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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Update: Woman arrested at Kan. home where body found

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kansas works to boost virus testing in meat processing towns

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

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

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

TOPEKA — Kansas Governor Laura Kelly and KDHE Chief Dr. Lee Norman discussed the state's battle with coronavirus during their Monday afternoon press conference.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovLauraKelly%2Fvideos%2F521688092071137%2F&show_text=0&width=560" width="560" height="315" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>During her opening remarks, Governor Kelly mentioned the state now has 100 deaths from coronavirus. She said that following her conference call last week that included President Trump., Kansas received additional ppe and testing supplies.Kansas Ag Secretary Mike Beam also attended Monday's briefing and addressed the outbreak of coronavirus at meat processing plants in Kansas.

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

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

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

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

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

Oil price goes negative as demand collapses

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kan. felon captured after crash in stolen car

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

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

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 137&nbsp; to&nbsp; a total of 1,986, the state health department reported Monday afternoon.Statewide virus deaths increased to 100.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional numbers from the KDHE<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587402664031.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

American schools may look radically different as they reopen

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

KRC providing COVID-19 resources for farmers, ranchers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

On a conference call Sunday afternoon that included Trump, Mnuchin and Republican senators, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., indicated the only remaining item for discussion involved the money for testing, according to a Senate GOP leadership aide who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss a private call.

Under the emerging deal, the government’s Paycheck Protection Program for small businesses would get roughly $300 billion, according to Mnuchin. The program has been swamped by companies applying for loans and reached its appropriations limit last Thursday after approving nearly 1.7 million loans. That left thousands of small businesses in limbo as they sought help. An additional $50 billion in the evolving deal would go for disaster loans.

About $75 billion would go to U.S. hospitals, for those straining under a ballooning coronavirus caseload as well as those struggling to stay financially afloat after suspending elective surgeries during the pandemic. About $25 billion would be added for COVID-19 testing, something states have said was urgently needed. The money for hospitals and testing were priorities sought by congressional Democrats.

But additional aid to state and local governments would be left out, Mnuchin said. Democrats have been keen to boost funding to cash-strapped states and local governments whose revenues have cratered, but the issue threatened to provoke fights between large, high-tax states like California and New York and smaller states more typically run by Republicans.

“The president is willing to consider that in the next bill, but wants to get this over the finish line with a focus on small businesses, hospitals and testing,” Mnuchin said.

He said he’s been in touch with GOP leaders including McConnell and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., and all are “on board with the same plan.” On the Sunday call with senators, Mnuchin and McConnell reiterated that money for state and local governments as well as food stamps would not be included in the package, according to the GOP aide.

“I’m hopeful that we can reach an agreement, that the Senate can pass this tomorrow, and that the House can take it up on Tuesday, and, Wednesday, we’d be back up and running,” Mnuchin said earlier in his TV interview.

Schumer said Democrats would insist on aid for state and local governments. They had submitted a compromise offer Friday that would provide $150 billion for states as well as cities, counties and towns based on need. ‪Key swing states for Trump in the November presidential election — Pennsylvania, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin — would receive billions in new aid under the proposal, according to a senior Democratic aide who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss details of private negotiations.

“We are pushing hard,” Schumer said. “We don’t want our police, our firefighters, our EMTs, our bus drivers — this is not an abstract issue. We don’t want them fired.”

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., predicted an agreement would be reached “soon.”

“I am pleased to report that we have been engaged in bipartisan negotiations on our interim legislation, and our progress is encouraging,” she said in a letter late Saturday to Democratic colleagues.

Republican Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, who leads the National Governors’ Association, said he and other governors believe that aid for state and local government is “desperately needed,'' but that it may not be an issue worth fighting over for now.

“I don’t think the deal is finalized yet,” he said. “But, look, we do not want to hold up funding to these small businesses. And we hope that the Democrats and the Republicans in the Senate can come together in a bipartisan way and get something moving for the American people."

Democratic New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said states needed money from the federal government to ramp up testing, and he blasted legislation that wouldn’t provide it.

“You have the president saying 15 times, ‘It’s up to the governors, it’s up to the governors, it’s up to the governors,'" he said. "And then they’re going to pass a piece of legislation that gives you know what to states: zero, zilch, nada, niente. Whatever language you want to say it, nothing. But then how are the states supposed to do this?”

