TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 410 to a total of 6144, the state health department reported Thursday 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 410 to a total of 6144, the state health department reported Thursday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 147<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/2020/5/1588871949092.png" alt="May 7, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>May 7, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — A set of detailed documents created by the nation’s top disease investigators meant to give step-by-step advice to local leaders deciding when and how to reopen public places such as mass transit, day care centers and restaurants during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">the still-raging pandemic</a>&nbsp;has been shelved by the Trump administration.

The 17-page report by a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention team, titled “Guidance for Implementing the Opening Up America Again Framework,” was researched and written to help faith leaders, business owners, educators and state and local officials as they begin to reopen.

It was supposed to be published last Friday, but agency scientists were told the guidance “would never see the light of day,” according to a CDC official. The official was not authorized to talk to reporters and spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity.

The AP obtained a copy from a second federal official who was not authorized to release it. The guidance was described in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2a1cf36c0ad1ae31938351f6f74abe28">AP stories</a>&nbsp;last week, prior to the White House decision to shelve it.

The Trump administration has been closely controlling the release of guidance and information during the pandemic spurred by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak">a new coronavirus that scientists are still trying to understand</a>, with the president himself leading&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/969eafc8f5cb01e9b3e8fe941b3264eb">freewheeling daily briefings</a>&nbsp;until last week.

Traditionally, it’s been the CDC’s role to give the public and local officials guidance and science-based information during public health crises. During this one, however, the CDC has not had a regular, pandemic-related news briefing in nearly two months. CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield has been a member of the White House coronavirus task force, but largely absent from public appearances.

The dearth of real-time, public information from the nation’s experts has struck many current and former government health officials as dangerous.

“CDC has always been the public health agency Americans turn to in a time of crisis,” said Dr. Howard Koh, a Harvard professor and former health official in the Obama administration during the H1N1 swine flu pandemic in 2009. “The standard in a crisis is to turn to them for the latest data and latest guidance and the latest press briefing. That has not occurred, and everyone sees that.”

The Trump administration has instead sought to put the onus on states to handle COVID-19 response. This approach to managing the pandemic has been reflected in President Donald Trump’s public statements, from the assertion that he isn’t responsible for the country’s lackluster early testing efforts, to his description last week of the federal government’s role as a “supplier of last resort” for states in need of testing aid.

White House spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany echoed that at a briefing Wednesday. “We’ve consulted individually with states, but as I said, it’s (a) governor-led effort. It’s a state-led effort on ... which the federal government will consult. And we do so each and every day.”

The rejected reopening guidance was described by one of the federal officials as a touchstone document that was to be used as a blueprint for other groups inside the CDC who are creating the same type of instructional materials for other facilities.

The guidance contained detailed advice for making site-specific decisions related to reopening schools, restaurants, summer camps, churches, day care centers and other institutions. It had been widely shared within CDC, and included detailed “decision trees,” flow charts to be used by local officials to think through different scenarios. One page of the document can be found on the CDC website via search engines, but it did not appear to be linked to any other CDC pages.

Some of the report’s suggestions already appear on federal websites. But the guidance offered specific, tailored recommendations for reopening in one place.

For example, the report suggested restaurants and bars should install sneeze guards at cash registers and avoid having buffets, salad bars and drink stations. Similar tips appear on the CDC’s site and a Food and Drug Administration page.

But the shelved report also said that as restaurants start seating diners again, they should space tables at least 6 feet apart and try to use phone app technology to alert a patron when their table is ready to avoid touching and use of “buzzers.” That’s not on the CDC’s site now.

“You can say that restaurants can open and you need to follow social distancing guidelines. But restaurants want to know, ‘What does that look like?’ States would like more guidance,” said Dr. Marcus Plescia, chief medical officer of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials.

The White House’s own “Opening Up America Again” guidelines released last month were more vague than the CDC’s unpublished report. They instructed state and local governments to reopen in accordance with federal and local “regulations and guidance,” and to monitor employees for symptoms of COVID-19. The White House guidance also included advice developed earlier in the pandemic that remains important like social distancing and encouraging working from home.

A person close to the White House’s coronavirus task force said the CDC documents were never cleared by CDC leadership for public release. The person said that White House officials don’t want to offer detailed guidance for how specific sectors can reopen, calling it a “slippery slope” because the virus is affecting various parts of the country differently.

CDC is hearing daily from state and county health departments looking for scientifically valid information with which to make informed decisions.

Still, behind the scenes, CDC scientists like those who produced the guidance for “Opening Up America Again″ are working to get information to local governments. The agency still employs hundreds of the world’s most respected epidemiologists and doctors, who in times of crisis are looked to for their expertise, said former CDC director Tom Frieden. People have clicked on the CDC’s coronavirus website more than 1.2 billion times.

States that directly reach out to the CDC can tap guidance that’s been prepared, but that the White House has not released yet.

“I don’t think that any state feels that the CDC is deficient. It’s just the process of getting stuff out,” Plescia said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588847256361.png" alt="President Trump, Vice President Pence listen to Dr. Anthony Fauci during the April 13 Coronavirus Task Force briefing&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>President Trump, Vice President Pence listen to Dr. Anthony Fauci during the April 13 Coronavirus Task Force briefing&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — A set of detailed documents created by the nation’s top disease investigators meant to give step-by-step advice to local leaders deciding when and how to reopen public places such as mass transit, day care centers and restaurants during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">the still-raging pandemic</a>&nbsp;has been shelved by the Trump administration.The 17-page report by a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention team, titled “Guidance for Implementing the Opening Up America Again Framework,” was researched and written to help faith leaders, business owners, educators and state and local officials as they begin to reopen.It was supposed to be published last Friday, but agency scientists were told the guidance “would never see the light of day,” according to a CDC official. The official was not authorized to talk to reporters and spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity.The AP obtained a copy from a second federal official who was not authorized to release it. The guidance was described in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2a1cf36c0ad1ae31938351f6f74abe28">AP stories</a>&nbsp;last week, prior to the White House decision to shelve it.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587086887250.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Trump administration has been closely controlling the release of guidance and information during the pandemic spurred by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak">a new coronavirus that scientists are still trying to understand</a>, with the president himself leading&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/969eafc8f5cb01e9b3e8fe941b3264eb">freewheeling daily briefings</a>&nbsp;until last week.Traditionally, it’s been the CDC’s role to give the public and local officials guidance and science-based information during public health crises. During this one, however, the CDC has not had a regular, pandemic-related news briefing in nearly two months. CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield has been a member of the White House coronavirus task force, but largely absent from public appearances.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586391131314.png" alt="Dr. Robert Redfield, Director of the CDC during a Coronavirus Task Force briefing in April" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Robert Redfield, Director of the CDC during a Coronavirus Task Force briefing in April</figcaption>
 </figure>The dearth of real-time, public information from the nation’s experts has struck many current and former government health officials as dangerous.“CDC has always been the public health agency Americans turn to in a time of crisis,” said Dr. Howard Koh, a Harvard professor and former health official in the Obama administration during the H1N1 swine flu pandemic in 2009. “The standard in a crisis is to turn to them for the latest data and latest guidance and the latest press briefing. That has not occurred, and everyone sees that.”The Trump administration has instead sought to put the onus on states to handle COVID-19 response. This approach to managing the pandemic has been reflected in President Donald Trump’s public statements, from the assertion that he isn’t responsible for the country’s lackluster early testing efforts, to his description last week of the federal government’s role as a “supplier of last resort” for states in need of testing aid.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588846780251.png" alt="Kayleigh McEnany addressed the issue at Wednesday's press briefing -White House image&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Kayleigh McEnany addressed the issue at Wednesday's press briefing -White House image&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>White House spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany echoed that at a briefing Wednesday. “We’ve consulted individually with states, but as I said, it’s (a) governor-led effort. It’s a state-led effort on ... which the federal government will consult. And we do so each and every day.”The rejected reopening guidance was described by one of the federal officials as a touchstone document that was to be used as a blueprint for other groups inside the CDC who are creating the same type of instructional materials for other facilities.The guidance contained detailed advice for making site-specific decisions related to reopening schools, restaurants, summer camps, churches, day care centers and other institutions. It had been widely shared within CDC, and included detailed “decision trees,” flow charts to be used by local officials to think through different scenarios. One page of the document can be found on the CDC website via search engines, but it did not appear to be linked to any other CDC pages.Some of the report’s suggestions already appear on federal websites. But the guidance offered specific, tailored recommendations for reopening in one place.For example, the report suggested restaurants and bars should install sneeze guards at cash registers and avoid having buffets, salad bars and drink stations. Similar tips appear on the CDC’s site and a Food and Drug Administration page.But the shelved report also said that as restaurants start seating diners again, they should space tables at least 6 feet apart and try to use phone app technology to alert a patron when their table is ready to avoid touching and use of “buzzers.” That’s not on the CDC’s site now.“You can say that restaurants can open and you need to follow social distancing guidelines. But restaurants want to know, ‘What does that look like?’ States would like more guidance,” said Dr. Marcus Plescia, chief medical officer of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials.The White House’s own “Opening Up America Again” guidelines released last month were more vague than the CDC’s unpublished report. They instructed state and local governments to reopen in accordance with federal and local “regulations and guidance,” and to monitor employees for symptoms of COVID-19. The White House guidance also included advice developed earlier in the pandemic that remains important like social distancing and encouraging working from home.A person close to the White House’s coronavirus task force said the CDC documents were never cleared by CDC leadership for public release. The person said that White House officials don’t want to offer detailed guidance for how specific sectors can reopen, calling it a “slippery slope” because the virus is affecting various parts of the country differently.CDC is hearing daily from state and county health departments looking for scientifically valid information with which to make informed decisions.Still, behind the scenes, CDC scientists like those who produced the guidance for “Opening Up America Again″ are working to get information to local governments. The agency still employs hundreds of the world’s most respected epidemiologists and doctors, who in times of crisis are looked to for their expertise, said former CDC director Tom Frieden. People have clicked on the CDC’s coronavirus website more than 1.2 billion times.States that directly reach out to the CDC can tap guidance that’s been prepared, but that the White House has not released yet.“I don’t think that any state feels that the CDC is deficient. It’s just the process of getting stuff out,” Plescia said.___

