TOPEKA –&nbsp;The State Finance Council today&nbsp;approved&nbsp;the distribution of $400 million&nbsp;in funding from the&nbsp;Coronavirus Relief Fund to&nbsp;local Kansas governments&nbsp;to help combat the health and economic&nbsp;challenges&nbsp;COVID-19 has&nbsp;brought on their communities, and to help prepare for&nbsp;possible future outbreaks of the disease.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“This first round of coronavirus aid will be critical&nbsp;as we work to get Kansans back to work and school,&nbsp;in the safest&nbsp;way possible,” Governor Laura Kelly said in a media release. 

“I’m pleased that the State Finance Council&nbsp;acted&nbsp;quickly,&nbsp;and&nbsp;in the best interest of Kansans. We must&nbsp;continue to&nbsp;provide&nbsp;our communities&nbsp;with&nbsp;the&nbsp;resources&nbsp;needed to mitigate the spread of the virus and revitalize our state’s economy.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

The initial funding proposal came from&nbsp;Governor Kelly’s Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) Taskforce Executive Committee, which is charged with distributing over&nbsp;a billion dollars in federal funds Kansas received under the&nbsp;Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;“The funds approved today are a great first step in helping our communities recover from the&nbsp;unique health and economic challenges&nbsp;created by COVID-19,”&nbsp;said Cheryl&nbsp;Harrison-Lee,&nbsp;Executive Director of the Recovery Office.&nbsp;“We will continue to consult with community members as well as experts from the public and private sectors so that&nbsp;our&nbsp;local&nbsp;governments&nbsp;can access&nbsp;funding that fulfills their individual recovery and preparedness needs.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Under the&nbsp;first round of funding, each county&nbsp;will&nbsp;receive&nbsp;resources&nbsp;based on&nbsp;their population, case rates and unemployment rates.&nbsp;Funds will be provided to counties for both reimbursement and direct aid for eligible expenditures under the CARES Act.&nbsp;

The State Finance Council&nbsp;today&nbsp;also&nbsp;approved reimbursement&nbsp;for COVID-19-related&nbsp;costs for state&nbsp;agencies&nbsp;totaling $16.7 million, as well as&nbsp;FY 2020&nbsp;expenditures for the&nbsp;Office of Recovery.&nbsp;

“These reimbursements will&nbsp;help offset the unexpected expenses caused by COVID-19&nbsp;so that Kansans can continue to receive agency support,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said. “Now more than ever, our state agencies&nbsp;must&nbsp;be ready to offer their&nbsp;quality,&nbsp;much-needed services to the people of Kansas.”<a></a>

Other actions taken by the State Finance Council&nbsp;in relation to COVID-19 relief:&nbsp;&nbsp;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Approved allocation of the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund (GEER)&nbsp;to the Kansas Board of Regents;&nbsp;&nbsp;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Approved&nbsp;expenditures from other agency federal funds that receive grants&nbsp;for the purpose of&nbsp;federal coronavirus relief.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592391014566.png" alt="Governor Kelly and legislative leaders on the State Finance Council met Tuesday in Topeka -photo by Isaac French courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Governor Kelly and legislative leaders on the State Finance Council met Tuesday in Topeka -photo by Isaac French courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA –&nbsp;The State Finance Council today&nbsp;approved&nbsp;the distribution of $400 million&nbsp;in funding from the&nbsp;Coronavirus Relief Fund to&nbsp;local Kansas governments&nbsp;to help combat the health and economic&nbsp;challenges&nbsp;COVID-19 has&nbsp;brought on their communities, and to help prepare for&nbsp;possible future outbreaks of the disease.&nbsp;&nbsp;“This first round of coronavirus aid will be critical&nbsp;as we work to get Kansans back to work and school,&nbsp;in the safest&nbsp;way possible,” Governor Laura Kelly said in a media release. “I’m pleased that the State Finance Council&nbsp;acted&nbsp;quickly,&nbsp;and&nbsp;in the best interest of Kansans. We must&nbsp;continue to&nbsp;provide&nbsp;our communities&nbsp;with&nbsp;the&nbsp;resources&nbsp;needed to mitigate the spread of the virus and revitalize our state’s economy.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The initial funding proposal came from&nbsp;Governor Kelly’s Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) Taskforce Executive Committee, which is charged with distributing over&nbsp;a billion dollars in federal funds Kansas received under the&nbsp;Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“The funds approved today are a great first step in helping our communities recover from the&nbsp;unique health and economic challenges&nbsp;created by COVID-19,”&nbsp;said Cheryl&nbsp;Harrison-Lee,&nbsp;Executive Director of the Recovery Office.&nbsp;“We will continue to consult with community members as well as experts from the public and private sectors so that&nbsp;our&nbsp;local&nbsp;governments&nbsp;can access&nbsp;funding that fulfills their individual recovery and preparedness needs.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Under the&nbsp;first round of funding, each county&nbsp;will&nbsp;receive&nbsp;resources&nbsp;based on&nbsp;their population, case rates and unemployment rates.&nbsp;Funds will be provided to counties for both reimbursement and direct aid for eligible expenditures under the CARES Act.&nbsp;The State Finance Council&nbsp;today&nbsp;also&nbsp;approved reimbursement&nbsp;for COVID-19-related&nbsp;costs for state&nbsp;agencies&nbsp;totaling $16.7 million, as well as&nbsp;FY 2020&nbsp;expenditures for the&nbsp;Office of Recovery.&nbsp;“These reimbursements will&nbsp;help offset the unexpected expenses caused by COVID-19&nbsp;so that Kansans can continue to receive agency support,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said. “Now more than ever, our state agencies&nbsp;must&nbsp;be ready to offer their&nbsp;quality,&nbsp;much-needed services to the people of Kansas.”<a></a>Other actions taken by the State Finance Council&nbsp;in relation to COVID-19 relief:&nbsp;&nbsp;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Approved allocation of the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund (GEER)&nbsp;to the Kansas Board of Regents;&nbsp;&nbsp;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Approved&nbsp;expenditures from other agency federal funds that receive grants&nbsp;for the purpose of&nbsp;federal coronavirus relief.&nbsp;&nbsp;

State Finance Council approves $400M virus relief funding for Kan. counties

WASHINGTON (AP) — Democrats controlling the House have slated a vote next week to make the District of Columbia the 51st state, an issue that they say has become far more important in the aftermath of protests for racial justice in both Washington and across the nation.

Next Friday’s vote, if successful, would pass a D.C. statehood bill for the first time in the House, but the legislation faces insurmountable opposition in the GOP-controlled Senate. It comes even as the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">COVID-19 pandemic</a>&nbsp;has forced delays in the consideration of most other legislation. More than enough lawmakers are officially backing the bill for it to pass. In 1993, the Democratic-controlled Congress defeated a D.C. statehood bill by an almost 2-1 margin.

But the much-criticized administration move to use federal forces&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/15be4e293cdebe72c10304fe0ec668e4">to clear Lafayette Square near the White House of peaceful protesters&nbsp;</a>to enable President Donald Trump to trumpet his law and order credentials in a photo op two weeks ago prompted Democratic leaders to schedule the vote. “We both agreed this was an appropriate time to bring a bill forward to show respect for the citizens of the District of Columbia,” said Majority Leader Steny Hoyer.

“There shouldn’t be troops from other states in Washington, D.C.,” said Mayor Muriel Bowser, who presented Hoyer on Tuesday with a U.S. Flag bearing 51 stars. “There shouldn’t be federal forces advancing against Americans, and there very definitely shouldn’t be soldiers stationed around our city waiting for the go to attack Americans in a local policing matter.”

A plurality of the District of Columbia is African American and the city is overwhelmingly Democratic. Trump said last month that “D.C. will never be a state” because it would likely mean two more Democratic senators. “No, thank you. That’ll never happen,” he told the New York Post.

But Hoyer said the rights of D.C. residents should transcend political calculations.

“This is not about politics. If it is, then we demean our democracy,” he said. “This is about who we are as a country.”

Bowser pointed out that D.C. taxpayers get no voting representatives in Congress despite contributing more in federal taxes on a per person basis than many states. The nation’s capital, with just over 700,000 residents, has a larger population than Vermont and Wyoming.

Bowser said recent events have focused national attention on the plight of Washington, D.C. Earlier this year, when Congress passed the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2099a53bb8adf2def7ee7329ea322f9d">CARES Act</a>&nbsp;stimulus package, Washington, D.C., was classified as a territory rather than a state — a distinction that cost Washington more than $700 million in federal coronavirus relief funding.

All District laws are subject to review by a congressional committee, which can veto them or alter them by attaching riders to federal appropriations bills. During GOP control of Congress, conservatives have sought, mostly unsuccessfully, to restrict some of the city’s liberal initiatives such as needle exchanges for drug users and abortions under its Medicaid program.

Most recently, a 2014 ballot initiative to legalize recreational marijuana use passed overwhelmingly. But Congress stepped in and essentially vetoed the initiative by prohibiting the District government from spending any funds or resources on developing a regulatory or taxation system for marijuana sales.

