SEDGWICK COUNTY — A suspect jailed in a fatal drive by shooting made his first court appearance Monday.

&nbsp;Joshua Johnson, 32,&nbsp; of Wichita was charge with first-degree murder and criminal discharge of a firearm in the shooting death of&nbsp;18-year-old Aubrey Resendez, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Just after 12:30 a.m. on April 13, police responded to a shooting call at the Kwik Shop in the 600 block of South West Street in&nbsp; Wichta, according to officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp;

Police located a 2014 white Dodge Avenger with the rear window shot out.&nbsp; Inside the vehicle was an 18-year-old male driver, a 27-year-old male passenger and Resendez, who had been shot.&nbsp;

Police on the scene of the shooting investigation -photo courtesy KWCH

EMS transported Resendez&nbsp; to an area hospital where she died, according to Davidson.&nbsp; The 18-year-old was Resendez’s boyfriend and the 27-year-old was Resendez’s brother.&nbsp; They were not injured.

The investigation revealed a disturbance ensued in the 4200 block of West Pawnee between the occupants of the Avenger and Johnson, who was in a 2006 Silver Dodge Ram truck.&nbsp; During the disturbance, Johnson fired multiple shots at the Avenger, striking the vehicle and striking Resendez, according to Davidson.&nbsp; The truck was recently reported stolen out of Reno County and is still outstanding.

Johnson is being held on a $300, 000 bond, according to the District Attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587056156024.png" alt="Johnson photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Johnson photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — A suspect jailed in a fatal drive by shooting made his first court appearance Monday.&nbsp;Joshua Johnson, 32,&nbsp; of Wichita was charge with first-degree murder and criminal discharge of a firearm in the shooting death of&nbsp;18-year-old Aubrey Resendez, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Just after 12:30 a.m. on April 13, police responded to a shooting call at the Kwik Shop in the 600 block of South West Street in&nbsp; Wichta, according to officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp;Police located a 2014 white Dodge Avenger with the rear window shot out.&nbsp; Inside the vehicle was an 18-year-old male driver, a 27-year-old male passenger and Resendez, who had been shot.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586790756899.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Police on the scene of the shooting investigation -photo courtesy KWCHEMS transported Resendez&nbsp; to an area hospital where she died, according to Davidson.&nbsp; The 18-year-old was Resendez’s boyfriend and the 27-year-old was Resendez’s brother.&nbsp; They were not injured.The investigation revealed a disturbance ensued in the 4200 block of West Pawnee between the occupants of the Avenger and Johnson, who was in a 2006 Silver Dodge Ram truck.&nbsp; During the disturbance, Johnson fired multiple shots at the Avenger, striking the vehicle and striking Resendez, according to Davidson.&nbsp; The truck was recently reported stolen out of Reno County and is still outstanding.Johnson is being held on a $300, 000 bond, according to the District Attorney's office.

Kansas man charged in woman's drive-by shooting death

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas is facing a projected 8.1% shortfall in its next state budget after a new fiscal forecast issued Monday slashed projections for expected tax collections over the next 15 months by nearly $1.37 billion to reflect the economic damage associated with the coronavirus pandemic.

Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly announced even before the new forecast was public that she has directed state agencies to avoid filling open positions not essential to dealing with the novel coronavirus and to eliminate discretionary spending.

But those steps aren’t likely going to be enough to put the state back in the black for the 2021 budget year that begins in July. The loss of tax collections — projected to be lower in both years than they were in the 2019 budget year — would burn through the state’s cash reserves and leave it with a shortfall of $653 million at the end of June 2021. The Kansas Constitution prohibits a deficit, so the state would have to make adjustments.

“The unprecedented revenue collapse turned Kansas finances upside down overnight — it is the rainy day we feared could come,” Kelly said in a statement.

The new fiscal forecast issued by state officials, legislative researches and university economists is far more pessimistic than one issued in November and used by Kelly and the Republican-controlled Legislature to craft the next annual state budget.

“We now have a collapsing labor market,” J.G. Scott, director of the Kansas Legislative Research Department and one of the forecasters, said during a news conference on Zoom. “We have an economic free-fall.”

The new forecast predicts that Kansas will collect less than $6.9 billion in tax revenues during the budget year ending June 30. That’s nearly $816 million or 10.6% lower than the previous projection made in November of $7.7 billion.

For the 2021 budget year that begins in July, the new prediction is that the state will collect less than $7.4 billion in taxes. That is $549 million or 6.9% less than the $7.9 billion previously predicted.

Kelly issued a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/425a488fcf8f16dfb0d7e06a9293b1ff">stay-at-home order</a>&nbsp;for all of the state’s 2.9 million residents that took effect March 30, and Kansas has seen a surge in claims for unemployment benefits from jobless workers since mid-March.

The Democratic governor and Republican-controlled Legislature expected those moves to cut into state revenues. Kelly also delayed this year’s income tax filing deadline three months, to July 15, and that pushed roughly $600 million in tax collections from the current budget year into the next one.

Kelly has faced increasing pressure from Republican legislators to announce a plan for reopening the state’s economy.

“Every day we wait to plan is another day Kansans can’t work,” said House Speaker Ron Ryckman Jr., an Olathe Republican.

Kelly has said she is working on one, but it won’t be possible until the state can do enough testing for the virus that causes COVID-19 to know how many people who are infected don’t have symptoms. And her top public health administrator, Dr. Lee Norman, has suggested the reopening might not start until mid-May.

Senate President Susan Wagle, a Wichita Republican, said lost jobs and the projected budget shortfall represent “a call for action.”

“We need a plan to safely get our economy moving again, and we need it soon,” said Wagle, a U.S. Senate candidate and frequent Kelly critic. “We need a productive Kansas to fund our schools, roads and public safety.”

Kelly said Monday that besides directing agencies to hold positions open and end discretionary spending, she directed them to avoid expanding non-essential programs and to avoid proposing pay increases for employees. She said agencies will begin this week to develop detailed budget plans.

State finances had been in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/ad172810a4b0dbabf6b2a56432d3dadf">relatively good shape</a>&nbsp;going into the pandemic. The state previously expected to have $927 million in cash reserves on June 30, and tax collections were running 3.2% ahead of expectations for the current budget year.

But under the new fiscal forecast, those cash reserves would be only $205 million on June 30, not enough to prevent a big shortfall the next budget year.

