JACKSON COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman for alleged vehicle theft.&nbsp;

Just before 10p.m. Thursday deputies responded to a home in 17000 block of R. Road near Mayetta, according to sheriff Tim Morse.

A homeowner reported someone was outside the residence and got into their vehicle, started it and was revving the engine. 

When deputies arrived, they found a 2005 Dodge pickup belonging to the owner of the residence occupied by woman identified as Stella Mahkuk, 38, of Horton. 

Deputies arrested Mahkuk on a requested charge of attempted theft of a motor vehicle and she was booked into the Jackson County Jail.

The sheriff reminded citizens to lock vehicle doors, and keep keys out of vehicles.&nbsp; "Make sure to secure valuables and firearms when the vehicle is not in use. When something seems suspicious, follow your gut and contact law enforcement. Many people wait for a considerable amount of time before reporting suspicious situations. Delaying the reporting of a potential crime can result in something really bad happening or the perpetrator escaping."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595002129415.png" alt="Mahkuk photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Mahkuk photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman for alleged vehicle theft.&nbsp;Just before 10p.m. Thursday deputies responded to a home in 17000 block of R. Road near Mayetta, according to sheriff Tim Morse.A homeowner reported someone was outside the residence and got into their vehicle, started it and was revving the engine. When deputies arrived, they found a 2005 Dodge pickup belonging to the owner of the residence occupied by woman identified as Stella Mahkuk, 38, of Horton. Deputies arrested Mahkuk on a requested charge of attempted theft of a motor vehicle and she was booked into the Jackson County Jail.The sheriff reminded citizens to lock vehicle doors, and keep keys out of vehicles.&nbsp; "Make sure to secure valuables and firearms when the vehicle is not in use. When something seems suspicious, follow your gut and contact law enforcement. Many people wait for a considerable amount of time before reporting suspicious situations. Delaying the reporting of a potential crime can result in something really bad happening or the perpetrator escaping."

Kan. homeowner finds woman trying to steal his pickup

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A freshman Kansas congressman&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/9d6046fd12875b3664cf8388708105e8">facing felony criminal charges&nbsp;</a>over previously listing a UPS Inc. postal box as his residence on a state voter registration form has been forced to temporarily give up his House committee assignments.

Republican Rep. Steve Watkins said Friday that he is “temporarily and voluntarily” leaving the three committees on which he serves. But the House Republican conference’s rules require members facing a potential felony conviction to leave their committee posts.

Watkins stepped aside from his committees two days after three felony charges and one misdemeanor charge against him were filed by the local district attorney in state district court in Shawnee County, which includes his hometown, the state capital of Topeka. He is accused of voting illegally in a Topeka City Council race in November 2019 and providing false information to a sheriff’s deputy who was investigating whether he broke state election laws.

“Throughout my entire career, I have put service above myself, and this instance is no different,” Watkins, a former Army officer and military contractor said, adding that he was stepping aside so that the committees can “continue their critical work.”

He had been serving on the House education, foreign affairs and veterans’ affairs committees.

Some Republicans already were trying to oust Watkins in the state’s Aug. 4 primary, even though he’s largely toed the conservative line and supported President Donald Trump. Critics see Watkins as vulnerable to a Democratic challenge because he won his seat as political novice in 2018 by less than a percentage point in a GOP-leaning eastern Kansas district that Trump easily carried in 2016. The investigation into his voter registrations&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/989ace6f0a2711cb2b96398da0a92dfa">added to some Republicans’ misgivings.</a>

One of Watkins’ rivals, State Treasurer Jake LaTurner, picked up the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e31c35cda49df5bac39a950058b3e97e">endorsement of Wichita-area Rep. Ron Estes</a>&nbsp;on Thursday, with Estes citing the criminal charges as one reason.

“It is unfortunate that our veterans, foreign service professionals and all Kansans won’t be receiving the representation they deserve because Steve Watkins has not been conducting himself as an elected member of Congress should,” LaTurner spokeswoman Kara Zeyer said in a statement.

Dennis Taylor, a Topeka attorney, businessman and former head of several state agencies, also is seeking the Republican nomination, and the presumed Democratic nominee is Topeka Mayor Michelle De La Isla.

A hearing in Watkins’ criminal case isn’t set until Dec. 3, a month after the November general election.

Watkins filed a state voter registration form in late August 2019 listing the UPS postal box as his residential address. The postal box still was listed as his residential address when he cast a mailed-in ballot that included the Topeka City Council race.

The congressman and his staff have said he inadvertently listed his mailing address instead of his residential address by mistake. He&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/07b5cc37067da9b23bd489a8e6eaddbe">later twice corrected</a>&nbsp;his address to an apartment, but it is not in the same City Council district as the UPS store, raising questions about potential illegal voting.

Watkins’ reelection campaign launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHuRaq0E0Zw" target="_blank">a new ad</a>&nbsp;Friday accusing Shawnee Country District Attorney Mike Kagay of colluding with LaTurner because both share a direct-mail consultant who provides services to many Republican candidates. The ad suggests the criminal case represents “bogus charges against an American patriot.”

“I look forward to exposing the corruption and collusion behind this blatant political prosecution and holding those responsible accountable,” Watkins said in his statement.

Kagay did not immediately respond to telephone and email messages seeking a response to Watkins’ comments.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595018368769.png" alt="Photo courtesy Rep. Steve Watkins" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Rep. Steve Watkins</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A freshman Kansas congressman&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/9d6046fd12875b3664cf8388708105e8">facing felony criminal charges&nbsp;</a>over previously listing a UPS Inc. postal box as his residence on a state voter registration form has been forced to temporarily give up his House committee assignments.Republican Rep. Steve Watkins said Friday that he is “temporarily and voluntarily” leaving the three committees on which he serves. But the House Republican conference’s rules require members facing a potential felony conviction to leave their committee posts.Watkins stepped aside from his committees two days after three felony charges and one misdemeanor charge against him were filed by the local district attorney in state district court in Shawnee County, which includes his hometown, the state capital of Topeka. He is accused of voting illegally in a Topeka City Council race in November 2019 and providing false information to a sheriff’s deputy who was investigating whether he broke state election laws.“Throughout my entire career, I have put service above myself, and this instance is no different,” Watkins, a former Army officer and military contractor said, adding that he was stepping aside so that the committees can “continue their critical work.”He had been serving on the House education, foreign affairs and veterans’ affairs committees.Some Republicans already were trying to oust Watkins in the state’s Aug. 4 primary, even though he’s largely toed the conservative line and supported President Donald Trump. Critics see Watkins as vulnerable to a Democratic challenge because he won his seat as political novice in 2018 by less than a percentage point in a GOP-leaning eastern Kansas district that Trump easily carried in 2016. The investigation into his voter registrations&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/989ace6f0a2711cb2b96398da0a92dfa">added to some Republicans’ misgivings.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594982785665.png" alt="Rep. Estes and Laturner pose for a photo Thursday night" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Estes and Laturner pose for a photo Thursday night</figcaption>
 </figure>One of Watkins’ rivals, State Treasurer Jake LaTurner, picked up the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e31c35cda49df5bac39a950058b3e97e">endorsement of Wichita-area Rep. Ron Estes</a>&nbsp;on Thursday, with Estes citing the criminal charges as one reason.“It is unfortunate that our veterans, foreign service professionals and all Kansans won’t be receiving the representation they deserve because Steve Watkins has not been conducting himself as an elected member of Congress should,” LaTurner spokeswoman Kara Zeyer said in a statement.Dennis Taylor, a Topeka attorney, businessman and former head of several state agencies, also is seeking the Republican nomination, and the presumed Democratic nominee is Topeka Mayor Michelle De La Isla.A hearing in Watkins’ criminal case isn’t set until Dec. 3, a month after the November general election.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575500685589.png" alt="The UPS store Rep. Watkins used as his address -google image" />
 <figcaption>The UPS store Rep. Watkins used as his address -google image</figcaption>
 </figure>Watkins filed a state voter registration form in late August 2019 listing the UPS postal box as his residential address. The postal box still was listed as his residential address when he cast a mailed-in ballot that included the Topeka City Council race.The congressman and his staff have said he inadvertently listed his mailing address instead of his residential address by mistake. He&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/07b5cc37067da9b23bd489a8e6eaddbe">later twice corrected</a>&nbsp;his address to an apartment, but it is not in the same City Council district as the UPS store, raising questions about potential illegal voting.Watkins’ reelection campaign launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHuRaq0E0Zw" target="_blank">a new ad</a>&nbsp;Friday accusing Shawnee Country District Attorney Mike Kagay of colluding with LaTurner because both share a direct-mail consultant who provides services to many Republican candidates. The ad suggests the criminal case represents “bogus charges against an American patriot.”“I look forward to exposing the corruption and collusion behind this blatant political prosecution and holding those responsible accountable,” Watkins said in his statement.Kagay did not immediately respond to telephone and email messages seeking a response to Watkins’ comments.