Bowser said Trump’s actions during the protests “violated our principles of Americans being able to peacefully protest and it violated our principles of local autonomy.”

As a result, Bowser said her office is now fielding unprecedented interest in the issue from around the country. She was recently interviewed on “The Late Late Show” where host James Cordon said he had only just learned that the district has no senators and only one non-voting delegate in the House of Representatives.

“A lot of Americans are in that place,” Bowser said. “When Americans know about the issue of D.C. statehood, they support D.C. statehood.”

Hoyer acknowledged that the bill faces stiff opposition in the Republican-controlled Senate and called on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-KY., to take the measure seriously.

“I hope that Senator McConnell cares enough about our democracy to allow a vote on this bill in the United States Senate,” Hoyer said. “Politics is not the issue. It’s democracy that’s the issue.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592342593996.png" alt="House Speaker Nancy Pelosi during Tuesday news conference-photo courtesy&nbsp; DC Mayor Muriel Bowser" />
 <figcaption>House Speaker Nancy Pelosi during Tuesday news conference-photo courtesy&nbsp; DC Mayor Muriel Bowser</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Democrats controlling the House have slated a vote next week to make the District of Columbia the 51st state, an issue that they say has become far more important in the aftermath of protests for racial justice in both Washington and across the nation.Next Friday’s vote, if successful, would pass a D.C. statehood bill for the first time in the House, but the legislation faces insurmountable opposition in the GOP-controlled Senate. It comes even as the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">COVID-19 pandemic</a>&nbsp;has forced delays in the consideration of most other legislation. More than enough lawmakers are officially backing the bill for it to pass. In 1993, the Democratic-controlled Congress defeated a D.C. statehood bill by an almost 2-1 margin.But the much-criticized administration move to use federal forces&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/15be4e293cdebe72c10304fe0ec668e4">to clear Lafayette Square near the White House of peaceful protesters&nbsp;</a>to enable President Donald Trump to trumpet his law and order credentials in a photo op two weeks ago prompted Democratic leaders to schedule the vote. “We both agreed this was an appropriate time to bring a bill forward to show respect for the citizens of the District of Columbia,” said Majority Leader Steny Hoyer.“There shouldn’t be troops from other states in Washington, D.C.,” said Mayor Muriel Bowser, who presented Hoyer on Tuesday with a U.S. Flag bearing 51 stars. “There shouldn’t be federal forces advancing against Americans, and there very definitely shouldn’t be soldiers stationed around our city waiting for the go to attack Americans in a local policing matter.”A plurality of the District of Columbia is African American and the city is overwhelmingly Democratic. Trump said last month that “D.C. will never be a state” because it would likely mean two more Democratic senators. “No, thank you. That’ll never happen,” he told the New York Post.But Hoyer said the rights of D.C. residents should transcend political calculations.“This is not about politics. If it is, then we demean our democracy,” he said. “This is about who we are as a country.”Bowser pointed out that D.C. taxpayers get no voting representatives in Congress despite contributing more in federal taxes on a per person basis than many states. The nation’s capital, with just over 700,000 residents, has a larger population than Vermont and Wyoming.Bowser said recent events have focused national attention on the plight of Washington, D.C. Earlier this year, when Congress passed the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2099a53bb8adf2def7ee7329ea322f9d">CARES Act</a>&nbsp;stimulus package, Washington, D.C., was classified as a territory rather than a state — a distinction that cost Washington more than $700 million in federal coronavirus relief funding.All District laws are subject to review by a congressional committee, which can veto them or alter them by attaching riders to federal appropriations bills. During GOP control of Congress, conservatives have sought, mostly unsuccessfully, to restrict some of the city’s liberal initiatives such as needle exchanges for drug users and abortions under its Medicaid program.Most recently, a 2014 ballot initiative to legalize recreational marijuana use passed overwhelmingly. But Congress stepped in and essentially vetoed the initiative by prohibiting the District government from spending any funds or resources on developing a regulatory or taxation system for marijuana sales.Bowser said Trump’s actions during the protests “violated our principles of Americans being able to peacefully protest and it violated our principles of local autonomy.”As a result, Bowser said her office is now fielding unprecedented interest in the issue from around the country. She was recently interviewed on “The Late Late Show” where host James Cordon said he had only just learned that the district has no senators and only one non-voting delegate in the House of Representatives.“A lot of Americans are in that place,” Bowser said. “When Americans know about the issue of D.C. statehood, they support D.C. statehood.”Hoyer acknowledged that the bill faces stiff opposition in the Republican-controlled Senate and called on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-KY., to take the measure seriously.“I hope that Senator McConnell cares enough about our democracy to allow a vote on this bill in the United States Senate,” Hoyer said. “Politics is not the issue. It’s democracy that’s the issue.”

Washington DC faces House vote to become the 51st state

JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a man following a traffic stop.

Just before 3:30p.m. Sunday, a Sheriff’s deputy stopped a 2004 Acura on U.S. 75 near K-9 Highway in northern Jackson County for allegedly committing a traffic infraction, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

The driver was identified as Charles M. Griswold, 49, of Atlantic, Iowa. Griswold was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving while revoked.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592391397266.png" alt="Griswold-photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Griswold-photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a man following a traffic stop.Just before 3:30p.m. Sunday, a Sheriff’s deputy stopped a 2004 Acura on U.S. 75 near K-9 Highway in northern Jackson County for allegedly committing a traffic infraction, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.The driver was identified as Charles M. Griswold, 49, of Atlantic, Iowa. Griswold was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving while revoked.

Sheriff: Deputies find meth, marijuana during Kansas traffic stop

OLATHE, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas mom who tried to kill her three young children with medication was sentenced Tuesday to nearly 29 years in prison.

Therese Irine Roever, 39, was sentenced on three counts of attempted first-degree murder and criminal threat. She will have to register as a violent offender when she is released, Johnson County District Attorney Steve Howe said.

Prosecutors said Roever’s ex-husband called police and emergency responders to her home on Feb. 19, 2018, after finding his children drugged and groggy.

When officers arrived, they found Roever lying on a bed with a 7-year-old who was not alert. Another 7-year-old was crying in a bathroom and a 5-year-old was seen getting up from a bed and stumbling to the ground, police said.

Officers found several pill bottles on the ledge of a bed, according to court documents.

Roever and her children were hospitalized and doctors said two of the children would have died if police hadn’t arrived when they did.

Roever lost custody of the children to her ex-husband after the two were divorced in 2016 but she was later granted unsupervised visitation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592338523273.png" alt="Roever photo Johnson County" />
 <figcaption>Roever photo Johnson County</figcaption>
 </figure>OLATHE, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas mom who tried to kill her three young children with medication was sentenced Tuesday to nearly 29 years in prison.Therese Irine Roever, 39, was sentenced on three counts of attempted first-degree murder and criminal threat. She will have to register as a violent offender when she is released, Johnson County District Attorney Steve Howe said.Prosecutors said Roever’s ex-husband called police and emergency responders to her home on Feb. 19, 2018, after finding his children drugged and groggy.When officers arrived, they found Roever lying on a bed with a 7-year-old who was not alert. Another 7-year-old was crying in a bathroom and a 5-year-old was seen getting up from a bed and stumbling to the ground, police said.Officers found several pill bottles on the ledge of a bed, according to court documents.Roever and her children were hospitalized and doctors said two of the children would have died if police hadn’t arrived when they did.Roever lost custody of the children to her ex-husband after the two were divorced in 2016 but she was later granted unsupervised visitation.

Kansas mom sentenced for trying to poison her 3 children

TREGO COUNTY —Gleneice Lashawn Phillips, 24, Dayton, Ohio, and&nbsp;Kamryne J. Wright, 19, Dayton, Ohio, are charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and one count of traveling across state lines in furtherance of drug trafficking. The crimes are alleged to have occurred Jan. 19 in Trego County, according to a news release Tuesday from&nbsp;U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.

The defendants initially were charged by criminal complaint March 10, 2020. The complaint alleged they were stopped with more than 35 pounds of methamphetamine and approximately 22 pounds of fentanyl.

If convicted, they could face not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $10 million on each of the possession charges and up to five years and a fine up to $250,000 on the other count. The Kansas Highway Patrol and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Lind is prosecuting.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592341677950.png" alt="Wright- photo Trego Co." />
 <figcaption>Wright- photo Trego Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>TREGO COUNTY —Gleneice Lashawn Phillips, 24, Dayton, Ohio, and&nbsp;Kamryne J. Wright, 19, Dayton, Ohio, are charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and one count of traveling across state lines in furtherance of drug trafficking. The crimes are alleged to have occurred Jan. 19 in Trego County, according to a news release Tuesday from&nbsp;U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.The defendants initially were charged by criminal complaint March 10, 2020. The complaint alleged they were stopped with more than 35 pounds of methamphetamine and approximately 22 pounds of fentanyl.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592341642530.png" alt="Phillips photo Trego Co." />
 <figcaption>Phillips photo Trego Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>If convicted, they could face not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $10 million on each of the possession charges and up to five years and a fine up to $250,000 on the other count. The Kansas Highway Patrol and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Lind is prosecuting.