And, Scott said, the forecasters are hoping the economy will recover by next spring, but, “We’re not exactly sure where the bottom’s going to be.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587416780101.png" alt="Kansas Governor Laura Kelly addressed budget issues during her press conference on Monday." />
 <figcaption>Kansas Governor Laura Kelly addressed budget issues during her press conference on Monday.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas is facing a projected 8.1% shortfall in its next state budget after a new fiscal forecast issued Monday slashed projections for expected tax collections over the next 15 months by nearly $1.37 billion to reflect the economic damage associated with the coronavirus pandemic.Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly announced even before the new forecast was public that she has directed state agencies to avoid filling open positions not essential to dealing with the novel coronavirus and to eliminate discretionary spending.But those steps aren’t likely going to be enough to put the state back in the black for the 2021 budget year that begins in July. The loss of tax collections — projected to be lower in both years than they were in the 2019 budget year — would burn through the state’s cash reserves and leave it with a shortfall of $653 million at the end of June 2021. The Kansas Constitution prohibits a deficit, so the state would have to make adjustments.“The unprecedented revenue collapse turned Kansas finances upside down overnight — it is the rainy day we feared could come,” Kelly said in a statement.The new fiscal forecast issued by state officials, legislative researches and university economists is far more pessimistic than one issued in November and used by Kelly and the Republican-controlled Legislature to craft the next annual state budget.“We now have a collapsing labor market,” J.G. Scott, director of the Kansas Legislative Research Department and one of the forecasters, said during a news conference on Zoom. “We have an economic free-fall.”The new forecast predicts that Kansas will collect less than $6.9 billion in tax revenues during the budget year ending June 30. That’s nearly $816 million or 10.6% lower than the previous projection made in November of $7.7 billion.For the 2021 budget year that begins in July, the new prediction is that the state will collect less than $7.4 billion in taxes. That is $549 million or 6.9% less than the $7.9 billion previously predicted.Kelly issued a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/425a488fcf8f16dfb0d7e06a9293b1ff">stay-at-home order</a>&nbsp;for all of the state’s 2.9 million residents that took effect March 30, and Kansas has seen a surge in claims for unemployment benefits from jobless workers since mid-March.The Democratic governor and Republican-controlled Legislature expected those moves to cut into state revenues. Kelly also delayed this year’s income tax filing deadline three months, to July 15, and that pushed roughly $600 million in tax collections from the current budget year into the next one.Kelly has faced increasing pressure from Republican legislators to announce a plan for reopening the state’s economy.“Every day we wait to plan is another day Kansans can’t work,” said House Speaker Ron Ryckman Jr., an Olathe Republican.Kelly has said she is working on one, but it won’t be possible until the state can do enough testing for the virus that causes COVID-19 to know how many people who are infected don’t have symptoms. And her top public health administrator, Dr. Lee Norman, has suggested the reopening might not start until mid-May.Senate President Susan Wagle, a Wichita Republican, said lost jobs and the projected budget shortfall represent “a call for action.”“We need a plan to safely get our economy moving again, and we need it soon,” said Wagle, a U.S. Senate candidate and frequent Kelly critic. “We need a productive Kansas to fund our schools, roads and public safety.”Kelly said Monday that besides directing agencies to hold positions open and end discretionary spending, she directed them to avoid expanding non-essential programs and to avoid proposing pay increases for employees. She said agencies will begin this week to develop detailed budget plans.State finances had been in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/ad172810a4b0dbabf6b2a56432d3dadf">relatively good shape</a>&nbsp;going into the pandemic. The state previously expected to have $927 million in cash reserves on June 30, and tax collections were running 3.2% ahead of expectations for the current budget year.But under the new fiscal forecast, those cash reserves would be only $205 million on June 30, not enough to prevent a big shortfall the next budget year.And, Scott said, the forecasters are hoping the economy will recover by next spring, but, “We’re not exactly sure where the bottom’s going to be.”___

Kansas faces $653M shortfall after tax projections slashed

JACKSON COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspect&nbsp;

Just after 10a.m. Monday,&nbsp; a sheriff’s deputy attempted to stop a theft suspect driving a black Ford Fusion with New Mexico tags near 142nd and U.S. Highway 75, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

The suspect was believed to be involved in a theft that occurred at the Holton Walmart Monday morning.

The suspect refused to stop and continued south into Shawnee County. The vehicle pursuit ended when the suspect vehicle crashed into a security gate located at the south side of Hill’s Pet Food Science and Technology Center located north of 39th&nbsp;near Meriden Road, according to Morse.

The two suspects allegedly&nbsp;fled west into a wooded area.&nbsp; A KHP aircraft, deputies, K-9s, and state troopers assisted with locating the two suspects. 

The driver was identified as Marvin Duane Harvey, 29, of Topeka and a passenger identified as Rhiannon Mae Franklin, 19, of Lincoln, Nebraska.

Harvey is being held in the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of theft, felony fleeing and eluding a law enforcement officer, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana, interference with law enforcement and driving while suspended. Franklin is also being held in the Jackson County Jail on interference of law enforcement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587414722435.png" alt="Harvey photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Harvey photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspect&nbsp;Just after 10a.m. Monday,&nbsp; a sheriff’s deputy attempted to stop a theft suspect driving a black Ford Fusion with New Mexico tags near 142nd and U.S. Highway 75, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.The suspect was believed to be involved in a theft that occurred at the Holton Walmart Monday morning.The suspect refused to stop and continued south into Shawnee County. The vehicle pursuit ended when the suspect vehicle crashed into a security gate located at the south side of Hill’s Pet Food Science and Technology Center located north of 39th&nbsp;near Meriden Road, according to Morse.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587414668934.png" alt="Franklin photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Franklin photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The two suspects allegedly&nbsp;fled west into a wooded area.&nbsp; A KHP aircraft, deputies, K-9s, and state troopers assisted with locating the two suspects. The driver was identified as Marvin Duane Harvey, 29, of Topeka and a passenger identified as Rhiannon Mae Franklin, 19, of Lincoln, Nebraska.Harvey is being held in the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of theft, felony fleeing and eluding a law enforcement officer, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana, interference with law enforcement and driving while suspended. Franklin is also being held in the Jackson County Jail on interference of law enforcement.

KHP aircraft helps locate 2  alleged theft suspects 

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Monday that he will sign an executive order “to temporarily suspend immigration into the United States” because of the coronavirus.

“In light of the attack from the Invisible Enemy, as well as the need to protect the jobs of our GREAT American Citizens, I will be signing an Executive Order to temporarily suspend immigration into the United States!” Trump tweeted.

He offered no details as to what immigration programs might be affected by the order. The White House did not immediately elaborate on Trump’s tweeted announcement.

Trump has taken credit for his restrictions on travel to the U.S. from China and hard-hit European countries, arguing it contributed to slowing the spread of the virus in the U.S. But he has yet to extend those restrictions to other nations now experiencing virus outbreaks.

Due to the pandemic, almost all visa processing by the State Department, including immigrant visas, has been suspended for weeks.

More than 750,000 Americans have come down with COVID-19 and more than 42,000 have died.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587465212840.png" alt="President Trump answers questions during Monday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing" />
 <figcaption>President Trump answers questions during Monday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Monday that he will sign an executive order “to temporarily suspend immigration into the United States” because of the coronavirus.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">In light of the attack from the Invisible Enemy, as well as the need to protect the jobs of our GREAT American Citizens, I will be signing an Executive Order to temporarily suspend immigration into the United States!&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1252418369170501639?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“In light of the attack from the Invisible Enemy, as well as the need to protect the jobs of our GREAT American Citizens, I will be signing an Executive Order to temporarily suspend immigration into the United States!” Trump tweeted.He offered no details as to what immigration programs might be affected by the order. The White House did not immediately elaborate on Trump’s tweeted announcement.Trump has taken credit for his restrictions on travel to the U.S. from China and hard-hit European countries, arguing it contributed to slowing the spread of the virus in the U.S. But he has yet to extend those restrictions to other nations now experiencing virus outbreaks.Due to the pandemic, almost all visa processing by the State Department, including immigrant visas, has been suspended for weeks.More than 750,000 Americans have come down with COVID-19 and more than 42,000 have died.

Trump to suspend all immigration into US over coronavirus

SALINE COUNTY — One person died in an accident just after 9:30p.m. Saturday in Salina.

A 2001 Suzuki motorcycle driven by Jahdiel Mercado, 37, of Salina, was northbound in the 2600 Block of Centennial Road at a high rate of speed, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.&nbsp;

The motorcycle struck the curb and a left turn sign at Derussy Road.

Mercado was ejected from the motorcycle. EMS transported him to a Wichita hospital where died. Mercado was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. Alcohol and speed were contributing factors in the accident, according to Forrester.

SALINE COUNTY — One person died in an accident just after 9:30p.m. Saturday in Salina.A 2001 Suzuki motorcycle driven by Jahdiel Mercado, 37, of Salina, was northbound in the 2600 Block of Centennial Road at a high rate of speed, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.&nbsp;The motorcycle struck the curb and a left turn sign at Derussy Road.Mercado was ejected from the motorcycle. EMS transported him to a Wichita hospital where died. Mercado was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. Alcohol and speed were contributing factors in the accident, according to Forrester.

