WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court ruled Monday that states can prevent criminal defendants from pleading insanity without violating their constitutional rights. The decision could prompt states across the country to toughen standards for defendants who wish to plead not guilty by reason of insanity.

The justices’ 6-3 decision came in a case from Kansas, where&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e374cc5f173b4cb3ae468037b505c46a">James Kraig Kahler</a>&nbsp;was sentenced to death for killing his estranged wife, two teenage daughters and his wife’s grandmother.

Kahler wanted to mount an insanity defense, but Kansas is one of four states that eliminated a defendant’s ability to plead not guilty by reason of insanity. Idaho, Montana and Utah are the others. Alaska also limits the insanity defense.

Justice Elena Kagan wrote for the court that “Kansas takes account of mental health at both trial and sentencing. It has just not adopted the particular insanity defense Kahler would like. That choice is for Kansas to make — and, if it wishes, to remake and remake again as the future unfolds,” Kagan wrote in upholding a ruling from the Kansas Supreme Court.

Kagan’s three liberal colleagues dissented. Kansas “has eliminated the core of a defense that has existed for centuries: that the defendant, due to mental illness, lacked the mental capacity necessary for his conduct to be considered morally blameworthy,” Justice Stephen Breyer wrote for himself and Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sonia Sotomayor.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584979666835.png" alt="James Kraig Kahler&nbsp;was sentenced to death for killing his estranged wife, two teenage daughters and his wife's grandmother. -photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>James Kraig Kahler&nbsp;was sentenced to death for killing his estranged wife, two teenage daughters and his wife's grandmother. -photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court ruled Monday that states can prevent criminal defendants from pleading insanity without violating their constitutional rights. The decision could prompt states across the country to toughen standards for defendants who wish to plead not guilty by reason of insanity.The justices’ 6-3 decision came in a case from Kansas, where&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e374cc5f173b4cb3ae468037b505c46a">James Kraig Kahler</a>&nbsp;was sentenced to death for killing his estranged wife, two teenage daughters and his wife’s grandmother.Kahler wanted to mount an insanity defense, but Kansas is one of four states that eliminated a defendant’s ability to plead not guilty by reason of insanity. Idaho, Montana and Utah are the others. Alaska also limits the insanity defense.Justice Elena Kagan wrote for the court that “Kansas takes account of mental health at both trial and sentencing. It has just not adopted the particular insanity defense Kahler would like. That choice is for Kansas to make — and, if it wishes, to remake and remake again as the future unfolds,” Kagan wrote in upholding a ruling from the Kansas Supreme Court.Kagan’s three liberal colleagues dissented. Kansas “has eliminated the core of a defense that has existed for centuries: that the defendant, due to mental illness, lacked the mental capacity necessary for his conduct to be considered morally blameworthy,” Justice Stephen Breyer wrote for himself and Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sonia Sotomayor.

In case from Kansas, Supreme court rules states can bar insanity defense 

TOPEKA (AP) —Shelter-in-place orders are about to take effect for about a third of Kansas' population to slow the spread of coronavirus, and Gov. Laura Kelly announced Monday that she will tighten restrictions on public gatherings.

Five counties with about 1 million of the state's 2.9 million residents were telling residents to stay home starting Tuesday, except for essential business, such as buying food or seeking medical care. They include Johnson County, which is the state's most populous county, three other neighboring counties in or touching the Kansas City area, and Douglas County, which is home to the main University of Kansas campus.

Kelly also said she would issue an executive order Tuesday to ban public gatherings of more than 10 people. Kelly last week banned gatherings of more than 50 people, but President Donald Trump's administration recommended the tougher restriction.

Kelly said she is not yet issuing a statewide shelter-in-place order as governors have done in some other states, including California, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan and New York, because 89 of Kansas' 105 counties had yet to see a confirmed coronavirus case as of Monday morning. But she warned that such an order could become “unavoidable in the coming days.”

“Confirmed, positive cases are expected to tick upward at a rapid pace over the next 10 days,” Kelly said during a Statehouse news conference. “The crisis continues to evolve by the hour.”

Kansas has confirmed more than 80 cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. That's an increase of at least 18 since Sunday. It has had two COVID-19-related deaths, one in Johnson County and the other in neighboring Wyandotte County in the Kansas City area.

For most people, the coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. But for some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness.

Dr. Lee Norman, the state's health secretary, said he expects Kansas to have between 300 and 400 confirmed cases by the end of March.

Norman said Friday that the state was close to running out of testing kits, which would force it to rely on private labs for testing. But he said the state obtained enough kits Saturday to test 700 patients, which should last into next week.

Besides Johnson County and Douglas County, which is home to the college town of Lawrence, shelter-in-place orders also take effect Tuesday in Wyandotte and Leavenworth counties in the Kansas City area, and Miami County to the south, where many residents work in Johnson County. All five orders will remain in effect until April 23.

Among those with the virus is someone who works at the Leavenworth VA Medical Center, officials said Monday. The VA Eastern Kansas Health Care System called the risk of transmission to other patients and staff low.

A sixth county, Doniphan County in the state's northeast corner, also was imposing a stay-at-home order starting Thursday and lasting through April 6.

Monday afternoon, Sedgwick County commissioners approved a stay-at-home order for Wichita, the state's largest city. The county's health director was expected to sign the order to begin Wednesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584989100031.png" alt="Governor Laura Kelly&nbsp; issue dan executive order Tuesday to ban public gatherings of more than 10 people. " />
 <figcaption>Governor Laura Kelly&nbsp; issue dan executive order Tuesday to ban public gatherings of more than 10 people. </figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA (AP) —Shelter-in-place orders are about to take effect for about a third of Kansas' population to slow the spread of coronavirus, and Gov. Laura Kelly announced Monday that she will tighten restrictions on public gatherings.Five counties with about 1 million of the state's 2.9 million residents were telling residents to stay home starting Tuesday, except for essential business, such as buying food or seeking medical care. They include Johnson County, which is the state's most populous county, three other neighboring counties in or touching the Kansas City area, and Douglas County, which is home to the main University of Kansas campus.Kelly also said she would issue an executive order Tuesday to ban public gatherings of more than 10 people. Kelly last week banned gatherings of more than 50 people, but President Donald Trump's administration recommended the tougher restriction.Kelly said she is not yet issuing a statewide shelter-in-place order as governors have done in some other states, including California, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan and New York, because 89 of Kansas' 105 counties had yet to see a confirmed coronavirus case as of Monday morning. But she warned that such an order could become “unavoidable in the coming days.”“Confirmed, positive cases are expected to tick upward at a rapid pace over the next 10 days,” Kelly said during a Statehouse news conference. “The crisis continues to evolve by the hour.”Kansas has confirmed more than 80 cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. That's an increase of at least 18 since Sunday. It has had two COVID-19-related deaths, one in Johnson County and the other in neighboring Wyandotte County in the Kansas City area.For most people, the coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. But for some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584989189392.png" alt="KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman during Monday's press conference" />
 <figcaption>KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman during Monday's press conference</figcaption>
 </figure>Dr. Lee Norman, the state's health secretary, said he expects Kansas to have between 300 and 400 confirmed cases by the end of March.Norman said Friday that the state was close to running out of testing kits, which would force it to rely on private labs for testing. But he said the state obtained enough kits Saturday to test 700 patients, which should last into next week.Besides Johnson County and Douglas County, which is home to the college town of Lawrence, shelter-in-place orders also take effect Tuesday in Wyandotte and Leavenworth counties in the Kansas City area, and Miami County to the south, where many residents work in Johnson County. All five orders will remain in effect until April 23.Among those with the virus is someone who works at the Leavenworth VA Medical Center, officials said Monday. The VA Eastern Kansas Health Care System called the risk of transmission to other patients and staff low.A sixth county, Doniphan County in the state's northeast corner, also was imposing a stay-at-home order starting Thursday and lasting through April 6.Monday afternoon, Sedgwick County commissioners approved a stay-at-home order for Wichita, the state's largest city. The county's health director was expected to sign the order to begin Wednesday.

Kansas stricter on gatherings; 1M people told to stay home

SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and have a suspect in custody.

Just after 10:00 a.m. Friday, Shawnee County Communications Center began receiving calls of woman shooting a gun out of a vehicle, according to police.

Several victims reported they were either shot at or their homes were hit by gunfire. Officers were able to determine that the suspect had run inside a residence at 212 SE Kellam in Topeka. 

After approximately 10 minutes of giving commands over a public announcement system, the woman identified as Adrianna Pacheco, 36, Topeka, came out and was taken into custody.

Pacheco remains jailed on requested charges that include Aggravated Assault, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Shooting into an Occupied Dwelling and Discharging a Firearm on a Public Roadway.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584961991122.png" alt="Pacheco-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Pacheco-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and have a suspect in custody.Just after 10:00 a.m. Friday, Shawnee County Communications Center began receiving calls of woman shooting a gun out of a vehicle, according to police.Several victims reported they were either shot at or their homes were hit by gunfire. Officers were able to determine that the suspect had run inside a residence at 212 SE Kellam in Topeka. After approximately 10 minutes of giving commands over a public announcement system, the woman identified as Adrianna Pacheco, 36, Topeka, came out and was taken into custody.Pacheco remains jailed on requested charges that include Aggravated Assault, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Shooting into an Occupied Dwelling and Discharging a Firearm on a Public Roadway.

