KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas nursing home chain linked to a coronavirus death in the Kansas City area has reported that 18 staffers and residents tested positive for the virus at another facility.

Life Care Centers of America <a href="https://lcca.com/announcement/covid-19">said Monday that </a>11 residents and seven workers were confirmed to have COVID-19 at the home in Burlington, about 60 miles south of Topeka.

A resident at the Life Care Center in Kansas City, Kansas, was the first COVID-19-related fatality reported in the state on March 12. Both are operated by a company that also runs a Washington state nursing home linked to 22 deaths.

For most people,&nbsp;the coronavirus&nbsp;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, including pneumonia, and death.

As a statewide stay-at-home order took effect Monday and President Donald Trump granted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/db8902e8e65561405a85bcf9ed556c87">a major disaster declaration</a>&nbsp;for the state, the number of cases grew. At last count Monday, state health officials said that Kansas has 368 cases, up from 319 on Sunday.

State and local officials reported nine deaths, including four in Wyandotte County. The latest two victims are a Sedgwick County man over 60 with underlying health conditions and a woman in her 40s in Crawford County. The deaths are the first in the state’s southern half. Most others were in the Kansas City area.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585657534018.png" alt="Life Care Center in Burlington, Kansas -Google image" />
 <figcaption>Life Care Center in Burlington, Kansas -Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas nursing home chain linked to a coronavirus death in the Kansas City area has reported that 18 staffers and residents tested positive for the virus at another facility.Life Care Centers of America <a href="https://lcca.com/announcement/covid-19">said Monday that </a>11 residents and seven workers were confirmed to have COVID-19 at the home in Burlington, about 60 miles south of Topeka.A resident at the Life Care Center in Kansas City, Kansas, was the first COVID-19-related fatality reported in the state on March 12. Both are operated by a company that also runs a Washington state nursing home linked to 22 deaths.For most people,&nbsp;the coronavirus&nbsp;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, including pneumonia, and death.As a statewide stay-at-home order took effect Monday and President Donald Trump granted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/db8902e8e65561405a85bcf9ed556c87">a major disaster declaration</a>&nbsp;for the state, the number of cases grew. At last count Monday, state health officials said that Kansas has 368 cases, up from 319 on Sunday.State and local officials reported nine deaths, including four in Wyandotte County. The latest two victims are a Sedgwick County man over 60 with underlying health conditions and a woman in her 40s in Crawford County. The deaths are the first in the state’s southern half. Most others were in the Kansas City area.

Kansas nursing home reports 18 coronavirus cases

WASHINGTON (AP) — The two doctors spread out their charts on the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office.

The projections were grim: Even if the U.S. were to continue to do what it was doing, keeping the economy closed and most Americans in their homes, the coronavirus could leave 100,000 to 200,000 people dead and millions infected. And the totals would be far worse if the nation reopened.

Those stark predictions grew even more tangible and harrowing when paired with televised images of body bags lined up at a New York City hospital not far from where Trump grew up in Queens.

The confluence of dire warnings and tragic images served to move the president off his hopes for an Easter rebirth for the nation’s economy.

But while Trump sided with the White House doctors over its economists, at least for now, the decision shed light on a West Wing beset with divisions and a commander-in-chief torn between an instinct to embrace the image of a wartime president fighting an invisible enemy and one protecting the nation’s bottom line as he barrels into a bruising reelection fight.

The abrupt change in Trump’s tone was startling: Easter was no longer going to be the sunrise after blackest night. Instead, it could be the darkest moment before dawn.

“We’re thinking that around Easter that’s going to be your spike. That’s going to be the highest point we think, and then it’s going to start coming down from there,” Trump said Monday on Fox &amp; Friends. “The worst that can happen is you do it too early and all of a sudden it comes back. That makes it more difficult.”

The bleak forecasts were carried into the Oval Office by Dr. Anthony Fauci and Dr. Deborah Birx, who displayed to Trump projections that, on the low end, could yield 100,000 American deaths from COVID-19. One model showed that deaths could have soared past 2 million had there been no mitigation measures.

“We showed him the data. He looked at the data. He got it right away. it was a pretty clear picture,” Fauci told CNN on Monday. “Dr. Debbie Birx and I went into the Oval Office and leaned over the desk and said, ‘Here are the data, take a look.’ He just shook his head and said, ‘I guess we got to do it.’”

But as is often the case with Trump, it also took the power of images to prompt him to act.

Over the weekend, the death count in New York City skyrocketed, the silence of the city’s empty streets shattered only by ambulance sirens. Makeshift medical tents were hastily erected in Central Park. And hospitals, including Elmhurst Medical Center in Queens, not far from Trump’s childhood home, were so overwhelmed that patients were lying in hallways and corpses stowed in refrigerated trucks.

“This is essentially in my community, in Queens, Queens, New York,” Trump said. “I’ve seen things that I’ve never seen before.”

Aides likened Trump’s emotional response to his reaction to the 2017 pictures of dead Syrian children that prompted him to give the order for the first air strike of his presidency. Trump also invoked some friends, whom he did not identify, he said are battling the virus.

“I have some friends that are unbelievably sick,” he said Monday in a Rose Garden press conference. “We thought they were going in for a mild stay and in one case, he’s unconscious — in a coma.”

The weekend decision also revealed the sharp divides among those advising Trump, both inside and outside of the West Wing.

For weeks, those in the White House who warned that the doctors’ strict recommendations would cripple the economy — and Trump’s reelection chances — had the president’s ear and pushed him toward the idea of restarting business in the states where infections were low.

Trump’s decision to extend national guidelines to clamp down on activity left them disappointed.

Stephen Moore, a former Trump adviser who had been pushing the administration publicly and privately to roll back restrictions in places with low infection rates, said the economic impact would grow worse every day that the shutdown continues, with more bankruptcies and more jobs lost. He had urged Trump to begin to re-open in places like Idaho, Iowa and Nebraska, far from the infection hot spots.

But Trump was swayed by arguments that the fiscal pain would be worse if the economy was reopened and then forced to be shut again.

As in the early, chaotic days of his administration, Trump’s White House has become increasingly siloed in recent weeks, with different working groups functioning separately and sometimes in competition. Members of Trump’s coronavirus task force, led by Vice President Mike Pence and including Fauci and Birx, did not know that Trump would be floating the idea of a quarantine of the New York area over the weekend — and then quickly moved to walk him back, according to three administration officials not authorized to publicly discuss private conversations.

The president is getting conflicting advice from outside the White House as well.

While some Republican governors, like Henry McMaster of South Carolina, have urged the president to reopen the economy, Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida considered banning travelers from hot spots like New York from entering his state, which experts believe is poised to see a surge in coronavirus cases.

After speaking with DeSantis, Trump mused to reporters Saturday about a quarantine of New York, as well as parts of New Jersey and Connecticut, blindsiding the local governors and raising questions about federal authority.

Even if the measure was unenforceable, Trump thought it could be a signal to supporters elsewhere that he was walling off a virus hot zone comprised of three Democratic states. But Fauci and other advisers persuaded him that it would accomplish little except ignite worry.

Like forecasts for a monster hurricane, the pandemic projection models can disagree with one another. But the coronavirus models all agree that this outbreak and its consequences are extremely serious.