The SBA loans, based on a company’s payroll costs, offer owners forgiveness if they retain workers or rehire those who have been laid off. The law provides for forgiveness for companies in any industry — even businesses like hedge funds and law firms. There’s a limit of $100,000 on the amount of employees’ compensation that can be considered when loan forgiveness is calculated.

While they wait, owners who are shut down or who’ve lost revenue have expressed unease about the longer-term impact the virus outbreak will have on their companies.

“There’s great pain out there,” said Suzanne Clark, president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “Every hour and day that goes by without this assistance is really hurting them.”

Mnuchin, Schumer and Hogan appeared on CNN's “State of the Union," and Clark spoke on CBS' “Face the Nation.”

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

Evolving virus aid package offers billions for hospitals, testing

WASHINGTON (AP) — Cameron Karosis usually strives to protect his personal information. But a scary bout of COVID-19 that began last month with headaches and fevers, progressed to breathing problems and led to a hospital visit has now left him eager to disclose as much as possible to help halt the virus’ spread.

Karosis has already shared personal details with Massachusetts health investigators. And if he was asked to comply with a disease-tracking phone app that monitored his whereabouts but didn’t publicly reveal his name and Cambridge street address, he said he’d do that, too.

“I’m sick and I’m under a quarantine -- hold me accountable for it,” the 27-year-old software salesman said. “You have the potential to kill other people.”

As countries around the world edge toward ending lockdowns and restarting their economies and societies, citizens are being more closely monitored, in nations rich and poor, authoritarian and free.

New systems to track who is infected and who isn’t, and where they’ve been, have been created or extended in China, South Korea and Singapore. And a range of other surveillance systems – some utilizing GPS location data, some gathering medical data – have been debated or piloted in Israel, Germany, the U.K., Italy and elsewhere.

The challenge: achieving the tricky balance between limiting the spread of disease and allowing people freedom to move outside their homes.

Whether the prospect on the table is “immunity passports” or cellphone-based tracking apps, the aim is to protect public health. But experts say it’s also important to avoid a slippery-slope scenario where data collected to minimize the spread of disease is stored indefinitely, available without limits to law enforcement or susceptible to hackers.

“We need to build necessary guardrails for civil liberties,” said Jake Laperruque, a lawyer at the nonprofit Project on Government Oversight in Washington. “If new data is being collected for public health purposes, it should only be used for public health purposes.”

Right now, there is no single official plan for reopening the United States, where the constitutional system gives states responsibility for maintaining public safety and where deaths from COVID-19 continue to rise steeply.

Scientists believe that the hundreds of thousands of people who already have recovered from the virus worldwide are likely to have some immunity to future infection, but they aren’t sure for how long. To ensure new cases don’t overwhelm hospital capacity, any plans to relax lockdowns will include provisions to track infections.

“The virus is not going away – if we all just come out on a certain date, it will spread widely again,” said Dr. Tom Frieden, an infectious disease expert and former director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “That means we need to think carefully about how and when we come out.”

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the White House’s top disease expert, said the administration has looked at the idea of issuing certificates of immunity to people whose blood tests reveal they have developed antibodies to fight the virus, among other possible plans. Yet they haven’t concluded that approach would be effective, he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/46ee40035d500c4190489aea0adb126b">told</a>&nbsp;The Associated Press on Tuesday.

“I know people are anxious to say, ‘Well, we’ll give you a passport that says you’re antibody-positive, you can go to work and you’re protected.’ The worst possibility that would happen is if we’re actually wrong about that” and those people get infected.

Meanwhile, public health agencies from Massachusetts to the city of San Francisco have hired a surge of people to run “contact tracing” teams. Their mission is to identify anyone who has recently been in contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19, then encourage those people to get tested and perhaps isolate themselves. These meetings can be sensitive and require training, and support, to pull off effectively.

Aiming to take the tracing approach to a new scale are tech giants Apple and Google, which are jointly working to build smartphone technology that alerts users if they shared a park bench or grocery store aisle with a stranger later found to be infected with the virus.

Unlike the more invasive location-tracking methods attempted by some governments, the Apple-Google approach uses Bluetooth beacons to detect physical proximity and encrypted keys to maintain people’s anonymity. The companies say they’re building the software for public health departments only, on the condition that they won’t make use of them mandatory.