Police: Kan woman jailed for shooting gun from moving vehicle

Governor Laura Kelly Monday signed executive orders #20-10, #20-11, #20-12, and #20-13, as part of her administration's comprehensive response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The safety and well-being of Kansans is my top priority," Kelly said. "During these trying times we need essential services to continue to function to secure our public safety and health. We also need some leniency when it comes to deadlines. These executive orders are necessary steps to help Kansas families during this crisis."

Kelly signed Executive Order #20-13, extending tax filing deadlines to July 15, 2020, and waiving any interest and penalties for returns and payments made on or before July 15, 2020.&nbsp;In the event the State of Disaster Emergency originally proclaimed on March 12, 2020, is lifted or expires prior to July 15, 2020, the Department of Revenue shall continue to exercise appropriate discretion to make effective the waivers of penalties and interest for payments made up to July 15, 2020. This order is intended to bring Kansas' tax filing procedures in line with federal IRS measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kelly signed Executive Order #20-12, extending deadlines for driver's licenses and vehicle registration renewals and regulations during the COVID-19 pandemic. All driver's license renewals and vehicle registrations extended by this Executive Order must be completed within 60 days of the expiration of Executive Order #20-12. Many Kansans may be unable to renew their driver's license or vehicle registration during this time, but delivery drivers and other critical employees must be able to continue critical operations and drive without fear of licensing or registration issues.

Kelly signed Executive Order #20-11, which prevents all Kansas waste removal providers, trash and recycling, from cancelling or suspending commercial or residential waste or recycling removal services for Kansas residences and businesses as a result of nonpayment due to significant loss of income or increase in expenses resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Ensuring that waste and recycling services continue is essential to maintaining  public health, especially when personal hygiene and staying at home are the primary methods for slowing the spread of COVID-19.

Kelly rescinded Executive Order #20-06 and replaced it with Executive Order #20-10, which temporarily prohibits certain foreclosures and evictions. The EO explicitly requires that a financial hardship indirectly or directly caused by COVID-19 be the reason a homeowner or renter can't make payments. In addition, no landlords can evict a residential tenant when all defaults or violations of the rental agreement are caused by financial hardships due to COVID-19. These measures are especially important because housing disruption inhibits the ability of the state and local communities to effectively respond to COVID-19 and the public health dangers it presents.

Governor Laura Kelly Monday signed executive orders #20-10, #20-11, #20-12, and #20-13, as part of her administration's comprehensive response to the COVID-19 pandemic."The safety and well-being of Kansans is my top priority," Kelly said. "During these trying times we need essential services to continue to function to secure our public safety and health. We also need some leniency when it comes to deadlines. These executive orders are necessary steps to help Kansas families during this crisis."Kelly signed Executive Order #20-13, extending tax filing deadlines to July 15, 2020, and waiving any interest and penalties for returns and payments made on or before July 15, 2020.&nbsp;In the event the State of Disaster Emergency originally proclaimed on March 12, 2020, is lifted or expires prior to July 15, 2020, the Department of Revenue shall continue to exercise appropriate discretion to make effective the waivers of penalties and interest for payments made up to July 15, 2020. This order is intended to bring Kansas' tax filing procedures in line with federal IRS measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.Kelly signed Executive Order #20-12, extending deadlines for driver's licenses and vehicle registration renewals and regulations during the COVID-19 pandemic. All driver's license renewals and vehicle registrations extended by this Executive Order must be completed within 60 days of the expiration of Executive Order #20-12. Many Kansans may be unable to renew their driver's license or vehicle registration during this time, but delivery drivers and other critical employees must be able to continue critical operations and drive without fear of licensing or registration issues.Kelly signed Executive Order #20-11, which prevents all Kansas waste removal providers, trash and recycling, from cancelling or suspending commercial or residential waste or recycling removal services for Kansas residences and businesses as a result of nonpayment due to significant loss of income or increase in expenses resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Ensuring that waste and recycling services continue is essential to maintaining public health, especially when personal hygiene and staying at home are the primary methods for slowing the spread of COVID-19.Kelly rescinded Executive Order #20-06 and replaced it with Executive Order #20-10, which temporarily prohibits certain foreclosures and evictions. The EO explicitly requires that a financial hardship indirectly or directly caused by COVID-19 be the reason a homeowner or renter can't make payments. In addition, no landlords can evict a residential tenant when all defaults or violations of the rental agreement are caused by financial hardships due to COVID-19. These measures are especially important because housing disruption inhibits the ability of the state and local communities to effectively respond to COVID-19 and the public health dangers it presents.

Gov. Kelly signs executive order extending tax filing deadline

Monday morning fatal accident -photo courtesy KHP

OTTAWA COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 10:30a.m. Monday in Ottawa County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Volvo semi driven by John Tibbits, 76, Minneapolis, was westbound on Nugget Road attempting to cross the northbound lanes of U.S. 81.

A northbound 2019 Ford F250 driven by Dalton J. Williams,&nbsp; 20, Hebron, NE., struck the Volvo semi on the driver's side ejecting Tibbits.

A northbound Kenworth semi driven by Bernardo Tamayo, 59, Dallas, TX,&nbsp; attempted to avoid the other two vehicles. The Kenworth crossed the southbound lanes of U. S. 81 and overturned in the west ditch.

Tibbits was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Wilson Funeral Home.&nbsp; EMS transported Williams and&nbsp; Tamayo to Salina Regional Medical Center. Tibbits was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584981116768.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Monday morning fatal accident -photo courtesy KHPOTTAWA COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 10:30a.m. Monday in Ottawa County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Volvo semi driven by John Tibbits, 76, Minneapolis, was westbound on Nugget Road attempting to cross the northbound lanes of U.S. 81.A northbound 2019 Ford F250 driven by Dalton J. Williams,&nbsp; 20, Hebron, NE., struck the Volvo semi on the driver's side ejecting Tibbits.A northbound Kenworth semi driven by Bernardo Tamayo, 59, Dallas, TX,&nbsp; attempted to avoid the other two vehicles. The Kenworth crossed the southbound lanes of U. S. 81 and overturned in the west ditch.Tibbits was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Wilson Funeral Home.&nbsp; EMS transported Williams and&nbsp; Tamayo to Salina Regional Medical Center. Tibbits was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.---------

Kansas man dead, 2 hospitalized after pickup, semi crash

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Some Kansas legislators say they didn’t understand how much power the governor has in emergencies until Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/8e5672095558ab92d7505f2a06f9a9b9">closed K-12 schools&nbsp;</a>for the rest of the semester and&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/20-06-Executed.pdf" target="_blank">ordered a six-week halt to new evictions and mortgage foreclosures</a>&nbsp;amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Kansas is typical in granting its governor broad, temporary powers to deal with an emergency. Other governors have closed schools, directed non-essential businesses to shut down temporarily and banned public gatherings. Kansas law allows the governor to do the same, and conservative Republican lawmakers fear how far Kelly might go. They’re likely to push to rewrite the law on a governor’s emergency powers after the immediate crisis passes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/statute/048_000_0000_chapter/048_009_0000_article/048_009_0025_section/048_009_0025_k/" target="_blank">State law</a>&nbsp;permits the governor to cordon off a city, bar people from entering or leaving and restrict their movements within its limits. She can suspend state regulations, force people to evacuate their homes, commandeer private property and ban the sale of alcohol.

And, under a state of emergency, the governor can exercise powers “necessary to promote and secure the safety and protection of the civilian population.”

“You could shut the whole state down,” said state Sen. Ty Masterson, a conservative Andover Republican.

Kansas has had one COVID-19 related death and dozens of confirmed coronavirus cases. The vast majority of infected people recover, and many develop mild or moderate symptoms, but some develop serious illnesses, particularly older adults and people with underlying health issues.

Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/61c63fc718f716b9194fb3e3304ffccc">declared a state of emergency&nbsp;</a>for Kansas last week over the outbreak. It was set to expire Friday but lawmakers, knowing the pandemic hasn’t crested, extended it to at least May 1 and allowed legislative leaders to keep extending it, 30 days at a time.

Conservatives like Masterson sought to curb Kelly’s power by adding language to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/measures/documents/ccrb_hcr5025_01_0000.pdf" target="_blank">the resolution</a>&nbsp;extending the state of emergency to bar her from seizing property, limiting access to communities or exercising the sweeping power to do what’s necessary to protect the public. Their effort failed, but the resolution requires legislative leaders to review all of her orders and gives them power to revoke many of them within days.

