TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas counties “shouldn’t feel pressure” to loosen restrictions if they aren’t seeing a decline in new coronavirus cases or new hospitalizations, Gov. Laura Kelly said Monday, with cases increasing faster in the four most populous counties than the state as a whole.

Kelly said she’s feeling hopeful because Kansas is making enough progress in containing the novel coronavirus for most of the state’s 105 counties to loosen restrictions further. Her office and the state Department of Health and Environment are advising local officials that as of Monday they can allow mass gatherings of up to 45 people, permit non-essential travel and open swimming pools and summer camps.

But she and Dr. Lee Norman, the health department’s top administrator, acknowledged there are counties not seeing a drop in new cases and hospitalizations or are likely to see declines halt. Norman listed three of the state’s four most populous counties — Sedgwick, Shawnee and Wyandotte — as examples.

The state health department reported Monday that Kansas saw coronavirus cases increase 2.5% from Friday, up 257 to a total of 10,650 since the pandemic reached the state in early March. The three counties Norman mentioned, plus Johnson County, the state’s most populous county, together accounted for 55% of the new cases since last week.

“Counties that have plateaued or that are trending in the wrong direction should’t feel pressure,” Kelly said, adding that they’re encouraged to keep current restrictions in place “until they see improvement.”

The Democratic governor imposed a statewide stay-at-home order from March 30 through May 3, then mandated a phased reopening of the state’s economy. However, she converted her requirements into guidelines for local officials on May 26, lifting statewide restrictions in favor of letting counties set their own rules.

Her action was a major concession to the Republican-controlled Legislature after many GOP members had complained for weeks that Kelly was moving too slowly to reopen the economy. The governor also agreed to some limits on her power to direct the state’s response to the pandemic to help persuade lawmakers to extend a state of emergency until at least Sept. 15.

Kelly signed a bill&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/56291b90279c36bafb21087cdc845c8a">approved by lawmakers last week.</a>&nbsp;It limits Kelly’s power to close businesses statewide again and gives legislative leaders some oversight of the pandemic response, including how the state will spend $1.25 billion in federal relief funds.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li_2020s/b2020s/measures/documents/supp_note_hb2016_01_0000.pdf" target="_blank">The legislation&nbsp;</a>is expected to take effect later this week.

As of Monday, 62% of the state’s 236 reported COVID-19-related deaths were in Johnson and Wyandotte counties in the Kansas City area, the state’s first virus hot spot. Both counties are seeing cases increase faster than in the state as a whole.

The state health department said Wyandotte County had 52 new cases since Friday, an increase of 3.4%, to make the total 1,560, and the county is reporting 75 COVID-19-related deaths. Johnson County saw another 38 cases since Friday, to bring its total to 977 for an increase of 4%, with a total of 71 deaths since the pandemic began.

Sedgwick County, home to the state’s largest city of Wichita, saw a 5.8% jump in cases, up 36 to 660. It is reporting 22 deaths.

Shawnee County, home to the state capital of Topeka, had 15 more cases since Friday, an increase of 4.1% to 384 total. It reported seven deaths.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas counties “shouldn’t feel pressure” to loosen restrictions if they aren’t seeing a decline in new coronavirus cases or new hospitalizations, Gov. Laura Kelly said Monday, with cases increasing faster in the four most populous counties than the state as a whole.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovLauraKelly%2Fvideos%2F592899934976032%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>Kelly said she’s feeling hopeful because Kansas is making enough progress in containing the novel coronavirus for most of the state’s 105 counties to loosen restrictions further. Her office and the state Department of Health and Environment are advising local officials that as of Monday they can allow mass gatherings of up to 45 people, permit non-essential travel and open swimming pools and summer camps.But she and Dr. Lee Norman, the health department’s top administrator, acknowledged there are counties not seeing a drop in new cases and hospitalizations or are likely to see declines halt. Norman listed three of the state’s four most populous counties — Sedgwick, Shawnee and Wyandotte — as examples.The state health department reported Monday that Kansas saw coronavirus cases increase 2.5% from Friday, up 257 to a total of 10,650 since the pandemic reached the state in early March. The three counties Norman mentioned, plus Johnson County, the state’s most populous county, together accounted for 55% of the new cases since last week.“Counties that have plateaued or that are trending in the wrong direction should’t feel pressure,” Kelly said, adding that they’re encouraged to keep current restrictions in place “until they see improvement.”The Democratic governor imposed a statewide stay-at-home order from March 30 through May 3, then mandated a phased reopening of the state’s economy. However, she converted her requirements into guidelines for local officials on May 26, lifting statewide restrictions in favor of letting counties set their own rules.Her action was a major concession to the Republican-controlled Legislature after many GOP members had complained for weeks that Kelly was moving too slowly to reopen the economy. The governor also agreed to some limits on her power to direct the state’s response to the pandemic to help persuade lawmakers to extend a state of emergency until at least Sept. 15.Kelly signed a bill&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/56291b90279c36bafb21087cdc845c8a">approved by lawmakers last week.</a>&nbsp;It limits Kelly’s power to close businesses statewide again and gives legislative leaders some oversight of the pandemic response, including how the state will spend $1.25 billion in federal relief funds.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li_2020s/b2020s/measures/documents/supp_note_hb2016_01_0000.pdf" target="_blank">The legislation&nbsp;</a>is expected to take effect later this week.As of Monday, 62% of the state’s 236 reported COVID-19-related deaths were in Johnson and Wyandotte counties in the Kansas City area, the state’s first virus hot spot. Both counties are seeing cases increase faster than in the state as a whole.The state health department said Wyandotte County had 52 new cases since Friday, an increase of 3.4%, to make the total 1,560, and the county is reporting 75 COVID-19-related deaths. Johnson County saw another 38 cases since Friday, to bring its total to 977 for an increase of 4%, with a total of 71 deaths since the pandemic began.Sedgwick County, home to the state’s largest city of Wichita, saw a 5.8% jump in cases, up 36 to 660. It is reporting 22 deaths.Shawnee County, home to the state capital of Topeka, had 15 more cases since Friday, an increase of 4.1% to 384 total. It reported seven deaths.___

🎥  Governor: Kansas counties shouldn't feel push to ease rules

TOPEKA—Law enforcement authorities are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying  individuals responsible for criminal damage and incitement to riot during the protests outside the Law Enforcement Center, 320 South Kansas Avenue in Topeka on June 1.

With the public's help on Monday afternoon, police identified Joshua A. Simon, 23 of Mayetta and arrested, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Koenen. He was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on the following charges Incitement to riot, Criminal damage to property and Unlawful assembly.

Seven people were arrested in Topeka after protesters threw rocks and debris at officers during disturbances that came after generally peaceful gatherings had broken up.

Anyone with information about those pictured is encouraged to email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:telltpd@topeka.org" target="_blank">telltpd@topeka.org</a>. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 785-234-0007, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.p3tips.com/128" target="_blank">www.p3tips.com/128</a>&nbsp;or download the P3tips app. You could be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000 through Crime Stoppers.

TOPEKA—Law enforcement authorities are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying&nbsp; individuals responsible for criminal damage and incitement to riot during the protests outside the Law Enforcement Center, 320 South Kansas Avenue in Topeka on June 1.

The confrontation in Topeka involved about 150 people who gathered around the Law Enforcement Center. It came hours after several hundred people had demonstrated peacefully in downtown Topeka. At one point, some protesters threw rocks and debris at officers trying to rescue a protester who needed medical attention, police said. Some officers were hit with bricks but were not seriously injured.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591698985075.png" alt="Simon" />
 <figcaption>Simon</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA—Law enforcement authorities are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying individuals responsible for criminal damage and incitement to riot during the protests outside the Law Enforcement Center, 320 South Kansas Avenue in Topeka on June 1.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591699034002.png" alt="Simon photo Topeka Police" />
 <figcaption>Simon photo Topeka Police</figcaption>
 </figure>With the public's help on Monday afternoon, police identified Joshua A. Simon, 23 of Mayetta and arrested, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Koenen. He was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on the following charges Incitement to riot, Criminal damage to property and Unlawful assembly.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591643178040.png" alt="Photo courtesy Topeka Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Topeka Police</figcaption>
 </figure>Seven people were arrested in Topeka after protesters threw rocks and debris at officers during disturbances that came after generally peaceful gatherings had broken up.Anyone with information about those pictured is encouraged to email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:telltpd@topeka.org" target="_blank">telltpd@topeka.org</a>. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 785-234-0007, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.p3tips.com/128" target="_blank">www.p3tips.com/128</a>&nbsp;or download the P3tips app. You could be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000 through Crime Stoppers.-----------TOPEKA—Law enforcement authorities are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying&nbsp; individuals responsible for criminal damage and incitement to riot during the protests outside the Law Enforcement Center, 320 South Kansas Avenue in Topeka on June 1.Seven people were arrested in Topeka after protesters threw rocks and debris at officers during disturbances that came after generally peaceful gatherings had broken up.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591094592476.png" alt="Police and protesters during the confrontation June 1 in Topeka-photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police and protesters during the confrontation June 1 in Topeka-photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>The confrontation in Topeka involved about 150 people who gathered around the Law Enforcement Center. It came hours after several hundred people had demonstrated peacefully in downtown Topeka. At one point, some protesters threw rocks and debris at officers trying to rescue a protester who needed medical attention, police said. Some officers were hit with bricks but were not seriously injured.Anyone with information about those pictured is encouraged to email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:telltpd@topeka.org" target="_blank">telltpd@topeka.org</a>. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 785-234-0007, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.p3tips.com/128" target="_blank">www.p3tips.com/128</a>&nbsp;or download the P3tips app. You could be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000 through Crime Stoppers.

Update: Police ID suspect in Topeka protest confrontation

BROWN COUNTY —A Kansas man avoided injury just before 3:30p.m. Monday in Brown County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1997 Air Tractor piloted by Colton Joseph Callaway, 24, Cummings, was taking off northbound from the&nbsp; Hiawatha Municipal Airport when the aircraft failed to take off successfully.

It crashed sitting upright in a field just north of the runway.

Callaway was not injured. Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591697703422.png" alt="Google map" />
 <figcaption>Google map</figcaption>
 </figure>BROWN COUNTY —A Kansas man avoided injury just before 3:30p.m. Monday in Brown County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1997 Air Tractor piloted by Colton Joseph Callaway, 24, Cummings, was taking off northbound from the&nbsp; Hiawatha Municipal Airport when the aircraft failed to take off successfully.It crashed sitting upright in a field just north of the runway.Callaway was not injured. Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash.