In addition to developing the technology, experts warn that the implications of deploying such devices need to be carefully considered. Who will collect and verify the data? How long will it be held? Will enough people use a voluntary app for it to be helpful?

“We know from history that ‘emergency measures’ too often last long beyond their initial expiry date,” said Deborah Brown, a senior researcher at Human Rights Watch.

She also noted that systems that monitor cellphone location or GPS data reveal more than just where someone has recently been. “Your contacts and associations can be gleaned, potentially your religious or political beliefs,” she said -- for instance, if you’ve visited a church or mosque.

Susan Landau, a cybersecurity professor at Tufts University, said she has doubts about the effectiveness of relying on smartphone-based approaches, even if the apps are carefully designed to protect individual privacy.

“My real concern about the whole thing is I think it’s being oversold,” she said. “Does it reduce spread? I don’t doubt that. Does it enable us to eliminate social distancing? No, not as long as there’s a high portion of people who are asymptomatic.”

Collecting data should complement, but not substitute for, well-managed public health interventions, said Deborah Seligsohn, a political scientist at Villanova University.

It’s one thing to merely send a phone alert that someone exposed to a COVID-19 case should self-isolate for 14 days. It’s another to have government workers bring them groceries or other essentials to make that quarantine period possible if someone would otherwise have trouble complying, she said.

After the various lockdowns lift, it’s not clear how readily Americans will submit to tracking efforts.

Cameron Karosis had his mind changed by contracting the virus, but many others are still wrestling with the prospect of how far they’d be willing to go.

