TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas county Republican Party chairman who owns a weekly newspaper apologized Sunday for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/f1cb4583752e02f4984b19ec9c3e7363">a cartoon</a>&nbsp;posted on the paper’s Facebook page that equated the Democratic governor’s coronavirus-inspired order for people to wear masks in public with the mass murder of Jews by the Nazis during the Holocaust.

Dane Hicks, owner and publisher of The Anderson County Review, said in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/acreview1865/photos/rpp.119702454743881/3019922051388559/?type=3&amp;theater" target="_blank">a statement</a>&nbsp;on Facebook that he was removing the cartoon after “some heartfelt and educational conversations with Jewish leaders in the U.S. and abroad.” The newspaper posted the cartoon Friday, and it drew dozens of critical responses and international attention. A blog post by Hicks on Saturday defending it also drew critical responses.

Hicks is the GOP chairman for Anderson County in eastern Kansas. The state party chairman deemed the cartoon “inappropriate.” Gov. Laura Kelly, who is Catholic, called for it to be removed and she and other critics called it anti-Semitic.

“I can acknowledge the imagery in my recent editorial cartoon describing state government overreach in Kansas with images of the Holocaust was deeply hurtful to members of a culture who’ve been dealt plenty of hurt throughout history — people to whom I never desired to be hurtful in the illustration of my point,” Hicks said in his statement.

The cartoon depicted Kelly wearing a mask with a Jewish Star of David on it, next to a digitally altered image of people being loaded onto train cars. Its caption is, “Lockdown Laura says: Put on your mask ... and step onto the cattle car.”

Hicks said Saturday that he put the images together and planned to publish the cartoon in the paper’s next edition Tuesday.

His newspaper is based in the Anderson County seat of Garnett, about 65 miles southwest of Kansas City and has a circulation of about 2,100, according to the Kansas Press Association.

Kelly did not immediately respond to Hicks’a apology, but her office said she could address the issue during a news conference Monday.

The governor issued&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/20200702093130003.pdf" target="_blank">the mask order</a>&nbsp;because of resurgence in reported coronavirus cases that increased the state’s total to nearly 16,000 as of Friday, when Kansas finished&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/f492431f603ac1ad9610ccc32bb2c0c2">its worst two-week spike</a>&nbsp;since the pandemic began.

State law allows counties to opt out of her mask mandate, and Anderson County has done so. It has about 7,900 residents in a conservative swath of eastern Kansas, and President Donald Trump carried it with nearly 73% of the vote in 2016. The state health department has reported only four coronavirus cases for Anderson County, all of them since May 8.

State and local officials across the U.S. have faced resistance to mask requirements from Trump’s supporters. Fritzie Fritzshall, a survivor of the Auschwitz death camp and president of the Illinois Holocaust Museum in Skokie, north of Chicago, said anti-mask protesters have often compared government actions during the pandemic to those of the Nazi regime. She called it “ignorant and offensive.”

“In this time of uncertainty and fear, imagery and slogans can be used to unite us in a common desire to return to civil discourse or divide us in ways that give a voice to hate and divisiveness,” she said in a statement.

Biff Rubin, a small business owner in the Kansas City suburb of Overland Park, Kansas, who is Jewish, said the cartoon was painful for his family and the state’s Jewish community. He said he appreciated Hicks’ apology and is thankful that the U.S. is “in a time of learning and reflection.”

Rubin’s hometown was the site of three fatal shootings at a Jewish community center and retirement home in April 2014 by an avowed anti-Semite who was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cjonline.com/article/20151110/NEWS/311109414" target="_blank">sentenced to death</a>&nbsp;for the crimes.

Rubin said the backlash against Hicks’ use of Holocaust imagery reflects “the impact the suffering will always have in our society.”

“I hope the voices being heard on this subject provoke empathy and persuade others to keep their heart open to change,” he texted The Associated Press.

Hicks had initially defended the posting as an example of how political cartoons are “gross over-caricatures designed to provoke debate” and “fodder for the marketplace of ideas.” He said the issue was the “governmental overreach” of Kelly’s administration.

But Hicks said in his statement Sunday that “it’s clear I should have chosen a less hurtful theme.”

“It is not my intention to heap more grief onto this historical burden, and it’s apparent I previously lacked an adequate understanding of the severity of their experience and the pain of its images,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593513419144.png" alt="Kansas Governor Laura Kelly photo by Jim McLean, Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Governor Laura Kelly photo by Jim McLean, Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas county Republican Party chairman who owns a weekly newspaper apologized Sunday for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/f1cb4583752e02f4984b19ec9c3e7363">a cartoon</a>&nbsp;posted on the paper’s Facebook page that equated the Democratic governor’s coronavirus-inspired order for people to wear masks in public with the mass murder of Jews by the Nazis during the Holocaust.Dane Hicks, owner and publisher of The Anderson County Review, said in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/acreview1865/photos/rpp.119702454743881/3019922051388559/?type=3&amp;theater" target="_blank">a statement</a>&nbsp;on Facebook that he was removing the cartoon after “some heartfelt and educational conversations with Jewish leaders in the U.S. and abroad.” The newspaper posted the cartoon Friday, and it drew dozens of critical responses and international attention. A blog post by Hicks on Saturday defending it also drew critical responses.Hicks is the GOP chairman for Anderson County in eastern Kansas. The state party chairman deemed the cartoon “inappropriate.” Gov. Laura Kelly, who is Catholic, called for it to be removed and she and other critics called it anti-Semitic.“I can acknowledge the imagery in my recent editorial cartoon describing state government overreach in Kansas with images of the Holocaust was deeply hurtful to members of a culture who’ve been dealt plenty of hurt throughout history — people to whom I never desired to be hurtful in the illustration of my point,” Hicks said in his statement.The cartoon depicted Kelly wearing a mask with a Jewish Star of David on it, next to a digitally altered image of people being loaded onto train cars. Its caption is, “Lockdown Laura says: Put on your mask ... and step onto the cattle car.”Hicks said Saturday that he put the images together and planned to publish the cartoon in the paper’s next edition Tuesday.His newspaper is based in the Anderson County seat of Garnett, about 65 miles southwest of Kansas City and has a circulation of about 2,100, according to the Kansas Press Association.Kelly did not immediately respond to Hicks’a apology, but her office said she could address the issue during a news conference Monday.The governor issued&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/20200702093130003.pdf" target="_blank">the mask order</a>&nbsp;because of resurgence in reported coronavirus cases that increased the state’s total to nearly 16,000 as of Friday, when Kansas finished&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/f492431f603ac1ad9610ccc32bb2c0c2">its worst two-week spike</a>&nbsp;since the pandemic began.State law allows counties to opt out of her mask mandate, and Anderson County has done so. It has about 7,900 residents in a conservative swath of eastern Kansas, and President Donald Trump carried it with nearly 73% of the vote in 2016. The state health department has reported only four coronavirus cases for Anderson County, all of them since May 8.State and local officials across the U.S. have faced resistance to mask requirements from Trump’s supporters. Fritzie Fritzshall, a survivor of the Auschwitz death camp and president of the Illinois Holocaust Museum in Skokie, north of Chicago, said anti-mask protesters have often compared government actions during the pandemic to those of the Nazi regime. She called it “ignorant and offensive.”“In this time of uncertainty and fear, imagery and slogans can be used to unite us in a common desire to return to civil discourse or divide us in ways that give a voice to hate and divisiveness,” she said in a statement.Biff Rubin, a small business owner in the Kansas City suburb of Overland Park, Kansas, who is Jewish, said the cartoon was painful for his family and the state’s Jewish community. He said he appreciated Hicks’ apology and is thankful that the U.S. is “in a time of learning and reflection.”Rubin’s hometown was the site of three fatal shootings at a Jewish community center and retirement home in April 2014 by an avowed anti-Semite who was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cjonline.com/article/20151110/NEWS/311109414" target="_blank">sentenced to death</a>&nbsp;for the crimes.Rubin said the backlash against Hicks’ use of Holocaust imagery reflects “the impact the suffering will always have in our society.”“I hope the voices being heard on this subject provoke empathy and persuade others to keep their heart open to change,” he texted The Associated Press.Hicks had initially defended the posting as an example of how political cartoons are “gross over-caricatures designed to provoke debate” and “fodder for the marketplace of ideas.” He said the issue was the “governmental overreach” of Kelly’s administration.But Hicks said in his statement Sunday that “it’s clear I should have chosen a less hurtful theme.”“It is not my intention to heap more grief onto this historical burden, and it’s apparent I previously lacked an adequate understanding of the severity of their experience and the pain of its images,” he said.

Kan. county GOP chairman: Sorry for equating mask rule to Holocaust

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Two brothers have been charged with second-degree murder and other crimes in the shooting death of a man in a south Kansas City park, Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker announced Friday.