US shelves detailed guide to reopening country

Auchard photo from an earlier arrest in Shawnee Co.

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects in connection with a stolen vehicle and high speed chase.&nbsp;

Just after 1p.m. Wednesday, the Riley County Police Department Dispatch Center was notified of a theft from Walmart in the 100 block of Bluemont Avenue in Manhattan, according to a media release.

It was determined the suspect in the theft was driving a stolen vehicle. At approximately 1:45 p.m., a pursuit began involving the stolen vehicle in the 1100 block of Pillsbury Drive.

The vehicle began traveling eastbound on Interstate 70 at high speeds.

Kansas Highway Patrol Troopers became involved in the pursuit near the Geary/Riley county line.

The pursuit ended after using tire deflation devices and a tactical vehicle intervention on the fleeing vehicle.

KHP reports two people are now in custody including 25-year-old Kayla Auchard who is being held on a bond of $10,000 for Possession of stolen property; Value $1,500 to $25,000 Flee or attempt to elude; Commission of any felony, according to the Riley County arrest report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588864946809.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Auchard photo from an earlier arrest in Shawnee Co.RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects in connection with a stolen vehicle and high speed chase.&nbsp;Just after 1p.m. Wednesday, the Riley County Police Department Dispatch Center was notified of a theft from Walmart in the 100 block of Bluemont Avenue in Manhattan, according to a media release.It was determined the suspect in the theft was driving a stolen vehicle. At approximately 1:45 p.m., a pursuit began involving the stolen vehicle in the 1100 block of Pillsbury Drive.The vehicle began traveling eastbound on Interstate 70 at high speeds.Kansas Highway Patrol Troopers became involved in the pursuit near the Geary/Riley county line.The pursuit ended after using tire deflation devices and a tactical vehicle intervention on the fleeing vehicle.KHP reports two people are now in custody including 25-year-old Kayla Auchard who is being held on a bond of $10,000 for Possession of stolen property; Value $1,500 to $25,000 Flee or attempt to elude; Commission of any felony, according to the Riley County arrest report.

Update: 2 in custody after chase in stolen car on I-70

By TOM SHINE <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/first-quarter-revenue-earnings-nosedive-spirit-aerosystems">Kansas News Service</a>

Spirit AeroSystems’ first-quarter earnings were as dreary as expected.

The
 company said Wednesday its revenue dropped by nearly half&nbsp; from roughly
 $2 billion to $1 billion — in the first quarter of 2020 compared to the
 same quarter in 2019.

Spirit lost $167 million in the quarter after earning $233 million a year earlier.

"This
 is a difficult time not only for Spirit, but for the entire aerospace 
industry," Mark Suchinski, Spirit’s senior vice president and chief 
financial officer, said on an earnings conference call. "These past few 
months have certainly been challenging, and we have had to make some 
very difficult decisions."

The continued grounding of Boeing’s 737 Max, compounded by the ongoing pandemic, were the major issues for Spirit.

The
 737 Max is Spirit’s most important program, responsible for nearly half
 of the company’s revenues last year. But production on the plane fell 
nearly 90 percent in the quarter after Boeing halted deliveries from 
Spirit on Jan. 1.

Spirit, traditionally one of the state’s largest private employers, has <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/spirit-aerosystems-announces-another-round-layoffs" target="_blank">laid off more than 4,000 employees</a>
 since the first of the year, about a third of its workforce. Remaining 
employees have taken furloughs and the company’s top U.S. executives 
took a 20% pay cut. Another 850 employees took early retirement.

At
 its peak, Spirit was producing about 600 737 Max shipsets — the plane’s
 fuselage and other structures — per year for Boeing. It announced 
earlier this year it would make 216 shipsets in 2020 but lowered it to 
125 on Wednesday.

Spirit’s woes also affect the numerous 
suppliers in the Wichita area who have contracts with the company, many 
of them tied to the 737 Max program.

The plane has been grounded 
for more than a year following two fatal crashes overseas. Its return to
 service continues to be delayed.

Along with Boeing, Airbus — 
another Spirit customer — has reduced production rates. Spirit president
 and CEO Tom Gentile says domestic air travel in April was down 96%.

"The
 COVID-19 pandemic has created a health emergency for the entire world, 
which has had a particularly severe impact on the global aviation 
industry," he said.

Company officials say one bright spot is new 
growth opportunities for defense work. With commercial activity slowed, 
Gentile said Spirit has room to increase its defense capacity and is 
aggressively competing for defense contracts.

He said defense 
work accounts for 15 percent of Spirit’s revenue, and the company would 
like to eventually grow that to 40 percent.

"I’m pleasantly 
surprised as it relates to the number of new work opportunities that 
have been coming our way on the defense side," Suchinski said.

The company this month also announced a partnership with Vyaire Medical, which manufactures ventilators.

About
 700 Spirit employees will build ventilators at a converted facility in 
Wichita. Vyaire, based in the Chicago area, was chosen by federal 
officials to build 22,000 ventilators for the U.S. Strategic National 
Stockpile.

Vyarie says it will take advantage of Spirit’s skilled workforce and the company’s production expertise.

Gentile
 said Spirit currently doesn’t plan to access federal stimulus money 
available to businesses. He said it’s possible the company might be 
interested in future federal programs targeted specifically at aerospace
 companies.

During the slowdown, Gentile said Spirit wants to 
work on improving its productivity and efficiency in preparation for 
when the industry turns around.

"We remain confident in the 
recovery of commercial air travel and are working hard to maintain 
Spirit’s position as the leading aerostructure supplier to both Boeing 
and Airbus as well as our defense customers," he said.