“Personally, I would not be thrilled to be forced into downloading an app, mostly because I don’t love the idea of Silicon Valley knowing even more about me than they already do,” said Maura Cunningham, a writer in Ann Arbor, Michigan. “But I’d probably give in on that pretty quickly if it were made a widespread prerequisite for getting back to normal activity at some point in the future. I’d definitely resist a blood test — that just feels too intrusive.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/10/1570046351883.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Cameron Karosis usually strives to protect his personal information. But a scary bout of COVID-19 that began last month with headaches and fevers, progressed to breathing problems and led to a hospital visit has now left him eager to disclose as much as possible to help halt the virus’ spread.Karosis has already shared personal details with Massachusetts health investigators. And if he was asked to comply with a disease-tracking phone app that monitored his whereabouts but didn’t publicly reveal his name and Cambridge street address, he said he’d do that, too.“I’m sick and I’m under a quarantine -- hold me accountable for it,” the 27-year-old software salesman said. “You have the potential to kill other people.”As countries around the world edge toward ending lockdowns and restarting their economies and societies, citizens are being more closely monitored, in nations rich and poor, authoritarian and free.New systems to track who is infected and who isn’t, and where they’ve been, have been created or extended in China, South Korea and Singapore. And a range of other surveillance systems – some utilizing GPS location data, some gathering medical data – have been debated or piloted in Israel, Germany, the U.K., Italy and elsewhere.The challenge: achieving the tricky balance between limiting the spread of disease and allowing people freedom to move outside their homes.Whether the prospect on the table is “immunity passports” or cellphone-based tracking apps, the aim is to protect public health. But experts say it’s also important to avoid a slippery-slope scenario where data collected to minimize the spread of disease is stored indefinitely, available without limits to law enforcement or susceptible to hackers.“We need to build necessary guardrails for civil liberties,” said Jake Laperruque, a lawyer at the nonprofit Project on Government Oversight in Washington. “If new data is being collected for public health purposes, it should only be used for public health purposes.”Right now, there is no single official plan for reopening the United States, where the constitutional system gives states responsibility for maintaining public safety and where deaths from COVID-19 continue to rise steeply.Scientists believe that the hundreds of thousands of people who already have recovered from the virus worldwide are likely to have some immunity to future infection, but they aren’t sure for how long. To ensure new cases don’t overwhelm hospital capacity, any plans to relax lockdowns will include provisions to track infections.“The virus is not going away – if we all just come out on a certain date, it will spread widely again,” said Dr. Tom Frieden, an infectious disease expert and former director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “That means we need to think carefully about how and when we come out.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586816593346.png" alt="Dr. Anthony Fauci listens to President Trump during Friday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing -White House image" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Anthony Fauci listens to President Trump during Friday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing -White House image</figcaption>
 </figure>Dr. Anthony Fauci, the White House’s top disease expert, said the administration has looked at the idea of issuing certificates of immunity to people whose blood tests reveal they have developed antibodies to fight the virus, among other possible plans. Yet they haven’t concluded that approach would be effective, he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/46ee40035d500c4190489aea0adb126b">told</a>&nbsp;The Associated Press on Tuesday.“I know people are anxious to say, ‘Well, we’ll give you a passport that says you’re antibody-positive, you can go to work and you’re protected.’ The worst possibility that would happen is if we’re actually wrong about that” and those people get infected.Meanwhile, public health agencies from Massachusetts to the city of San Francisco have hired a surge of people to run “contact tracing” teams. Their mission is to identify anyone who has recently been in contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19, then encourage those people to get tested and perhaps isolate themselves. These meetings can be sensitive and require training, and support, to pull off effectively.Aiming to take the tracing approach to a new scale are tech giants Apple and Google, which are jointly working to build smartphone technology that alerts users if they shared a park bench or grocery store aisle with a stranger later found to be infected with the virus.Unlike the more invasive location-tracking methods attempted by some governments, the Apple-Google approach uses Bluetooth beacons to detect physical proximity and encrypted keys to maintain people’s anonymity. The companies say they’re building the software for public health departments only, on the condition that they won’t make use of them mandatory.In addition to developing the technology, experts warn that the implications of deploying such devices need to be carefully considered. Who will collect and verify the data? How long will it be held? Will enough people use a voluntary app for it to be helpful?“We know from history that ‘emergency measures’ too often last long beyond their initial expiry date,” said Deborah Brown, a senior researcher at Human Rights Watch.She also noted that systems that monitor cellphone location or GPS data reveal more than just where someone has recently been. “Your contacts and associations can be gleaned, potentially your religious or political beliefs,” she said -- for instance, if you’ve visited a church or mosque.Susan Landau, a cybersecurity professor at Tufts University, said she has doubts about the effectiveness of relying on smartphone-based approaches, even if the apps are carefully designed to protect individual privacy.“My real concern about the whole thing is I think it’s being oversold,” she said. “Does it reduce spread? I don’t doubt that. Does it enable us to eliminate social distancing? No, not as long as there’s a high portion of people who are asymptomatic.”Collecting data should complement, but not substitute for, well-managed public health interventions, said Deborah Seligsohn, a political scientist at Villanova University.It’s one thing to merely send a phone alert that someone exposed to a COVID-19 case should self-isolate for 14 days. It’s another to have government workers bring them groceries or other essentials to make that quarantine period possible if someone would otherwise have trouble complying, she said.After the various lockdowns lift, it’s not clear how readily Americans will submit to tracking efforts.Cameron Karosis had his mind changed by contracting the virus, but many others are still wrestling with the prospect of how far they’d be willing to go.“Personally, I would not be thrilled to be forced into downloading an app, mostly because I don’t love the idea of Silicon Valley knowing even more about me than they already do,” said Maura Cunningham, a writer in Ann Arbor, Michigan. “But I’d probably give in on that pretty quickly if it were made a widespread prerequisite for getting back to normal activity at some point in the future. I’d definitely resist a blood test — that just feels too intrusive.”

Would you give up health or location data to return to work?

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary and have a suspect in custody.

Just after 2:30a.m. April 16,&nbsp; police responded to the Topeka Lutheran School located at 701 SW Roosevelt St. on a report of an alarm, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Koenen. 

Officers and a Topeka Police K-9 began to search the school and the surrounding area. During the search, officers located a suspect fleeing from the school building. After a brief foot pursuit, officers arrested the suspect later identified as 26-year-old Dylan R. Area and booked him into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Burglary, Theft, Interference with Law Enforcement and Topeka Bench Warrants.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587074522546.png" alt="Area photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Area photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary and have a suspect in custody.Just after 2:30a.m. April 16,&nbsp; police responded to the Topeka Lutheran School located at 701 SW Roosevelt St. on a report of an alarm, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Koenen. Officers and a Topeka Police K-9 began to search the school and the surrounding area. During the search, officers located a suspect fleeing from the school building. After a brief foot pursuit, officers arrested the suspect later identified as 26-year-old Dylan R. Area and booked him into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Burglary, Theft, Interference with Law Enforcement and Topeka Bench Warrants.