Kansas man avoids injury after small plane crash

WASHINGTON (AP) — Democrats in Congress are proposing an overhaul of police procedures and accountability after the mass protests over the deaths of black Americans at the hand of law enforcement

The Justice in Policing Act is among the most ambitious law enforcement reforms from Congress in years and confronts several aspects of policing that have come under strong criticism, especially as more and more police violence is captured on cellphone video and shared across the nation and the world.

The package limits legal protections for police, creates a national database of excessive-force encounters and bans police choke holds, among other changes. The changes, if enacted, would have massive implications on policing in the U.S.

It’s not clear whether the legislation will pass, especially in an election year and amid calls to “defund the police” and growing protests. President Donald Trump has tried to set himself up as a “law and order” leader and has criticized the package, claiming Democrats have “gone CRAZY.”

A few things to know about the bill and how it could make a difference:

Under the proposal, the federal civil rights law that governs police misconduct would no longer require prosecutors to prove that an officer’s actions were willful, a high burden of proof. The law would allow an officer to be charged for acting with reckless disregard for someone’s life, causing that person's death.

Under the current law, it is federal crime to willfully deprive someone of their civil rights under the color of authority, but the officer also must have known what they were doing was wrong and against the law and decided to do it anyway. To prove that crime, prosecutors would need to convince a jury that the force used was more than what would be reasonably necessary to arrest or subdue a suspect, meaning convincing jurors that in the middle of an arrest the officer made a clear and willful decision to cause someone’s death.

That was a burden of proof that prosecutors said they couldn’t meet in the case of Eric Garner when they declined to bring charges against Officer Daniel Pantaleo last year.

Police officers are generally not held personally liable for anything that happens on the job, including when someone dies. The concept of qualified immunity has long been a way to protect police from unnecessary lawsuits and to give them the freedom to police without fear of unnecessary retribution.

The bill would amend federal misconduct statutes to make it easier for courts to find officers personally liable for the violation of civil rights. The move could have major consequences for officers who would think twice before abusing their power, but it could also make it more difficult to recruit police nationwide. It could also potentially lead to officers being held financially liable, too. Cities often bear the brunt of misconduct claims. In a 10-year period in New York, for example, the city paid out nearly $1 billion to settle claims made against police.

A long-held grievance has been that prosecutors and police have too cozy a relationship and can’t separate that out when misconduct is an issue. It is part of the investigation now into the the shooting death of Ahmaud Arbery in coastal Georgia. The father and son accused of killing Arbery had a long history with the local district attorney, the father having worked for the DA as an investigator for 20 years. The case is now being investigated by a separate district attorney. Some states have created a special prosecutor to investigate all misconduct claims against local police. The bill provides a grant program for state attorneys general to conduct independent investigations into problematic police departments.

A second issue is many officers who wind up involved in a fatal shooting have a long history of misconduct, including Derek Chauvin, the Minneapolis officer who has been charged with murder in the death of George Floyd. He had at least a dozen complaints made against him, according to records. But those records are often not made public, making it difficult to know if officers have a track record. The bill calls for a national registry including complaints, disciplinary records and termination records, which proponents say would be a massive step forward in transparency.

Democrats say the ability of the Justice Department’s civil rights division to perform so-called pattern or practice investigations, sweeping probes into police departments that examine whether systemic deficiencies contribute to misconduct or enable it to persist, has been curtailed. The proposal would give specific subpoena power to federal civil rights prosecutors to conduct those investigations and would aid state attorneys general with conducting similar investigations.

The Justice Department hasn’t banned pattern or practice investigations. U.S. Attorney General William Barr, however, has suggested that they may have been previously overused. As attorney general in the Obama administration, Eric Holder frequently criticized violent police confrontations and opened a series of civil rights investigations into local law enforcement practices. The civil rights investigations often ended with court-approved consent decrees that mandated reforms. The consent decrees included those with the police in Ferguson, Missouri, after the killing of Michael Brown and in Baltimore following the police custody death of 25-year-old Freddie Gray.

Hours before he resigned as attorney general in November 2018, Jeff Sessions signed a memo that sharply curtailed the use of consent decrees. The policy makes their use more difficult to enact and requires top Justice Department officials to approve the deals.

Other measures in the legislation are likely to face significant hurdles to enact. And there are some that police officials are likely to argue could endanger officers' lives.

The bill calls for a ban on “no knock” warrants, which are typically executed in some of the most dangerous investigations conducted by police departments. The legislation would specifically ban no-knock warrants for all federal drug cases and would require local and state law enforcement agencies to prohibit their use to qualify for some federal funding. Oregon and Florida are the only states that have outlawed such warrants.

A no-knock warrant, as its name implies, is an order from a judge that allows police to enter a home without prior notification to the residents, such as ringing a doorbell or banging on the door. In most cases, the law requires that officers must knock and announce themselves before entering a private home to execute a search warrant. Police would generally seek a no-knock warrant if the situation might be extraordinarily dangerous or if a suspect is likely to destroy evidence when police knock on the door. But critics have said their use has increased dramatically in recent years and some departments use them routinely in cases that don’t merit such an exception.

There has been a growing call to ban no-knock warrants since 26-year-old Breonna Taylor was killed in her Louisville home by officers in March.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591646982223.png" alt="House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, with other Congressional Democrats, speaks during a news conference to unveil policing reform and equal justice legislation on Monday-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, with other Congressional Democrats, speaks during a news conference to unveil policing reform and equal justice legislation on Monday-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Democrats in Congress are proposing an overhaul of police procedures and accountability after the mass protests over the deaths of black Americans at the hand of law enforcementThe Justice in Policing Act is among the most ambitious law enforcement reforms from Congress in years and confronts several aspects of policing that have come under strong criticism, especially as more and more police violence is captured on cellphone video and shared across the nation and the world.The package limits legal protections for police, creates a national database of excessive-force encounters and bans police choke holds, among other changes. The changes, if enacted, would have massive implications on policing in the U.S.It’s not clear whether the legislation will pass, especially in an election year and amid calls to “defund the police” and growing protests. President Donald Trump has tried to set himself up as a “law and order” leader and has criticized the package, claiming Democrats have “gone CRAZY.”A few things to know about the bill and how it could make a difference:CHANGING FEDERAL CIVIL RIGHTS LAWUnder the proposal, the federal civil rights law that governs police misconduct would no longer require prosecutors to prove that an officer’s actions were willful, a high burden of proof. The law would allow an officer to be charged for acting with reckless disregard for someone’s life, causing that person's death.Under the current law, it is federal crime to willfully deprive someone of their civil rights under the color of authority, but the officer also must have known what they were doing was wrong and against the law and decided to do it anyway. To prove that crime, prosecutors would need to convince a jury that the force used was more than what would be reasonably necessary to arrest or subdue a suspect, meaning convincing jurors that in the middle of an arrest the officer made a clear and willful decision to cause someone’s death.That was a burden of proof that prosecutors said they couldn’t meet in the case of Eric Garner when they declined to bring charges against Officer Daniel Pantaleo last year.QUALIFIED IMMUNITYPolice officers are generally not held personally liable for anything that happens on the job, including when someone dies. The concept of qualified immunity has long been a way to protect police from unnecessary lawsuits and to give them the freedom to police without fear of unnecessary retribution.The bill would amend federal misconduct statutes to make it easier for courts to find officers personally liable for the violation of civil rights. The move could have major consequences for officers who would think twice before abusing their power, but it could also make it more difficult to recruit police nationwide. It could also potentially lead to officers being held financially liable, too. Cities often bear the brunt of misconduct claims. In a 10-year period in New York, for example, the city paid out nearly $1 billion to settle claims made against police.INDEPENDENT AND TRANSPARENTA long-held grievance has been that prosecutors and police have too cozy a relationship and can’t separate that out when misconduct is an issue. It is part of the investigation now into the the shooting death of Ahmaud Arbery in coastal Georgia. The father and son accused of killing Arbery had a long history with the local district attorney, the father having worked for the DA as an investigator for 20 years. The case is now being investigated by a separate district attorney. Some states have created a special prosecutor to investigate all misconduct claims against local police. The bill provides a grant program for state attorneys general to conduct independent investigations into problematic police departments.A second issue is many officers who wind up involved in a fatal shooting have a long history of misconduct, including Derek Chauvin, the Minneapolis officer who has been charged with murder in the death of George Floyd. He had at least a dozen complaints made against him, according to records. But those records are often not made public, making it difficult to know if officers have a track record. The bill calls for a national registry including complaints, disciplinary records and termination records, which proponents say would be a massive step forward in transparency.PATTERN OR PRACTICE INVESTIGATIONSDemocrats say the ability of the Justice Department’s civil rights division to perform so-called pattern or practice investigations, sweeping probes into police departments that examine whether systemic deficiencies contribute to misconduct or enable it to persist, has been curtailed. The proposal would give specific subpoena power to federal civil rights prosecutors to conduct those investigations and would aid state attorneys general with conducting similar investigations.The Justice Department hasn’t banned pattern or practice investigations. U.S. Attorney General William Barr, however, has suggested that they may have been previously overused. As attorney general in the Obama administration, Eric Holder frequently criticized violent police confrontations and opened a series of civil rights investigations into local law enforcement practices. The civil rights investigations often ended with court-approved consent decrees that mandated reforms. The consent decrees included those with the police in Ferguson, Missouri, after the killing of Michael Brown and in Baltimore following the police custody death of 25-year-old Freddie Gray.Hours before he resigned as attorney general in November 2018, Jeff Sessions signed a memo that sharply curtailed the use of consent decrees. The policy makes their use more difficult to enact and requires top Justice Department officials to approve the deals.SIGNIFICANT HURDLESOther measures in the legislation are likely to face significant hurdles to enact. And there are some that police officials are likely to argue could endanger officers' lives.The bill calls for a ban on “no knock” warrants, which are typically executed in some of the most dangerous investigations conducted by police departments. The legislation would specifically ban no-knock warrants for all federal drug cases and would require local and state law enforcement agencies to prohibit their use to qualify for some federal funding. Oregon and Florida are the only states that have outlawed such warrants.A no-knock warrant, as its name implies, is an order from a judge that allows police to enter a home without prior notification to the residents, such as ringing a doorbell or banging on the door. In most cases, the law requires that officers must knock and announce themselves before entering a private home to execute a search warrant. Police would generally seek a no-knock warrant if the situation might be extraordinarily dangerous or if a suspect is likely to destroy evidence when police knock on the door. But critics have said their use has increased dramatically in recent years and some departments use them routinely in cases that don’t merit such an exception.There has been a growing call to ban no-knock warrants since 26-year-old Breonna Taylor was killed in her Louisville home by officers in March.