Kan. congressman forced to leave committees after charges

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating another shooting in Topeka.

Just before 3a.m. Saturday, police responded to the 400 Block SE Locust in Topeka on reports of gunshots in the area, according to&nbsp;Lieutenant John Sturgeon.

Officers located evidence consistent with the usage of a firearm(s) in this area. While on the scene investigating, an adult male arrived at a local hospital suffering from gunshot injuries. 

Although the injured person was unwilling to share information with investigators, officers were able to determine he was involved in the incident on SE Locust.

Police reported no additional details Saturday afternoon.

This is the fourth reported shooting in Topeka since Monday. Three have died due to the gun violence including a 13-year-old girl.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595099854567.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation early Saturday-photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation early Saturday-photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating another shooting in Topeka.Just before 3a.m. Saturday, police responded to the 400 Block SE Locust in Topeka on reports of gunshots in the area, according to&nbsp;Lieutenant John Sturgeon.Officers located evidence consistent with the usage of a firearm(s) in this area. While on the scene investigating, an adult male arrived at a local hospital suffering from gunshot injuries. Although the injured person was unwilling to share information with investigators, officers were able to determine he was involved in the incident on SE Locust.Police reported no additional details Saturday afternoon.This is the fourth reported shooting in Topeka since Monday. Three have died due to the gun violence including a 13-year-old girl.

Victim in Kansas shooting not cooperating with police investigtion

LAWSON, Mo. (AP) — A dog named Cleo who disappeared from her home in Kansas earlier this month turned up a few days later at her old home in Missouri, about 50 miles away.

Colton Michael told television station&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kmbc.com/article/dog-somehow-makes-57-mile-journey-to-her-old-home-in-lawson/33341915" target="_blank">KMBC&nbsp;</a>that the 4-year-old Labrador retriever-border collie mix showed up on the front porch of his family’s home in Lawson, which is about 30 miles (48 kilometers) northeast of Kansas City.

At first, she wouldn’t let anyone get near her, said Michael, who has lived in the home for nearly two years.

“She finds her way home, and there’s some strangers living in it. That would be scary for anybody,” he said.

Eventually, he was able to gain Cleo’s trust and to get her checked for a microchip, which showed that she belonged to the former owners of his house.

Cleo’s owners, who had moved to Olathe, Kansas, about 50 miles southwest of Lawson, couldn’t believe it when Michael called and said the dog had turned up at their old home. They had posted on Facebook a week earlier about the missing dog. Neither family knows how Cleo made the trip, which would have required her to cross at least one river.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595090480550.png" alt="Photo courtesy KMBC TV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KMBC TV</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWSON, Mo. (AP) — A dog named Cleo who disappeared from her home in Kansas earlier this month turned up a few days later at her old home in Missouri, about 50 miles away.Colton Michael told television station&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kmbc.com/article/dog-somehow-makes-57-mile-journey-to-her-old-home-in-lawson/33341915" target="_blank">KMBC&nbsp;</a>that the 4-year-old Labrador retriever-border collie mix showed up on the front porch of his family’s home in Lawson, which is about 30 miles (48 kilometers) northeast of Kansas City.At first, she wouldn’t let anyone get near her, said Michael, who has lived in the home for nearly two years.“She finds her way home, and there’s some strangers living in it. That would be scary for anybody,” he said.Eventually, he was able to gain Cleo’s trust and to get her checked for a microchip, which showed that she belonged to the former owners of his house.Cleo’s owners, who had moved to Olathe, Kansas, about 50 miles southwest of Lawson, couldn’t believe it when Michael called and said the dog had turned up at their old home. They had posted on Facebook a week earlier about the missing dog. Neither family knows how Cleo made the trip, which would have required her to cross at least one river.

Kansas dog makes 50-mile trek to her old home in Missouri

CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — Prosecutors in Wyoming have again decided not to pursue sexual abuse charges against a retired Roman Catholic bishop accused of abusing boys over decades.

They felt they couldn’t successfully prosecute Bishop Joseph Hart after reviewing a police investigation, Natrona County assistant district attorney Michael Schafer said this week.

Hart was among the highest-ranking church officials around the world facing prosecution and other sanctions for alleged sex abuse.

The announcement ends a two-year criminal investigation into Hart. Prosecutors in Laramie County in southeastern Wyoming had referred the investigation to prosecutors in Natrona County in central Wyoming after Cheyenne’s top prosecutor recused herself, citing a conflict of interest.

In June, Natrona County prosecutors told an alleged victim Hart wouldn’t be prosecuted but reconsidered after meeting with Cheyenne police and realizing prosecutors had misread important case documents.

Wyoming has no statute of limitations in sexual abuse cases and represented perhaps the only chance for Hart to face criminal prosecution for his alleged abuse. Hart also faced accusations in Missouri but that state prohibits prosecution years after an alleged crime.

Hart, 88, was a priest in Kansas City, Missouri, for 21 years before moving to Wyoming, where he served as auxiliary and then full bishop from 1976 until his retirement in 2001.

The first known allegations against Hart dated to the early 1960s and were made in the late 1980s. At least six men have come forward in the past two years to say Hart abused them in Wyoming.

Hart has consistently denied all accusations of misconduct. His attorney, Tom Jubin, said Tuesday he was “gratified by the district attorney’s decision.”

“Bishop Hart has consistently maintained his innocence while never diminishing the pain felt by the victims of abuse,” Jubin wrote in an email.

Not pursuing a criminal case against Hart “does not mean that the victims are not credible,” Diocese of Cheyenne Bishop Steven Biegler said in a statement in June. The diocese has “nothing new to add” to that statement, spokeswoman Diana Marie Waggener said by email Wednesday.

“We’re very, very, very disappointed. There aren’t words to express the level of disappointment that we have,” Rebecca Randles, an attorney in Kansas City who has represented Hart’s accusers in civil suits against the church, said Wednesday.

“It makes you wonder how many children does it take before a bishop can be brought to justice,” Randles added.

The Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph has settled in court with at least 10 victims. The dioceses in Cheyenne and Kansas City have said the men who’ve come forward against Hart are credible and church officials have substantiated the allegations against Hart.

CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — Prosecutors in Wyoming have again decided not to pursue sexual abuse charges against a retired Roman Catholic bishop accused of abusing boys over decades.They felt they couldn’t successfully prosecute Bishop Joseph Hart after reviewing a police investigation, Natrona County assistant district attorney Michael Schafer said this week.Hart was among the highest-ranking church officials around the world facing prosecution and other sanctions for alleged sex abuse.The announcement ends a two-year criminal investigation into Hart. Prosecutors in Laramie County in southeastern Wyoming had referred the investigation to prosecutors in Natrona County in central Wyoming after Cheyenne’s top prosecutor recused herself, citing a conflict of interest.In June, Natrona County prosecutors told an alleged victim Hart wouldn’t be prosecuted but reconsidered after meeting with Cheyenne police and realizing prosecutors had misread important case documents.Wyoming has no statute of limitations in sexual abuse cases and represented perhaps the only chance for Hart to face criminal prosecution for his alleged abuse. Hart also faced accusations in Missouri but that state prohibits prosecution years after an alleged crime.Hart, 88, was a priest in Kansas City, Missouri, for 21 years before moving to Wyoming, where he served as auxiliary and then full bishop from 1976 until his retirement in 2001.The first known allegations against Hart dated to the early 1960s and were made in the late 1980s. At least six men have come forward in the past two years to say Hart abused them in Wyoming.Hart has consistently denied all accusations of misconduct. His attorney, Tom Jubin, said Tuesday he was “gratified by the district attorney’s decision.”“Bishop Hart has consistently maintained his innocence while never diminishing the pain felt by the victims of abuse,” Jubin wrote in an email.Not pursuing a criminal case against Hart “does not mean that the victims are not credible,” Diocese of Cheyenne Bishop Steven Biegler said in a statement in June. The diocese has “nothing new to add” to that statement, spokeswoman Diana Marie Waggener said by email Wednesday.“We’re very, very, very disappointed. There aren’t words to express the level of disappointment that we have,” Rebecca Randles, an attorney in Kansas City who has represented Hart’s accusers in civil suits against the church, said Wednesday.“It makes you wonder how many children does it take before a bishop can be brought to justice,” Randles added.The Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph has settled in court with at least 10 victims. The dioceses in Cheyenne and Kansas City have said the men who’ve come forward against Hart are credible and church officials have substantiated the allegations against Hart.

Former Kansas City priest won't face sex abuse charges    

As school districts across the country decide how and when they can bring students back to campus safely, a major sticking point is emerging: the money to make it happen.

Keeping public schools for 50 million students and more than 7 million staff safe from the coronavirus could require more teachers and substitutes, nurses and custodians. School districts will need to find more buses to allow for more space between children and buy more computers for distance learning. They’ll need to buy sanitizer, masks and other protective equipment. Some are putting up plastic dividers in offices and classrooms.

While public health concerns are getting most of the attention, especially with the nation’s infections and hospitalizations rising, costs have become a major consideration. Many districts are hoping Congress will step in.

The Council of Chief State School Officers says safely reopening public schools could cost between $158 billion and $245 billion, while the American Federation of Teachers put the figure at $116.5 billion. The Association of School Business Officials International estimates that reopening will require additional spending equivalent to about 3.5% of districts’ normal budgets.

“If you don’t have this money, how are you going to afford PPE? How are you going to have cleaning every day?” asked Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, a major union. “That’s why you’re going to see more and more districts, even when they don’t have surges, staying with remote learning.”

In Kansas, Governor Laura said she would delay the reopening of the state’s K-12 schools for nearly a month until after Labor Day because of a resurgence in reported coronavirus cases. She is expected to announce additional details next week.

School officials in Los Angeles and San Diego, the two largest districts in California, said this week their year will begin with online classes only. Many others, including New York City, are planning to have each student attend class in person only some days while doing work online the rest of the time.

The school district in Columbus, Ohio, expects to bring back younger students in shifts while having high schoolers take all their classes online. But district spokesman Scott Wortman said those plans are not certain, and the ability to pay for measures needed to safely reopen will play a role in the final decision.

The district estimates its reopening costs at $100 million — nearly four times the previously approved federal funding that it expects to get.

Virginia Department of Education spokesman Charles B. Pyle said school districts there will need more than the $282 million the state received in the previous congressional relief bill to safely reopen “and respond to the spikes that will inevitably occur during the year.”

In Georgia’s Bibb County School District, based in Macon, chief of staff Keith Simmons said cleaning materials, temperature-taking kiosks, masks and other materials could cost $750,000 to $1 million. But that does not include everything the district probably needs to do, he said.

“We’ve calculated the cost based on what we think we can afford, not based on what we need,” he said.

The district has pushed back its opening day from Aug. 10 to Sept. 10 to make adjustments in a state where cases have been rising. Up to 45% of students are choosing to start the school year by taking classes only remotely, according to Simmons. That should leave enough room for the remaining students to return to classrooms, he said.

Coronavirus aid will be the highest-profile item on the agenda when Congress returns next week, including how much money to make available for school districts.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican from Kentucky, has scoffed at the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/55887a1d2b734020c8dae29004f087d6">$3 trillion overall aid package</a>&nbsp;Democrats are calling for, but he has said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/23f92d36608ae19805c2a5b354f58364">funding education will be a priority</a>.

President Donald Trump has said in recent weeks that schools that don’t reopen for full, in-person classes could see federal money reduced.

Congress has already approved more than $3 trillion in aid to address the coronavirus outbreak and economic fallout. That includes $150 billion for states, territories, large local governments and Native American tribes, plus more than $13 billion directed specifically to education.

On conference calls with governors and in a briefing this month, Vice President Mike Pence has been critical of states because only a small portion of the $13 billion — 1.5% as of last week — had been paid out. Chip Slaven, the chief advocacy officer for the National School Boards Association, said slow spending of that money should not keep Congress from providing more money to make schools safe for reopening. Districts are still trying to figure out how they can spend the money in accordance with guidelines set by U.S. Department of Education, he said.

Slaven said the federal government should send at least $200 billion to state education departments and school districts. That’s in line with what the Council of Chief State School Officers has called for.

“The whole point of the federal government is — when there’s a national emergency like this — is to step up to the plate with a plan, with resources and with help,” he said.

For schools in many states, high reopening costs are only one side of the coin. State tax collections plunged when much of the economy was shut in the spring. That had a trickle-down effect on school funding, typically the largest part of a state budget.

The Sioux Falls School District, the largest in South Dakota, estimates it will need $7.8 million for protective equipment, cleaning supplies, putting high-powered filters on ventilation systems and other items to make it safer to reopen school buildings

The district plans on using $4.1 million from earlier federal funding but is applying for other grants to make up the rest.

At the same time, the district has slashed $1.3 million from its regular budget to prepare for possible funding cuts from the state. District business manager Todd Vik said administrators canceled plans for building expansions and hiring 15 teachers and reduced planned salary increases.