Republicans who backed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e00183e7d2aad19b4044930f1cfd1f4c">limiting the governor’s power</a>&nbsp;argued that they want to prevent abuses. They were taken aback by Kelly’s decision to close school buildings for at least two months, rather than just a few weeks.

“We are in a situation that we have not faced before in this state,” said conservative Republican Sen. Caryn Tyson, of Parker. “Do we run reckless as leaders, or do we take a diligent look at what we are turning — authority — over to our governor?”

Democrats agree that there’s value in reviewing an emergency powers law enacted 45 years ago to see whether it can be updated or improved. Kelly said she has no problem with a re-examining the law but said it should be done thoughtfully “rather than on the fly.”

She also said in a recent interview, “They never bothered to look until it was me.”

Democratic lawmakers said conservatives gave Republican Govs. Sam Brownback and Jeff Colyer a pass in past emergencies and Kelly is doing what’s necessary to check the coronavirus epidemic.

“They need on quit being childish and get focused on getting the things in place to help our citizens NOW,” said Sen. Tom Holland, a Baldwin City Democrat. “It starts with our schools, our public places, our big social events — concerts, gatherings, whatever. Yeah, if you’re going to try to flatten the curve, you’d better get on those things in the beginning.”

And Rep. Don Hineman, a Dighton Republican, said Kelly’s order to close schools for the rest of the spring “put us ahead of the curve.”

“That is an absolutely necessary step,” he said. “It’s only a matter of time before other states follow our lead.”

But even some lawmakers who thought conservatives were trying to go too far in curbing the governor’s power said the coronavirus pandemic raises questions about a governor’s authority because it is far more widespread than disasters such as tornadoes or flooding.

“You’re talking about something that is invisible. And where will it pop up next? Where will see new cases? Who’s spreading it?” said House Speaker Pro Tem Blaine Finch, an Ottawa Republican.

“All of those questions make it more difficult and, I think, people even more afraid of an exercise of authority that may go beyond, ‘We’re going to close downtown because a tornado came through and, you know, there are live power lines in the street.’”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584823726151.png" alt="Governor Laura Kelly on Friday address the potential impact of the novel coronavirus on Kansas economy." />
 <figcaption>Governor Laura Kelly on Friday address the potential impact of the novel coronavirus on Kansas economy.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Some Kansas legislators say they didn’t understand how much power the governor has in emergencies until Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/8e5672095558ab92d7505f2a06f9a9b9">closed K-12 schools&nbsp;</a>for the rest of the semester and&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/20-06-Executed.pdf" target="_blank">ordered a six-week halt to new evictions and mortgage foreclosures</a>&nbsp;amid the coronavirus pandemic.Kansas is typical in granting its governor broad, temporary powers to deal with an emergency. Other governors have closed schools, directed non-essential businesses to shut down temporarily and banned public gatherings. Kansas law allows the governor to do the same, and conservative Republican lawmakers fear how far Kelly might go. They’re likely to push to rewrite the law on a governor’s emergency powers after the immediate crisis passes.<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/statute/048_000_0000_chapter/048_009_0000_article/048_009_0025_section/048_009_0025_k/" target="_blank">State law</a>&nbsp;permits the governor to cordon off a city, bar people from entering or leaving and restrict their movements within its limits. She can suspend state regulations, force people to evacuate their homes, commandeer private property and ban the sale of alcohol.And, under a state of emergency, the governor can exercise powers “necessary to promote and secure the safety and protection of the civilian population.”“You could shut the whole state down,” said state Sen. Ty Masterson, a conservative Andover Republican.Kansas has had one COVID-19 related death and dozens of confirmed coronavirus cases. The vast majority of infected people recover, and many develop mild or moderate symptoms, but some develop serious illnesses, particularly older adults and people with underlying health issues.Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/61c63fc718f716b9194fb3e3304ffccc">declared a state of emergency&nbsp;</a>for Kansas last week over the outbreak. It was set to expire Friday but lawmakers, knowing the pandemic hasn’t crested, extended it to at least May 1 and allowed legislative leaders to keep extending it, 30 days at a time.Conservatives like Masterson sought to curb Kelly’s power by adding language to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/measures/documents/ccrb_hcr5025_01_0000.pdf" target="_blank">the resolution</a>&nbsp;extending the state of emergency to bar her from seizing property, limiting access to communities or exercising the sweeping power to do what’s necessary to protect the public. Their effort failed, but the resolution requires legislative leaders to review all of her orders and gives them power to revoke many of them within days.Republicans who backed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e00183e7d2aad19b4044930f1cfd1f4c">limiting the governor’s power</a>&nbsp;argued that they want to prevent abuses. They were taken aback by Kelly’s decision to close school buildings for at least two months, rather than just a few weeks.“We are in a situation that we have not faced before in this state,” said conservative Republican Sen. Caryn Tyson, of Parker. “Do we run reckless as leaders, or do we take a diligent look at what we are turning — authority — over to our governor?”Democrats agree that there’s value in reviewing an emergency powers law enacted 45 years ago to see whether it can be updated or improved. Kelly said she has no problem with a re-examining the law but said it should be done thoughtfully “rather than on the fly.”She also said in a recent interview, “They never bothered to look until it was me.”Democratic lawmakers said conservatives gave Republican Govs. Sam Brownback and Jeff Colyer a pass in past emergencies and Kelly is doing what’s necessary to check the coronavirus epidemic.“They need on quit being childish and get focused on getting the things in place to help our citizens NOW,” said Sen. Tom Holland, a Baldwin City Democrat. “It starts with our schools, our public places, our big social events — concerts, gatherings, whatever. Yeah, if you’re going to try to flatten the curve, you’d better get on those things in the beginning.”And Rep. Don Hineman, a Dighton Republican, said Kelly’s order to close schools for the rest of the spring “put us ahead of the curve.”“That is an absolutely necessary step,” he said. “It’s only a matter of time before other states follow our lead.”But even some lawmakers who thought conservatives were trying to go too far in curbing the governor’s power said the coronavirus pandemic raises questions about a governor’s authority because it is far more widespread than disasters such as tornadoes or flooding.“You’re talking about something that is invisible. And where will it pop up next? Where will see new cases? Who’s spreading it?” said House Speaker Pro Tem Blaine Finch, an Ottawa Republican.“All of those questions make it more difficult and, I think, people even more afraid of an exercise of authority that may go beyond, ‘We’re going to close downtown because a tornado came through and, you know, there are live power lines in the street.’”___

Pandemic spurs Kansas lawmakers to rethink governor's power

TOPEKA— Governor Laura Kelly and KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman addressed the state's battle against coronavirus in Kansas during a Monday afternoon press conference.

TOPEKA— Governor Laura Kelly and KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman addressed the state's battle against coronavirus in Kansas during a Monday afternoon press conference.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovLauraKelly%2Fvideos%2F142394470500566%2F&show_text=1&width=560" width="560" height="470" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div><figure>
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🎥 KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas 

FINNEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged aggravated assault and are asking the public for help to locate a suspect.

Carlos Manuel Juarez, 31, is wanted for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, criminal threat and interference with law enforcement, according to Lt. Jason Chase.

Juarez is described as 5-foot-5 inches tall and approximately 128 pounds.

Anyone who witnessed the alleged incident involving Juarez is asked to call police.&nbsp; Chase said authorities&nbsp; were not going to release additional details in the case but that Juarez is considered armed and dangerous.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584978208493.png" alt="Jurarez -photo Garden City Police" />
 <figcaption>Jurarez -photo Garden City Police</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged aggravated assault and are asking the public for help to locate a suspect.Carlos Manuel Juarez, 31, is wanted for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, criminal threat and interference with law enforcement, according to Lt. Jason Chase.Juarez is described as 5-foot-5 inches tall and approximately 128 pounds.Anyone who witnessed the alleged incident involving Juarez is asked to call police.&nbsp; Chase said authorities&nbsp; were not going to release additional details in the case but that Juarez is considered armed and dangerous.

Police ask for help to locate SW Kansas criminal threat suspect

"Hands .. washing hands. Reaching out .. don't touch me. I won't touch you!"

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Stay safe out there! “Hands... washing hands..” 🎶 <a href="https://t.co/QaRB1qZshp">pic.twitter.com/QaRB1qZshp</a>&mdash; Neil Diamond (@NeilDiamond) <a href="https://twitter.com/NeilDiamond/status/1241584423927074818?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>"Hands .. washing hands. Reaching out .. don't touch me. I won't touch you!"

Neil Diamond offers up coronavirus update to 'Sweet Caroline'

GREAT BEND — Great Bend Police on Monday warned residents of a telephone scam circulating throughout the state.

Callers are asking for bank account information on&nbsp; the premise it is needed to receive a proposed upcoming federal assistance payment from the government.

Contact your local police department if you believe you have been a victim of a telephone scam.

<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fgbcitycouncil%2Fposts%2F563312544276641&width=500" width="500" height="614" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>GREAT BEND — Great Bend Police on Monday warned residents of a telephone scam circulating throughout the state.Callers are asking for bank account information on&nbsp; the premise it is needed to receive a proposed upcoming federal assistance payment from the government.Contact your local police department if you believe you have been a victim of a telephone scam.