Tom Shine is director of news and public affairs at KMUW. Follow him on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/thomaspshine">@thomaspshine</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588863777224.png" alt=" Hugo Phan / KMUW " />
 <figcaption> Hugo Phan / KMUW </figcaption>
 </figure>By TOM SHINE <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/first-quarter-revenue-earnings-nosedive-spirit-aerosystems">Kansas News Service</a>Spirit AeroSystems’ first-quarter earnings were as dreary as expected.The
 company said Wednesday its revenue dropped by nearly half&nbsp; from roughly
 $2 billion to $1 billion — in the first quarter of 2020 compared to the
 same quarter in 2019.Spirit lost $167 million in the quarter after earning $233 million a year earlier."This
 is a difficult time not only for Spirit, but for the entire aerospace 
industry," Mark Suchinski, Spirit’s senior vice president and chief 
financial officer, said on an earnings conference call. "These past few 
months have certainly been challenging, and we have had to make some 
very difficult decisions."The continued grounding of Boeing’s 737 Max, compounded by the ongoing pandemic, were the major issues for Spirit.The
 737 Max is Spirit’s most important program, responsible for nearly half
 of the company’s revenues last year. But production on the plane fell 
nearly 90 percent in the quarter after Boeing halted deliveries from 
Spirit on Jan. 1.Spirit, traditionally one of the state’s largest private employers, has <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/spirit-aerosystems-announces-another-round-layoffs" target="_blank">laid off more than 4,000 employees</a>
 since the first of the year, about a third of its workforce. Remaining 
employees have taken furloughs and the company’s top U.S. executives 
took a 20% pay cut. Another 850 employees took early retirement.At
 its peak, Spirit was producing about 600 737 Max shipsets — the plane’s
 fuselage and other structures — per year for Boeing. It announced 
earlier this year it would make 216 shipsets in 2020 but lowered it to 
125 on Wednesday.Spirit’s woes also affect the numerous 
suppliers in the Wichita area who have contracts with the company, many 
of them tied to the 737 Max program.The plane has been grounded 
for more than a year following two fatal crashes overseas. Its return to
 service continues to be delayed.Along with Boeing, Airbus — 
another Spirit customer — has reduced production rates. Spirit president
 and CEO Tom Gentile says domestic air travel in April was down 96%."The
 COVID-19 pandemic has created a health emergency for the entire world, 
which has had a particularly severe impact on the global aviation 
industry," he said.Company officials say one bright spot is new 
growth opportunities for defense work. With commercial activity slowed, 
Gentile said Spirit has room to increase its defense capacity and is 
aggressively competing for defense contracts.He said defense 
work accounts for 15 percent of Spirit’s revenue, and the company would 
like to eventually grow that to 40 percent."I’m pleasantly 
surprised as it relates to the number of new work opportunities that 
have been coming our way on the defense side," Suchinski said.The company this month also announced a partnership with Vyaire Medical, which manufactures ventilators.About
 700 Spirit employees will build ventilators at a converted facility in 
Wichita. Vyaire, based in the Chicago area, was chosen by federal 
officials to build 22,000 ventilators for the U.S. Strategic National 
Stockpile.Vyarie says it will take advantage of Spirit’s skilled workforce and the company’s production expertise.Gentile
 said Spirit currently doesn’t plan to access federal stimulus money 
available to businesses. He said it’s possible the company might be 
interested in future federal programs targeted specifically at aerospace
 companies.During the slowdown, Gentile said Spirit wants to 
work on improving its productivity and efficiency in preparation for 
when the industry turns around."We remain confident in the 
recovery of commercial air travel and are working hard to maintain 
Spirit’s position as the leading aerostructure supplier to both Boeing 
and Airbus as well as our defense customers," he said.Tom Shine is director of news and public affairs at KMUW. Follow him on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/thomaspshine">@thomaspshine</a>.

1Q revenue, earnings nosedive at Kan. aircraft parts maker

TOPEKA(AP)—Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly has ordered flags throughout the state to fly at half-staff to honor an Overland Park officer who was killed in the line of duty.

Officer Mike Mosher died Sunday. Mosher was off-duty but in uniform when he took off in pursuit of a suspect after an apparent hit-and-run. Police say the suspect stopped his vehicle, Mosher approached and a shootout began.

The suspect, 38-year-old Phillip Michael Carney of Overland Park, also died.

Kelly’s order, issued Wednesday, requires flags to be flown at half-staff on the day of Mosher’s memorial service, which has not been set.

Mosher was with the Overland Park department for nearly 15 years, and was named officer of the year in 2019. He is survived by a wife and daughter.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588597817471.png" alt="Officer Mike Mosher&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Officer Mike Mosher&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA(AP)—Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly has ordered flags throughout the state to fly at half-staff to honor an Overland Park officer who was killed in the line of duty.Officer Mike Mosher died Sunday. Mosher was off-duty but in uniform when he took off in pursuit of a suspect after an apparent hit-and-run. Police say the suspect stopped his vehicle, Mosher approached and a shootout began.The suspect, 38-year-old Phillip Michael Carney of Overland Park, also died.Kelly’s order, issued Wednesday, requires flags to be flown at half-staff on the day of Mosher’s memorial service, which has not been set.Mosher was with the Overland Park department for nearly 15 years, and was named officer of the year in 2019. He is survived by a wife and daughter.

Flags to fly at half-staff to honor slain Kansas officer

St. Joseph city officials have confirmed the second COVID-19 death recorded in Buchanan County is that of a Triumph Foods worker.

Earlier, the City of St. Joseph issued a news release that a man in his 40s who had tested positive for the coronavirus on April 22nd had died. City officials say the man died at his home. He had underlying medical conditions.

This is the second death recorded by St. Joseph and Buchanan County health officials. The first death was that of an inmate at the St. Joseph prison who had been transferred from the Cameron prison and later died at a Kansas City area hospital.

Buchanan County, in Northwest Missouri now reports 362 cases of COVID-19; 330 confirmed and 32 probable with two deaths. Andrew County continues to report five coronavirus cases.

Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph, has tested 2,387 individuals. Ninety-four tested positive, five of those have been hospitalized with 89 being treated on an outpatient basis. Mosaic is awaiting results from 87 tests.

Missouri health officials report 9,102 cases with 396 deaths.

In Kansas, health officials report 5,734 cases with 144 deaths.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph city officials have confirmed the second COVID-19 death recorded in Buchanan County is that of a Triumph Foods worker.Earlier, the City of St. Joseph issued a news release that a man in his 40s who had tested positive for the coronavirus on April 22nd had died. City officials say the man died at his home. He had underlying medical conditions.This is the second death recorded by St. Joseph and Buchanan County health officials. The first death was that of an inmate at the St. Joseph prison who had been transferred from the Cameron prison and later died at a Kansas City area hospital.Buchanan County, in Northwest Missouri now reports 362 cases of COVID-19; 330 confirmed and 32 probable with two deaths. Andrew County continues to report five coronavirus cases.Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph, has tested 2,387 individuals. Ninety-four tested positive, five of those have been hospitalized with 89 being treated on an outpatient basis. Mosaic is awaiting results from 87 tests.Missouri health officials report 9,102 cases with 396 deaths.In Kansas, health officials report 5,734 cases with 144 deaths.

Man who worked at pork plant dies from coronavirus

AUGUSTA, Kan. (AP)— Authorities in Butler County are searching for a 19-year-old man who went missing while swimming in the Walnut River. 

<a href="https://www.kwch.com/content/news/Search-underway-after-report-of-boy-falling-into-Walnut-River-near-Augusta-570263021.html">KWCH-TV</a> reports that the search began Wednesday near Augusta.

The Butler County Sheriff’s Office said the man was with at least two other people walking along the river when he decided to go for a swim and jumped in near the Osage Street dam.

 A woman who was with the man told authorities he never resurfaced. Search crews remained on the scene overnight. The man’s family has been notified but his name has not been released.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588853862014.png" alt="Search crews on the scene Wednesday evening in Butler County -photo <a href="https://www.kwch.com/content/news/Search-underway-after-report-of-boy-falling-into-Walnut-River-near-Augusta-570263021.html">courtesy KWCH</a>" />
 <figcaption>Search crews on the scene Wednesday evening in Butler County -photo <a href="https://www.kwch.com/content/news/Search-underway-after-report-of-boy-falling-into-Walnut-River-near-Augusta-570263021.html">courtesy KWCH</a></figcaption>
 </figure>AUGUSTA, Kan. (AP)— Authorities in Butler County are searching for a 19-year-old man who went missing while swimming in the Walnut River. <a href="https://www.kwch.com/content/news/Search-underway-after-report-of-boy-falling-into-Walnut-River-near-Augusta-570263021.html">KWCH-TV</a> reports that the search began Wednesday near Augusta. The Butler County Sheriff’s Office said the man was with at least two other people walking along the river when he decided to go for a swim and jumped in near the Osage Street dam. A woman who was with the man told authorities he never resurfaced. Search crews remained on the scene overnight. The man’s family has been notified but his name has not been released.

Crews search for Kan. man who tried to swim in river

TOPEKA -
Many long-held traditions have been thoroughly upended by the unprecedented impacts of COVID-19. However, the long-standing tradition of celebrating May as Beef Month, which for 36 years
 has recognized the many contributions of Kansas beef producers, continues.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Beef month celebrates the members of the beef community who diligently work day in and day out, not for accolades or credit, but because they are dedicated to providing
 the best care for their cattle while doing their part to feed a growing world. 