“While we’re looking at cutting on one hand,” he said, “we’re looking at responding to the coronavirus and increasing spending in other areas.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594844891982.png" alt="Kansas Governor Laura Kelly prepares to open Wednesdays news conference to discuss the state's plan on K-12 Education.&nbsp;Kansas is reporting that it saw more than 1,000 new coronavirus cases in two days. The new numbers Friday again gave the state its worst seven-day spike in new reported cases since the pandemic began." />
 <figcaption>Kansas Governor Laura Kelly prepares to open Wednesdays news conference to discuss the state's plan on K-12 Education.&nbsp;Kansas is reporting that it saw more than 1,000 new coronavirus cases in two days. The new numbers Friday again gave the state its worst seven-day spike in new reported cases since the pandemic began.</figcaption>
 </figure>By GEOFF MULVIHILL, Associated PressAs school districts across the country decide how and when they can bring students back to campus safely, a major sticking point is emerging: the money to make it happen.Keeping public schools for 50 million students and more than 7 million staff safe from the coronavirus could require more teachers and substitutes, nurses and custodians. School districts will need to find more buses to allow for more space between children and buy more computers for distance learning. They’ll need to buy sanitizer, masks and other protective equipment. Some are putting up plastic dividers in offices and classrooms.While public health concerns are getting most of the attention, especially with the nation’s infections and hospitalizations rising, costs have become a major consideration. Many districts are hoping Congress will step in.The Council of Chief State School Officers says safely reopening public schools could cost between $158 billion and $245 billion, while the American Federation of Teachers put the figure at $116.5 billion. The Association of School Business Officials International estimates that reopening will require additional spending equivalent to about 3.5% of districts’ normal budgets.“If you don’t have this money, how are you going to afford PPE? How are you going to have cleaning every day?” asked Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, a major union. “That’s why you’re going to see more and more districts, even when they don’t have surges, staying with remote learning.”In Kansas, Governor Laura said she would delay the reopening of the state’s K-12 schools for nearly a month until after Labor Day because of a resurgence in reported coronavirus cases. She is expected to announce additional details next week.School officials in Los Angeles and San Diego, the two largest districts in California, said this week their year will begin with online classes only. Many others, including New York City, are planning to have each student attend class in person only some days while doing work online the rest of the time.The school district in Columbus, Ohio, expects to bring back younger students in shifts while having high schoolers take all their classes online. But district spokesman Scott Wortman said those plans are not certain, and the ability to pay for measures needed to safely reopen will play a role in the final decision.The district estimates its reopening costs at $100 million — nearly four times the previously approved federal funding that it expects to get.Virginia Department of Education spokesman Charles B. Pyle said school districts there will need more than the $282 million the state received in the previous congressional relief bill to safely reopen “and respond to the spikes that will inevitably occur during the year.”In Georgia’s Bibb County School District, based in Macon, chief of staff Keith Simmons said cleaning materials, temperature-taking kiosks, masks and other materials could cost $750,000 to $1 million. But that does not include everything the district probably needs to do, he said.“We’ve calculated the cost based on what we think we can afford, not based on what we need,” he said.The district has pushed back its opening day from Aug. 10 to Sept. 10 to make adjustments in a state where cases have been rising. Up to 45% of students are choosing to start the school year by taking classes only remotely, according to Simmons. That should leave enough room for the remaining students to return to classrooms, he said.Coronavirus aid will be the highest-profile item on the agenda when Congress returns next week, including how much money to make available for school districts.Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican from Kentucky, has scoffed at the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/55887a1d2b734020c8dae29004f087d6">$3 trillion overall aid package</a>&nbsp;Democrats are calling for, but he has said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/23f92d36608ae19805c2a5b354f58364">funding education will be a priority</a>.President Donald Trump has said in recent weeks that schools that don’t reopen for full, in-person classes could see federal money reduced.Congress has already approved more than $3 trillion in aid to address the coronavirus outbreak and economic fallout. That includes $150 billion for states, territories, large local governments and Native American tribes, plus more than $13 billion directed specifically to education.On conference calls with governors and in a briefing this month, Vice President Mike Pence has been critical of states because only a small portion of the $13 billion — 1.5% as of last week — had been paid out. Chip Slaven, the chief advocacy officer for the National School Boards Association, said slow spending of that money should not keep Congress from providing more money to make schools safe for reopening. Districts are still trying to figure out how they can spend the money in accordance with guidelines set by U.S. Department of Education, he said.Slaven said the federal government should send at least $200 billion to state education departments and school districts. That’s in line with what the Council of Chief State School Officers has called for.“The whole point of the federal government is — when there’s a national emergency like this — is to step up to the plate with a plan, with resources and with help,” he said.For schools in many states, high reopening costs are only one side of the coin. State tax collections plunged when much of the economy was shut in the spring. That had a trickle-down effect on school funding, typically the largest part of a state budget.The Sioux Falls School District, the largest in South Dakota, estimates it will need $7.8 million for protective equipment, cleaning supplies, putting high-powered filters on ventilation systems and other items to make it safer to reopen school buildingsThe district plans on using $4.1 million from earlier federal funding but is applying for other grants to make up the rest.At the same time, the district has slashed $1.3 million from its regular budget to prepare for possible funding cuts from the state. District business manager Todd Vik said administrators canceled plans for building expansions and hiring 15 teachers and reduced planned salary increases.“While we’re looking at cutting on one hand,” he said, “we’re looking at responding to the coronavirus and increasing spending in other areas.”___

Cost of ensuring school safety complicates reopening plans

WICHITA, KAN. – A Kan man who caught law enforcement’s attention when he was shot pleaded guilty Wednesday to growing hallucinogenic mushrooms, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.

Corey A. Logan, 35, Wichita, pleaded guilty to one count of manufacturing a controlled substance. In his plea, Logan admitted that in March 2018 police were dispatched to his home in the 1900 block of East Maywood. Logan reported being shot by an unknown assailant. Police found a mushroom growing operation in a bedroom of his home.

Sentencing is set for Oct. 2. He could face a penalty of up to 20 years in federal prison.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594838525688.png" alt="Logan-photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Logan-photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, KAN. – A Kan man who caught law enforcement’s attention when he was shot pleaded guilty Wednesday to growing hallucinogenic mushrooms, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.Corey A. Logan, 35, Wichita, pleaded guilty to one count of manufacturing a controlled substance. In his plea, Logan admitted that in March 2018 police were dispatched to his home in the 1900 block of East Maywood. Logan reported being shot by an unknown assailant. Police found a mushroom growing operation in a bedroom of his home.Sentencing is set for Oct. 2. He could face a penalty of up to 20 years in federal prison.&nbsp;

Kansas man admits growing hallucinogenic mushrooms

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (AP) — The U.S. government on Friday put to death an Iowa chemistry student-turned-meth kingpin convicted of killing five people, the third execution by the federal government in a week.

<a href="https://apnews.com/a8ee04007265bdaa742add8a3b1e3362">Dustin Honken</a>, 52, who prosecutors said killed key witnesses to stop them from testifying in his drugs case, received a lethal injection at the Federal Correctional Complex in Terre Haute, Indiana. Two others were also put to death during the week after a hiatus of nearly 20 years, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a494e22c8a4449118f7ee60963804f92">Wesley Purkey.</a>&nbsp;His lawyers contended he had dementia and didn’t know why he was being executed.

The first in the spate federal executions happened Tuesday, when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/638826b00bba1b389756126e4cfae97a">Daniel Lewis Lee</a>&nbsp;was put to death for killing a family in the 1990s as part of a plot to build a whites-only nation. Lee’s execution, like Purkey’s, went ahead only after the U.S. Supreme Court gave it a green light in a 5-4 decision hours before.

Honken, who had been on death row since 2005, was pronounced dead at 4:36 p.m. The inmate — known for his verbosity at trial and for making a long statement of his innocence at his sentencing — spoke only briefly, neither addressing victims’ family members nor saying he was sorry. His last words were, “Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for me.”

Honken’s lawyer, Shawn Nolan, said his client was “redeemed” and had repented for his crimes. Honken was a devout Catholic who “cared for everyone he came into contact with” in prison, Nolan said.

“There was no reason for the government to kill him, in haste or at all. In any case, they failed. The Dustin Honken they wanted to kill is long gone,” Nolan said. “The man they killed today was a human being, who could have spent the rest of his days helping others and further redeeming himself. May he rest in peace.”

In a statement, Justice Department spokesperson Kerri Kupec said “just punishment has been carried out.”

“Nearly three decades after Honken coldly ended the lives of five people, including two young girls, all in an effort to protect himself and his criminal enterprise, he has finally faced justice,” Kupec said.

After officials began administering the lethal injection, Honken began blinking his eyes and his fingers twitched. After several minutes his breathing became more labored. He turned increasingly ashen as blood drained from his face and hands. His hands gradually stopped twitching, and his breathing became shallower.

Honken was pronounced dead about 30 minutes after the process began — longer than the other two executions. An official with a stethoscope walked into the small death chamber, put his fingers on Honken’s neck to check for a pulse, listened for a heartbeat, then exited.

Seconds later, officials announced the time of death.

Honken, whose crimes struck at the foundation of the U.S. justice system, always seemed the least likely to win a reprieve from the courts. After the two previous executions were stopped and started amid back-and-forth legal maneuvering, Honken’s began almost on the minute it was scheduled.

While out on bond in his drugs case in July 1993, Honken and his girlfriend Angela Johnson kidnapped Lori Duncan and her two daughters from their Mason City, Iowa, home, then killed and buried them in a wooded area nearby. Ten-year-old Kandi and 6-year-old Amber were still in their swimsuits on the hot summer day when they were shot execution-style in the back of the head.

Their primary target that day was Lori Duncan’s then-boyfriend, Greg Nicholson, who also lived at the home and was also killed. He and Lori Duncan were bound and gagged and shot multiple times. Honken had recently learned Nicholson, a former drug-dealing associate, was cooperating with investigators and would likely testify against Honken at trial.