Police: Phone scam based on upcoming federal payments

Fatal motorcycle accident scene -<a href="http://www.kake.com/story/41921978/man-dies-after-motorcycle-crashes-into-pickup-near-riverside">photo courtesy KAKE TV</a>

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal motorcycle accident and have identified the victim as 61-year-old&nbsp;Randal Duncan of Wichita.

Just after noon Friday, police responded to an injury accident at 13th and McLean in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers located the Duncan with critical injuries.&nbsp; He was pronounced deceased on the scene.&nbsp;

The investigation revealed the Duncan was operating a motorcycle southbound on McLean, crossed 13th Street, and then lost control, causing him to cross the centerline.

The motorcycle slid into a truck traveling northbound on McLean, causing his fatal injuries.&nbsp;

The speed of the motorcycle is believed to be a factor, according to Davidson.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584731568632.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Fatal motorcycle accident scene -<a href="http://www.kake.com/story/41921978/man-dies-after-motorcycle-crashes-into-pickup-near-riverside">photo courtesy KAKE TV</a>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal motorcycle accident and have identified the victim as 61-year-old&nbsp;Randal Duncan of Wichita.Just after noon Friday, police responded to an injury accident at 13th and McLean in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers located the Duncan with critical injuries.&nbsp; He was pronounced deceased on the scene.&nbsp;The investigation revealed the Duncan was operating a motorcycle southbound on McLean, crossed 13th Street, and then lost control, causing him to cross the centerline.The motorcycle slid into a truck traveling northbound on McLean, causing his fatal injuries.&nbsp;The speed of the motorcycle is believed to be a factor, according to Davidson.&nbsp;

Police ID Kansas man who died in motorcycle accident

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — After her sixth-grade son's school in Buffalo, New York, closed amid the coronavirus outbreak, Roxanne Ojeda-Valentin returned to campus with shopping bags to take home textbooks and weeks' worth of assignments prepared by teachers.

A single mother with a full-time job, she now joins millions of parents around the country — and the world — suddenly thrust into the role of their children's primary educators, leaving them scrambling to sift through educational resources and juggle lesson plans with jobs and other responsibilities.

“It’s a really big experiment,” Ojeda-Valentin said as she left the school, her second stop after picking up materials from her fourth-grade daughter's school.

Even in school districts that are providing remote instruction, the burden falls on parents to keep their children on task. In others, parents are left to find educational websites and curricular materials on their own. And while the challenges are daunting for all, they can be nearly impossible to overcome for parents limited by access to technology and their own levels of education.

Across the United States, more than 118,000 public and private schools in 45 states have closed, affecting 53 million students, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.edweek.org/ew/section/multimedia/map-coronavirus-and-school-closures.html?intc=main-mpsmvs">tally</a>&nbsp;kept by Education Week. While many closures were initially announced as short-term, parents are wondering if schools will reopen this academic year as the outbreak intensifies.

After Kansas became the first state to announce schools would remain closed for the year, a task force recommended from 30 minutes of work a day for the youngest students to up to three hours daily for students in sixth grade and up. California Gov. Gavin Newsom also has urged the state's more than 6 million schoolchildren and their families to make long-term plans, telling them few, if any, schools would reopen before summer.

Los Angeles father Filiberto Gonzalez's three children have daily contact with their teachers and one to four hours of work they can do on an existing online platform that supplements classes. But he never thought the arrangement would transform from a stopgap measure to permanent situation.

"The news ... was a real shock to a lot of us,” he said.

In Portland, Oregon, Katie Arnold’s 7-year-old son has been spending his days in his mother’s office, keeping busy on an iPad and her laptop while she’s managing accounts for a catering company.

Oregon has shut down schools through April 28 and some districts have put optional activities online, though they are not meant to replace the regular curriculum. While her son's district explores virtual learning, she has been combing the internet and tapping friends for suggestions.

“Scholastic had a bunch of free things and I have a friend who’s a teacher, so I’ve gotten a lot of workbook pages for him to do, just to try to keep him busy,” said Arnold, who also has been using educational websites like ABCmouse.

Arnold is making plans with other parents to teach children in small groups if the closure is extended, and is resigned to the idea that her workdays will be followed by evening school sessions.

Some parents are turning to those with experience homeschooling for guidance, unsure of whether to enforce strict schedules and where to look for academic help. Amid an influx of interest, the National Home School Association dropped its membership fee from $39 to $10 for access to tip sheets and teaching materials, executive director Allen Weston said.

The online site Outschool saw 20,000 new students enroll during a single weekend in March, compared to the 80,000 who have attended class since its 2017 launch, CEO Amir Nathoo said. The company offers live, teacher-led online classes beginning at $5 each, but has also offered free webinars on running online classes through video conferencing.

Child development researcher Jessica Logan and her husband continue to work full-time from home and have been tag-teaming school-related questions from their 8- and 12-year-old children, home from Columbus City Schools in Ohio.

“I see all these people writing out, ‘Here are the six hours we're going to spend each day doing homework,' and was like, ‘Not happening in my house,’” she said. “When am I going to get my work done? I still have my own work to do, so does my husband. Neither of us can take the entire day off to sit with them and do math worksheets or science experiments.”

“All parents are in the same boat,” Logan said. “Your kid is not going to fall behind if they don't do these assignments every day.”

Nevertheless, Vancouver, Washington, teacher Renee Collins has committed to keeping not only her own 10- and 8-year-old children on track academically, but two of her friend’s children and a second-grade neighbor as well.

“We’re going to do Monday, Tuesday and Thursday with the five kids together and the other days I’ll do individually with (her own kids). So we’ll do five days,” she said.

“The one thing that kind of gives a lot of us comfort," said Collins who teaches middle-school math, "is that it’s not just our state. It’s our entire nation. It’s not just going to be the state of Washington that’s behind. It’s not just going to be my children that are going to be behind. It’s going to be everybody.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/10/1571154535694.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — After her sixth-grade son's school in Buffalo, New York, closed amid the coronavirus outbreak, Roxanne Ojeda-Valentin returned to campus with shopping bags to take home textbooks and weeks' worth of assignments prepared by teachers.A single mother with a full-time job, she now joins millions of parents around the country — and the world — suddenly thrust into the role of their children's primary educators, leaving them scrambling to sift through educational resources and juggle lesson plans with jobs and other responsibilities.“It’s a really big experiment,” Ojeda-Valentin said as she left the school, her second stop after picking up materials from her fourth-grade daughter's school.Even in school districts that are providing remote instruction, the burden falls on parents to keep their children on task. In others, parents are left to find educational websites and curricular materials on their own. And while the challenges are daunting for all, they can be nearly impossible to overcome for parents limited by access to technology and their own levels of education.Across the United States, more than 118,000 public and private schools in 45 states have closed, affecting 53 million students, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.edweek.org/ew/section/multimedia/map-coronavirus-and-school-closures.html?intc=main-mpsmvs">tally</a>&nbsp;kept by Education Week. While many closures were initially announced as short-term, parents are wondering if schools will reopen this academic year as the outbreak intensifies.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584481689719.png" alt="On March 17, Governor Laura Kelly announced she was closing school buildings for the rest of the semester." />
 <figcaption>On March 17, Governor Laura Kelly announced she was closing school buildings for the rest of the semester.</figcaption>
 </figure>After Kansas became the first state to announce schools would remain closed for the year, a task force recommended from 30 minutes of work a day for the youngest students to up to three hours daily for students in sixth grade and up. California Gov. Gavin Newsom also has urged the state's more than 6 million schoolchildren and their families to make long-term plans, telling them few, if any, schools would reopen before summer.Los Angeles father Filiberto Gonzalez's three children have daily contact with their teachers and one to four hours of work they can do on an existing online platform that supplements classes. But he never thought the arrangement would transform from a stopgap measure to permanent situation."The news ... was a real shock to a lot of us,” he said.In Portland, Oregon, Katie Arnold’s 7-year-old son has been spending his days in his mother’s office, keeping busy on an iPad and her laptop while she’s managing accounts for a catering company.Oregon has shut down schools through April 28 and some districts have put optional activities online, though they are not meant to replace the regular curriculum. While her son's district explores virtual learning, she has been combing the internet and tapping friends for suggestions.“Scholastic had a bunch of free things and I have a friend who’s a teacher, so I’ve gotten a lot of workbook pages for him to do, just to try to keep him busy,” said Arnold, who also has been using educational websites like ABCmouse.Arnold is making plans with other parents to teach children in small groups if the closure is extended, and is resigned to the idea that her workdays will be followed by evening school sessions.“We'll muster through it,” she said.Some parents are turning to those with experience homeschooling for guidance, unsure of whether to enforce strict schedules and where to look for academic help. Amid an influx of interest, the National Home School Association dropped its membership fee from $39 to $10 for access to tip sheets and teaching materials, executive director Allen Weston said.The online site Outschool saw 20,000 new students enroll during a single weekend in March, compared to the 80,000 who have attended class since its 2017 launch, CEO Amir Nathoo said. The company offers live, teacher-led online classes beginning at $5 each, but has also offered free webinars on running online classes through video conferencing.Child development researcher Jessica Logan and her husband continue to work full-time from home and have been tag-teaming school-related questions from their 8- and 12-year-old children, home from Columbus City Schools in Ohio.“I see all these people writing out, ‘Here are the six hours we're going to spend each day doing homework,' and was like, ‘Not happening in my house,’” she said. “When am I going to get my work done? I still have my own work to do, so does my husband. Neither of us can take the entire day off to sit with them and do math worksheets or science experiments.”“All parents are in the same boat,” Logan said. “Your kid is not going to fall behind if they don't do these assignments every day.”Nevertheless, Vancouver, Washington, teacher Renee Collins has committed to keeping not only her own 10- and 8-year-old children on track academically, but two of her friend’s children and a second-grade neighbor as well.“We’re going to do Monday, Tuesday and Thursday with the five kids together and the other days I’ll do individually with (her own kids). So we’ll do five days,” she said.“The one thing that kind of gives a lot of us comfort," said Collins who teaches middle-school math, "is that it’s not just our state. It’s our entire nation. It’s not just going to be the state of Washington that’s behind. It’s not just going to be my children that are going to be behind. It’s going to be everybody.”———