Police: Alcohol, speed a factor in fatal Kan. motorcycle crash

SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating an attack on a grocery store security guard and have a suspect in custody.

Just after 2:30p.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to a shoplifting call involving a disturbance at the Aldi, 105 SW 29th Street in Topeka, according to Sgt. Matt Danielson.

 Upon their arrival, officers learned that an armed security guard had been stabbed during the commission of a theft. That security guard was transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Search efforts for the suspect began quickly into the investigation. The suspect was identified as 47-year-old&nbsp; Travis Huffstutler. Police later located him at the Econo Lodge in the 2000 block of SW Topeka Blvd, according to Danielson.

 A search warrant was served at that location and police found evidence of the crimes. Officers arrested and transported&nbsp; Huffstutler to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Aggravated Battery, Aggravated Assault, and Theft.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587379504915.png" alt="Huffstutler" />
 <figcaption>Huffstutler</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating an attack on a grocery store security guard and have a suspect in custody.Just after 2:30p.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to a shoplifting call involving a disturbance at the Aldi, 105 SW 29th Street in Topeka, according to Sgt. Matt Danielson. Upon their arrival, officers learned that an armed security guard had been stabbed during the commission of a theft. That security guard was transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.Search efforts for the suspect began quickly into the investigation. The suspect was identified as 47-year-old&nbsp; Travis Huffstutler. Police later located him at the Econo Lodge in the 2000 block of SW Topeka Blvd, according to Danielson. A search warrant was served at that location and police found evidence of the crimes. Officers arrested and transported&nbsp; Huffstutler to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Aggravated Battery, Aggravated Assault, and Theft.

Police: Kansas grocery store security guard stabbed

GENEVA (AP) — The World Health Organization chief warned Monday that “the worst is yet ahead of us” in the coronavirus outbreak, reviving the alarm just as many countries ease restrictive measures aimed at reducing its spread.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus didn’t specify why he believes the outbreak that has infected some 2.5 million people and killed over 166,000 could get worse. He and others, however, have previously pointed to the likely future spread of the illness through Africa, where health systems are far less developed.

“Trust us. The worst is yet ahead of us,” Tedros told reporters from WHO headquarters in Geneva. “Let’s prevent this tragedy. It’s a virus that many people still don’t understand.”

Some Asian and European governments have gradually eased or started relaxing “lockdown” measures like quarantines, school and business closures and restrictions on public gatherings, citing a decline in the growth of COVID-19 case counts and deaths.

Tedros and his agency have been on the defensive after President Donald Trump of the United States — the WHO’s biggest single donor — last week ordered a halt to U.S. funding for the agency, alleging that it botched the early response to the outbreak.

Among other things, Trump insisted WHO had failed to adequately share “in a timely and transparent” way information about the outbreak after it erupted in China late last year.

Tedros said: “There is no secret in WHO because keeping things confidential or secret is dangerous. It’s a health issue.”

“This virus is dangerous. It exploits cracks between us when we have differences,” he said.

Tedros said U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention staffers have been seconded to work with his agency, suggesting that was a sign of WHO’s transparency.

“Having CDC staff (at WHO) means there is nothing hidden from the U.S. from Day One” Tedros said. “Our CDC colleagues also know that we give information immediately to anyone.”

In one of his starkest comparisons yet, the U.N. health agency chief also alluded to the so-called Spanish flu more than a century ago, saying the coronavirus has a “very dangerous combination ... like the 1918 flu that killed up to 100 million people.”

Tedros called the illness “Public Enemy No. 1,” and said: “We have been warning from Day One: This is a devil that everybody should fight.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587401715959.png" alt="General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus during Monday's virus press conference" />
 <figcaption>General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus during Monday's virus press conference</figcaption>
 </figure>GENEVA (AP) — The World Health Organization chief warned Monday that “the worst is yet ahead of us” in the coronavirus outbreak, reviving the alarm just as many countries ease restrictive measures aimed at reducing its spread.WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus didn’t specify why he believes the outbreak that has infected some 2.5 million people and killed over 166,000 could get worse. He and others, however, have previously pointed to the likely future spread of the illness through Africa, where health systems are far less developed.“Trust us. The worst is yet ahead of us,” Tedros told reporters from WHO headquarters in Geneva. “Let’s prevent this tragedy. It’s a virus that many people still don’t understand.”Some Asian and European governments have gradually eased or started relaxing “lockdown” measures like quarantines, school and business closures and restrictions on public gatherings, citing a decline in the growth of COVID-19 case counts and deaths.Tedros and his agency have been on the defensive after President Donald Trump of the United States — the WHO’s biggest single donor — last week ordered a halt to U.S. funding for the agency, alleging that it botched the early response to the outbreak.Among other things, Trump insisted WHO had failed to adequately share “in a timely and transparent” way information about the outbreak after it erupted in China late last year.Tedros said: “There is no secret in WHO because keeping things confidential or secret is dangerous. It’s a health issue.”“This virus is dangerous. It exploits cracks between us when we have differences,” he said.Tedros said U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention staffers have been seconded to work with his agency, suggesting that was a sign of WHO’s transparency.“Having CDC staff (at WHO) means there is nothing hidden from the U.S. from Day One” Tedros said. “Our CDC colleagues also know that we give information immediately to anyone.”In one of his starkest comparisons yet, the U.N. health agency chief also alluded to the so-called Spanish flu more than a century ago, saying the coronavirus has a “very dangerous combination ... like the 1918 flu that killed up to 100 million people.”Tedros called the illness “Public Enemy No. 1,” and said: “We have been warning from Day One: This is a devil that everybody should fight.”___

WHO chief says worst of virus outbreak yet to come

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A growing protest movement against stay-at-home orders designed to slow the spread of the coronavirus reached Kansas City Monday, with between 75 and 100 people attending a rally to demand that the orders be lifted.

The event near the city's Country Club Plaza followed similar protests that began across the country last week, with some drawing much larger crowds.

Some people stood nearby the protesters in medical garb to support the orders, which require people to stay home except for essential business and ban gatherings of more than 10 people.

The protesters waved signs and U.S. flags and yelled their belief that the orders are unnecessary, are damaging the economy and violate the rights of U.S. citizens.

Another protest that had urged people to show up at City Hall and disrupt traffic and business there fizzled, with fewer than a dozen people showing up.

Government and health officials argue that the orders are necessary to reduce the spread of the coronavirus.

Kansas City Mayor Quenton Lucas announced last week that he was extending the city’s stay-at-home order until May 15.

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson has issued a stay-at-home order through May 3 but he said last week the state plans to take steps to begin reopening its economy the next day.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A growing national movement against stay-at-home orders designed to slow the spread of the coronavirus was scheduled to arrive Kansas City this week.

Protests were held Monday in Kansas City and and are planned Tuesday in Jefferson City.

The protesters contend the stay-at-home orders are unnecessary and are seriously damaging the economy.

Government and health officials argue orders asking people to stay home except for essential business and to maintain social distancing are necessary to reduce the spread of the coronavirus.