Birx singled out one by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington in Seattle, suggesting it’s close to how government experts see things. That model forecasts predicts more than 82,000 total U.S. deaths through early August, with the highest number of daily deaths — an estimated 2,271 — occurring April 15.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585521942640.png" alt="Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, is leading the country’s battle with coronavirus. -image courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, is leading the country’s battle with coronavirus. -image courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The two doctors spread out their charts on the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office.The projections were grim: Even if the U.S. were to continue to do what it was doing, keeping the economy closed and most Americans in their homes, the coronavirus could leave 100,000 to 200,000 people dead and millions infected. And the totals would be far worse if the nation reopened.Those stark predictions grew even more tangible and harrowing when paired with televised images of body bags lined up at a New York City hospital not far from where Trump grew up in Queens.The confluence of dire warnings and tragic images served to move the president off his hopes for an Easter rebirth for the nation’s economy.But while Trump sided with the White House doctors over its economists, at least for now, the decision shed light on a West Wing beset with divisions and a commander-in-chief torn between an instinct to embrace the image of a wartime president fighting an invisible enemy and one protecting the nation’s bottom line as he barrels into a bruising reelection fight.The abrupt change in Trump’s tone was startling: Easter was no longer going to be the sunrise after blackest night. Instead, it could be the darkest moment before dawn.“We’re thinking that around Easter that’s going to be your spike. That’s going to be the highest point we think, and then it’s going to start coming down from there,” Trump said Monday on Fox &amp; Friends. “The worst that can happen is you do it too early and all of a sudden it comes back. That makes it more difficult.”The bleak forecasts were carried into the Oval Office by Dr. Anthony Fauci and Dr. Deborah Birx, who displayed to Trump projections that, on the low end, could yield 100,000 American deaths from COVID-19. One model showed that deaths could have soared past 2 million had there been no mitigation measures.“We showed him the data. He looked at the data. He got it right away. it was a pretty clear picture,” Fauci told CNN on Monday. “Dr. Debbie Birx and I went into the Oval Office and leaned over the desk and said, ‘Here are the data, take a look.’ He just shook his head and said, ‘I guess we got to do it.’”But as is often the case with Trump, it also took the power of images to prompt him to act.Over the weekend, the death count in New York City skyrocketed, the silence of the city’s empty streets shattered only by ambulance sirens. Makeshift medical tents were hastily erected in Central Park. And hospitals, including Elmhurst Medical Center in Queens, not far from Trump’s childhood home, were so overwhelmed that patients were lying in hallways and corpses stowed in refrigerated trucks.“This is essentially in my community, in Queens, Queens, New York,” Trump said. “I’ve seen things that I’ve never seen before.”Aides likened Trump’s emotional response to his reaction to the 2017 pictures of dead Syrian children that prompted him to give the order for the first air strike of his presidency. Trump also invoked some friends, whom he did not identify, he said are battling the virus.“I have some friends that are unbelievably sick,” he said Monday in a Rose Garden press conference. “We thought they were going in for a mild stay and in one case, he’s unconscious — in a coma.”The weekend decision also revealed the sharp divides among those advising Trump, both inside and outside of the West Wing.For weeks, those in the White House who warned that the doctors’ strict recommendations would cripple the economy — and Trump’s reelection chances — had the president’s ear and pushed him toward the idea of restarting business in the states where infections were low.Trump’s decision to extend national guidelines to clamp down on activity left them disappointed.Stephen Moore, a former Trump adviser who had been pushing the administration publicly and privately to roll back restrictions in places with low infection rates, said the economic impact would grow worse every day that the shutdown continues, with more bankruptcies and more jobs lost. He had urged Trump to begin to re-open in places like Idaho, Iowa and Nebraska, far from the infection hot spots.But Trump was swayed by arguments that the fiscal pain would be worse if the economy was reopened and then forced to be shut again.As in the early, chaotic days of his administration, Trump’s White House has become increasingly siloed in recent weeks, with different working groups functioning separately and sometimes in competition. Members of Trump’s coronavirus task force, led by Vice President Mike Pence and including Fauci and Birx, did not know that Trump would be floating the idea of a quarantine of the New York area over the weekend — and then quickly moved to walk him back, according to three administration officials not authorized to publicly discuss private conversations.The president is getting conflicting advice from outside the White House as well.While some Republican governors, like Henry McMaster of South Carolina, have urged the president to reopen the economy, Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida considered banning travelers from hot spots like New York from entering his state, which experts believe is poised to see a surge in coronavirus cases.After speaking with DeSantis, Trump mused to reporters Saturday about a quarantine of New York, as well as parts of New Jersey and Connecticut, blindsiding the local governors and raising questions about federal authority.Even if the measure was unenforceable, Trump thought it could be a signal to supporters elsewhere that he was walling off a virus hot zone comprised of three Democratic states. But Fauci and other advisers persuaded him that it would accomplish little except ignite worry.Like forecasts for a monster hurricane, the pandemic projection models can disagree with one another. But the coronavirus models all agree that this outbreak and its consequences are extremely serious.Birx singled out one by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington in Seattle, suggesting it’s close to how government experts see things. That model forecasts predicts more than 82,000 total U.S. deaths through early August, with the highest number of daily deaths — an estimated 2,271 — occurring April 15.That would be three days after Easter.

How dire projections, grim images dashed Trump's Easter plan

Authorities in the scene of the shooting investigation -photo courtesy KWCH

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a criminal homicide and have identified the victim as&nbsp;Edward Wren, 38,&nbsp; Wichita.

Just after 7:30 a.m. Saturday, police responded to a welfare check call in the 2700 block of South Roosevelt in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.

A citizen called 911, reporting seeing a man inside a vehicle bleeding. Upon arrival, officers located a man later identified as Wren inside a 1999 Chevrolet Silverado, who had sustained multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced deceased on the scene, according to Davidson.

Investigators continue working to learn the circumstances of what occurred, according to Davidson.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585490570573.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Authorities in the scene of the shooting investigation -photo courtesy KWCHSEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a criminal homicide and have identified the victim as&nbsp;Edward Wren, 38,&nbsp; Wichita.Just after 7:30 a.m. Saturday, police responded to a welfare check call in the 2700 block of South Roosevelt in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.A citizen called 911, reporting seeing a man inside a vehicle bleeding. Upon arrival, officers located a man later identified as Wren inside a 1999 Chevrolet Silverado, who had sustained multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced deceased on the scene, according to Davidson.Investigators continue working to learn the circumstances of what occurred, according to Davidson.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Update: Kansas man found with multiple gunshot wounds

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Democrats have scrapped plans for polling sites for their May 2 presidential primary and are using only mail-in ballots because of the coronavirus pandemic.

State Chairwoman Vicki Hiatt said Monday that polling sites are “going to be too risky” and that some were at public schools and community colleges that have closed. The party on Monday began mailing ballots to almost 390,000 people registered as Democrats as of early March. The figure could top 400,000.

Hiatt’s announcement came as Gov. Andrew Cuomo in hard-hit New York said he was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2e30bca5a40f33156b6ebe203b497ca8">delaying that state’s presidential primary</a>&nbsp;from April 28 to June 23. Presidential primaries also have been postponed in Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland and Rhode Island.

“Thank goodness we already had the mail-in piece,” Hiatt said. “We always have to look for the right way to do things and protect voters’ rights to have elections and make sure democracy is protected.”

Hiatt said she’s hoping that scrapping polling sites won’t hurt turnout but believes participation will be driven more by whether Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders continues to challenge former Vice President Joe Biden.

In Kansas, the parties run their presidential contests, with caucuses the norm except when a Republican president is seeking re-election. The Kansas GOP is having&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/7e04964fc89a4312a6b410096f256add">state and congressional district conventions&nbsp;</a>of party activists pick convention delegates, all supporting President Donald Trump.

State health officials expect the coronavirus outbreak in Kansas to peak on or near April 24, eight days before the Democratic presidential primary. Dr. Lee Norman, the state’s health secretary, said it’s still unwise to have public gatherings close to the peak.

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas has more than tripled in six days, to 368 cases reported by the state health department.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/db8902e8e65561405a85bcf9ed556c87">Nine COVID-19-related deaths</a>&nbsp;have been reported by state and local health officials.

Confirmed cases have spread from the state’s portion of the Kansas City area to 37 of its 105 counties. While most infected people recover and many have mild or moderate symptoms, the virus can cause serious illnesses or death, particularly in older adults or people with underlying health issues.

Chris Reeves, a member of the Democratic National Committee from Kansas, said conducting a purely mail-ballot election was “our only choice.” He said the Trump administration should support using mail ballots through the fall and provide financial support to states.

Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab, a Republican, has said there is no plan to delay the state’s Aug. 4 primary, but his office is encouraging voters to ask for mail ballots in advance. Spokeswoman Katie Koupal said state law doesn’t require a voter to have a reason to request a mail ballot.

Koupal said that scrapping polling places will lessen the risk of spreading coronavirus, though it still could be present in a mail-ballot election, such as when voters lick ballot envelopes to seal them.

Hiatt said she’s hoping that if the Democratic presidential primary goes smoothly, it will encourage state officials to move exclusively to mail ballots for all state elections. Supporters of the idea expect it would boost turnout.

“It’s just time,” former Democratic Gov. Kathleen Sebelius said in an interview. “Mail ballots, particularly with some early voting that we have in Kansas, just make it so much easier to participate.”