The shooting happened around 8 p.m. Tuesday near Ruskin Way Park, Kansas City police said. Officers called to the scene found 25-year-old Quindell Burrell lying on the ground with an apparent gunshot wound and unresponsive. He was declared dead at the scene after first responders tried to resuscitate him.

Terry L. Williams, 29, and Tyree L. Williams, 20, are charged with second-degree murder, armed criminal action and attempted distribution of a controlled substance, among other charges.

A witness told police she had gone with Burrell to the park to meet Terry and Tyree Williams for a drug transaction. According to charging documents, the witness said she left and went to the store, and when she returned to pick up Burrell he had been shot.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594031288657.png" alt="Tyree Williams" />
 <figcaption>Tyree Williams</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Two brothers have been charged with second-degree murder and other crimes in the shooting death of a man in a south Kansas City park, Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker announced Friday.The shooting happened around 8 p.m. Tuesday near Ruskin Way Park, Kansas City police said. Officers called to the scene found 25-year-old Quindell Burrell lying on the ground with an apparent gunshot wound and unresponsive. He was declared dead at the scene after first responders tried to resuscitate him.Terry L. Williams, 29, and Tyree L. Williams, 20, are charged with second-degree murder, armed criminal action and attempted distribution of a controlled substance, among other charges.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594031221846.png" alt="Terry Williams" />
 <figcaption>Terry Williams</figcaption>
 </figure>A witness told police she had gone with Burrell to the park to meet Terry and Tyree Williams for a drug transaction. According to charging documents, the witness said she left and went to the store, and when she returned to pick up Burrell he had been shot.

Brothers charged in death during drug deal in Kansas City park

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas Court of Appeals on Thursday overturned a second-degree murder conviction and vacated the nearly 19-year sentence of a man who killed one person outside a Eurdora bar and tried to kill two others.

Danny Queen, 39, of Eudora, was convicted of killing 32-year-old Bo Hopson outside D-Dubs Bar and Grill in Eudora in June 2017. He also was sentenced for attempted second-degree murder and attempted voluntary manslaughter for trying to kill two other bar patrons.

The court ruled the Douglas County District Court incorrectly believed, and the Douglas County prosecutor incorrectly confirmed, that the deadline to give Queen a speedy trial was a month later than it was, The Lawrence Journal-World&nbsp;<a href="https://www2.ljworld.com/news/public-safety/2020/jul/02/court-of-appeals-dismisses-danny-queen/" target="_blank">reported.</a>

Under state law Queen cannot be retried. But Douglas County District Attorney Charles Branson said Thursday he will petition the Kansas Supreme Court for a review of this case.

Queen was kicked out of the bar after making offensive comments to women. When Hopson offered to find Queen a ride home, Queen instead pulled a gun and shot Hopson, who was the bar’s security guard.

Queen could seek an appellate bond, but otherwise he will remain in prison at least until the Kansas Supreme Court has reviewed the appellate court’s decision.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593800232225.png" alt="Queen photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Queen photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas Court of Appeals on Thursday overturned a second-degree murder conviction and vacated the nearly 19-year sentence of a man who killed one person outside a Eurdora bar and tried to kill two others.Danny Queen, 39, of Eudora, was convicted of killing 32-year-old Bo Hopson outside D-Dubs Bar and Grill in Eudora in June 2017. He also was sentenced for attempted second-degree murder and attempted voluntary manslaughter for trying to kill two other bar patrons.The court ruled the Douglas County District Court incorrectly believed, and the Douglas County prosecutor incorrectly confirmed, that the deadline to give Queen a speedy trial was a month later than it was, The Lawrence Journal-World&nbsp;<a href="https://www2.ljworld.com/news/public-safety/2020/jul/02/court-of-appeals-dismisses-danny-queen/" target="_blank">reported.</a>Under state law Queen cannot be retried. But Douglas County District Attorney Charles Branson said Thursday he will petition the Kansas Supreme Court for a review of this case.Queen was kicked out of the bar after making offensive comments to women. When Hopson offered to find Queen a ride home, Queen instead pulled a gun and shot Hopson, who was the bar’s security guard.Queen could seek an appellate bond, but otherwise he will remain in prison at least until the Kansas Supreme Court has reviewed the appellate court’s decision.

Appeals court overturns verdict in fatal Kansas bar shooting 

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court will consider ending a lawsuit that claims Nestle and Cargill facilitated the use of child slave labor on cocoa farms in Ivory Coast, a case that could further limit access to U.S. courts by victims of human rights abuses abroad.

The justices said Thursday they will review an appeals court decision that revived the lawsuit filed by former child laborers who say they were taken from Mali and held in slavery on cocoa plantations in Ivory Coast. Arguments will be held during the term that begins in October.

The court has been paring back a strategy begun in the 1970s by human rights lawyers to use an 18th-century law, the Alien Tort Statute, to pursue individuals who may be responsible for torture and other atrocities, as well as companies with operations in countries with poor records in the area of human rights.

The Alien Tort Statute, adopted in part to deal with piracy claims, went unused for most of American history. The Supreme Court cautiously endorsed the use of the law in 2004, but left unanswered precisely who could be held liable and in what circumstances.

In 2013, the justices ruled that people or entities sued under the Alien Tort Statute must have a real connection to the United States. Two years ago, the court held that foreign businesses cannot be sued under the law.

In the current case, the American arm of Switzerland-based Nestle and the agribusiness concern Cargill are asking the court to rule out suits against U.S. companies as well.

Lawyers for the workers who are suing say slave labor remains an endemic problem in Ivory Coast and that Nestle and Cargill maintain “an unusual degree of control over the cocoa market” in the country because they buy so much cocoa.

Cargill and Nestle say they have taken steps to combat forced child labor.

The lawsuit was originally filed in 2005 and was twice dismissed by a federal judge before a panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, based in San Francisco, revived it. Archer Daniels Midland, once named as a defendant, has been dismissed from the suit.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court will consider ending a lawsuit that claims Nestle and Cargill facilitated the use of child slave labor on cocoa farms in Ivory Coast, a case that could further limit access to U.S. courts by victims of human rights abuses abroad.The justices said Thursday they will review an appeals court decision that revived the lawsuit filed by former child laborers who say they were taken from Mali and held in slavery on cocoa plantations in Ivory Coast. Arguments will be held during the term that begins in October.The court has been paring back a strategy begun in the 1970s by human rights lawyers to use an 18th-century law, the Alien Tort Statute, to pursue individuals who may be responsible for torture and other atrocities, as well as companies with operations in countries with poor records in the area of human rights.The Alien Tort Statute, adopted in part to deal with piracy claims, went unused for most of American history. The Supreme Court cautiously endorsed the use of the law in 2004, but left unanswered precisely who could be held liable and in what circumstances.In 2013, the justices ruled that people or entities sued under the Alien Tort Statute must have a real connection to the United States. Two years ago, the court held that foreign businesses cannot be sued under the law.In the current case, the American arm of Switzerland-based Nestle and the agribusiness concern Cargill are asking the court to rule out suits against U.S. companies as well.Lawyers for the workers who are suing say slave labor remains an endemic problem in Ivory Coast and that Nestle and Cargill maintain “an unusual degree of control over the cocoa market” in the country because they buy so much cocoa.Cargill and Nestle say they have taken steps to combat forced child labor.The lawsuit was originally filed in 2005 and was twice dismissed by a federal judge before a panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, based in San Francisco, revived it. Archer Daniels Midland, once named as a defendant, has been dismissed from the suit.

Court could end claims Cargill, Nestle abetted child labor

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Protesters who oppose a city ordinance requiring that masks be worn in public to prevent the spread of the coronavirus gathered outside Wichita Mayor Brandon Whipple’s home Saturday.

The Wichita City Council voted 4-3 Friday in a special meeting called by Whipple to require masks in public. The Sedgwick County Commission had voted Thursday to opt out of a statewide mask mandate from Gov. Laura Kelly, which the law allows them to do.

The ordinance requires people to wear masks in public places where 6-foot social distancing is not possible.

The roughly eight protesters didn’t wear masks and didn’t meet the 6-feet social distancing guideline, which means they could have been fined $25.

Three Wichita officers stood near the protesters.

“... At this time we are choosing education over enforcement. Especially because it is a new ordinance,” Sgt. Brian Mock said.

Others around Wichita on Saturday weren’t wearing masks, either.

At a Kwik Shop near Whipple’s home, two of 12 people wore masks. One of two employees wore a mask. The one who did said she couldn’t force customers to wear masks and the employee not wearing a mask was her boss.