As of Monday morning, Missouri has recorded 199 deaths and 5,807 confirmed cases of COVID-19, according to Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Systems Science and Engineering,

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A growing protest movement against stay-at-home orders designed to slow the spread of the coronavirus reached Kansas City Monday, with between 75 and 100 people attending a rally to demand that the orders be lifted.The event near the city's Country Club Plaza followed similar protests that began across the country last week, with some drawing much larger crowds.Some people stood nearby the protesters in medical garb to support the orders, which require people to stay home except for essential business and ban gatherings of more than 10 people.The protesters waved signs and U.S. flags and yelled their belief that the orders are unnecessary, are damaging the economy and violate the rights of U.S. citizens.Another protest that had urged people to show up at City Hall and disrupt traffic and business there fizzled, with fewer than a dozen people showing up.Government and health officials argue that the orders are necessary to reduce the spread of the coronavirus.Kansas City Mayor Quenton Lucas announced last week that he was extending the city’s stay-at-home order until May 15.Missouri Gov. Mike Parson has issued a stay-at-home order through May 3 but he said last week the state plans to take steps to begin reopening its economy the next day.----------KANSAS CITY (AP) — A growing national movement against stay-at-home orders designed to slow the spread of the coronavirus was scheduled to arrive Kansas City this week.Protests were held Monday in Kansas City and and are planned Tuesday in Jefferson City.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Kansas City protest <a href="https://t.co/UqZgLmIL6J">pic.twitter.com/UqZgLmIL6J</a>&mdash; Dave Matt (@davematt88) <a href="https://twitter.com/davematt88/status/1252304121215975425?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The protesters contend the stay-at-home orders are unnecessary and are seriously damaging the economy.Government and health officials argue orders asking people to stay home except for essential business and to maintain social distancing are necessary to reduce the spread of the coronavirus.Kansas City Mayor Quenton Lucas announced last week that he was extending the city’s stay-at-home order until May 15.Missouri Gov. Mike Parson has issued a stay-at-home order through May 3 but he said last week the state plans to take steps to begin reopening its economy the next day.As of Monday morning, Missouri has recorded 199 deaths and 5,807 confirmed cases of COVID-19, according to Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Systems Science and Engineering,

Protests against Stay-At-Home orders in Kansas City

The Amber Alert issued for 2 boys abducted in Nebraska has was cancelled late Monday morning, according to the Nebraska State Patrol.

The boys are safe and the suspect identified as Tanner Joel Leichleiter, 30, was apprehended during a traffic stop at 71st Street South and Ridge Road in Wichita, according to Sgt. Tim Myers, with the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Department.&nbsp;

Kansas issued an Amber Alert for two children abducted from Tekamah near Eastern Nebraska.

The Tekamah Police Department is looking children who were last seen at Tekamah and are believed to be in danger. The children's name are Marco De La Garza and&nbsp;and Isaac De La Garza.

Marco is a 7 year old boy, with Brown hair and was last seen wearing T-shirt and shorts.

The children may be in the company of 30-year-old Tanner Joel Leicheiter, described as 5-foot-7, 165 pounds, with green eyes and brown hair. They may be traveling in a White 2009 Ford Expedition Ne 31F325 that was last seen heading in an unknown direction.

If you have any information on the whereabouts of Marco De La Garza, please call 911 or contact Tekamah Police Department at&nbsp;<a href="tel:+14023741500">402-374-1500</a>&nbsp;immediately.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587431905539.png" alt="Tanner Joel Leichleiter -photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Tanner Joel Leichleiter -photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>The Amber Alert issued for 2 boys abducted in Nebraska has was cancelled late Monday morning, according to the Nebraska State Patrol.The boys are safe and the suspect identified as Tanner Joel Leichleiter, 30, was apprehended during a traffic stop at 71st Street South and Ridge Road in Wichita, according to Sgt. Tim Myers, with the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Department.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587392749188.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Marco De La Garza" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Marco De La Garza</figcaption>
 </figure>---------Kansas issued an Amber Alert for two children abducted from Tekamah near Eastern Nebraska.The Tekamah Police Department is looking children who were last seen at Tekamah and are believed to be in danger. The children's name are Marco De La Garza and&nbsp;and Isaac De La Garza.Marco is a 7 year old boy, with Brown hair and was last seen wearing T-shirt and shorts.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587393068606.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Isaac De La GarzaIsaac is a 4 year old boy.The children may be in the company of 30-year-old Tanner Joel Leicheiter, described as 5-foot-7, 165 pounds, with green eyes and brown hair. They may be traveling in a White 2009 Ford Expedition Ne 31F325 that was last seen heading in an unknown direction.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587392820004.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Tanner Joel LeicheiterIf you have any information on the whereabouts of Marco De La Garza, please call 911 or contact Tekamah Police Department at&nbsp;<a href="tel:+14023741500">402-374-1500</a>&nbsp;immediately.

Update: 2 boys safe, Amber Alert suspect arrested in Kansas

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman in connection with a murder.

Just before 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, officers responded to a larceny that had just occurred at the QuikTrip in the 700 block of South Broadway in&nbsp; Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson. A suspect later identified as 22-year-old Jessica Sanders, had attempted to steal items from the business.

An officer located Sanders walking in the area of Orme and Market.&nbsp; As he approached her in his vehicle, he observed Sanders fire a single shot into the ground from a handgun.&nbsp; The officer identified himself and gave her verbal instructions to stop.&nbsp; Sanders ignored the officer and continued to walk away from him and she entered&nbsp; a home in the 800 block of South Market.

As officers worked to contact Sanders inside the home, they observed a man inside the home deceased with a gunshot wound to his upper body.&nbsp; Investigators are working to confirm his identity.

The WPD Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team was sent to the location to assist with the investigation. &nbsp;After several hours, utilizing time, distance, and communication, officers had Sanders exit the home, and she was arrested without further incident.

The investigation revealed Sanders had previously shot the man one time inside the home, causing his fatal injuries.&nbsp; Officers also recovered a handgun inside the house.&nbsp; Additionally, during the investigation, Sanders continually exhibited very erratic behavior, possibly induced by the use of illegal narcotics, according to Davidson.

Sanders is being held on a requested charge of 2nd-degree murder.

SEDGWICK COUNTY— Police say an armed woman in her 20s has been arrested after a standoff in a Wichita home where the body of a man was found by officers. 

The standoff began around noon Sunday when officers were sent to a convenience store for a report of a woman&nbsp; suspected of robbing it. 

Police Capt. Windell Nicholson says responding officers spotted the woman later identified as 22-year-old Jessica Sanders, according to Sedgwick County arrest records, at a nearby intersection holding a gun, then heard a gunshot and saw Sanders run into a home. 

Several hours later, Sanders came out of the house and was arrested. Inside, police say they found a man in his 60s dead from injuries to his upper body.

Sanders is being held for <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20042351">2nd degree murder, </a>according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587386282797.png" alt="Sanders photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Sanders photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman in connection with a murder.Just before 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, officers responded to a larceny that had just occurred at the QuikTrip in the 700 block of South Broadway in&nbsp; Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson. A suspect later identified as 22-year-old Jessica Sanders, had attempted to steal items from the business.An officer located Sanders walking in the area of Orme and Market.&nbsp; As he approached her in his vehicle, he observed Sanders fire a single shot into the ground from a handgun.&nbsp; The officer identified himself and gave her verbal instructions to stop.&nbsp; Sanders ignored the officer and continued to walk away from him and she entered&nbsp; a home in the 800 block of South Market.As officers worked to contact Sanders inside the home, they observed a man inside the home deceased with a gunshot wound to his upper body.&nbsp; Investigators are working to confirm his identity.The WPD Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team was sent to the location to assist with the investigation. &nbsp;After several hours, utilizing time, distance, and communication, officers had Sanders exit the home, and she was arrested without further incident.The investigation revealed Sanders had previously shot the man one time inside the home, causing his fatal injuries.&nbsp; Officers also recovered a handgun inside the house.&nbsp; Additionally, during the investigation, Sanders continually exhibited very erratic behavior, possibly induced by the use of illegal narcotics, according to Davidson.Sanders is being held on a requested charge of 2nd-degree murder.---------SEDGWICK COUNTY— Police say an armed woman in her 20s has been arrested after a standoff in a Wichita home where the body of a man was found by officers. The standoff began around noon Sunday when officers were sent to a convenience store for a report of a woman&nbsp; suspected of robbing it. Police Capt. Windell Nicholson says responding officers spotted the woman later identified as 22-year-old Jessica Sanders, according to Sedgwick County arrest records, at a nearby intersection holding a gun, then heard a gunshot and saw Sanders run into a home. Several hours later, Sanders came out of the house and was arrested. Inside, police say they found a man in his 60s dead from injuries to his upper body.Sanders is being held for <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20042351">2nd degree murder, </a>according to online jail records.-

Update: Woman arrested at Kan. home where body found

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas has received more personal protective equipment and supplies to expand COVID-19 testing in communities with meat processing plants.

