimed at small businesses such as restaurants, retailers and salons that are desperately trying to stay afloat as the U.S. economy&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/5bc6644329af546be3b06763da8abd29">reopens in fits and starts</a>.

As of late Friday, the Small Business Administration had approved more than 4.7 million loans worth nearly $518 billion. Small businesses that also included medical offices, dry cleaners and manufacturers obtained money that ultimately saved jobs and eased the unemployment rate from April’s staggering 14.7% to May’s still-excruciating 13.3%.

But more than $140 billion in loan money remained unclaimed out of $659 billion allocated by Congress. It will be up to Congress to decide what to do with any leftover funds, an SBA spokeswoman said.

Some banks rejected any companies that did not have multiple accounts. Sole proprietors and freelancers had to wait a week before applying, and many found they could not supply the kind of documents the government and banks demanded.

The program’s biggest appeal was its promise that loans would be forgiven, but confusion abounded about requirements owners had to meet to get that forgiveness.

Those requirements and information about the program kept changing: Between March 31 and June 15, the SBA issued 35 changes to program rules and its frequently asked questions, according to a Government Accountability Office report issued last week. It was not until May 22, seven weeks after the program began, that the SBA and the Treasury Department released the first instructions and applications for loan forgiveness.

“It’s been a moving target this whole time,” Arensmeyer said.

In the dark and struggling with the effect of shutdowns, many owners said, “no thanks.”

Gabriella Borrero, co-owner of The Vault, a Boonton, New Jersey, recording studio, said she was uncomfortable with the possibility that the business, which had been shut for three months, could be burdened with a loan if it could not get forgiveness. And she could not determine up-front how much money might need to be repaid.

“We decided to simply tough it out ourselves and make it through by dipping into our savings,” she said. “I’d rather not have this looming thought, ‘Are we going to have it forgiven or will it come back to bite us?’”

For many small business owners, a big drawback was the law’s original requirement that companies use loan money within eight weeks, with a June 30 spending deadline. That gave businesses like restaurants two undesirable choices: recall laid-off workers immediately and risk having to lay them off again after eight weeks, or wait to use the money and then have to repay part of the loan.

“We knew it was a problem a week after the legislation was signed, when we looked at the shutdown orders,” said Karen Kerrigan, CEO of the Small Business &amp; Entrepreneurship Council, an advocacy group. At that point, it was clear that businesses were going to be closed longer than initially thought, and that the impact of the virus would be felt well after June 30, she said.

Not until June 3, less than four weeks before the deadline, did the Senate give final approval to extending the time frame to 24 weeks.

The law also required that companies spend 75% of their loan money on payroll to get forgiveness. But some businesses, like closed restaurants, needed money for rent and costs to reopen. They also worried about being stuck with a loan. Congress did not lower the payroll requirement to 60% until June.

“It was too late for many companies,” said Todd McCracken, CEO of the advocacy group National Small Business Association. He summed up the program as “poorly designed from the start.”

The program did not account for the vast differences among small businesses. Many hire freelancers or independent contractors rather than employees and under the program could not include those workers’ compensation in calculations for loan amounts. Even when these owners were able to get loans, they were of little help.

“It seemed to be structured by people who might not know how small businesses are run,” said Frank Groff, co-owner of Portland’s White House, a bed and breakfast in Portland, Oregon. The B&amp;B’s workers, including cleaning services and landscapers, are independent contractors. Groff got $12,000, but it only covered two managers’ salaries. The B&amp;B has remained open during the outbreak, but its revenue is down nearly 75%.

Also at a disadvantage: Sole proprietors who don’t have employees, owners who work as freelancers and brand-new businesses.

Sole proprietor Michael Gips started his security consultancy at the end of 2019, had no revenue and so did not have the required tax return showing his business income. The first bank he applied to never reviewed his application. He then applied to an online bank, providing documents to show he was making money in early 2020.

“My application was denied for insufficient proof of salary payments,” Gips said. As of Monday, he was waiting to hear about a third application.

Tiffany Joy Murchison, who owns a New York-based publicity firm, submitted her application April 3, the day the program began. The bank rejected the application on mistaken grounds that her account had not been open long enough, then took three weeks to correct the problem.

It took another three weeks before Murchison learned that her application was denied because it “didn’t show we needed that amount of money.” As the deadline approached, she was trying to get paperwork together that would get a loan approved, but was afraid she was running out of time.

Many businesses have gotten the message that the program isn’t for them.

When Akosua Ayim looked at the requirements, the CEO of Equal Space realized her co-working space in Newark, New Jersey, was unlikely to get much help. All its workers are independent contractors. But what convinced her not to apply was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/5964650fb3327133dccd9c4251de32fd">news</a>&nbsp;that companies like restaurant chain Shake Shack and the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers were easily able to get millions in the first round of funding. Although the companies said they were returning the money, and the government said it would audit loans over $2 million, Ayim had already given up.

“After that information, that’s when we decided to focus our efforts on grants,” Ayim said. Equal Space has applied for federal, state and local grants, and so far has received money from two organizations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585947238604.png" alt="Jovita Carranza, administrator of the Small Business Administration during a Coronavirus Task Force briefing in March -photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>Jovita Carranza, administrator of the Small Business Administration during a Coronavirus Task Force briefing in March -photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Billions of dollars offered by Congress as a lifeline to small businesses struggling to survive the pandemic are about to be left on the table when a key government program stops accepting applications for loans.Business owners and advocacy groups complain that the money in the Paycheck Protection Program was not fully put to work because the program created obstacles that stopped countless small businesses from applying. For those that did seek loans, the ever-changing application process proved to be an exercise in futility.“It was a flawed structure to begin with,” said John Arensmeyer, CEO of Small Business Majority, an advocacy group. “It favored established businesses. It was set up to give money to people with strong banking relationships.”The program’s shortcomings also made it more difficult for minority businesses to get loans, according to a report from the Center for Responsible Lending, a research group.The loans were designed to give companies devastated by government-ordered shutdowns money to pay staffers and survive. The money was aimed at small businesses such as restaurants, retailers and salons that are desperately trying to stay afloat as the U.S. economy&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/5bc6644329af546be3b06763da8abd29">reopens in fits and starts</a>.As of late Friday, the Small Business Administration had approved more than 4.7 million loans worth nearly $518 billion. Small businesses that also included medical offices, dry cleaners and manufacturers obtained money that ultimately saved jobs and eased the unemployment rate from April’s staggering 14.7% to May’s still-excruciating 13.3%.But more than $140 billion in loan money remained unclaimed out of $659 billion allocated by Congress. It will be up to Congress to decide what to do with any leftover funds, an SBA spokeswoman said.Some banks rejected any companies that did not have multiple accounts. Sole proprietors and freelancers had to wait a week before applying, and many found they could not supply the kind of documents the government and banks demanded.The program’s biggest appeal was its promise that loans would be forgiven, but confusion abounded about requirements owners had to meet to get that forgiveness.Those requirements and information about the program kept changing: Between March 31 and June 15, the SBA issued 35 changes to program rules and its frequently asked questions, according to a Government Accountability Office report issued last week. It was not until May 22, seven weeks after the program began, that the SBA and the Treasury Department released the first instructions and applications for loan forgiveness.“It’s been a moving target this whole time,” Arensmeyer said.In the dark and struggling with the effect of shutdowns, many owners said, “no thanks.”Gabriella Borrero, co-owner of The Vault, a Boonton, New Jersey, recording studio, said she was uncomfortable with the possibility that the business, which had been shut for three months, could be burdened with a loan if it could not get forgiveness. And she could not determine up-front how much money might need to be repaid.“We decided to simply tough it out ourselves and make it through by dipping into our savings,” she said. “I’d rather not have this looming thought, ‘Are we going to have it forgiven or will it come back to bite us?’”For many small business owners, a big drawback was the law’s original requirement that companies use loan money within eight weeks, with a June 30 spending deadline. That gave businesses like restaurants two undesirable choices: recall laid-off workers immediately and risk having to lay them off again after eight weeks, or wait to use the money and then have to repay part of the loan.“We knew it was a problem a week after the legislation was signed, when we looked at the shutdown orders,” said Karen Kerrigan, CEO of the Small Business &amp; Entrepreneurship Council, an advocacy group. At that point, it was clear that businesses were going to be closed longer than initially thought, and that the impact of the virus would be felt well after June 30, she said.Not until June 3, less than four weeks before the deadline, did the Senate give final approval to extending the time frame to 24 weeks.The law also required that companies spend 75% of their loan money on payroll to get forgiveness. But some businesses, like closed restaurants, needed money for rent and costs to reopen. They also worried about being stuck with a loan. Congress did not lower the payroll requirement to 60% until June.“It was too late for many companies,” said Todd McCracken, CEO of the advocacy group National Small Business Association. He summed up the program as “poorly designed from the start.”The program did not account for the vast differences among small businesses. Many hire freelancers or independent contractors rather than employees and under the program could not include those workers’ compensation in calculations for loan amounts. Even when these owners were able to get loans, they were of little help.“It seemed to be structured by people who might not know how small businesses are run,” said Frank Groff, co-owner of Portland’s White House, a bed and breakfast in Portland, Oregon. The B&amp;B’s workers, including cleaning services and landscapers, are independent contractors. Groff got $12,000, but it only covered two managers’ salaries. The B&amp;B has remained open during the outbreak, but its revenue is down nearly 75%.Also at a disadvantage: Sole proprietors who don’t have employees, owners who work as freelancers and brand-new businesses.Sole proprietor Michael Gips started his security consultancy at the end of 2019, had no revenue and so did not have the required tax return showing his business income. The first bank he applied to never reviewed his application. He then applied to an online bank, providing documents to show he was making money in early 2020.“My application was denied for insufficient proof of salary payments,” Gips said. As of Monday, he was waiting to hear about a third application.Tiffany Joy Murchison, who owns a New York-based publicity firm, submitted her application April 3, the day the program began. The bank rejected the application on mistaken grounds that her account had not been open long enough, then took three weeks to correct the problem.It took another three weeks before Murchison learned that her application was denied because it “didn’t show we needed that amount of money.” As the deadline approached, she was trying to get paperwork together that would get a loan approved, but was afraid she was running out of time.Many businesses have gotten the message that the program isn’t for them.When Akosua Ayim looked at the requirements, the CEO of Equal Space realized her co-working space in Newark, New Jersey, was unlikely to get much help. All its workers are independent contractors. But what convinced her not to apply was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/5964650fb3327133dccd9c4251de32fd">news</a>&nbsp;that companies like restaurant chain Shake Shack and the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers were easily able to get millions in the first round of funding. Although the companies said they were returning the money, and the government said it would audit loans over $2 million, Ayim had already given up.“After that information, that’s when we decided to focus our efforts on grants,” Ayim said. Equal Space has applied for federal, state and local grants, and so far has received money from two organizations.

