WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — The top federal Transportation Safety Administration official in Kansas says he raised concerns about the need for coronavirus precautions at airports early during the pandemic and pushed the agency to put them in place nationally.

Jay Brainard, a federal security director with the TSA based in Wichita, moved to make sure that employees used masks and hand sanitizer in Kansas airports by March,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansas.com/news/politics-government/article244246837.html" target="_blank">The Wichita Eagle reports.</a>&nbsp;He said that when he didn’t see those practices adopted nationally, he used whistleblower complaints to push the issue.

Brainard said the TSA moved fairly quickly in response to his concerns and is now “headed in a good direction.”

The TSA announced May 7 that employees would be required to wear face coverings at screening checkpoints. The agency reminded passengers on May 21 about measures such as social distancing and mask wearing ahead of Memorial Day, and the TSA launched a “Stay Healthy. Stay Secure” campaign on June 30.

TSA spokesman Mark Howell said in a statement that coronavirus precautions were in the works before Brainard raised his concerns.

Howell acknowledged that Brainard and TSA Administrator David Pekoske spoke recently but added that Pekoske has been holding weekly town hall meetings with employees since March 17.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595258006465.png" alt="TSA agents checks passenger ID -Photo courtesy Kansas City International Airport&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>TSA agents checks passenger ID -Photo courtesy Kansas City International Airport&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — The top federal Transportation Safety Administration official in Kansas says he raised concerns about the need for coronavirus precautions at airports early during the pandemic and pushed the agency to put them in place nationally.Jay Brainard, a federal security director with the TSA based in Wichita, moved to make sure that employees used masks and hand sanitizer in Kansas airports by March,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansas.com/news/politics-government/article244246837.html" target="_blank">The Wichita Eagle reports.</a>&nbsp;He said that when he didn’t see those practices adopted nationally, he used whistleblower complaints to push the issue.Brainard said the TSA moved fairly quickly in response to his concerns and is now “headed in a good direction.”The TSA announced May 7 that employees would be required to wear face coverings at screening checkpoints. The agency reminded passengers on May 21 about measures such as social distancing and mask wearing ahead of Memorial Day, and the TSA launched a “Stay Healthy. Stay Secure” campaign on June 30.TSA spokesman Mark Howell said in a statement that coronavirus precautions were in the works before Brainard raised his concerns.Howell acknowledged that Brainard and TSA Administrator David Pekoske spoke recently but added that Pekoske has been holding weekly town hall meetings with employees since March 17.

Kansas TSA official says he raised COVID-19 concerns early

TOPEKA —Governor Laura Kelly signed Executive Order #20-59 and shared the details for Executive Order #20-58 during her press conference Monday afternoon.

 Executive Order #20-58 can only be signed if the Kansas Board of Education votes to approve her order. It delays schools from beginning any student instruction from August through September 8. Executive Order #20-59 outlines mitigation procedures schools must take to ensure the safety and wellbeing of Kansas students and teachers.

Responding to reports republican leaders are lobbying the Kansas State Board of Education to vote against the executive order on schools, Kelly said they have used the platform to promote politics instead of public health.

The governor asked members of the State Board of education to put politics aside and think about children, teachers and the survival of main street businesses.&nbsp;

Kelly also referenced a study in South Korea that shows children can spread coronavirus as efficiently as adults and that one third of children tested in Florida are testing positive.

“I will continue to use every resource and tool available to this administration to protect Kansans and keep our economy open for business, regardless of the political pushback,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“The additional three weeks will provide schools time to work with their counties to get the necessary mitigation supplies like masks, thermometers, and hand sanitizer, while providing&nbsp;local districts time to thoroughly review the curriculum options from the State Board of Education to figure out what strategy is best for their district.” &nbsp;

“Putting nearly half a million kids and faculty in daily, large gatherings is the exact opposite of what health experts have urged us to do.”

Executive Order #20-58 will also include athletics and all other extracurricular activities.

Executive Order #20-59 will mandate face coverings for all students, faculty, staff, vendors, and other visitors to public or private K-12 school buildings or facilities.

The Executive Order will mandate six feet social distancing, except for in-person instruction in classrooms when masks or other face coverings are worn.

The order will also require hand sanitizer in all classrooms, and that all students and faculty must sanitize their hands no less than once every hour.

Finally, all individuals entering must have their temperatures checked before entering the building.

To view E.O. #20-58,&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgovernor.kansas.gov%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F07%2FEO-20-58-unsigned.pdf&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Cd23641b0747b4b72863e08d82cf51bdd%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637308778524861595&amp;sdata=rEF%2FVCzbPQvtblXvlvO6XvjRP0WdX2atWoIjtV4x9Zw%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">click here.</a>

To view E.O. #20-59,&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgovernor.kansas.gov%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F07%2FEO-20-59-Signed.pdf&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Cd23641b0747b4b72863e08d82cf51bdd%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637308778524861595&amp;sdata=zxXbAv1BER09AHyFllOkFkqjIVmxAutqEWOnzcGFTCM%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">click here.</a>

The Kansas health department said Monday that coronavirus cases grew by 6.2% since Friday. The department said there were 1,369 new cases to bring the total to 23,334. The agency reported eight new COVID-19-related deaths for a total of 307.&nbsp;

TOPEKA —Governor Laura Kelly signed Executive Order #20-59 and shared the details for Executive Order #20-58 during her press conference Monday afternoon. Executive Order #20-58 can only be signed if the Kansas Board of Education votes to approve her order. It delays schools from beginning any student instruction from August through September 8. Executive Order #20-59 outlines mitigation procedures schools must take to ensure the safety and wellbeing of Kansas students and teachers.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovLauraKelly%2Fvideos%2F663459251046658%2F&show_text=0&width=560" width="560" height="315" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Responding to reports republican leaders are lobbying the Kansas State Board of Education to vote against the executive order on schools, Kelly said they have used the platform to promote politics instead of public health.The governor asked members of the State Board of education to put politics aside and think about children, teachers and the survival of main street businesses.&nbsp;Kelly also referenced a study in South Korea that shows children can spread coronavirus as efficiently as adults and that one third of children tested in Florida are testing positive.“I will continue to use every resource and tool available to this administration to protect Kansans and keep our economy open for business, regardless of the political pushback,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“The additional three weeks will provide schools time to work with their counties to get the necessary mitigation supplies like masks, thermometers, and hand sanitizer, while providing&nbsp;local districts time to thoroughly review the curriculum options from the State Board of Education to figure out what strategy is best for their district.” &nbsp;“Putting nearly half a million kids and faculty in daily, large gatherings is the exact opposite of what health experts have urged us to do.”Executive Order #20-58 will also include athletics and all other extracurricular activities.Exceptions will be made for:<ol>
 <li>Students enrolled concurrently to receive college credit;</li><li>Enrollment of students for the 2020-2021 school year may occur in K-12 schools;</li><li>Screenings and evaluations of students to determine accommodations and placement needs for the 2020-2021 school year.</li>
 </ol>Executive Order #20-59 will mandate face coverings for all students, faculty, staff, vendors, and other visitors to public or private K-12 school buildings or facilities.Exceptions will be made for:<ol>
 <li>Eating;</li><li>Activities that cannot be safely conducted with a mask or other face covering;</li><li>Children who are not students and are 5 years of age or under;</li><li>Persons with a medical condition, mental health condition, or disability that prevents wearing a face covering;</li><li>Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing or communicating with a person who is deaf or hard of hearing, where the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication;</li><li>Persons for whom wearing a face covering would create a risk to the person related to their work.</li>
 </ol>The Executive Order will mandate six feet social distancing, except for in-person instruction in classrooms when masks or other face coverings are worn.The order will also require hand sanitizer in all classrooms, and that all students and faculty must sanitize their hands no less than once every hour.Finally, all individuals entering must have their temperatures checked before entering the building.To view E.O. #20-58,&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgovernor.kansas.gov%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F07%2FEO-20-58-unsigned.pdf&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Cd23641b0747b4b72863e08d82cf51bdd%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637308778524861595&amp;sdata=rEF%2FVCzbPQvtblXvlvO6XvjRP0WdX2atWoIjtV4x9Zw%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">click here.</a>To view E.O. #20-59,&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgovernor.kansas.gov%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F07%2FEO-20-59-Signed.pdf&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Cd23641b0747b4b72863e08d82cf51bdd%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637308778524861595&amp;sdata=zxXbAv1BER09AHyFllOkFkqjIVmxAutqEWOnzcGFTCM%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">click here.</a>The Kansas health department said Monday that coronavirus cases grew by 6.2% since Friday. The department said there were 1,369 new cases to bring the total to 23,334. The agency reported eight new COVID-19-related deaths for a total of 307.&nbsp;