Lori Duncan didn’t know Nicholson was an informant and she wasn’t involved in drugs.

As the investigation into Honken continued, he killed another drug dealer working with him, Terry DeGeus, beating him with a bat and shooting him.

Honken had earlier informed the judge in his drug case that he would plead guilty at the end of July. But days after the still-undiscovered killings of Nicholson and the Duncans, he told the court he would stick to his not guilty plea.

A statement from the Duncan family said the execution provided a degree of justice and closure to the family.

The two young Duncan girls “never had a chance to grow up and share in the joys and sorrows of their life,” it said. “Their mother never got to see them having their first dance, first date or first walk down the aisle at their wedding.”

“We will continue to live with their loss,” it said. “However, this is a step toward healing of broken hearts and shattered lives.”

Investigators found the Nicholson and Duncan bodies only seven years after the killings, in 2000, after Johnson scrawled out a map showing a jailhouse informant where they were buried. DeGeus’ body was found a few miles from the wooded area.

Honken was considered so dangerous that the judge took the rare step of impaneling an anonymous jury. Other security measures included fitting Honken with a stun belt under his clothes to prevent him from trying to escape.

Johnson, Honken’s girlfriend, was convicted in a separate trial and sentenced to death. A judge later reduced her sentence to life behind bars.

In recent days, prison authorities permitted Honken to make his last calls to family and friends, according to Sister Betty Donoghue, a Catholic nun whom he called Wednesday.

On death row, Honken befriended Lee and knew his execution was called off one hour, then was back on another hour, Donoghue said.

“He was very upset with the way Danny died,” said Donoghue, who visited Honken regularly over the past decade.

Yet Donoghue, of the Sisters of Providence just outside Terre Haute, said she was startled by how calm Honken sounded over the phone.

“He was at peace. I was totally amazed,” she said. “He believed he would go to heaven. He is ready to meet his maker.”

At his sentencing in 2005, Honken denied killing anybody, but Donoghue said she never heard him say he was innocent.

Honken’s mother, brother and college-age daughter visited him in prison in recent days, she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595025298276.png" alt="Honken photo Mason City Police" />
 <figcaption>Honken photo Mason City Police</figcaption>
 </figure>TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (AP) — The U.S. government on Friday put to death an Iowa chemistry student-turned-meth kingpin convicted of killing five people, the third execution by the federal government in a week.<a href="https://apnews.com/a8ee04007265bdaa742add8a3b1e3362">Dustin Honken</a>, 52, who prosecutors said killed key witnesses to stop them from testifying in his drugs case, received a lethal injection at the Federal Correctional Complex in Terre Haute, Indiana. Two others were also put to death during the week after a hiatus of nearly 20 years, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a494e22c8a4449118f7ee60963804f92">Wesley Purkey.</a>&nbsp;His lawyers contended he had dementia and didn’t know why he was being executed.The first in the spate federal executions happened Tuesday, when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/638826b00bba1b389756126e4cfae97a">Daniel Lewis Lee</a>&nbsp;was put to death for killing a family in the 1990s as part of a plot to build a whites-only nation. Lee’s execution, like Purkey’s, went ahead only after the U.S. Supreme Court gave it a green light in a 5-4 decision hours before.Honken, who had been on death row since 2005, was pronounced dead at 4:36 p.m. The inmate — known for his verbosity at trial and for making a long statement of his innocence at his sentencing — spoke only briefly, neither addressing victims’ family members nor saying he was sorry. His last words were, “Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for me.”Honken’s lawyer, Shawn Nolan, said his client was “redeemed” and had repented for his crimes. Honken was a devout Catholic who “cared for everyone he came into contact with” in prison, Nolan said.“There was no reason for the government to kill him, in haste or at all. In any case, they failed. The Dustin Honken they wanted to kill is long gone,” Nolan said. “The man they killed today was a human being, who could have spent the rest of his days helping others and further redeeming himself. May he rest in peace.”In a statement, Justice Department spokesperson Kerri Kupec said “just punishment has been carried out.”“Nearly three decades after Honken coldly ended the lives of five people, including two young girls, all in an effort to protect himself and his criminal enterprise, he has finally faced justice,” Kupec said.After officials began administering the lethal injection, Honken began blinking his eyes and his fingers twitched. After several minutes his breathing became more labored. He turned increasingly ashen as blood drained from his face and hands. His hands gradually stopped twitching, and his breathing became shallower.Honken was pronounced dead about 30 minutes after the process began — longer than the other two executions. An official with a stethoscope walked into the small death chamber, put his fingers on Honken’s neck to check for a pulse, listened for a heartbeat, then exited.Seconds later, officials announced the time of death.Honken, whose crimes struck at the foundation of the U.S. justice system, always seemed the least likely to win a reprieve from the courts. After the two previous executions were stopped and started amid back-and-forth legal maneuvering, Honken’s began almost on the minute it was scheduled.While out on bond in his drugs case in July 1993, Honken and his girlfriend Angela Johnson kidnapped Lori Duncan and her two daughters from their Mason City, Iowa, home, then killed and buried them in a wooded area nearby. Ten-year-old Kandi and 6-year-old Amber were still in their swimsuits on the hot summer day when they were shot execution-style in the back of the head.Their primary target that day was Lori Duncan’s then-boyfriend, Greg Nicholson, who also lived at the home and was also killed. He and Lori Duncan were bound and gagged and shot multiple times. Honken had recently learned Nicholson, a former drug-dealing associate, was cooperating with investigators and would likely testify against Honken at trial.Lori Duncan didn’t know Nicholson was an informant and she wasn’t involved in drugs.As the investigation into Honken continued, he killed another drug dealer working with him, Terry DeGeus, beating him with a bat and shooting him.Honken had earlier informed the judge in his drug case that he would plead guilty at the end of July. But days after the still-undiscovered killings of Nicholson and the Duncans, he told the court he would stick to his not guilty plea.A statement from the Duncan family said the execution provided a degree of justice and closure to the family.The two young Duncan girls “never had a chance to grow up and share in the joys and sorrows of their life,” it said. “Their mother never got to see them having their first dance, first date or first walk down the aisle at their wedding.”“We will continue to live with their loss,” it said. “However, this is a step toward healing of broken hearts and shattered lives.”Investigators found the Nicholson and Duncan bodies only seven years after the killings, in 2000, after Johnson scrawled out a map showing a jailhouse informant where they were buried. DeGeus’ body was found a few miles from the wooded area.Honken was considered so dangerous that the judge took the rare step of impaneling an anonymous jury. Other security measures included fitting Honken with a stun belt under his clothes to prevent him from trying to escape.Johnson, Honken’s girlfriend, was convicted in a separate trial and sentenced to death. A judge later reduced her sentence to life behind bars.In recent days, prison authorities permitted Honken to make his last calls to family and friends, according to Sister Betty Donoghue, a Catholic nun whom he called Wednesday.On death row, Honken befriended Lee and knew his execution was called off one hour, then was back on another hour, Donoghue said.“He was very upset with the way Danny died,” said Donoghue, who visited Honken regularly over the past decade.Yet Donoghue, of the Sisters of Providence just outside Terre Haute, said she was startled by how calm Honken sounded over the phone.“He was at peace. I was totally amazed,” she said. “He believed he would go to heaven. He is ready to meet his maker.”At his sentencing in 2005, Honken denied killing anybody, but Donoghue said she never heard him say he was innocent.Honken’s mother, brother and college-age daughter visited him in prison in recent days, she said.

Iowa meth kingpin is 3rd executed by US government this week

AUGUSTA, Kan. (AP) — Authorities are investigating after the body of an elderly man was found in a rural area of south-central Kansas along with some bicyclist equipment.

Butler County Sheriff Kelly Herzet said Friday afternoon that a man and a woman found the body while working on a fence southwest of Augusta, KAKE-TV&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kake.com/story/42382728/sheriffs-office-investigates-after-body-found-near-augusta" target="_blank">reports.&nbsp;</a>The body had been there several days.