Gov. Laura Kelly announced Monday that the federal supplies will go to Finney, Ford and Seward counties in southwest Kansas and Lyon County in the east-central part of the state.

As of Monday, 336 people in those counties were infected with the coronavirus out of 1,986 statewide. The state has had 100 COVID-19-related deaths.

Cargill, Tyson Fresh Meats and National Beef have said employees at their processing plants tested positive. Kansas Department of Health and Environment is working with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to track clusters connected to the processing plants.

Controlling the outbreaks is crucial: Plants in southwest Kansas account for 25 to 30% of beef processing in the country.

“You can see what’s happened in other states. I mean, you’ve got&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/26bf8fc20f2873d9701fd2ea95f87be4">South Dakota and Iowa</a>&nbsp;and I believe others,” Kelly told the Associated Press. “It would be a disaster if we had to shut down, so we’re trying to do everything that we can to keep those plants online.”

The facilities also have taken steps to improve safety, including staff health screenings, enhanced sanitation and social distancing.

Dr. Drew Miller, a family physician in Lakin in southwest Kansas, said that while the plants are trying to protect workers, an increase in cases in the region area is tied for now to the industry. Miller’s hospital in Kearny County sees patients from surrounding counties and he is a member of its four-person COVID-19 medical team.

“Meat-packing plants are essential, so people still have to go to work there,” he said. “There’s a lot of people working in a relatively confined area.”

The Kansas Chamber of Commerce released a plan Sunday for reopening the economy. It calls for allowing nonessential businesses to open if they are able to do things such as boost cleaning of common areas, provide flexible time off for sick employees and establish employee temperature monitoring.

The health status of geographic regions should be taken into consideration, according to the organization, and the most vulnerable people should be afforded specific protections.

Kelly said last week that she hopes to outline a plan for reopening the economy by the end of this week.

“We will just have to alter our behavior and our practices as we’re reopening the economy and maintain different kinds of health strategies until that vaccine is discovered, manufactured and distributed,” Kelly said.

The state saw the number of confirmed cases jump Monday by 137, or 7.4%. The number of COVID-19-related deaths rose by eight, or 8.7%.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up within three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587399671977.png" alt="Testing site at the Finney County Fairgrounds -photo Garden City Community College" />
 <figcaption>Testing site at the Finney County Fairgrounds -photo Garden City Community College</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas has received more personal protective equipment and supplies to expand COVID-19 testing in communities with meat processing plants.Gov. Laura Kelly announced Monday that the federal supplies will go to Finney, Ford and Seward counties in southwest Kansas and Lyon County in the east-central part of the state.As of Monday, 336 people in those counties were infected with the coronavirus out of 1,986 statewide. The state has had 100 COVID-19-related deaths.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587410889962.png" alt="During the governor's Monday press briefing, Kanas Ag Secretary Mike Beam addressed the outbreak of the virus at Kansas meat packing plants" />
 <figcaption>During the governor's Monday press briefing, Kanas Ag Secretary Mike Beam addressed the outbreak of the virus at Kansas meat packing plants</figcaption>
 </figure>Cargill, Tyson Fresh Meats and National Beef have said employees at their processing plants tested positive. Kansas Department of Health and Environment is working with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to track clusters connected to the processing plants.Controlling the outbreaks is crucial: Plants in southwest Kansas account for 25 to 30% of beef processing in the country.“You can see what’s happened in other states. I mean, you’ve got&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/26bf8fc20f2873d9701fd2ea95f87be4">South Dakota and Iowa</a>&nbsp;and I believe others,” Kelly told the Associated Press. “It would be a disaster if we had to shut down, so we’re trying to do everything that we can to keep those plants online.”The facilities also have taken steps to improve safety, including staff health screenings, enhanced sanitation and social distancing.Dr. Drew Miller, a family physician in Lakin in southwest Kansas, said that while the plants are trying to protect workers, an increase in cases in the region area is tied for now to the industry. Miller’s hospital in Kearny County sees patients from surrounding counties and he is a member of its four-person COVID-19 medical team.“Meat-packing plants are essential, so people still have to go to work there,” he said. “There’s a lot of people working in a relatively confined area.”REOPENING THE ECONOMYThe Kansas Chamber of Commerce released a plan Sunday for reopening the economy. It calls for allowing nonessential businesses to open if they are able to do things such as boost cleaning of common areas, provide flexible time off for sick employees and establish employee temperature monitoring.The health status of geographic regions should be taken into consideration, according to the organization, and the most vulnerable people should be afforded specific protections.Kelly said last week that she hopes to outline a plan for reopening the economy by the end of this week.“We will just have to alter our behavior and our practices as we’re reopening the economy and maintain different kinds of health strategies until that vaccine is discovered, manufactured and distributed,” Kelly said.NEW NUMBERSThe state saw the number of confirmed cases jump Monday by 137, or 7.4%. The number of COVID-19-related deaths rose by eight, or 8.7%.For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up within three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness.____

Kansas works to boost virus testing in meat processing towns

TOPEKA — Kansas Governor Laura Kelly and KDHE Chief Dr. Lee Norman discussed the state's battle with coronavirus during their Monday afternoon press conference.

During her opening remarks, Governor Kelly mentioned the state now has 100 deaths from coronavirus. She said that following her conference call last week that included President Trump., Kansas received additional ppe and testing supplies.

Kansas Ag Secretary Mike Beam also attended Monday's briefing and addressed the outbreak of coronavirus at meat processing plants in Kansas.

TOPEKA — Kansas Governor Laura Kelly and KDHE Chief Dr. Lee Norman discussed the state's battle with coronavirus during their Monday afternoon press conference.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovLauraKelly%2Fvideos%2F521688092071137%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>During her opening remarks, Governor Kelly mentioned the state now has 100 deaths from coronavirus. She said that following her conference call last week that included President Trump., Kansas received additional ppe and testing supplies.Kansas Ag Secretary Mike Beam also attended Monday's briefing and addressed the outbreak of coronavirus at meat processing plants in Kansas.

🎥 Kan. Gov., KDHE Secretary update fight against virus

NEW YORK (AP) — Oil prices plunged below zero on Monday as demand for energy collapses amid the coronavirus pandemic and traders didn't want to get stuck owning crude oil with nowhere to store it. 

A barrel of benchmark U.S. oil for May delivery fell to negative $3.70 per barrel. While the foray into negative territory was largely due to technical reasons, prices for other oil contracts also plummeted as storage facilities for crude come close to hitting their limits. 

The S&amp;P 500 was down 0.9%, giving up some of its big gains following its first back-to-back weekly gain since February.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574099609456.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Oil prices plunged below zero on Monday as demand for energy collapses amid the coronavirus pandemic and traders didn't want to get stuck owning crude oil with nowhere to store it. A barrel of benchmark U.S. oil for May delivery fell to negative $3.70 per barrel. While the foray into negative territory was largely due to technical reasons, prices for other oil contracts also plummeted as storage facilities for crude come close to hitting their limits. The S&amp;P 500 was down 0.9%, giving up some of its big gains following its first back-to-back weekly gain since February.