🎥 Governor signs executive order on schools

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A woman was fatally shot Monday while pushing a baby stroller in Kansas City, police said.

Officers responding to a shooting call at 11:30 a.m. found the unresponsive woman in the parking lot of a 7-Eleven, police said in a news release. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Witnesses told police they saw a vehicle drive up and shoot the woman while she was pushing a baby in a stroller. The baby, believed to be under a year old, did not appear to be hurt but was taken to a hospital to be checked out.

Detectives are trying to develop information about a suspect and speaking to witnesses.

It was the 106th homicide this year, according to police.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595280354489.png" alt="Police on the scene of the shooting investigation photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the shooting investigation photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A woman was fatally shot Monday while pushing a baby stroller in Kansas City, police said.Officers responding to a shooting call at 11:30 a.m. found the unresponsive woman in the parking lot of a 7-Eleven, police said in a news release. She was pronounced dead at the scene.Witnesses told police they saw a vehicle drive up and shoot the woman while she was pushing a baby in a stroller. The baby, believed to be under a year old, did not appear to be hurt but was taken to a hospital to be checked out.Detectives are trying to develop information about a suspect and speaking to witnesses.It was the 106th homicide this year, according to police.

KC's 106th homicide of 2020: Woman pushing baby in stroller

SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating an injury accident that sent a woman to the hospital.

Just before midnight Friday, sheriff's deputies responded to NW 54th Street and NW Carlson Road for an injury accident, according to deputy Abigail Christian. 

Deputies discovered Kristin T. Eustice, 32, of Rossville was operating a 2015 Polaris Razor Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV) southbound on NW Carlson Road just north of 54th Street. 

Eustice lost control of the UTV on the gravel causing it to go into the east ditch of NW Carlson Road. She was ejected and the UTV rolled over and came to rest on top of her. 

Bystanders rolled the UTV off of Eustice before deputies arrived. A passenger, Laura A. Western, 30, of Rossville, sustained minor injuries.

American Medical Response transported Eustice to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. A preliminary investigations show alcohol may be involved, according to Christian.

SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating an injury accident that sent a woman to the hospital.Just before midnight Friday, sheriff's deputies responded to NW 54th Street and NW Carlson Road for an injury accident, according to deputy Abigail Christian. Deputies discovered Kristin T. Eustice, 32, of Rossville was operating a 2015 Polaris Razor Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV) southbound on NW Carlson Road just north of 54th Street. Eustice lost control of the UTV on the gravel causing it to go into the east ditch of NW Carlson Road. She was ejected and the UTV rolled over and came to rest on top of her. Bystanders rolled the UTV off of Eustice before deputies arrived. A passenger, Laura A. Western, 30, of Rossville, sustained minor injuries.American Medical Response transported Eustice to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. A preliminary investigations show alcohol may be involved, according to Christian.

Sheriff: Alcohol a possible factor in Kansas UTV crash

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Police identified on Monday the man who was killed during a weekend altercation at a Missouri gas station.

Officers responded Sunday to a call about a disturbance involving a person armed with a gun at a Kansas City, Missouri, gas station.

When they arrived, they found a man unresponsive next to a vehicle who appeared to have been shot. He was declared dead at the scene. Police identified him on Monday as 28-year-old Jayvon McCray.

The person who called police said the victim had gotten into an altercation with another person which led to shots being fired.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Police are investigating a Sunday shooting at a Kansas City gas station that left a man dead.

Officers were dispatched to a gas station in Kansas City, Missouri, just before 3 p.m. on a disturbance with a person armed with a gun, the Kansas City Police Department said in a news release.

When they arrived, the officers found a man unresponsive next to a vehicle. He died at the scene.

Other officers stopped a vehicle that had been described by witnesses as leaving the scene before police arrived. Its occupants are in custody pending further investigation.

Police are processing the scene and trying to piece together what led up to the shooting.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595198516159.png" alt="Police on the scene of the shooting investigation Sunday photo courtesy KSHB" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the shooting investigation Sunday photo courtesy KSHB</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — Police identified on Monday the man who was killed during a weekend altercation at a Missouri gas station.Officers responded Sunday to a call about a disturbance involving a person armed with a gun at a Kansas City, Missouri, gas station.When they arrived, they found a man unresponsive next to a vehicle who appeared to have been shot. He was declared dead at the scene. Police identified him on Monday as 28-year-old Jayvon McCray.The person who called police said the victim had gotten into an altercation with another person which led to shots being fired.-----KANSAS CITY (AP) — Police are investigating a Sunday shooting at a Kansas City gas station that left a man dead.Officers were dispatched to a gas station in Kansas City, Missouri, just before 3 p.m. on a disturbance with a person armed with a gun, the Kansas City Police Department said in a news release.When they arrived, the officers found a man unresponsive next to a vehicle. He died at the scene.The person who called police said the victim had gotten into an altercation with another person which led to shots being fired.Other officers stopped a vehicle that had been described by witnesses as leaving the scene before police arrived. Its occupants are in custody pending further investigation.Police are processing the scene and trying to piece together what led up to the shooting.

Police ID man killed in shooting at Kansas City gas station

BARTON COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a weekend shooting in Great Bend and have two suspects in custody.

Just after 11:45 p.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to Veteran's Memorial Park located at 4714 17th Street Terrace in Great Bend in reference to a shooting that occurred at that location. 

Upon arrival, officers received witness reports advising that a Dodge 4-door passenger car, occupied by two adults and two 17-year-old passengers were driving through Veteran's Memorial Park when confronted by a blue SUV occupied by Ashten M. Tracy, age 18; Miguel A. Gonzalez Jr., 20 and a 15 year-old passenger. 

While the Dodge 4-door passenger car was traveling south through the Park, witnesses report the blue SUV pulling over and blocking the roadway near 17th Street Terrace. 

The witnesses reported the Dodge 4-door passenger car traveled through the grass along the midway to make an attempt to exit the Park onto 17th Street Terrace.