Herzet is asking anyone who knows of a missing bicyclist to contact law enforcement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595024136688.png" alt="Deputies on the scene of the investigation Friday photo courtesy KAKE" />
 <figcaption>Deputies on the scene of the investigation Friday photo courtesy KAKE</figcaption>
 </figure>AUGUSTA, Kan. (AP) — Authorities are investigating after the body of an elderly man was found in a rural area of south-central Kansas along with some bicyclist equipment.Butler County Sheriff Kelly Herzet said Friday afternoon that a man and a woman found the body while working on a fence southwest of Augusta, KAKE-TV&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kake.com/story/42382728/sheriffs-office-investigates-after-body-found-near-augusta" target="_blank">reports.&nbsp;</a>The body had been there several days.Herzet is asking anyone who knows of a missing bicyclist to contact law enforcement.

Body, bicycle equipment found in rural area of Kansas

Unpublicized recommendations say states should return to stringent control measures

By LIZ ESSLEY WHYTE <a href="https://publicintegrity.org/health/coronavirus-and-inequality/exclusive-white-house-document-shows-18-states-in-coronavirus-red-zone-covid-19/">Center for Public Integrity</a>

A document prepared for the White House Coronavirus Task Force but 
not publicized suggests more than a dozen states should revert to more 
stringent protective measures, limiting social gatherings to 10 people 
or fewer, closing bars and gyms and asking residents to wear masks at 
all times.

The document, dated July 14 and obtained by the Center for Public 
Integrity, says 18 states are in the “red zone” for COVID-19 cases, 
meaning they had more than 100 new cases per 100,000 population last 
week. Eleven states are in the “red zone” for test positivity, meaning 
more than 10 percent of diagnostic test results came back positive.&nbsp;

It includes county-level data and reflects the insistence of the 
Trump administration that states and counties should take the lead in 
responding to the coronavirus. The document has been shared within the 
federal government but does not appear to be posted publicly.

Dr. Ashish Jha, director of the Harvard Global Health Institute, said
 he thought the information and recommendations were mostly good.

“The fact that it’s not public makes no 
sense to me,” Jha said Thursday. “Why are we hiding this information 
from the American people? This should be published and updated every 
day.”

<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/6990125-Governor-s-Report-14-July-20.html#document/p1">View the document here.</a>

Dr. Deborah Birx, a leader of the task force, <a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?473708-1/vice-president-reiterates-presidents-call-open-schools-fall&amp;vod=">referenced an earlier version</a>
 of what appears to be the same report — which she said was updated 
weekly and sent to governors — in a press conference July 8 in which 
Vice President Mike Pence urged local leaders to open schools in the 
fall. She said <a href="https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/florida-among-red-zone-states-the-coronavirus-task-force-asks-to-wear-masks-reduce-social-gatherings/67-f2704831-e44c-4534-9e5b-d5247397e5e9">Arizona, California, Florida and Texas</a>
 were among the states the task force was monitoring carefully and that 
“a series of other states” were also in the red zone and should consider
 limiting gatherings.

It’s clear some states are not following the task force’s advice. For
 instance, the document recommends that Georgia, in the red zone for 
both cases and test positivity, “mandate statewide wearing of cloth face
 coverings outside the home.” But Gov. Brian Kemp <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2020/07/16/kemp-georgia-mask-mandates/">signed an order Wednesday</a> banning localities from requiring masks.

The 18 states that are included in the red zone for cases in the 
document are: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, 
Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nevada, 
Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Utah.

The 11 states that are in the red zone for test positivity are 
Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Louisiana, Mississippi, 
Nevada, South Carolina, Texas and Washington.

In May, the World Health Organization recommended that governments 
make sure test positivity rates were at 5 percent or lower for 14 days 
before reopening. A COVID-19 tracker from Johns Hopkins University shows
 that 33 states were <a href="https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/testing/testing-positivity">above that recommended positivity</a> as of July 16.

“If the test positivity rate is above 10 
percent, that means we’re not doing a good job mitigating the outbreak,”
 said Jessica Malaty Rivera, science communication lead at the <a href="https://covidtracking.com/">COVID Tracking Project</a>, a volunteer organization launched by journalists from The Atlantic. “Ideally we want the test positivity rate to be below 3 percent, because that shows that we’re suppressing COVID-19.”&nbsp;

The White House and Kemp did not respond to requests for comment Thursday.

This article about the <a href="https://publicintegrity.org/health/coronavirus-and-inequality/exclusive-white-house-document-shows-18-states-in-coronavirus-red-zone-covid-19">coronavirus red zone</a> was originally published by the&nbsp;<a href="https://publicintegrity.org/">Center for Public Integrity</a>, a nonprofit newsroom based in Washington, D.C.

<h2>Unpublicized recommendations say states should return to stringent control measures</h2>By LIZ ESSLEY WHYTE <a href="https://publicintegrity.org/health/coronavirus-and-inequality/exclusive-white-house-document-shows-18-states-in-coronavirus-red-zone-covid-19/">Center for Public Integrity</a>A document prepared for the White House Coronavirus Task Force but 
not publicized suggests more than a dozen states should revert to more 
stringent protective measures, limiting social gatherings to 10 people 
or fewer, closing bars and gyms and asking residents to wear masks at 
all times.The document, dated July 14 and obtained by the Center for Public 
Integrity, says 18 states are in the “red zone” for COVID-19 cases, 
meaning they had more than 100 new cases per 100,000 population last 
week. Eleven states are in the “red zone” for test positivity, meaning 
more than 10 percent of diagnostic test results came back positive.&nbsp;It includes county-level data and reflects the insistence of the 
Trump administration that states and counties should take the lead in 
responding to the coronavirus. The document has been shared within the 
federal government but does not appear to be posted publicly.Dr. Ashish Jha, director of the Harvard Global Health Institute, said
 he thought the information and recommendations were mostly good.“The fact that it’s not public makes no 
sense to me,” Jha said Thursday. “Why are we hiding this information 
from the American people? This should be published and updated every 
day.”<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/6990125-Governor-s-Report-14-July-20.html#document/p1">View the document here.</a>Dr. Deborah Birx, a leader of the task force, <a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?473708-1/vice-president-reiterates-presidents-call-open-schools-fall&amp;vod=">referenced an earlier version</a>
 of what appears to be the same report — which she said was updated 
weekly and sent to governors — in a press conference July 8 in which 
Vice President Mike Pence urged local leaders to open schools in the 
fall. She said <a href="https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/florida-among-red-zone-states-the-coronavirus-task-force-asks-to-wear-masks-reduce-social-gatherings/67-f2704831-e44c-4534-9e5b-d5247397e5e9">Arizona, California, Florida and Texas</a>
 were among the states the task force was monitoring carefully and that 
“a series of other states” were also in the red zone and should consider
 limiting gatherings.It’s clear some states are not following the task force’s advice. For
 instance, the document recommends that Georgia, in the red zone for 
both cases and test positivity, “mandate statewide wearing of cloth face
 coverings outside the home.” But Gov. Brian Kemp <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2020/07/16/kemp-georgia-mask-mandates/">signed an order Wednesday</a> banning localities from requiring masks.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595017874915.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The 18 states that are included in the red zone for cases in the 
document are: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, 
Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nevada, 
Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Utah.The 11 states that are in the red zone for test positivity are 
Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Louisiana, Mississippi, 
Nevada, South Carolina, Texas and Washington.In May, the World Health Organization recommended that governments 
make sure test positivity rates were at 5 percent or lower for 14 days 
before reopening. A COVID-19 tracker from Johns Hopkins University shows
 that 33 states were <a href="https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/testing/testing-positivity">above that recommended positivity</a> as of July 16.“If the test positivity rate is above 10 
percent, that means we’re not doing a good job mitigating the outbreak,”
 said Jessica Malaty Rivera, science communication lead at the <a href="https://covidtracking.com/">COVID Tracking Project</a>, a volunteer organization launched by journalists from The Atlantic. “Ideally we want the test positivity rate to be below 3 percent, because that shows that we’re suppressing COVID-19.”&nbsp;The White House and Kemp did not respond to requests for comment Thursday.This article about the <a href="https://publicintegrity.org/health/coronavirus-and-inequality/exclusive-white-house-document-shows-18-states-in-coronavirus-red-zone-covid-19">coronavirus red zone</a> was originally published by the&nbsp;<a href="https://publicintegrity.org/">Center for Public Integrity</a>, a nonprofit newsroom based in Washington, D.C.