'A really big experiment': Parents turn teachers amid virus

WASHINGTON — The White House is urging commercial labs to prioritize the testing of hospital patients as they work to clear a backlog of tests for the coronavirus.

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/WhiteHouse/videos/223431462181095/">Click here to watch</a> Sunday's Coronavirus Task force briefing

Vice President Mike Pence says the Department of Health and Human Services will issue formal guidance Monday, but that the federal government is encouraging all labs to “prioritize inpatient testing.”

Pence says the government hopes to have the backlog of existing tests — a milestone the White House hoped to reach on Monday — cleared by the middle of the week.

The White House is encouraging those without symptoms against seeking testing, warning it depletes already scarce supplies of personal protective equipment for healthcare providers.

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump says he’s ordered the Federal Emergency Management Agency to ship mobile hospital centers to the hard-hit states of Washington, California and New York amid the coronavirus pandemic. For New York, that would mean another 1,000 hospital beds.

Trump is also revealing for the first time the number of respirators and other personal protective equipment sent to the hard-hit states by the federal government. It comes as state and local leaders have appealed on the federal government to provide far more, and as Trump has held off on using his fully authorities under the Defense Production Act to marshal the private sector’s capabilities.

Trump says it’s up to states to try to get the materials first. He says: "We're sort of a backup for states."

Trump says he’s also giving governors in those three states in calling up their national guard, keeping it under local control but providing federal funding. @Michael Tackett

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584917179545.png" alt="Vice President Mike Pence during Sunday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing" />
 <figcaption>Vice President Mike Pence during Sunday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON — The White House is urging commercial labs to prioritize the testing of hospital patients as they work to clear a backlog of tests for the coronavirus.<a href="https://www.facebook.com/WhiteHouse/videos/223431462181095/">Click here to watch</a> Sunday's Coronavirus Task force briefingVice President Mike Pence says the Department of Health and Human Services will issue formal guidance Monday, but that the federal government is encouraging all labs to “prioritize inpatient testing.”Pence says the government hopes to have the backlog of existing tests — a milestone the White House hoped to reach on Monday — cleared by the middle of the week.The White House is encouraging those without symptoms against seeking testing, warning it depletes already scarce supplies of personal protective equipment for healthcare providers.___WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump says he’s ordered the Federal Emergency Management Agency to ship mobile hospital centers to the hard-hit states of Washington, California and New York amid the coronavirus pandemic. For New York, that would mean another 1,000 hospital beds.Trump is also revealing for the first time the number of respirators and other personal protective equipment sent to the hard-hit states by the federal government. It comes as state and local leaders have appealed on the federal government to provide far more, and as Trump has held off on using his fully authorities under the Defense Production Act to marshal the private sector’s capabilities.Trump says it’s up to states to try to get the materials first. He says: "We're sort of a backup for states."Trump says he’s also giving governors in those three states in calling up their national guard, keeping it under local control but providing federal funding. @Michael Tackett___

White House urges labs to prioritize tests for coronavirus

WASHINGTON (AP) — Top-level negotiations between Congress and the White House churned late into the night over a now nearly $2 trillion economic rescue package, as the coronavirus crisis deepened, the nation shut down and the first U.S. senator tested positive for the disease.

As President Donald Trump took to the podium in the White House briefing room and promised to help Americans who feel afraid and isolated as the pandemic spreads, the Senate voted Sunday against advancing the rescue package. But talks continued on Capitol Hill.

“I think you’ll get there. To me it’s not very complicated: We have to help the worker. We have to save the companies,” Trump said.

Later, the Republican president suggested the remedies may be more harmful than the outbreak, vowing to reassess after the 15-day mark of the shutdown. “WE CANNOT LET THE CURE BE WORSE THAN THE PROBLEM ITSELF,” he tweeted.

Inside the otherwise emptied out Capitol, the draft aid bill was declared insufficient by Democrats, who argued it was tilted toward corporations and did too little to help workers and health care providers. Republicans returned to the negotiating table.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, exiting the Capitol just before midnight, struck an optimistic note: “We’re very close,” he said, adding negotiators would work through the night.

“Our nation cannot afford a game of chicken,” warned Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., his voice rising on the Senate floor Sunday night. His goal is to vote Monday. The Senate will re-convene at noon.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y, sounded an optimistic note.

“This bill is going to affect this country and the lives of Americans, not just for the next few days, but in the next few months and years — so we have to make sure it is good, he said. ‘”There were some serious problems with the bill leader McConnell laid down. Huge amounts of corporate bailout funds without restrictions or without oversight — you wouldn’t even know who is getting the money. Not enough money for hospitals, nurses, PPE, masks, all the health care needs. No money for state and local government, many of whom would go broke. Many other things.”

But Schumer said they were making progress in dealing with those issues. “We’re getting closer and closer. And I’m very hopeful, is how I’d put it, that we can get a bill in the morning.”

With a population on edge and shell-shocked financial markets poised for the new work week, Washington labored under the size and scope of the rescue package that’s more ambitious than any in recent times — larger than the 2008 bank bailout and 2009 recovery act combined.

Democrats say the largely GOP-led effort did not go far enough to provide health care and worker aid and fails to put restraints on a proposed $500 billion “slush fund” for corporations. They voted to block its advance.

Democrats won a concession — to provide four months of expanded unemployment benefits, rather than just three as proposed, according to an official granted anonymity to discuss the private talks. The jobless pay also extends to self-employed and so-called gig workers.

While the congressional leaders worked into the night, alarms were being sounded from coast to coast about the wave of coronavirus cases about to crash onto the nation’s health system.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio had dire, urgent news from the pandemic’s U.S. epicenter: “April and May are going to be a lot worse,” he said on NBC’s “Meet the Press.”

De Blasio, a Democrat, all but begged Washington to help procure ventilators and other medical supplies. He accused the Republican president of “not lifting a finger” to help.

Trump urged Congress to get a deal done and, during the Sunday briefing, responded to criticism that his administration was sluggish to act. He cited his cooperation with the three states hardest hit — New York, Washington and California — and invoked a measure to give governors flexibility in calling up the national guard under their control, while the federal government covers the bill.

But even as Trump stressed federal-local partnerships, some governors, including Republican Greg Abbott of Texas, expressed unhappiness with Washington’s response. The president himself took a swipe hours earlier at Gov. J. B. Pritzker, D-Ill., saying that he and “a very small group of certain other Governors, together with Fake News” should not be “blaming the Federal Government for their own shortcomings.”

This came as Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky announced he tested positive for the coronavirus. Paul, who is a doctor and close ally of the president, said in a tweet he was not showing symptoms and was in quarantine.

Paul was seen at a GOP senators’ lunch on Friday and swimming in the Senate gym pool on Sunday morning, heightening concerns. His office said he left the Senate immediately after learning his diagnosis.

A growing list of lawmakers have cycled in and out of isolation after exposure, and two members of the House have said they tested positive. Five senators were in self-quarantine Sunday evening and could not vote.

In recent days, Trump invoked the Defense Protection Act, a rarely used, decades-old authority that can be used to compel the private sector to manufacture needed medical supplies like masks and ventilators. Officials said Sunday that it would be used voluntarily and businesses would not be compelled to act.

“We are a country not based on nationalizing our business,” said Trump, who has repeatedly railed against socialism overseas and among Democrats.

Two days after he lashed out at a reporter who asked about his message to frightened Americans, Trump said, “For those worried and afraid, please know as long as I am your president, you can feel confident that you have a leader who will always fight for you.”

But minutes later, when he learned that rival Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, was one of those in isolation, he declared, “Romney’s in isolation? Gee, that’s too bad.”