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Protesters who oppose a city ordinance requiring that masks be worn in public to prevent the spread of the coronavirus gathered outside Wichita Mayor Brandon Whipple’s home Saturday.The Wichita City Council voted 4-3 Friday in a special meeting called by Whipple to require masks in public. The Sedgwick County Commission had voted Thursday to opt out of a statewide mask mandate from Gov. Laura Kelly, which the law allows them to do.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A protest has been organized at our home today over the mask ordinance. The FB event has over 100 RSVPs. I am thankful for the right to protest. For those gathering, please stay safe. We stocked a cooler with drinks for you. Stay hydrated. Happy Independence Day everyone! 🙂🇺🇲 <a href="https://t.co/DMotWpGgJl">pic.twitter.com/DMotWpGgJl</a>&mdash; Dr. Brandon Whipple (@BWhippleKS) <a href="https://twitter.com/BWhippleKS/status/1279461559224414209?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 4, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The ordinance requires people to wear masks in public places where 6-foot social distancing is not possible.The roughly eight protesters didn’t wear masks and didn’t meet the 6-feet social distancing guideline, which means they could have been fined $25.Three Wichita officers stood near the protesters.“... At this time we are choosing education over enforcement. Especially because it is a new ordinance,” Sgt. Brian Mock said.Others around Wichita on Saturday weren’t wearing masks, either.At a Kwik Shop near Whipple’s home, two of 12 people wore masks. One of two employees wore a mask. The one who did said she couldn’t force customers to wear masks and the employee not wearing a mask was her boss.

Mask opponents protest at Wichita mayor's home

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A Kansas City police officer who was shot in the head during an exchange of gunfire that left a suspect dead was in critical condition Saturday and the family is optimistic, police said.

Police Spokeswoman Officer Doaa El-Ashkar said in an email that critical care doctors say the officer is progressing as expected based on his condition and he remains in the intensive care unit.

Police are not identifying the officer and say his family is asking for privacy.

Highway patrol officials said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/36e5b57d359e8e1cd08bd08f8da9b061">police were called shortly before 5 p.m.</a>&nbsp;Thursday to a McDonald’s restaurant where the suspect in the shooting, 31-year-old Ky Johnson of Grandview, was waving a gun, then fled on foot. The officers chased him, and he turned and opened fire on them, striking one. A second officer fired back, highway patrol officials said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593774968015.png" alt="Police on the scene of the shooting investigation Thursday -photo courtesy KMBC TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the shooting investigation Thursday -photo courtesy KMBC TV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A Kansas City police officer who was shot in the head during an exchange of gunfire that left a suspect dead was in critical condition Saturday and the family is optimistic, police said.Police Spokeswoman Officer Doaa El-Ashkar said in an email that critical care doctors say the officer is progressing as expected based on his condition and he remains in the intensive care unit.Police are not identifying the officer and say his family is asking for privacy.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593788857025.png" alt="Johnson" />
 <figcaption>Johnson</figcaption>
 </figure>Highway patrol officials said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/36e5b57d359e8e1cd08bd08f8da9b061">police were called shortly before 5 p.m.</a>&nbsp;Thursday to a McDonald’s restaurant where the suspect in the shooting, 31-year-old Ky Johnson of Grandview, was waving a gun, then fled on foot. The officers chased him, and he turned and opened fire on them, striking one. A second officer fired back, highway patrol officials said.

Kansas City police: Officer shot in head remains in critical condition

By DAVID CRARY and ELANA SCHOR, Associated Press

The Supreme Court elated religious freedom advocates and alarmed secular groups with its Tuesday ruling on public funding for religious education, a decision whose long-term effect on the separation of church and state remains to be seen.

In Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue, the high court ruled 5-4 that states must give religious schools the same access to public funding that other private schools receive, preserving a Montana scholarship program that had largely benefited students at religious institutions.

It prompted a jubilant reaction from the reelection campaign of President Donald Trump, who counts religious conservatives as a core part of his base. The campaign lauded the decision as “a victory for educational freedom,” underscoring its importance for a White House that often spotlights religious liberty.

Sister Dale McDonald, public policy director for the National Catholic Educational Association, said the ruling has the potential to stem nationwide enrollment declines at Roman Catholic schools that are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/4fe7bd56c238888d9842760236502453">forcing the closure</a>&nbsp;of hundreds of institutions.

“This is a chance to get public schools and religious schools on equal footing,” McDonald said, adding that the extent of change would depend on how many state legislatures opt to expand tuition assistance.

Critics assailed the decision as another in a series of setbacks for a principle with long roots in the U.S. legal system.

It is “the latest in a disturbing line of Supreme Court cases attacking the very foundations of the separation of church and state,” said Daniel Mach, director of the American Civil Liberties Union’s freedom of religion program.

Tuesday’s ruling focused on a program that offered indirect tuition assistance through tax credits rather than direct state aid to religious schools. The court left unresolved the extent to which religious schools may use public funding for explicitly religious activities, such as worship services and religious-education courses. Mach said that issue likely would be the focus of future litigation, given that many religious schools consider doctrinal education to be at the core of their mission.

Others tracking the Montana case stopped short of predicting a major expansion of state funding for religious education.

Douglas Laycock, a law professor at the University of Virginia who co-authored a brief supporting the plaintiffs on behalf of multiple religious groups, described the decision as “incremental” and “building cautiously” on a 2017 case that ruled a Missouri church could use a state grant to resurface its playground.

“But incremental moves have been accumulating since 1986, and what would pretty clearly have been unconstitutional in the ’70s and early ’80s is now, sometimes, constitutionally required,” Laycock wrote in an email.

At least two faith-based organizations joined secular counterparts in opposing the ruling on principles of church-state separation, saying public money for religious education forces people to fund faiths to which they do not subscribe.

“Government funding to religious schools requires taxpayers to support religious institutions and beliefs that may violate their own, something the First Amendment was intended to avoid,” Rabbi Jonah Pesner, director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, said in a statement.

Rachel Laser, president of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, contended that many of the religious schools participating in Montana’s program had discriminatory policies.

“Members of the faith should fund those religious schools, not the taxpayers,” said Laser, who is Jewish. “It would offend my religious freedom to fund a school that requires belief that Jesus Christ is necessary for my salvation.”

Another attorney who co-authored a brief supporting the plaintiffs, Becket Fund for Religious Liberty vice president and senior counsel Eric Baxter, predicted the ruling will not result in significant new funds flowing to religious schools.

“Legislatures are not compelled to provide this funding,” Baxter said, pointing to language in Chief Justice John Roberts’ majority opinion saying most states with provisions barring aid to religious schools still let them participate in public scholarship programs.

“If they do provide this funding to the private sphere,” Baxter said of states, “then they just have to treat everybody equally.”

Institute of Justice vice president Tim Keller, whose group represented the plaintiffs, told reporters that Idaho, Texas, South Dakota and Missouri were among the states most likely to create school choice programs that include religious education.

Arizona has had such programs in place for several years, enabling Catholic schools there to reverse enrollment declines that were due at least in part to parents’ inability to afford tuition.

McDonald, of the Catholic educational association, also predicted that the ruling would bring swift changes in Maine and Vermont, where parents have been able to get public funds for tuition at secular private schools, but not at faith-based schools.