 2 charged with transporting massive quantity of fentanyl to Kansas

ATLANTA (AP) — A widely available drug is showing promise of treating the most seriously ill coronavirus patients. It's a welcome bit of hope as countries grapple with spikes in contagion as they loosen restrictions and reopen their economies. 

Researchers say the steroid, called dexamethasone, reduced deaths by 35% in patients who needed breathing machines and by 20% among those using supplemental oxygen. 

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the drug was the “biggest breakthrough yet” in treating the virus, and top U.S. infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci called it “a significant improvement in the available therapeutic options that we have.” 

Since the virus emerged in China last year, there have been more than 8 million confirmed cases and more than 435,000 deaths around the world.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586725855330.png" alt="Dr. Anthony Fauci called it “a significant improvement in the available therapeutic options that we have.”" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Anthony Fauci called it “a significant improvement in the available therapeutic options that we have.”</figcaption>
 </figure>ATLANTA (AP) — A widely available drug is showing promise of treating the most seriously ill coronavirus patients. It's a welcome bit of hope as countries grapple with spikes in contagion as they loosen restrictions and reopen their economies. Researchers say the steroid, called dexamethasone, reduced deaths by 35% in patients who needed breathing machines and by 20% among those using supplemental oxygen. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the drug was the “biggest breakthrough yet” in treating the virus, and top U.S. infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci called it “a significant improvement in the available therapeutic options that we have.” Since the virus emerged in China last year, there have been more than 8 million confirmed cases and more than 435,000 deaths around the world.

Cheap drug is first shown to improve COVID-19 survival

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Investigators found no weapon inside a vehicle driven by a Missouri woman who was shot and killed by a sheriff's deputy over the weekend, authorities said Tuesday.

Hannah Fizer, 25,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/c2402b227f9ea86121ccbae480fc87a8">died</a>&nbsp;Saturday night after being shot by a Pettis County deputy following a traffic stop.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol, which is investigating the shooting, initially said Fizer was shot after she said she had a gun and threatened to shoot the deputy.

Investigators who searched her car did not find a weapon, patrol spokesman Bill Lowe said Tuesday. He said no new information was available to explain why the situation escalated into a shooting. No one else was injured during the confrontation.

Fizer was stopped after she ran a red light as she drove to work Saturday night, the patrol said. She kept going even as the deputy tried to stop her, but she eventually pulled over.

<a href="https://apnews.com/c2402b227f9ea86121ccbae480fc87a8">Fizer's family and friends</a>&nbsp;expressed doubt that she had a gun. Her father, John Fizer, said Monday that his daughter never carried a gun and she was not likely to become belligerent with law enforcement officers.

No body camera or dashcam video of the encounter exists. Pettis County Sheriff Kevin Bond told TV station KOMU that the department's deputies stopped wearing cameras about three years ago because of technical difficulties and a lack of funding.

Lowe said the Fizer investigation is a priority for the patrol but that it could be up to a month before all reports are complete and information is compiled to send to the district attorney, who will determine if anyone will be charged.

The deputy, whose name has not been released, was placed on paid administrative leave pending the investigation, which is routine in officer-involved shootings. He has worked for Pettis County since 2007 and had no previous complaints against him, Bond said.

The shooting comes amid increased scrutiny of officer-involved killings since the May 25 death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Floyd was a black man who died after a white police officer pressed a knee into Floyd’s neck for several minutes as he pleaded for air and eventually stopped moving. Both Fizer and the deputy who shot her were white.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592338794006.png" alt="Hannah Fizer- courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Hannah Fizer- courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — Investigators found no weapon inside a vehicle driven by a Missouri woman who was shot and killed by a sheriff's deputy over the weekend, authorities said Tuesday.Hannah Fizer, 25,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/c2402b227f9ea86121ccbae480fc87a8">died</a>&nbsp;Saturday night after being shot by a Pettis County deputy following a traffic stop.The Missouri State Highway Patrol, which is investigating the shooting, initially said Fizer was shot after she said she had a gun and threatened to shoot the deputy.Investigators who searched her car did not find a weapon, patrol spokesman Bill Lowe said Tuesday. He said no new information was available to explain why the situation escalated into a shooting. No one else was injured during the confrontation.Fizer was stopped after she ran a red light as she drove to work Saturday night, the patrol said. She kept going even as the deputy tried to stop her, but she eventually pulled over.<a href="https://apnews.com/c2402b227f9ea86121ccbae480fc87a8">Fizer's family and friends</a>&nbsp;expressed doubt that she had a gun. Her father, John Fizer, said Monday that his daughter never carried a gun and she was not likely to become belligerent with law enforcement officers.No body camera or dashcam video of the encounter exists. Pettis County Sheriff Kevin Bond told TV station KOMU that the department's deputies stopped wearing cameras about three years ago because of technical difficulties and a lack of funding.Lowe said the Fizer investigation is a priority for the patrol but that it could be up to a month before all reports are complete and information is compiled to send to the district attorney, who will determine if anyone will be charged.The deputy, whose name has not been released, was placed on paid administrative leave pending the investigation, which is routine in officer-involved shootings. He has worked for Pettis County since 2007 and had no previous complaints against him, Bond said.The shooting comes amid increased scrutiny of officer-involved killings since the May 25 death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Floyd was a black man who died after a white police officer pressed a knee into Floyd’s neck for several minutes as he pleaded for air and eventually stopped moving. Both Fizer and the deputy who shot her were white.

Patrol: No gun found in car of Missouri woman shot by deputy

Topeka, Kan. – The Shawnee County Health Department (SCHD) is seeing an increase in both
Shawnee County and surrounding areas of COVID-19 cases directly and indirectly associated
with funerals and visitations, according to a media release.

As of June 15, 2020 there have been 41 cases including 1 death
linked to funerals in Shawnee County; these cases include residents in 5 different counties.

SCHD understands the importance of conducting funeral arrangements and visitations for our
loved ones. The guidance provided here from the Center of Disease Control (CDC) is for
individuals and families as they work with funeral directors, community and religious leaders,
and others to plan and hold funeral services and visitations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Some examples for individuals and families include:


As a reminder, human coronaviruses like the one that causes COVID-19 are most commonly
spread through coughing and sneezing, personal contact like shaking hands, and touching a
surface with the virus and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth. There are simple steps
everyone can take to help prevent spreading them:


<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592331300915.png" alt="Shawee County&nbsp; Health Director Linda Ochs during a Coronavirus Zoom meeting in May" />
 <figcaption>Shawee County&nbsp; Health Director Linda Ochs during a Coronavirus Zoom meeting in May</figcaption>
 </figure>Topeka, Kan. – The Shawnee County Health Department (SCHD) is seeing an increase in both
Shawnee County and surrounding areas of COVID-19 cases directly and indirectly associated
with funerals and visitations, according to a media release.As of June 15, 2020 there have been 41 cases including 1 death
linked to funerals in Shawnee County; these cases include residents in 5 different counties.SCHD understands the importance of conducting funeral arrangements and visitations for our
loved ones. The guidance provided here from the Center of Disease Control (CDC) is for
individuals and families as they work with funeral directors, community and religious leaders,
and others to plan and hold funeral services and visitations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Some examples for individuals and families include:
<ol>
 <li>Follow the funeral directors instructions on how to keep your service safe; and notify all
the people who are invited that you expect them to comply with the directions they will
receive in order to keep the event safe

						</li><li>Using technology to connect virtually with family and friends during the grieving
process.

						</li><li>Considering modified funeral arrangements, such as limiting attendance at funerals held
shortly after the time of death to a small number of immediate family members and
friends; and then holding additional memorial services when social distancing guidelines
are less restrictive.

						</li><li>Practicing social distancing by maintaining at least 6 feet between attendees, facility staff,
and clergy or officiants when small, in-person services are held.

						</li><li>Considering modifications to funeral rites and rituals (for example, avoid touching the
deceased person’s body or personal belongings or other ceremonial objects) to make sure
of everyone’s safety.

						</li><li>Wearing cloth face coverings while around others and outside of your home.
“We must stay diligent with conducting our own personal risk assessments when attending
events such as funerals and larger family gatherings”, said Linda Ochs, Director of Shawnee
County Health Department. “As always please continue to practice social distancing when
possible, wear a mask when able to help lessen the spread of the virus and use every day
preventative measures. And most of all – if you are sick, do not attend a funeral, and contact
your primary care provider.”

						</li>
 </ol>As a reminder, human coronaviruses like the one that causes COVID-19 are most commonly
spread through coughing and sneezing, personal contact like shaking hands, and touching a
surface with the virus and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth. There are simple steps
everyone can take to help prevent spreading them:
<ol>
 <li>Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water
are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

						</li><li>Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

						</li><li>Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

						</li><li>Stay home when you are sick and only leave home for essential items.

						</li><li>Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Additional Funeral Guidance: 
CDC – https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/funeral-guidance.html
National Funeral Directors Association – https://www.nfda.org/covid-19 Kansas State Board of Mortuary Arts – https://ksbma.ks.gov/
###
Shawnee County Health Department is committed to working in partnership with our community to
promote and protect the optimal health of all people by bridging gaps to eliminate health inequities,
respecting the diversity of our community, through adaptive and innovative processes.