Billions of dollars in aid for small businesses go unclaimed

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A 15-year-old girl was fatally shot inside a vehicle in Kansas City, Kansas, early Monday.

Police were called to a hospital at about 1:50 a.m. in response to a young gunshot victim, Officer Dustin Dierenfeldt, a police department spokesman reported.

The victim underwent surgery but died shortly after.

Officer T.J. Tomasic said someone shot into the vehicle, which was in the Armourdale neighborhood.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A 15-year-old girl was fatally shot inside a vehicle in Kansas City, Kansas, early Monday.Police were called to a hospital at about 1:50 a.m. in response to a young gunshot victim, Officer Dustin Dierenfeldt, a police department spokesman reported.The victim underwent surgery but died shortly after.Officer T.J. Tomasic said someone shot into the vehicle, which was in the Armourdale neighborhood.

Police: 15-year-old girl shot and killed in Kansas 

TOPEKA –&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly announced Monday that Accenture, will work with the Kansas Department of Labor to provide operational and technological assessments and improvements to support the delivery of unemployment services.&nbsp;

“I am pleased to announce that Accenture will be assisting the Kansas Department of Labor to improve response times for Kansans who need help and to revamp our systems, so we can mitigate the technical issues we have been experiencing the past several months due the unprecedented high volume of claims,” Governor Laura Kelly said.

Accenture will be working on a fast timetable to improve the unemployment system and services through evaluating and providing recommendations for claims processing optimization, call center operations, and a comprehensive technology review.&nbsp;

Accenture has deep experience in this type of work, including rapidly assisting more than half a dozen other states with COVID-related programs during the pandemic and economic downturn. Accenture will immediately begin a first phase of the review and initial options for actionable steps, followed by additional data gathering, analysis and ongoing&nbsp;recommendations for the duration of their work.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593457222137.png" alt="Department of Labor" />
 <figcaption>Department of Labor</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA –&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly announced Monday that Accenture, will work with the Kansas Department of Labor to provide operational and technological assessments and improvements to support the delivery of unemployment services.&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovLauraKelly%2Fvideos%2F3154697867948519%2F&show_text=0&width=560" width="560" height="315" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>“I am pleased to announce that Accenture will be assisting the Kansas Department of Labor to improve response times for Kansans who need help and to revamp our systems, so we can mitigate the technical issues we have been experiencing the past several months due the unprecedented high volume of claims,” Governor Laura Kelly said.Accenture will be working on a fast timetable to improve the unemployment system and services through evaluating and providing recommendations for claims processing optimization, call center operations, and a comprehensive technology review.&nbsp;Accenture has deep experience in this type of work, including rapidly assisting more than half a dozen other states with COVID-related programs during the pandemic and economic downturn. Accenture will immediately begin a first phase of the review and initial options for actionable steps, followed by additional data gathering, analysis and ongoing&nbsp;recommendations for the duration of their work.

🎥  Gov. finds help for those in Kansas facing unemployment 

TOPEKA—Chief Justice Marla Luckert announced Monday her plan to reinstate statutes of limitation and statutory time standards or deadlines that apply to the conduct or processing of judicial proceedings, according to a media release from the Office of Judicial Administration.

“My actions to suspend some deadlines and time limitations at the beginning of the pandemic were to uphold peoples’ legal and constitutional rights while courts made changes to case processing to adhere to public health guidelines,” Luckert said. “Now more services are being provided remotely, and all district courts are providing in-person service.”

Luckert said she’s announcing her plan now so Kansans and their attorneys have adequate notice of her plan to reinstate deadlines and statutes of limitations that impact court proceedings.

Most time requirements reinstated August 3

The current plan is to reinstate most time requirements effective August 3, 2020, assuming all district court facilities in Kansas remain open to the public.

Courts across the state have worked with local health officials to set dates to reopen court offices to the public. Some have allowed public access for several weeks, and others have just recently done so.

Some deadline suspensions will continue

Although the chief justice plans to reinstate most time requirements, the suspension of deadlines in K.S.A. 2019 Supp. 22-3402, K.S.A. 12-4501, and K.S.A. 12-4403 will continue after August 1.

These statutes deal with speedy trial deadlines in criminal cases in district courts and time requirements for trials and arraignments in municipal courts.

Courts must meet constitutional requirements but need additional flexibility until trials can be safely scheduled in large numbers. And at least some municipal courts do not plan to reopen until after August 1.

Deadlines affecting people in jails, prisons

The chief justice is monitoring public health conditions, including the situation in jails and prisons, to determine whether other deadlines, such as those that impact prisoners, should remain suspended.

Background and administrative orders

Several administrative orders entered under&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/670HQaGJAIEfqa8IwJ7YiAoN447Z0KB8NM3uLZEfK-s" target="_blank">2020 House Substitute for Senate Bill 102</a>&nbsp;are impacted. The legislation and its amendments in&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/670HQaGJAIEfqa8IwJ7YiB-9aLw_YAyBXfhAscIVJbU" target="_blank">2020 Special Session House Bill 2016</a>, § 24 allow the chief justice to enter certain orders during any state of disaster emergency declared under K.S.A. 48-924 upon a finding that the orders are necessary to secure the health and safety of court users, staff, and judicial officers.