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Democrats have scrapped plans for polling sites for their May 2 presidential primary and are using only mail-in ballots because of the coronavirus pandemic.State Chairwoman Vicki Hiatt said Monday that polling sites are “going to be too risky” and that some were at public schools and community colleges that have closed. The party on Monday began mailing ballots to almost 390,000 people registered as Democrats as of early March. The figure could top 400,000.Hiatt’s announcement came as Gov. Andrew Cuomo in hard-hit New York said he was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2e30bca5a40f33156b6ebe203b497ca8">delaying that state’s presidential primary</a>&nbsp;from April 28 to June 23. Presidential primaries also have been postponed in Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland and Rhode Island.“Thank goodness we already had the mail-in piece,” Hiatt said. “We always have to look for the right way to do things and protect voters’ rights to have elections and make sure democracy is protected.”Hiatt said she’s hoping that scrapping polling sites won’t hurt turnout but believes participation will be driven more by whether Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders continues to challenge former Vice President Joe Biden.In Kansas, the parties run their presidential contests, with caucuses the norm except when a Republican president is seeking re-election. The Kansas GOP is having&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/7e04964fc89a4312a6b410096f256add">state and congressional district conventions&nbsp;</a>of party activists pick convention delegates, all supporting President Donald Trump.State health officials expect the coronavirus outbreak in Kansas to peak on or near April 24, eight days before the Democratic presidential primary. Dr. Lee Norman, the state’s health secretary, said it’s still unwise to have public gatherings close to the peak.The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas has more than tripled in six days, to 368 cases reported by the state health department.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/db8902e8e65561405a85bcf9ed556c87">Nine COVID-19-related deaths</a>&nbsp;have been reported by state and local health officials.Confirmed cases have spread from the state’s portion of the Kansas City area to 37 of its 105 counties. While most infected people recover and many have mild or moderate symptoms, the virus can cause serious illnesses or death, particularly in older adults or people with underlying health issues.Chris Reeves, a member of the Democratic National Committee from Kansas, said conducting a purely mail-ballot election was “our only choice.” He said the Trump administration should support using mail ballots through the fall and provide financial support to states.Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab, a Republican, has said there is no plan to delay the state’s Aug. 4 primary, but his office is encouraging voters to ask for mail ballots in advance. Spokeswoman Katie Koupal said state law doesn’t require a voter to have a reason to request a mail ballot.Koupal said that scrapping polling places will lessen the risk of spreading coronavirus, though it still could be present in a mail-ballot election, such as when voters lick ballot envelopes to seal them.Hiatt said she’s hoping that if the Democratic presidential primary goes smoothly, it will encourage state officials to move exclusively to mail ballots for all state elections. Supporters of the idea expect it would boost turnout.“It’s just time,” former Democratic Gov. Kathleen Sebelius said in an interview. “Mail ballots, particularly with some early voting that we have in Kansas, just make it so much easier to participate.”

Ballots for Kan. democrat presidential primary are in the mail

ST. LOUIS (AP) — With millions of people suddenly out of work and rent due at the first of the month, some tenants are vowing to go on a rent strike until the coronavirus pandemic subsides.

New York, Boston, Los Angeles, San Francisco and St. Louis are among many cities that have temporarily banned evictions, but advocates for the strike are demanding that rent payments be waived, not delayed, for those in need during the crisis. The rent strike idea has taken root in parts of North America and as far away as London.

White sheets are being hung in apartment windows to show solidarity with the movement that is gaining steam on Twitter, Instagram and other social media sites. Fliers urging people to participate are being posted in several cities, including bus stops in St. Louis, where 27-year-old Kyle Kofron still has his job at an ice cream factory, but his three roommates have suddenly found themselves unemployed. Their property manager so far hasn’t agreed to a payment plan, Kofron said.

“For me personally, with everyone losing their jobs and unable to pay, it’s really the only thing we can do,” Kofron said of the strike. “It’s just like we the people have to do something. We just can’t stand idly by while the system takes us for a ride.”

Stay-at-home orders and strict limits on gathering sizes have forced shops, restaurants and bars to shut down indefinitely. Many service industry workers thrust into unemployment are living paycheck-to-paycheck in the best of times. Now, many say they don’t have the money to pay rent.

Some politicians have expressed support, if not directly for a strike, then for a temporary rent moratorium, including Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders.

In New York, the state hit hardest so far by the pandemic, Democratic state Sen. Mike Gianaris of Queens introduced a bill that would forgive rent and mortgage payments for 90 days for people and small businesses struggling because of the coronavirus. It has 21 co-sponsors.

“Tenants can’t pay rent if they can’t earn a living. Let’s #CancelRent for 90 days to keep people in their homes during the #coronavirus crisis," Gianaris said on Twitter.

Strike advocates aren't waiting for legislative approval. Activist organizations in many places are leading the push for a strike. A group called Rent Strike 2020 is organizing on the national level.

“Our demands to every Governor, in every state, are extremely simple: freeze rent, mortgage, and utility bill collection for 2 months, or face a rent strike,” Rent Strike 2020's website states.

Advocates in St. Louis are encouraging those who can afford rent to join the movement in solidarity with those who can’t. Without a large number of participants, landlords will simply evict strikers, said Chris Winston, of For the People STL.

Others say a rent strike could further worsen the economy if landlords and property managers themselves are forced to default on loans. Some strike advocates have urged banks to suspend requiring payments from landlords and property management companies so that those groups can better absorb their own financial losses from a rent strike or moratorium.

Matthew Chase, an eviction attorney in St. Louis County, said property management companies and landlords have employees to pay, utility bills and other costs. A widespread rent strike could force them to lay off their own workers, cut back on property maintenance or even close apartment complexes.

Chase cited one client who relies on income from renting a couple of homes.

“She’s the big, bad landlord to these rent strike folks,” Chase said.

Nick Kasoff, who lives in the St. Louis suburb of Ferguson, calls himself a “small-time landlord.” He had words of warning for anyone refusing to pay their rent.

“Courts are closed, but they won't be closed forever,” Kasoff wrote on Facebook. “If you choose not to pay rent when you are able, your landlord will be down there filing an eviction the day they open back up. You will lose your home, ruin your credit, and make it difficult to get any sort of decent housing in the future. A ‘rent strike’ isn't going to liquidate capitalism and make you a homeowner, it's going to demolish your credit and make you homeless.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585593902453.png" alt="Missouri resident Kyle Kofron uses this on his social media page" />
 <figcaption>Missouri resident Kyle Kofron uses this on his social media page</figcaption>
 </figure>ST. LOUIS (AP) — With millions of people suddenly out of work and rent due at the first of the month, some tenants are vowing to go on a rent strike until the coronavirus pandemic subsides.New York, Boston, Los Angeles, San Francisco and St. Louis are among many cities that have temporarily banned evictions, but advocates for the strike are demanding that rent payments be waived, not delayed, for those in need during the crisis. The rent strike idea has taken root in parts of North America and as far away as London.White sheets are being hung in apartment windows to show solidarity with the movement that is gaining steam on Twitter, Instagram and other social media sites. Fliers urging people to participate are being posted in several cities, including bus stops in St. Louis, where 27-year-old Kyle Kofron still has his job at an ice cream factory, but his three roommates have suddenly found themselves unemployed. Their property manager so far hasn’t agreed to a payment plan, Kofron said.“For me personally, with everyone losing their jobs and unable to pay, it’s really the only thing we can do,” Kofron said of the strike. “It’s just like we the people have to do something. We just can’t stand idly by while the system takes us for a ride.”Stay-at-home orders and strict limits on gathering sizes have forced shops, restaurants and bars to shut down indefinitely. Many service industry workers thrust into unemployment are living paycheck-to-paycheck in the best of times. Now, many say they don’t have the money to pay rent.Some politicians have expressed support, if not directly for a strike, then for a temporary rent moratorium, including Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders.In New York, the state hit hardest so far by the pandemic, Democratic state Sen. Mike Gianaris of Queens introduced a bill that would forgive rent and mortgage payments for 90 days for people and small businesses struggling because of the coronavirus. It has 21 co-sponsors.“Tenants can’t pay rent if they can’t earn a living. Let’s #CancelRent for 90 days to keep people in their homes during the #coronavirus crisis," Gianaris said on Twitter.Strike advocates aren't waiting for legislative approval. Activist organizations in many places are leading the push for a strike. A group called Rent Strike 2020 is organizing on the national level.“Our demands to every Governor, in every state, are extremely simple: freeze rent, mortgage, and utility bill collection for 2 months, or face a rent strike,” Rent Strike 2020's website states.Advocates in St. Louis are encouraging those who can afford rent to join the movement in solidarity with those who can’t. Without a large number of participants, landlords will simply evict strikers, said Chris Winston, of For the People STL.Others say a rent strike could further worsen the economy if landlords and property managers themselves are forced to default on loans. Some strike advocates have urged banks to suspend requiring payments from landlords and property management companies so that those groups can better absorb their own financial losses from a rent strike or moratorium.Matthew Chase, an eviction attorney in St. Louis County, said property management companies and landlords have employees to pay, utility bills and other costs. A widespread rent strike could force them to lay off their own workers, cut back on property maintenance or even close apartment complexes.Chase cited one client who relies on income from renting a couple of homes.“She’s the big, bad landlord to these rent strike folks,” Chase said.Nick Kasoff, who lives in the St. Louis suburb of Ferguson, calls himself a “small-time landlord.” He had words of warning for anyone refusing to pay their rent.“Courts are closed, but they won't be closed forever,” Kasoff wrote on Facebook. “If you choose not to pay rent when you are able, your landlord will be down there filing an eviction the day they open back up. You will lose your home, ruin your credit, and make it difficult to get any sort of decent housing in the future. A ‘rent strike’ isn't going to liquidate capitalism and make you a homeowner, it's going to demolish your credit and make you homeless.”