By DAVID CRARY and ELANA SCHOR, Associated PressThe Supreme Court elated religious freedom advocates and alarmed secular groups with its Tuesday ruling on public funding for religious education, a decision whose long-term effect on the separation of church and state remains to be seen.In Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue, the high court ruled 5-4 that states must give religious schools the same access to public funding that other private schools receive, preserving a Montana scholarship program that had largely benefited students at religious institutions.It prompted a jubilant reaction from the reelection campaign of President Donald Trump, who counts religious conservatives as a core part of his base. The campaign lauded the decision as “a victory for educational freedom,” underscoring its importance for a White House that often spotlights religious liberty.Sister Dale McDonald, public policy director for the National Catholic Educational Association, said the ruling has the potential to stem nationwide enrollment declines at Roman Catholic schools that are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/4fe7bd56c238888d9842760236502453">forcing the closure</a>&nbsp;of hundreds of institutions.“This is a chance to get public schools and religious schools on equal footing,” McDonald said, adding that the extent of change would depend on how many state legislatures opt to expand tuition assistance.Critics assailed the decision as another in a series of setbacks for a principle with long roots in the U.S. legal system.It is “the latest in a disturbing line of Supreme Court cases attacking the very foundations of the separation of church and state,” said Daniel Mach, director of the American Civil Liberties Union’s freedom of religion program.Tuesday’s ruling focused on a program that offered indirect tuition assistance through tax credits rather than direct state aid to religious schools. The court left unresolved the extent to which religious schools may use public funding for explicitly religious activities, such as worship services and religious-education courses. Mach said that issue likely would be the focus of future litigation, given that many religious schools consider doctrinal education to be at the core of their mission.Others tracking the Montana case stopped short of predicting a major expansion of state funding for religious education.Douglas Laycock, a law professor at the University of Virginia who co-authored a brief supporting the plaintiffs on behalf of multiple religious groups, described the decision as “incremental” and “building cautiously” on a 2017 case that ruled a Missouri church could use a state grant to resurface its playground.“But incremental moves have been accumulating since 1986, and what would pretty clearly have been unconstitutional in the ’70s and early ’80s is now, sometimes, constitutionally required,” Laycock wrote in an email.At least two faith-based organizations joined secular counterparts in opposing the ruling on principles of church-state separation, saying public money for religious education forces people to fund faiths to which they do not subscribe.“Government funding to religious schools requires taxpayers to support religious institutions and beliefs that may violate their own, something the First Amendment was intended to avoid,” Rabbi Jonah Pesner, director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, said in a statement.Rachel Laser, president of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, contended that many of the religious schools participating in Montana’s program had discriminatory policies.“Members of the faith should fund those religious schools, not the taxpayers,” said Laser, who is Jewish. “It would offend my religious freedom to fund a school that requires belief that Jesus Christ is necessary for my salvation.”Another attorney who co-authored a brief supporting the plaintiffs, Becket Fund for Religious Liberty vice president and senior counsel Eric Baxter, predicted the ruling will not result in significant new funds flowing to religious schools.“Legislatures are not compelled to provide this funding,” Baxter said, pointing to language in Chief Justice John Roberts’ majority opinion saying most states with provisions barring aid to religious schools still let them participate in public scholarship programs.“If they do provide this funding to the private sphere,” Baxter said of states, “then they just have to treat everybody equally.”Institute of Justice vice president Tim Keller, whose group represented the plaintiffs, told reporters that Idaho, Texas, South Dakota and Missouri were among the states most likely to create school choice programs that include religious education.Arizona has had such programs in place for several years, enabling Catholic schools there to reverse enrollment declines that were due at least in part to parents’ inability to afford tuition.McDonald, of the Catholic educational association, also predicted that the ruling would bring swift changes in Maine and Vermont, where parents have been able to get public funds for tuition at secular private schools, but not at faith-based schools.

High court sparks new battle over church-state separation

COWLEY COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 10p.m. Saturday in Cowley County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Chevy Traverse driven by&nbsp; &nbsp;Kaitlyn Michelle Keeling, 26, Belle Plaine, was westbound in the 11000 block of 82nd Road. 

The vehicle crossed the center line and struck a 1982 Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by Chase Edward Augur, 18,&nbsp; Augusta.&nbsp;

Augur was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Miles Funeral Home.&nbsp;

Keeling was not injured and properly restrained at the time of the accident. Augur was wearing a helmet, according to the KHP.

COWLEY COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 10p.m. Saturday in Cowley County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Chevy Traverse driven by&nbsp; &nbsp;Kaitlyn Michelle Keeling, 26, Belle Plaine, was westbound in the 11000 block of 82nd Road. The vehicle crossed the center line and struck a 1982 Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by Chase Edward Augur, 18,&nbsp; Augusta.&nbsp;Augur was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Miles Funeral Home.&nbsp;Keeling was not injured and properly restrained at the time of the accident. Augur was wearing a helmet, according to the KHP.

Kansas teen dies after motorcycle struck by SUV

TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court issued an administrative order Thursday requiring district and appellate courts to comply with the governor's order requiring people to wear face coverings in public areas to help stop the spread of COVID-19, according to a media release from the&nbsp;Office of Judicial Administration.

<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/7jk188vUZz6-K1Lf0nivS0CgeyLZJAKMppTVKd5stP8" target="_blank">Administrative Order 2020-PR-090</a>, effective July 3, requires district and appellate courts to comply with Gov. Laura Kelly's&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/7jk188vUZz6-K1Lf0nivSwbD7oHs4AV6NccjwqceyLI" target="_blank">Executive Order No. 20-52</a>&nbsp;requiring the use of face coverings in public, even though the governor's order exempts court proceedings.

Courts are required to comply even if local county commissions opt out of the governor's executive order.

The Supreme Court order requires all court employees, judicial officers, and members of the public to wear a face covering in any courtroom, court office, or other facility used for a court proceeding. Face coverings must also be worn in any nonpublic court office unless physical shields are in place.

"We must protect the health and safety of court users, staff, and judicial officers during this pandemic," Chief Justice Marla Luckert said. "The use of face coverings, hygiene practices, protective shielding, and social distancing will allow us to do that as we conduct court proceedings across the state."

The Supreme Court order allows a judge to waive the face covering requirement under certain circumstances set out in the order.

TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court issued an administrative order Thursday requiring district and appellate courts to comply with the governor's order requiring people to wear face coverings in public areas to help stop the spread of COVID-19, according to a media release from the&nbsp;Office of Judicial Administration.<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/7jk188vUZz6-K1Lf0nivS0CgeyLZJAKMppTVKd5stP8" target="_blank">Administrative Order 2020-PR-090</a>, effective July 3, requires district and appellate courts to comply with Gov. Laura Kelly's&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/7jk188vUZz6-K1Lf0nivSwbD7oHs4AV6NccjwqceyLI" target="_blank">Executive Order No. 20-52</a>&nbsp;requiring the use of face coverings in public, even though the governor's order exempts court proceedings.Courts are required to comply even if local county commissions opt out of the governor's executive order.The Supreme Court order requires all court employees, judicial officers, and members of the public to wear a face covering in any courtroom, court office, or other facility used for a court proceeding. Face coverings must also be worn in any nonpublic court office unless physical shields are in place."We must protect the health and safety of court users, staff, and judicial officers during this pandemic," Chief Justice Marla Luckert said. "The use of face coverings, hygiene practices, protective shielding, and social distancing will allow us to do that as we conduct court proceedings across the state."The Supreme Court order allows a judge to waive the face covering requirement under certain circumstances set out in the order.

Kan. Supreme Court:  No opting out of face coverings in district, appellate court proceedings

SEDGWICK COUNTY —The former Property and Evidence Supervisor at the Sedgwick County Sheriff's office made his first court appearance Wednesday in connection with&nbsp; an internal theft at the sheriff's office Property and Evidence storage site, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

On June 26, Robert White, the former Property and Evidence Supervisor, was booked into the Sedgwick County Detention Facility on requested charges for Distribution of Cocaine, Felony Official Misconduct, 2 counts of Felony Theft, 3 counts of Misdemeanor Theft, and 10 counts of Possession with Intent, according to Sheriff's Lt. Tim Myers. He is spending the holiday weekend in custody, <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20066796">according to online jail records.</a>

On January 24, 2020, an administrative investigation was initiated on&nbsp; Property and Evidence Technician&nbsp;Marc Gordon. He was being investigated for not following proper procedures and policy violations. Gordon was suspended from work on February and arrested July 1.

On February 5, White was reassigned to another function of the Sheriff’s Office. On February 26, the investigation turned from an administrative investigation to a criminal investigation.&nbsp;

While conducting the internal audit, evidence was found to be missing. During the audit it was discovered that items set for destruction were missing. The time line stretches of effected cases goes back several years.&nbsp;

Since February 26th, authorities have been trying to identify any and all evidence that has been stolen and auditing evidence that is still in the sheriff's office possession. During this same time frame the criminal investigation has been progressing. Over 50,000 pieces of evidence are stored in Property and Evidence. Currently, officials know that approximately $145,000 in money, drugs, seven guns, and power tools were stolen. One of the stolen guns has been recovered.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593632614654.png" alt="White-photo Sedgwick County Jail" />
 <figcaption>White-photo Sedgwick County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —The former Property and Evidence Supervisor at the Sedgwick County Sheriff's office made his first court appearance Wednesday in connection with&nbsp; an internal theft at the sheriff's office Property and Evidence storage site, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.On June 26, Robert White, the former Property and Evidence Supervisor, was booked into the Sedgwick County Detention Facility on requested charges for Distribution of Cocaine, Felony Official Misconduct, 2 counts of Felony Theft, 3 counts of Misdemeanor Theft, and 10 counts of Possession with Intent, according to Sheriff's Lt. Tim Myers. He is spending the holiday weekend in custody, <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20066796">according to online jail records.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593632950182.png" alt="Gordon" />
 <figcaption>Gordon</figcaption>
 </figure>On January 24, 2020, an administrative investigation was initiated on&nbsp; Property and Evidence Technician&nbsp;Marc Gordon. He was being investigated for not following proper procedures and policy violations. Gordon was suspended from work on February and arrested July 1.On February 5, White was reassigned to another function of the Sheriff’s Office. On February 26, the investigation turned from an administrative investigation to a criminal investigation.&nbsp;While conducting the internal audit, evidence was found to be missing. During the audit it was discovered that items set for destruction were missing. The time line stretches of effected cases goes back several years.&nbsp;Since February 26th, authorities have been trying to identify any and all evidence that has been stolen and auditing evidence that is still in the sheriff's office possession. During this same time frame the criminal investigation has been progressing. Over 50,000 pieces of evidence are stored in Property and Evidence. Currently, officials know that approximately $145,000 in money, drugs, seven guns, and power tools were stolen. One of the stolen guns has been recovered.