A look at Democrats' sweeping proposals to overhaul the police

Governor Laura Kelly signed the bipartisan COVID-19 response bill, House Bill 2016 into law on Monday afternoon, according to a media release from her office.

“From day one, my administration has worked keeping Kansans healthy, and protecting the economic future of Kansas’ businesses and communities,” Governor Kelly said. “That means reaching across the aisle to get things done. This bill contains essential provisions that will allow us to continue to deliver critical health and economic services to communities and businesses throughout the state during this pandemic.”

The bill addresses the ongoing COVID-19 emergency and its effects, both economic and health-related. It provides the Legislature with the ability to more effectively engage in oversight while the Legislature is not in session while Governor Kelly retains the emergency authority to act as needed during the pandemic.

Though there are a number of COVID-19 response measures contained in the bill, the key provision extends the current emergency declaration through September 15, 2020, providing stability and certainty for the state’s ongoing emergency response efforts. Beyond September 15, the State Finance Council may extend the declaration by a vote of 6 legislative members.

The bill also contains the provisions of a number of executive orders that the Governor has issued during the pandemic, including allowing for expanded telemedicine, temporary licensure of out-of-state medical providers, electronic notarization of documents and certain liquor sales.

While the bill does provide some liability protection for medical providers and businesses, these elements are written very narrowly to apply to certain aspects of the COVID-19 response, and for most businesses the liability protection only applies when the business acts within the scope of public health requirements.

House Bill 2016&nbsp;becomes&nbsp;effective upon publication in an emergency edition the&nbsp;Kansas Register&nbsp;to be published tomorrow.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591665701887.png" alt="Gov. Laura Kelly during her Monday press briefing" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Laura Kelly during her Monday press briefing</figcaption>
 </figure>Governor Laura Kelly signed the bipartisan COVID-19 response bill, House Bill 2016 into law on Monday afternoon, according to a media release from her office.“From day one, my administration has worked keeping Kansans healthy, and protecting the economic future of Kansas’ businesses and communities,” Governor Kelly said. “That means reaching across the aisle to get things done. This bill contains essential provisions that will allow us to continue to deliver critical health and economic services to communities and businesses throughout the state during this pandemic.”The bill addresses the ongoing COVID-19 emergency and its effects, both economic and health-related. It provides the Legislature with the ability to more effectively engage in oversight while the Legislature is not in session while Governor Kelly retains the emergency authority to act as needed during the pandemic.Though there are a number of COVID-19 response measures contained in the bill, the key provision extends the current emergency declaration through September 15, 2020, providing stability and certainty for the state’s ongoing emergency response efforts. Beyond September 15, the State Finance Council may extend the declaration by a vote of 6 legislative members.The bill also contains the provisions of a number of executive orders that the Governor has issued during the pandemic, including allowing for expanded telemedicine, temporary licensure of out-of-state medical providers, electronic notarization of documents and certain liquor sales.While the bill does provide some liability protection for medical providers and businesses, these elements are written very narrowly to apply to certain aspects of the COVID-19 response, and for most businesses the liability protection only applies when the business acts within the scope of public health requirements.House Bill 2016&nbsp;becomes&nbsp;effective upon publication in an emergency edition the&nbsp;Kansas Register&nbsp;to be published tomorrow.

Governor Kelly signs bipartisan COVID-19 response bill

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO.&nbsp;(AP) — A&nbsp;Colorado&nbsp;woman accused of killing her 11-year-old stepson and plotting to break out of jail must undergo a competency evaluation to determine her ability to stand trial.

In March, authorities in South Carolina arrested 36-year-old Letecia Stauch, in connection with the disappearance and death of Gannon Stauch, according to El Paso, County Colorado Sheriff Bill Elder.

On her return to face murder charges, Stauch was held overnight in the Saline County Kansas jail.

On Friday, District Judge Gregory Werner granted a defense motion for the evaluation, essentially halting further prosecution of Stauch until she is deemed mentally fit to face trial for the death of Gannon Stauch, The Colorado Springs Gazette reported.

During the hearing, prosecutors also filed a new charge of solicitation to commit escape.

Stauch is accused of telling a fellow inmate about her plans to use a broom handle to break the window in her cell at the El Paso County Jail, and that she had already measured herself to make sure she could fit through, according to a probable cause affidavit dated Monday.

Investigators said they found a note in Stauch’s cell with her daughter’s name on it telling her not to be afraid if media reports emerge that she is no longer in jail or is missing.

The fellow inmate told deputies about the plan and gave them notes from Stauch suggesting that she could pay her to help, according to the affidavit. At least one of the notes was partially written in code.

Stauch is being represented by the state public defender’s office, which does not comment on cases.

She reported Gannon missing Jan. 27, saying he never returned to his Colorado Springs home after leaving to go to a friend’s house.

After a search that lasted for weeks came up empty, investigators presumed the boy was dead and arrested the stepmother in Myrtle Beach,&nbsp;South Carolina, on March 2. Remains tentatively identified as Gannon's were found in the small city of Pace, on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/florida">Florida</a>&nbsp;Panhandle.

Investigators believe Stauch killed Gannon in his basement bedroom with a knife or other weapon a few hours before reporting him missing, then concocted a variety of stories to mislead them.

Evidence of blood was found in Gannon’s bedroom and Stauch’s SUV, according to an arrest affidavit.

The document doesn’t describe a motive, but investigators said that based on Stauch's internet searches, it seems she was unhappily married and resentful of being treated as a babysitter for her stepchildren.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583413880453.png" alt="Stauch photo Saline Co." />
 <figcaption>Stauch photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO.&nbsp;(AP) — A&nbsp;Colorado&nbsp;woman accused of killing her 11-year-old stepson and plotting to break out of jail must undergo a competency evaluation to determine her ability to stand trial.In March, authorities in South Carolina arrested 36-year-old Letecia Stauch, in connection with the disappearance and death of Gannon Stauch, according to El Paso, County Colorado Sheriff Bill Elder.On her return to face murder charges, Stauch was held overnight in the Saline County Kansas jail.On Friday, District Judge Gregory Werner granted a defense motion for the evaluation, essentially halting further prosecution of Stauch until she is deemed mentally fit to face trial for the death of Gannon Stauch, The Colorado Springs Gazette reported.During the hearing, prosecutors also filed a new charge of solicitation to commit escape.Stauch is accused of telling a fellow inmate about her plans to use a broom handle to break the window in her cell at the El Paso County Jail, and that she had already measured herself to make sure she could fit through, according to a probable cause affidavit dated Monday.Investigators said they found a note in Stauch’s cell with her daughter’s name on it telling her not to be afraid if media reports emerge that she is no longer in jail or is missing.The fellow inmate told deputies about the plan and gave them notes from Stauch suggesting that she could pay her to help, according to the affidavit. At least one of the notes was partially written in code.Stauch is being represented by the state public defender’s office, which does not comment on cases.She reported Gannon missing Jan. 27, saying he never returned to his Colorado Springs home after leaving to go to a friend’s house.After a search that lasted for weeks came up empty, investigators presumed the boy was dead and arrested the stepmother in Myrtle Beach,&nbsp;South Carolina, on March 2. Remains tentatively identified as Gannon's were found in the small city of Pace, on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/florida">Florida</a>&nbsp;Panhandle.Investigators believe Stauch killed Gannon in his basement bedroom with a knife or other weapon a few hours before reporting him missing, then concocted a variety of stories to mislead them.Evidence of blood was found in Gannon’s bedroom and Stauch’s SUV, according to an arrest affidavit.The document doesn’t describe a motive, but investigators said that based on Stauch's internet searches, it seems she was unhappily married and resentful of being treated as a babysitter for her stepchildren.

Competency evaluation for woman accused of killing stepson

JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman on drug charges after a weekend traffic stop.

Just after 9:30 p.m. Saturday, a Jackson County Sheriff’s Deputy stopped a Pontiac Aztec that had been traveling northbound on U.S. 75 just south of the City of Holton for a traffic infraction, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

 During the investigation of the traffic stop, the driver, Alisa Marie Sharpe, 36, of Topeka was subsequently arrested for allegedly being in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, no driver’s license, and no insurance. Sharpe also had an outstanding Jackson County District Court warrant for possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. 

Sharpe was transported to and booked into the Jackson County Jail, according to Morse.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591622624242.png" alt="Sharpe photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Sharpe photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman on drug charges after a weekend traffic stop.Just after 9:30 p.m. Saturday, a Jackson County Sheriff’s Deputy stopped a Pontiac Aztec that had been traveling northbound on U.S. 75 just south of the City of Holton for a traffic infraction, according to Sheriff Tim Morse. During the investigation of the traffic stop, the driver, Alisa Marie Sharpe, 36, of Topeka was subsequently arrested for allegedly being in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, no driver’s license, and no insurance. Sharpe also had an outstanding Jackson County District Court warrant for possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. Sharpe was transported to and booked into the Jackson County Jail, according to Morse.

Sheriff: Kansas woman found with drugs during traffic stop

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Coronavirus cases are increasing faster in Kansas’ four most populous counties than they are in the state as a whole, accounting Monday for the majority of new cases reported since last week.

The state Department of Health and Environment said that Kansas has had 10,650 coronavirus cases since the pandemic arrived in early March, up 257 or 2.5% since Friday. The number of COVID-19-related deaths rose by four to 236 total since early March, the department said.

The number of cases is growing faster in the state’s portion of the Kansas City metropolitan area, the first hot spot for the state and where the first novel coronavirus cases were confirmed.

The state said Wyandotte County had 52 new cases since Friday, an increase of 3.4%, to make the total 1,560. Neighboring Johnson County saw another 38 cases since Friday, to bring its total to 977 for an increase of 4%.

Sedgwick County, home to the state’s largest city of Wichita, saw a 5.8% jump in cases, up 36 to 660. Shawnee County, home to the state capital of Topeka, had 15 more cases since Friday, an increase of 4.1% to 384 total.

Those four most-populous counties had 55% of the new cases since Friday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591654770731.png" alt="KDHE Sec. Dr. Lee Norman during Monday's press briefing" />
 <figcaption>KDHE Sec. Dr. Lee Norman during Monday's press briefing</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Coronavirus cases are increasing faster in Kansas’ four most populous counties than they are in the state as a whole, accounting Monday for the majority of new cases reported since last week.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591636362685.png" alt="KDHE Map June 8, 2020" />
 <figcaption>KDHE Map June 8, 2020</figcaption>
 </figure>The state Department of Health and Environment said that Kansas has had 10,650 coronavirus cases since the pandemic arrived in early March, up 257 or 2.5% since Friday. The number of COVID-19-related deaths rose by four to 236 total since early March, the department said.The number of cases is growing faster in the state’s portion of the Kansas City metropolitan area, the first hot spot for the state and where the first novel coronavirus cases were confirmed.The state said Wyandotte County had 52 new cases since Friday, an increase of 3.4%, to make the total 1,560. Neighboring Johnson County saw another 38 cases since Friday, to bring its total to 977 for an increase of 4%.Sedgwick County, home to the state’s largest city of Wichita, saw a 5.8% jump in cases, up 36 to 660. Shawnee County, home to the state capital of Topeka, had 15 more cases since Friday, an increase of 4.1% to 384 total.Those four most-populous counties had 55% of the new cases since Friday.