Rent strike idea gaining steam during coronavirus crisis

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary and have three suspects in custody.

Just after 4p.m. March 26, police responded to a burglary in progress call at a home in the 8800 block of west Bekemeyer in Wichita after an observant neighbor called 911 when seeing unknown individuals breaking into the home, according to officer Charley Davidson.

Upon arrival, officers saw a 2008 black Lincoln Towncar in the driveway with the trunk open, a broken rear window on the home, and suspects inside.&nbsp; Officers began giving verbal instructions for the suspects to exit the home, but they refused.

Two K-9 officers responded to the call to assist.&nbsp; Once they arrived, 26-year-old Alisha Collins and 36-year old Paul Crittenden exited the home and were arrested without further incident.&nbsp; The officers also learned 36-year-old Paul Jackson was still inside.&nbsp;

One of the K9s located Jackson hiding inside the home and police arrested him.&nbsp; Jackson did receive minor injuries due to a dog bite.

Collins and Jackson are being held on requested charges of&nbsp; burglary and criminal damage to property, according to Davidson. Jackson also had and an outstanding warrant.&nbsp; Crittenden was being held on requested charges of burglary, criminal damage to property and aggravated battery-domestic violence stemming from an ongoing domestic violence investigation.

Collins remained in custody Monday. He has previously been arrested and convicted on a charge of identity theft, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections. Jackson has previous conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585326773613.png" alt="Paul Jackson received minor injuries from a dog bite by a police K9 during his arrest -photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Paul Jackson received minor injuries from a dog bite by a police K9 during his arrest -photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary and have three suspects in custody.Just after 4p.m. March 26, police responded to a burglary in progress call at a home in the 8800 block of west Bekemeyer in Wichita after an observant neighbor called 911 when seeing unknown individuals breaking into the home, according to officer Charley Davidson.Upon arrival, officers saw a 2008 black Lincoln Towncar in the driveway with the trunk open, a broken rear window on the home, and suspects inside.&nbsp; Officers began giving verbal instructions for the suspects to exit the home, but they refused.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585326724643.png" alt="Collins -photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Collins -photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>Two K-9 officers responded to the call to assist.&nbsp; Once they arrived, 26-year-old Alisha Collins and 36-year old Paul Crittenden exited the home and were arrested without further incident.&nbsp; The officers also learned 36-year-old Paul Jackson was still inside.&nbsp;One of the K9s located Jackson hiding inside the home and police arrested him.&nbsp; Jackson did receive minor injuries due to a dog bite.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585326847846.png" alt="Crittenden" />
 <figcaption>Crittenden</figcaption>
 </figure>Collins and Jackson are being held on requested charges of&nbsp; burglary and criminal damage to property, according to Davidson. Jackson also had and an outstanding warrant.&nbsp; Crittenden was being held on requested charges of burglary, criminal damage to property and aggravated battery-domestic violence stemming from an ongoing domestic violence investigation.Collins remained in custody Monday. He has previously been arrested and convicted on a charge of identity theft, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections. Jackson has previous conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Police K9 finds burglary suspect hiding in Kansas home

ORLANDO, FL (AP) —Orlando Magic forward Wes Iwundu not only decided to help those affected by the coronavirus pandemic, he chose to help out a teammate as well.

The Magic announced Monday that Iwundu donated to teammate Jonathan Isaac’s effort to feed children in Orlando who are in need. Isaac also revealed the donation on his social media platforms.

<a href="https://www.nba.com/magic/wes-iwundu-latest-magic-player-assist-20200330">Click here to read mor</a>e from the Magic about Iwundu's effort to feed children during the virus outbreak.&nbsp; Iwundu, a Houston native, played at K-State for coach Bruce Webber from 2013-2017

Isaac announced last week that he is teaming up with J.U.M.P. Ministries Global Church to provide hot breakfasts and lunches to schoolchildren on weekdays for the duration of the pandemic. Isaac also is helping families obtain nonperishable food items once a week, things like oatmeal, cereal and instant rice.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585605307520.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Wes Iwundu photo courtesy Orlando MagicORLANDO, FL (AP) —Orlando Magic forward Wes Iwundu not only decided to help those affected by the coronavirus pandemic, he chose to help out a teammate as well.The Magic announced Monday that Iwundu donated to teammate Jonathan Isaac’s effort to feed children in Orlando who are in need. Isaac also revealed the donation on his social media platforms.<a href="https://www.nba.com/magic/wes-iwundu-latest-magic-player-assist-20200330">Click here to read mor</a>e from the Magic about Iwundu's effort to feed children during the virus outbreak.&nbsp; Iwundu, a Houston native, played at K-State for coach Bruce Webber from 2013-2017Isaac announced last week that he is teaming up with J.U.M.P. Ministries Global Church to provide hot breakfasts and lunches to schoolchildren on weekdays for the duration of the pandemic. Isaac also is helping families obtain nonperishable food items once a week, things like oatmeal, cereal and instant rice.

Former KSU star Iwundu donates to feed kids amid pandemic

By STEPHEN KORANDA, <a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/12-and-counting-your-guide-candidates-competing-kansas-us-sen-pat-roberts-job#stream/0">Kansas News Service</a>

Republican U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts says he<a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/half-century-down-just-two-years-capitol-hill-go-kansas-sen-roberts" target="_blank"> will not run for re-election</a>
 in 2020, opening the door to a parade of candidates announcing a run or
 considering jumping into the race to replace him. Multiple Republicans 
are eyeing the seat, and it could be the first time Democrats have a 
competitive U.S. Senate primary since the 1990s.

Here’s the rundown of who’s seeking the seat in Washington:&nbsp;

Hamilton's
 face is on billboards all around the Kansas City metro, advertising his
 plumbing and heating, ventilation and air conditioning business. 
Hamilton is retired, and planning to run as a conservative outsider. He 
indicated that if he gets to Washington, he wants to work on economic 
opportunities for families and businesses and stands behind President 
Donald Trump.

Nationally,
 Kobach is known as a hardliner against illegal immigration. But in 
Kansas, he’s coming off a 2018 loss for the governor’s office. When he 
was secretary of state from 2011 to 2019, he pushed for strict voter 
registration changes, arguing they would help prevent voter fraud. 
Critics said the rules made it too difficult for eligible voters to 
register and the requirements were blocked by a federal court. Kobach is
 a long-time ally of President Donald Trump, and he says he’ll<a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/kansas-conservative-kris-kobach-back-and-running-us-senate" target="_blank"> push Trump’s policies</a>
 and fight what he calls the establishment in Washington. He’s currently
 working with a private organization attempting to build a wall along 
the U.S. border with Mexico.

Lindstrom
 is a former Kansas City Chief turned businessman who’s chairman of the 
board for the Kansas Turnpike Authority. After his NFL career, Lindstrom
 owned four Burger King restaurants in the Kansas City area and worked 
in real estate. Like other Republicans in the race, Lindstrom is<a href="https://www.ksnt.com/news/local-news/former-chiefs-player-dave-lindstrom-running-for-us-senate/" target="_blank"> voicing his support</a> for Trump and says he’ll bring free-market ideas and a conservative perspective to the Senate.

Roger
 Marshall was reelected last year to represent Kansas 1st District in 
Congress, a seat he first won in 2016. In Congress, Marshall has been a 
reliable supporter of President Trump and his agenda. He worked as an 
obstetrician and gynecologist before joining Congress. Marshall says if 
elected he will continue to push for a border wall with Mexico and will 
confirm strict constitutionalists to the United States Supreme Court. He
 says what differentiates him from other conservatives in the race is a 
concern for the national debt, which he argues can be addressed by 
strengthening the economy, lowering health care costs and having fewer 
Americans on welfare.