Oil price goes negative as demand collapses

SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after a car stolen in Salina Saturday morning was involved in a two-vehicle accident early Sunday morning in Topeka.

A&nbsp; 43-year-old Salina woman told police that she had an argument with a male subject she had picked up in Manhattan who had been staying with her since April 13, according to&nbsp;Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.

The man left and allegedly took the woman's 2008 Dodge Caliber, valued at $5,000.

The Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) reported that at 8:46 a.m. Sunday, a 2008 Dodge Caliber driven by a 40-year-old&nbsp; Brooke Aaron McLaughlin&nbsp; was involved in a two-vehicle accident in Topeka during a pursuit by law enforcement. 

According to the KHP, McLaughlin was fleeing from law enforcement southbound on Southeast Adams Street when he ran a red light at Southeast 37th Street and was struck on the driver's side by a 2002 Toyota Camry Solara that was westbound on Southeast 37th Street.

According to the KHP report, McLaughlin complained of pain and was transported a hospital in Topeka.&nbsp;

The driver of the Camry Solara, a 59-year-old woman from Topeka, complained of pain and was transported to Stormont Vail Hospital, according to the KHP.&nbsp;

According to Shawnee County Department of Corrections booking information, McLaughlin was arrested on requested charges of Aggravated battery, Felony possession of stolen property, Felony criminal damage to property, Registered offender obstructing apprehension of prosecution, Fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer, Reckless driving, Failure to yield at a stop or yield sign, Vehicle displaying plate not assigned, Driving while suspended and Violation of the governor's proclamation

&nbsp;McLaughlin was also wanted by the Kansas Department of Corrections for a parole violation, according to Forester.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587399195298.jpeg" alt="Brooke Aaron McLaughlin has previous convictions for theft, battery of an officer and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections. photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Brooke Aaron McLaughlin has previous convictions for theft, battery of an officer and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections. photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after a car stolen in Salina Saturday morning was involved in a two-vehicle accident early Sunday morning in Topeka. A&nbsp; 43-year-old Salina woman told police that she had an argument with a male subject she had picked up in Manhattan who had been staying with her since April 13, according to&nbsp;Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.The man left and allegedly took the woman's 2008 Dodge Caliber, valued at $5,000.The Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) reported that at 8:46 a.m. Sunday, a 2008 Dodge Caliber driven by a 40-year-old&nbsp; Brooke Aaron McLaughlin&nbsp; was involved in a two-vehicle accident in Topeka during a pursuit by law enforcement. According to the KHP, McLaughlin was fleeing from law enforcement southbound on Southeast Adams Street when he ran a red light at Southeast 37th Street and was struck on the driver's side by a 2002 Toyota Camry Solara that was westbound on Southeast 37th Street.According to the KHP report, McLaughlin complained of pain and was transported a hospital in Topeka.&nbsp;The driver of the Camry Solara, a 59-year-old woman from Topeka, complained of pain and was transported to Stormont Vail Hospital, according to the KHP.&nbsp;According to Shawnee County Department of Corrections booking information, McLaughlin was arrested on requested charges of Aggravated battery, Felony possession of stolen property, Felony criminal damage to property, Registered offender obstructing apprehension of prosecution, Fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer, Reckless driving, Failure to yield at a stop or yield sign, Vehicle displaying plate not assigned, Driving while suspended and Violation of the governor's proclamation&nbsp;McLaughlin was also wanted by the Kansas Department of Corrections for a parole violation, according to Forester.

Kan. felon captured after crash in stolen car

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 137&nbsp; to&nbsp; a total of 1,986, the state health department reported Monday afternoon.

<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 137&nbsp; to&nbsp; a total of 1,986, the state health department reported Monday afternoon.Statewide virus deaths increased to 100.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional numbers from the KDHE<figure>
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 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — School administrators across America are trying to re-imagine classrooms — and the prospect of reopening schools — in the era of social distancing.

Will there be staggered start times? Will students be asked to wear face coverings? Will class sizes be cut in half? What about school assemblies and sports and school buses and lunchtime?

With the majority of schools nationwide shut down, educators are scrambling to plan for the future after a chaotic few weeks that, for many districts, included closing all schools, deciding whether to waive assessment tests and whether and how to do distance learning. Next comes the important question of when schools can safely re-open.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom laid out a few possible scenarios this week for reopening the state’s public schools to 6 million students, saying the timeline was still unclear but when students do eventually return things will look radically different.

“We need to get our kids back to school,” Newsom said. “And we need to do it in a safe way.”

The biggest challenge for schools is how to continue physical distancing among children and adults to ensure that “kids aren’t going to school, getting infected and then infecting grandma and grandpa,” Newsom said.

That could mean requiring schools to stagger schedules, with some students arriving in the morning and the rest in the afternoon. Officials will be rethinking gym class, recess, school assemblies and all scenarios where students gather in large groups, he said. State officials, educators and unions will discuss those ideas and other possibilities for safe schooling in the coming weeks and months.

Robert Hull, president and chief executive of the National Association of State Boards of Education, said administrators across the country are asking not how, but if, schools will reopen in the fall, and planning for any number of scenarios.

Everything is being considered, he said, from masks and gloves to cutting class sizes and adding portable classrooms. Officials also are weighing the virus’s impact on how school buildings and buses are cleaned, how to protect custodial staff, how food is prepared and how health care is delivered.

“Everybody says we hope we return to normal,” Hull said. “It’s not going to return to normal anytime soon because the new normal is going to be different.”

For the moment, many districts are focused on trying to get through the school year while keeping an eye on what might happen in the fall.

“You’re making battle plans,” Hull said. Schools need to plan for a variety of possibilities: What if the virus is contained? What if the curve is flattened but there are still infections in the community? What if a new wave is starting? Schools need “not just Plan A and Plan B, but it maybe Plan C and Plan D.”

Newsom said he won’t loosen California’s mandatory, stay-at-home order until hospitalizations, particularly those in intensive care units, “flatten and start to decline.” And he said the state needs more testing, treatment and the ability for businesses, schools and childcare facilities to continue the physical distancing that has come to dominate public life. He said he would revisit the question of easing restrictions in two weeks.

Similar conversations are taking place at state school boards across the country. The issue is on Idaho’s agenda Thursday, and several other states, including Arkansas and Mississippi, are starting to have the discussion, Hull said.

Issues of equity loom, including how to measure what students are learning and how to help those who have fallen behind. Many of the association’s members are discussing what to do this summer and contemplating whether to extend the school year to offer summer learning, Hull said.

When students do return to school in California’s rural Mariposa County, they will likely have to follow the same check-in procedure that local government employees do now, county Health Officer Eric Sergienko said. Before coming in each day, government employees answer a series of screening questions in a smart phone app with a checklist of symptoms. If they answer “yes” to any questions they have to stay home, and then get a follow-up call from a health officer.

“We would do the same thing for school,” Sergienko said. “If any (students) had symptoms, then we would exclude them from school.”

Education funding cutbacks have already led to teacher shortages in California and made campus nurses rare, raising questions about how officials might cope with extended days and ensure kids are healthy, said Tony Wold, associate superintendent of the West Contra Costa Unified School District, which includes 55 schools.

“We can’t just build new schools overnight. Even if the state gives us more money, where will the teachers come from?” said Wold, listing the ways schools are not built for social distancing. In his district near San Francisco, schools already stagger lunchtimes and put 8 to 10 kids at each table. Gym classes can have upwards of 50 students, and there are no empty, unused classrooms.

He said some schools will likely extend virtual learning into the fall or possibly figure out a rotation mixing online learning and classroom education.