Evidence supervisor remains in Kan. jail after  guns, drugs and cash missing

KANSAS CITY (AP) — The Department of Veterans Affairs is making significant progress in its efforts to change a culture that has been beset by complaints from veterans and low employee morale, the leader of the agency said Thursday.

Robert Wilkie, secretary of Veterans Affairs, made his comments after touring the Kansas City VA Medical Center, which has been the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/bad821ff8c4722015975a5bcbce4958d">target</a>&nbsp;of complaints, lawsuits and protests alleging that minority employees have faced discrimination and harassment for years.

Wilkie said the agency has improved its culture across the country after years of complaints about inadequate care for veterans and that improvements in Kansas City have occurred since David Isaacks was brought in to be medical center director in September 2019.

He praised Isaacks for bringing employees together through a new diversity inclusion council and by promising their complaints will be heard and administrators will be held accountable for problems.

“We are emphasizing accountability, we are emphasizing listening to those who work for us and that is part of a culture change that has seen a transformation across the VA in the last three years,” said Wilkie, who added surveys show employees and patient satisfaction has increased in Kansas City and across the country.

Wilkie’s optimistic assessment comes as U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, a Kansas Republican, and several civil rights organizations demanded changes at the Kansas City hospital.

Moran, who in March sought 10 years of information from the hospital and a plan to address the problems, said in a statement Thursday that he appreciated the time Wilkie had spent addressing the ongoing complaints. He said he plans a roundtable discussion with minority veterans and employees on July 22 to encourage more discussion on the topic.

Black employees at the hospital have complained for years of a hostile work environment and the allegations have drawn new attention since March, when several employees met with the NAACP to discuss their concerns. At least two lawsuits have been filed and more are expected.

In the lawsuits and several internal hospital complaints, Black employees said they were the targets of pervasive discrimination, such as hearing frequent racial epithets, being denied promotions that were awarded to lesser-qualified white employees, being monitored more closely than white employees and receiving no support when they complained.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — The Department of Veterans Affairs is making significant progress in its efforts to change a culture that has been beset by complaints from veterans and low employee morale, the leader of the agency said Thursday.Robert Wilkie, secretary of Veterans Affairs, made his comments after touring the Kansas City VA Medical Center, which has been the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/bad821ff8c4722015975a5bcbce4958d">target</a>&nbsp;of complaints, lawsuits and protests alleging that minority employees have faced discrimination and harassment for years.Wilkie said the agency has improved its culture across the country after years of complaints about inadequate care for veterans and that improvements in Kansas City have occurred since David Isaacks was brought in to be medical center director in September 2019.ADVERTISEMENTHe praised Isaacks for bringing employees together through a new diversity inclusion council and by promising their complaints will be heard and administrators will be held accountable for problems.“We are emphasizing accountability, we are emphasizing listening to those who work for us and that is part of a culture change that has seen a transformation across the VA in the last three years,” said Wilkie, who added surveys show employees and patient satisfaction has increased in Kansas City and across the country.Wilkie’s optimistic assessment comes as U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, a Kansas Republican, and several civil rights organizations demanded changes at the Kansas City hospital.Moran, who in March sought 10 years of information from the hospital and a plan to address the problems, said in a statement Thursday that he appreciated the time Wilkie had spent addressing the ongoing complaints. He said he plans a roundtable discussion with minority veterans and employees on July 22 to encourage more discussion on the topic.Black employees at the hospital have complained for years of a hostile work environment and the allegations have drawn new attention since March, when several employees met with the NAACP to discuss their concerns. At least two lawsuits have been filed and more are expected.In the lawsuits and several internal hospital complaints, Black employees said they were the targets of pervasive discrimination, such as hearing frequent racial epithets, being denied promotions that were awarded to lesser-qualified white employees, being monitored more closely than white employees and receiving no support when they complained.

Veterans Affairs says agency is changing troubled culture

MANHATTAN — The Kansas Department of Agriculture Division of Animal Health is responding to an outbreak of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) that has continued to spread in horses across south central Kansas. 

VSV was first confirmed in Butler County on June 16 and has now been confirmed by testing on more than 30 premises in four counties in the region.

All premises with confirmed cases of VSV in horses have been quarantined; in addition, any premises with animals showing clinical signs consistent with VSV are placed on quarantine. 

More than 60 premises are currently under quarantine in Butler, Cowley, Sedgwick and Sumner counties. 

A quarantine for VSV lasts for at least 14 days from the onset of symptoms on the last animal on the premises. Quarantines are not lifted until a veterinarian has examined all susceptible animals on the premises.

VSV is a viral disease which primarily affects horses, but can also affect cattle, sheep, goats, swine, llamas and alpacas.&nbsp;<a>At this time, all confirmed cases of VSV in Kansas are horses, although some cattle have shown clinical signs and confirmatory laboratory results are pending.</a>

“This outbreak is still very active in south central Kansas, and we encourage all owners of horses and other livestock to continue to be vigilant,” Dr. Justin Smith, Animal Health Commissioner said. “Monitor your animals for symptoms of VSV, and be in communication with your veterinarian if you see anything of concern. The most effective way to slow the spread of this virus is to take aggressive steps to limit exposure to insects that are the primary source of infection.”

In horses, VSV is typically characterized by lesions which appear as crusting scabs on the muzzle, lips, ears, coronary bands, or ventral abdomen. Other clinical signs of the disease include fever and the formation of blister-like lesions in the mouth and on the dental pad, tongue, lips, nostrils, ears, hooves and teats. Infected animals may refuse to eat and drink, which can lead to weight loss. Vesicular stomatitis can be painful for infected animals and costly to their owners.&nbsp;Although it is rare, humans can also become infected with the disease when handling affected animals, and can develop flu-like symptoms.

The primary way the virus is transmitted is from biting insects like black flies, sand flies and midges. Owners should institute robust measures to reduce flies and other insects where animals are housed. VSV can also be spread by nose-to-nose contact between animals. The virus itself usually runs its course in five to seven days, and it can take up to an additional seven days for the infected animal to recover from the symptoms. There are no approved vaccines for VSV.&nbsp;

KDA has developed guidelines to assist organizations which are hosting shows and fairs across the state, and have worked with many of them to consider how they can protect the health and safety of animals attending their events.

Kansas was the fourth state in the U.S. to have confirmed cases of VSV this year; VSV has also been confirmed in Arizona, Nebraska, New Mexico and Texas. 

Because of the confirmed cases in Kansas, other states and Canada are likely to increase restrictions on livestock imports.

 Animal health officials strongly encourage all livestock owners and veterinarians to call the animal health authority in the destination location for the most current import requirements prior to travel.

Information about VSV can be found on the KDA website at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.agriculture.ks.gov%2FVSV&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Ca6c53515bd14410181dc08d81d309a95%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637291442540610288&amp;sdata=%2B%2FZNnLYTbkr%2Bt0PxCYKBeyOlaBfTadd4D3YmN7cOlMI%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.agriculture.ks.gov/VSV</a>,&nbsp;including:

VSV is considered a reportable disease in Kansas. If you observe clinical signs among your animals, contact your veterinarian right away. For questions about VSV in Kansas, please contact the KDA Division of Animal Health at 785-564-6601.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593728584981.jpeg" alt="A horse with VSV is examined. (Photo credit: Dr. Greg Farrand, D.V.M.)" />
 <figcaption>A horse with VSV is examined. (Photo credit: Dr. Greg Farrand, D.V.M.)</figcaption>
 </figure>KDAMANHATTAN — The Kansas Department of Agriculture Division of Animal Health is responding to an outbreak of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) that has continued to spread in horses across south central Kansas. VSV was first confirmed in Butler County on June 16 and has now been confirmed by testing on more than 30 premises in four counties in the region.All premises with confirmed cases of VSV in horses have been quarantined; in addition, any premises with animals showing clinical signs consistent with VSV are placed on quarantine. More than 60 premises are currently under quarantine in Butler, Cowley, Sedgwick and Sumner counties. A quarantine for VSV lasts for at least 14 days from the onset of symptoms on the last animal on the premises. Quarantines are not lifted until a veterinarian has examined all susceptible animals on the premises.VSV is a viral disease which primarily affects horses, but can also affect cattle, sheep, goats, swine, llamas and alpacas.&nbsp;<a>At this time, all confirmed cases of VSV in Kansas are horses, although some cattle have shown clinical signs and confirmatory laboratory results are pending.</a>“This outbreak is still very active in south central Kansas, and we encourage all owners of horses and other livestock to continue to be vigilant,” Dr. Justin Smith, Animal Health Commissioner said. “Monitor your animals for symptoms of VSV, and be in communication with your veterinarian if you see anything of concern. The most effective way to slow the spread of this virus is to take aggressive steps to limit exposure to insects that are the primary source of infection.”In horses, VSV is typically characterized by lesions which appear as crusting scabs on the muzzle, lips, ears, coronary bands, or ventral abdomen. Other clinical signs of the disease include fever and the formation of blister-like lesions in the mouth and on the dental pad, tongue, lips, nostrils, ears, hooves and teats. Infected animals may refuse to eat and drink, which can lead to weight loss. Vesicular stomatitis can be painful for infected animals and costly to their owners.&nbsp;Although it is rare, humans can also become infected with the disease when handling affected animals, and can develop flu-like symptoms.The primary way the virus is transmitted is from biting insects like black flies, sand flies and midges. Owners should institute robust measures to reduce flies and other insects where animals are housed. VSV can also be spread by nose-to-nose contact between animals. The virus itself usually runs its course in five to seven days, and it can take up to an additional seven days for the infected animal to recover from the symptoms. There are no approved vaccines for VSV.&nbsp;KDA has developed guidelines to assist organizations which are hosting shows and fairs across the state, and have worked with many of them to consider how they can protect the health and safety of animals attending their events.Kansas was the fourth state in the U.S. to have confirmed cases of VSV this year; VSV has also been confirmed in Arizona, Nebraska, New Mexico and Texas. Because of the confirmed cases in Kansas, other states and Canada are likely to increase restrictions on livestock imports. Animal health officials strongly encourage all livestock owners and veterinarians to call the animal health authority in the destination location for the most current import requirements prior to travel.Information about VSV can be found on the KDA website at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.agriculture.ks.gov%2FVSV&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Ca6c53515bd14410181dc08d81d309a95%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637291442540610288&amp;sdata=%2B%2FZNnLYTbkr%2Bt0PxCYKBeyOlaBfTadd4D3YmN7cOlMI%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.agriculture.ks.gov/VSV</a>,&nbsp;including:<ul>
 <li>Documents describing symptoms of VSV</li><li>Recommendations for fly control practices</li><li>Guidelines for shows and fairs</li><li>Materials from a webinar with K-State Research and Extension in Butler County</li><li>Current state and national situation reports</li>
 </ul>VSV is considered a reportable disease in Kansas. If you observe clinical signs among your animals, contact your veterinarian right away. For questions about VSV in Kansas, please contact the KDA Division of Animal Health at 785-564-6601.

KDA: VSV continues spreading among horses in south-central Kansas

TOPEKA –Law enforcement authorities are investigating a stabbing at a fireworks stand and have made an arrest.

Just after 9p.m. Thursday, police&nbsp; were called to a fireworks stand located near 21st and Fairlawn Road for a stabbing, according to police Lt. Matt Danielson.

Officers located the victim, who was an employee of the fireworks stand, and multiple witnesses who stated that a man had come up behind the victim and stabbed him. 

The suspect then left the area on foot. Witnesses relayed his whereabouts to law enforcement, and he was soon taken into custody a few blocks away.

As a result of the investigation, police arrested Austin Langley, 40, of Topeka, and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on a requested charge of Attempted Murder, according to Danielson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593776022658.png" alt="Langley photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Langley photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA –Law enforcement authorities are investigating a stabbing at a fireworks stand and have made an arrest.Just after 9p.m. Thursday, police&nbsp; were called to a fireworks stand located near 21st and Fairlawn Road for a stabbing, according to police Lt. Matt Danielson.Officers located the victim, who was an employee of the fireworks stand, and multiple witnesses who stated that a man had come up behind the victim and stabbed him. The suspect then left the area on foot. Witnesses relayed his whereabouts to law enforcement, and he was soon taken into custody a few blocks away.As a result of the investigation, police arrested Austin Langley, 40, of Topeka, and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on a requested charge of Attempted Murder, according to Danielson.

Police arrest suspect for stabbing at Kansas fireworks stand

JOHNSON COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 4:30a.m. Saturday in Johnson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Volvo semi driven by&nbsp; Eskender&nbsp;Mengesha, 35, Dallas, TX, was&nbsp;&nbsp;southbound on Interstate 35 at 95th Street in Lenexa in the right lane. 

A pedestrian identified as Justin&nbsp;Valentine, 33, Overland Park, ran westbound across Interstate 35 and struck the semi.

Valentine was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Frontier Forensics.

Mengesha was not injured and properly restrained at the time of the accident. 

This is the third fatal pedestrian accident on a Kansas road in the past 24-hours. On Friday, two pedestrians died in accidents on Interstate 635 in Wyandotte County.&nbsp;

The KHP reported a Jeep struck a Kansas woman walking in the number two lane south of Parallel Avenue at 3:30a.m.&nbsp; &nbsp;Lashonda Denice&nbsp; Ikerd, 34, Kansas City, Kansas, was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp;

Just after 10p.m., a Chevy Cobalt traveling northbound on Interstate 635 in the middle lane struck a pedestrian identified as Frank E. Clark III, 49, Kansas City, Kansas, who was running across the roadway. He was transported to KU Medical Center where he died, according to the KHP.

JOHNSON COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 4:30a.m. Saturday in Johnson County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Volvo semi driven by&nbsp; Eskender&nbsp;Mengesha, 35, Dallas, TX, was&nbsp;&nbsp;southbound on Interstate 35 at 95th Street in Lenexa in the right lane. A pedestrian identified as Justin&nbsp;Valentine, 33, Overland Park, ran westbound across Interstate 35 and struck the semi.Valentine was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Frontier Forensics.Mengesha was not injured and properly restrained at the time of the accident. This is the third fatal pedestrian accident on a Kansas road in the past 24-hours. On Friday, two pedestrians died in accidents on Interstate 635 in Wyandotte County.&nbsp;The KHP reported a Jeep struck a Kansas woman walking in the number two lane south of Parallel Avenue at 3:30a.m.&nbsp; &nbsp;Lashonda Denice&nbsp; Ikerd, 34, Kansas City, Kansas, was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp;Just after 10p.m., a Chevy Cobalt traveling northbound on Interstate 635 in the middle lane struck a pedestrian identified as Frank E. Clark III, 49, Kansas City, Kansas, who was running across the roadway. He was transported to KU Medical Center where he died, according to the KHP.

KHP reports 3rd fatal pedestrian accident  on Kan. highway in 24-hours

JACKSON COUNTY —A 25-year-old Kansas City man has been charged in the shootings of a bus driver and a Kansas City Police officer on a city ATA bus on Thursday morning in the Northeast area of Kansas City, near Independence Avenue and Hardesty, Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker announced Friday.

Justin A. Rogers faces Assault 1st Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon and two counts of Armed Criminal Action.

According to court records, Kansas City police responded about 10:40 a.m. on Thursday to the area of Independence Avenue and Hardesty. A Kansas City police officer and the bus driver had been injured by gunfire from a suspect on a city bus. 

Witnesses told police the suspect had taken a wallet from an intoxicated man at a bus stop before he got on the bus. The bus driver, after the suspect got on the bus, called for a supervisor and then police arrived. The suspect shot at the first officer to get on the bus and another responding officer shot the suspect. The driver was also hit by gunshots from the suspect.

Prosecutors requested a $200,000 cash-only bond.

This incident was one of two involving a Kansas City Police officer shot on Thursday. Later in the day an officer was shot in the head while responding to a call at a McDonald’s near 31st and Van Brunt. In that incident, the suspect died.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593862290806.png" alt="Rogers photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Rogers photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY —A 25-year-old Kansas City man has been charged in the shootings of a bus driver and a Kansas City Police officer on a city ATA bus on Thursday morning in the Northeast area of Kansas City, near Independence Avenue and Hardesty, Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker announced Friday.Justin A. Rogers faces Assault 1st Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon and two counts of Armed Criminal Action.According to court records, Kansas City police responded about 10:40 a.m. on Thursday to the area of Independence Avenue and Hardesty. A Kansas City police officer and the bus driver had been injured by gunfire from a suspect on a city bus. Witnesses told police the suspect had taken a wallet from an intoxicated man at a bus stop before he got on the bus. The bus driver, after the suspect got on the bus, called for a supervisor and then police arrived. The suspect shot at the first officer to get on the bus and another responding officer shot the suspect. The driver was also hit by gunshots from the suspect.Prosecutors requested a $200,000 cash-only bond.This incident was one of two involving a Kansas City Police officer shot on Thursday. Later in the day an officer was shot in the head while responding to a call at a McDonald’s near 31st and Van Brunt. In that incident, the suspect died.