If anything, COVID-19 has demonstrated that in addition to the heroic citizens on the front line of America’s healthcare system, those involved in food production, such as Kansas
 beef producers, are some of the oldest and most essential professions that are incredibly vital to the framework of this great nation.&nbsp;

Their work ethic and importance to the nation’s well-being does not go unnoticed. 

Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam said, “As the past few months have shown,
 the Kansas beef industry is essential to the food supply, not only here in Kansas, but across the nation and the world. We appreciate everyone who is a part of the Kansas beef community and thank them for their daily commitment to producing the high-quality
 beef that is part of the heritage of this great state.”

To celebrate Beef Month, the Kansas Beef Council (KBC) is publishing grilling recipes and nutrition facts and giving consumers a behind-the-scenes look at the essential
 ranching work that never has stopped during this pandemic. 

Producers across the state donned Go-Pro video cameras as they opened up their operations and homes in order to provide consumers with a personal view of ranching life and the story behind beef. The
 videos will be an educational opportunity for the general public. 

“Grocery shoppers are often disconnected from the intricacies of the food supply chain, so explaining disruptions can be difficult,” said Brandi Buzzard Frobose, a rancher in Anderson County
 who participated in the outreach project.&nbsp; “Just like how our work on the ranch never stops, we must also never stop reaching out to consumers to give them accurate information about what we do to raise beef. Because if we don’t, who will?”

Dan Harris, Kansas Beef Council chairman said, “These videos, and Beef Month in general, are just a small testimony to the hard work that never stops for Kansas beef
 producers. Their resiliency in the face of trials, and their uncanny ability to triumph in the face of adversity is appreciated, and we tip our hats to you.”

The videos will be posted on the KBC Facebook page, YouTube and Instagram accounts. So, log in and get a firsthand viewpoint of life on the ranch. While you’re at it,
 tip your hat and fire up that grill to celebrate the more than 26,000 beef producers in the great state of Kansas that help make beef America’s favorite protein. They’re not asking for a “thank you,” but they sure deserve one.&nbsp;

The Beef Checkoff Program was established as part of the 1985 Farm Bill. The checkoff assesses $1 per head on the sale of live domestic and imported cattle, in addition to a comparable
 assessment on imported beef and beef products. States may retain up to 50 cents on the dollar and forward the other 50 cents per head to the Cattlemen's Beef Promotion and Research Board, which administers the national checkoff program, subject to USDA approval.

About NCBA, a Contractor to the Beef Checkoff

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is a contractor to the Beef Checkoff Program. The Beef Checkoff Program is administered by the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, with oversight
 provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588604915731.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KBCTOPEKA -
Many long-held traditions have been thoroughly upended by the unprecedented impacts of COVID-19. However, the long-standing tradition of celebrating May as Beef Month, which for 36 years
 has recognized the many contributions of Kansas beef producers, continues.&nbsp;&nbsp;Beef month celebrates the members of the beef community who diligently work day in and day out, not for accolades or credit, but because they are dedicated to providing
 the best care for their cattle while doing their part to feed a growing world. If anything, COVID-19 has demonstrated that in addition to the heroic citizens on the front line of America’s healthcare system, those involved in food production, such as Kansas
 beef producers, are some of the oldest and most essential professions that are incredibly vital to the framework of this great nation.&nbsp;Their work ethic and importance to the nation’s well-being does not go unnoticed. Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam said, “As the past few months have shown,
 the Kansas beef industry is essential to the food supply, not only here in Kansas, but across the nation and the world. We appreciate everyone who is a part of the Kansas beef community and thank them for their daily commitment to producing the high-quality
 beef that is part of the heritage of this great state.”To celebrate Beef Month, the Kansas Beef Council (KBC) is publishing grilling recipes and nutrition facts and giving consumers a behind-the-scenes look at the essential
 ranching work that never has stopped during this pandemic. Producers across the state donned Go-Pro video cameras as they opened up their operations and homes in order to provide consumers with a personal view of ranching life and the story behind beef. The
 videos will be an educational opportunity for the general public. “Grocery shoppers are often disconnected from the intricacies of the food supply chain, so explaining disruptions can be difficult,” said Brandi Buzzard Frobose, a rancher in Anderson County
 who participated in the outreach project.&nbsp; “Just like how our work on the ranch never stops, we must also never stop reaching out to consumers to give them accurate information about what we do to raise beef. Because if we don’t, who will?”Dan Harris, Kansas Beef Council chairman said, “These videos, and Beef Month in general, are just a small testimony to the hard work that never stops for Kansas beef
 producers. Their resiliency in the face of trials, and their uncanny ability to triumph in the face of adversity is appreciated, and we tip our hats to you.”The videos will be posted on the KBC Facebook page, YouTube and Instagram accounts. So, log in and get a firsthand viewpoint of life on the ranch. While you’re at it,
 tip your hat and fire up that grill to celebrate the more than 26,000 beef producers in the great state of Kansas that help make beef America’s favorite protein. They’re not asking for a “thank you,” but they sure deserve one.&nbsp;About the Beef Checkoff

The Beef Checkoff Program was established as part of the 1985 Farm Bill. The checkoff assesses $1 per head on the sale of live domestic and imported cattle, in addition to a comparable
 assessment on imported beef and beef products. States may retain up to 50 cents on the dollar and forward the other 50 cents per head to the Cattlemen's Beef Promotion and Research Board, which administers the national checkoff program, subject to USDA approval.About NCBA, a Contractor to the Beef CheckoffThe National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is a contractor to the Beef Checkoff Program. The Beef Checkoff Program is administered by the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, with oversight
 provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

National Beef Month celebrates Kansas ranchers and farmers

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Gov. Laura Kelly said Wednesday that she’s still considering releasing some Kansas inmates early because of the coronavirus pandemic even though an outbreak of hundreds of cases has one prison under quarantine.

Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/31673502b3271e605e1b13ad197c9dc4">confirmed last week</a>&nbsp;during an Associated Press interview that the Department of Corrections moved six inmates from state to house arrest before being forced to stop early releases because of an outbreak at the Lansing Correctional Facility outside Kansas City. As of Wednesday, 609 inmates and 88 staff members there were infected.

The burgeoning cases at the Lansing prison — with 85% of the inmates showing no symptoms — helped fuel a 5.1% increase Wednesday in confirmed cases in Kansas. The prison’s home of Leavenworth County saw its confirmed cases rise by 30% from Tuesday, up 181 to 783 total, while the state’s total increased to 5,734, up 276. The actual number of cases is thought to be higher because of limited testing and because people can be infected without feeling ill.

Reported COVID-19-related deaths increased by seven to 144, according to the state’s count. John Hopkins University said 162 had died. Three deaths have occurred at the Lansing prison; eight staff members and six inmates also are infected at seven other facilities, with no deaths.

“The issue of releasing folks from prison is an ongoing one,” Kelly said during a Statehouse briefing. “I expect that it will be sort of a rolling measure, now that we’ve got the system in place to verify who’s eligible for that.”

Kelly has faced criticism from advocates and inmates’ families and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/83731f5bfeb061b5e1fa5b4fc5b096bf">a state-court lawsuit&nbsp;</a>for not acting sooner to release inmates.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/statute/021_000_0000_chapter/021_066_0000_article/021_066_0009_section/021_066_0009_k/" target="_blank">A state law&nbsp;</a>allows the Department of Corrections to move inmates who’ve committed less serious crimes into house.

Some 80% of Lansing’s 1,700 or so inmates had been tested as of Wednesday, and Norman said the entire staff should be tested by next week.

The Lansing outbreak continues to fuel daily increases in Kansas cases after Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/abd6bb1cfc4f6349d94f853f04b12bcb">let a statewide stay-at-home order expire&nbsp;</a>at midnight Sunday.

One key issue in reopening the economy has been local officials’ ability to trace the contacts of infected people, and the state health department has brought on about 200 people to help them. It plans to increase the number to 400, said Dr. Lee Norman, the department’s top administrator, and most will be volunteers.

But Norman added, “I think we’ll get a little bit stretched thin when people start going back to work as the economy and as businesses open back up again.”

Kelly and Norman acknowledged that some workers might fear going back to work. In other states, refusing to go back is seen legally as voluntarily quitting, so that the workers who are then fired aren’t eligible for unemployment benefits. Kelly said Kansas will “case by case basis” rather than having a blanket policy.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms 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 or death.