Populous counties outpace Kansas for rise in COVID-19 cases

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary that sent two suspects to an area hospital.

Just after 2 a.m. Monday, police responded to a burglary-in-progress call at the home in the 1400 Block of North Caddy in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.

Upon arrival, officers located a black 2017 Mazda 4-door that had crashed into a tree in the front yard of a separate home in the same block.&nbsp; Inside the vehicle was a 19-year-old female who had sustained a gunshot wound to her leg and a 19-year-old male who had sustained a gunshot wound to his body.&nbsp;

The woman was taken to an area hospital for treatment of a non-life-threatening injury, and the man was taken to an area hospital for treatment of a serious injury.

The investigation revealed a 42-year-old male was at home with his 38-year-old spouse and 5-year-old son.&nbsp; He heard his garage door open, went outside and heard a discussion between individuals in the Mazda and a black truck, targeting his home.&nbsp; 

The 19-year-old male and female then pulled into his driveway with their headlights off and began to get out of the car.&nbsp; The 42-year-old yelled at them and fired two times from a shotgun, striking the individuals and the Mazda.&nbsp; Inside the Mazda, officers located two handguns, and the vehicle was reported as stolen.&nbsp; The truck fled the scene.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591635014456.png" alt="Police on the scene of Monday's burglary -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of Monday's burglary -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary that sent two suspects to an area hospital.Just after 2 a.m. Monday, police responded to a burglary-in-progress call at the home in the 1400 Block of North Caddy in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.Upon arrival, officers located a black 2017 Mazda 4-door that had crashed into a tree in the front yard of a separate home in the same block.&nbsp; Inside the vehicle was a 19-year-old female who had sustained a gunshot wound to her leg and a 19-year-old male who had sustained a gunshot wound to his body.&nbsp;The woman was taken to an area hospital for treatment of a non-life-threatening injury, and the man was taken to an area hospital for treatment of a serious injury.The investigation revealed a 42-year-old male was at home with his 38-year-old spouse and 5-year-old son.&nbsp; He heard his garage door open, went outside and heard a discussion between individuals in the Mazda and a black truck, targeting his home.&nbsp; The 19-year-old male and female then pulled into his driveway with their headlights off and began to get out of the car.&nbsp; The 42-year-old yelled at them and fired two times from a shotgun, striking the individuals and the Mazda.&nbsp; Inside the Mazda, officers located two handguns, and the vehicle was reported as stolen.&nbsp; The truck fled the scene.

Police: Kan. homeowner fired shotgun at burglary suspects

SHAWNEE, Kan. (AP) — A 20-year-old Kansas man drowned while swimming in a pond, authorities said Monday.

Shawnee County emergency personnel responded to a call Sunday afternoon about a reported drowning in a pond on private property in Shawnee, police said in a news release. 

Witnesses reported the man was swimming when he went under water and did not resurface.

The Shawnee Fire Department and Overland Park Police Department dive team recovered the body of Treyvion Baskin of Kansas City, Kansas, from the pond at 6:48 p.m. Sunday.

SHAWNEE, Kan. (AP) — A 20-year-old Kansas man drowned while swimming in a pond, authorities said Monday.Shawnee County emergency personnel responded to a call Sunday afternoon about a reported drowning in a pond on private property in Shawnee, police said in a news release. Witnesses reported the man was swimming when he went under water and did not resurface.The Shawnee Fire Department and Overland Park Police Department dive team recovered the body of Treyvion Baskin of Kansas City, Kansas, from the pond at 6:48 p.m. Sunday.

Kansas man drowns while swimming in private pond

Family farmers in Kansas and Missouri can now access much-needed relief from the economic impacts of COVID-19. 

Farm Aid has partnered with the Kansas Farmers Union Foundation and Missouri Farmers Union to distribute emergency relief grants to help farmers meet household expenses. Families who rely on farming for their income, live in&nbsp;Kansas or Missouri, and are experiencing hardship as a result of the coronavirus&nbsp;pandemic are encouraged to complete an application.

There is an initial June 15 deadline to apply for a Farm Aid COVID-19 Farmer Resilience Initiative grant and limited funding is available. The application process may reopen if funding remains following the June grant review meeting.

Applications will be reviewed by a team of representatives from&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0015yt5cjpMu1gr-9hOHFphuv-lwYOr_DgLJvowH9Qobi0HA4ieZHUZJaG_4_BcefSn1g7bFPg3GK8ANg61iEkIeY5dtwx-MJ0JL4LrnWVRtb7SPV268mIL3U5hmSXaXVydYvkcKsGWd9M1-LRu3LW3MYDzv4U4tIwUB5W3bReWjizWV_ydh7TDq5NK-1MLam9-&amp;c=3G1ojdrD1U6i3b-7LxW-TC-869Bt_46xQhcZn1_LWoFzdh6vMLz7ng==&amp;ch=k6xqKeOfzrvClIkRYMUsvLkZGkw3pi9avAMPIopAmHa3ucxEB706CQ==" target="_blank">Kansas Farmers Union</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0015yt5cjpMu1gr-9hOHFphuv-lwYOr_DgLJvowH9Qobi0HA4ieZHUZJX9OfC2reCwtPntvJL1af-GStJXsYzPDl3Wn8h6ktrPVm0a7FRrfl2RiciW16Sxor8q22vaDU-vUUuHWPqWZBTOsA1J8Cb8OCD_m1ud3_Xmub-d46DtbkkHy1oA0E4tztA==&amp;c=3G1ojdrD1U6i3b-7LxW-TC-869Bt_46xQhcZn1_LWoFzdh6vMLz7ng==&amp;ch=k6xqKeOfzrvClIkRYMUsvLkZGkw3pi9avAMPIopAmHa3ucxEB706CQ==" target="_blank">Missouri Farmers Union</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0015yt5cjpMu1gr-9hOHFphuv-lwYOr_DgLJvowH9Qobi0HA4ieZHUZJX9OfC2reCwtG_0CEPuSbuoVmlnodH_qK6gAmzfoJRR2T-cylAN2lFvsrrLb3EqG10Pt5rfsoLqr3CdRinIFjDIevfobB680AWUZCZr672_U32-C7QxKuH49uxWO-sY0Aw==&amp;c=3G1ojdrD1U6i3b-7LxW-TC-869Bt_46xQhcZn1_LWoFzdh6vMLz7ng==&amp;ch=k6xqKeOfzrvClIkRYMUsvLkZGkw3pi9avAMPIopAmHa3ucxEB706CQ==" target="_blank">Common Ground Producers</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0015yt5cjpMu1gr-9hOHFphuv-lwYOr_DgLJvowH9Qobi0HA4ieZHUZJSmeo_j5jvWRxN-eqMP5ZhkjYA7iHgs4yPsaiHyz8oJkV7F8kJHWa4h3ZYJdddK_AW8btXws0DWnZRGEeoWkrGiY_92eVD8Rk78Pi-_yVgWDMrvTxvNHcoarMV8sMkzCLQ==&amp;c=3G1ojdrD1U6i3b-7LxW-TC-869Bt_46xQhcZn1_LWoFzdh6vMLz7ng==&amp;ch=k6xqKeOfzrvClIkRYMUsvLkZGkw3pi9avAMPIopAmHa3ucxEB706CQ==" target="_blank">Cultivate KC</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0015yt5cjpMu1gr-9hOHFphuv-lwYOr_DgLJvowH9Qobi0HA4ieZHUZJX9OfC2reCwt8Hk_YReJDg2rYgr6KDTOrHDhmPGvmL65kPuNBQMADMm6KA907fR7Pqss0pFlhNRSFtWDFkWSbYlHNtqZGKiY9oaCGvsLUQKNWtco4GhtZQeSSNwaXxmGTVorjQQI2SGC&amp;c=3G1ojdrD1U6i3b-7LxW-TC-869Bt_46xQhcZn1_LWoFzdh6vMLz7ng==&amp;ch=k6xqKeOfzrvClIkRYMUsvLkZGkw3pi9avAMPIopAmHa3ucxEB706CQ==" target="_blank">Kansas Black Farmers Association</a>, and the&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0015yt5cjpMu1gr-9hOHFphuv-lwYOr_DgLJvowH9Qobi0HA4ieZHUZJX9OfC2reCwtZkAFlONyqsE9tvWE4ZMuagvbvEJXLiOwvKySHCmwh_rHQ7qnTb9czbmfJJhH-BxQnPMFDjwfONEymCnsTiiWtLRkF1jODvTuH5laK9tJpd69KhveMIa2ag==&amp;c=3G1ojdrD1U6i3b-7LxW-TC-869Bt_46xQhcZn1_LWoFzdh6vMLz7ng==&amp;ch=k6xqKeOfzrvClIkRYMUsvLkZGkw3pi9avAMPIopAmHa3ucxEB706CQ==" target="_blank">Kansas Rural Center</a>.