The legislation authorized an order extending or suspending any deadlines or time limitations established by statute. The chief justice invoked this provision in connection with Governor Laura Kelly's declarations of a state of disaster emergency under K.S.A 48-924.

The governor issued her first state of disaster emergency declaration March 12, 2020. The Legislature subsequently ratified and extended that declaration through May 1, 2020, in&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/670HQaGJAIEfqa8IwJ7YiI8Q2a6smvolyPQy58ZaWfs" target="_blank">House Concurrent Resolution No. 5025</a>.

The chief justice suspended statutes of limitation and statutory time standards or deadlines effective March 19, 2020, through Administrative Order 2020-PR-016, paragraph 15, and reiterated that order in Administrative Order 2020-PR-32, paragraph 17, on April 3, 2020.

The governor issued a second state of disaster emergency declaration on April 30, 2020. Under that declaration, the chief justice reiterated the suspension of statutes of limitation and statutory time standards or deadlines in Administrative Order 2020-PR-047 on May 1, 2020.

On May 26, the governor issued a third state of disaster emergency declaration. On May 27, the chief justice issued&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/670HQaGJAIEfqa8IwJ7YiFBp32-UcCoalWPoparEvuU" target="_blank">Administrative Order 2020-PR-058</a>&nbsp;under that declaration. That order again suspended all statutes of limitation and statutory time standards or deadlines applying to conduct or processing of judicial proceedings.&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/670HQaGJAIEfqa8IwJ7YiB-9aLw_YAyBXfhAscIVJbU" target="_blank">2020 Special Session House Bill 2016</a>&nbsp;extends the disaster emergency declaration through September 15, 2020.&nbsp;

TOPEKA—Chief Justice Marla Luckert announced Monday her plan to reinstate statutes of limitation and statutory time standards or deadlines that apply to the conduct or processing of judicial proceedings, according to a media release from the Office of Judicial Administration.“My actions to suspend some deadlines and time limitations at the beginning of the pandemic were to uphold peoples’ legal and constitutional rights while courts made changes to case processing to adhere to public health guidelines,” Luckert said. “Now more services are being provided remotely, and all district courts are providing in-person service.”Luckert said she’s announcing her plan now so Kansans and their attorneys have adequate notice of her plan to reinstate deadlines and statutes of limitations that impact court proceedings.Most time requirements reinstated August 3The current plan is to reinstate most time requirements effective August 3, 2020, assuming all district court facilities in Kansas remain open to the public.Courts across the state have worked with local health officials to set dates to reopen court offices to the public. Some have allowed public access for several weeks, and others have just recently done so.Some deadline suspensions will continueAlthough the chief justice plans to reinstate most time requirements, the suspension of deadlines in K.S.A. 2019 Supp. 22-3402, K.S.A. 12-4501, and K.S.A. 12-4403 will continue after August 1.These statutes deal with speedy trial deadlines in criminal cases in district courts and time requirements for trials and arraignments in municipal courts.Courts must meet constitutional requirements but need additional flexibility until trials can be safely scheduled in large numbers. And at least some municipal courts do not plan to reopen until after August 1.Deadlines affecting people in jails, prisonsThe chief justice is monitoring public health conditions, including the situation in jails and prisons, to determine whether other deadlines, such as those that impact prisoners, should remain suspended.Background and administrative ordersSeveral administrative orders entered under&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/670HQaGJAIEfqa8IwJ7YiAoN447Z0KB8NM3uLZEfK-s" target="_blank">2020 House Substitute for Senate Bill 102</a>&nbsp;are impacted. The legislation and its amendments in&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/670HQaGJAIEfqa8IwJ7YiB-9aLw_YAyBXfhAscIVJbU" target="_blank">2020 Special Session House Bill 2016</a>, § 24 allow the chief justice to enter certain orders during any state of disaster emergency declared under K.S.A. 48-924 upon a finding that the orders are necessary to secure the health and safety of court users, staff, and judicial officers.The legislation authorized an order extending or suspending any deadlines or time limitations established by statute. The chief justice invoked this provision in connection with Governor Laura Kelly's declarations of a state of disaster emergency under K.S.A 48-924.The governor issued her first state of disaster emergency declaration March 12, 2020. The Legislature subsequently ratified and extended that declaration through May 1, 2020, in&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/670HQaGJAIEfqa8IwJ7YiI8Q2a6smvolyPQy58ZaWfs" target="_blank">House Concurrent Resolution No. 5025</a>.The chief justice suspended statutes of limitation and statutory time standards or deadlines effective March 19, 2020, through Administrative Order 2020-PR-016, paragraph 15, and reiterated that order in Administrative Order 2020-PR-32, paragraph 17, on April 3, 2020.The governor issued a second state of disaster emergency declaration on April 30, 2020. Under that declaration, the chief justice reiterated the suspension of statutes of limitation and statutory time standards or deadlines in Administrative Order 2020-PR-047 on May 1, 2020.On May 26, the governor issued a third state of disaster emergency declaration. On May 27, the chief justice issued&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/670HQaGJAIEfqa8IwJ7YiFBp32-UcCoalWPoparEvuU" target="_blank">Administrative Order 2020-PR-058</a>&nbsp;under that declaration. That order again suspended all statutes of limitation and statutory time standards or deadlines applying to conduct or processing of judicial proceedings.&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/670HQaGJAIEfqa8IwJ7YiB-9aLw_YAyBXfhAscIVJbU" target="_blank">2020 Special Session House Bill 2016</a>&nbsp;extends the disaster emergency declaration through September 15, 2020.&nbsp;

Time limitations, deadlines for Kan. court proceedings to be reinstated

MARION COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects jailed after a standoff in Marion.

Just before 6p.m. Sunday, police observed suspicious activity in the 500 block of north Cedar in Marion, according to Police Chief&nbsp;Clinton Jeffrey.

After watching the individuals, officers attempted to make contact. The individuals later identified as 36-year-old Matthew Bice and 38-year-old Julie Starks both of Marion, Ohio, went into the residence. 

A vehicle located at the property was determined to have been stolen out of Arizona.

Officers spoke with the property owner outside the residence. The property owner cooperated and confirmed the identity of the individuals. 

The property owner did not want them at the residence and was concerned for her safety if they were to remain. Police also learned Bice and Starks had numerous felony warrants, according to Jeffrey.

Officers attempted to get Bice and Starks to come out of the residence but were unsuccessful. Through information gathered it was determined that the Bice and Starks may have a firearm. 

With the safety of the public, the suspects in the residence and the officers on scene in mind, authorities decided to contact the Harvey County Emergency Response Team.

Just after 8p.m., the Harvey County ERT arrived.&nbsp; After several hours of attempting to contact the suspects to come out of the residence a team of officers entered the residence and took the suspects into custody without incident.

&nbsp;Bice is being held on requested local charges of felony possession of stolen property and felony interference with law enforcement.&nbsp; Bice was also arrested for outstanding felony warrants out of Harvey County, Kansas as well as Springfield, Missouri.