Because of the pandemic, the Republican-controlled Kansas Legislature started its annual spring break March 20, more than two weeks early. Legislative leaders decided Wednesday that lawmakers will reconvene May 21 for a single day of work.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588805379177.png" alt="Governor Laura Kelly during Wednesday's press briefing" />
 <figcaption>Governor Laura Kelly during Wednesday's press briefing</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Gov. Laura Kelly said Wednesday that she’s still considering releasing some Kansas inmates early because of the coronavirus pandemic even though an outbreak of hundreds of cases has one prison under quarantine.Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/31673502b3271e605e1b13ad197c9dc4">confirmed last week</a>&nbsp;during an Associated Press interview that the Department of Corrections moved six inmates from state to house arrest before being forced to stop early releases because of an outbreak at the Lansing Correctional Facility outside Kansas City. As of Wednesday, 609 inmates and 88 staff members there were infected.The burgeoning cases at the Lansing prison — with 85% of the inmates showing no symptoms — helped fuel a 5.1% increase Wednesday in confirmed cases in Kansas. The prison’s home of Leavenworth County saw its confirmed cases rise by 30% from Tuesday, up 181 to 783 total, while the state’s total increased to 5,734, up 276. The actual number of cases is thought to be higher because of limited testing and because people can be infected without feeling ill.Reported COVID-19-related deaths increased by seven to 144, according to the state’s count. John Hopkins University said 162 had died. Three deaths have occurred at the Lansing prison; eight staff members and six inmates also are infected at seven other facilities, with no deaths.“The issue of releasing folks from prison is an ongoing one,” Kelly said during a Statehouse briefing. “I expect that it will be sort of a rolling measure, now that we’ve got the system in place to verify who’s eligible for that.”Kelly has faced criticism from advocates and inmates’ families and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/83731f5bfeb061b5e1fa5b4fc5b096bf">a state-court lawsuit&nbsp;</a>for not acting sooner to release inmates.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/statute/021_000_0000_chapter/021_066_0000_article/021_066_0009_section/021_066_0009_k/" target="_blank">A state law&nbsp;</a>allows the Department of Corrections to move inmates who’ve committed less serious crimes into house.Some 80% of Lansing’s 1,700 or so inmates had been tested as of Wednesday, and Norman said the entire staff should be tested by next week.The Lansing outbreak continues to fuel daily increases in Kansas cases after Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/abd6bb1cfc4f6349d94f853f04b12bcb">let a statewide stay-at-home order expire&nbsp;</a>at midnight Sunday.One key issue in reopening the economy has been local officials’ ability to trace the contacts of infected people, and the state health department has brought on about 200 people to help them. It plans to increase the number to 400, said Dr. Lee Norman, the department’s top administrator, and most will be volunteers.But Norman added, “I think we’ll get a little bit stretched thin when people start going back to work as the economy and as businesses open back up again.”Kelly and Norman acknowledged that some workers might fear going back to work. In other states, refusing to go back is seen legally as voluntarily quitting, so that the workers who are then fired aren’t eligible for unemployment benefits. Kelly said Kansas will “case by case basis” rather than having a blanket policy.For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms 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 or death.Because of the pandemic, the Republican-controlled Kansas Legislature started its annual spring break March 20, more than two weeks early. Legislative leaders decided Wednesday that lawmakers will reconvene May 21 for a single day of work.

Kansas still mulling inmate releases despite prison outbreak

KINGSTON, Mo. (AP) — The state of Missouri plans to seek the death penalty against a man charged with killing two brothers from Wisconsin, according to the man's new attorney.

Garland Nelson is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/d979d903133f475f941d1be6a8ce5fe3">charged</a>&nbsp;with two counts of first-degree murder and several other counts in the deaths of Nicholas and Justin Diemel, of Shawano County, Wisconsin.

Nelson pleaded not guilty to the charges during an arraignment Monday, according to online court records.

Patrick Berrigan, a public defender who handles only death penalty cases said that the state would seek the death penalty.

A new judge, Circuit Court Judge Kevin Walden, was assigned to the case after Monday's hearing.

Nelson's previous attorney had sought a new judge and a change of venue for the trial. It was not clear Wednesday if the change of venue was granted.

The brothers' father reported them missing July 21 after they didn't return from a visit to Nelson's northwest Missouri home, where they had gone to collect a $250,000 debt, according to court records.

According to a probable cause statement, Nelson shot the brothers, put their bodies in 55-gallon barrels and allegedly burned the bodies. Nelson told investigators he dumped the remains on a manure pile and hid the barrels on his property, about 70 miles northeast of Kansas City, Missouri.

The remains were eventually&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/ffa79ba7ccfc4763b1cdc53d93b8f92a">found</a>&nbsp;in Missouri and Nebraska.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/7/1564610122687.png" alt="Nelson photo Caldwell County" />
 <figcaption>Nelson photo Caldwell County</figcaption>
 </figure>KINGSTON, Mo. (AP) — The state of Missouri plans to seek the death penalty against a man charged with killing two brothers from Wisconsin, according to the man's new attorney.Garland Nelson is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/d979d903133f475f941d1be6a8ce5fe3">charged</a>&nbsp;with two counts of first-degree murder and several other counts in the deaths of Nicholas and Justin Diemel, of Shawano County, Wisconsin.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/8/1565280147807.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Nelson pleaded not guilty to the charges during an arraignment Monday, according to online court records.Patrick Berrigan, a public defender who handles only death penalty cases said that the state would seek the death penalty.A new judge, Circuit Court Judge Kevin Walden, was assigned to the case after Monday's hearing.Nelson's previous attorney had sought a new judge and a change of venue for the trial. It was not clear Wednesday if the change of venue was granted.The brothers' father reported them missing July 21 after they didn't return from a visit to Nelson's northwest Missouri home, where they had gone to collect a $250,000 debt, according to court records.According to a probable cause statement, Nelson shot the brothers, put their bodies in 55-gallon barrels and allegedly burned the bodies. Nelson told investigators he dumped the remains on a manure pile and hid the barrels on his property, about 70 miles northeast of Kansas City, Missouri.The remains were eventually&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/ffa79ba7ccfc4763b1cdc53d93b8f92a">found</a>&nbsp;in Missouri and Nebraska.

State to seek death penalty in brothers' deaths near Kansas City

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman

Just after 4:00 a.m. Tuesday, police responded to a report of shots fired in the trailer court located at 1919 SE Adams in Topeka, according to&nbsp;LT. Manuel Munoz.

Police determined that the shots were fired in lot #27 as a result of a domestic dispute.

An investigation revealed that shots were fired in the home, but no one was struck by the gunfire. 

The suspects had left the scene and an attempt to locate was issued. Officers later located two individuals at 845 SW Frazier in Topeka, according to Munoz.

Officers took two adults and a small infant to the Law Enforcement Center to be interviewed and later arrested Hunter L Stubblefield, 21, of Topeka on requested charges Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Burglary, Criminal Discharge of a Firearm, Felony Criminal Damage to Property and Aggravated Child Endangerment. The infant was later released to the family, according to Munoz.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588713819700.png" alt="Stubblefield photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Stubblefield photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas womanJust after 4:00 a.m. Tuesday, police responded to a report of shots fired in the trailer court located at 1919 SE Adams in Topeka, according to&nbsp;LT. Manuel Munoz.Police determined that the shots were fired in lot #27 as a result of a domestic dispute.An investigation revealed that shots were fired in the home, but no one was struck by the gunfire. The suspects had left the scene and an attempt to locate was issued. Officers later located two individuals at 845 SW Frazier in Topeka, according to Munoz.Officers took two adults and a small infant to the Law Enforcement Center to be interviewed and later arrested Hunter L Stubblefield, 21, of Topeka on requested charges Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Burglary, Criminal Discharge of a Firearm, Felony Criminal Damage to Property and Aggravated Child Endangerment. The infant was later released to the family, according to Munoz.

Infant in Kansas home when woman fired gun during dispute

OSKALOOSA, Kan. (AP) — A northeast Kansas high school science teacher is facing allegations that he had sexual relationship with a student.

Anthony Kuckelman, of Lawrence, was charged Tuesday with three felony counts of unlawful sexual relations, WIBW-TV&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wibw.com/content/news/Former--570240711.html" target="_blank">reported</a>.

The charges allege Kuckelman had the relationship with a student at McLouth High School between December 2017 and May 2019.