Man charged in shooting that injured Kansas City officer, bus driver

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas’ governor and its top public health official said Thursday that they worry that the state won’t be able to reopen its K-12 schools for the new school year in August if it doesn’t reverse a recent surge in reported coronavirus cases.

Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly told legislative leaders that a desire to reopen schools is a key reason for her executive order requiring Kansas residents to wear masks in public and their workplaces. The went into effect Friday, with a fine of up to $2,500 possible for violators.

“The trend is going in the wrong direction,” Kelly said during a meeting to review her order. “If we continue that way, we will not be able to open our schools for in-classroom learning in the fall.”

Kelly and other state officials&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2ed56b6d64038adee0dc17465073232b">don’t expect strict enforcement</a>&nbsp;with decisions about pursuing violations left up to prosecutors in each of the state’s 105 counties. Attorney General Derek Schmidt, a Republican, can pursue violations but said he will leave them to local officials.

Also, counties can opt out of the order under&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li_2020s/b2020s/measures/documents/summary_hb_2016_2020special" target="_blank">a new pandemic law</a>&nbsp;that took effect in June and resulted from a compromise between Kelly and lawmakers.

In Sedgwick County, home to Wichita, the state’s largest city, commissioners voted 3-2 Thursday to strongly recommend that people follow Kelly’s order but not make it a mandate. Commissioner Michael O’Donnell, a Republican, compared a mandate to required dress codes for women in “Middle Eastern countries.”

“I just inherently don’t believe that’s American,” O’Donnell said.

The governor and Dr. Lee Norman, her health secretary, said the goal is to increase people’s use of masks to control the novel coronavirus’ spread. Norman told legislative leaders that Kansas could prevent more than 11,500 new coronavirus cases between now and Oct. 1 with a mask mandate.

“The last thing that we want is to open the schools and hundreds of kids get sick and the schools would have to close,” said House Minority Leader Tom Sawyer, a Wichita Democrat. “We have to get this under control before schools open.”

Kelly’s order doesn’t apply to the Legislature’s meetings or to the courts, but the Kansas Supreme Court on Thursday ordered masks to be worn in judicial proceedings.

The governor&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a5e30a0ec7a5943ada9f03af22ee1970">lifted statewide restrictions&nbsp;</a>on businesses and public gatherings and allowed counties to set their own rules on May 26 after weeks of complaints from GOP lawmakers that she was moving too slowly to reopen the economy.

And conservative Republican legislative leaders said her mask order violates personal liberties and creates confusion about what activities were allowed without masks. Kelly’s chief lawyer acknowledged that maskless baseball games are likely to be allowed while pickup basketball games might require face coverings.

Senate President Susan Wagle, a Wichita Republican, said people would have responded better to public service announcements.

“They’re very resentful of a mandate that comes down with an iron fist,” Wagle said.

State officials did receive good coronavirus-related news Thursday. Tax collections in June, about $744 million, exceeded the state’s official forecast by nearly $136 million, or 22.3%.

The state had slashed revenue projections in April to account for the economic slump that followed the shuttering of businesses, leaving a projected shortfall in the current budget.

Kansas has reported nearly 16,000 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus since the pandemic started in early March and 277 COVID-19-related deaths as of Friday.

Since Kelly lifted statewide restrictions on businesses and public gatherings immediately after Memorial Day, Kansas has had 6,622 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, a 61% increase, and 89 additional deaths — a 45% jump.

In Johnson County in the Kansas City area, the state’s most populous county, county commissioners voted 4-2 Thursday to follow the governor’s mandate,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article243952797.html?fbclid=IwAR2TxQgZmvBy6JBJKc4AJMJR8v9GIhcHgLq7omzc6Cq1KJIR-t3Pm1Yl2O4" target="_blank">The Kansas City Star reported.</a>&nbsp;Neighboring Wyandotte County and Douglas County, home to the main University of Kansas campus, already mandated masks.

Shawnee County commissioners voted 3-0 to delay restricting bars to operating seven hours a day and closing at 10 p.m., until Tuesday,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cjonline.com/news/20200702/commissioners-vote-to-delay-restrictions-on-bars-postpone-spirit-of-kansas-fireworks-show" target="_blank">The Topeka Capital-Journal reported.</a>&nbsp;The county health officer had ordered the restrictions to start Thursday.

Norman said if the growth in Kansas coronavirus cases doesn’t start to decline this month, reopening schools won’t be safe. Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/8e5672095558ab92d7505f2a06f9a9b9">closed all of the state’s K-12 buildings</a>&nbsp;in March, moving the state’s 519,000 public school students largely to online learning.

<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/20200702093130003.pdf" target="_blank">The governor’s latest order</a>&nbsp;says Kansas residents must wear masks in indoor public spaces, while seeking health care or using public transportation. It also says people must wear them outdoors in public when they can’t remain at least 6 feet (1.8 meters) from others.

Businesses must require employees to wear masks in places frequented by the public or if they prepare food.

The requirement would not apply to children under 6, the deaf, or people with medical conditions that make breathing through a mask difficult or who can’t remove a mask without assistance.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593465508296.png" alt="Gov. Laura Kelly announced her mask mandate during Monday's press conference" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Laura Kelly announced her mask mandate during Monday's press conference</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNATOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas’ governor and its top public health official said Thursday that they worry that the state won’t be able to reopen its K-12 schools for the new school year in August if it doesn’t reverse a recent surge in reported coronavirus cases.Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly told legislative leaders that a desire to reopen schools is a key reason for her executive order requiring Kansas residents to wear masks in public and their workplaces. The went into effect Friday, with a fine of up to $2,500 possible for violators.“The trend is going in the wrong direction,” Kelly said during a meeting to review her order. “If we continue that way, we will not be able to open our schools for in-classroom learning in the fall.”Kelly and other state officials&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2ed56b6d64038adee0dc17465073232b">don’t expect strict enforcement</a>&nbsp;with decisions about pursuing violations left up to prosecutors in each of the state’s 105 counties. Attorney General Derek Schmidt, a Republican, can pursue violations but said he will leave them to local officials.Also, counties can opt out of the order under&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li_2020s/b2020s/measures/documents/summary_hb_2016_2020special" target="_blank">a new pandemic law</a>&nbsp;that took effect in June and resulted from a compromise between Kelly and lawmakers.In Sedgwick County, home to Wichita, the state’s largest city, commissioners voted 3-2 Thursday to strongly recommend that people follow Kelly’s order but not make it a mandate. Commissioner Michael O’Donnell, a Republican, compared a mandate to required dress codes for women in “Middle Eastern countries.”“I just inherently don’t believe that’s American,” O’Donnell said.The governor and Dr. Lee Norman, her health secretary, said the goal is to increase people’s use of masks to control the novel coronavirus’ spread. Norman told legislative leaders that Kansas could prevent more than 11,500 new coronavirus cases between now and Oct. 1 with a mask mandate.“The last thing that we want is to open the schools and hundreds of kids get sick and the schools would have to close,” said House Minority Leader Tom Sawyer, a Wichita Democrat. “We have to get this under control before schools open.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">As you celebrate Independence Day this weekend, please remember: We are at war with COVID-19. Do your civic duty and wear a mask to keep your families and neighbors healthy and keep Kansas open for business. <a href="https://t.co/sZOaDenaWK">pic.twitter.com/sZOaDenaWK</a>&mdash; Governor Laura Kelly (@GovLauraKelly) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovLauraKelly/status/1279067990454079489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Kelly’s order doesn’t apply to the Legislature’s meetings or to the courts, but the Kansas Supreme Court on Thursday ordered masks to be worn in judicial proceedings.The governor&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a5e30a0ec7a5943ada9f03af22ee1970">lifted statewide restrictions&nbsp;</a>on businesses and public gatherings and allowed counties to set their own rules on May 26 after weeks of complaints from GOP lawmakers that she was moving too slowly to reopen the economy.And conservative Republican legislative leaders said her mask order violates personal liberties and creates confusion about what activities were allowed without masks. Kelly’s chief lawyer acknowledged that maskless baseball games are likely to be allowed while pickup basketball games might require face coverings.Senate President Susan Wagle, a Wichita Republican, said people would have responded better to public service announcements.“They’re very resentful of a mandate that comes down with an iron fist,” Wagle said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593795912528.png" alt="Friday.July 3, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Friday.July 3, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>State officials did receive good coronavirus-related news Thursday. Tax collections in June, about $744 million, exceeded the state’s official forecast by nearly $136 million, or 22.3%.The state had slashed revenue projections in April to account for the economic slump that followed the shuttering of businesses, leaving a projected shortfall in the current budget.Kansas has reported nearly 16,000 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus since the pandemic started in early March and 277 COVID-19-related deaths as of Friday.Since Kelly lifted statewide restrictions on businesses and public gatherings immediately after Memorial Day, Kansas has had 6,622 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, a 61% increase, and 89 additional deaths — a 45% jump.In Johnson County in the Kansas City area, the state’s most populous county, county commissioners voted 4-2 Thursday to follow the governor’s mandate,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article243952797.html?fbclid=IwAR2TxQgZmvBy6JBJKc4AJMJR8v9GIhcHgLq7omzc6Cq1KJIR-t3Pm1Yl2O4" target="_blank">The Kansas City Star reported.</a>&nbsp;Neighboring Wyandotte County and Douglas County, home to the main University of Kansas campus, already mandated masks.Shawnee County commissioners voted 3-0 to delay restricting bars to operating seven hours a day and closing at 10 p.m., until Tuesday,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cjonline.com/news/20200702/commissioners-vote-to-delay-restrictions-on-bars-postpone-spirit-of-kansas-fireworks-show" target="_blank">The Topeka Capital-Journal reported.</a>&nbsp;The county health officer had ordered the restrictions to start Thursday.Norman said if the growth in Kansas coronavirus cases doesn’t start to decline this month, reopening schools won’t be safe. Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/8e5672095558ab92d7505f2a06f9a9b9">closed all of the state’s K-12 buildings</a>&nbsp;in March, moving the state’s 519,000 public school students largely to online learning.<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/20200702093130003.pdf" target="_blank">The governor’s latest order</a>&nbsp;says Kansas residents must wear masks in indoor public spaces, while seeking health care or using public transportation. It also says people must wear them outdoors in public when they can’t remain at least 6 feet (1.8 meters) from others.Businesses must require employees to wear masks in places frequented by the public or if they prepare food.The requirement would not apply to children under 6, the deaf, or people with medical conditions that make breathing through a mask difficult or who can’t remove a mask without assistance.___