						</li>
 </ol>

Health dept. in Kan. sees increase in virus cases linked to funerals, visitations

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary that sent two suspects to an area hospital and have reported a second arrest.

Just after 2 a.m. June 8, police responded to a burglary-in-progress call at the home in the 1400 Block of North Caddy in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.

Upon arrival, officers located a black 2017 Mazda 4-door that had crashed into a tree in the front yard of a separate home in the same block.&nbsp; Inside the vehicle was a 19-year-old female who had sustained a gunshot wound to her leg and a 19-year-old male who had sustained a gunshot wound to his body.&nbsp;

The woman identified as Mia Yevonne Marie Hidalgo was taken to an area hospital for treatment of a non-life-threatening injury, and the man later identified as&nbsp;Kaeden Murphy was taken to an area hospital for treatment of a serious injury.

The investigation revealed a 42-year-old man was at home with his 38-year-old spouse and 5-year-old son.&nbsp; He heard his garage door open, went outside and heard a discussion between individuals in the Mazda and a black truck, targeting his home.&nbsp; 

Murphy and Hidalgo then pulled into his driveway with their headlights off and began to get out of the car.&nbsp; The 42-year-old yelled at them and fired two times from a shotgun, striking the individuals and the Mazda.&nbsp; Inside the Mazda, officers located two handguns, and the vehicle was reported as stolen.

On Sunday police reported&nbsp;Kaeden Murphy had been moved to jail and is <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20062884">being held on requested </a>charges of aggravated burglary, theft, burglary, criminal possession of a firearm, criminal possession of a firearm and a drug violation, according to online jail records. He is being held on a $50,000 bond.

On Friday, police reported Mia Yevonne Marie Hidalgo, 19, was in custody on requested charges of aggravated burglary, theft and a drug possession charge, according to the Sedgwick County booking report. She is being <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20061018">held on a bond of $51,500,</a> according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592158007198.png" alt="Murphy photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Murphy photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary that sent two suspects to an area hospital and have reported a second arrest.Just after 2 a.m. June 8, police responded to a burglary-in-progress call at the home in the 1400 Block of North Caddy in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591965362598.png" alt="Hidalgo -photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Hidalgo -photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>Upon arrival, officers located a black 2017 Mazda 4-door that had crashed into a tree in the front yard of a separate home in the same block.&nbsp; Inside the vehicle was a 19-year-old female who had sustained a gunshot wound to her leg and a 19-year-old male who had sustained a gunshot wound to his body.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591635014456.png" alt="Police on the scene of Monday's burglary -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of Monday's burglary -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>The woman identified as Mia Yevonne Marie Hidalgo was taken to an area hospital for treatment of a non-life-threatening injury, and the man later identified as&nbsp;Kaeden Murphy was taken to an area hospital for treatment of a serious injury.The investigation revealed a 42-year-old man was at home with his 38-year-old spouse and 5-year-old son.&nbsp; He heard his garage door open, went outside and heard a discussion between individuals in the Mazda and a black truck, targeting his home.&nbsp; Murphy and Hidalgo then pulled into his driveway with their headlights off and began to get out of the car.&nbsp; The 42-year-old yelled at them and fired two times from a shotgun, striking the individuals and the Mazda.&nbsp; Inside the Mazda, officers located two handguns, and the vehicle was reported as stolen.On Sunday police reported&nbsp;Kaeden Murphy had been moved to jail and is <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20062884">being held on requested </a>charges of aggravated burglary, theft, burglary, criminal possession of a firearm, criminal possession of a firearm and a drug violation, according to online jail records. He is being held on a $50,000 bond.On Friday, police reported Mia Yevonne Marie Hidalgo, 19, was in custody on requested charges of aggravated burglary, theft and a drug possession charge, according to the Sedgwick County booking report. She is being <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20061018">held on a bond of $51,500,</a> according to online jail records.

2nd Kansas burglary suspect moved from hospital to jail

WASHINGTON (AP) — Following weeks of national protests since the death of George Floyd, President Donald Trump signed an executive order Tuesday aimed at encouraging better police practices and establishing a database to keep track of officers with a history of excessive use of force.

The Rose Garden announcement comes as Senate Republicans are preparing their own package of policing changes. Democrats have a package as well.

The GOP is rushing to respond to mass demonstrations over the deaths of Floyd and other black Americans killed by police.

It’s a sudden shift for the Republican Party — and one Democrats are watching warily — that shows just how quickly the mass protests over police actions and racial prejudice that have swept through the country have changed the political conversation.

Trump’s executive order would establish a database that tracks police officers who garner complaints about excessive use of force in their records, according to two senior administration officials who briefed reporters ahead of Tuesday’s announcement.

It would also establish a national credentialing system that would give police departments a financial incentive to adopt best practices.

It is being framed, in part, as a response to some activists’ calls to “defund the police,” a sentiment Trump and the White House have soundly rejected, arguing more resources are needed, not less.

Trump made his announcement to an audience including police officials as well as families of people who have been killed in interactions with police.

Meanwhile, Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, the sole African American Republican in the Senate, has been crafting the GOP legislative package, which will include new restrictions on police chokeholds and greater use of police body cameras, among other provisions.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., declared that Republicans are developing “a serious proposal to reform law enforcement.”

The Senate Judiciary Committee was to conduct a hearing Tuesday afternoon on “Police Use of Force and Community Relations,” drawing testimony from leading civil rights and law enforcement leaders.

“Now is the time to reimagine a more fair and just society in which all people are safe,” Vanita Gupta, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, was to tell senators, according to advance testimony obtained by The Associated Press.

The nationwide outcry “is anything but a reaction to one isolated incident or the misconduct of a few ‘bad apples,'” Gupta says. “The outcry is a response to the other horrific killings of black people by police.”

While the emerging GOP package isn’t as extensive as sweeping Democratic proposals, which are headed for a House vote next week, it includes perhaps the most far-reaching proposed changes to policing procedures from the party long aligned with a “law and order” approach.

Scott, who said he spoke with Trump about the legislation over the weekend, warned Monday that delaying voting until later this summer would be a “bad decision.”

The weekend shooting death of Rayshard Brooks by a white officer in Atlanta led to a renewed public outcry, more street protests and the police chief’s resignation.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York is among those urging Republicans not to settle for minor changes. “Now is the time to seek bold and broad-scale change,” Schumer said Monday.

With the political debate fluid, it is unclear whether the parties will be able to find common ground. The proposals emerging from Democrats and Republicans share many similar provisions but take different approaches to address some of the issues. Neither bill goes as far as some activists want in their push to “defund the police” by fully revamping departments.

Central to the Republican package would be the creation of the national database to improve transparency so officers cannot transfer from one department to another without public oversight of their records. The Democrats have a similar provision.

Yet the Republican bill does not go as far as the Democrats do on the issue of eliminating “qualified immunity,” which would enable those injured by law enforcement personnel to sue for damages. The White House has said that is a step too far. As an alternative, Scott has suggested a “decertification” process for officers involved in misconduct.

One large police union, the influential Fraternal Order of Police, said in a statement it is working with Congress and the White House on the proposals, having provided “feedback” on the Democratic bill and “substantial input” on the emerging GOP package.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592327216688.png" alt="President Trump signed the executive order on policing at 11a.m. CDT in a White House Rose Garden Ceremony -photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>President Trump signed the executive order on policing at 11a.m. CDT in a White House Rose Garden Ceremony -photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Following weeks of national protests since the death of George Floyd, President Donald Trump signed an executive order Tuesday aimed at encouraging better police practices and establishing a database to keep track of officers with a history of excessive use of force.The Rose Garden announcement comes as Senate Republicans are preparing their own package of policing changes. Democrats have a package as well.The GOP is rushing to respond to mass demonstrations over the deaths of Floyd and other black Americans killed by police.It’s a sudden shift for the Republican Party — and one Democrats are watching warily — that shows just how quickly the mass protests over police actions and racial prejudice that have swept through the country have changed the political conversation.Trump’s executive order would establish a database that tracks police officers who garner complaints about excessive use of force in their records, according to two senior administration officials who briefed reporters ahead of Tuesday’s announcement.It would also establish a national credentialing system that would give police departments a financial incentive to adopt best practices.It is being framed, in part, as a response to some activists’ calls to “defund the police,” a sentiment Trump and the White House have soundly rejected, arguing more resources are needed, not less.Trump made his announcement to an audience including police officials as well as families of people who have been killed in interactions with police.Meanwhile, Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, the sole African American Republican in the Senate, has been crafting the GOP legislative package, which will include new restrictions on police chokeholds and greater use of police body cameras, among other provisions.Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., declared that Republicans are developing “a serious proposal to reform law enforcement.”The Senate Judiciary Committee was to conduct a hearing Tuesday afternoon on “Police Use of Force and Community Relations,” drawing testimony from leading civil rights and law enforcement leaders.“Now is the time to reimagine a more fair and just society in which all people are safe,” Vanita Gupta, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, was to tell senators, according to advance testimony obtained by The Associated Press.The nationwide outcry “is anything but a reaction to one isolated incident or the misconduct of a few ‘bad apples,'” Gupta says. “The outcry is a response to the other horrific killings of black people by police.”While the emerging GOP package isn’t as extensive as sweeping Democratic proposals, which are headed for a House vote next week, it includes perhaps the most far-reaching proposed changes to policing procedures from the party long aligned with a “law and order” approach.Scott, who said he spoke with Trump about the legislation over the weekend, warned Monday that delaying voting until later this summer would be a “bad decision.”The weekend shooting death of Rayshard Brooks by a white officer in Atlanta led to a renewed public outcry, more street protests and the police chief’s resignation.Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York is among those urging Republicans not to settle for minor changes. “Now is the time to seek bold and broad-scale change,” Schumer said Monday.With the political debate fluid, it is unclear whether the parties will be able to find common ground. The proposals emerging from Democrats and Republicans share many similar provisions but take different approaches to address some of the issues. Neither bill goes as far as some activists want in their push to “defund the police” by fully revamping departments.Central to the Republican package would be the creation of the national database to improve transparency so officers cannot transfer from one department to another without public oversight of their records. The Democrats have a similar provision.Yet the Republican bill does not go as far as the Democrats do on the issue of eliminating “qualified immunity,” which would enable those injured by law enforcement personnel to sue for damages. The White House has said that is a step too far. As an alternative, Scott has suggested a “decertification” process for officers involved in misconduct.One large police union, the influential Fraternal Order of Police, said in a statement it is working with Congress and the White House on the proposals, having provided “feedback” on the Democratic bill and “substantial input” on the emerging GOP package.