McLouth Superintendent Steve Lilly said the district learned of the investigation Monday and Kuckelman has been suspended from all duties and activities.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588788022069.png" alt="Kuckelman photo Jefferson Co." />
 <figcaption>Kuckelman photo Jefferson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>OSKALOOSA, Kan. (AP) — A northeast Kansas high school science teacher is facing allegations that he had sexual relationship with a student.Anthony Kuckelman, of Lawrence, was charged Tuesday with three felony counts of unlawful sexual relations, WIBW-TV&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wibw.com/content/news/Former--570240711.html" target="_blank">reported</a>.The charges allege Kuckelman had the relationship with a student at McLouth High School between December 2017 and May 2019.McLouth Superintendent Steve Lilly said the district learned of the investigation Monday and Kuckelman has been suspended from all duties and activities.

Kansas teacher charged with having sex with student

O'FALLON, Mo. (AP) — A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit filed on behalf of employees at a rural Missouri meatpacking facility, ruling that oversight of how the plant adheres to guidance aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus falls to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, not the courts.

U.S. District Judge Greg Kays issued his 24-page ruling Tuesday in favor of Smithfield Foods. A lawsuit on behalf of workers at Smithfield's pork processing plant in Milan, Missouri, sought an injunction requiring the plant to abide by federal guidelines. The lawsuit accused Virginia-based Smithfield of not doing enough to protect workers from the coronavirus.

“Plaintiffs are naturally concerned for their health and the health of their community in these unprecedented times,” Kays wrote. “The Court takes their concern seriously. Nevertheless, the Court cannot ignore the USDA’s and OSHA’s authority over compliance ... or the significant steps Smithfield has taken to reduce the risk of a COVID-19 outbreak at the Plant.”

The attorney for the workers, David Muraskin, didn’t rule out an appeal but said the lawsuit itself prompted several changes at the plant, including better spacing of employees, additional cleaning and sanitizing, and an improved sick leave policy that means workers don’t feel obligated to come to work if they have symptoms of the coronavirus.

“This worker power is starting to be effective,” Muraskin said Wednesday. “Workers will organize and they will protest and when necessary they will sue to protect themselves because these companies need to be held to account.”

Email messages seeking comment from Smithfield were not immediately returned.

The Milan plant has not seen an outbreak of COVID-19. Just one case has been reported in Sullivan County, where the plant is located.

But outbreaks have become common at other meat plants across the U.S., infecting thousands of workers, leading to the closure of some plants and prompting meat shortages.

President Donald Trump issued an executive order last week requiring meatpacking plants to stay open. The order was widely seen as giving processors protection from liability for workers who become sick on the job, and it came after the Missouri lawsuit against Smithfield Foods.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue said Wednesday that since Trump’s order, the USDA has worked with OSHA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to ensure that meat plants are abiding by federal guidelines.

“This ruling is directly in line with what the Federal government has been calling for companies and communities to do in light of the President’s Executive Order. If we continue to work together, we can maintain the critical supply of meat and poultry for Americans while also protecting worker health and safety,” Perdue said in a statement.

O'FALLON, Mo. (AP) — A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit filed on behalf of employees at a rural Missouri meatpacking facility, ruling that oversight of how the plant adheres to guidance aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus falls to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, not the courts.U.S. District Judge Greg Kays issued his 24-page ruling Tuesday in favor of Smithfield Foods. A lawsuit on behalf of workers at Smithfield's pork processing plant in Milan, Missouri, sought an injunction requiring the plant to abide by federal guidelines. The lawsuit accused Virginia-based Smithfield of not doing enough to protect workers from the coronavirus.“Plaintiffs are naturally concerned for their health and the health of their community in these unprecedented times,” Kays wrote. “The Court takes their concern seriously. Nevertheless, the Court cannot ignore the USDA’s and OSHA’s authority over compliance ... or the significant steps Smithfield has taken to reduce the risk of a COVID-19 outbreak at the Plant.”The attorney for the workers, David Muraskin, didn’t rule out an appeal but said the lawsuit itself prompted several changes at the plant, including better spacing of employees, additional cleaning and sanitizing, and an improved sick leave policy that means workers don’t feel obligated to come to work if they have symptoms of the coronavirus.“This worker power is starting to be effective,” Muraskin said Wednesday. “Workers will organize and they will protest and when necessary they will sue to protect themselves because these companies need to be held to account.”Email messages seeking comment from Smithfield were not immediately returned.The Milan plant has not seen an outbreak of COVID-19. Just one case has been reported in Sullivan County, where the plant is located.But outbreaks have become common at other meat plants across the U.S., infecting thousands of workers, leading to the closure of some plants and prompting meat shortages.President Donald Trump issued an executive order last week requiring meatpacking plants to stay open. The order was widely seen as giving processors protection from liability for workers who become sick on the job, and it came after the Missouri lawsuit against Smithfield Foods.U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue said Wednesday that since Trump’s order, the USDA has worked with OSHA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to ensure that meat plants are abiding by federal guidelines.“This ruling is directly in line with what the Federal government has been calling for companies and communities to do in light of the President’s Executive Order. If we continue to work together, we can maintain the critical supply of meat and poultry for Americans while also protecting worker health and safety,” Perdue said in a statement.

Judge dismisses lawsuit over meat worker safety

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court seemed concerned Wednesday about the sweep of Trump administration rules that would allow more employers who cite a religious or moral objection to opt out of providing no-cost birth control to women as required by the Affordable Care Act.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?471642-1/supreme-court-pennsylvania-consolidated-health-care-oral-argument">Click here to </a>listen to the oral arguments&nbsp;

The justices were hearing their third day of arguments conducted by telephone because of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">coronavirus</a>&nbsp;pandemic. The first of two cases before them Wednesday stemmed from the Obama-era&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/healthcare/index.html" target="_blank">health law</a>, under which most employers must cover birth control as a preventive service, at no charge to women, in their insurance plans.

In 2017, the Trump administration announced it would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/8c90eb432f73420786de1c05da872761">broaden an exemption</a>&nbsp;to the contraceptive coverage requirement that previously applied to houses of worship, such as churches, synagogues and mosques. But the change was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/6bf623038da94f6ba74d71761f0cf665">blocked</a>&nbsp;by courts.

The Supreme Court’s four liberal justices suggested they were troubled by the changes, which the government has estimated would cause about 70,000 women, and at most 126,000 women, to lose contraception coverage in one year.

Chief Justice John Roberts, a key vote on a court split between conservatives and liberals, suggested that the Trump administration’s reliance on a federal religious freedom law to expand the exemption was “too broad.”

And Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who joined the conversation from a Maryland hospital where she was being&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/492bd1ec13861b0d874e50540babf850">treated for an infection caused by a gallstone</a>, gave the government’s top Supreme Court lawyer, Solicitor General Noel Franciso, what sounded like a lecture.

“You have just tossed entirely to the wind what Congress thought was essential, that is that women be provided these .... services with no hassle, no cost to them,” said Ginsburg, who is expected to be in the hospital for a day or two.

The court’s conservative justices seemed more willing to side with the administration, with Trump appointee Justice Brett Kavanaugh suggesting the administration’s changes might be considered “within the bounds of reasonable.”

Beyond exempting churches, synagogues and mosques from the contraceptive coverage requirement, the Obama administration also created a way by which religiously affiliated organizations including hospitals, universities and charities could opt out of paying for contraception, but women on their health plans would still get no-cost birth control. Some groups complained the opt-out process itself violated their religious beliefs.

That opt-out process was the subject of a previous Supreme Court case, but the court, with only eight justices at the time because of the death of Justice Antonin Scalia, didn’t decide the issue. It instead sent both sides back to see if they could work out a compromise.

That didn’t happen. “Is it really the case that there is no way to resolve those differences?” Roberts asked at one point.

After the Trump administration took over, officials&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/b674390fd9d94e5db5dfbcc8e8ec01fc/Birth-control:-Trump-expands-opt-out-for-workplace-insurance">announced a rule change</a>&nbsp;that allows many companies and organization with religious or moral objections to opt out of covering birth control without providing an alternate avenue for coverage.

New Jersey and Pennsylvania challenged the rules in court, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/6bf623038da94f6ba74d71761f0cf665">a judge blocked them from going into effect</a>. The judge found the Trump administration did not follow proper procedures for issuing the rules. An&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/bc40afa1e7614a979b56926a80c06192">appeals court agreed</a>, and the administration appealed to the Supreme Court to step in, as did the Little Sisters of the Poor. The order of Roman Catholic nuns had been instrumental in challenging the Obama administration rules.