As
 a self-described “Republican Socialist,” Matlock's policy positions 
differ significantly from the other Republican candidates. He supports <a href="https://www.leavenworthtimes.com/news/20200108/senate-candidate-runs-as-republican-socialist" target="_blank">expanding Medicare</a>
 to provide health care for all Americans, providing free public housing
 for people in need and pursuing a Green New Deal to reduce the use of 
fossil fuels.

Serving on the <a href="https://www.ksde.org/Board" target="_blank">Kansas State Board of Education</a>
 since 2013, Roberts represents parts of Johnson and Wyandotte counties.
 Roberts will focus on education the race. He says unions do not have a 
place in public schools and education needs a significant overhaul. He 
has taught math in public and private schools and worked as an engineer.
 (Due to the race, he won’t be able to seek another term on the Board of
 Education.)

Wagle
 is the first woman to become president of the Kansas Senate 
(2013-current). A conservative who has been a vocal critic of Democratic
 Gov. Laura Kelly, Wagle and Kelly have clashed on issues like Medicaid 
expansion and tax policy. <a href="http://kansaspublicradio.org/kpr-news/kansas-senate-president-susan-wagle-announces-run-us-senate" target="_blank">Wagle touts</a>
 her years of work in support of abortion restrictions approved by 
Kansas lawmakers. She’ll continue serving as Senate president while 
campaigning for the U.S. Senate. Wagle is a cancer survivor, and counts 
health care issues among her top priorities, saying government health 
care isn’t the answer to challenges in the industry.

Bollier
 began her political career by winning a seat in the Kansas House of 
Representatives in 2010 as a moderate Republican. In 2016, Johnson 
County voters elected her to the Kansas Senate. In summer 2018, Senate 
Republican leaders removed her from her leadership position on the 
Senate health committee for endorsing Democrat Sharice Davids over 3rd 
District Republican Rep. Kevin Yoder. Months later, Bollier <a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/kansas-senator-continues-pay-price-break-gop-leadership">left the Republican Party</a>.
 Bollier is an outspoken supporter of Medicaid expansion, and for three 
years was the main sponsor of legislation that would allow judges to 
temporarily take guns away from people determined to be risks to 
themselves or others, known as “red flag” laws.

Reddi
 serves on the Manhattan city council and was an elementary-school 
teacher before taking a leave to campaign for the Senate. Reddi says 
she’ll push for economic policies that benefit working Kansas families. 
She’s a sexual abuse survivor who <a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article234491367.html">went public with her account</a>
 because she says she’s met many women with similar experiences. If 
elected, Reddi would be the first Hindu person to serve in the U.S. 
Senate.

Other Democrats who have filed paperwork to run:

Editor's
 note: This story will be updated as new people enter or drop out of the
 race. The most recent update was March 30, 2020.

Stephen
 Koranda is Statehouse reporter for Kansas Public Radio and the Kansas 
News Service, a collaboration of KCUR, Kansas Public Radio, KMUW and 
High Plains Public Radio covering health, education and politics.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585591402538.jpeg" alt=" U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts is not looking for another term in Washington. Plenty of people are lining up in hopes they'll take over. Nomin Ujiyediin / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts is not looking for another term in Washington. Plenty of people are lining up in hopes they'll take over. Nomin Ujiyediin / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By STEPHEN KORANDA, <a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/12-and-counting-your-guide-candidates-competing-kansas-us-sen-pat-roberts-job#stream/0">Kansas News Service</a>Republican U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts says he<a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/half-century-down-just-two-years-capitol-hill-go-kansas-sen-roberts" target="_blank"> will not run for re-election</a>
 in 2020, opening the door to a parade of candidates announcing a run or
 considering jumping into the race to replace him. Multiple Republicans 
are eyeing the seat, and it could be the first time Democrats have a 
competitive U.S. Senate primary since the 1990s.Here’s the rundown of who’s seeking the seat in Washington:&nbsp;<h2>REPUBLICANS</h2>Bob HamiltonResidence:&nbsp;Johnson CountyHamilton's
 face is on billboards all around the Kansas City metro, advertising his
 plumbing and heating, ventilation and air conditioning business. 
Hamilton is retired, and planning to run as a conservative outsider. He 
indicated that if he gets to Washington, he wants to work on economic 
opportunities for families and businesses and stands behind President 
Donald Trump.Kris Kobach&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Residence: Near LecomptonNationally,
 Kobach is known as a hardliner against illegal immigration. But in 
Kansas, he’s coming off a 2018 loss for the governor’s office. When he 
was secretary of state from 2011 to 2019, he pushed for strict voter 
registration changes, arguing they would help prevent voter fraud. 
Critics said the rules made it too difficult for eligible voters to 
register and the requirements were blocked by a federal court. Kobach is
 a long-time ally of President Donald Trump, and he says he’ll<a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/kansas-conservative-kris-kobach-back-and-running-us-senate" target="_blank"> push Trump’s policies</a>
 and fight what he calls the establishment in Washington. He’s currently
 working with a private organization attempting to build a wall along 
the U.S. border with Mexico.Dave Lindstrom&nbsp;&nbsp;Residence: Overland Park&nbsp;Lindstrom
 is a former Kansas City Chief turned businessman who’s chairman of the 
board for the Kansas Turnpike Authority. After his NFL career, Lindstrom
 owned four Burger King restaurants in the Kansas City area and worked 
in real estate. Like other Republicans in the race, Lindstrom is<a href="https://www.ksnt.com/news/local-news/former-chiefs-player-dave-lindstrom-running-for-us-senate/" target="_blank"> voicing his support</a> for Trump and says he’ll bring free-market ideas and a conservative perspective to the Senate.Roger MarshallResidence: Great BendRoger
 Marshall was reelected last year to represent Kansas 1st District in 
Congress, a seat he first won in 2016. In Congress, Marshall has been a 
reliable supporter of President Trump and his agenda. He worked as an 
obstetrician and gynecologist before joining Congress. Marshall says if 
elected he will continue to push for a border wall with Mexico and will 
confirm strict constitutionalists to the United States Supreme Court. He
 says what differentiates him from other conservatives in the race is a 
concern for the national debt, which he argues can be addressed by 
strengthening the economy, lowering health care costs and having fewer 
Americans on welfare.Brian MatlockResidence: Kansas CityAs
 a self-described “Republican Socialist,” Matlock's policy positions 
differ significantly from the other Republican candidates. He supports <a href="https://www.leavenworthtimes.com/news/20200108/senate-candidate-runs-as-republican-socialist" target="_blank">expanding Medicare</a>
 to provide health care for all Americans, providing free public housing
 for people in need and pursuing a Green New Deal to reduce the use of 
fossil fuels.Steve RobertsResidence: Overland ParkServing on the <a href="https://www.ksde.org/Board" target="_blank">Kansas State Board of Education</a>
 since 2013, Roberts represents parts of Johnson and Wyandotte counties.
 Roberts will focus on education the race. He says unions do not have a 
place in public schools and education needs a significant overhaul. He 
has taught math in public and private schools and worked as an engineer.
 (Due to the race, he won’t be able to seek another term on the Board of
 Education.)Susan WagleResidence: WichitaWagle
 is the first woman to become president of the Kansas Senate 
(2013-current). A conservative who has been a vocal critic of Democratic
 Gov. Laura Kelly, Wagle and Kelly have clashed on issues like Medicaid 
expansion and tax policy. <a href="http://kansaspublicradio.org/kpr-news/kansas-senate-president-susan-wagle-announces-run-us-senate" target="_blank">Wagle touts</a>
 her years of work in support of abortion restrictions approved by 
Kansas lawmakers. She’ll continue serving as Senate president while 
campaigning for the U.S. Senate. Wagle is a cancer survivor, and counts 
health care issues among her top priorities, saying government health 
care isn’t the answer to challenges in the industry.Filed paperwork to run:<ol>
 <li>Gabriel Mark Robles, from Topeka</li>
 </ol><h2>DEMOCRATS</h2>Barbara BollierResidence: Mission HillsBollier
 began her political career by winning a seat in the Kansas House of 
Representatives in 2010 as a moderate Republican. In 2016, Johnson 
County voters elected her to the Kansas Senate. In summer 2018, Senate 
Republican leaders removed her from her leadership position on the 
Senate health committee for endorsing Democrat Sharice Davids over 3rd 
District Republican Rep. Kevin Yoder. Months later, Bollier <a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/kansas-senator-continues-pay-price-break-gop-leadership">left the Republican Party</a>.
 Bollier is an outspoken supporter of Medicaid expansion, and for three 
years was the main sponsor of legislation that would allow judges to 
temporarily take guns away from people determined to be risks to 
themselves or others, known as “red flag” laws.Usha ReddiResidence: ManhattanReddi
 serves on the Manhattan city council and was an elementary-school 
teacher before taking a leave to campaign for the Senate. Reddi says 
she’ll push for economic policies that benefit working Kansas families. 
She’s a sexual abuse survivor who <a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article234491367.html">went public with her account</a>
 because she says she’s met many women with similar experiences. If 
elected, Reddi would be the first Hindu person to serve in the U.S. 
Senate.Other Democrats who have filed paperwork to run:<ol>
 <li><a href="https://www.fec.gov/data/candidate/S0KS00216/?tab=filings" target="_blank">Adam Smith</a>, from Mission</li><li><a href="https://www.fec.gov/data/candidate/S0KS00265/?tab=filings" target="_blank">Robert Leon Tillman</a>, from Wichita</li>
 </ol>Editor's
 note: This story will be updated as new people enter or drop out of the
 race. The most recent update was March 30, 2020.Stephen
 Koranda is Statehouse reporter for Kansas Public Radio and the Kansas 
News Service, a collaboration of KCUR, Kansas Public Radio, KMUW and 
High Plains Public Radio covering health, education and politics.