“We’re trying to reinvent how to do our business in a way we never did it before,” Wold said. “This is probably the most Herculean challenge I have ever seen in public education.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/8/1564764567432.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — School administrators across America are trying to re-imagine classrooms — and the prospect of reopening schools — in the era of social distancing.Will there be staggered start times? Will students be asked to wear face coverings? Will class sizes be cut in half? What about school assemblies and sports and school buses and lunchtime?With the majority of schools nationwide shut down, educators are scrambling to plan for the future after a chaotic few weeks that, for many districts, included closing all schools, deciding whether to waive assessment tests and whether and how to do distance learning. Next comes the important question of when schools can safely re-open.California Gov. Gavin Newsom laid out a few possible scenarios this week for reopening the state’s public schools to 6 million students, saying the timeline was still unclear but when students do eventually return things will look radically different.“We need to get our kids back to school,” Newsom said. “And we need to do it in a safe way.”The biggest challenge for schools is how to continue physical distancing among children and adults to ensure that “kids aren’t going to school, getting infected and then infecting grandma and grandpa,” Newsom said.That could mean requiring schools to stagger schedules, with some students arriving in the morning and the rest in the afternoon. Officials will be rethinking gym class, recess, school assemblies and all scenarios where students gather in large groups, he said. State officials, educators and unions will discuss those ideas and other possibilities for safe schooling in the coming weeks and months.Robert Hull, president and chief executive of the National Association of State Boards of Education, said administrators across the country are asking not how, but if, schools will reopen in the fall, and planning for any number of scenarios.Everything is being considered, he said, from masks and gloves to cutting class sizes and adding portable classrooms. Officials also are weighing the virus’s impact on how school buildings and buses are cleaned, how to protect custodial staff, how food is prepared and how health care is delivered.“Everybody says we hope we return to normal,” Hull said. “It’s not going to return to normal anytime soon because the new normal is going to be different.”For the moment, many districts are focused on trying to get through the school year while keeping an eye on what might happen in the fall.“You’re making battle plans,” Hull said. Schools need to plan for a variety of possibilities: What if the virus is contained? What if the curve is flattened but there are still infections in the community? What if a new wave is starting? Schools need “not just Plan A and Plan B, but it maybe Plan C and Plan D.”Newsom said he won’t loosen California’s mandatory, stay-at-home order until hospitalizations, particularly those in intensive care units, “flatten and start to decline.” And he said the state needs more testing, treatment and the ability for businesses, schools and childcare facilities to continue the physical distancing that has come to dominate public life. He said he would revisit the question of easing restrictions in two weeks.Similar conversations are taking place at state school boards across the country. The issue is on Idaho’s agenda Thursday, and several other states, including Arkansas and Mississippi, are starting to have the discussion, Hull said.Issues of equity loom, including how to measure what students are learning and how to help those who have fallen behind. Many of the association’s members are discussing what to do this summer and contemplating whether to extend the school year to offer summer learning, Hull said.When students do return to school in California’s rural Mariposa County, they will likely have to follow the same check-in procedure that local government employees do now, county Health Officer Eric Sergienko said. Before coming in each day, government employees answer a series of screening questions in a smart phone app with a checklist of symptoms. If they answer “yes” to any questions they have to stay home, and then get a follow-up call from a health officer.“We would do the same thing for school,” Sergienko said. “If any (students) had symptoms, then we would exclude them from school.”Education funding cutbacks have already led to teacher shortages in California and made campus nurses rare, raising questions about how officials might cope with extended days and ensure kids are healthy, said Tony Wold, associate superintendent of the West Contra Costa Unified School District, which includes 55 schools.“We can’t just build new schools overnight. Even if the state gives us more money, where will the teachers come from?” said Wold, listing the ways schools are not built for social distancing. In his district near San Francisco, schools already stagger lunchtimes and put 8 to 10 kids at each table. Gym classes can have upwards of 50 students, and there are no empty, unused classrooms.He said some schools will likely extend virtual learning into the fall or possibly figure out a rotation mixing online learning and classroom education.“We’re trying to reinvent how to do our business in a way we never did it before,” Wold said. “This is probably the most Herculean challenge I have ever seen in public education.”___

American schools may look radically different as they reopen

TOPEKA – The Kansas Rural Center (KRC) has been listening and responding to questions, mostly from farmers and community leaders working quickly to respond to the new realities of the pandemic. Like many, KRC has responded virtually moving meetings, resources, and communicating information <a href="http://kansasruralcenter.org.">exclusively online,</a> according to a media release.

One tool KRC has curated is a webpage with an extensive list of COVID -19 guidance, resources, and FAQ’s specifically for farmers, ranchers, food businesses, and communities responding to the pandemic. It can be found at <a href="http://kansasruralcenter.org/covid19-guidance/">kansasruralcenter.org/covid19-guidance</a>.

A few key takeaways are that producers are still ready and willing to get safe food to Kansans despite opening season of farmers markets being delayed or tentatively closed. 

 Farmers need to know that it’s still okay to sell products to consumers, all following best practices for public safety, of course. There are more and more resources becoming available by state and national agencies and organizations to help both farmers and consumers make shifts in access to food and markets.   

Among the resources KRC lists, the FAQ page tackles questions addressing how the shelter in place orders affect mobility and markets for farmers, grants and loans available to farms and small businesses, and how to purchase locally grown food from farmers. 

  Here in Kansas, organizations and agencies have created new COVID-19 resources such as best practices for farmers markets on the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s website and produce safety resources and webinars from K-State Extension. 

 Many farmers are pivoting to online sales and many resources have become available on how to make that shift and the tools to do it.   

Navigating the CARES Act aid options available specifically for farmers has so far proven confusing and overwhelming however many resources are becoming available to help clarify the options and processes.

   Farm Commons, a nonprofit that provides resources and services on farm law has provided several resources on farm eligibility and guidance on CARES Act aid provisions like the Paycheck Protection Program.  Farmers' Legal Action Group just released a “Farmers’ Guide to COVID-19 Relief” which focuses on how these various programs can provide relief to farmers.  All of these resources and more are linked on KRC’s COVID-19 resource pages.  

KRC is updating the <a href="http://kansasruralcenter.org.">webpage </a>everyday with new and updated information and resources. For questions or comments on what may be helpful to farms and communities amid the pandemic please reach out to KRC at info@kansasruralcenter.org or 866-579-5469.

For more information, visit <a href="https://kansasruralcenter.org/">kansasruralcenter.org</a>.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587390815901.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>TOPEKA – The Kansas Rural Center (KRC) has been listening and responding to questions, mostly from farmers and community leaders working quickly to respond to the new realities of the pandemic. Like many, KRC has responded virtually moving meetings, resources, and communicating information <a href="http://kansasruralcenter.org.">exclusively online,</a> according to a media release. One tool KRC has curated is a webpage with an extensive list of COVID -19 guidance, resources, and FAQ’s specifically for farmers, ranchers, food businesses, and communities responding to the pandemic. It can be found at <a href="http://kansasruralcenter.org/covid19-guidance/">kansasruralcenter.org/covid19-guidance</a>. A few key takeaways are that producers are still ready and willing to get safe food to Kansans despite opening season of farmers markets being delayed or tentatively closed. Farmers need to know that it’s still okay to sell products to consumers, all following best practices for public safety, of course. There are more and more resources becoming available by state and national agencies and organizations to help both farmers and consumers make shifts in access to food and markets. Among the resources KRC lists, the FAQ page tackles questions addressing how the shelter in place orders affect mobility and markets for farmers, grants and loans available to farms and small businesses, and how to purchase locally grown food from farmers. Here in Kansas, organizations and agencies have created new COVID-19 resources such as best practices for farmers markets on the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s website and produce safety resources and webinars from K-State Extension. Many farmers are pivoting to online sales and many resources have become available on how to make that shift and the tools to do it. Navigating the CARES Act aid options available specifically for farmers has so far proven confusing and overwhelming however many resources are becoming available to help clarify the options and processes. Farm Commons, a nonprofit that provides resources and services on farm law has provided several resources on farm eligibility and guidance on CARES Act aid provisions like the Paycheck Protection Program. Farmers' Legal Action Group just released a “Farmers’ Guide to COVID-19 Relief” which focuses on how these various programs can provide relief to farmers. All of these resources and more are linked on KRC’s COVID-19 resource pages. KRC is updating the <a href="http://kansasruralcenter.org.">webpage </a>everyday with new and updated information and resources. For questions or comments on what may be helpful to farms and communities amid the pandemic please reach out to KRC at info@kansasruralcenter.org or 866-579-5469. For more information, visit <a href="https://kansasruralcenter.org/">kansasruralcenter.org</a>.