Approval is based on the applicant qualifying as a family farm and demonstrating economic loss. Priority is given to smaller farms that may not have the required data needed to apply for USDA or other federal programs. Applications are available online at&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0015yt5cjpMu1gr-9hOHFphuv-lwYOr_DgLJvowH9Qobi0HA4ieZHUZJX9OfC2reCwtxj3kP3Ej8ftmPWDXGtNRdEF160mp0oZYR-yHul0SHyTJ94KeFu0_-P5tMHrdChmp6cgCIIkInNcDJDnW4TT0JrlK1eJ65vp8cXsczLv4udccUD_jZ26aA3G-9jefwSPC1-ttQTr4XIA=&amp;c=3G1ojdrD1U6i3b-7LxW-TC-869Bt_46xQhcZn1_LWoFzdh6vMLz7ng==&amp;ch=k6xqKeOfzrvClIkRYMUsvLkZGkw3pi9avAMPIopAmHa3ucxEB706CQ==" target="_blank">kansasfarmersunion.com/apply/</a>. Applications can also be completed by phone. Email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dteske@nfudc.org">dteske@nfudc.org</a>&nbsp;or call 785-770-0336 to set up a phone interview. Mail-in applications can be downloaded at&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0015yt5cjpMu1gr-9hOHFphuv-lwYOr_DgLJvowH9Qobi0HA4ieZHUZJX9OfC2reCwtths5LcG3s3DZjiJfBcFuDC--nUDr-u2BHKsyuDYKcGUj4wMEhRw2TfuJOzkNugz3XSrz8lOuOyyfUJfnv_KICgoqIPHSbFVNUE6dwAglfguDNLHUYF8ui59oP4WAOado3hVUf2JzMl5S0OL3mvhgLQ==&amp;c=3G1ojdrD1U6i3b-7LxW-TC-869Bt_46xQhcZn1_LWoFzdh6vMLz7ng==&amp;ch=k6xqKeOfzrvClIkRYMUsvLkZGkw3pi9avAMPIopAmHa3ucxEB706CQ==" target="_blank">kansasfarmersunion.com/farm-aid-guidelines/</a>, and then emailed to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kfu.mercedes@gmail.com">kfu.mercedes@gmail.com</a>&nbsp;or printed and mailed to Kansas Farmers Union Foundation, 4377 Wallace Rd, McLouth KS 66054. Donations to support these efforts can be made to the KFUF COVID-19 Relief Fund at&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0015yt5cjpMu1gr-9hOHFphuv-lwYOr_DgLJvowH9Qobi0HA4ieZHUZJX9OfC2reCwt2G_IEFKJhDv1pg8FkJlL_ICaI-kxfVnEcXSMhJR-o20E85wyy0rx3oQAlqF1Dw4JsKWh9yJ2Zk-1KD5Gf3sd6NTNZOEhnPvI4ZpGR26QUvViiLWoQH7nQw8RzW4-EuTa8HTtanOiQ9V7hzDzXBuBuezRAkMoaJsu&amp;c=3G1ojdrD1U6i3b-7LxW-TC-869Bt_46xQhcZn1_LWoFzdh6vMLz7ng==&amp;ch=k6xqKeOfzrvClIkRYMUsvLkZGkw3pi9avAMPIopAmHa3ucxEB706CQ==" target="_blank">kansasfarmersunion.com/donate-covid-19-relief-fund/</a>&nbsp;and Farm Aid's COVID-19 Farmer Resilience Initiative Fund at&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0015yt5cjpMu1gr-9hOHFphuv-lwYOr_DgLJvowH9Qobi0HA4ieZHUZJX9OfC2reCwtIems91S_FrVD4ofn0R6sExlJM9McUzFXbboAO8h_VTljpRj6aZJHlkx0OZdtiLDC1LFV0ufX3hdo-nQVBa4X4cfrKISjJbW1RYVeTiq3PAasMpRokGy4dzSQJ4_YenOgFQZjhMs442WP3mlsF-vhxGGfepV5EqHokbiGllj35K0=&amp;c=3G1ojdrD1U6i3b-7LxW-TC-869Bt_46xQhcZn1_LWoFzdh6vMLz7ng==&amp;ch=k6xqKeOfzrvClIkRYMUsvLkZGkw3pi9avAMPIopAmHa3ucxEB706CQ==" target="_blank">https://give.farmaid.org/give/</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591644249678.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Rural CenterFamily farmers in Kansas and Missouri can now access much-needed relief from the economic impacts of COVID-19. Farm Aid has partnered with the Kansas Farmers Union Foundation and Missouri Farmers Union to distribute emergency relief grants to help farmers meet household expenses. Families who rely on farming for their income, live in&nbsp;Kansas or Missouri, and are experiencing hardship as a result of the coronavirus&nbsp;pandemic are encouraged to complete an application. There is an initial June 15 deadline to apply for a Farm Aid COVID-19 Farmer Resilience Initiative grant and limited funding is available. The application process may reopen if funding remains following the June grant review meeting. Applications will be reviewed by a team of representatives from&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0015yt5cjpMu1gr-9hOHFphuv-lwYOr_DgLJvowH9Qobi0HA4ieZHUZJaG_4_BcefSn1g7bFPg3GK8ANg61iEkIeY5dtwx-MJ0JL4LrnWVRtb7SPV268mIL3U5hmSXaXVydYvkcKsGWd9M1-LRu3LW3MYDzv4U4tIwUB5W3bReWjizWV_ydh7TDq5NK-1MLam9-&amp;c=3G1ojdrD1U6i3b-7LxW-TC-869Bt_46xQhcZn1_LWoFzdh6vMLz7ng==&amp;ch=k6xqKeOfzrvClIkRYMUsvLkZGkw3pi9avAMPIopAmHa3ucxEB706CQ==" target="_blank">Kansas Farmers Union</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0015yt5cjpMu1gr-9hOHFphuv-lwYOr_DgLJvowH9Qobi0HA4ieZHUZJX9OfC2reCwtPntvJL1af-GStJXsYzPDl3Wn8h6ktrPVm0a7FRrfl2RiciW16Sxor8q22vaDU-vUUuHWPqWZBTOsA1J8Cb8OCD_m1ud3_Xmub-d46DtbkkHy1oA0E4tztA==&amp;c=3G1ojdrD1U6i3b-7LxW-TC-869Bt_46xQhcZn1_LWoFzdh6vMLz7ng==&amp;ch=k6xqKeOfzrvClIkRYMUsvLkZGkw3pi9avAMPIopAmHa3ucxEB706CQ==" target="_blank">Missouri Farmers Union</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0015yt5cjpMu1gr-9hOHFphuv-lwYOr_DgLJvowH9Qobi0HA4ieZHUZJX9OfC2reCwtG_0CEPuSbuoVmlnodH_qK6gAmzfoJRR2T-cylAN2lFvsrrLb3EqG10Pt5rfsoLqr3CdRinIFjDIevfobB680AWUZCZr672_U32-C7QxKuH49uxWO-sY0Aw==&amp;c=3G1ojdrD1U6i3b-7LxW-TC-869Bt_46xQhcZn1_LWoFzdh6vMLz7ng==&amp;ch=k6xqKeOfzrvClIkRYMUsvLkZGkw3pi9avAMPIopAmHa3ucxEB706CQ==" target="_blank">Common Ground Producers</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0015yt5cjpMu1gr-9hOHFphuv-lwYOr_DgLJvowH9Qobi0HA4ieZHUZJSmeo_j5jvWRxN-eqMP5ZhkjYA7iHgs4yPsaiHyz8oJkV7F8kJHWa4h3ZYJdddK_AW8btXws0DWnZRGEeoWkrGiY_92eVD8Rk78Pi-_yVgWDMrvTxvNHcoarMV8sMkzCLQ==&amp;c=3G1ojdrD1U6i3b-7LxW-TC-869Bt_46xQhcZn1_LWoFzdh6vMLz7ng==&amp;ch=k6xqKeOfzrvClIkRYMUsvLkZGkw3pi9avAMPIopAmHa3ucxEB706CQ==" target="_blank">Cultivate KC</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0015yt5cjpMu1gr-9hOHFphuv-lwYOr_DgLJvowH9Qobi0HA4ieZHUZJX9OfC2reCwt8Hk_YReJDg2rYgr6KDTOrHDhmPGvmL65kPuNBQMADMm6KA907fR7Pqss0pFlhNRSFtWDFkWSbYlHNtqZGKiY9oaCGvsLUQKNWtco4GhtZQeSSNwaXxmGTVorjQQI2SGC&amp;c=3G1ojdrD1U6i3b-7LxW-TC-869Bt_46xQhcZn1_LWoFzdh6vMLz7ng==&amp;ch=k6xqKeOfzrvClIkRYMUsvLkZGkw3pi9avAMPIopAmHa3ucxEB706CQ==" target="_blank">Kansas Black Farmers Association</a>, and the&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0015yt5cjpMu1gr-9hOHFphuv-lwYOr_DgLJvowH9Qobi0HA4ieZHUZJX9OfC2reCwtZkAFlONyqsE9tvWE4ZMuagvbvEJXLiOwvKySHCmwh_rHQ7qnTb9czbmfJJhH-BxQnPMFDjwfONEymCnsTiiWtLRkF1jODvTuH5laK9tJpd69KhveMIa2ag==&amp;c=3G1ojdrD1U6i3b-7LxW-TC-869Bt_46xQhcZn1_LWoFzdh6vMLz7ng==&amp;ch=k6xqKeOfzrvClIkRYMUsvLkZGkw3pi9avAMPIopAmHa3ucxEB706CQ==" target="_blank">Kansas Rural Center</a>. Approval is based on the applicant qualifying as a family farm and demonstrating economic loss. Priority is given to smaller farms that may not have the required data needed to apply for USDA or other federal programs. Applications are available online at&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0015yt5cjpMu1gr-9hOHFphuv-lwYOr_DgLJvowH9Qobi0HA4ieZHUZJX9OfC2reCwtxj3kP3Ej8ftmPWDXGtNRdEF160mp0oZYR-yHul0SHyTJ94KeFu0_-P5tMHrdChmp6cgCIIkInNcDJDnW4TT0JrlK1eJ65vp8cXsczLv4udccUD_jZ26aA3G-9jefwSPC1-ttQTr4XIA=&amp;c=3G1ojdrD1U6i3b-7LxW-TC-869Bt_46xQhcZn1_LWoFzdh6vMLz7ng==&amp;ch=k6xqKeOfzrvClIkRYMUsvLkZGkw3pi9avAMPIopAmHa3ucxEB706CQ==" target="_blank">kansasfarmersunion.com/apply/</a>. Applications can also be completed by phone. Email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dteske@nfudc.org">dteske@nfudc.org</a>&nbsp;or call 785-770-0336 to set up a phone interview. Mail-in applications can be downloaded at&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0015yt5cjpMu1gr-9hOHFphuv-lwYOr_DgLJvowH9Qobi0HA4ieZHUZJX9OfC2reCwtths5LcG3s3DZjiJfBcFuDC--nUDr-u2BHKsyuDYKcGUj4wMEhRw2TfuJOzkNugz3XSrz8lOuOyyfUJfnv_KICgoqIPHSbFVNUE6dwAglfguDNLHUYF8ui59oP4WAOado3hVUf2JzMl5S0OL3mvhgLQ==&amp;c=3G1ojdrD1U6i3b-7LxW-TC-869Bt_46xQhcZn1_LWoFzdh6vMLz7ng==&amp;ch=k6xqKeOfzrvClIkRYMUsvLkZGkw3pi9avAMPIopAmHa3ucxEB706CQ==" target="_blank">kansasfarmersunion.com/farm-aid-guidelines/</a>, and then emailed to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kfu.mercedes@gmail.com">kfu.mercedes@gmail.com</a>&nbsp;or printed and mailed to Kansas Farmers Union Foundation, 4377 Wallace Rd, McLouth KS 66054. Donations to support these efforts can be made to the KFUF COVID-19 Relief Fund at&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0015yt5cjpMu1gr-9hOHFphuv-lwYOr_DgLJvowH9Qobi0HA4ieZHUZJX9OfC2reCwt2G_IEFKJhDv1pg8FkJlL_ICaI-kxfVnEcXSMhJR-o20E85wyy0rx3oQAlqF1Dw4JsKWh9yJ2Zk-1KD5Gf3sd6NTNZOEhnPvI4ZpGR26QUvViiLWoQH7nQw8RzW4-EuTa8HTtanOiQ9V7hzDzXBuBuezRAkMoaJsu&amp;c=3G1ojdrD1U6i3b-7LxW-TC-869Bt_46xQhcZn1_LWoFzdh6vMLz7ng==&amp;ch=k6xqKeOfzrvClIkRYMUsvLkZGkw3pi9avAMPIopAmHa3ucxEB706CQ==" target="_blank">kansasfarmersunion.com/donate-covid-19-relief-fund/</a>&nbsp;and Farm Aid's COVID-19 Farmer Resilience Initiative Fund at&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0015yt5cjpMu1gr-9hOHFphuv-lwYOr_DgLJvowH9Qobi0HA4ieZHUZJX9OfC2reCwtIems91S_FrVD4ofn0R6sExlJM9McUzFXbboAO8h_VTljpRj6aZJHlkx0OZdtiLDC1LFV0ufX3hdo-nQVBa4X4cfrKISjJbW1RYVeTiq3PAasMpRokGy4dzSQJ4_YenOgFQZjhMs442WP3mlsF-vhxGGfepV5EqHokbiGllj35K0=&amp;c=3G1ojdrD1U6i3b-7LxW-TC-869Bt_46xQhcZn1_LWoFzdh6vMLz7ng==&amp;ch=k6xqKeOfzrvClIkRYMUsvLkZGkw3pi9avAMPIopAmHa3ucxEB706CQ==" target="_blank">https://give.farmaid.org/give/</a>.