Suspect jailed for alleged burglary of Kansas school

TOPEKA —Governor Laura Kelly announced Sunday that Kansas has received additional supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE) to expand COVID-19 testing in Finney, Ford, Lyon and Seward counties, according to a media release.

“I want to thank our federal partners for their ongoing efforts to help our state response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Kelly said. “I particularly appreciate the assistance from Senator Pat Roberts and Senator Jerry Moran.”&nbsp;

Kansas Department of Health and Environment is working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to test and contain recent clusters of positive coronavirus cases in Kansas counties centered around food and meat processing plants.

“In order to fight this pandemic, collaboration at the state, local and federal level is paramount,” Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, said. “Expanded testing and additional supplies from the federal level will equip and inform our state and local health officials as they work to protect the health of Kansans.”

The plants in southwest Kansas account for 25 to 30% of the country’s beef processing. “Agriculture is a facet of&nbsp;our state’s&nbsp;most&nbsp;critical infrastructure –&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;doesn’t&nbsp;just feed the state, we feed the world,” Kelly said. “This is particularly true of our frontline workers in meatpacking plants across the state&nbsp;who process&nbsp;a significant portion of the nation’s supply.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Since the start of this crisis,&nbsp;the Governor&nbsp;and members of&nbsp;her&nbsp;administration have been in communication with&nbsp;those plants and representatives of their employees.

The&nbsp;facilities&nbsp;have&nbsp;modified&nbsp;several&nbsp;production and shipping systems and have&nbsp;taken&nbsp;proactive measures including temperature and health screenings, enhanced sanitation&nbsp;and social distancing.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In recent weeks, Kansas has struggled to obtain the necessary supplies needed to test and treat coronavirus patients. The State received their allocation of the Strategic National Stockpile in late March. PPE received from the SNS&nbsp;was quickly distributed to counties throughout the state based on population.

Kansas is pleased to be able to deploy this collaborative effort between local, state and federal partners to proactively address these clusters in a strategic response to protect the nation’s food supply and the health of our essential food workers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587347190071.png" alt="Kansas Governor Laura Kelly during an April 16 news conference" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Governor Laura Kelly during an April 16 news conference</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA —Governor Laura Kelly announced Sunday that Kansas has received additional supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE) to expand COVID-19 testing in Finney, Ford, Lyon and Seward counties, according to a media release.“I want to thank our federal partners for their ongoing efforts to help our state response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Kelly said. “I particularly appreciate the assistance from Senator Pat Roberts and Senator Jerry Moran.”&nbsp;Kansas Department of Health and Environment is working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to test and contain recent clusters of positive coronavirus cases in Kansas counties centered around food and meat processing plants.“In order to fight this pandemic, collaboration at the state, local and federal level is paramount,” Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, said. “Expanded testing and additional supplies from the federal level will equip and inform our state and local health officials as they work to protect the health of Kansans.”The plants in southwest Kansas account for 25 to 30% of the country’s beef processing. “Agriculture is a facet of&nbsp;our state’s&nbsp;most&nbsp;critical infrastructure –&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;doesn’t&nbsp;just feed the state, we feed the world,” Kelly said. “This is particularly true of our frontline workers in meatpacking plants across the state&nbsp;who process&nbsp;a significant portion of the nation’s supply.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Since the start of this crisis,&nbsp;the Governor&nbsp;and members of&nbsp;her&nbsp;administration have been in communication with&nbsp;those plants and representatives of their employees.The&nbsp;facilities&nbsp;have&nbsp;modified&nbsp;several&nbsp;production and shipping systems and have&nbsp;taken&nbsp;proactive measures including temperature and health screenings, enhanced sanitation&nbsp;and social distancing.&nbsp;&nbsp;In recent weeks, Kansas has struggled to obtain the necessary supplies needed to test and treat coronavirus patients. The State received their allocation of the Strategic National Stockpile in late March. PPE received from the SNS&nbsp;was quickly distributed to counties throughout the state based on population.Kansas is pleased to be able to deploy this collaborative effort between local, state and federal partners to proactively address these clusters in a strategic response to protect the nation’s food supply and the health of our essential food workers.