President Trump signs executive order on police reform

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — A man who was shot and killed by Kansas law enforcement was wanted in a Nebraska killing.

Omaha, Nebraska, police identified the man killed Monday in Lawrence, Kansas, as 31-year-old Nicholas Hirsh, a white man who faced a first-degree murder arrest warrant for the shooting death Thursday of John Miles, 41, of Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Craig Beam, chief deputy for the Kansas division of the U.S. Marshals Service, said it appeared that the suspect had been in Kansas since Friday, when a car was stolen from Clay Center. He said the Marshals Service was helping to look for the vehicle when the Kansas Highway Patrol spotted it near Perry Lake in northeast Kansas. Beam said it was possible that the suspect had been camping there.

“Obviously he knew he was wanted,” Beam said. “He got spooked and took off”″

Troopers pursued the vehicle into Lawrence, where they eventually were able to stop it using tactical maneuvers that caused it to spin and come to a halt, the patrol said. The patrol said the man got out of his vehicle and pointed a gun in the direction of two troopers and an officer with a local law enforcement agency, and they exchanged gunfire. It’s not clear how many of the officers fired their weapons or which officer shot and killed the suspect.

Beam said a woman who also was in the vehicle was taken into custody for questioning.

No officers were hurt. The Johnson County, Kansas, Sheriff’s Office, which wasn’t involved in the chase or shooting, will investigate. The troopers involved will be placed on administrative leave during the investigation, which is standard practice.

DOUGLAS COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting in Lawrence.

Just after 3p.m. Monday, the Kansas Highway Patrol was assisting the US Marshal's service around Perry Lake, according to a media release.

The subject was located and initiated a pursuit with KHP.

A State Trooper intervened with the vehicle and caused it to become disabled in the area of 19th and Massachusetts in Lawrence.

The suspect exited the vehicle and exchanged gunfire with troopers and an officer from a local agency. The suspect, a white male, was shot and died at the scene, according to the KHP.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Officers were not injured. A female passenger in the vehicle was also taken into custody.

As is standard practice, the trooper has been placed on administrative leave while the investigation continues. The Johnson County Sheriff's office is in charge of the investigation.&nbsp; The name of the suspect has not been release.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592324285312.png" alt="Hirsh photo Omaha Police" />
 <figcaption>Hirsh photo Omaha Police</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — A man who was shot and killed by Kansas law enforcement was wanted in a Nebraska killing.Omaha, Nebraska, police identified the man killed Monday in Lawrence, Kansas, as 31-year-old Nicholas Hirsh, a white man who faced a first-degree murder arrest warrant for the shooting death Thursday of John Miles, 41, of Council Bluffs, Iowa.Craig Beam, chief deputy for the Kansas division of the U.S. Marshals Service, said it appeared that the suspect had been in Kansas since Friday, when a car was stolen from Clay Center. He said the Marshals Service was helping to look for the vehicle when the Kansas Highway Patrol spotted it near Perry Lake in northeast Kansas. Beam said it was possible that the suspect had been camping there.“Obviously he knew he was wanted,” Beam said. “He got spooked and took off”″<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592303854218.png" alt="Law enforcement near the shooting&nbsp; at 19TH and Mass Street in Lawrence Monday afternoon -photo courtesy KCTV&nbsp;&nbsp; " />
 <figcaption>Law enforcement near the shooting&nbsp; at 19TH and Mass Street in Lawrence Monday afternoon -photo courtesy KCTV&nbsp;&nbsp; </figcaption>
 </figure>Troopers pursued the vehicle into Lawrence, where they eventually were able to stop it using tactical maneuvers that caused it to spin and come to a halt, the patrol said. The patrol said the man got out of his vehicle and pointed a gun in the direction of two troopers and an officer with a local law enforcement agency, and they exchanged gunfire. It’s not clear how many of the officers fired their weapons or which officer shot and killed the suspect.Beam said a woman who also was in the vehicle was taken into custody for questioning.No officers were hurt. The Johnson County, Kansas, Sheriff’s Office, which wasn’t involved in the chase or shooting, will investigate. The troopers involved will be placed on administrative leave during the investigation, which is standard practice.-------DOUGLAS COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting in Lawrence.Just after 3p.m. Monday, the Kansas Highway Patrol was assisting the US Marshal's service around Perry Lake, according to a media release.The subject was located and initiated a pursuit with KHP.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592304347537.png" alt="Vehicle involved in the pursuit -photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Vehicle involved in the pursuit -photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>A State Trooper intervened with the vehicle and caused it to become disabled in the area of 19th and Massachusetts in Lawrence.The suspect exited the vehicle and exchanged gunfire with troopers and an officer from a local agency. The suspect, a white male, was shot and died at the scene, according to the KHP.&nbsp; &nbsp;Officers were not injured. A female passenger in the vehicle was also taken into custody.As is standard practice, the trooper has been placed on administrative leave while the investigation continues. The Johnson County Sheriff's office is in charge of the investigation.&nbsp; The name of the suspect has not been release.

Update: Man killed by Kansas officers wanted in Nebraska killing

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A man has died in an early morning house fire in suburban Kansas City, authorities there said.

Grandview firefighters were called to the blaze around 5:30 a.m. Tuesday, police said. In the course of extinguishing the fire, crews found a man dead inside the home on the southeastern side of Grandview.

Authorities have not released the identity of the man, but say he was in his 70s. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Grandview is about 15 miles south of Kansas City.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592321407005.png" alt="Police tape at the scene of the Tuesday morning house fire photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police tape at the scene of the Tuesday morning house fire photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A man has died in an early morning house fire in suburban Kansas City, authorities there said.Grandview firefighters were called to the blaze around 5:30 a.m. Tuesday, police said. In the course of extinguishing the fire, crews found a man dead inside the home on the southeastern side of Grandview.Authorities have not released the identity of the man, but say he was in his 70s. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.Grandview is about 15 miles south of Kansas City.

Police: Man killed in Kansas City-area house fire

Editor's note: An earlier version of this article included irrelevant information about the victim. The Post News Network apologizes for the oversight.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a homicide and searching for two persons of interest.

&nbsp;Just after 1:30 a.m. on Sunday, police responded to the 600 block of East 3rd street in Coffeyville for a shooting, according to a media release.

At the scene, officers located a gunshot victim identified as Otis Horner, 38, of Coffeyville.

EMS transported Horner&nbsp; a local. hospital and he was later pronounced deceased.

Two persons of interest are being sought for questioning, Ethan Bellamy, 21, and Jonathan Hall, 22, both of Coffeyville.

Police reported no additional details early Tuesday.

Editor's note: An earlier version of this article included irrelevant information about the victim. The Post News Network apologizes for the oversight.MONTGOMERY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a homicide and searching for two persons of interest.&nbsp;Just after 1:30 a.m. on Sunday, police responded to the 600 block of East 3rd street in Coffeyville for a shooting, according to a media release.At the scene, officers located a gunshot victim identified as Otis Horner, 38, of Coffeyville.EMS transported Horner&nbsp; a local. hospital and he was later pronounced deceased.Two persons of interest are being sought for questioning, Ethan Bellamy, 21, and Jonathan Hall, 22, both of Coffeyville.Police reported no additional details early Tuesday.

Police continue search for suspects in shooting death of Kan. man

TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Executive Committee of the Office of Recovery Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) Taskforce held a virtual meeting Monday.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3y_2HcAPnck">Click here</a> to watch a replay of the meeting.