Fears about opening Kansas schools drive state's mask order

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 10p.m. Friday in Wyandotte County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Chevy Cobalt driven by&nbsp; Edwin T. Fritz, 49, Olathe, was northbound on Interstate 635 in the middle lane and struck a pedestrian identified as Frank E. Clark III, 49, Kansas City, Kansas, who was running across the roadway.

EMS transported Clark to KU Medical Center where he died. Fritz was not injured and properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

This was Friday's second fatal pedestrian accident on Interstate 635 in Wyandotte County.&nbsp;

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a vehicle was northbound on Interstate 635 in the middle lane and struck a pedestrian that was running across the roadway.

The KHP has not released the identity of the driver or the pedestrian.

This was Friday's second fatal pedestrian accident on Interstate 635 in Wyandotte County.&nbsp; 

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 10p.m. Friday in Wyandotte County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Chevy Cobalt driven by&nbsp; Edwin T. Fritz, 49, Olathe, was northbound on Interstate 635 in the middle lane and struck a pedestrian identified as Frank E. Clark III, 49, Kansas City, Kansas, who was running across the roadway.EMS transported Clark to KU Medical Center where he died. Fritz was not injured and properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.This was Friday's second fatal pedestrian accident on Interstate 635 in Wyandotte County.&nbsp;The KHP reported a Jeep struck a Kansas woman walking in the number two lane south of Parallel Avenue at 3:30a.m.&nbsp; &nbsp;Lashonda Denice&nbsp; Ikerd, 34, Kansas City, Kansas, was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp;-------WYANDOTTE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 10p.m. Friday in Wyandotte County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a vehicle was northbound on Interstate 635 in the middle lane and struck a pedestrian that was running across the roadway.The KHP has not released the identity of the driver or the pedestrian.This was Friday's second fatal pedestrian accident on Interstate 635 in Wyandotte County.&nbsp; The KHP reported a Jeep struck a Kansas woman walking in the number two lane south of Parallel Avenue at 3:30a.m.&nbsp; &nbsp;Lashonda Denice&nbsp; Ikerd, 34, Kansas City, Kansas, was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp;

Update: Second pedestrian dies on same Kansas highway Friday

LAWRENCE — New information emerges about the novel coronavirus on a daily basis, sometimes confirming, other times contradicting what we thought we knew the day before. Our reaction to this constant information flow depends not only on our understanding of the COVID-19 pandemic but also our sources, environment and how we estimate risk.

 A recent University of Kansas study found that while Kansas survey participants relied on multiple sources about reliable COVID-19 information, they tended to prefer local authorities and distrust social media.

Mugur Geana, associate professor of journalism &amp; mass communications and director of KU’s Center for Excellence in Health Communications to Underserved Populations, wrote the study, which will be published in the June issue of the&nbsp;<a href="https://journals.ku.edu/kjm/article/view/13821">Kansas Journal of Medicine.</a>&nbsp;The study showed responses consistent with the state’s status, at the time, as an area with relatively few cases.

“When we did this survey in April, information was changing very fast,” Geana said. “We wanted to make sure we captured a window in which data available to people did not vary widely.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593644529174.png" alt="A graph from the University of Kansas&nbsp;study shows the information sources survey respondents trusted. The scores range from 1, least trusted, to 5, most trusted." />
 <figcaption>A graph from the University of Kansas&nbsp;study shows the information sources survey respondents trusted. The scores range from 1, least trusted, to 5, most trusted.</figcaption>
 </figure>KU News ServiceLAWRENCE — New information emerges about the novel coronavirus on a daily basis, sometimes confirming, other times contradicting what we thought we knew the day before. Our reaction to this constant information flow depends not only on our understanding of the COVID-19 pandemic but also our sources, environment and how we estimate risk. A recent University of Kansas study found that while Kansas survey participants relied on multiple sources about reliable COVID-19 information, they tended to prefer local authorities and distrust social media.Mugur Geana, associate professor of journalism &amp; mass communications and director of KU’s Center for Excellence in Health Communications to Underserved Populations, wrote the study, which will be published in the June issue of the&nbsp;<a href="https://journals.ku.edu/kjm/article/view/13821">Kansas Journal of Medicine.</a>&nbsp;The study showed responses consistent with the state’s status, at the time, as an area with relatively few cases.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593641032679.jpeg" alt="Mugur Geana" />
 <figcaption>Mugur Geana</figcaption>
 </figure>“When we did this survey in April, information was changing very fast,” Geana said. “We wanted to make sure we captured a window in which data available to people did not vary widely.”More than 130 Kansans submitted answers to the social media survey, open only for a 96-hour window.No respondents reported having COVID-19. Only 8% said they had family members diagnosed, while 41% said they knew someone in their community or place of work with COVID-19. Respondents appraised their knowledge of the pandemic as above average, and their responses to questions about the virus confirmed that.“We wanted to understand what their concept of risk was. We were pleasantly surprised, but we also need to take it with a grain of salt, because the sample skewed toward highly educated participants,” Geana said.Those results are consistent with online surveys, which tend to be answered more by highly educated people and women, Geana said.Among the significant findings was where people reported getting information about the pandemic. The top source was Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly's daily media briefings, which were also rated as the most trustworthy. Information from search engines such as Google or Bing was second in terms of usage, with 60% of respondents saying they used them daily. National newspapers such as The New York Times or The Wall Street Journal were third in terms of use, while discussions with family, friends and co-workers followed.As far as mediated sources of information, public television and national newspapers were the most trusted media sources, while local or regional papers, commercial television, cable news, liberal and conservative media sources followed. Social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram were the least trusted source of information.A high level of knowledge among respondents was not surprising, but the lack of trust in social media was, Geana said.“We somewhat expected that (high level of knowledge) because it was a salient issue. People had to stay at home because of COVID-19, so they were watching a lot of TV because of it, reading a lot of news because of COVID-19, etc. That was very surprising,” Geana said of the observed lack of trust in social media. “In addition to media, in terms of trust, medical professionals are the most trusted people, but co-workers, family and friends are important, because you talk with them more, often through social media channels. Well, we found that they are not as trusted as we expected. Probably a lot of the recent scandals involving social media influenced the trust that people have in it nowadays.”The findings also showed a relationship between people’s level of knowledge and their willingness to take precautions to protect themselves and others. Those who reported strong feelings about precautionary measures put in place by the state government to slow the spread were also less likely to take precautionary measures. That was also in line with previous findings that people’s risk perceptions were related to the severity of the outbreak in their community.“If I believe a mask will not help me, I am more likely not to wear one, even though I have access to information that tells me that is dangerous and I could get COVID-19,” Geana said of the findings.The study is the first of two, and the second part will include further information on the perception of risk about contracting COVID-19 as states started to reopen, with survey data taken in May.