Guide to candidates competing for Pat Roberts' Senate job 

SEDGWICK COUNTY&nbsp; — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a homicide in Sedgwick County after a man in his 20s was found in a ditch.

The victim identified as 26-year-old Zackary Tilson was found in the 5500 Block of west 85th Street North near Valley Center on Friday morning, according to Lt. Tim Myers.

Authorities received a call about a vehicle parked in the road. Deputies found an unoccupied red Dodge pickup and the victim unresponsive in a nearby ditch. The Sedgwick County Fire Department pronounced the man dead at the scene.&nbsp; This is not a random incident, according to Myers.

SEDGWICK COUNTY&nbsp; — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a homicide in Sedgwick County after a man in his 20s was found in a ditch.The victim identified as 26-year-old Zackary Tilson was found in the 5500 Block of west 85th Street North near Valley Center on Friday morning, according to Lt. Tim Myers.Authorities received a call about a vehicle parked in the road. Deputies found an unoccupied red Dodge pickup and the victim unresponsive in a nearby ditch. The Sedgwick County Fire Department pronounced the man dead at the scene.&nbsp; This is not a random incident, according to Myers.

Sheriff IDs man in his 20s found dead in Kansas ditch

By JIM MCLEAN, <a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/kansas-sees-1000-surge-jobless-claims-covid-19-derails-economy#stream/0">Kansas News Service</a>

TOPEKA — Suddenly tossed from their jobs by the coronavirus 
shutdown, people from across the state continue to deluge the Kansas 
Department of Labor with a record flood of unemployment claims.

All
 that instant joblessness is greeted by one small bit of good news: 
Kansas appears to have squirreled enough money away to cover the surge 
in unemployment claims for nearly a year.

At the height of the 2008 recession, benefits peaked at $83 million a month, said Labor Secretary Delia Garcia.

With
 $985 million in its Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund, Garcia said, the
 agency could sustain payouts at that level for several months.

“That would get us through to about February 2021,” Garcia said.

The state might end up needing every bit of that to handle an unprecedented spike in claims.

In one week — from March 14 to March 21 — initial claims <a href="https://klic.dol.ks.gov/admin/gsipub/htmlarea/uploads/UI%20Weekly%20Review.pdf" target="_blank">ballooned from 1,820 to 23,925,</a> an increase of more than 1,000%.

After years of dealing with a worker shortage — a byproduct of an 
unemployment rate that had hovered for years just above 3 percent — the 
labor department wasn’t prepared to handle such a massive increase.

“We are in uncharted waters,” Garcia said.

The
 department got 211,520 calls on a single day last week. Most of them 
were from people who hung up and called back repeatedly rather than wait
 for hours on hold.

In a matter of days, Garcia doubled the number of workers fielding calls. But she’s urging people&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dol.ks.gov/" target="_blank">to file online.</a>

Once
 a claim is in the system it typically takes a week to 10 days to 
process and pay, said Brett Flachsbarth, the labor department’s deputy 
secretary.

The process of verifying eligibility is simpler for 
most of those now filing claims, he said, “because we aren’t having to 
do a lot of fact finding to determine why they lost their jobs.”

Under
 an executive order issued by Gov. Laura Kelly, Kansans who lost jobs or
 are working reduced hours because of the coronavirus can receive 
benefits for 26 weeks. Under normal circumstances, the limit is 16 
weeks.

Many of those filing claims worked in restaurants and bars
 now closed to keep people from congregating in large groups and 
spreading the virus.

The Free State Brewing Co., a popular eatery
 on Lawrence’s usually bustling Massachusetts Street, continues to serve
 take-out customers. But its dining rooms are closed. That has forced 
owner Chuck Magrel to lay off many of his employees.

“We have no idea what the duration of this is going to be,” Magerl said. He filed unemployment claims for his workers.

“Unemployment insurance is a safety net,” he said, “but it doesn’t come close to what their wages were just a week ago.”

Weekly unemployment benefits in Kansas range from a minimum of $122 to a maximum of $488. The average benefit is $330 a week.

The federal relief bill that Congress passed last week could add another $600 to whatever Kansans are receiving.

“We’re still reviewing the bill and the guidance, but it appears that is the intent,” Flachsbarth said.

In 2008, he said, Congress increased benefits by $25 a week.

“This seems to be that but on steroids,” he said.

In
 addition, he said, the federal legislation expands eligibility to 
people who normally can’t qualify for benefits, including independent 
contractors and those “working in the gig economy.”

Tish Cobb 
hopes that means she is eligible. She is the sole proprietor of hair 
salon in Lawrence that was recently closed for at least 30 days by the 
Lawrence Douglas County Health Department.

Cobb can afford to 
keep her shop closed for a month, but said “if it goes longer than that 
it’s going to be really, really difficult.”

Cobb filed for 
unemployment benefits using a special portal created for people out of 
work because of the coronavirus. She said the money won’t be enough to 
cover her loses but it will help.

“So,” she said, “fingers crossed.”

Cobb’s
 husband is another example of the seismic waves that the COVID-19 
outbreak is sending through the Kansas economy. He sells sports 
equipment to high schools and colleges, most of which have either closed
 or canceled their spring athletics. That drop in business has forced 
him to take a 20% pay cut.

The situation could be worse, Tish Cobb said, “but we’re definitely going to have to watch our pennies.”