 Witnesses report that as the Dodge 4-door passenger car traveled southeast and began to turn onto 17th Street Terrace, Gonzalez Jr. exited the blue SUV and fired a single shot into the Dodge passenger car, striking one of the 17 year-old occupants sitting in the back seat of the vehicle.

The 17 year-old victim was transported to the University of Kansas Medical Health Systems Emergency Room where he was treated for a life-threatening gunshot wound. He was&nbsp;later air-lifted to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas and remains in critical condition.

Just after 8p.m. n Sunday, police arrested Gonzalez Jr. on requested charges of attempted murder and Tracy was arrested on charges of accessory to attempted murder, obstruction, and aiding and abetting an attempted murder. 

Gonzalez Jr. and Tracy were transported to the Barton County Detention Center and booked in lieu of $250,000 bond, according to the release.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595263104107.jpeg" alt="Tracy photo Barton County" />
 <figcaption>Tracy photo Barton County</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a weekend shooting in Great Bend and have two suspects in custody. Just after 11:45 p.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to Veteran's Memorial Park located at 4714 17th Street Terrace in Great Bend in reference to a shooting that occurred at that location. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595263121522.jpeg" alt="Miguel Gonzalez Jr. photo Barton Co." />
 <figcaption>Miguel Gonzalez Jr. photo Barton Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Upon arrival, officers received witness reports advising that a Dodge 4-door passenger car, occupied by two adults and two 17-year-old passengers were driving through Veteran's Memorial Park when confronted by a blue SUV occupied by Ashten M. Tracy, age 18; Miguel A. Gonzalez Jr., 20 and a 15 year-old passenger. While the Dodge 4-door passenger car was traveling south through the Park, witnesses report the blue SUV pulling over and blocking the roadway near 17th Street Terrace. The witnesses reported the Dodge 4-door passenger car traveled through the grass along the midway to make an attempt to exit the Park onto 17th Street Terrace. Witnesses report that as the Dodge 4-door passenger car traveled southeast and began to turn onto 17th Street Terrace, Gonzalez Jr. exited the blue SUV and fired a single shot into the Dodge passenger car, striking one of the 17 year-old occupants sitting in the back seat of the vehicle.The 17 year-old victim was transported to the University of Kansas Medical Health Systems Emergency Room where he was treated for a life-threatening gunshot wound. He was&nbsp;later air-lifted to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas and remains in critical condition.Just after 8p.m. n Sunday, police arrested Gonzalez Jr. on requested charges of attempted murder and Tracy was arrested on charges of accessory to attempted murder, obstruction, and aiding and abetting an attempted murder. Gonzalez Jr. and Tracy were transported to the Barton County Detention Center and booked in lieu of $250,000 bond, according to the release.

Great Bend shooting victim airlifted to hospital, 2 suspects jailed

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 1,369 to a total of 23,334, the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional numbers from the KDHE.

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 1,369 to a total of 23,334, the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 307<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional numbers from the KDHE.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595264533467.png" alt="July 20, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>July 20, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

JACKSON COUNTY— Authorities are crediting a Kansas sheriff's deputy with saving a man's life over the weekend.

Just after 8:30p.m. Saturday,&nbsp; the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call from a residence at 13027 134th&nbsp;Road, according to&nbsp;Sheriff Tim Morse. The caller reported that a car fell on his dad who was stuck beneath the vehicle. 

Family members attempted to free the man, however, they were unsuccessful. It was reported that the victim was barely breathing due to the weight of the car on his chest. Jackson County Sheriff’s Deputy Chad Ballenger arrived on scene and was able to use a jack to lift the vehicle off the victim. 

Hoyt and Mayetta Fire Departments and Jackson County EMS responded to the scene as well as the Kansas Highway Patrol.&nbsp; EMS transported the victim to a Topeka hospital and has since been released, according to Morse.

&nbsp;“The outcome of this incident could have turned very tragic, I am very appreciative of Deputy Ballenger’s quick thinking and the calmness he brought to a very tense situation. 

Deputy Ballenger was able to provide lifesaving instructions to those on the scene, communicate with the victim at the same time, and rescue the victim from death. Deputy Ballenger is an example of the brave men and women of the sheriff’s office who put their lives on the line each and every day for their community,” said Morse.

JACKSON COUNTY— Authorities are crediting a Kansas sheriff's deputy with saving a man's life over the weekend.Just after 8:30p.m. Saturday,&nbsp; the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call from a residence at 13027 134th&nbsp;Road, according to&nbsp;Sheriff Tim Morse. The caller reported that a car fell on his dad who was stuck beneath the vehicle. Family members attempted to free the man, however, they were unsuccessful. It was reported that the victim was barely breathing due to the weight of the car on his chest. Jackson County Sheriff’s Deputy Chad Ballenger arrived on scene and was able to use a jack to lift the vehicle off the victim. Hoyt and Mayetta Fire Departments and Jackson County EMS responded to the scene as well as the Kansas Highway Patrol.&nbsp; EMS transported the victim to a Topeka hospital and has since been released, according to Morse.&nbsp;“The outcome of this incident could have turned very tragic, I am very appreciative of Deputy Ballenger’s quick thinking and the calmness he brought to a very tense situation. Deputy Ballenger was able to provide lifesaving instructions to those on the scene, communicate with the victim at the same time, and rescue the victim from death. Deputy Ballenger is an example of the brave men and women of the sheriff’s office who put their lives on the line each and every day for their community,” said Morse.

Sheriff: Kansas deputy saved a life after car falls on victim

By LISA RODRIGUEZ <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-07-20/census-workers-hit-the-streets-in-kansas-and-missouri-to-combat-lackluster-response-rates">Kansas News Service</a>

The impact of the 2020 Census is hard to overstate. According to <a href="https://gwipp.gwu.edu/sites/g/files/zaxdzs2181/f/downloads/Counting%20for%20Dollars%202020%20Brief%207A%20-%20Comprehensive%20Accounting.pdf" target="_blank">a study by George Washington University</a>,
 federal spending programs recently used 2010 Census data to distribute 
more than $1.5 trillion to state and local governments, nonprofits, 
businesses, and households nationwide.

But in much of Kansas and Missouri, the response so far has been underwhelming.

In Kansas City, Missouri, where <a href="https://2020census.gov/en/response-rates.html" target="_blank">the response rate</a>
 is just 56%, census workers started going door-to-door July 16, looking
 to get a jump on a national operation beginning in August to follow-up 
on non-responses.

Kansas City councilwoman Ryana Parks-Shaw organized a press conference last week to push for a complete count. 

“The 2020 Census will dictate the next decade of our lives in real and compelling ways,” she said.

For
 example, the government didn’t directly give Kansas City coronavirus 
relief funding, in part, because that money was distributed based on 
2010 Census data, and Kansas City fell short of the population 
requirement.

In much of Kansas, the response isn't much better. Census enumerators will be deployed throughout most of the state this week.

Local
 groups, like the Kansas City Public Library, Kansas City Public Schools
 and the Mid America Regional Council started preparing for the 2020 
Census years ago, only to be thwarted by the global coronavirus 
pandemic.

Outreach efforts decimated by the coronavirus

Jenny Garmon is with the Kansas City Public Library, which has been preparing for this year’s census for at least three years.

“I
 was really excited. We were going to have Representative (Emanuel) 
Cleaver II at the central library to do a public forum discussion about 
it and all of that just had to be shelved because it wasn't safe any 
longer with COVID-19,” Garmon said.