The urgency to act is mounting, as jobless claims skyrocket and the financial markets are set to re-open Monday eager for signs that Washington can soften the blow of the healthcare crisis and what experts say is a looming recession. Stock futures declined sharply as Trump spoke Sunday evening.

Officials late Sunday put the price tag of the ballooning rescue package at nearly $2 trillion. That does not include additional measures being taken by the Federal Reserve to shore up the economy.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, who was leading a third day of nonstop talks on Capitol Hill, said the plan was meant to prop up the nation’s weakened economy for the next 10 to 12 weeks.

Central to the package is as much as $350 billion for small businesses to keep making payroll while workers are forced to stay home. There is also a one-time rebate check of about $1,200 per person, or $3,000 for a family of four, as well as the extended unemployment benefits.

Hospitals, Mnuchin said, will get approximately $110 billion for the expected influx of sick patients.

The treasury secretary said a significant part of the package will involve working with the Federal Reserve for up to $4 trillion of liquidity to support the economy with “broad-based lending programs.”

But Democrats, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, have pushed for add-ons, including food security aid, small business loans and other measures for workers.

They warned the draft plan’s $500 billion for corporations does not put enough restraints on business, saying the ban on corporate stock buy-backs is weak and the limits on executive pay are only for two years.

“We’re not here to create a slush fund for Donald Trump and his family, or a slush fund for the Treasury Department to be able to hand out to their friends,” said Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren. “We’re here to help workers, we’re here to help hospitals.”

The president, when pressed by a reporter, dodged a question as to whether his own business would seek federal funds.

With Sunday’s failed vote, McConnell angrily blamed Pelosi, who returned to Washington for a top-level meeting, saying she “poured cold water” over the draft plan. But any measure from the Senate also needs to pass the House.

The details are coming from drafts of both bills circulating among lobbyists but not yet released to the public. They were obtained by The Associated Press.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.

WASHINGTON — The Senate has refused to advance the coronavirus rescue package in a procedural vote with Democrats rejecting a draft from Republicans and pushing for more aid for workers.

Negotiations are expected to continue into the evening Sunday.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has urged senators to “signal to the public that we're ready to get this job done.” He wants passage by Monday.

But Democrats have resisted, arguing the nearly $1.4 trillion measure needs to bolster aid and put limits on how businesses can use the emergency dollars.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584959546607.png" alt="Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on the U.S. Senate floor just before 10:30 p.m. Sunday night-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on the U.S. Senate floor just before 10:30 p.m. Sunday night-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Top-level negotiations between Congress and the White House churned late into the night over a now nearly $2 trillion economic rescue package, as the coronavirus crisis deepened, the nation shut down and the first U.S. senator tested positive for the disease.As President Donald Trump took to the podium in the White House briefing room and promised to help Americans who feel afraid and isolated as the pandemic spreads, the Senate voted Sunday against advancing the rescue package. But talks continued on Capitol Hill.“I think you’ll get there. To me it’s not very complicated: We have to help the worker. We have to save the companies,” Trump said.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">WE CANNOT LET THE CURE BE WORSE THAN THE PROBLEM ITSELF. AT THE END OF THE 15 DAY PERIOD, WE WILL MAKE A DECISION AS TO WHICH WAY WE WANT TO GO!&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1241935285916782593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Later, the Republican president suggested the remedies may be more harmful than the outbreak, vowing to reassess after the 15-day mark of the shutdown. “WE CANNOT LET THE CURE BE WORSE THAN THE PROBLEM ITSELF,” he tweeted.Inside the otherwise emptied out Capitol, the draft aid bill was declared insufficient by Democrats, who argued it was tilted toward corporations and did too little to help workers and health care providers. Republicans returned to the negotiating table.Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, exiting the Capitol just before midnight, struck an optimistic note: “We’re very close,” he said, adding negotiators would work through the night.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Our nation cannot afford this game of chicken. We cannot afford the cynical partisanship. This is a national emergency. Not a partisan opportunity. Doctors, nurses, small business employees, laid-off Americans, and vulnerable seniors need help right now. <a href="https://t.co/zXPqodt8ZI">pic.twitter.com/zXPqodt8ZI</a>&mdash; Leader McConnell (@senatemajldr) <a href="https://twitter.com/senatemajldr/status/1241929925923397634?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“Our nation cannot afford a game of chicken,” warned Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., his voice rising on the Senate floor Sunday night. His goal is to vote Monday. The Senate will re-convene at noon.Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y, sounded an optimistic note.“This bill is going to affect this country and the lives of Americans, not just for the next few days, but in the next few months and years — so we have to make sure it is good, he said. ‘”There were some serious problems with the bill leader McConnell laid down. Huge amounts of corporate bailout funds without restrictions or without oversight — you wouldn’t even know who is getting the money. Not enough money for hospitals, nurses, PPE, masks, all the health care needs. No money for state and local government, many of whom would go broke. Many other things.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I just spoke in the Senate about how we’re making progress on a bill. The McConnell-GOP bill includes huge bailouts without protections for people and workers and without accountability. It has shortfalls of money for our hospitals &amp; medical workers. This needs to be changed. <a href="https://t.co/7ggVKrwV6l">pic.twitter.com/7ggVKrwV6l</a>&mdash; Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenSchumer/status/1241943851708841984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>But Schumer said they were making progress in dealing with those issues. “We’re getting closer and closer. And I’m very hopeful, is how I’d put it, that we can get a bill in the morning.”With a population on edge and shell-shocked financial markets poised for the new work week, Washington labored under the size and scope of the rescue package that’s more ambitious than any in recent times — larger than the 2008 bank bailout and 2009 recovery act combined.Democrats say the largely GOP-led effort did not go far enough to provide health care and worker aid and fails to put restraints on a proposed $500 billion “slush fund” for corporations. They voted to block its advance.Democrats won a concession — to provide four months of expanded unemployment benefits, rather than just three as proposed, according to an official granted anonymity to discuss the private talks. The jobless pay also extends to self-employed and so-called gig workers.While the congressional leaders worked into the night, alarms were being sounded from coast to coast about the wave of coronavirus cases about to crash onto the nation’s health system.New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio had dire, urgent news from the pandemic’s U.S. epicenter: “April and May are going to be a lot worse,” he said on NBC’s “Meet the Press.”De Blasio, a Democrat, all but begged Washington to help procure ventilators and other medical supplies. He accused the Republican president of “not lifting a finger” to help.Trump urged Congress to get a deal done and, during the Sunday briefing, responded to criticism that his administration was sluggish to act. He cited his cooperation with the three states hardest hit — New York, Washington and California — and invoked a measure to give governors flexibility in calling up the national guard under their control, while the federal government covers the bill.But even as Trump stressed federal-local partnerships, some governors, including Republican Greg Abbott of Texas, expressed unhappiness with Washington’s response. The president himself took a swipe hours earlier at Gov. J. B. Pritzker, D-Ill., saying that he and “a very small group of certain other Governors, together with Fake News” should not be “blaming the Federal Government for their own shortcomings.”This came as Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky announced he tested positive for the coronavirus. Paul, who is a doctor and close ally of the president, said in a tweet he was not showing symptoms and was in quarantine.Paul was seen at a GOP senators’ lunch on Friday and swimming in the Senate gym pool on Sunday morning, heightening concerns. His office said he left the Senate immediately after learning his diagnosis.A growing list of lawmakers have cycled in and out of isolation after exposure, and two members of the House have said they tested positive. Five senators were in self-quarantine Sunday evening and could not vote.In recent days, Trump invoked the Defense Protection Act, a rarely used, decades-old authority that can be used to compel the private sector to manufacture needed medical supplies like masks and ventilators. Officials said Sunday that it would be used voluntarily and businesses would not be compelled to act.“We are a country not based on nationalizing our business,” said Trump, who has repeatedly railed against socialism overseas and among Democrats.Two days after he lashed out at a reporter who asked about his message to frightened Americans, Trump said, “For those worried and afraid, please know as long as I am your president, you can feel confident that you have a leader who will always fight for you.”But minutes later, when he learned that rival Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, was one of those in isolation, he declared, “Romney’s in isolation? Gee, that’s too bad.”Trump said he was not being sarcastic.The urgency to act is mounting, as jobless claims skyrocket and the financial markets are set to re-open Monday eager for signs that Washington can soften the blow of the healthcare crisis and what experts say is a looming recession. Stock futures declined sharply as Trump spoke Sunday evening.Officials late Sunday put the price tag of the ballooning rescue package at nearly $2 trillion. That does not include additional measures being taken by the Federal Reserve to shore up the economy.Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, who was leading a third day of nonstop talks on Capitol Hill, said the plan was meant to prop up the nation’s weakened economy for the next 10 to 12 weeks.Central to the package is as much as $350 billion for small businesses to keep making payroll while workers are forced to stay home. There is also a one-time rebate check of about $1,200 per person, or $3,000 for a family of four, as well as the extended unemployment benefits.Hospitals, Mnuchin said, will get approximately $110 billion for the expected influx of sick patients.The treasury secretary said a significant part of the package will involve working with the Federal Reserve for up to $4 trillion of liquidity to support the economy with “broad-based lending programs.”But Democrats, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, have pushed for add-ons, including food security aid, small business loans and other measures for workers.They warned the draft plan’s $500 billion for corporations does not put enough restraints on business, saying the ban on corporate stock buy-backs is weak and the limits on executive pay are only for two years.“We’re not here to create a slush fund for Donald Trump and his family, or a slush fund for the Treasury Department to be able to hand out to their friends,” said Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren. “We’re here to help workers, we’re here to help hospitals.”The president, when pressed by a reporter, dodged a question as to whether his own business would seek federal funds.With Sunday’s failed vote, McConnell angrily blamed Pelosi, who returned to Washington for a top-level meeting, saying she “poured cold water” over the draft plan. But any measure from the Senate also needs to pass the House.The details are coming from drafts of both bills circulating among lobbyists but not yet released to the public. They were obtained by The Associated Press.For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.WASHINGTON — The Senate has refused to advance the coronavirus rescue package in a procedural vote with Democrats rejecting a draft from Republicans and pushing for more aid for workers.Negotiations are expected to continue into the evening Sunday.Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has urged senators to “signal to the public that we're ready to get this job done.” He wants passage by Monday.But Democrats have resisted, arguing the nearly $1.4 trillion measure needs to bolster aid and put limits on how businesses can use the emergency dollars.More voting is possible.