Starks is being held on requested local charges of felony interference with law enforcement. Starks was also arrested on outstanding felony warrants from Marion County and Harvey County.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593426570509.png" alt="Bice photo Marion Co." />
 <figcaption>Bice photo Marion Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>MARION COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects jailed after a standoff in Marion.Just before 6p.m. Sunday, police observed suspicious activity in the 500 block of north Cedar in Marion, according to Police Chief&nbsp;Clinton Jeffrey.After watching the individuals, officers attempted to make contact. The individuals later identified as 36-year-old Matthew Bice and 38-year-old Julie Starks both of Marion, Ohio, went into the residence. A vehicle located at the property was determined to have been stolen out of Arizona.Officers spoke with the property owner outside the residence. The property owner cooperated and confirmed the identity of the individuals. The property owner did not want them at the residence and was concerned for her safety if they were to remain. Police also learned Bice and Starks had numerous felony warrants, according to Jeffrey.Officers attempted to get Bice and Starks to come out of the residence but were unsuccessful. Through information gathered it was determined that the Bice and Starks may have a firearm. With the safety of the public, the suspects in the residence and the officers on scene in mind, authorities decided to contact the Harvey County Emergency Response Team.Just after 8p.m., the Harvey County ERT arrived.&nbsp; After several hours of attempting to contact the suspects to come out of the residence a team of officers entered the residence and took the suspects into custody without incident.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593438097126.png" alt="Starks photo Marion Co." />
 <figcaption>Starks photo Marion Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Bice is being held on requested local charges of felony possession of stolen property and felony interference with law enforcement.&nbsp; Bice was also arrested for outstanding felony warrants out of Harvey County, Kansas as well as Springfield, Missouri.Starks is being held on requested local charges of felony interference with law enforcement. Starks was also arrested on outstanding felony warrants from Marion County and Harvey County.---------------

Couple from Ohio arrested after standoff at Kan. home

TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly held a press briefing  Monday afternoon to discuss the increase in COVID-19 cases in Kansas.&nbsp; She announced that beginning 12:01 a.m. July 3 every Kansan in a public space will be required to wear a mask. Local officials will be responsible for enforcing the mandate, according to the governor.

“This is a simple, proactive step we can take to keep Kansans at work, get our kids back to school, and keep ourselves and our neighbors healthy,” Governor Kelly said. “Wearing a mask is not only safe – but it is necessary to avoid another shut down.

“Remember – my mask protects you, and your mask protects me,” Governor Kelly said. “We’re all in this together.”

Under the order, most Kansans must wear masks in stores and shops, restaurants, and in any situation in which social distancing of 6 feet cannot be maintained, including outside. The EO will be released on Thursday, and will provide specific guidance regarding under what circumstances masks must be worn.

“I know Kansans will have many questions about this order – and we will answer them when it is released later this week,” Governor Kelly said. “But by announcing the requirement today, people in our state will have the appropriate time to acquire the masks.”

The Kansas Attorney General’s Office will work closely with officials in Governor Kelly’s administration to ensure that the order complies with Kansas law.

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 905 to a total of 14,443, the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has added two states to the quarantine list: South Carolina and Florida and removed Maryland. This is in effect for persons arriving in or returning to Kansas&nbsp; June 29, and moving forward. The state will review/update this list every two weeks.

A comprehensive list of those individuals needing to quarantine for 14 days includes visitors and Kansans who have:

Others who need to continue quarantining:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593465508296.png" alt="Gov. Laura Kelly arrived at Monday's press briefing wearing a mask" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Laura Kelly arrived at Monday's press briefing wearing a mask</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly held a press briefing  Monday afternoon to discuss the increase in COVID-19 cases in Kansas.&nbsp; She announced that beginning 12:01 a.m. July 3 every Kansan in a public space will be required to wear a mask. Local officials will be responsible for enforcing the mandate, according to the governor.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovLauraKelly%2Fvideos%2F3154697867948519%2F&show_text=0&width=560" width="560" height="315" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>“This is a simple, proactive step we can take to keep Kansans at work, get our kids back to school, and keep ourselves and our neighbors healthy,” Governor Kelly said. “Wearing a mask is not only safe – but it is necessary to avoid another shut down.“Remember – my mask protects you, and your mask protects me,” Governor Kelly said. “We’re all in this together.”Under the order, most Kansans must wear masks in stores and shops, restaurants, and in any situation in which social distancing of 6 feet cannot be maintained, including outside. The EO will be released on Thursday, and will provide specific guidance regarding under what circumstances masks must be worn.“I know Kansans will have many questions about this order – and we will answer them when it is released later this week,” Governor Kelly said. “But by announcing the requirement today, people in our state will have the appropriate time to acquire the masks.”The Kansas Attorney General’s Office will work closely with officials in Governor Kelly’s administration to ensure that the order complies with Kansas law.The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 905 to a total of 14,443, the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 270.The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has added two states to the quarantine list: South Carolina and Florida and removed Maryland. This is in effect for persons arriving in or returning to Kansas&nbsp; June 29, and moving forward. The state will review/update this list every two weeks.A comprehensive list of those individuals needing to quarantine for 14 days includes visitors and Kansans who have:Traveled to:<ul>
 <li>South Carolina and Florida on or after June 29.</li><li>Alabama, Arizona and Arkansas on or after June 17.</li><li>Been on a cruise ship or river cruise on or after March 15.</li><li>International travel on or after March 15.</li>
 </ul>Others who need to continue quarantining:<ul>
 <li>Received notification from public health officials (state or local) that you are a close contact of a laboratory-confirmed case of COVID-19.</li>
 </ul>

🎥  Gov. Kelly mandates all Kansans wear masks starting July 3

LAWRENCE —The police in Lawrence and the Douglas County Sheriff's office on Monday afternoon asked citizens protesting near 13th and Massachusetts Street to move to an alternate location so that the road can reopen for travel and commerce, according to police spokesman Patrick Compton.

Officers attempted to relocate the assembly out of the roadway and to a safer location. Law enforcement's goal was to ensure commerce and safety, reinstate public access to civil service buildings, while still allowing the demonstrators to assemble. The Chief of Police made the decision to place barricades between E. North Park and E. South Park Streets. This was done to provide a proper barrier between traffic and the assembly, providing a space in which citizens can peacefully gather, and the City can still function, according to Compton. The Chief Police also encouraged protesters to seek a Right of Way Permit with the City of Lawrence. During this action, police issued three notices to appear and arrested six individuals for violating K.S.A. 8-1503.

Police were also&nbsp; investigating two incidents of vehicles driving on Mass Street during the assembly. One occurred just before 2 p.m., and the second just before 4 p.m. At this time, we have no reports of injuries.

"We acknowledge and appreciate the right of our citizens to assemble peacefully. However, we are asking those individuals currently on Massachusetts Street to do so in a safer location out of the roadway.

Should individuals refuse to relocate to an alternate location, they will be issued a notice to appear under K.S.A. 8-1503, and active refusal will result in arrest.

The City's Municipal Services and Operations will then assist with the cleanup of Massachusetts Street so it can reopen to normal traffic patterns."

Check to Post for additional details as they become available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593460402196.png" alt="Protesters working to occupy Mass Street in Lawrence -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Protesters working to occupy Mass Street in Lawrence -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE —The police in Lawrence and the Douglas County Sheriff's office on Monday afternoon asked citizens protesting near 13th and Massachusetts Street to move to an alternate location so that the road can reopen for travel and commerce, according to police spokesman Patrick Compton.Officers attempted to relocate the assembly out of the roadway and to a safer location. Law enforcement's goal was to ensure commerce and safety, reinstate public access to civil service buildings, while still allowing the demonstrators to assemble. The Chief of Police made the decision to place barricades between E. North Park and E. South Park Streets. This was done to provide a proper barrier between traffic and the assembly, providing a space in which citizens can peacefully gather, and the City can still function, according to Compton. The Chief Police also encouraged protesters to seek a Right of Way Permit with the City of Lawrence. During this action, police issued three notices to appear and arrested six individuals for violating K.S.A. 8-1503.Police were also&nbsp; investigating two incidents of vehicles driving on Mass Street during the assembly. One occurred just before 2 p.m., and the second just before 4 p.m. At this time, we have no reports of injuries.------------LAWRENCE —The police in Lawrence and the Douglas County Sheriff's office on Monday afternoon asked citizens protesting near 13th and Massachusetts Street to move to an alternate location so that the road can reopen for travel and commerce, according to police spokesman Patrick Compton."We acknowledge and appreciate the right of our citizens to assemble peacefully. However, we are asking those individuals currently on Massachusetts Street to do so in a safer location out of the roadway.Should individuals refuse to relocate to an alternate location, they will be issued a notice to appear under K.S.A. 8-1503, and active refusal will result in arrest.The City's Municipal Services and Operations will then assist with the cleanup of Massachusetts Street so it can reopen to normal traffic patterns."Check to Post for additional details as they become available.

Update: Cars drive through protest, 6 arrested in downtown Lawrence

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Authorities say a young boy was been shot at a Kansas City apartment.