When Kansas City shut down due
 to the virus, the library and other regional partners tried to get the 
word out about the census through billboards, signage on buses and 
mailers.

In Wichita, census officials say they had car parades every Saturday to encourage people to fill out the form online.

With cities re-opening businesses, advocates are holding in-person events outdoors.

But contacting hard-to-reach communities continues to be an uphill battle.

At
 an event at Seven Oaks Park in Kansas City last week, Garmon only 
talked to one person about filling out the census. The park, located at 
37th Street and Kensington, is in a census tract with the 
lowest response rates, and a third of homes there aren't connected to 
the internet.

Garmon said the low-turnout was disappointing, 
particularly because it’s exactly the kind of neighborhood that could 
benefit most from an accurate count.

“I'd love to talk with more 
people about the census and why it's important, then how easy it is to 
respond to it. I would love that,” Garmon said.

“So it's hard not to have that interaction, but it's also just a learning experience for me too, about being patient.”

Communities are still suffering from COVID-19

Many
 of the areas in Kansas and Missouri where responses have been the 
lowest are the same neighborhoods hit hardest by the coronavirus.

In southwest Kansas, areas with high Latino populations have seen low participation. COVID-19 outbreaks <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-05-04/despite-meatpacking-plants-efforts-kansas-workers-say-were-right-next-to-each-other" target="_blank">at meatpacking plants have taken a toll</a> in that region.

Plus,
 a proposed question about citizenship status that was ultimately 
removed from the 2020 Census stoked fears in the diverse community about
 how personal information might be used.

Emily Kelley, the U.S. 
Census Bureau partnership coordinator for Kansas, says they’re trying to
 assure people that census data is secure.

“We have partners 
working diligently in those areas to engage people…so there's an 
understanding of why we do the census — that it's easy, safe, and 
important,” Kelley said.

Kelley says college towns like Manhattan,
 Kansas, have also seen lower response rates because many students 
returned home during the pandemic. That could result in an low count for
 those areas.

In Kansas City, Missouri, low-income areas, 
immigrant communities and predominantly Black communities in the third, 
fourth and fifth city council districts are showing lower rates than the
 rest of the city.

Those are also the same areas with<a href="https://www.kcmo.gov/city-hall/departments/health/coronavirus-covid-19/covid-19-totals" target="_blank"> the highest numbers of COVID-19 cases</a>.

Using the census to fight for racial equity

Rick
 Usher, who’s leading census efforts for Kansas City, Missouri, says 
people in many neighborhoods are struggling to make ends meet. He says 
areas with low response rates also correlate with neighborhoods internet
 access is limited.

“The pandemic has brought greater awareness to these disparities that have existed in the community for decades,” Usher said.

Kansas
 City Councilwoman Melissa Robinson said that’s exactly why it’s so 
important for the most distressed parts of the city to make sure they’re
 counted.

As Black Lives Matter demonstrations ripple across the 
country, Robinson says filling out the census is a crucial part of the 
fight for racial justice.

“Because oftentimes in the community as 
elected leaders, we hear the tale of two cities — they have, we don't 
have,” Robinson said.

She said being able to prove that inequity 
with statistics and data allows government officials to identify 
disparities and work to close the gaps.

“But foundational in that is to say, ‘I'm here, I'm present,’” Robinson said.

Robinson also said it’s an important way to make sure black and brown voices are represented in public office.

“And
 so if you want people that represent your neighborhood to be able to 
speak to your needs, then you need to respond to the census,” Robinson 
said.

But with coronavirus cases on the rise again, more people may be wary of in-person interactions — and the October 31st deadline is nearing. Households can still fill out the form online at <a href="https://my2020census.gov/" target="_blank">my2020census.gov</a>.

In addition to being KCUR's afternoon newscaster, Lisa Rodriguez covers city hall and other news around Kansas City. Follow her on Twitter @larodrig.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595259374096.png" alt="Jenny Garmon is leading census outreach for the Kansas City Public Library, but the pandemic has made it difficult to reach many communities. Lisa Rodriguez / KCUR 89.3" />
 <figcaption>Jenny Garmon is leading census outreach for the Kansas City Public Library, but the pandemic has made it difficult to reach many communities. Lisa Rodriguez / KCUR 89.3</figcaption>
 </figure>By LISA RODRIGUEZ <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-07-20/census-workers-hit-the-streets-in-kansas-and-missouri-to-combat-lackluster-response-rates">Kansas News Service</a>The impact of the 2020 Census is hard to overstate. According to <a href="https://gwipp.gwu.edu/sites/g/files/zaxdzs2181/f/downloads/Counting%20for%20Dollars%202020%20Brief%207A%20-%20Comprehensive%20Accounting.pdf" target="_blank">a study by George Washington University</a>,
 federal spending programs recently used 2010 Census data to distribute 
more than $1.5 trillion to state and local governments, nonprofits, 
businesses, and households nationwide.But in much of Kansas and Missouri, the response so far has been underwhelming.In Kansas City, Missouri, where <a href="https://2020census.gov/en/response-rates.html" target="_blank">the response rate</a>
 is just 56%, census workers started going door-to-door July 16, looking
 to get a jump on a national operation beginning in August to follow-up 
on non-responses.Kansas City councilwoman Ryana Parks-Shaw organized a press conference last week to push for a complete count. “The 2020 Census will dictate the next decade of our lives in real and compelling ways,” she said.For
 example, the government didn’t directly give Kansas City coronavirus 
relief funding, in part, because that money was distributed based on 
2010 Census data, and Kansas City fell short of the population 
requirement.In much of Kansas, the response isn't much better. Census enumerators will be deployed throughout most of the state this week.Local
 groups, like the Kansas City Public Library, Kansas City Public Schools
 and the Mid America Regional Council started preparing for the 2020 
Census years ago, only to be thwarted by the global coronavirus 
pandemic.Outreach efforts decimated by the coronavirusJenny Garmon is with the Kansas City Public Library, which has been preparing for this year’s census for at least three years.“I
 was really excited. We were going to have Representative (Emanuel) 
Cleaver II at the central library to do a public forum discussion about 
it and all of that just had to be shelved because it wasn't safe any 
longer with COVID-19,” Garmon said.When Kansas City shut down due
 to the virus, the library and other regional partners tried to get the 
word out about the census through billboards, signage on buses and 
mailers.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595259444373.png" alt="A Kansas City resident registers to vote at one of the Kansas City Library's census outreach events at Swope Health Center. Lisa Rodriguez / KCUR 89.3 " />
 <figcaption>A Kansas City resident registers to vote at one of the Kansas City Library's census outreach events at Swope Health Center. Lisa Rodriguez / KCUR 89.3 </figcaption>
 </figure>In Wichita, census officials say they had car parades every Saturday to encourage people to fill out the form online.With cities re-opening businesses, advocates are holding in-person events outdoors.But contacting hard-to-reach communities continues to be an uphill battle.At
 an event at Seven Oaks Park in Kansas City last week, Garmon only 
talked to one person about filling out the census. The park, located at 
37th Street and Kensington, is in a census tract with the 
lowest response rates, and a third of homes there aren't connected to 
the internet.Garmon said the low-turnout was disappointing, 
particularly because it’s exactly the kind of neighborhood that could 
benefit most from an accurate count.“I'd love to talk with more 
people about the census and why it's important, then how easy it is to 
respond to it. I would love that,” Garmon said.“So it's hard not to have that interaction, but it's also just a learning experience for me too, about being patient.”Communities are still suffering from COVID-19Many
 of the areas in Kansas and Missouri where responses have been the 
lowest are the same neighborhoods hit hardest by the coronavirus.In southwest Kansas, areas with high Latino populations have seen low participation. COVID-19 outbreaks <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-05-04/despite-meatpacking-plants-efforts-kansas-workers-say-were-right-next-to-each-other" target="_blank">at meatpacking plants have taken a toll</a> in that region.Plus,
 a proposed question about citizenship status that was ultimately 
removed from the 2020 Census stoked fears in the diverse community about
 how personal information might be used.Emily Kelley, the U.S. 
Census Bureau partnership coordinator for Kansas, says they’re trying to
 assure people that census data is secure.“We have partners 
working diligently in those areas to engage people…so there's an 
understanding of why we do the census — that it's easy, safe, and 
important,” Kelley said.Kelley says college towns like Manhattan,
 Kansas, have also seen lower response rates because many students 
returned home during the pandemic. That could result in an low count for
 those areas.In Kansas City, Missouri, low-income areas, 
immigrant communities and predominantly Black communities in the third, 
fourth and fifth city council districts are showing lower rates than the
 rest of the city.Those are also the same areas with<a href="https://www.kcmo.gov/city-hall/departments/health/coronavirus-covid-19/covid-19-totals" target="_blank"> the highest numbers of COVID-19 cases</a>.Using the census to fight for racial equityRick
 Usher, who’s leading census efforts for Kansas City, Missouri, says 
people in many neighborhoods are struggling to make ends meet. He says 
areas with low response rates also correlate with neighborhoods internet
 access is limited.“The pandemic has brought greater awareness to these disparities that have existed in the community for decades,” Usher said.Kansas
 City Councilwoman Melissa Robinson said that’s exactly why it’s so 
important for the most distressed parts of the city to make sure they’re
 counted.As Black Lives Matter demonstrations ripple across the 
country, Robinson says filling out the census is a crucial part of the 
fight for racial justice.“Because oftentimes in the community as 
elected leaders, we hear the tale of two cities — they have, we don't 
have,” Robinson said.She said being able to prove that inequity 
with statistics and data allows government officials to identify 
disparities and work to close the gaps.“But foundational in that is to say, ‘I'm here, I'm present,’” Robinson said.Robinson also said it’s an important way to make sure black and brown voices are represented in public office.“And
 so if you want people that represent your neighborhood to be able to 
speak to your needs, then you need to respond to the census,” Robinson 
said.But with coronavirus cases on the rise again, more people may be wary of in-person interactions — and the October 31st deadline is nearing. Households can still fill out the form online at <a href="https://my2020census.gov/" target="_blank">my2020census.gov</a>.In addition to being KCUR's afternoon newscaster, Lisa Rodriguez covers city hall and other news around Kansas City. Follow her on Twitter @larodrig.&nbsp;