Members considered an overview of the budget for the Office of Recovery, reviewed an initial budget proposal for approval and discussed&nbsp; Kansas state agency expenses for COVID-19, according to their published agenda.

The committee also considered reimbursement proposals for approval and a timeline for the Round 1 disbursement and Round 2 proposal development. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592272743814.png" alt="Governor's Kelly's&nbsp;SPARK Taskforce Executive Committee met on Zoom Monday" />
 <figcaption>Governor's Kelly's&nbsp;SPARK Taskforce Executive Committee met on Zoom Monday</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Executive Committee of the Office of Recovery Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) Taskforce held a virtual meeting Monday.<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3y_2HcAPnck">Click here</a> to watch a replay of the meeting.Members considered an overview of the budget for the Office of Recovery, reviewed an initial budget proposal for approval and discussed&nbsp; Kansas state agency expenses for COVID-19, according to their published agenda.The committee also considered reimbursement proposals for approval and a timeline for the Round 1 disbursement and Round 2 proposal development.

🎥  Gov.'s virus recovery task force reviews state agency COVID-19 expenses

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — The U.S. Treasury Department must release $679 million in coronavirus relief funding for tribes that it intended to withhold while a court challenge over the agency’s initial round of payments to tribal governments played out in court, a federal judge ruled late Monday.

U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta in Washington, D.C., said the agency doesn’t have discretion to withhold the money that is part of a federal relief package that included $8 billion for tribes. He ordered the Treasury Department to disburse it among tribal governments by Wednesday.

“Continued delay in the face of an exceptional public health crisis is no longer acceptable,” Mehta said.

The relief package was approved in late March with a deadline for the funding to be distributed to tribes by April 26.

The payments were delayed as the Treasury Department grappled with methodology. It decided to use federal tribal population data for the initial $4.8 billion distribution to 574 federally recognized tribes in early May. Much of the remaining $3.2 billion based on tribes’ employment and expenditure data went out Friday, the department said.

Mehta’s ruling came in one of several cases filed by tribes, some of which have been consolidated.

Mehta said no court order prevents the Treasury Department from releasing the $679 million. He allowed the department to withhold $7.65 million that the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation of Kansas tribe alleges it was shortchanged in the initial distribution of funding.

The Prairie Band said the Treasury Department should have relied on the tribe’s own enrollment figures to calculate its share of the money.

Mehta denied the tribe’s request to halt further distribution of the money last week, saying the Treasury Department has authority to determine how to allocate the money. Attorneys for the tribe said Monday they are appealing.

The Treasury Department said the $679 million withholding would cover the Kansas tribe if the tribe wins its case and any other tribal governments that might raise challenges. That amounts to the difference between relying on data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the enrollment figures submitted by tribes.

“It’s a means of ensuring that Treasury has actually determined an appropriate amount and paid an appropriate amount,” U.S. Department of Justice attorney Jason Lynch, representing the Treasury Department, said Monday during a court hearing in a related case.

In that case, tribes renewed a request to force the Treasury Department to disburse the remaining money, which Mehta granted.

Keith Harper, who is representing several tribes in the request, suggested earlier Monday that the Treasury Department withhold only the amount in question for the Prairie Band.

“The tribes have only until the end of this year to figure out how to spend these funds, and they can’t even make decisions on planning on how to utilize these funds,” Harper said. “Every day that goes by is further difficulties for these tribal plaintiffs.”

An undisclosed amount also was reserved for Alaska Native corporations in case the court rules in favor of the Treasury Department in a separate lawsuit brought by tribal nations over eligibility.

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — The U.S. Treasury Department is withholding $679 million in coronavirus relief funding for tribes as a challenge over the agency's distribution method makes its way through court. 

A Kansas tribe has argued it was shortchanged because the Treasury Department relied on federal population data, rather than the tribe's own enrollment figures.

 It says the money it's holding back will cover the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation if the tribe wins its case and any other tribes that might raise challenges. The Treasury Department says it has distributed the rest of the $8 billion set aside for tribes.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584462219509.png" alt="President Trump and TreasurySecretary Steve Mnuchin during a Coronavirus Task Force briefing" />
 <figcaption>President Trump and TreasurySecretary Steve Mnuchin during a Coronavirus Task Force briefing</figcaption>
 </figure>FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — The U.S. Treasury Department must release $679 million in coronavirus relief funding for tribes that it intended to withhold while a court challenge over the agency’s initial round of payments to tribal governments played out in court, a federal judge ruled late Monday.U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta in Washington, D.C., said the agency doesn’t have discretion to withhold the money that is part of a federal relief package that included $8 billion for tribes. He ordered the Treasury Department to disburse it among tribal governments by Wednesday.“Continued delay in the face of an exceptional public health crisis is no longer acceptable,” Mehta said.The relief package was approved in late March with a deadline for the funding to be distributed to tribes by April 26.The payments were delayed as the Treasury Department grappled with methodology. It decided to use federal tribal population data for the initial $4.8 billion distribution to 574 federally recognized tribes in early May. Much of the remaining $3.2 billion based on tribes’ employment and expenditure data went out Friday, the department said.Mehta’s ruling came in one of several cases filed by tribes, some of which have been consolidated.Mehta said no court order prevents the Treasury Department from releasing the $679 million. He allowed the department to withhold $7.65 million that the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation of Kansas tribe alleges it was shortchanged in the initial distribution of funding.The Prairie Band said the Treasury Department should have relied on the tribe’s own enrollment figures to calculate its share of the money.Mehta denied the tribe’s request to halt further distribution of the money last week, saying the Treasury Department has authority to determine how to allocate the money. Attorneys for the tribe said Monday they are appealing.The Treasury Department said the $679 million withholding would cover the Kansas tribe if the tribe wins its case and any other tribal governments that might raise challenges. That amounts to the difference between relying on data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the enrollment figures submitted by tribes.“It’s a means of ensuring that Treasury has actually determined an appropriate amount and paid an appropriate amount,” U.S. Department of Justice attorney Jason Lynch, representing the Treasury Department, said Monday during a court hearing in a related case.In that case, tribes renewed a request to force the Treasury Department to disburse the remaining money, which Mehta granted.Keith Harper, who is representing several tribes in the request, suggested earlier Monday that the Treasury Department withhold only the amount in question for the Prairie Band.“The tribes have only until the end of this year to figure out how to spend these funds, and they can’t even make decisions on planning on how to utilize these funds,” Harper said. “Every day that goes by is further difficulties for these tribal plaintiffs.”An undisclosed amount also was reserved for Alaska Native corporations in case the court rules in favor of the Treasury Department in a separate lawsuit brought by tribal nations over eligibility.------FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — The U.S. Treasury Department is withholding $679 million in coronavirus relief funding for tribes as a challenge over the agency's distribution method makes its way through court. A Kansas tribe has argued it was shortchanged because the Treasury Department relied on federal population data, rather than the tribe's own enrollment figures. It says the money it's holding back will cover the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation if the tribe wins its case and any other tribes that might raise challenges. The Treasury Department says it has distributed the rest of the $8 billion set aside for tribes.&nbsp;

Kan. tribe shortchanged? Treasury withholding virus relief funds

HAYS, Kan. – Players and coaches for the Hays Larks summer-collegiate baseball team are scheduled to be tested Tuesday for COVID-19, the novel coronavirus which has created a global pandemic, after a player tested positive over the weekend, according to a media release from the team.

Monday’s season opener and Tuesday’s game were canceled after results confirmed a Larks player tested positive for the virus. He had been feeling ill and took the test Saturday, with results coming back Sunday.

Frank Leo, who would have been starting his 38th season as Larks manager with Monday’s non-league game against the Colorado Springs Outlaws, said the decision on whether to play this summer rests with the results of Tuesday’s tests. Hays’ next scheduled game is 7 p.m. Friday at Larks Park against the Colorado Pirates in their Rocky Mountain Baseball League opener.

“If everyone comes up negative we’ll be able to proceed with the season Friday night,” Leo said, adding that if anybody tests positive “the season is basically done; everybody’s got to be negative.”

Ellis County Health Services Director Jason Kennedy sought guidance from the state on how to proceed, Leo said. If the season is not canceled, players will be checked regularly for signs of illness.

“The team will be closely monitoring temperatures, how the players are feeling, encouraging if you’re not feeling well don’t come to the ballpark,” Leo said. “We will be diligently monitoring players on a daily basis.”

Leo said he would be anxiously awaiting Wednesday’s test results.

“There is no contingency,” he said. “We’ve got to be negative or we’re done.”