But on Wednesday, Justice Sonia Sotomayor questioned why the Little Sisters of the Poor were even at the court because for a number of reasons they don’t have to provide contraceptive coverage. Sotomayor also referenced the coronavirus pandemic during her questioning, asking attorney Paul Clement, who was representing the nuns, whether an employer might be able to object to paying for a coronavirus vaccine. He said “no.”

Even though the Trump rules remain blocked, a ruling by a federal judge in Texas in June already allows most people who object to covering contraception to avoid doing so.

In the second case the justices heard Wednesday, political consultants and pollsters were among those asking the Supreme Court to strike down a federal law from 1991 that bars them from making robocalls to cellphones. The case only arose after Congress in 2015 created an exception in the law that allows the automated calls for collection of government debt.

The court wrestled with whether it could get rid of just the government-debt restriction or would have to invalidate the entire ban on cellphone robocalls. “No one wants robocalls on their cellphone,” Roberts said, though he typically votes for the challengers in free-speech cases.

The argument provided a light moment of the day when Justice Stephen Breyer got cut off when someone tried calling him. Breyer said after he rejoined the court’s arguments: “The telephone started to ring, and it cut me off the call and I don’t think it was a robocall.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588794154314.png" alt="photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court seemed concerned Wednesday about the sweep of Trump administration rules that would allow more employers who cite a religious or moral objection to opt out of providing no-cost birth control to women as required by the Affordable Care Act.<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?471642-1/supreme-court-pennsylvania-consolidated-health-care-oral-argument">Click here to </a>listen to the oral arguments&nbsp;The justices were hearing their third day of arguments conducted by telephone because of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">coronavirus</a>&nbsp;pandemic. The first of two cases before them Wednesday stemmed from the Obama-era&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/healthcare/index.html" target="_blank">health law</a>, under which most employers must cover birth control as a preventive service, at no charge to women, in their insurance plans.In 2017, the Trump administration announced it would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/8c90eb432f73420786de1c05da872761">broaden an exemption</a>&nbsp;to the contraceptive coverage requirement that previously applied to houses of worship, such as churches, synagogues and mosques. But the change was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/6bf623038da94f6ba74d71761f0cf665">blocked</a>&nbsp;by courts.The Supreme Court’s four liberal justices suggested they were troubled by the changes, which the government has estimated would cause about 70,000 women, and at most 126,000 women, to lose contraception coverage in one year.Chief Justice John Roberts, a key vote on a court split between conservatives and liberals, suggested that the Trump administration’s reliance on a federal religious freedom law to expand the exemption was “too broad.”And Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who joined the conversation from a Maryland hospital where she was being&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/492bd1ec13861b0d874e50540babf850">treated for an infection caused by a gallstone</a>, gave the government’s top Supreme Court lawyer, Solicitor General Noel Franciso, what sounded like a lecture.“You have just tossed entirely to the wind what Congress thought was essential, that is that women be provided these .... services with no hassle, no cost to them,” said Ginsburg, who is expected to be in the hospital for a day or two.The court’s conservative justices seemed more willing to side with the administration, with Trump appointee Justice Brett Kavanaugh suggesting the administration’s changes might be considered “within the bounds of reasonable.”Beyond exempting churches, synagogues and mosques from the contraceptive coverage requirement, the Obama administration also created a way by which religiously affiliated organizations including hospitals, universities and charities could opt out of paying for contraception, but women on their health plans would still get no-cost birth control. Some groups complained the opt-out process itself violated their religious beliefs.That opt-out process was the subject of a previous Supreme Court case, but the court, with only eight justices at the time because of the death of Justice Antonin Scalia, didn’t decide the issue. It instead sent both sides back to see if they could work out a compromise.That didn’t happen. “Is it really the case that there is no way to resolve those differences?” Roberts asked at one point.After the Trump administration took over, officials&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/b674390fd9d94e5db5dfbcc8e8ec01fc/Birth-control:-Trump-expands-opt-out-for-workplace-insurance">announced a rule change</a>&nbsp;that allows many companies and organization with religious or moral objections to opt out of covering birth control without providing an alternate avenue for coverage.New Jersey and Pennsylvania challenged the rules in court, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/6bf623038da94f6ba74d71761f0cf665">a judge blocked them from going into effect</a>. The judge found the Trump administration did not follow proper procedures for issuing the rules. An&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/bc40afa1e7614a979b56926a80c06192">appeals court agreed</a>, and the administration appealed to the Supreme Court to step in, as did the Little Sisters of the Poor. The order of Roman Catholic nuns had been instrumental in challenging the Obama administration rules.But on Wednesday, Justice Sonia Sotomayor questioned why the Little Sisters of the Poor were even at the court because for a number of reasons they don’t have to provide contraceptive coverage. Sotomayor also referenced the coronavirus pandemic during her questioning, asking attorney Paul Clement, who was representing the nuns, whether an employer might be able to object to paying for a coronavirus vaccine. He said “no.”Even though the Trump rules remain blocked, a ruling by a federal judge in Texas in June already allows most people who object to covering contraception to avoid doing so.In the second case the justices heard Wednesday, political consultants and pollsters were among those asking the Supreme Court to strike down a federal law from 1991 that bars them from making robocalls to cellphones. The case only arose after Congress in 2015 created an exception in the law that allows the automated calls for collection of government debt.The court wrestled with whether it could get rid of just the government-debt restriction or would have to invalidate the entire ban on cellphone robocalls. “No one wants robocalls on their cellphone,” Roberts said, though he typically votes for the challengers in free-speech cases.The argument provided a light moment of the day when Justice Stephen Breyer got cut off when someone tried calling him. Breyer said after he rejoined the court’s arguments: “The telephone started to ring, and it cut me off the call and I don’t think it was a robocall.”

🎤Justices wary of 'Obamacare' birth control coverage changes

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two Kansas teen for alleged auto theft

Just after 10:30p.m. May 3, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a theft of a vehicle in the 3700 block of SE Howard Drive, according to Sgt. Todd Stallbaumer.

Just after 1a.m. on Monday, a deputy located a Toyota Camry that matched the description of the stolen vehicle traveling near NW Lyman Rd and NW Tyler Street in Topeka.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop but the vehicle fled south on NW Tyler and crashed in the front yard of residence in the 1500 block of NW Polk Street.&nbsp;

Police arrested Bryce C. Walker, 16, of Topeka, on requested&nbsp; charges of Possession of stolen property, Flee and elude, Reckless driving, Possession of marijuana, Possession of paraphernalia,&nbsp;No Driver’s License and Other traffic violations

Another juvenile fled from the vehicle.&nbsp; On Tuesday, Police located Denver A. Durosette, 16, of Topeka, in the 3600 block of SE 27th&nbsp;Street.&nbsp; Durosette, who was also listed as a runaway, was transported to the Shawnee County Juvenile Department of Corrections on a requested charge of Felony Theft.

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two Kansas teen for alleged auto theftJust after 10:30p.m. May 3, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a theft of a vehicle in the 3700 block of SE Howard Drive, according to Sgt. Todd Stallbaumer.Just after 1a.m. on Monday, a deputy located a Toyota Camry that matched the description of the stolen vehicle traveling near NW Lyman Rd and NW Tyler Street in Topeka.&nbsp;&nbsp;The deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop but the vehicle fled south on NW Tyler and crashed in the front yard of residence in the 1500 block of NW Polk Street.&nbsp;Police arrested Bryce C. Walker, 16, of Topeka, on requested&nbsp; charges of Possession of stolen property, Flee and elude, Reckless driving, Possession of marijuana, Possession of paraphernalia,&nbsp;No Driver’s License and Other traffic violationsAnother juvenile fled from the vehicle.&nbsp; On Tuesday, Police located Denver A. Durosette, 16, of Topeka, in the 3600 block of SE 27th&nbsp;Street.&nbsp; Durosette, who was also listed as a runaway, was transported to the Shawnee County Juvenile Department of Corrections on a requested charge of Felony Theft.

Two 16-year-olds jailed for alleged Kan. auto theft

TOPEKA, Kansas – Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) Secretary Jeff Zmuda announced Wednesday that one staff member working at the Wichita Work Release Facility (WWRF) tested positive for COVID-19. 