Kan., Mo. Census workers hit the streets to combat lackluster response rates

SALINE COUNTY —Authorities say a pickup reported stole in Salina&nbsp; was found burning west of town on Friday night.

&nbsp;Just before 10:30p.m., deputies and firefighters from Rural Fire District No. 3 were sent to the 400 block of South Muir Road for the report of a vehicle on fire. A resident who lived nearby noticed the fire while he was on his way home and notified authorities, according to Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan.

When emergency personnel arrived, they found a 2012 Dodge pickup valued at $25,000 fully engulfed in flames.

According to Soldan, the pickup was last seen at 7 a.m. Friday when it was parked in a lot in the 1500 block of West North Street.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595258733306.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —Authorities say a pickup reported stole in Salina&nbsp; was found burning west of town on Friday night.&nbsp;Just before 10:30p.m., deputies and firefighters from Rural Fire District No. 3 were sent to the 400 block of South Muir Road for the report of a vehicle on fire. A resident who lived nearby noticed the fire while he was on his way home and notified authorities, according to Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan.When emergency personnel arrived, they found a 2012 Dodge pickup valued at $25,000 fully engulfed in flames.According to Soldan, the pickup was last seen at 7 a.m. Friday when it was parked in a lot in the 1500 block of West North Street.

Sheriff: Pickup reported stolen from Salina found burning 

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Four people were rushed to hospitals in St. Louis on Sunday after being struck by lightning in a park, officials said.

The incident happened around 8 p.m. Sunday as thunderstorms rolled through the city. Andrea Ford lives near Marquette Park where the people were injured. 

She&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kmov.com/news/4-people-struck-by-lightning-in-south-city-1-in-critical-condition/article_0ed5a50e-ca2a-11ea-ac15-2747040eed96.html">told&nbsp;</a>television station KMOV she had seen several people playing in a grassy area at the park as the storm came in. She then heard several loud claps of thunder, and when she looked out the window again, she saw two people down on the ground.

Medics responded and were performing CPR on victims before they were taken to hospitals, Ford said.

At least one person was in critical condition, officials said. The names of the victims had not been released by Monday morning.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595254224132.png" alt="Security camera images moments after the lightning strike -image courtesy KMOV TV" />
 <figcaption>Security camera images moments after the lightning strike -image courtesy KMOV TV</figcaption>
 </figure>ST. LOUIS (AP) — Four people were rushed to hospitals in St. Louis on Sunday after being struck by lightning in a park, officials said.The incident happened around 8 p.m. Sunday as thunderstorms rolled through the city. Andrea Ford lives near Marquette Park where the people were injured. She&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kmov.com/news/4-people-struck-by-lightning-in-south-city-1-in-critical-condition/article_0ed5a50e-ca2a-11ea-ac15-2747040eed96.html">told&nbsp;</a>television station KMOV she had seen several people playing in a grassy area at the park as the storm came in. She then heard several loud claps of thunder, and when she looked out the window again, she saw two people down on the ground.Medics responded and were performing CPR on victims before they were taken to hospitals, Ford said.At least one person was in critical condition, officials said. The names of the victims had not been released by Monday morning.

4 hospitalized after being struck by lightning in Missouri

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas’ Republican-controlled state school board is facing pressure from conservatives to scuttle Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s plan to delay the reopening of K-12 schools, even as a resurgence in coronavirus cases intensifies.

The elected, 10-member State Board of Education can block Kelly’s plan under a law enacted last month as a compromise between Kelly and a GOP-controlled Legislature often critical of her handling of the pandemic. Kelly plans to issue an order Monday to delay the reopening of schools for 519,000 elementary, middle and high school students for three weeks, from mid-August until after Labor Day. The board is expected to meet within days.

Senate President Susan Wagle, a conservative Wichita Republican, has publicly called on people to urge the board to reject Kelly’s proposed delay. The small-government, free-market Kansas Policy Institute think tank, influential with GOP conservatives, also urged similar action Friday, saying a delayed school start would hurt children.

Kelly cited the continued growth in confirmed coronavirus cases in announcing her plan this week. The state reported its worst seven-day spike in cases since the pandemic began on Friday when the Kansas Department of Health and Environment reported more than 1,000 confirmed new cases in just two days, bringing the total for the pandemic close to 22,000.

“We’re going in the wrong direction,” said Ashley Jones-Wisner, the state health department’s spokeswoman.

Kelly’s announcement came only hours after the State Board of Education approved 1,100 pages of guidelines for reopening K-12 schools safely, including recommendations for all staff to wear masks, as well as students in middle and high school. But they weren’t mandates, reflecting the state’s longstanding tradition of leaving decisions about building operations to local school boards.