Jim
 McLean is the senior correspondent for the Kansas News Service is a 
collaboration of KCUR, Kansas Public Radio, KMUW and High Plains Public 
Radio focused on health, the social determinants of health and their 
connection to public policy. You can reach him on Twitter&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/jmcleanks" target="_blank">@jmcleanks</a>&nbsp;or email jim@kcur.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585592676389.jpeg" alt=" Empty parking places in front of the Free State Brewing Co. in Lawrence that would normally be full. The restaruant continues to serve take-out customers, but its dining rooms are closed. Jim McLean / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> Empty parking places in front of the Free State Brewing Co. in Lawrence that would normally be full. The restaruant continues to serve take-out customers, but its dining rooms are closed. Jim McLean / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By JIM MCLEAN, <a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/kansas-sees-1000-surge-jobless-claims-covid-19-derails-economy#stream/0">Kansas News Service</a>TOPEKA — Suddenly tossed from their jobs by the coronavirus 
shutdown, people from across the state continue to deluge the Kansas 
Department of Labor with a record flood of unemployment claims.All
 that instant joblessness is greeted by one small bit of good news: 
Kansas appears to have squirreled enough money away to cover the surge 
in unemployment claims for nearly a year.At the height of the 2008 recession, benefits peaked at $83 million a month, said Labor Secretary Delia Garcia.With
 $985 million in its Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund, Garcia said, the
 agency could sustain payouts at that level for several months.“That would get us through to about February 2021,” Garcia said.The state might end up needing every bit of that to handle an unprecedented spike in claims.In one week — from March 14 to March 21 — initial claims <a href="https://klic.dol.ks.gov/admin/gsipub/htmlarea/uploads/UI%20Weekly%20Review.pdf" target="_blank">ballooned from 1,820 to 23,925,</a> an increase of more than 1,000%.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585592741147.png" alt=" This graphic compiled from Kansas Department of Labor data shows how quickly unemployment claims spiked after businesses closed because of the coronavirus. Source: Kansas Department of Labor Credit Crysta Henthorne / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> This graphic compiled from Kansas Department of Labor data shows how quickly unemployment claims spiked after businesses closed because of the coronavirus. Source: Kansas Department of Labor Credit Crysta Henthorne / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>After years of dealing with a worker shortage — a byproduct of an 
unemployment rate that had hovered for years just above 3 percent — the 
labor department wasn’t prepared to handle such a massive increase.“We are in uncharted waters,” Garcia said.The
 department got 211,520 calls on a single day last week. Most of them 
were from people who hung up and called back repeatedly rather than wait
 for hours on hold.In a matter of days, Garcia doubled the number of workers fielding calls. But she’s urging people&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dol.ks.gov/" target="_blank">to file online.</a>Once
 a claim is in the system it typically takes a week to 10 days to 
process and pay, said Brett Flachsbarth, the labor department’s deputy 
secretary.The process of verifying eligibility is simpler for 
most of those now filing claims, he said, “because we aren’t having to 
do a lot of fact finding to determine why they lost their jobs.”Under
 an executive order issued by Gov. Laura Kelly, Kansans who lost jobs or
 are working reduced hours because of the coronavirus can receive 
benefits for 26 weeks. Under normal circumstances, the limit is 16 
weeks.Many of those filing claims worked in restaurants and bars
 now closed to keep people from congregating in large groups and 
spreading the virus.The Free State Brewing Co., a popular eatery
 on Lawrence’s usually bustling Massachusetts Street, continues to serve
 take-out customers. But its dining rooms are closed. That has forced 
owner Chuck Magrel to lay off many of his employees.“We have no idea what the duration of this is going to be,” Magerl said. He filed unemployment claims for his workers.“Unemployment insurance is a safety net,” he said, “but it doesn’t come close to what their wages were just a week ago.”Weekly unemployment benefits in Kansas range from a minimum of $122 to a maximum of $488. The average benefit is $330 a week.The federal relief bill that Congress passed last week could add another $600 to whatever Kansans are receiving.“We’re still reviewing the bill and the guidance, but it appears that is the intent,” Flachsbarth said.In 2008, he said, Congress increased benefits by $25 a week.“This seems to be that but on steroids,” he said.In
 addition, he said, the federal legislation expands eligibility to 
people who normally can’t qualify for benefits, including independent 
contractors and those “working in the gig economy.”Tish Cobb 
hopes that means she is eligible. She is the sole proprietor of hair 
salon in Lawrence that was recently closed for at least 30 days by the 
Lawrence Douglas County Health Department.Cobb can afford to 
keep her shop closed for a month, but said “if it goes longer than that 
it’s going to be really, really difficult.”Cobb filed for 
unemployment benefits using a special portal created for people out of 
work because of the coronavirus. She said the money won’t be enough to 
cover her loses but it will help.“So,” she said, “fingers crossed.”Cobb’s
 husband is another example of the seismic waves that the COVID-19 
outbreak is sending through the Kansas economy. He sells sports 
equipment to high schools and colleges, most of which have either closed
 or canceled their spring athletics. That drop in business has forced 
him to take a 20% pay cut.The situation could be worse, Tish Cobb said, “but we’re definitely going to have to watch our pennies.”Jim
 McLean is the senior correspondent for the Kansas News Service is a 
collaboration of KCUR, Kansas Public Radio, KMUW and High Plains Public 
Radio focused on health, the social determinants of health and their 
connection to public policy. You can reach him on Twitter&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/jmcleanks" target="_blank">@jmcleanks</a>&nbsp;or email jim@kcur.org.

'Uncharted waters': Kansas sees 1,000% surge in jobless claims

The Kansas Department of Health released the latest coronavirus numbers Monday afternoon and does not include the most recent death reported of a Sedgwick County man over the age of 60 with underlying health conditions. A woman in her 40s in Crawford County is also a recent victim of the virus.

The deaths are the first in the southern part of the state. Most of the others were in the Kansas City area.

Monday's KDHE report also does not include the positive test on a patient in Barton County that health officials confirmed late Monday morning.

The Kansas Department of Health released the latest coronavirus numbers Monday afternoon and does not include the most recent death reported of a Sedgwick County man over the age of 60 with underlying health conditions. A woman in her 40s in Crawford County is also a recent victim of the virus.The deaths are the first in the southern part of the state. Most of the others were in the Kansas City area.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FKDHEnews%2Fvideos%2F591358111723593%2F&show_text=0&width=560" width="560" height="420" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Monday's KDHE report also does not include the positive test on a patient in Barton County that health officials confirmed late Monday morning.<figure>
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 🎥 Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas; 9th death reported

HUTCHINSON -- The Kansas State Fair has released a statement concerning the death of Joe Diffie.

The 61-year-old country star&nbsp;on Friday announced that he had contracted the coronavirus, becoming the first country star to go public with such a diagnosis. Diffie's publicist Scott Adkins said the singer died Sunday due to complications from the virus.

Following is the statement from the Kansas State Fair.

It’s with heavy hearts that we announce Joe Diffie, one of our 2020 Nex-Tech Wireless Grandstand acts, has passed away due to complication of COVID-19. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this time and others who have been affected by this virus.

We are currently working on different programming options for the Sept. 15 concert with Logan Mize. In respect to all Joe’s fans, we will provide details soon on your ticket options.

HUTCHINSON -- The Kansas State Fair has released a statement concerning the death of Joe Diffie.The 61-year-old country star&nbsp;on Friday announced that he had contracted the coronavirus, becoming the first country star to go public with such a diagnosis. Diffie's publicist Scott Adkins said the singer died Sunday due to complications from the virus.Following is the statement from the Kansas State Fair.It’s with heavy hearts that we announce Joe Diffie, one of our 2020 Nex-Tech Wireless Grandstand acts, has passed away due to complication of COVID-19. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this time and others who have been affected by this virus.We are currently working on different programming options for the Sept. 15 concert with Logan Mize. In respect to all Joe’s fans, we will provide details soon on your ticket options.

Kansas State Fair issues statement on death of Joe Diffie

The Barton County Health Department reports the first positive case of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Barton County. Testing was confirmed just after 11a.m. on Monday, according to a media release from the department.

The case involves a female patient over the age of age 60 with a travel history. The patient has been in quarantine for a week, is in isolation at home and expects a full recovery.

The Barton County Health Department is doing patient contact investigation to learn who the patient may have had contact with while symptomatic. Any individuals who are at of risk exposure will be contacted as soon as possible. The Health Department will monitor all contacts for fever and respiratory symptoms. No further information about the patient will be released.

"Please practice good hygiene by coughing into your sleeve, frequently washing your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or more, disinfect high touch areas continually and practice social distancing by maintaining a 6-foot perimeter.

We will continue to provide further information as it becomes available."

The Barton County Health Department reports the first positive case of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Barton County. Testing was confirmed just after 11a.m. on Monday, according to a media release from the department.The case involves a female patient over the age of age 60 with a travel history. The patient has been in quarantine for a week, is in isolation at home and expects a full recovery.The Barton County Health Department is doing patient contact investigation to learn who the patient may have had contact with while symptomatic. Any individuals who are at of risk exposure will be contacted as soon as possible. The Health Department will monitor all contacts for fever and respiratory symptoms. No further information about the patient will be released."Please practice good hygiene by coughing into your sleeve, frequently washing your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or more, disinfect high touch areas continually and practice social distancing by maintaining a 6-foot perimeter.We will continue to provide further information as it becomes available."

Woman in her 60s is first coronavirus patient in Barton County

Justin Rose.&nbsp;Photo Saline County

SALINE COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities are investigating a wanted suspect after a chase on a bicycle.&nbsp;

Just before 10a.m. March 27, an officer driving in the 100 block of East Jewell Avenue in Salina spotted three people riding BMX style bicycles. The officer recognized one of the three as Justin Rose, 42, of Salina, who the officer knew had an active warrant from Saline County District Court, according to Salina police Captain Paul Forrester.

The officer attempted to stop Rose, but Rose fled on the bicycle to the 300 block of West Jewell Avenue, where Rose rode up into a driveway, ditched the bicycle, and fled on foot.

Rose ran through the backyard of the residence and onto West Ellsworth Avenue, at which point the officer lost sight of him.&nbsp; A witness, however, pointed out where Rose was hiding behind some bushes at a residence in the 300 block of West Ellsworth Avenue.

Another short chase ensued before Rose fell down in the backyard of the residence and was apprehended and the arresting officer found Rose in possession of a meth pipe, according to Forrester.&nbsp;

Rose was arrested on a felony probation violation warrant from Saline County District Court, a warrant from the California Department of Corrections for a felony no bail parole violation, and a Salina Municipal Court warrant for misdemeanor theft. 