A resident first tested positive on April 12 at WWRF. There are seven KDOC facilities with a confirmed case including Lansing Correctional Facility (LCF, WWRF, Topeka Correctional Facility, Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex, El Dorado Correctional Facility, Ellsworth Correctional Facility and Hutchinson Correctional Facility.

The staff member is a male over the age of 40. In order to protect the identity of the staff member, no other information will be released.

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

“Our staff work hard every day to ensure the health and safety of themselves, their loved ones and those within our care,” Zmuda said. “We’re thankful when our staff recognize symptoms quickly, they seek appropriate medical care.”

The Wichita Work Release Facility, a satellite unit of the Winfield Correctional Facility, is an all-male, minimum-custody state prison with a population of 248 prior to the pandemic and a new temporary population of 175.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588803687184.png" alt="Wichita Work Release Facility-<a href="https://www.kwch.com/content/news/Staff-member-at-Wichita-Work-Release-Facility-tests-positive-for-COVID-19-570252801.html">photo courtesy KWCH</a>" />
 <figcaption>Wichita Work Release Facility-<a href="https://www.kwch.com/content/news/Staff-member-at-Wichita-Work-Release-Facility-tests-positive-for-COVID-19-570252801.html">photo courtesy KWCH</a></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kansas – Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) Secretary Jeff Zmuda announced Wednesday that one staff member working at the Wichita Work Release Facility (WWRF) tested positive for COVID-19. A resident first tested positive on April 12 at WWRF. There are seven KDOC facilities with a confirmed case including Lansing Correctional Facility (LCF, WWRF, Topeka Correctional Facility, Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex, El Dorado Correctional Facility, Ellsworth Correctional Facility and Hutchinson Correctional Facility.The staff member is a male over the age of 40. In order to protect the identity of the staff member, no other information will be released.The KDOC has been in consultation with officials from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) on next steps to address these circumstances. As a result of that consultation with KDHE, the following steps are being implemented immediately:<ol>
 <li>KDHE conducted contact tracing to determine who among our staff and residents have been in close contact with this individual</li><li>The Sedgwick County Health Department conducted contact tracing to identify anyone outside of WWRF who may have been in close contact with this individual and will notify those persons</li><li>KDOC will remain diligent in monitoring other staff and residents for symptoms</li>
 </ol>“Our staff work hard every day to ensure the health and safety of themselves, their loved ones and those within our care,” Zmuda said. “We’re thankful when our staff recognize symptoms quickly, they seek appropriate medical care.”The Wichita Work Release Facility, a satellite unit of the Winfield Correctional Facility, is an all-male, minimum-custody state prison with a population of 248 prior to the pandemic and a new temporary population of 175.

Staffer at Kan. work release facility confirmed with COVID-19

Governor Laura Kelly held her first press briefing since April 28 Wednesday afternoon. It is also the first since she announced her <a href="http://Reopen-Kansas-Framework-043020.pdf">Ad Astra Plan </a>to reopen Kansas.

She and Dr. Lee Norman, Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment,  discuss the latest updates regarding COVID-19.  &nbsp;

Statewide, confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas rose Wednesday by 276, up to 5,734 total, though the actual number is thought to be higher because of limited testing and because people can be infected without showing symptoms. Reported COVID-19-related deaths increased by seven to 144.

Governor Laura Kelly held her first press briefing since April 28 Wednesday afternoon. It is also the first since she announced her <a href="http://Reopen-Kansas-Framework-043020.pdf">Ad Astra Plan </a>to reopen Kansas.She and Dr. Lee Norman, Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment,  discuss the latest updates regarding COVID-19.  &nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovLauraKelly%2Fvideos%2F1725820937571603%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>Statewide, confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas rose Wednesday by 276, up to 5,734 total, though the actual number is thought to be higher because of limited testing and because people can be infected without showing symptoms. Reported COVID-19-related deaths increased by seven to 144.

🎥  Gov. holds first COVID-19 press briefing in over a week

Total nonfarm employment for the state of Kansas increased by almost 
8,000 workers in 2019, growing 0.5 percent.&nbsp; For 2020, the Kansas 
economy is projected to contract substantially due to the impact of the 
novel coronavirus, with the effects of the virus on the economy expected
 to linger on beyond the end of the state’s stay-at-home order as social
 distancing continues.&nbsp; US gross domestic product declined 4.8 percent 
in the first quarter of 2020 as the first effects of the novel 
coronavirus were felt in March, and the effects are expected to be much 
larger through the remainder of the year.

In 2020, Kansas employment is forecast to decline 10.2 percent, 
contracting at an annual rate of more than 140,000 jobs compared to 
2019.&nbsp; The job losses are expected to be concentrated in the second 
quarter, following by an employment recovery in the third and fourth 
quarters of the year.&nbsp; These projections are based on the assumptions 
that the novel coronavirus infections peaks in the second quarter of 
2020 at a level manageable for the local health care system, and that 
additional stay-at-home orders are not required to combat the virus 
after the initial stay-at-home orders expire in May.&nbsp; Additional 
outbreaks and stay-at-home orders would further reduce the employment 
outlook beyond what is presented here.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588786863417.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>CEDBRTotal nonfarm employment for the state of Kansas increased by almost 
8,000 workers in 2019, growing 0.5 percent.&nbsp; For 2020, the Kansas 
economy is projected to contract substantially due to the impact of the 
novel coronavirus, with the effects of the virus on the economy expected
 to linger on beyond the end of the state’s stay-at-home order as social
 distancing continues.&nbsp; US gross domestic product declined 4.8 percent 
in the first quarter of 2020 as the first effects of the novel 
coronavirus were felt in March, and the effects are expected to be much 
larger through the remainder of the year.In 2020, Kansas employment is forecast to decline 10.2 percent, 
contracting at an annual rate of more than 140,000 jobs compared to 
2019.&nbsp; The job losses are expected to be concentrated in the second 
quarter, following by an employment recovery in the third and fourth 
quarters of the year.&nbsp; These projections are based on the assumptions 
that the novel coronavirus infections peaks in the second quarter of 
2020 at a level manageable for the local health care system, and that 
additional stay-at-home orders are not required to combat the virus 
after the initial stay-at-home orders expire in May.&nbsp; Additional 
outbreaks and stay-at-home orders would further reduce the employment 
outlook beyond what is presented here.<ol>
 <li>The goods-producing are projected to decline by 14.7 percent, with 
job losses concentrated in the durable goods sector.&nbsp; With substantial 
increases in unemployment and economic uncertainty, durable goods 
purchases are likely to decrease sharply, with a projected employment 
decline in the durable goods sector of 23.5 percent, a loss of more than
 23,000 jobs.&nbsp; The nondurable goods and construction sectors are 
projected to be less strongly affected, but are still expected to 
decline 6.7 and 9.8 percent, respectively.</li><li>The trade, transportation, and utilities sector is forecast to 
experience an employment contraction of 13.3 percent, primarily focused 
in the retail trade sector.&nbsp; Retail sales are forecast to decline 
substantially by more than 20 percent as residents limit travel and 
non-essential purchases, which is expected to lead to a retail trade 
employment of 17.8 percent.&nbsp; The wholesale trade sector and the 
transportation and utilities sector are expected to decline 7.4 and 8.8 
percent, respectively, as the declines in retail spending reverberate 
throughout the supply chain.</li><li>The service sectors are forecast to decline 10.4 percent, with the 
largest contraction in the leisure and hospitality sector.&nbsp; Employment 
in the leisure and hospitality sector is projected to decline 27.1 
percent with an uncertain future about when full-service restaurants, 
bars and recreational businesses can begin operating again even in a 
limited capacity.&nbsp; The other services sector, which includes repair 
shops, barber shops, and religious organizations, is projected to 
decline 11.8 percent.&nbsp; Financial activities, professional and business 
services, and education and health services are forecast to be less 
affected by the downturn, with employment losses ranging from 4.9 to 6.4
 percent.</li><li>The government sector is expected to decline 2.2 percent, the least
 affected of any industry sector.&nbsp; The job losses are projected to be 
concentrated in the local government sector, but no government sector is
 expected to increase employment in 2020.</li>
 </ol><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588786926184.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Study: Worst of jobless picture to come, recovery in 3Q-4Q

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 276 to a total of 5734, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 276 to a total of 5734, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 144<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/2020/5/1588785993293.png" alt="May 6, 2020 -image KDHE" />
 <figcaption>May 6, 2020 -image KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>