Groups team to offer grants to Kan. farmers impacted by virus

SEDGWICK COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal accident and have identified the victim as 47-year-old Tracy Drake of Wichita.

Just before 9:20 p.m., Sunday, police responded to a single-vehicle injury accident in the 1800 block of S. Meridian in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.

 Upon arrival, officers located a 53-year-old man who was seriously injured and Drake, who was critically injured. They were transported to a local hospital where Drake died.

The investigation revealed that the 53-year-old was driving a Yamaha motorcycle with Drake as a passenger. The motorcycle became unstable, and the driver lost control of the motorcycle.

The 53-year-old is no longer hospitalized, according to Davidson.

They were not wearing helmets, according to Davidson.

This accident is the 10th fatal accident of the year in Wichita and the fourth involving a motorcycle.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591639509865.png" alt="First responders on the scene of Sunday's fatal motorcycle crash KWCH" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene of Sunday's fatal motorcycle crash KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal accident and have identified the victim as 47-year-old Tracy Drake of Wichita.Just before 9:20 p.m., Sunday, police responded to a single-vehicle injury accident in the 1800 block of S. Meridian in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson. Upon arrival, officers located a 53-year-old man who was seriously injured and Drake, who was critically injured. They were transported to a local hospital where Drake died.The investigation revealed that the 53-year-old was driving a Yamaha motorcycle with Drake as a passenger. The motorcycle became unstable, and the driver lost control of the motorcycle.The 53-year-old is no longer hospitalized, according to Davidson.They were not wearing helmets, according to Davidson.This accident is the 10th fatal accident of the year in Wichita and the fourth involving a motorcycle.

Police ID 47-year-old Kan. man who died in motorcycle accident

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a violent knife attack and the suspect remains in custody.

Just after 6:30 p.m. Friday, police responded to a stabbing at a residence in the 800 block of South Beverly in Wichita, according to officer Kevin Wheeler.&nbsp; 

Upon arrival, officers located a 63-year-old man who had been stabbed multiple times.&nbsp; He was transported to a local hospital with serious, but non-life threatening injuries.

The investigation revealed that 61-year-old Martin Cole and the 63-year-old victim who are neighbors, were involved in an earlier disturbance at a nearby bar.&nbsp; They both left the bar and went to their residences.&nbsp; A second disturbance occurred between the two, where the 63-year-old was stabbed.

Cole was arrested without incident at his residence on a requested charge of attempted 1st-degree murder and an outstanding city of Wichita warrant. He remains jailed on total bonds of $152,500,<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=18779658"> according to online jail records.</a>

The case will presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591488145572.png" alt="Cole photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Cole photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a violent knife attack and the suspect remains in custody.Just after 6:30 p.m. Friday, police responded to a stabbing at a residence in the 800 block of South Beverly in Wichita, according to officer Kevin Wheeler.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers located a 63-year-old man who had been stabbed multiple times.&nbsp; He was transported to a local hospital with serious, but non-life threatening injuries.The investigation revealed that 61-year-old Martin Cole and the 63-year-old victim who are neighbors, were involved in an earlier disturbance at a nearby bar.&nbsp; They both left the bar and went to their residences.&nbsp; A second disturbance occurred between the two, where the 63-year-old was stabbed.Cole was arrested without incident at his residence on a requested charge of attempted 1st-degree murder and an outstanding city of Wichita warrant. He remains jailed on total bonds of $152,500,<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=18779658"> according to online jail records.</a>The case will presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.

Kan. man remains jailed for allegedly stabbing his neighbor 

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 257 to a total of 10,650, 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 257 to a total of 10,650, the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 236<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/2020/6/1591636362685.png" alt="June 8, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>June 8, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

The Wichita Police Department (WPD) is offering a $1,000 reward for any information that leads to locating missing 23-year-old Savanah Schneider of Wichita. The KBI issued a statewide endangered persons advisory for her last week.

The investigation led to a search Tuesday of an area south of Haysville after it was learned Schneider’s cell phone last pinged in the Haysville area, according to officer Charley Davidson.

WPD detectives, Sedgwick County Sheriff Detectives, WPD mounted unit, cadaver K9’s, and article search K9’s searched the area.

Schneider was last seen on Sunday, May 31, at her home in the 10300 block of West Alamo.&nbsp; She is described as 5-foot-8”, 110pounds, with blue eyes and blonde hair.

Police and family are concerned for her and need help locating her.&nbsp; If you have any information on this case or Schneider’s whereabouts, please call 911 or Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111.

SEDGWICK COUNTY –&nbsp;The Wichita Police Department requested that the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issue a statewide endangered persons advisory for a missing Wichita woman.

The whereabouts of Savanah Schneider, 23, are unknown, and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate her.

She was last seen on Sunday, May 31, at her home in the 10300 block of West Alamo in Wichita.

She is described as 5-foot-8, 110 pounds., with blue eyes and blonde hair. Savanah has an intellectual disability, and WPD is concerned for her welfare.

If you know the whereabouts of Savanah or see her, please call 911 immediately.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591390996010.png" alt="Savanah Schneider" />
 <figcaption>Savanah Schneider</figcaption>
 </figure>The Wichita Police Department (WPD) is offering a $1,000 reward for any information that leads to locating missing 23-year-old Savanah Schneider of Wichita. The KBI issued a statewide endangered persons advisory for her last week.The investigation led to a search Tuesday of an area south of Haysville after it was learned Schneider’s cell phone last pinged in the Haysville area, according to officer Charley Davidson.WPD detectives, Sedgwick County Sheriff Detectives, WPD mounted unit, cadaver K9’s, and article search K9’s searched the area.Schneider was last seen on Sunday, May 31, at her home in the 10300 block of West Alamo.&nbsp; She is described as 5-foot-8”, 110pounds, with blue eyes and blonde hair.Police and family are concerned for her and need help locating her.&nbsp; If you have any information on this case or Schneider’s whereabouts, please call 911 or Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111.----------SEDGWICK COUNTY –&nbsp;The Wichita Police Department requested that the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issue a statewide endangered persons advisory for a missing Wichita woman.The whereabouts of Savanah Schneider, 23, are unknown, and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate her.She was last seen on Sunday, May 31, at her home in the 10300 block of West Alamo in Wichita.She is described as 5-foot-8, 110 pounds., with blue eyes and blonde hair. Savanah has an intellectual disability, and WPD is concerned for her welfare.If you know the whereabouts of Savanah or see her, please call 911 immediately.

KBI: Endangered person advisory continues for missing woman

WASHINGTON (AP) — A stronger than expected&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/d7e34eeb80b8030d5c1f77f5358318c1">jobs report</a>&nbsp;could further scramble an already uncertain picture for passing a fifth and possibly final coronavirus aid bill. The positive statistics are feeding the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/b8ff8edae31f9ee3a59d36cbee1aacde">wait-and-see approach</a>&nbsp;of the White House and its GOP allies in Congress.

Republicans say the numbers vindicate their decision to take a pause and assess the almost $3 trillion in assistance they already have approved. The White House was already showing little urgency about pursing another trillion-dollar response bill, much less the $3.5 trillion measure&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/8b23a28a572ebcbb180ddb54558d262c">passed by the House</a>&nbsp;last month, and prefers to concentrate on reopening the economy.

The coming weeks are expected to bring difficult negotiations over what the package should contain, just months before an election where the White House and control of Congress are at stake.

For lawmakers, tough decisions loom about how much money to allocate to states, how to extend unemployment benefits for millions of people and whether to create lawsuit protections for businesses and schools as they reopen during the pandemic.

Friday’s jobs report showed a 2.5 million gain instead of an expected loss of millions more, complicating prospects for the aid talks. Trump is difficult to gauge, but talks often of pursing public works spending and a payroll tax cut, which is a nonstarter on Capitol Hill.

“They are less than urgent, less than inclined for another package,” said Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., a GOP leader when his party was in the majority. “There is less urgency to go strike a hard deal — and this one would be a hard deal. Doesn’t mean it won’t happen, I just think the urgency is far lessened.”

Democrats looked at the jobs report and saw job losses for 600,000 public employees that are likely to worsen if Washington doesn’t help cash-starved state and local governments. Despite the positive jobs news, unemployment nationwide is at 13%, so the looming expiration of a supplemental $600 per week jobless benefit promises to provide a catalyst for action.