Senate refuses to advance coronavirus rescue package

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is recommending continuity of operations for licensed child care facilities at this time (centers, preschools, day care homes and school age programs, according to a media release from the agency on Sunday.

Child care facilities may accept new enrollees in accordance with the terms of their license.

However, depending on the unique and changing situations of each community, local public health officers may implement more restrictive guidance and provisions for child care facilities, up to and including closure within their authority and jurisdiction.

Child care providers should direct all questions to their local child care surveyor. Surveyors will coordinate efforts and communication with local public health officials to provide guidance based on the rapidly changing situation at the community level.

“We know this is a stressful time, and especially for families who rely on child care and those whose work circumstances are changing,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “There are a number of child care resources available to help you meet the needs of your family. We’re all in this together and will help families access the support they need.”

KDHE continues to accept and process applications for new child care facilities. Individuals interested in becoming a licensed provider are encouraged to contact their local licensing surveyor. Visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kdheks.gov%2Fkidsnet&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7C35a2c78f27be4145315b08d7ce928e96%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637205001157807643&amp;sdata=XFWO4eBCmPSydDeKRc9m9oAfsKKlz2TdmTtqVPXwDzU%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">KDHE Child Care Licensing</a>&nbsp;website and click on&nbsp;Local County Contacts&nbsp;to find the surveyor in your area.

“Child care professionals provide a critical service in our state,” Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, said. “They allow parents who are our doctors, nurses, police officers, firefighters and more to respond to this pandemic. Child care facilities have very strict regulations regarding the number of children in the facility as well as health and safety guidelines that must continue to be met.”

For&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kdheks.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2Ftoolkit%2FFAQs_for_Child_Care_Facilities_Licensed_by_KDHE_03_19_2020.pdf&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7C35a2c78f27be4145315b08d7ce928e96%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637205001157812623&amp;sdata=p%2BZLGbVUsvah8ecv8zpCuM%2BmX6JM4F1L9drVTXtHCJA%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">FAQs</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kdheks.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2Ftoolkit%2FInterim_Guidance_for_Child_Care_Facilities_Licensed_by_KDHE_03_19_2020.pdf&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7C35a2c78f27be4145315b08d7ce928e96%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637205001157817598&amp;sdata=WH3eIQwceoPy53RyIl8%2FAeWzaWa1aF2SNYv6RZzzsi8%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">guidance</a>&nbsp;regarding child care operations during the pandemic, please visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kdheks.gov%2Fcoronavirus&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7C35a2c78f27be4145315b08d7ce928e96%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637205001157817598&amp;sdata=sl6hZt4vAFnIVCQLRHCcFwJr%2F06xNJOQP3Srg3dYw7c%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">KDHE COVID-19 Resource Center</a>&nbsp;website.

Options for families in need of child care

Many working families are facing challenges related to accessing healthy and safe child care during this time. We encourage everyone to assist with supporting families and communities as they work to develop creative solutions to meet the needs of working families.

<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ks.childcareaware.org%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7C35a2c78f27be4145315b08d7ce928e96%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637205001157822576&amp;sdata=Bf4%2BRN5ssiXBIAAIi0o2ne9UKQy4Rj5E9yxFdSJR%2B2w%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Child Care Aware of Kansas</a>&nbsp;provides assistance to families searching for licensed child care. They can be reached toll free at 877.678.2548.

KDHE has an&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kdheks.gov%2Fbcclr%2Fcapp.htm&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7C35a2c78f27be4145315b08d7ce928e96%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637205001157827553&amp;sdata=I1iyqyEvB2SnR9k5mUCtCYQmgjh7uGqQSf0YWGwJKYk%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">online information system</a>&nbsp;that serves&nbsp;as a tool to support families in making informed child care choices and can be used to review compliance history of a current licensed provider. The online tool is an important step to verifying that a facility is licensed and provides compliance history for parents and guardians.

Families that need flexible options or irregular care might consider having someone come into the home. Relatives, older siblings, and friends or neighbors currently not working due to COVID-19 related business closures might be available to help.

Other options for families that need limited care include informal care arranged between friends/neighbors on an irregular basis&nbsp;or someone to provide care in their own home for no more than two children for not more than 20 hours week.&nbsp;None of these options require a license from KDHE.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is recommending continuity of operations for licensed child care facilities at this time (centers, preschools, day care homes and school age programs, according to a media release from the agency on Sunday.Child care facilities may accept new enrollees in accordance with the terms of their license.However, depending on the unique and changing situations of each community, local public health officers may implement more restrictive guidance and provisions for child care facilities, up to and including closure within their authority and jurisdiction.Child care providers should direct all questions to their local child care surveyor. Surveyors will coordinate efforts and communication with local public health officials to provide guidance based on the rapidly changing situation at the community level.“We know this is a stressful time, and especially for families who rely on child care and those whose work circumstances are changing,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “There are a number of child care resources available to help you meet the needs of your family. We’re all in this together and will help families access the support they need.”KDHE continues to accept and process applications for new child care facilities. Individuals interested in becoming a licensed provider are encouraged to contact their local licensing surveyor. Visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kdheks.gov%2Fkidsnet&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7C35a2c78f27be4145315b08d7ce928e96%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637205001157807643&amp;sdata=XFWO4eBCmPSydDeKRc9m9oAfsKKlz2TdmTtqVPXwDzU%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">KDHE Child Care Licensing</a>&nbsp;website and click on&nbsp;Local County Contacts&nbsp;to find the surveyor in your area.“Child care professionals provide a critical service in our state,” Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, said. “They allow parents who are our doctors, nurses, police officers, firefighters and more to respond to this pandemic. Child care facilities have very strict regulations regarding the number of children in the facility as well as health and safety guidelines that must continue to be met.”For&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kdheks.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2Ftoolkit%2FFAQs_for_Child_Care_Facilities_Licensed_by_KDHE_03_19_2020.pdf&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7C35a2c78f27be4145315b08d7ce928e96%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637205001157812623&amp;sdata=p%2BZLGbVUsvah8ecv8zpCuM%2BmX6JM4F1L9drVTXtHCJA%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">FAQs</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kdheks.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2Ftoolkit%2FInterim_Guidance_for_Child_Care_Facilities_Licensed_by_KDHE_03_19_2020.pdf&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7C35a2c78f27be4145315b08d7ce928e96%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637205001157817598&amp;sdata=WH3eIQwceoPy53RyIl8%2FAeWzaWa1aF2SNYv6RZzzsi8%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">guidance</a>&nbsp;regarding child care operations during the pandemic, please visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kdheks.gov%2Fcoronavirus&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7C35a2c78f27be4145315b08d7ce928e96%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637205001157817598&amp;sdata=sl6hZt4vAFnIVCQLRHCcFwJr%2F06xNJOQP3Srg3dYw7c%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">KDHE COVID-19 Resource Center</a>&nbsp;website.Options for families in need of child careMany working families are facing challenges related to accessing healthy and safe child care during this time. We encourage everyone to assist with supporting families and communities as they work to develop creative solutions to meet the needs of working families.<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ks.childcareaware.org%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7C35a2c78f27be4145315b08d7ce928e96%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637205001157822576&amp;sdata=Bf4%2BRN5ssiXBIAAIi0o2ne9UKQy4Rj5E9yxFdSJR%2B2w%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Child Care Aware of Kansas</a>&nbsp;provides assistance to families searching for licensed child care. They can be reached toll free at 877.678.2548.KDHE has an&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kdheks.gov%2Fbcclr%2Fcapp.htm&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7C35a2c78f27be4145315b08d7ce928e96%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637205001157827553&amp;sdata=I1iyqyEvB2SnR9k5mUCtCYQmgjh7uGqQSf0YWGwJKYk%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">online information system</a>&nbsp;that serves&nbsp;as a tool to support families in making informed child care choices and can be used to review compliance history of a current licensed provider. The online tool is an important step to verifying that a facility is licensed and provides compliance history for parents and guardians.Families that need flexible options or irregular care might consider having someone come into the home. Relatives, older siblings, and friends or neighbors currently not working due to COVID-19 related business closures might be available to help.Other options for families that need limited care include informal care arranged between friends/neighbors on an irregular basis&nbsp;or someone to provide care in their own home for no more than two children for not more than 20 hours week.&nbsp;None of these options require a license from KDHE.