Rose was arrested on requested charges of Felony interference, Possession of a stimulant Possession of drug paraphernalia, Criminal trespass, Duty to stop at a stop sign, Fugitive from justice.&nbsp; He has previous convictions for theft, drugs and liquor consumption by a minor from 1998, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585400854892.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>Justin Rose.&nbsp;Photo Saline CountySALINE COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities are investigating a wanted suspect after a chase on a bicycle.&nbsp;Just before 10a.m. March 27, an officer driving in the 100 block of East Jewell Avenue in Salina spotted three people riding BMX style bicycles. The officer recognized one of the three as Justin Rose, 42, of Salina, who the officer knew had an active warrant from Saline County District Court, according to Salina police Captain Paul Forrester.The officer attempted to stop Rose, but Rose fled on the bicycle to the 300 block of West Jewell Avenue, where Rose rode up into a driveway, ditched the bicycle, and fled on foot.Rose ran through the backyard of the residence and onto West Ellsworth Avenue, at which point the officer lost sight of him.&nbsp; A witness, however, pointed out where Rose was hiding behind some bushes at a residence in the 300 block of West Ellsworth Avenue.Another short chase ensued before Rose fell down in the backyard of the residence and was apprehended and the arresting officer found Rose in possession of a meth pipe, according to Forrester.&nbsp;Rose was arrested on a felony probation violation warrant from Saline County District Court, a warrant from the California Department of Corrections for a felony no bail parole violation, and a Salina Municipal Court warrant for misdemeanor theft. Rose was arrested on requested charges of Felony interference, Possession of a stimulant Possession of drug paraphernalia, Criminal trespass, Duty to stop at a stop sign, Fugitive from justice.&nbsp; He has previous convictions for theft, drugs and liquor consumption by a minor from 1998, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.&nbsp;

Wanted Kansas felon captured after chase on bicycle

TONGANOXIE, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas school district is suspending its grab-and-go sack lunch program for a week after a worker with the district’s drive-thu program tested positive for the coronavirus. 

The Tonganoxie school district said in a statement that it is placing staff members who came in contact with the fellow worker in a 14-day quarantine. 

The district said it also is following all infection control protocols, including thoroughly sanitizing the meal preparation area before and after meal preparations. District officials say that the person did not come in direct contact with students or families and was only involved with meal preparations.

TONGANOXIE, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas school district is suspending its grab-and-go sack lunch program for a week after a worker with the district’s drive-thu program tested positive for the coronavirus. The Tonganoxie school district said in a statement that it is placing staff members who came in contact with the fellow worker in a 14-day quarantine. The district said it also is following all infection control protocols, including thoroughly sanitizing the meal preparation area before and after meal preparations. District officials say that the person did not come in direct contact with students or families and was only involved with meal preparations.

Kan. school food prep worker tests positive for the coronavirus

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump approved a request Sunday for a federal disaster declaration for the state of Kansas.

The president ordered federal assistance to supplement state, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic beginning on January 20, 2020 and continuing, according to a media release from the White House.

<a href="https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4504">Click here </a>to read more on the declaration.

Federal funding is available to State, tribal, and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations for emergency protective measures, including direct Federal assistance, for all areas in the State of Kansas impacted by COVID-19.

Pete Gaynor, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA, Department of Homeland Security, named Paul Taylor as the Federal Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations in the affected areas.

Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the State and warranted by the results of further assessments.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585525191374.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump approved a request Sunday for a federal disaster declaration for the state of Kansas.The president ordered federal assistance to supplement state, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic beginning on January 20, 2020 and continuing, according to a media release from the White House.<a href="https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4504">Click here </a>to read more on the declaration.Federal funding is available to State, tribal, and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations for emergency protective measures, including direct Federal assistance, for all areas in the State of Kansas impacted by COVID-19.Pete Gaynor, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA, Department of Homeland Security, named Paul Taylor as the Federal Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations in the affected areas.Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the State and warranted by the results of further assessments.

Coronavirus battle: President approves Kansas disaster declaration 

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) —All 2.9 million Kansas residents were under a stay-at-home order Monday imposed by Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly as the numbers of confirmed coronavirus cases and COVID-19-related deaths continue to grow.

It helped Kelly's case with the Republican-controlled Legislature that the exceptions in her order for “essential” outside-the-home activities include religious worship and buying, selling and manufacturing guns and ammunition. Other exceptions allow people to buy food and get medical care.

The Legislature's top seven leaders, five of them Republicans, have the power to revoke her orders but no one spoke against her stay-at-home directive during a meeting of top lawmakers Sunday. That allowed the order to take effect early Monday. It is to remain in force until at least April 19.

“You always want to balance your safety with rights," said House Speaker Ron Ryckman Jr., a Republican from Olathe in Johnson County, which has more than 100 confirmed cases. “We're continually trying to thread a needle.”

State health officials said Sunday that Kansas has 319 cases in 35 of the state's 105 counties, with the number growing from Saturday by 58, or 22%. State and local officials have reported seven COVID-19-related deaths, with the latest a man in his 90s.

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, including pneumonia, and death.

Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli, the state's emergency management director, told the legislative leaders that the stay-at-home order is “the best thing we can do."

Lawmakers gave their leaders the power to overturn Kelly's coronavirus orders in a resolution extending a state of emergency Kelly declared on March 12 until at least May 1 instead of allowing it to expire Thursday.

Senate President Susan Wagle, a Wichita Republican and U.S. Senate candidate who frequently criticizes Kelly, said Saturday that she was worried about a “one size fits all” approach in dealing with the coronavirus' spread.

But after Sunday's meeting, she said in a statement, “We are in this fight together.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585442211571.jpeg" alt="Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly explains her decision to mandate a statewide stay-at-home order on Saturday. The map shows the counties that had confirmed coronavirus cases as of March 28 at 11a.m. photo&nbsp; Jim McLean / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly explains her decision to mandate a statewide stay-at-home order on Saturday. The map shows the counties that had confirmed coronavirus cases as of March 28 at 11a.m. photo&nbsp; Jim McLean / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>BY JOHN HANNA&nbsp;TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) —All 2.9 million Kansas residents were under a stay-at-home order Monday imposed by Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly as the numbers of confirmed coronavirus cases and COVID-19-related deaths continue to grow.It helped Kelly's case with the Republican-controlled Legislature that the exceptions in her order for “essential” outside-the-home activities include religious worship and buying, selling and manufacturing guns and ammunition. Other exceptions allow people to buy food and get medical care.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585567462894.png" alt="Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli, the state's emergency management director met with Kansas legislative leaders Sunday&nbsp; who were considering Governor Kelly's stay-at-home order -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli, the state's emergency management director met with Kansas legislative leaders Sunday&nbsp; who were considering Governor Kelly's stay-at-home order -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>The Legislature's top seven leaders, five of them Republicans, have the power to revoke her orders but no one spoke against her stay-at-home directive during a meeting of top lawmakers Sunday. That allowed the order to take effect early Monday. It is to remain in force until at least April 19.“You always want to balance your safety with rights," said House Speaker Ron Ryckman Jr., a Republican from Olathe in Johnson County, which has more than 100 confirmed cases. “We're continually trying to thread a needle.”State health officials said Sunday that Kansas has 319 cases in 35 of the state's 105 counties, with the number growing from Saturday by 58, or 22%. State and local officials have reported seven COVID-19-related deaths, with the latest a man in his 90s.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, including pneumonia, and death.Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli, the state's emergency management director, told the legislative leaders that the stay-at-home order is “the best thing we can do."Lawmakers gave their leaders the power to overturn Kelly's coronavirus orders in a resolution extending a state of emergency Kelly declared on March 12 until at least May 1 instead of allowing it to expire Thursday.Senate President Susan Wagle, a Wichita Republican and U.S. Senate candidate who frequently criticizes Kelly, said Saturday that she was worried about a “one size fits all” approach in dealing with the coronavirus' spread.But after Sunday's meeting, she said in a statement, “We are in this fight together.”Kelly's relationship with top Republicans has often been strained since she took office in January 2019. Democrats have said her GOP predecessors didn't face the same pushback when confronting disasters.“I'm glad they didn't do anything crazy, but I was certainly concerned about it,” said House Minority Leader Tom Sawyer, a Wichita Democrat.Ryckman said requiring a review of Kelly's orders wasn't about partisan politics but keeping in place the normal checks and balances in state government.