Republicans have an 8-2 majority on the state board. Kelly does not yet appear to have the necessary six votes for approval of her order. Seven board members — including the two Democrats — told The Associated Press as of Friday that they hadn’t decided how to vote.

They said they needed to see the text of Kelly’s order and were conferring with teachers, superintendents, locals school board members and public health officials. They also said they were getting inundated with calls and emails, from all points of view.

Board member Jim Porter, a Fredonia Republican, said local boards should make such decisions, but he recognizes that Kansas faces “a very serious health concern.”

“I am conflicted,” Porter said. ”I personally have a medically fragile granddaughter.”

The Kansas Policy Institute cited guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics strongly advocating that reopening plans start “with a goal of having students physically present in school.” The KPI said long times away from schools and their associated support services often results in social isolation, hampering efforts to address learning deficits and physical and mental health.

Educators and state and local officials argue that children benefit from interacting with each other and that in-person classes generally are better for instruction than online classes. Also, the state had reported no COVID-19-related deaths in children under 18 as of Friday, with 8.4% of the state’s total cases in minors.

State school board member Janet Waugh, a Kansas City, Kansas, Democrat, said she’s heard from teachers who miss their students but also from teachers “who are making their wills and revising their wills.”

The state health department said Kansas has had a total of 21,965 reported novel coronavirus cases, up 1,032 or 4.9% from Wednesday. Infections are thought to be far more numerous because many people have not been tested, and people can be infected without feeling sick.

The health department reported no change in the number of COVID-19-related deaths, making it still 299 for the pandemic. However, Johns Hopkins University put the tally at 305.

Kansas has seen an increase in coronavirus cases with 3,354 during the seven days ending Friday, a jump of 18%. The daily average for new cases during the period was 479. COVID-19-related deaths and hospitalizations have grown more slowly.

After weeks of pressure from Republican legislators, Kelly lifted statewide restrictions on businesses and public gatherings May 26, leaving decisions to the state’s 105 counties. Counties also have the power to opt out of an order Kelly issued July 2 to require people to wear masks in public and at their workplaces, and most have, exempting about 40% of the state’s population.

“The counties have been opening up,” said Barbara Mitchell, a spokeswoman for the health department in Johnson County, the state’s most populous county, where a mask mandate is in place. “So there’s a lot of people going back to work and doing activities.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594844891982.png" alt="On Monday, Kansas governor Laura Kelly is expected to sign an executive order to delay reopening K-12 schools until after Labor Day." />
 <figcaption>On Monday, Kansas governor Laura Kelly is expected to sign an executive order to delay reopening K-12 schools until after Labor Day.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas’ Republican-controlled state school board is facing pressure from conservatives to scuttle Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s plan to delay the reopening of K-12 schools, even as a resurgence in coronavirus cases intensifies.The elected, 10-member State Board of Education can block Kelly’s plan under a law enacted last month as a compromise between Kelly and a GOP-controlled Legislature often critical of her handling of the pandemic. Kelly plans to issue an order Monday to delay the reopening of schools for 519,000 elementary, middle and high school students for three weeks, from mid-August until after Labor Day. The board is expected to meet within days.Senate President Susan Wagle, a conservative Wichita Republican, has publicly called on people to urge the board to reject Kelly’s proposed delay. The small-government, free-market Kansas Policy Institute think tank, influential with GOP conservatives, also urged similar action Friday, saying a delayed school start would hurt children.Kelly cited the continued growth in confirmed coronavirus cases in announcing her plan this week. The state reported its worst seven-day spike in cases since the pandemic began on Friday when the Kansas Department of Health and Environment reported more than 1,000 confirmed new cases in just two days, bringing the total for the pandemic close to 22,000.“We’re going in the wrong direction,” said Ashley Jones-Wisner, the state health department’s spokeswoman.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594844055627.png" alt="Kansas Commissioner of Education Randy Watson during the governor's July 15 news conference" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Commissioner of Education Randy Watson during the governor's July 15 news conference</figcaption>
 </figure>Kelly’s announcement came only hours after the State Board of Education approved 1,100 pages of guidelines for reopening K-12 schools safely, including recommendations for all staff to wear masks, as well as students in middle and high school. But they weren’t mandates, reflecting the state’s longstanding tradition of leaving decisions about building operations to local school boards.Republicans have an 8-2 majority on the state board. Kelly does not yet appear to have the necessary six votes for approval of her order. Seven board members — including the two Democrats — told The Associated Press as of Friday that they hadn’t decided how to vote.They said they needed to see the text of Kelly’s order and were conferring with teachers, superintendents, locals school board members and public health officials. They also said they were getting inundated with calls and emails, from all points of view.Board member Jim Porter, a Fredonia Republican, said local boards should make such decisions, but he recognizes that Kansas faces “a very serious health concern.”“I am conflicted,” Porter said. ”I personally have a medically fragile granddaughter.”The Kansas Policy Institute cited guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics strongly advocating that reopening plans start “with a goal of having students physically present in school.” The KPI said long times away from schools and their associated support services often results in social isolation, hampering efforts to address learning deficits and physical and mental health.Educators and state and local officials argue that children benefit from interacting with each other and that in-person classes generally are better for instruction than online classes. Also, the state had reported no COVID-19-related deaths in children under 18 as of Friday, with 8.4% of the state’s total cases in minors.State school board member Janet Waugh, a Kansas City, Kansas, Democrat, said she’s heard from teachers who miss their students but also from teachers “who are making their wills and revising their wills.”The state health department said Kansas has had a total of 21,965 reported novel coronavirus cases, up 1,032 or 4.9% from Wednesday. Infections are thought to be far more numerous because many people have not been tested, and people can be infected without feeling sick.The health department reported no change in the number of COVID-19-related deaths, making it still 299 for the pandemic. However, Johns Hopkins University put the tally at 305.Kansas has seen an increase in coronavirus cases with 3,354 during the seven days ending Friday, a jump of 18%. The daily average for new cases during the period was 479. COVID-19-related deaths and hospitalizations have grown more slowly.After weeks of pressure from Republican legislators, Kelly lifted statewide restrictions on businesses and public gatherings May 26, leaving decisions to the state’s 105 counties. Counties also have the power to opt out of an order Kelly issued July 2 to require people to wear masks in public and at their workplaces, and most have, exempting about 40% of the state’s population.“The counties have been opening up,” said Barbara Mitchell, a spokeswoman for the health department in Johnson County, the state’s most populous county, where a mask mandate is in place. “So there’s a lot of people going back to work and doing activities.”____

Kansas Board of Education faces pressure to reopen schools

GARDNER, Kan. (AP) — Police in the Kansas City suburb of Gardner, Kansas, say a 19-year-old man has died in a crash there. Television station WDAF reports that the crash happened around 2:30 a.m. Sunday on Interstate 35.

 Investigators say the man's northbound car missed an exit, launched into a grassy area and rolled. The man was pronounced dead at the scene. Police had not released his name by Monday morning. An investigation into the crash continues.

GARDNER, Kan. (AP) — Police in the Kansas City suburb of Gardner, Kansas, say a 19-year-old man has died in a crash there. Television station WDAF reports that the crash happened around 2:30 a.m. Sunday on Interstate 35. Investigators say the man's northbound car missed an exit, launched into a grassy area and rolled. The man was pronounced dead at the scene. Police had not released his name by Monday morning. An investigation into the crash continues.