Police Sgt. Jacob Becchina said in an email that police were called around 2:30 a.m. Monday and were told a family member was driving the boy to a hospital. The boy died a short time later.

People at the same apartment as the boy told police they awoke to gunshots coming from outside the home. They then found the boy wounded.

The name and age of the boy wasn’t immediately released. Police say detectives are canvassing the area for witnesses. But no suspect information has been released.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Authorities say a young boy was been shot at a Kansas City apartment.Police Sgt. Jacob Becchina said in an email that police were called around 2:30 a.m. Monday and were told a family member was driving the boy to a hospital. The boy died a short time later.People at the same apartment as the boy told police they awoke to gunshots coming from outside the home. They then found the boy wounded.The name and age of the boy wasn’t immediately released. Police say detectives are canvassing the area for witnesses. But no suspect information has been released.

Family in KC awoke to gunfire outside apartment, boy fatally shot

CHEYENNE COUNTY, CO —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an accident that left eight dead including a Kansas man just after 4:30p.m. Friday in Cheyenne County, Colorado.

The Colorado State Patrol reported a Ford F-150 driven by Jian Zhong, 45, from Aurora, CO., was westbound&nbsp; towing a boat on Highway 40 near Hugo in eastern Colorado.&nbsp;

The pickup traveled into the eastbound lane while attempting to pass a semi and collided with an eastbound Chevy Silverado driven by&nbsp;Sammy Henry, 59, Liberal, Kansas.

As a result of the crash, the F150 caught fire.&nbsp; Henry, Joshua Henry, 36; Maki Henry, 8 and Messiah Henry (unknown age) of Sterling, Colorado died in the Silverado.&nbsp; Zhong, Cathy Zhong, 34; Myoli Zhong, 9, of Aurora, and&nbsp;Ren Juntan, 53, Centennial, CO., died in the Ford.

The Colorado State Patrol released no additional details Monday.

CHEYENNE COUNTY, CO —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an accident that left eight dead including a Kansas man just after 4:30p.m. Friday in Cheyenne County, Colorado.The Colorado State Patrol reported a Ford F-150 driven by Jian Zhong, 45, from Aurora, CO., was westbound&nbsp; towing a boat on Highway 40 near Hugo in eastern Colorado.&nbsp;The pickup traveled into the eastbound lane while attempting to pass a semi and collided with an eastbound Chevy Silverado driven by&nbsp;Sammy Henry, 59, Liberal, Kansas.As a result of the crash, the F150 caught fire.&nbsp; Henry, Joshua Henry, 36; Maki Henry, 8 and Messiah Henry (unknown age) of Sterling, Colorado died in the Silverado.&nbsp; Zhong, Cathy Zhong, 34; Myoli Zhong, 9, of Aurora, and&nbsp;Ren Juntan, 53, Centennial, CO., died in the Ford.The Colorado State Patrol released no additional details Monday.

State Patrol: Kansas man among 8 who died in head-on crash

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal weekend shooting and have identified the victim&nbsp;as 42-year-old Manuel Vargas-Avila of Wichita.

At approximately 1:00 p.m. Sunday, police responded to a stabbing call at Planeview Park the 2800 block of S. Fees, according to Police Captain Jason Stephens.

A&nbsp; 39-year-old male passerby found Vargas-Avila unresponsive on a park bench. EMS and fire personnel arrived on the scene to provide medical aid, but Vargas-Avila was pronounced dead on the scene.

The investigation revealed that Vargas –Avila was in the 2800 bock of south Fees when a disturbance ensued between multiple individuals. During the disturbance, Vargas-Avila was shot.

This was not a random incident, and investigators are working to determine all the circumstances of the incident, according to Stephens.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal weekend shooting and have identified the victim&nbsp;as 42-year-old Manuel Vargas-Avila of Wichita.At approximately 1:00 p.m. Sunday, police responded to a stabbing call at Planeview Park the 2800 block of S. Fees, according to Police Captain Jason Stephens.A&nbsp; 39-year-old male passerby found Vargas-Avila unresponsive on a park bench. EMS and fire personnel arrived on the scene to provide medical aid, but Vargas-Avila was pronounced dead on the scene.The investigation revealed that Vargas –Avila was in the 2800 bock of south Fees when a disturbance ensued between multiple individuals. During the disturbance, Vargas-Avila was shot.This was not a random incident, and investigators are working to determine all the circumstances of the incident, according to Stephens.

Police ID man found shot to death in Kansas park

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Federal regulators have cited aircraft maker Textron Aviation for a December 2019 explosion that injured 15 workers at its Wichita manufacturing plant.

U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration says Textron had a serious violation when it failed to protect employees from “autoclave explosion hazards” at the facility, KWCH-TV&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwch.com/content/news/OSHA-cites-Textron-Aviation-for-2019-explosion-proposes-13000-penalty-571544151.html" target="_blank">reports</a>.

The agency has proposed a $13,494 penalty for the violation.

<a href="https://apnews.com/c25ac7fa50eee0f8f1f020d19660d6f0">Liquid nitrogen in a pressurized vessel</a>&nbsp;it referred to as Autoclave 8 built up and suffered a “catastrophic thermal fatigue failure.”

In addition to the fine, OSHA says Textron must also develop and implement measures to “effectively control, discover, maintain and repair pressure vessels, including autoclaves.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577460203480.png" alt="First responders on the scene of December explosion photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene of December explosion photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Federal regulators have cited aircraft maker Textron Aviation for a December 2019 explosion that injured 15 workers at its Wichita manufacturing plant.U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration says Textron had a serious violation when it failed to protect employees from “autoclave explosion hazards” at the facility, KWCH-TV&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwch.com/content/news/OSHA-cites-Textron-Aviation-for-2019-explosion-proposes-13000-penalty-571544151.html" target="_blank">reports</a>.The agency has proposed a $13,494 penalty for the violation.<a href="https://apnews.com/c25ac7fa50eee0f8f1f020d19660d6f0">Liquid nitrogen in a pressurized vessel</a>&nbsp;it referred to as Autoclave 8 built up and suffered a “catastrophic thermal fatigue failure.”In addition to the fine, OSHA says Textron must also develop and implement measures to “effectively control, discover, maintain and repair pressure vessels, including autoclaves.”

Feds cite Textron Aviation for 2019 explosion at Kansas site

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 905 to a total of 14,443, the state health department reported Monday 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 905 to a total of 14,443, the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 270<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/2020/6/1593450200744.png" alt="Monday June 29, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Monday June 29, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after a chase on bicycle.

Just before 8a.m. Friday, police saw Alec Somrak, 29, of Salina, riding a bicycle in the 200 block of South Ninth Street, according to Police Captain Paul Forrester.

Officers knew that Somrak, a convicted felon, had an active warrant from Saline County District Court for failure to appear.&nbsp;

The officer attempted to stop Somrak, who continued riding his bike.

After multiple turns, Somrak and the officer ended up at the intersection of South Ninth Street and West South Street.&nbsp;

Then the officer began chasing Somrak on foot to&nbsp; apartments in the 200 block of South 12th Street, where Somrak was taken into custody, Forrester said.

In addition to the warrant, Somrak was arrested on the requested charge of felony interference with a law enforcement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593447934131.png" alt="Alec Somrak has previous convictions for theft, obstructions and criminal possession of a firearm, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections." />
 <figcaption>Alec Somrak has previous convictions for theft, obstructions and criminal possession of a firearm, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after a chase on bicycle.Just before 8a.m. Friday, police saw Alec Somrak, 29, of Salina, riding a bicycle in the 200 block of South Ninth Street, according to Police Captain Paul Forrester.Officers knew that Somrak, a convicted felon, had an active warrant from Saline County District Court for failure to appear.&nbsp;The officer attempted to stop Somrak, who continued riding his bike.After multiple turns, Somrak and the officer ended up at the intersection of South Ninth Street and West South Street.&nbsp;Then the officer began chasing Somrak on foot to&nbsp; apartments in the 200 block of South 12th Street, where Somrak was taken into custody, Forrester said.In addition to the warrant, Somrak was arrested on the requested charge of felony interference with a law enforcement.