Top Democrats such as Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York are united behind the $3.5 trillion “HEROES Act,” which contains party priorities such as jobless aid, another round of $1,200 checks and money for essential workers, local schools, colleges and people missing mortgages and rent payments.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and other Republicans are opposed to the Democratic plan. But they are struggling with their own divisions, with more pragmatic lawmakers favoring aid to states and local governments and recognizing that additional jobless aid is inevitable if there is to be an agreement.

GOP Sens. Mitt Romney of Utah, Susan Collins of Maine and Cory Gardner of Colorado back a significant state aid package, and there’s strong support across Congress for help for smaller municipalities. But concerns about piling additional trillions of dollars onto the national debt have risen, and some Republicans believe Congress has done enough.

McConnell has already said Republicans won’t extend the $600 per week supplemental unemployment benefit, which they say is taking away incentive for people to return to the job market. A recent Congressional Budget Office report estimated that 5 out of 6 people would earn more by continuing to receive the higher benefits than returning to work and that extending the benefit would harm the economy next year.

What is plain is that the enormous sense of urgency that produced the first four aid bills has faded, along with the freewheeling dynamic that inflated the price tags. That dynamic helped Democrats to win gains in the $2 trillion CARES Act in March that they might not have gotten through a more deliberate process.

“Unlike the CARES Act, where we really did need to act in a matter of days, here we have a little bit of luxury of time, but that time is not indefinite,” said Neil Bradley, chief policy officer at the U.S Chamber of Commerce. “We don’t have months.”

Now, Republicans have set a goal of keeping the cost of the next bill below $1 trillion. That’s going to be a hard sell for Pelosi, who devoted almost $1 trillion just to states and localities.

Supporters of a deal had hoped to reach an agreement this month, but acknowledge the annual August recess is now looking more like the informal deadline. For starters, leadership aides in both parties acknowledge there have been virtually no bipartisan talks so far, with Pelosi and McConnell communicating through their public statements.

“Future efforts must be laser-focused on helping schools reopen safely in the fall, helping American workers continue to get back on the job, and helping employers reopen and grow,” McConnell said Friday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591475437460.png" alt="Kansas Senator Pat Roberts avoiding reporters on Wednesday in Washington-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Senator Pat Roberts avoiding reporters on Wednesday in Washington-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — A stronger than expected&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/d7e34eeb80b8030d5c1f77f5358318c1">jobs report</a>&nbsp;could further scramble an already uncertain picture for passing a fifth and possibly final coronavirus aid bill. The positive statistics are feeding the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/b8ff8edae31f9ee3a59d36cbee1aacde">wait-and-see approach</a>&nbsp;of the White House and its GOP allies in Congress.Republicans say the numbers vindicate their decision to take a pause and assess the almost $3 trillion in assistance they already have approved. The White House was already showing little urgency about pursing another trillion-dollar response bill, much less the $3.5 trillion measure&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/8b23a28a572ebcbb180ddb54558d262c">passed by the House</a>&nbsp;last month, and prefers to concentrate on reopening the economy.The coming weeks are expected to bring difficult negotiations over what the package should contain, just months before an election where the White House and control of Congress are at stake.For lawmakers, tough decisions loom about how much money to allocate to states, how to extend unemployment benefits for millions of people and whether to create lawsuit protections for businesses and schools as they reopen during the pandemic.Friday’s jobs report showed a 2.5 million gain instead of an expected loss of millions more, complicating prospects for the aid talks. Trump is difficult to gauge, but talks often of pursing public works spending and a payroll tax cut, which is a nonstarter on Capitol Hill.“They are less than urgent, less than inclined for another package,” said Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., a GOP leader when his party was in the majority. “There is less urgency to go strike a hard deal — and this one would be a hard deal. Doesn’t mean it won’t happen, I just think the urgency is far lessened.”Democrats looked at the jobs report and saw job losses for 600,000 public employees that are likely to worsen if Washington doesn’t help cash-starved state and local governments. Despite the positive jobs news, unemployment nationwide is at 13%, so the looming expiration of a supplemental $600 per week jobless benefit promises to provide a catalyst for action.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588696644712.png" alt="House Speaker Nancy Pelosi led the passage of the $3.5T HEROES Act last month-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>House Speaker Nancy Pelosi led the passage of the $3.5T HEROES Act last month-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>Top Democrats such as Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York are united behind the $3.5 trillion “HEROES Act,” which contains party priorities such as jobless aid, another round of $1,200 checks and money for essential workers, local schools, colleges and people missing mortgages and rent payments.Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and other Republicans are opposed to the Democratic plan. But they are struggling with their own divisions, with more pragmatic lawmakers favoring aid to states and local governments and recognizing that additional jobless aid is inevitable if there is to be an agreement.GOP Sens. Mitt Romney of Utah, Susan Collins of Maine and Cory Gardner of Colorado back a significant state aid package, and there’s strong support across Congress for help for smaller municipalities. But concerns about piling additional trillions of dollars onto the national debt have risen, and some Republicans believe Congress has done enough.McConnell has already said Republicans won’t extend the $600 per week supplemental unemployment benefit, which they say is taking away incentive for people to return to the job market. A recent Congressional Budget Office report estimated that 5 out of 6 people would earn more by continuing to receive the higher benefits than returning to work and that extending the benefit would harm the economy next year.What is plain is that the enormous sense of urgency that produced the first four aid bills has faded, along with the freewheeling dynamic that inflated the price tags. That dynamic helped Democrats to win gains in the $2 trillion CARES Act in March that they might not have gotten through a more deliberate process.“Unlike the CARES Act, where we really did need to act in a matter of days, here we have a little bit of luxury of time, but that time is not indefinite,” said Neil Bradley, chief policy officer at the U.S Chamber of Commerce. “We don’t have months.”Now, Republicans have set a goal of keeping the cost of the next bill below $1 trillion. That’s going to be a hard sell for Pelosi, who devoted almost $1 trillion just to states and localities.Supporters of a deal had hoped to reach an agreement this month, but acknowledge the annual August recess is now looking more like the informal deadline. For starters, leadership aides in both parties acknowledge there have been virtually no bipartisan talks so far, with Pelosi and McConnell communicating through their public statements.“Future efforts must be laser-focused on helping schools reopen safely in the fall, helping American workers continue to get back on the job, and helping employers reopen and grow,” McConnell said Friday.

Strong jobs report diminishes GOP appetite for more virus aid

SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal weekend accident and have identified the victims.

Just after 8:30p.m. Saturday, deputies responded to an injury accident in the 2400 block of SE 45th&nbsp;Street in Shawnee County, according to Sgt. Todd Stallbaumer.

A Ford Edge driven by&nbsp;Lisa L. Reser, 61, of Topeka and a Cadillac Deville driven by Donald L. Doty, Jr. 52, Topeka,&nbsp; were involved in a head-on collision.

Both drivers were pronounced deceased on scene.&nbsp; There were no other passengers in the vehicles.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Authorities released no additional details of the accident.

SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal weekend accident and have identified the victims.Just after 8:30p.m. Saturday, deputies responded to an injury accident in the 2400 block of SE 45th&nbsp;Street in Shawnee County, according to Sgt. Todd Stallbaumer.A Ford Edge driven by&nbsp;Lisa L. Reser, 61, of Topeka and a Cadillac Deville driven by Donald L. Doty, Jr. 52, Topeka,&nbsp; were involved in a head-on collision.Both drivers were pronounced deceased on scene.&nbsp; There were no other passengers in the vehicles.&nbsp;&nbsp;Authorities released no additional details of the accident.

Sheriff IDs 2 victims in Kansas head-on crash

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Lansing Correctional Facility is largest single source of Kansas’ 10,393 coronavirus cases, followed by a Tyson Foods meatpacking plant near Garden City, according to a report by state health officials.

The Kansas public health report on the outbreak was generated from Columbia University’s Brown Institute for Media Innovation, which has been gathering government documents related to the coronavirus from around the country. The confidential report from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment lists details of every outbreak in the state as of May 19.

The Lansing prison is linked to at least 846 cases of the virus and six deaths. The Tyson plant had 571 virus cases and one death, according to the report. Several other meatpacking plants in the state also had sizable coronavirus outbreaks.

State officials provided the report to county health departments and left it up to local officials to decide whether to release details of outbreaks in their areas. Kansas Department of Health and Environment Secretary Lee Norman acknowledged that some states routinely release details of outbreaks.

“You could argue that that’s a good idea as well because you may not be able to ... contact trace everyone,” Norman said. “So an argument could be made both ways. We prefer to let that go to the county.”

The confined conditions at the Lansing prison made it easy for the virus to spread among inmates, but state health officials have said the facility has made significant progress at containing the coronavirus.

“What we’re seeing … is the good result from cohorting inmates away from those that aren’t (positive,” Norman told reporters last week.

Meatpacking plants in Kansas have been linked to at least 2,767 cases of COVID-19 and 10 deaths. The report says those cases include the Tyson plant near Garden City in Finney County, 503 cases at a National Beef plant in Ford County, 342 cases at a Cargill facility in Ford County and 317 cases at a National beef plant in Seward County

Before the state report was released, local officials were reluctant to release details of the outbreaks at meatpacking plants.

“We have not been publicly reporting on private business or private business COVID-19 status,” Ford County administrator Jonathan Gilbert wrote in an email. “Ford County is a relatively small community and commenting on any cases/number of cases related to a private business can allow for the identification of individual COVID-19 status and we want to avoid that.”

Tyson spokeswoman Liz Croston said the company’s Kansas facilities are “operating near capacity” but would not provide an update on the number of cases currently associated with the plants.

She said Tyson has implemented a number of safety measures, including employee temperature checks before each shift, providing mandatory face masks, and putting physical barriers between workstations and in break rooms.

National Beef spokesman Keith Welty declined to comment on details of safety measures the company has taken at its plants and did not respond to questions about the level of production at each facility.

“Our focus throughout this COVID-19 situation has been to take the necessary steps to protect the health, wellness and safety of our employees while operating our processing plants producing high quality products to meet the demand of our customers across the United States,” Welty wrote in an email.