KRC providing COVID-19 resources for farmers, ranchers

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration and Congress are nearing an agreement on an aid package of up to $450 billion to boost a small-business loan program that has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/dded8ead64598a3893f4046bbe857d2e">run out of money&nbsp;</a>and add funds for hospitals and COVID-19 testing.

President Donald Trump said Sunday, “We're getting close to a deal.”

Along with the small business boost, Trump said the negotiators were looking at "helping our hospitals," particularly hard-hit rural health care providers.

A deal could be announced Monday, the president said at a White House briefing.

With small-business owners reeling during a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">coronavirus</a>&nbsp;outbreak that has shuttered much economic activity, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said earlier Sunday he was hopeful of a deal that could pass Congress quickly and get the Small Business Administration program back up by midweek.

“I think we’re very close to a deal today. I’m hopeful that we can get that done,” he said.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said he believed a deal could be reached late Sunday or early Monday. “We still have a few more details to deal with,” he said.

The Senate is scheduled for a pro forma session Monday, but no vote has been set.

The House announced it could meet as soon as Wednesday for a recorded vote on the pending package, according to a schedule update from Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md.

Under the emerging deal there would be $300 billion for small-business payroll program, and $50 billion would be available for small business disaster fund. Additionally, it would bring $75 billion for hospitals and $25 billion for testing, according to those involved in the talks

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587378698890.png" alt="Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin doing television interviews on Sunday-image courtesy Dept. of Treasury" />
 <figcaption>Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin doing television interviews on Sunday-image courtesy Dept. of Treasury</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration and Congress are nearing an agreement on an aid package of up to $450 billion to boost a small-business loan program that has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/dded8ead64598a3893f4046bbe857d2e">run out of money&nbsp;</a>and add funds for hospitals and COVID-19 testing.President Donald Trump said Sunday, “We're getting close to a deal.”Along with the small business boost, Trump said the negotiators were looking at "helping our hospitals," particularly hard-hit rural health care providers.A deal could be announced Monday, the president said at a White House briefing.With small-business owners reeling during a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">coronavirus</a>&nbsp;outbreak that has shuttered much economic activity, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said earlier Sunday he was hopeful of a deal that could pass Congress quickly and get the Small Business Administration program back up by midweek.“I think we’re very close to a deal today. I’m hopeful that we can get that done,” he said.Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said he believed a deal could be reached late Sunday or early Monday. “We still have a few more details to deal with,” he said.The Senate is scheduled for a pro forma session Monday, but no vote has been set.The House announced it could meet as soon as Wednesday for a recorded vote on the pending package, according to a schedule update from Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md.Under the emerging deal there would be $300 billion for small-business payroll program, and $50 billion would be available for small business disaster fund. Additionally, it would bring $75 billion for hospitals and $25 billion for testing, according to those involved in the talksOn a conference call Sunday afternoon that included Trump, Mnuchin and Republican senators, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., indicated the only remaining item for discussion involved the money for testing, according to a Senate GOP leadership aide who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss a private call.Under the emerging deal, the government’s Paycheck Protection Program for small businesses would get roughly $300 billion, according to Mnuchin. The program has been swamped by companies applying for loans and reached its appropriations limit last Thursday after approving nearly 1.7 million loans. That left thousands of small businesses in limbo as they sought help. An additional $50 billion in the evolving deal would go for disaster loans.About $75 billion would go to U.S. hospitals, for those straining under a ballooning coronavirus caseload as well as those struggling to stay financially afloat after suspending elective surgeries during the pandemic. About $25 billion would be added for COVID-19 testing, something states have said was urgently needed. The money for hospitals and testing were priorities sought by congressional Democrats.But additional aid to state and local governments would be left out, Mnuchin said. Democrats have been keen to boost funding to cash-strapped states and local governments whose revenues have cratered, but the issue threatened to provoke fights between large, high-tax states like California and New York and smaller states more typically run by Republicans.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587378513189.png" alt="President Trump answers questions during Sunday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing" />
 <figcaption>President Trump answers questions during Sunday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing</figcaption>
 </figure>“The president is willing to consider that in the next bill, but wants to get this over the finish line with a focus on small businesses, hospitals and testing,” Mnuchin said.He said he’s been in touch with GOP leaders including McConnell and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., and all are “on board with the same plan.” On the Sunday call with senators, Mnuchin and McConnell reiterated that money for state and local governments as well as food stamps would not be included in the package, according to the GOP aide.“I’m hopeful that we can reach an agreement, that the Senate can pass this tomorrow, and that the House can take it up on Tuesday, and, Wednesday, we’d be back up and running,” Mnuchin said earlier in his TV interview.Schumer said Democrats would insist on aid for state and local governments. They had submitted a compromise offer Friday that would provide $150 billion for states as well as cities, counties and towns based on need. ‪Key swing states for Trump in the November presidential election — Pennsylvania, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin — would receive billions in new aid under the proposal, according to a senior Democratic aide who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss details of private negotiations.“We are pushing hard,” Schumer said. “We don’t want our police, our firefighters, our EMTs, our bus drivers — this is not an abstract issue. We don’t want them fired.”House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., predicted an agreement would be reached “soon.”“I am pleased to report that we have been engaged in bipartisan negotiations on our interim legislation, and our progress is encouraging,” she said in a letter late Saturday to Democratic colleagues.Republican Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, who leads the National Governors’ Association, said he and other governors believe that aid for state and local government is “desperately needed,'' but that it may not be an issue worth fighting over for now.“I don’t think the deal is finalized yet,” he said. “But, look, we do not want to hold up funding to these small businesses. And we hope that the Democrats and the Republicans in the Senate can come together in a bipartisan way and get something moving for the American people."Democratic New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said states needed money from the federal government to ramp up testing, and he blasted legislation that wouldn’t provide it.“You have the president saying 15 times, ‘It’s up to the governors, it’s up to the governors, it’s up to the governors,'" he said. "And then they’re going to pass a piece of legislation that gives you know what to states: zero, zilch, nada, niente. Whatever language you want to say it, nothing. But then how are the states supposed to do this?”The SBA loans, based on a company’s payroll costs, offer owners forgiveness if they retain workers or rehire those who have been laid off. The law provides for forgiveness for companies in any industry — even businesses like hedge funds and law firms. There’s a limit of $100,000 on the amount of employees’ compensation that can be considered when loan forgiveness is calculated.While they wait, owners who are shut down or who’ve lost revenue have expressed unease about the longer-term impact the virus outbreak will have on their companies.“There’s great pain out there,” said Suzanne Clark, president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “Every hour and day that goes by without this assistance is really hurting them.”Mnuchin, Schumer and Hogan appeared on CNN's “State of the Union," and Clark spoke on CBS' “Face the Nation.”