White House document: Kan. should have stringent mask order

KANSAS CITY&nbsp; (AP) — As the number of new coronavirus cases continues to climb in the Kansas City area, a spike in deaths is creating even more worry.

The region on Thursday cited 11 deaths from COVID-19, the illness caused by the virus. That was most of any single day since the pandemic began.

The Kansas City metro area also reported 378 new cases, the most new cases in more than a week. That figure includes cases metro area cases in both Missouri and Kansas.

On Friday, the Kansas Department of health confirmed the number of&nbsp; coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 1,032 to a total of 21,965.&nbsp; Kansas has recorded 299 deaths from the virus compared 1,121 deaths in Missouri.

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

KANSAS CITY&nbsp; (AP) — As the number of new coronavirus cases continues to climb in the Kansas City area, a spike in deaths is creating even more worry.The region on Thursday cited 11 deaths from COVID-19, the illness caused by the virus. That was most of any single day since the pandemic began.The Kansas City metro area also reported 378 new cases, the most new cases in more than a week. That figure includes cases metro area cases in both Missouri and Kansas.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595005333645.png" alt="July 17, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>July 17, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>On Friday, the Kansas Department of health confirmed the number of&nbsp; coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 1,032 to a total of 21,965.&nbsp; Kansas has recorded 299 deaths from the virus compared 1,121 deaths in Missouri.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional numbers from the KDHE.

Single-day record number of virus deaths reported in KC metro area

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a St. Joseph man for an attack on a 75-year-old man who provided him a ride into Atchison.

Just after 11a.m. Thursday, police were dispatched to report of an altercation and a man running with a gun near 4th and Kansas Avenue, according to a Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson.

Upon arrival, officer located Dakota Penland, 24, St. Joseph, who was hiding in the bed of a pickup parked in the 400 Block of Santa Fe in Atchison.

Investigators determined that Penland and a woman were walking on Pawnee Road in rural Atchison County when a 75-year-old man driving a pickup stopped to give them a ride into Atchison.

When the pickup stopped to drop Penland and the woman off at 4th and Kansas Avenue, Penland&nbsp; hit the driver in the face with a handgun and took the truck keys, according to Wilson.

&nbsp;Penland and the woman fled on foot when a witness approached.

Penland was booked into the Atchison County jail on requested charges of&nbsp; aggravated robbery, aggravated battery and criminal possession of a firearm, according to Wilson.

Officers found the woman a short time later. She was hiding in the hallway of an apartment complex nearby.&nbsp;

Atchison County EMS treated the 75-year-old victim at the scene.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594990044720.png" alt="Penland -photo Atchison Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Penland -photo Atchison Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a St. Joseph man for an attack on a 75-year-old man who provided him a ride into Atchison.Just after 11a.m. Thursday, police were dispatched to report of an altercation and a man running with a gun near 4th and Kansas Avenue, according to a Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson.Upon arrival, officer located Dakota Penland, 24, St. Joseph, who was hiding in the bed of a pickup parked in the 400 Block of Santa Fe in Atchison.Investigators determined that Penland and a woman were walking on Pawnee Road in rural Atchison County when a 75-year-old man driving a pickup stopped to give them a ride into Atchison.When the pickup stopped to drop Penland and the woman off at 4th and Kansas Avenue, Penland&nbsp; hit the driver in the face with a handgun and took the truck keys, according to Wilson.&nbsp;Penland and the woman fled on foot when a witness approached.Penland was booked into the Atchison County jail on requested charges of&nbsp; aggravated robbery, aggravated battery and criminal possession of a firearm, according to Wilson.Officers found the woman a short time later. She was hiding in the hallway of an apartment complex nearby.&nbsp;Atchison County EMS treated the 75-year-old victim at the scene.

Police: Man attacked 75-year-old Kan. man who gave him ride to town

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 1,032 to a total of 21,965, the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 1,032 to a total of 21,965, the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 299.<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/2020/7/1595005333645.png" alt="Friday July 17, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Friday July 17, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

WASHINGTON (AP)— Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg said Friday she is receiving chemotherapy for a recurrence of cancer, but has no plans to retire from the Supreme Court.

The 87-year-old Ginsburg, who spent time in the hospital this week for a possible infection, said her treatment so far has succeeded in reducing lesions on her liver and that she will continue chemotherapy sessions every two weeks.

“I have often said I would remain a member of the Court as long as I can do the job full steam. I remain fully able to do that,” Ginsburg said in a statement issued by the court.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588794154314.png" alt="Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and members of the U.S. Supreme Court-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and members of the U.S. Supreme Court-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP)— Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg said Friday she is receiving chemotherapy for a recurrence of cancer, but has no plans to retire from the Supreme Court.The 87-year-old Ginsburg, who spent time in the hospital this week for a possible infection, said her treatment so far has succeeded in reducing lesions on her liver and that she will continue chemotherapy sessions every two weeks.“I have often said I would remain a member of the Court as long as I can do the job full steam. I remain fully able to do that,” Ginsburg said in a statement issued by the court.

Justice Ginsburg undergoing treatment for recurrence of cancer

By
NICK GOSNELL <a href="https://hutchpost.com">Hutch Post</a>


HUTCHINSON —&nbsp;Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt is urging Kansans to use 
caution with regard to federal COVID-19 stimulus checks if they have 
relatives in long-term care facilities.

"People who are on 
Medicaid and live in nursing homes or long-term care facilities, when 
they've received their stimulus checks from the federal government as 
part of this COVID response, in some cases, the nursing facility or the 
long-term care facility has told the person, you have to sign that check
 over to us, or we claim an interest in the money, because now you're 
making too much and so the regular Medicaid rules don't apply. That's 
not correct."

Congress did not intend for stimulus checks to be paid back in to those facilities.

"The
 way Congress structured the stimulus payments, they don't count as 
what's called resources of a Medicaid beneficiary," Schmidt said. 
"That's a defined term of art. The whole point of the stimulus payment 
was to put money in the pockets of people who may spend it to stimulate 
the economy."

Schmidt notes that his office has not received any 
such complaints yet, but he wants to know if facilities try to claw back
 that money.

"We have received quite a few inquiries from people 
in Kansas asking if it's happening here," Schmidt said. "We decided to 
put the word out, to explain what the rules are and to invite people to 
contact our consumer division if it happens to them."

Consumers may contact the office by phone at (800) 432-2310 to request a paper complaint form be sent by mail or log on to <a href="https://ag.ks.gov/in-your-corner-kansas/">InYourCornerKansas.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583409290272.jpeg" alt="Kansas AG Derek Schmidt" />
 <figcaption>Kansas AG Derek Schmidt</figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL <a href="https://hutchpost.com">Hutch Post</a>
HUTCHINSON —&nbsp;Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt is urging Kansans to use 
caution with regard to federal COVID-19 stimulus checks if they have 
relatives in long-term care facilities."People who are on 
Medicaid and live in nursing homes or long-term care facilities, when 
they've received their stimulus checks from the federal government as 
part of this COVID response, in some cases, the nursing facility or the 
long-term care facility has told the person, you have to sign that check
 over to us, or we claim an interest in the money, because now you're 
making too much and so the regular Medicaid rules don't apply. That's 
not correct."Congress did not intend for stimulus checks to be paid back in to those facilities."The
 way Congress structured the stimulus payments, they don't count as 
what's called resources of a Medicaid beneficiary," Schmidt said. 
"That's a defined term of art. The whole point of the stimulus payment 
was to put money in the pockets of people who may spend it to stimulate 
the economy."Schmidt notes that his office has not received any 
such complaints yet, but he wants to know if facilities try to claw back
 that money."We have received quite a few inquiries from people 
in Kansas asking if it's happening here," Schmidt said. "We decided to 
put the word out, to explain what the rules are and to invite people to 
contact our consumer division if it happens to them."Consumers may contact the office by phone at (800) 432-2310 to request a paper complaint form be sent by mail or log on to <a href="https://ag.ks.gov/in-your-corner-kansas/">InYourCornerKansas.org</a>.