Officials: 19-year-old Kansas man killed in rollover crash

WASHINGTON (AP) — Top Republicans in Congress are expected to meet Monday with President Donald Trump at the White House on the next&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">COVID-19&nbsp;</a>aid package as the crisis many hoped would have improved has dramatically worsened, just as emergency relief is expiring.

New divisions between the Senate GOP majority and the White House posed fresh challenges. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell was prepared to roll out the $1 trillion package in a matter of days. But administration panned more virus testing money and interjected other priorities that could complicate quick passage.

Trump insisted again Sunday that the virus would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/02b0c7bb496a21d9e09abb1d01cecf1a">“disappear,”&nbsp;</a>but the president’s view did not at all match projections from the leading health professionals straining to halt the U.S.’s alarming caseloads and death toll.

Lawmakers were returning to a Capitol still off-limits to tourists, another sign of the nation’s difficulty containing the coronavirus. Rather than easing, the pandemic’s devastating cycle was happening all over again, leaving Congress little choice but to engineer another costly rescue. Businesses were shutting down again, schools could not fully reopen and jobs were disappearing, all while federal aid expired.

Without a successful federal strategy, lawmakers are trying to draft one.

“It’s not going to magically disappear,” said a somber McConnell, R-Ky., last week during a visit to a hospital in his home state to thank front-line workers.

McConnell and House GOP leader Kevin McCarthy were set to meet with Trump and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin “to fine-tune” the legislation, acting chief of staff Mark Meadows said on Fox News.

The political stakes were high for all sides before the November election, but even more so for the nation, which now registered more coronavirus infections and a higher death count of 140,500 than any other country.

The package from McConnell had been quietly crafted behind closed doors for weeks and was expected to include $75 billion to help schools reopen, reduced unemployment benefits alongside a fresh round of direct $1,200 cash payments to Americans, and a sweeping five-year liability shield against coronavirus lawsuits.

But as the White House weighed in, the administration was panning some $25 billion in proposed new funds for testing and tracing, said one Republican familiar with the discussions. The administration’s objections were first reported by The Washington Post.

Trump was also reviving his push for a payroll tax break, which was being seriously considered, said another Republican. Both spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the private talks.

The new push from the White House put the administration at odds with GOP allies in Congress, a disconnect that threatened to upend an already difficult legislative process. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi already passed Democrats’ vast&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/55887a1d2b734020c8dae29004f087d6">$3 trillion proposal</a>&nbsp;and virus cases and deaths had only increased since.

Trump raised alarms on Capitol Hill when he suggested last month at a rally in Oklahoma that he wanted to slow virus testing. Some of Trump’s GOP allies wanted new money to help test and track the virus to contain its spread. Senate Democrats were investigating why the Trump administration had not yet spent some of $25 billion previously allocated for testing in an earlier aid bill.

The payroll tax Trump wanted also divided his party. Senate Republicans in particular opposed the payroll tax break as an insufficient response to millions of out-of-work Americans, especially as they tried to keep the total price tag of the aid package at no more than $1 trillion.

Trump said Sunday in the Fox News interview that he would consider not signing any bill unless it included the payroll tax break, which many GOP senators opposed.

As McConnell prepared to roll out his $1 trillion-plus proposal, he acknowledged it would not have full support. This would be the fifth virus aid package, after the $2.2 trillion bill passed in March, the largest U.S. intervention of its kind.

Just as the pandemic’s ferocious cycle was starting again, the first round of aid was running out.

A federal $600-a-week boost to regular unemployment benefits would expire at the end of the month. So, too, would the federal ban on evictions on millions of rental units.

With 17 straight weeks of unemployment claims topping 1 million — usually about 200,000 — many households were facing a cash crunch and losing employer-backed health insurance coverage.

Despite flickers of an economic upswing as states eased stay-at-home orders in May and June, the jobless rate remained at double digits, higher than it ever was in the last decade’s Great Recession.

Pelosi’s bill, approved in May, included $75 billion for testing and tracing to try to get a handle on the virus spread, funneled $100 billion to schools to safely reopen and called for $1 trillion to be sent to cash-strapped states to pay essential workers and prevent layoffs. The measure would give cash stipends to Americans, and bolster rental and mortgage and other safety net protections.

In the two months since Pelosi’s bill passed, the U.S. had 50,000 more deaths and 2 million more infections.

“If we don’t invest the money now, it will be much worse,” Pelosi said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589232058595.png" alt="President Trump during a Coronavirus Task Force briefing at the White House Rose Garden in May-image courtesy White. House" />
 <figcaption>President Trump during a Coronavirus Task Force briefing at the White House Rose Garden in May-image courtesy White. House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Top Republicans in Congress are expected to meet Monday with President Donald Trump at the White House on the next&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">COVID-19&nbsp;</a>aid package as the crisis many hoped would have improved has dramatically worsened, just as emergency relief is expiring.New divisions between the Senate GOP majority and the White House posed fresh challenges. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell was prepared to roll out the $1 trillion package in a matter of days. But administration panned more virus testing money and interjected other priorities that could complicate quick passage.Trump insisted again Sunday that the virus would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/02b0c7bb496a21d9e09abb1d01cecf1a">“disappear,”&nbsp;</a>but the president’s view did not at all match projections from the leading health professionals straining to halt the U.S.’s alarming caseloads and death toll.Lawmakers were returning to a Capitol still off-limits to tourists, another sign of the nation’s difficulty containing the coronavirus. Rather than easing, the pandemic’s devastating cycle was happening all over again, leaving Congress little choice but to engineer another costly rescue. Businesses were shutting down again, schools could not fully reopen and jobs were disappearing, all while federal aid expired.Without a successful federal strategy, lawmakers are trying to draft one.“It’s not going to magically disappear,” said a somber McConnell, R-Ky., last week during a visit to a hospital in his home state to thank front-line workers.McConnell and House GOP leader Kevin McCarthy were set to meet with Trump and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin “to fine-tune” the legislation, acting chief of staff Mark Meadows said on Fox News.The political stakes were high for all sides before the November election, but even more so for the nation, which now registered more coronavirus infections and a higher death count of 140,500 than any other country.The package from McConnell had been quietly crafted behind closed doors for weeks and was expected to include $75 billion to help schools reopen, reduced unemployment benefits alongside a fresh round of direct $1,200 cash payments to Americans, and a sweeping five-year liability shield against coronavirus lawsuits.But as the White House weighed in, the administration was panning some $25 billion in proposed new funds for testing and tracing, said one Republican familiar with the discussions. The administration’s objections were first reported by The Washington Post.Trump was also reviving his push for a payroll tax break, which was being seriously considered, said another Republican. Both spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the private talks.The new push from the White House put the administration at odds with GOP allies in Congress, a disconnect that threatened to upend an already difficult legislative process. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi already passed Democrats’ vast&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/55887a1d2b734020c8dae29004f087d6">$3 trillion proposal</a>&nbsp;and virus cases and deaths had only increased since.Trump raised alarms on Capitol Hill when he suggested last month at a rally in Oklahoma that he wanted to slow virus testing. Some of Trump’s GOP allies wanted new money to help test and track the virus to contain its spread. Senate Democrats were investigating why the Trump administration had not yet spent some of $25 billion previously allocated for testing in an earlier aid bill.The payroll tax Trump wanted also divided his party. Senate Republicans in particular opposed the payroll tax break as an insufficient response to millions of out-of-work Americans, especially as they tried to keep the total price tag of the aid package at no more than $1 trillion.Trump said Sunday in the Fox News interview that he would consider not signing any bill unless it included the payroll tax break, which many GOP senators opposed.“I want to see it,” he said.As McConnell prepared to roll out his $1 trillion-plus proposal, he acknowledged it would not have full support. This would be the fifth virus aid package, after the $2.2 trillion bill passed in March, the largest U.S. intervention of its kind.Just as the pandemic’s ferocious cycle was starting again, the first round of aid was running out.A federal $600-a-week boost to regular unemployment benefits would expire at the end of the month. So, too, would the federal ban on evictions on millions of rental units.With 17 straight weeks of unemployment claims topping 1 million — usually about 200,000 — many households were facing a cash crunch and losing employer-backed health insurance coverage.Despite flickers of an economic upswing as states eased stay-at-home orders in May and June, the jobless rate remained at double digits, higher than it ever was in the last decade’s Great Recession.Pelosi’s bill, approved in May, included $75 billion for testing and tracing to try to get a handle on the virus spread, funneled $100 billion to schools to safely reopen and called for $1 trillion to be sent to cash-strapped states to pay essential workers and prevent layoffs. The measure would give cash stipends to Americans, and bolster rental and mortgage and other safety net protections.In the two months since Pelosi’s bill passed, the U.S. had 50,000 more deaths and 2 million more infections.“If we don’t invest the money now, it will be much worse,” Pelosi said.