HAYS, Kan. – Players and coaches for the Hays Larks summer-collegiate baseball team are scheduled to be tested Tuesday for COVID-19, the novel coronavirus which has created a global pandemic, after a player tested positive over the weekend, according to a media release from the team.Monday’s season opener and Tuesday’s game were canceled after results confirmed a Larks player tested positive for the virus. He had been feeling ill and took the test Saturday, with results coming back Sunday.Frank Leo, who would have been starting his 38th season as Larks manager with Monday’s non-league game against the Colorado Springs Outlaws, said the decision on whether to play this summer rests with the results of Tuesday’s tests. Hays’ next scheduled game is 7 p.m. Friday at Larks Park against the Colorado Pirates in their Rocky Mountain Baseball League opener.“If everyone comes up negative we’ll be able to proceed with the season Friday night,” Leo said, adding that if anybody tests positive “the season is basically done; everybody’s got to be negative.”Ellis County Health Services Director Jason Kennedy sought guidance from the state on how to proceed, Leo said. If the season is not canceled, players will be checked regularly for signs of illness.“The team will be closely monitoring temperatures, how the players are feeling, encouraging if you’re not feeling well don’t come to the ballpark,” Leo said. “We will be diligently monitoring players on a daily basis.”Leo said he would be anxiously awaiting Wednesday’s test results.“There is no contingency,” he said. “We’ve got to be negative or we’re done.”

Hays Larks to be tested after player contracts COVID-19

CHEROKEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a double-murder and have a suspect in custody.

Just after 8:30a.m. Sunday sheriff's deputies were dispatched to a location near Northwest 19th and Cardinal Lane in northeast Cherokee County where the bodies of 27-year-old Blaze Swank and 20-year-old Kylan Shook were discovered. Both victims had been shot.

"Our detectives, along with agents from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, conducted dozens of interviews and served search warrants throughout the day Sunday, which led us to seek an arrest warrant for Mark Gerald Hopkins II, said Cherokee County Sheriff David Groves.

Cherokee County Attorney Jake Conard obtained an arrest warrant for Hopkins late Sunday evening, charging him with Capital Murder.

Early Monday morning, deputies located Hopkins near Fairland Oklahoma. Despite his attempt to flee on foot, he was apprehended and is now being held in the Ottawa County Oklahoma Jail, pending extradition back to Kansas," according to Sheriff Groves.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592249000303.png" alt="KBI on the scene of the investigation -photo Cherokee Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>KBI on the scene of the investigation -photo Cherokee Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>CHEROKEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a double-murder and have a suspect in custody.Just after 8:30a.m. Sunday sheriff's deputies were dispatched to a location near Northwest 19th and Cardinal Lane in northeast Cherokee County where the bodies of 27-year-old Blaze Swank and 20-year-old Kylan Shook were discovered. Both victims had been shot."Our detectives, along with agents from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, conducted dozens of interviews and served search warrants throughout the day Sunday, which led us to seek an arrest warrant for Mark Gerald Hopkins II, said Cherokee County Sheriff David Groves.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592248968856.png" alt="Hopkins photo Ottawa Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>Hopkins photo Ottawa Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>Cherokee County Attorney Jake Conard obtained an arrest warrant for Hopkins late Sunday evening, charging him with Capital Murder.Early Monday morning, deputies located Hopkins near Fairland Oklahoma. Despite his attempt to flee on foot, he was apprehended and is now being held in the Ottawa County Oklahoma Jail, pending extradition back to Kansas," according to Sheriff Groves.

Kansas double-murder suspect captured in Oklahoma

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

Just after 8:30p.m. Friday, a police stopped a Ford F-150 in the city of Hoyt for a traffic violation, according to Jackson Co. Sheriff Tim Morse.

&nbsp;During the traffic stop, officers located items believed to be narcotics.

The driver of the vehicle Jack T. Moore, 55, of Kansas City, Mo. was arrested and charged with&nbsp;<a>possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia</a>, speeding, and no proof of insurance.

The passengers in the vehicle, Stephen W. Oswalt, 32, of Atchison, KS. and Donald E. Harvey, 28, of Willis, KS. were also arrested and both charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

All three were booked into the Jackson County Correctional Facility.&nbsp;&nbsp;Chief Wentling said that Oswalt and Harvey were subsequently charged with allegedly entering contraband into a correctional facility.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592256574360.png" alt="Oswalt -photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Oswalt -photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY — Law enforcement are investigating three suspects on drug charges after a traffic stop.Just after 8:30p.m. Friday, a police stopped a Ford F-150 in the city of Hoyt for a traffic violation, according to Jackson Co. Sheriff Tim Morse.&nbsp;During the traffic stop, officers located items believed to be narcotics.The driver of the vehicle Jack T. Moore, 55, of Kansas City, Mo. was arrested and charged with&nbsp;<a>possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia</a>, speeding, and no proof of insurance.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592256711241.png" alt="Harvey photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Harvey photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The passengers in the vehicle, Stephen W. Oswalt, 32, of Atchison, KS. and Donald E. Harvey, 28, of Willis, KS. were also arrested and both charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592256527633.png" alt="Moore photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Moore photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>All three were booked into the Jackson County Correctional Facility.&nbsp;&nbsp;Chief Wentling said that Oswalt and Harvey were subsequently charged with allegedly entering contraband into a correctional facility.

Sheriff: 3 jailed after officer finds drugs during Kan. traffic stop

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court ruled Monday that a landmark civil rights law protects gay, lesbian and transgender people from discrimination in employment, a resounding victory for LGBT rights from a conservative court.

The court decided by a 6-3 vote that a key provision of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 known as Title VII that bars job discrimination because of sex, among other reasons, encompasses bias against LGBT workers.

"An employer who fires an individual for being homosexual or transgender fires that person for traits or actions it would not have questioned in members of a different sex," Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote for the court. "Sex plays a necessary and undisguisable role in the decision, exactly what Title VII forbids."

The decision was a defeat not just for the employers, but also the Trump administration, which argued that the law’s plain wording compelled a ruling for the employers. Gorsuch, a conservative appointee of President Donald Trump, concluded the opposite.

He was joined in the majority by Chief Justice John Roberts and the court’s four liberal members. Justice Brett Kavanaugh, Trump’s other Supreme Court pick, dissented, along with Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas.

"The Court tries to convince readers that it is merely enforcing the terms of the statute, but that is preposterous," Alito wrote in the dissent. "Even as understood today, the concept of discrimination because of ‘sex’ is different from discrimination because of ‘sexual orientation’ or ‘gender identity.‘"

Kavanaugh wrote in a separate dissent that the court was rewriting the law to include gender identity and sexual orientation, a job that belongs to Congress. Still, Kavanaugh said the decision represents an "important victory achieved today by gay and lesbian Americans."

The outcome is expected to have a big impact for the estimated 8.1 million LGBT workers across the country because most states don’t protect them from workplace discrimination. An estimated 11.3 million LGBT people live in the U.S., according to the Williams Institute at the UCLA law school.

Gerald Bostock, a gay county government worker from Georgia whose lawsuit was one of three the Supreme Court decided Monday, said no should should have to be "fearful of losing their job because of who they are, who they love or how they identify. And the justices have now made sure that we won’t have to worry about that."

John Bursch, who argued the appeal from a Michigan funeral home owner against a fired transgender employee, said, "Americans must be able to rely on what the law says, and it is disappointing that a majority of the justices were unwilling to affirm that commonsense principle. Redefining ‘sex’ to mean ‘gender identity’ will create chaos and enormous unfairness for women and girls in athletics, women’s shelters, and many other contexts."

But Monday’s decision is not likely to be the court’s last word on a host of issues revolving around LGBT rights, Gorsuch noted.