Police: Wanted Kansas felon captured after chase on bicycle

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Authorities have identified the body of a missing swimmer in a Kansas lake as 29-year-old Zachariah Shepherd of Andover, according the Sgt. Tim Myers with the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Department.

Just before 1p..m Saturday, deputies were dispatched to Lake Afton, west of Wichita, for a possible drowning.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Deputies arrived and learned Shepherd had attempted to swim across the lake and was last seen around 2:00 a.m. Saturday.

The Sedgwick County Fire Department and Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks personnel assisted in the attempt to locate Shepherd, but were not successful.&nbsp;

Just before 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Shepherd's body was recovered from the lake.&nbsp;

Although the death of Shepherd is still under investigation, at this time it does not to be suspicious, according to Myers

GODDARD, Kan. (AP) — Authorities have found the body of a missing swimmer in a Kansas Lake.&nbsp; A Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office spokesman said the body was found around 1:20 a.m. Sunday at Lake Afton. 

The search began Saturday afternoon at the 258-acre man-made recreational lake in an area of Sedgwick County west of Wichita. The name of the victim has not been released.

GODDARD, Kan. (AP) — Authorities are searching a Kansas lake for a missing person. 

Dispatchers responded around 2:45 p.m. Saturday to a submersion at Lake Afton, a 258-acre man-made recreational lake in an area of Sedgwick County west of Wichita. 

The name of the missing person has not been released.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593345960793.png" alt="Search crews on the scene Saturday -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Search crews on the scene Saturday -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — Authorities have identified the body of a missing swimmer in a Kansas lake as 29-year-old Zachariah Shepherd of Andover, according the Sgt. Tim Myers with the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Department.Just before 1p..m Saturday, deputies were dispatched to Lake Afton, west of Wichita, for a possible drowning.&nbsp; &nbsp;Deputies arrived and learned Shepherd had attempted to swim across the lake and was last seen around 2:00 a.m. Saturday.The Sedgwick County Fire Department and Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks personnel assisted in the attempt to locate Shepherd, but were not successful.&nbsp;Just before 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Shepherd's body was recovered from the lake.&nbsp;Although the death of Shepherd is still under investigation, at this time it does not to be suspicious, according to Myers----------GODDARD, Kan. (AP) — Authorities have found the body of a missing swimmer in a Kansas Lake.&nbsp; A Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office spokesman said the body was found around 1:20 a.m. Sunday at Lake Afton. The search began Saturday afternoon at the 258-acre man-made recreational lake in an area of Sedgwick County west of Wichita. The name of the victim has not been released.----------GODDARD, Kan. (AP) — Authorities are searching a Kansas lake for a missing person. Dispatchers responded around 2:45 p.m. Saturday to a submersion at Lake Afton, a 258-acre man-made recreational lake in an area of Sedgwick County west of Wichita. The name of the missing person has not been released.&nbsp;

Update: Sheriff IDs body of swimmer recovered from Kansas lake

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Monday struck down a Louisiana law regulating abortion clinics, reasserting a commitment to abortion rights over fierce opposition from dissenting conservative justices in the first big&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/Abortion">abortion case</a>&nbsp;of the Trump era.

Chief Justice John Roberts joined with his four more liberal colleagues in ruling that the law requiring doctors who perform abortions have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals violates the abortion right the court first announced in the landmark Roe v. Wade decision in 1973.

In two previous abortion cases, Roberts had favored restrictions.

The Louisiana law is virtually identical to one in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/654afc839388440f8a4efc2eb22ca41a">Texas that the court struck down in 2016</a>.

“The result in this case is controlled by our decision four years ago invalidating a nearly identical Texas law,” Roberts wrote, although he did not join the opinion written by Justice Stephen Breyer for the other liberals.

In dissent, Justice Clarence Thomas wrote, “Today a majority of the Court perpetuates its ill-founded abortion jurisprudence by enjoining a perfectly legitimate state law and doing so without jurisdiction.”

President Donald Trump’s two appointees, Justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh, were in dissent, along with Justice Samuel Alito. The presence of the new justices is what fueled hopes among abortion opponents, and fears on the other side, that the Supreme Court would be more likely to uphold restrictions.

A trial judge had said the law would not provide health benefits to women and would leave only one clinic open in Louisiana, in New Orleans. That would make it too hard for women to get an abortion, in violation of the Constitution, the judge ruled.

But the appeals court in New Orleans rejected the judge’s findings and upheld the law in 2018, doubting that any clinics would have to close and saying the doctors had not tried hard enough to establish relationships with local hospitals.

<a href="https://apnews.com/6d10cb3de220233dcda0c6ff7ecc60af">The clinics filed an emergency appeal</a>&nbsp;at the Supreme Court, asking that the law be blocked while the justices evaluated the case.

Early last year, Roberts joined with the four liberal members of the court to grant that request and keep the law on hold.

Roberts’ vote was a bit of a surprise because he voted in the Texas case to uphold the clinic restrictions. It may have reflected his new role since Kennedy’s retirement as the court’s swing justice, his concern about the court being perceived as a partisan institution and respect for a prior decision of the court, even one he disagreed with. Roberts didn’t write anything explaining his position at the time, but he had never before cast a vote on the side of abortion rights.

The regulations at issue in Louisiana are distinct from other state laws making their way through court challenges that would ban abortions early in a pregnancy.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/10/1571309298669.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Monday struck down a Louisiana law regulating abortion clinics, reasserting a commitment to abortion rights over fierce opposition from dissenting conservative justices in the first big&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/Abortion">abortion case</a>&nbsp;of the Trump era.Chief Justice John Roberts joined with his four more liberal colleagues in ruling that the law requiring doctors who perform abortions have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals violates the abortion right the court first announced in the landmark Roe v. Wade decision in 1973.In two previous abortion cases, Roberts had favored restrictions.The Louisiana law is virtually identical to one in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/654afc839388440f8a4efc2eb22ca41a">Texas that the court struck down in 2016</a>.“The result in this case is controlled by our decision four years ago invalidating a nearly identical Texas law,” Roberts wrote, although he did not join the opinion written by Justice Stephen Breyer for the other liberals.In dissent, Justice Clarence Thomas wrote, “Today a majority of the Court perpetuates its ill-founded abortion jurisprudence by enjoining a perfectly legitimate state law and doing so without jurisdiction.”President Donald Trump’s two appointees, Justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh, were in dissent, along with Justice Samuel Alito. The presence of the new justices is what fueled hopes among abortion opponents, and fears on the other side, that the Supreme Court would be more likely to uphold restrictions.A trial judge had said the law would not provide health benefits to women and would leave only one clinic open in Louisiana, in New Orleans. That would make it too hard for women to get an abortion, in violation of the Constitution, the judge ruled.But the appeals court in New Orleans rejected the judge’s findings and upheld the law in 2018, doubting that any clinics would have to close and saying the doctors had not tried hard enough to establish relationships with local hospitals.<a href="https://apnews.com/6d10cb3de220233dcda0c6ff7ecc60af">The clinics filed an emergency appeal</a>&nbsp;at the Supreme Court, asking that the law be blocked while the justices evaluated the case.Early last year, Roberts joined with the four liberal members of the court to grant that request and keep the law on hold.Roberts’ vote was a bit of a surprise because he voted in the Texas case to uphold the clinic restrictions. It may have reflected his new role since Kennedy’s retirement as the court’s swing justice, his concern about the court being perceived as a partisan institution and respect for a prior decision of the court, even one he disagreed with. Roberts didn’t write anything explaining his position at the time, but he had never before cast a vote on the side of abortion rights.The regulations at issue in Louisiana are distinct from other state laws making their way through court challenges that would ban abortions early in a pregnancy.

Supreme Court strikes down controversial abortion clinic law

TOPEKA&nbsp;– The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) deployed a Mobile Testing Unit to assist communities with COVID-19 testing for underserved populations, according to a media release from Governor Laura Kelly's office.