GOP leaders, Trump to discuss virus aid as crisis deepens

HUTCHINSON. — A domestic dispute on Friday night turned into a standoff on Saturday in Reno County.

&nbsp;Justin Mario Kidd, 47, rural Hutchinson, was involved in a domestic dispute between himself and his spouse around 8 p.m. Friday. This resulted in criminal charges being sent to the District Attorney for prosecution. The Sheriff’s Office exhausted resources that evening attempting to locate him while the spouse was placed into a shelter.

Late morning on Saturday, Kidd began to text his spouse again with suicidal threats. Deputies attempted to contact Justin at his residence and he walked into the street and fired twice at deputies. No injuries or damage to property occurred.

It took until just after 5 p.m. for the Reno County Emergency Response Team to talk him into coming out peacefully. Local neighbors were evacuated.

Kidd was booked on aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer with a deadly weapon and criminal threat charges. His bond is set at over $100,000.

Deputies executed a search warrant over the weekend at Kidd's residence and seized Eight firearms and ammunition.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595241791854.png" alt="Multiple agencies responded to the scene on Saturday in Reno County -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Multiple agencies responded to the scene on Saturday in Reno County -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON. — A domestic dispute on Friday night turned into a standoff on Saturday in Reno County.&nbsp;Justin Mario Kidd, 47, rural Hutchinson, was involved in a domestic dispute between himself and his spouse around 8 p.m. Friday. This resulted in criminal charges being sent to the District Attorney for prosecution. The Sheriff’s Office exhausted resources that evening attempting to locate him while the spouse was placed into a shelter.Late morning on Saturday, Kidd began to text his spouse again with suicidal threats. Deputies attempted to contact Justin at his residence and he walked into the street and fired twice at deputies. No injuries or damage to property occurred.It took until just after 5 p.m. for the Reno County Emergency Response Team to talk him into coming out peacefully. Local neighbors were evacuated.Kidd was booked on aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer with a deadly weapon and criminal threat charges. His bond is set at over $100,000.Deputies executed a search warrant over the weekend at Kidd's residence and seized Eight firearms and ammunition.

 47-year-old Kan. man arrested after firing at deputies Saturday

JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating three suspects on drug charges after a traffic stop.

&nbsp;Just before 3p.m. Friday, a sheriff’s deputy stopped a 2001 Chevy Blazer near 110th and U.S. Highway 75 for a traffic infraction, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

The traffic stop resulted in the arrest of the driver and two occupants. 

The driver, Jimmy Clinton Lininger, 30, of Topeka was arrested on requested charges of criminal use of a weapon and he had an outstanding felony Shawnee County warrant. 

Annette Marie Martin, 52, of Topeka was arrested on a requested charge of distribution of heroin, possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. 

Rebecca Ellen Pollock, 46, of Topeka was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of heroin and drug paraphernalia. All three subjects are being held in the Jackson County Jail.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595089698125.png" alt="Pollock photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Pollock photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating three suspects on drug charges after a traffic stop.&nbsp;Just before 3p.m. Friday, a sheriff’s deputy stopped a 2001 Chevy Blazer near 110th and U.S. Highway 75 for a traffic infraction, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.The traffic stop resulted in the arrest of the driver and two occupants. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595089780153.png" alt="Lininger photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Lininger photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>The driver, Jimmy Clinton Lininger, 30, of Topeka was arrested on requested charges of criminal use of a weapon and he had an outstanding felony Shawnee County warrant. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595089730413.png" alt="Martin photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Martin photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>Annette Marie Martin, 52, of Topeka was arrested on a requested charge of distribution of heroin, possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. Rebecca Ellen Pollock, 46, of Topeka was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of heroin and drug paraphernalia. All three subjects are being held in the Jackson County Jail.

Kansas woman accused of heroin distribution after traffic stop

WICHITA, KAN. (AP) — A Kansas man charged with shooting at police during protests last month told a co-worker that he “emptied a whole clip” on officers after his sister was hit with a rubber bullet while holding a baby.

An arrest affidavit released Friday in the criminal case against 28-year-old Henry Parker of Wichita says he admitted to the co-worker that he’d fired on officers early on June 2 but told her “don't tell on me."

Parker, who has denied any involvement in the shooting, is charged with 19 counts of aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer, two counts of aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer and one count of criminal possession of a weapon by a felon.

None of the officers was shot, but police said one officer’s helmet was hit by bullet pieces that had ricocheted near the officers.

Police Chief Gordon Ramsay has previously said officers fired tear gas, smoke rounds, flash grenades and foam bullets into the crowd that morning after rioters threw objects at police and refused to leave. The unrest followed a mostly peaceful protest calling for the end of police brutality in response to the May 25 death of George Floyd.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591371389592.png" alt="Parker photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Parker photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, KAN. (AP) — A Kansas man charged with shooting at police during protests last month told a co-worker that he “emptied a whole clip” on officers after his sister was hit with a rubber bullet while holding a baby.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591210505871.png" alt="Parker as seen from police body camera -photo courtesy Wichita police" />
 <figcaption>Parker as seen from police body camera -photo courtesy Wichita police</figcaption>
 </figure>An arrest affidavit released Friday in the criminal case against 28-year-old Henry Parker of Wichita says he admitted to the co-worker that he’d fired on officers early on June 2 but told her “don't tell on me."Parker, who has denied any involvement in the shooting, is charged with 19 counts of aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer, two counts of aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer and one count of criminal possession of a weapon by a felon.None of the officers was shot, but police said one officer’s helmet was hit by bullet pieces that had ricocheted near the officers.Police Chief Gordon Ramsay has previously said officers fired tear gas, smoke rounds, flash grenades and foam bullets into the crowd that morning after rioters threw objects at police and refused to leave. The unrest followed a mostly peaceful protest calling for the end of police brutality in response to the May 25 death of George Floyd.