Lawsuits are pending over transgender athletes’ participation in school sporting events, and courts also are dealing with cases about sex-segregated bathrooms and locker rooms, a subject that the justices seemed concerned about during arguments in October. Employers who have religious objections to employing LGBT people also might be able to raise those claims in a different case, Gorsuch said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588794154314.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court ruled Monday that a landmark civil rights law protects gay, lesbian and transgender people from discrimination in employment, a resounding victory for LGBT rights from a conservative court.The court decided by a 6-3 vote that a key provision of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 known as Title VII that bars job discrimination because of sex, among other reasons, encompasses bias against LGBT workers.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">No one should be fired because of who they love or how they identify, and today SCOTUS upheld that basic principle in a landmark victory for LGBTQ equality. Our work to ensure every LGBTQ person can live free from discrimination is far from over, but this is an important step. <a href="https://t.co/ZGvc4r5xDd">https://t.co/ZGvc4r5xDd</a>&mdash; Rep. Sharice Davids (@RepDavids) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepDavids/status/1272554529242972162?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 15, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>"An employer who fires an individual for being homosexual or transgender fires that person for traits or actions it would not have questioned in members of a different sex," Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote for the court. "Sex plays a necessary and undisguisable role in the decision, exactly what Title VII forbids."The decision was a defeat not just for the employers, but also the Trump administration, which argued that the law’s plain wording compelled a ruling for the employers. Gorsuch, a conservative appointee of President Donald Trump, concluded the opposite.He was joined in the majority by Chief Justice John Roberts and the court’s four liberal members. Justice Brett Kavanaugh, Trump’s other Supreme Court pick, dissented, along with Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas."The Court tries to convince readers that it is merely enforcing the terms of the statute, but that is preposterous," Alito wrote in the dissent. "Even as understood today, the concept of discrimination because of ‘sex’ is different from discrimination because of ‘sexual orientation’ or ‘gender identity.‘"Kavanaugh wrote in a separate dissent that the court was rewriting the law to include gender identity and sexual orientation, a job that belongs to Congress. Still, Kavanaugh said the decision represents an "important victory achieved today by gay and lesbian Americans."The outcome is expected to have a big impact for the estimated 8.1 million LGBT workers across the country because most states don’t protect them from workplace discrimination. An estimated 11.3 million LGBT people live in the U.S., according to the Williams Institute at the UCLA law school.Gerald Bostock, a gay county government worker from Georgia whose lawsuit was one of three the Supreme Court decided Monday, said no should should have to be "fearful of losing their job because of who they are, who they love or how they identify. And the justices have now made sure that we won’t have to worry about that."John Bursch, who argued the appeal from a Michigan funeral home owner against a fired transgender employee, said, "Americans must be able to rely on what the law says, and it is disappointing that a majority of the justices were unwilling to affirm that commonsense principle. Redefining ‘sex’ to mean ‘gender identity’ will create chaos and enormous unfairness for women and girls in athletics, women’s shelters, and many other contexts."But Monday’s decision is not likely to be the court’s last word on a host of issues revolving around LGBT rights, Gorsuch noted.Lawsuits are pending over transgender athletes’ participation in school sporting events, and courts also are dealing with cases about sex-segregated bathrooms and locker rooms, a subject that the justices seemed concerned about during arguments in October. Employers who have religious objections to employing LGBT people also might be able to raise those claims in a different case, Gorsuch said."But none of these other laws are before us; we have not had the benefit of adversarial testing about the meaning of their terms, and we do not prejudge any such question today," he wrote.The cases were the court’s first on LGBT rights since J ustice Anthony Kennedy’s retirement and replacement by Kavanaugh. Kennedy was a voice for gay rights and the author of the landmark ruling in 2015 that made same-sex marriage legal throughout the United States. Kavanaugh generally is regarded as more conservative.The Trump administration had changed course from the Obama administration, which supported LGBT workers in their discrimination claims under Title VII.During the Obama years, the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission had changed its longstanding interpretation of civil rights law to include discrimination against LGBT people. The law prohibits discrimination because of sex, but has no specific protection for sexual orientation or gender identity.Democratic presidential contender Joe Biden, Obama’s vice-president, praised the decision on Twitter as "another step in our march toward equality for all. The Supreme Court has confirmed the simple but profoundly American idea that every human being should be treated with respect."In recent years, some lower courts have held that discrimination against LGBT people is a subset of sex discrimination, and thus prohibited by the federal law.Efforts by Congress to change the law to explicitly bar job discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity have so far failed.The Supreme Court cases involved two gay men and a transgender woman who sued for employment discrimination after they lost their jobs.Aimee Stephens lost her job as a funeral director in the Detroit area after she revealed to her boss that she had struggled with gender most of her life and had, at long last, "decided to become the person that my mind already is." Stephens told funeral home owner Thomas Rost that following a vacation, she would report to work wearing a conservative skirt suit or dress that Rost required for women who worked at his three funeral homes. Rost fired Stephens.The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati, Ohio, ruled that the firing constituted sex discrimination under federal law.Stephens died last month. Donna Stephens, her wife of 20 years, said in a statement that she is "grateful for this victory to honour the legacy of Aimee, and to ensure people are treated fairly regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity."The federal appeals court in New York ruled in favour of a gay skydiving instructor who claimed he was fired because of his sexual orientation. The full 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 10-3 that it was abandoning its earlier holding that Title VII didn’t cover sexual orientation because "legal doctrine evolves." The court held that "sexual orientation discrimination is motivated, at least in part, by sex and is thus a subset of sex discrimination."That ruling was a victory for the relatives of Donald Zarda, who was fired in 2010 from a skydiving job in Central Islip, New York, that required him to strap himself tightly to clients so they could jump in tandem from an airplane. He tried to put a woman with whom he was jumping at ease by explaining that he was gay. The school fired Zarda after the woman’s boyfriend called to complain.Zarda died in a wingsuit accident in Switzerland in 2014.In a case from Georgia, the federal appeals court in Atlanta ruled against Bostock, a gay employee of Clayton County, in the Atlanta suburbs. Bostock claimed he was fired in 2013 because he is gay. The county argues that Bostock was let go because of the results of an audit of funds he managed.The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed Bostock’s claim in a three-page opinion that noted the court was bound by a 1979 decision that held "discharge for homosexuality is not prohibited by Title VII."___WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court ruled Monday that a landmark civil rights law protects LGBT people from discrimination in employment, a resounding victory for LGBT rights from a conservative court.The court decided by a 6-3 vote that a key provision of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 known as Title VII that bars job discrimination because of sex, among other reasons, encompasses bias against LGBT workers.“An employer who fires an individual for being homosexual or transgender fires that person for traits or actions it would not have questioned in members of a different sex,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e7db3b3479de425e803b2e9d35e4cab5/Gorsuch-sworn-into-Supreme-Court,-restores-conservative-tilt">Justice Neil Gorsuch</a>&nbsp;wrote for the court. “Sex plays a necessary and undisguisable role in the decision, exactly what Title VII forbids.”Justices Samuel Alito, Brett Kavanaugh and Clarence Thomas dissented.“The Court tries to convince readers that it is merely enforcing the terms of the statute, but that is preposterous,” Alito wrote in the dissent. “Even as understood today, the concept of discrimination because of ‘sex’ is different from discrimination because of ‘sexual orientation’ or ‘gender identity.’”The outcome is expected to have a big impact for the estimated 8.1 million LGBT workers across the country because most states&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/8b5086b09b9042bf808d82108b7d925c">don’t protect them from workplace discrimination.</a>&nbsp;An estimated 11.3 million LGBT people live in the U.S., according to the Williams Institute at the UCLA law school.But Monday’s decision is not likely to be the court’s last word on a host of issues revolving around LGBT rights, Gorsuch noted.Lawsuits are pending over transgender athletes’ participation in school sporting events, and courts also are dealing with cases about sex-segregated bathrooms and locker rooms, a subject that the justices seemed concerned about during arguments in October. Employers who have religious objections to employing LGBT people also might be able to raise those claims in a different case, Gorsuch said.“But none of these other laws are before us; we have not had the benefit of adversarial testing about the meaning of their terms, and we do not prejudge any such question today,” he wrote.The cases were the court’s first on LGBT rights since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/43de809e3c144a1f9048055386394263">Justice Anthony Kennedy’s retirement&nbsp;</a>and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/8234f0b8a6194d8b89ff79f9b0c94f35">replacement by Kavanaugh</a>. Kennedy was a voice for gay rights and the author of the landmark ruling in 2015 that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/9e1933cd1e1a4e969ab45f5952bbb45f">made same-sex marriage legal&nbsp;</a>throughout the United States. Kavanaugh generally is regarded as more conservative.The Trump administration had changed course from the Obama administration, which supported LGBT workers in their discrimination claims under Title VII.During the Obama years, the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission had changed its longstanding interpretation of civil rights law to include discrimination against LGBT people. The law prohibits discrimination because of sex, but has no specific protection for sexual orientation or gender identity.In recent years, some lower courts have held that discrimination against LGBT people is a subset of sex discrimination, and thus prohibited by the federal law.Efforts by Congress to change the law have so far failed.The Supreme Court cases involved two gay men and a transgender woman who sued for employment discrimination after they lost their jobs.The federal appeals court in New York ruled in favor of a gay skydiving instructor who claimed he was fired because of his sexual orientation. The full 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 10-3 that it was abandoning its earlier holding that Title VII didn’t cover sexual orientation because “legal doctrine evolves.” The court held that “sexual orientation discrimination is motivated, at least in part, by sex and is thus a subset of sex discrimination.”That ruling was a victory for the relatives of Donald Zarda,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/d9f4f874c1cb41b3981ecd5c6be1d5af">who was fired in 2010</a>&nbsp;from a skydiving job in Central Islip, New York, that required him to strap himself tightly to clients so they could jump in tandem from an airplane. He tried to put a woman with whom he was jumping at ease by explaining that he was gay. The school fired Zarda after the woman’s boyfriend called to complain.Zarda died in a wingsuit accident in Switzerland in 2014.In a case from Georgia, the federal appeals court in Atlanta ruled against Gerald Bostock, a gay employee of Clayton County, in the Atlanta suburbs. Bostock claimed he was fired in 2013 because he is gay. The county argues that Bostock was let go because of the results of an audit of funds he managed.The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed Bostock’s claim in a three-page opinion that noted the court was bound by a 1979 decision that held “discharge for homosexuality is not prohibited by Title VII.”Aimee Stephens lost her job as a funeral director in the Detroit area after she revealed to her boss that she had struggled with gender most of her life and had, at long last, “decided to become the person that my mind already is.” Stephens told funeral home owner Thomas Rost that following a vacation, she would report to work wearing a conservative skirt suit or dress that Rost required for women who worked at his three funeral homes. Rost fired Stephens.The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati, Ohio, ruled that the firing constituted sex discrimination under federal law.Stephens died last month.--------