Let AG's office know if nursing home tries to appropriate stimulus check

LOS ANGELES (AP) — With the 30-year mortgage rate falling this week below 3% for the first time in a half-century, more U.S. homeowners are likely to seize the chance to refinance their home loans.

Americans refinanced nearly 2 million home loans from January through April, more than double the same four-month stretch in 2019, according to real estate data company CoreLogic. And “cash-out” refinancing, when homeowners withdraw equity from their home’s value, typically to pay down higher-interest debt or cover remodeling expenses, rose more than 70% from a year earlier.

Mortgage refinancings are outpacing home purchase loans this year, in part because the labor market fallout and economic uncertainty due to the coronavirus pandemic has put off some would-be buyers and sellers.

“The refi share is through the roof,” said Frank Nothaft, chief economist at real estate data firm CoreLogic. “It’s way up from a year ago and it’s accounting for the bulk of lending.”

Through the first four months of the year, about 1.9 million mortgages with a dollar value of $576.09 billion were refinanced, according to CoreLogic. They accounted for 64% of home loans during that period, the firm said. Of those, cash-out refinancings made up about 15% of all loans.

Refinancing can lower monthly payments and in some cases allow homeowners to tap additional cash from the equity in their home.

Mortgage rates have been falling for almost two years, in part due to the sharp pullback in the 10-year Treasury yield, which is a benchmark for interest rates on consumer loans, including mortgages. For much of last year, investor worries about a costly trade dispute between the U.S. and China, and Britain’s decision to leave the European Union, drove up demand for bonds, pushing yields lower, and mortgage rates followed suit.

The average rate on the key 30-year fixed-rate mortgage fell this week to 2.98%, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. It’s the first time in 50 years that the average rate on the 30-year loan has dropped below 3%. The rate averaged 3.81% a year ago.

More recently, a deep recession caused by widespread business shutdowns to slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic has led nervous investors to shift money into U.S. government bonds. As demand for bonds rises, their yield falls.

As a result, the yield on the 10-year Treasury note has steadily declined. It’s now running around 0.6% after starting the year at about 1.9%.

While rates have been historically low for years, every decline makes refinancing appealing to more people. Homeowners who plan to stay put can benefit most. Refinancing typically costs several thousand dollars in closing costs and other fees. But over time, saving a hundred or few hundred a month in monthly mortgage bills adds up.T

“These are incredibly low rates, and if you can lock them in with a fixed-rate mortgage, that’s locking in potentially a couple of hundred dollars of savings every month,” said Jeff Tucker, economist at Zillow.

United Wholesale Mortgage, the second-biggest U.S. mortgage lender behind Quicken Loans, has been making 30-year, fixed-rate home loans as low as 2.5%, said Alex Elezaj, the company’s chief strategy officer.

“Our business continues to be very strong and we expect the next 12-18 months to be the best months in mortgage history,” he said.

The record low rates are also making homes more affordable to potential buyers, who appear to be returning to the market. Pending home sales jumped a record 44.3% in May as a comeback appears to be building in the sector, according to the National Association of Realtors.

The trend in mortgage refinancing shows no signs of slowing. The number of home loan applications last week climbed 61.1% from a year earlier, with refinancings jumping more than twofold, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Economists predict the refinancing spree will continue because about half of all U.S. home mortgages have an interest rate that’s 4% or higher, far above current rates, Nothaft said.

Another reason is that the Federal Reserve has signaled it will continue to buy billions of dollars of Treasury and mortgage-backed bonds to stabilize financial markets through the economic fallout of the pandemic.

“When you have an investor with deep pockets like the Fed buying mortgage-backed securities, that keeps the (10-year Treasury yield) low,” Nothaft said. “So, over the next 18 months I wouldn’t be surprised if we see the 30-year fixed loans stay around 3%.”

LOS ANGELES (AP) — With the 30-year mortgage rate falling this week below 3% for the first time in a half-century, more U.S. homeowners are likely to seize the chance to refinance their home loans.Americans refinanced nearly 2 million home loans from January through April, more than double the same four-month stretch in 2019, according to real estate data company CoreLogic. And “cash-out” refinancing, when homeowners withdraw equity from their home’s value, typically to pay down higher-interest debt or cover remodeling expenses, rose more than 70% from a year earlier.Mortgage refinancings are outpacing home purchase loans this year, in part because the labor market fallout and economic uncertainty due to the coronavirus pandemic has put off some would-be buyers and sellers.“The refi share is through the roof,” said Frank Nothaft, chief economist at real estate data firm CoreLogic. “It’s way up from a year ago and it’s accounting for the bulk of lending.”Through the first four months of the year, about 1.9 million mortgages with a dollar value of $576.09 billion were refinanced, according to CoreLogic. They accounted for 64% of home loans during that period, the firm said. Of those, cash-out refinancings made up about 15% of all loans.Refinancing can lower monthly payments and in some cases allow homeowners to tap additional cash from the equity in their home.Mortgage rates have been falling for almost two years, in part due to the sharp pullback in the 10-year Treasury yield, which is a benchmark for interest rates on consumer loans, including mortgages. For much of last year, investor worries about a costly trade dispute between the U.S. and China, and Britain’s decision to leave the European Union, drove up demand for bonds, pushing yields lower, and mortgage rates followed suit.The average rate on the key 30-year fixed-rate mortgage fell this week to 2.98%, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. It’s the first time in 50 years that the average rate on the 30-year loan has dropped below 3%. The rate averaged 3.81% a year ago.More recently, a deep recession caused by widespread business shutdowns to slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic has led nervous investors to shift money into U.S. government bonds. As demand for bonds rises, their yield falls.As a result, the yield on the 10-year Treasury note has steadily declined. It’s now running around 0.6% after starting the year at about 1.9%.While rates have been historically low for years, every decline makes refinancing appealing to more people. Homeowners who plan to stay put can benefit most. Refinancing typically costs several thousand dollars in closing costs and other fees. But over time, saving a hundred or few hundred a month in monthly mortgage bills adds up.T“These are incredibly low rates, and if you can lock them in with a fixed-rate mortgage, that’s locking in potentially a couple of hundred dollars of savings every month,” said Jeff Tucker, economist at Zillow.United Wholesale Mortgage, the second-biggest U.S. mortgage lender behind Quicken Loans, has been making 30-year, fixed-rate home loans as low as 2.5%, said Alex Elezaj, the company’s chief strategy officer.“Our business continues to be very strong and we expect the next 12-18 months to be the best months in mortgage history,” he said.The record low rates are also making homes more affordable to potential buyers, who appear to be returning to the market. Pending home sales jumped a record 44.3% in May as a comeback appears to be building in the sector, according to the National Association of Realtors.The trend in mortgage refinancing shows no signs of slowing. The number of home loan applications last week climbed 61.1% from a year earlier, with refinancings jumping more than twofold, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.Economists predict the refinancing spree will continue because about half of all U.S. home mortgages have an interest rate that’s 4% or higher, far above current rates, Nothaft said.Another reason is that the Federal Reserve has signaled it will continue to buy billions of dollars of Treasury and mortgage-backed bonds to stabilize financial markets through the economic fallout of the pandemic.“When you have an investor with deep pockets like the Fed buying mortgage-backed securities, that keeps the (10-year Treasury yield) low,” Nothaft said. “So, over the next 18 months I wouldn’t be surprised if we see the 30-year fixed loans stay around 3%.”