KDHE recommends child care facilities remain open

KANSAS CITY –
U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister of the District of Kansas urged the public to report suspected fraud schemes related to COVID-19 (the Coronavirus) by calling the
National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline (1-866-720-5721) or to the NCDF e-mail address
<a href="mailto:disaster@leo.gov" target="_blank">
disaster@leo.gov</a>.

In coordination with the Department of Justice, Attorney General William Barr has directed U.S. Attorneys to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of Coronavirus fraud schemes.


“We’re open for business and our mission is to protect the public,” McAllister said. “We will prosecute anyone seeking to profit unlawfully from the public’s
 fear of COVID-19.”


·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Individuals and businesses selling fake cures for COVID-19 online and engaging in other forms of fraud.


·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Phishing emails from entities posing as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.



·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Malicious websites and apps that appear to share Coronavirus-related information to gain and lock access to your devices until payment is received.



·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Seeking donations fraudulently for illegitimate or non-existent charitable organizations.



·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Medical providers obtaining patient information for COVID-19 testing and then using that information to fraudulently bill&nbsp;for&nbsp;other tests and procedures. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;


In a memorandum to U.S. Attorneys issued March 19, Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen also directed each
U.S. Attorney to appoint a Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator to serve as the legal counsel for the federal judicial district on matters relating to the Coronavirus, direct the
 prosecution of Coronavirus-related crimes, and to conduct outreach and awareness activities. The District of Kansas Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator is Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Rask.


The NCDF can receive and enter complaints into a centralized system that can be accessed by all U.S. Attorneys, as well as Justice Department litigating and law enforcement components to identify, investigate and prosecute fraud
 schemes. The NCDF coordinates complaints with 16 additional federal law enforcement agencies, as well as state Attorneys General and local authorities.

To find more about Department of Justice resources and information, please visit
<a href="http://www.justice.gov/coronavirus" target="_blank">
www.justice.gov/coronavirus</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584976902682.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Office of U.S. AttorneyKANSAS CITY –
U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister of the District of Kansas urged the public to report suspected fraud schemes related to COVID-19 (the Coronavirus) by calling the
National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline (1-866-720-5721) or to the NCDF e-mail address
<a href="mailto:disaster@leo.gov" target="_blank">
disaster@leo.gov</a>.In coordination with the Department of Justice, Attorney General William Barr has directed U.S. Attorneys to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of Coronavirus fraud schemes.
“We’re open for business and our mission is to protect the public,” McAllister said. “We will prosecute anyone seeking to profit unlawfully from the public’s
 fear of COVID-19.”Some examples of these schemes include:

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Individuals and businesses selling fake cures for COVID-19 online and engaging in other forms of fraud.
·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Phishing emails from entities posing as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Malicious websites and apps that appear to share Coronavirus-related information to gain and lock access to your devices until payment is received.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Seeking donations fraudulently for illegitimate or non-existent charitable organizations.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Medical providers obtaining patient information for COVID-19 testing and then using that information to fraudulently bill&nbsp;for&nbsp;other tests and procedures. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;
In a memorandum to U.S. Attorneys issued March 19, Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen also directed each
U.S. Attorney to appoint a Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator to serve as the legal counsel for the federal judicial district on matters relating to the Coronavirus, direct the
 prosecution of Coronavirus-related crimes, and to conduct outreach and awareness activities. The District of Kansas Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator is Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Rask.
The NCDF can receive and enter complaints into a centralized system that can be accessed by all U.S. Attorneys, as well as Justice Department litigating and law enforcement components to identify, investigate and prosecute fraud
 schemes. The NCDF coordinates complaints with 16 additional federal law enforcement agencies, as well as state Attorneys General and local authorities.To find more about Department of Justice resources and information, please visit
<a href="http://www.justice.gov/coronavirus" target="_blank">
www.justice.gov/coronavirus</a>.

Public urged to report suspected COVID-19 fraud

LAWRENCE&nbsp;– Douglas County Health Officer Dr. Thomas Marcellino on Sunday issued a “Stay at Home” order as the Douglas County community continues with efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19.

<a href="https://ldchealth.org/DocumentCenter/View/2869/DG-Co-Public-Health-Officer-Stay-at-Home-Order-3-22-20">Click here to read the full emergency order.</a>

Grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations and healthcare facilities will remain open, as residents are ordered to remain home except for essential needs.

This&nbsp;<a href="https://ldchealth.org/DocumentCenter/View/2869/DG-Co-Public-Health-Officer-Stay-at-Home-Order-3-22-20">order</a>&nbsp;matches recent ones issued in neighboring counties of the Kansas City area, including Johnson, Wyandotte and Leavenworth counties, and will take effect at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, March 24, to give residents and employers time on Monday to make preparations. The order is effective until April 23, unless otherwise amended.

LAWRENCE&nbsp;– Douglas County Health Officer Dr. Thomas Marcellino on Sunday issued a “Stay at Home” order as the Douglas County community continues with efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19. <a href="https://ldchealth.org/DocumentCenter/View/2869/DG-Co-Public-Health-Officer-Stay-at-Home-Order-3-22-20">Click here to read the full emergency order.</a>Grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations and healthcare facilities will remain open, as residents are ordered to remain home except for essential needs.This&nbsp;<a href="https://ldchealth.org/DocumentCenter/View/2869/DG-Co-Public-Health-Officer-Stay-at-Home-Order-3-22-20">order</a>&nbsp;matches recent ones issued in neighboring counties of the Kansas City area, including Johnson, Wyandotte and Leavenworth counties, and will take effect at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, March 24, to give residents and employers time on Monday to make preparations. The order is effective until April 23, unless otherwise amended.“With full community cooperation, this proactive public health order can minimize the impact of COVID-19 on our Douglas County community,” Marcellino said.Vulnerable populations including the elderly and those with underlying health conditions must stay-at-home. All community members should stay at home except to perform essential duties for business continuity or government functions, to get food, care for a relative or friend, get necessary health care or perform activities related to maintaining a healthy lifestyle during this time.It is all right to go outside for walks if you are not in a group and practice proper social distancing.Some examples of “essential businesses” including:<ol>
 <li>Healthcare operations, essential infrastructure and essential government functions.</li><li>Establishments engaged in the retail sale of canned food, dry goods, fresh fruits and vegetables, pet supply, fresh meats, fish, and poultry, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and any other household consumer products.</li><li>Businesses that provide food, shelter and social services, and other necessities of life for those economically disadvantaged.</li><li>Gas stations and auto-supply, auto-repair and servicing, emergency road services and related services and facilities.</li><li>Banks and related financial institutions.</li><li>Hardware stores.</li><li>Those who work in trades that provide services that are necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation and essential operation of homes and essential operations or businesses.</li><li>Laundromats, dry cleaners and laundry service providers</li><li>Restaurants and other facilities that prepare and serve food and beverages, but only for delivery or carry out and not for consumption on the premises.</li><li>Home-based care for seniors, adults or children.</li><li>Professional services, such as legal services, accounting services, real estate services, and insurance services.</li><li>Childcare facilities providing services that enable employees exempted in the order to work as permitted, given children are cared for in groups of 10 or fewer.</li><li>Mortuary, cremation and burial services.</li><li>Hotels and motels.</li><li>Manufacturing companies, distributors, and supply chain companies producing and supplying essential products and services.</li>
 </ol>The order does not prevent University of Kansas students from moving out of residence halls as they work through a process with KU Housing, and it also does not prevent employees for making a quick trip to get an item from their offices, if needed.Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health has worked closely on these decisions with numerous community partners, including Douglas County Government, City of Lawrence, Douglas County Emergency Management and LMH Health.Douglas County residents can also stay informed as information changes frequently. For more information visit&nbsp;<a href="https://ldchealth.org/442/COVID-19-2019-Novel-Coronavirus">LDCHealth.org/Coronavirus</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://coronavirus-response-dgco.hub.arcgis.com/">douglascountyks.org/coronavirus</a>.For general information, call the KDHE phone bank at 1-866-534-3463, email COVID-19@ks.gov or call Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health’s Coronavirus line, 785-856-4343 or the LMH Health Coronavirus Line, 785-505-2819.