“In order to combat the spread of COVID-19 and safely reopen Kansas, our public health experts must be able to track the scale and scope of this virus,” Governor Kelly said. “Working with local communities and public health officials, this mobile unit helps us reach the vulnerable populations that are experiencing barriers to testing access.”

KDHE is working with local health departments and other health organizations to identify locations throughout Kansas which would benefit from this service. The Mobile Testing Unit is a van outfitted with COVID-19 laboratory-sampling equipment that can travel to locations and areas as requested. Currently, the Mobile Testing Unit is tentatively scheduled through mid-July. It will make its first appearance in conjunction with an Advent Health/Mercy and Truth Medical Missions event in Wyandotte County on June 27. For information regarding that event or future events, please reach out to the organizing entity.

“We recognize there are disparities with COVID-19 testing,” said Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary. “Part of our testing strategy in Kansas is to alleviate the barriers to getting tested.”

The lab testing is provided at no cost to any individual seeking testing. There is also no cost to the community. The test being performed is a diagnostic test, meaning it will say if the individual currently has COVID-19. The Mobile Testing Unit will collect the samples while at each site and then send them to the Kansas Health and Environmental Laboratories for processing. Results will be available to individuals in approximately 1-2 days through the partnering local health department or health organization.

If you are interested in having the Mobile Testing Unit in your community, KDHE encourages people to coordinate with their local health departments or also reach out to our&nbsp;<a href="mailto:COVID-19@ks.gov" target="_blank">COVID-19@ks.gov</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593397742835.png" alt="Photo courtesy office of Kansas Governor" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy office of Kansas Governor</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA&nbsp;– The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) deployed a Mobile Testing Unit to assist communities with COVID-19 testing for underserved populations, according to a media release from Governor Laura Kelly's office.“In order to combat the spread of COVID-19 and safely reopen Kansas, our public health experts must be able to track the scale and scope of this virus,” Governor Kelly said. “Working with local communities and public health officials, this mobile unit helps us reach the vulnerable populations that are experiencing barriers to testing access.”KDHE is working with local health departments and other health organizations to identify locations throughout Kansas which would benefit from this service. The Mobile Testing Unit is a van outfitted with COVID-19 laboratory-sampling equipment that can travel to locations and areas as requested. Currently, the Mobile Testing Unit is tentatively scheduled through mid-July. It will make its first appearance in conjunction with an Advent Health/Mercy and Truth Medical Missions event in Wyandotte County on June 27. For information regarding that event or future events, please reach out to the organizing entity.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588193586788.png" alt="KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman answers questions during a governor's press conference in early June" />
 <figcaption>KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman answers questions during a governor's press conference in early June</figcaption>
 </figure>“We recognize there are disparities with COVID-19 testing,” said Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary. “Part of our testing strategy in Kansas is to alleviate the barriers to getting tested.”The lab testing is provided at no cost to any individual seeking testing. There is also no cost to the community. The test being performed is a diagnostic test, meaning it will say if the individual currently has COVID-19. The Mobile Testing Unit will collect the samples while at each site and then send them to the Kansas Health and Environmental Laboratories for processing. Results will be available to individuals in approximately 1-2 days through the partnering local health department or health organization.If you are interested in having the Mobile Testing Unit in your community, KDHE encourages people to coordinate with their local health departments or also reach out to our&nbsp;<a href="mailto:COVID-19@ks.gov" target="_blank">COVID-19@ks.gov</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

KDHE mobile unit to assist with COVID-19 testing in Kansas

SEDGWICK COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a weekend shooting.

At approximately 2:30 a.m., Saturday, police responded to a shooting at Lincoln and Broadway, according to officer Keven Wheeler.&nbsp;

 As officers responded, they learned that a shooting patient arrived at a local hospital.&nbsp; Officers contacted a 32-year-old man who was treated and released with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to his torso.&nbsp;

The investigation revealed that the 32-year-old was at a bar in the 1000 block of S. Broadway.&nbsp; As he and a 33-year-old woman were leaving the business, he was shot once by an unknown suspect causing his injury.&nbsp; A 35-year-old acquaintance transported the 32-year-old and the 33-year-old to the hospital in his vehicle.&nbsp;

Minutes before the shooting call, officers also responded to a suspicious character with shots fired at Topeka and Morris in&nbsp; Wichita.&nbsp; Officers learned that an unknown suspect was seen firing shots from a church parking lot.

Police have not released additional details or reported an arrest.

SEDGWICK COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a weekend shooting.At approximately 2:30 a.m., Saturday, police responded to a shooting at Lincoln and Broadway, according to officer Keven Wheeler.&nbsp; As officers responded, they learned that a shooting patient arrived at a local hospital.&nbsp; Officers contacted a 32-year-old man who was treated and released with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to his torso.&nbsp;The investigation revealed that the 32-year-old was at a bar in the 1000 block of S. Broadway.&nbsp; As he and a 33-year-old woman were leaving the business, he was shot once by an unknown suspect causing his injury.&nbsp; A 35-year-old acquaintance transported the 32-year-old and the 33-year-old to the hospital in his vehicle.&nbsp;Minutes before the shooting call, officers also responded to a suspicious character with shots fired at Topeka and Morris in&nbsp; Wichita.&nbsp; Officers learned that an unknown suspect was seen firing shots from a church parking lot.Police have not released additional details or reported an arrest.

Police investigate shooting from Kansas church parking lot

ROME (AP) — The world surpassed two sobering coronavirus milestones Sunday -- 500,000 confirmed deaths, 10 million confirmed cases -- and hit another high mark for daily new infections as governments that attempted reopenings continued to backtrack and warn that worse news could be yet to come.