Cargill spokesman Daniel Sullivan said the facility is currently operating at about 80% capacity. He said Cargill has implemented temperature checks, installed protective barriers at the plant and has been providing masks to workers. The company is also giving employees up to 80 hours of paid leave for absences related to COVID-19

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589303013090.png" alt="Coronavirus testing in Wichita&nbsp; -image courtesy&nbsp;HealthCore Clinic" />
 <figcaption>Coronavirus testing in Wichita&nbsp; -image courtesy&nbsp;HealthCore Clinic</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Lansing Correctional Facility is largest single source of Kansas’ 10,393 coronavirus cases, followed by a Tyson Foods meatpacking plant near Garden City, according to a report by state health officials.The Kansas public health report on the outbreak was generated from Columbia University’s Brown Institute for Media Innovation, which has been gathering government documents related to the coronavirus from around the country. The confidential report from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment lists details of every outbreak in the state as of May 19.The Lansing prison is linked to at least 846 cases of the virus and six deaths. The Tyson plant had 571 virus cases and one death, according to the report. Several other meatpacking plants in the state also had sizable coronavirus outbreaks.State officials provided the report to county health departments and left it up to local officials to decide whether to release details of outbreaks in their areas. Kansas Department of Health and Environment Secretary Lee Norman acknowledged that some states routinely release details of outbreaks.“You could argue that that’s a good idea as well because you may not be able to ... contact trace everyone,” Norman said. “So an argument could be made both ways. We prefer to let that go to the county.”The confined conditions at the Lansing prison made it easy for the virus to spread among inmates, but state health officials have said the facility has made significant progress at containing the coronavirus.“What we’re seeing … is the good result from cohorting inmates away from those that aren’t (positive,” Norman told reporters last week.Meatpacking plants in Kansas have been linked to at least 2,767 cases of COVID-19 and 10 deaths. The report says those cases include the Tyson plant near Garden City in Finney County, 503 cases at a National Beef plant in Ford County, 342 cases at a Cargill facility in Ford County and 317 cases at a National beef plant in Seward CountyBefore the state report was released, local officials were reluctant to release details of the outbreaks at meatpacking plants.“We have not been publicly reporting on private business or private business COVID-19 status,” Ford County administrator Jonathan Gilbert wrote in an email. “Ford County is a relatively small community and commenting on any cases/number of cases related to a private business can allow for the identification of individual COVID-19 status and we want to avoid that.”Tyson spokeswoman Liz Croston said the company’s Kansas facilities are “operating near capacity” but would not provide an update on the number of cases currently associated with the plants.She said Tyson has implemented a number of safety measures, including employee temperature checks before each shift, providing mandatory face masks, and putting physical barriers between workstations and in break rooms.National Beef spokesman Keith Welty declined to comment on details of safety measures the company has taken at its plants and did not respond to questions about the level of production at each facility.“Our focus throughout this COVID-19 situation has been to take the necessary steps to protect the health, wellness and safety of our employees while operating our processing plants producing high quality products to meet the demand of our customers across the United States,” Welty wrote in an email.Cargill spokesman Daniel Sullivan said the facility is currently operating at about 80% capacity. He said Cargill has implemented temperature checks, installed protective barriers at the plant and has been providing masks to workers. The company is also giving employees up to 80 hours of paid leave for absences related to COVID-19For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness.

Confidential report details virus outbreaks in Kansas 

TOPEKA — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect who surrendered after more than five hours of negotiations and standoff in Topeka.

Just after 10:30 p.m. Saturday, officers responded to a home in the 3600 block of SW Skyline Parkway on a check welfare call, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Koenen.

Upon arrival, officers discovered that an adult female victim was being held against her will. A short time later, the victim was able to leave the home safely.

Police ultimately took the suspect identified as&nbsp;38-year-old Brian M. Wright into custod&nbsp; around 6:15 a.m. Sunday.

Wright was is being held on requested charges of&nbsp;Domestic Battery,, Criminal Restraint and Aggravated Assault, according to Koenen.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591567742989.png" alt="Wright photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Wright photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect who surrendered after more than five hours of negotiations and standoff in Topeka.Just after 10:30 p.m. Saturday, officers responded to a home in the 3600 block of SW Skyline Parkway on a check welfare call, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Koenen.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591553436416.png" alt="Police on the scene of the standoff -image courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the standoff -image courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>Upon arrival, officers discovered that an adult female victim was being held against her will. A short time later, the victim was able to leave the home safely.Police ultimately took the suspect identified as&nbsp;38-year-old Brian M. Wright into custod&nbsp; around 6:15 a.m. Sunday.Wright was is being held on requested charges of&nbsp;Domestic Battery,, Criminal Restraint and Aggravated Assault, according to Koenen.

Kansas man arrested after 5-hour standoff

Kansas City (AP) — As demonstrators flooded streets across America to decry the killing of George Floyd, public health experts watched in alarm — the close proximity of protesters and their failures in many cases to wear masks, along with the police using tear gas, could fuel new transmissions of the coronavirus.

Many of the protests broke out in places where the virus is still circulating widely in the population. In fact, an Associated Press review found that demonstrations have taken place in every one of the 25 U.S. communities with the highest concentrations of new cases. Some have seen major protests over multiple days, including Minneapolis-St. Paul, Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles.

The protests have come just as communities across the nation loosen restrictions on businesses and public life that have helped slow the spread of the virus, deepening concern that the two factors taken together could create a national resurgence in cases.

“As a nation, we have to be concerned about a rebound,” Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser warned Sunday after days of protests rocked the nation’s capital. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo bemoaned the crowds, saying that hundreds could potentially have been infected, undoing months of social distancing.

A fresh outbreak in the places where protesters gathered could lead to reinstituting shutdowns.

The AP’s review focused on large metro counties — the central counties within metro areas with more than 1 million people — that showed the highest rates of new cases per capita over the past 14 days.

While case numbers and deaths have been trending down in several of the cities where the largest protests have occurred, the number of people in those places infected with the virus — and with the ability to spread it — remains high. And in some of the communities, such as Minneapolis, the number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 has been rising.

Floyd died May 25 after a Minneapolis police officer pressed a knee into his neck for several minutes, even as he pleaded that he couldn’t breathe. Minneapolis has been ground zero for the sprawling protests, which have crossed the Mississippi River into neighboring St. Paul.

The unrest has coincided with “the very worst days of the pandemic so far” in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, said Michael T. Osterholm, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590799948580.png" alt="Crowds protesting last weekend in Kansas City -image courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Crowds protesting last weekend in Kansas City -image courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas City (AP) — As demonstrators flooded streets across America to decry the killing of George Floyd, public health experts watched in alarm — the close proximity of protesters and their failures in many cases to wear masks, along with the police using tear gas, could fuel new transmissions of the coronavirus.Many of the protests broke out in places where the virus is still circulating widely in the population. In fact, an Associated Press review found that demonstrations have taken place in every one of the 25 U.S. communities with the highest concentrations of new cases. Some have seen major protests over multiple days, including Minneapolis-St. Paul, Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles.The protests have come just as communities across the nation loosen restrictions on businesses and public life that have helped slow the spread of the virus, deepening concern that the two factors taken together could create a national resurgence in cases.“As a nation, we have to be concerned about a rebound,” Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser warned Sunday after days of protests rocked the nation’s capital. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo bemoaned the crowds, saying that hundreds could potentially have been infected, undoing months of social distancing.A fresh outbreak in the places where protesters gathered could lead to reinstituting shutdowns.The AP’s review focused on large metro counties — the central counties within metro areas with more than 1 million people — that showed the highest rates of new cases per capita over the past 14 days.While case numbers and deaths have been trending down in several of the cities where the largest protests have occurred, the number of people in those places infected with the virus — and with the ability to spread it — remains high. And in some of the communities, such as Minneapolis, the number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 has been rising.Floyd died May 25 after a Minneapolis police officer pressed a knee into his neck for several minutes, even as he pleaded that he couldn’t breathe. Minneapolis has been ground zero for the sprawling protests, which have crossed the Mississippi River into neighboring St. Paul.The unrest has coincided with “the very worst days of the pandemic so far” in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, said Michael T. Osterholm, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota.“Our ICU bed care is at its all-time high and is really on the edge,” he said.Ramsey and Hennepin counties, home to the Twin Cities, ranked seventh and eighth for the highest per capita new cases in the AP analysis. Each has seen more than 250 cases per 100,000 population in the past two weeks, together reporting nearly 2,000 new cases in the last week alone.Experts point out that other factors associated with protests could accelerate the spread of the virus. For instance, tear gas can cause people to cough and sneeze, as can the smoke from fires set by people bent on destruction. And both also prompt protesters to remove their masks.Crowding protesters who have been arrested into jail cells can also increase the risk of contagion. An AP tally found that, thus far, more than 5,600 people have been taken into custody.Protesters and police shouting at one another nose-to-nose also is raising alarms.Osterholm and other public health experts note, however, that the protests aren’t necessarily as alarming as other events that could fuel new cases because they take place outside and many people are wearing masks. In some cases, hand sanitizer also is being informally distributed.And Dr. David Eisenman, director of the Center for Public Health and Disasters at the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, said he feared partisan forces might accuse cities of bringing fresh cases on themselves.“I’m actually more worried about how, if those spikes occur, how that information will be weaponized against the notion of protests,” he said.Eisenman called protesting an “essential activity,” possible to practice with reduced risk. He said his grown children protested in Los Angeles and are taking safety precautions now, including isolating themselves at home. They plan to get tested for COVID-19 in about a week.Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician and public health professor at George Washington University, said the hospitalizations for coronavirus in the Washington metro area have been on the decline but that she knows that could change.“There are a lot of unknowns about what happens next,” she said.Wen was the health commissioner for the city of Baltimore during the 2015 uprising after the death of Freddie Gray in police custody and said many health clinics were closed and pharmacies burned down, making it difficult for members of disadvantaged communities to access health care.It’s a concern for her now, too.“You will have compounded health issues that go beyond COVID-19,” she said.Public health experts said it will take two to three weeks to know whether the protests cause a surge in coronavirus cases. And even then, they can’t definitively tie it to the demonstrations.The unrest is happening in tandem with the reopening of gyms, hair salons, restaurants, parks and beaches. It also comes on the heels of the Memorial Day weekend, when many people attended large gatherings, so experts already were bracing for a case increase, said Jennifer Nuzzo, an epidemiologist at Johns Hopkins University.In Los Angeles, barbershops and in-person dining were allowed to resume last weekend, just as protests descended into destruction and more than 1,000 people were arrested. Nearly 10,000 new cases have been reported in Los Angeles County in the past week.Hundreds of people also were arrested in Chicago, where Cook County has had among the highest per capita rates of new cases of any large county in the nation, with 283 new cases per 100,000 population in the past two weeks.“The absolute number of cases is still high. We feel good about the fact that we’ve established a decreasing incidence, but we have a ways to go,” said Dr. Ronald Hershow the director of the Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the University of Illinois-Chicago.Hershow and others noted that the racial disparities laid bare by coronavirus — with communities of color bearing a disproportionate burden of infections and deaths — overlap with the issues being protested on streets across America and around the globe.“Racism kills,” Hershow said. “Sometimes that’s direct, as in the case of George Floyd. And sometimes it’s through a virus like COVID-19.”___