“COVID-19 has taken a very swift and very dangerous turn in Texas over just the past few weeks,” said Gov. Greg Abbott, who allowed businesses to start reopening in early May but on Friday shut down bars and limited restaurant dining amid a spike in cases.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593379644162.png" alt="John Hopkins Covid 19 map of of confirmed cases June 28, 2020" />
 <figcaption>John Hopkins Covid 19 map of of confirmed cases June 28, 2020</figcaption>
 </figure>ROME (AP) — The world surpassed two sobering coronavirus milestones Sunday -- 500,000 confirmed deaths, 10 million confirmed cases -- and hit another high mark for daily new infections as governments that attempted reopenings continued to backtrack and warn that worse news could be yet to come.“COVID-19 has taken a very swift and very dangerous turn in Texas over just the past few weeks,” said Gov. Greg Abbott, who allowed businesses to start reopening in early May but on Friday shut down bars and limited restaurant dining amid a spike in cases.California Gov. Gavin Newsom rolled back reopenings of bars in seven counties, including Los Angeles. He ordered them to close immediately and urged eight other counties to issue local health orders mandating the same.More Florida beaches will be closing again to avoid further spread of the new coronavirus as officials try to tamp down on large gatherings amid a spike in COVID-19 cases. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said interactions among young people are driving the surge.“Caution was thrown to the wind and so we are where we are,” DeSantis said.South Africa’s health minister warned that the country’s current surge of cases is expected to rapidly increase in the coming weeks and push hospitals to the limit. Health Minister Zwelini Mkhize said the current rise in infections has come from people who “moved back into the workplace.New clusters of cases at a Swiss nightclub and in the central English city of Leicester showed that the virus was still circulating widely in Europe, though not with the rapidly growing infection rate seen in parts of the U.S., Latin America and India.Poland and France, meanwhile, attempted a step toward normalcy as they held elections that had been delayed by the virus.Wearing mandatory masks, social distancing in lines and carrying their own pens to sign voting registers, French voters cast ballots in a second round of municipal elections. Poles also wore masks and used hand sanitizer, and some in virus-hit areas were told to mail in their ballots.“I didn’t go and vote the first time around because I am elderly and I got scared,” said Fanny Barouh as she voted in a Paris school.In Texas, Abbott appeared with Vice President Mike Pence, who cut campaign events from upcoming visits to Florida and Arizona because of rising virus cases in those states.Pence praised Abbott for both his decision to reopen the state, and to roll back the reopening plans.“You flattened the curve here in Texas ... but about two weeks ago something changed,” Pence said.Pence urged people to wear masks when unable to practice social distancing. He and Abbott wore face masks as they entered and left the room, taking them off while speaking to reporters.Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar, meanwhile, defended the fact that President Donald Trump has rarely worn a mask in public, saying he doesn’t have to follow his own administration’s guidance because as a leader of the free world he’s tested regularly and is in “very different circumstances than the rest of us.”Addressing spikes in reported coronavirus cases in some states, Azar said on NBC’s “Meet the Press” that people “have to take ownership” of their own behaviors by social distancing and wearing masks if possible.A reported tally Sunday from Johns Hopkins University researchers said the death toll from the coronavirus pandemic had topped 500,00.About 1 in 4 of those deaths – more than 125,000 – have been reported in the U.S. The country with the next highest death toll is Brazil, with more than 57,000, or about 1 in 9.The true death toll from the virus, which first emerged in China late last year, is widely believed to be significantly higher. Experts say that especially early on, many victims died of COVID-19 without being tested for it.To date, more than 10 million confirmed cases have been reported globally. About a quarter of them have been reported in the U.S.The World Health Organization announced another daily record in the number of confirmed coronavirus cases across the world - topping over 189,000 in a single 24-hour period. The tally eclipses the previous record a week earlier at over 183,000 cases, showing case counts continue to progress worldwide.Overall the U.S. still has far and away the most total cases. At more than 2,450,000 - roughly twice that of Brazil. The number of actual cases worldwide is much higher.New York, once the nation’s pandemic epicenter, is now “on the exact opposite end,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in an interview with “Meet the Press.”The state reported five new virus deaths Saturday, its lowest reported daily death toll since March 15. During the state’s peak pandemic in April, nearly 800 people were dying every day. New York still leads the nation in COVID-19 deaths with nearly 25,000.In the state of Washington, Gov. Jay Inslee put a hold on plans to move counties to the fourth phase of his reopening plan as cases continue to increase. But in Hawaii, the city of Honolulu announced that campgrounds will reopen for the first time in three months with limited permits to ensure social distancing.Britain’s government, meanwhile, is considering whether a local lockdown is needed for the central English city of Leicester amid reports about a spike in COVID-19 among its Asian community. It would be Britain’s first local lockdown.“We have seen flare-ups across the country in recent weeks,” Home Secretary Priti Patel told the BBC on Sunday.Polish voters were casting ballots, in person and by mail, for a presidential election that was supposed to have taken place in May but was chaotically postponed amid the pandemic. President Andrzej Duda, a 48-year-old conservative, is running against 10 other candidates as he seeks a second five-year term.Iwona Goge, 79, was encouraged to see so many people voting in Warsaw.“It’s bad. Poland is terribly divided and people are getting discouraged,” she said.French voters were choosing mayors and municipal councilors in Paris and 5,000 towns and cities in a second round of municipal elections held under strict hygiene rules.Italy was honoring its dead later Sunday with an evening Requiem concert in hard-hit Bergamo province. The ceremony in the onetime epicenter of the European outbreak came a day after Italy registered the lowest daily tally of COVID-19 deaths in nearly four months: eight.European leaders were taking no chances in tamping down new clusters. German authorities renewed a lockdown in a western region of about 500,000 people after about 1,300 slaughterhouse workers tested positive.Africa’s confirmed cases of COVID-19 continued to climb to a new high of more than 371,000, including 9,484 deaths, according to figures released Sunday by the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.China on Monday reported a further decline in new confirmed cases, with a total of just 12, including seven cases of domestic transmission in Beijing, where nearly 8.3 million people have now undergone testing in recent weeks. No new deaths were reported Monday, leaving the total at 4,634 among 83,512 confirmed cases of COVID-19.___ROME (AP) — Another tragic milestone was passed Sunday in the coronavirus pandemic: 500,000 deaths worldwide.The reported tally comes <a href="https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html">from Johns Hopkins University </a>researchers.About 1 in 4 of those deaths – more than 125,000 – have been reported in the U.S. The country with the next highest death toll is Brazil, with more than 57,000, or about 1 in 9.The true death toll from the virus, which first emerged in China late last year, is widely believed to be significantly higher. Experts say that especially early on, many victims died of COVID-19 without being tested for it.To date, more than 10 million confirmed cases have been reported globally. About a quarter of them have been reported in the U.S.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590784947764.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The nation’s top public health agency has revamped its list of which Americans are at higher risk for severe COVID-19 illness, adding pregnant women and removing age alone as a factor.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html" target="_blank">changed the list</a>&nbsp;of underlying conditions that make someone more susceptible to suffering and death. Sickle cell disease joined the list, for example. And the threshold for risky levels of obesity was lowered.The changes didn’t include adding race as a risk factor for serious illness, despite accumulating evidence that Black people, Hispanics and Native Americans have higher rates of infection, hospitalization and death.Agency officials said the update was prompted by medical studies published since CDC first started listing high-risk groups. They sought to publicize the information before Independence Day weekend, when many people may be tempted to go out and socialize.“For those at higher risk, we recommend limiting contact with others as much as possible, or restricting contacts to a small number of people who are willing to take measures to reduce the risk of (you) becoming infected,” said CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield.The same advice holds for people who live with or care for people at higher risk, Redfield added.Previously, the CDC said those at high risk of serious illness included people aged 65 years and older; those who live in a nursing home or long-term care facility; and people with serious heart conditions, obesity, diabetes, liver disease, chronic kidney disease, chronic lung disease, and conditions that leave them with weakened immune systems.In the changes, CDC created categories of people who are at high risk and people who might be at high risk.Those who are at high risk include people with chronic kidney disease, chronic inflammatory lung disease, obesity, serious heart conditions, sickle cell disease, Type 2 diabetes, and weakened immune systems because of organ transplants. The threshold for obesity concern was lowered from a body mass index of 40 down to 30.The CDC said people are at increasing risk as they get older, but it removed people 65 and older as a high risk group.The list of people who might be at high risk includes pregnant women, smokers and those with asthma, diseases that affect blood flow to the brain, cystic fibrosis, high blood pressure, dementia, liver disease, scarred or damaged lungs, Type 1 diabetes, a rare blood disorder called thalassemia, and people who have weakened immune systems due to HIV or other reasons.Pregnant women joined the list on the same day a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6925a1.htm?s_cid=mm6925a1_w" target="_blank">CDC report&nbsp;</a>found they accounted for about 9% of lab-confirmed COVID-19 cases in women of childbearing age. About 5% of women of childbearing age are pregnant at any given time.The report showed that pregnant women had higher rates of hospitalization, of admission to a hospital intensive care unit and of winding up on a breathing machine vs. young women who weren’t pregnant. There was no clear evidence of a higher death rate among pregnant women, however.It’s not completely surprising, said Dr. Denise Jamieson, chair of obstetrics and gynecology at the Emory University School of Medicine. Pregnant women have been found to be at higher risk from other infectious respiratory diseases, likely because the lungs decrease in the volume as the uterus grows, Jamieson said.What is surprising, she said, is that CDC didn’t place pregnant women in the highest risk category.“To me this is the most compelling evidence to date that pregnant women are at increased risk,” said Jamieson, who spent 20 years at CDC as a reproductive health expert.Earlier this week, CDC officials called on a panel of experts to help them identify groups that should be prioritized for coronavirus vaccinations if one becomes available and supplies are limited.Pregnant women could be among that group. So could certain racial and ethnic groups.CDC officials shared data with the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices that showed, compared with white Americans, coronavirus hospitalization rates were 4 times higher for Hispanics, 4.5 times higher for Black people, and 5.5 higher for American Indians and Alaska Natives. A recent study in the Atlanta area suggested that being Black was as large a risk for hospitalization as having diabetes, being a smoker or being obese.“If we fail to address racial and ethnic groups as at high risk for prioritization, whatever comes out of our group will be looked at very suspiciously and with a lot of reservation,” said Dr. Jose Romero, chair of the expert panel.“They are groups that need to be moved to the forefront,” he said.CDC officials say they expect to come out with recommendations for racial and ethnic minority groups soon.___