Kan. receives additional PPE supplies; COVID-19 testing expanded 

TOPEKA, Kan. – Law enforcement authorities are investigating an officer involved shooting that occurred Sunday afternoon in Topeka, according to Police Chief Bill Cochran.

Just 1:30 p.m. an officer from the Topeka Police Department was in the area of SW 12th St. and SW Buchanan St. conducting a traffic stop. 

The officer was then dragged by the suspect’s vehicle for an unknown distance. While the officer was being dragged, the officer fired their department issued firearm at least one time, striking the suspect.

The suspect fled and later crashed their vehicle in the area of 1208 SW Throop St. The suspect was taken into custody and officers began to render aid until paramedics arrived. The suspect was then taken to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries. 

The suspect remains at the hospital late Sunday afternoon.

The officer sustained injuries in the incident. Paramedics at the scene rendered aid to the officer and further treatment will be given. The officer is expected to recover, according to Cochran.

The officer involved has been placed on paid administrative leave as is standard protocol.

No passengers were in the vehicle at the time of the incident.&nbsp; The Kansas City Police department is in charge of the investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587341399995.png" alt="Police near the scene of the officer-involved shooting Sunday afternoon -photo courtesy&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wibw.com/content/news/Officer-involved-shooting-in-central-Topeka-569770771.html">WIBW TV</a>" />
 <figcaption>Police near the scene of the officer-involved shooting Sunday afternoon -photo courtesy&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wibw.com/content/news/Officer-involved-shooting-in-central-Topeka-569770771.html">WIBW TV</a></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. – Law enforcement authorities are investigating an officer involved shooting that occurred Sunday afternoon in Topeka, according to Police Chief Bill Cochran.Just 1:30 p.m. an officer from the Topeka Police Department was in the area of SW 12th St. and SW Buchanan St. conducting a traffic stop. The officer was then dragged by the suspect’s vehicle for an unknown distance. While the officer was being dragged, the officer fired their department issued firearm at least one time, striking the suspect.The suspect fled and later crashed their vehicle in the area of 1208 SW Throop St. The suspect was taken into custody and officers began to render aid until paramedics arrived. The suspect was then taken to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The suspect remains at the hospital late Sunday afternoon.The officer sustained injuries in the incident. Paramedics at the scene rendered aid to the officer and further treatment will be given. The officer is expected to recover, according to Cochran.The officer involved has been placed on paid administrative leave as is standard protocol.No passengers were in the vehicle at the time of the incident.&nbsp; The Kansas City Police department is in charge of the investigation.

Kansas officer injured during traffic stop, suspect shot

HUTCHINSON, Kan. (AP) — The process of establishing a new commercial hemp program in Kansas has taken a critical first step.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture approved the plan by the Kansas Department of Agriculture to change the state’s research-based commercial hemp program to a commercial program.

This approval makes it possible for farmers to grow hemp without being under the umbrella of a research program. Once this program is approved by the state, farmers will not have to make formal research proposals in order to grow the non-hallucinogenic crop.

But the program must jump through several more hurdles to change status. These include state-based rules and regulations.

Heather Lansdowne, a spokesperson for Kansas Department of Agriculture, said it doesn’t mean any immediate charge for farmers. But she added that the agency was “confident” that they would be growing commercial hemp next year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582842005199.jpeg" alt=" A bud from an industrial hemp plant, which is cannabis that has less of the psychoactive chemical compound THC than marijuana. Credit Brian Grimmett / Kansas News Service photo" />
 <figcaption> A bud from an industrial hemp plant, which is cannabis that has less of the psychoactive chemical compound THC than marijuana. Credit Brian Grimmett / Kansas News Service photo</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. (AP) — The process of establishing a new commercial hemp program in Kansas has taken a critical first step.The U.S. Department of Agriculture approved the plan by the Kansas Department of Agriculture to change the state’s research-based commercial hemp program to a commercial program.This approval makes it possible for farmers to grow hemp without being under the umbrella of a research program. Once this program is approved by the state, farmers will not have to make formal research proposals in order to grow the non-hallucinogenic crop.But the program must jump through several more hurdles to change status. These include state-based rules and regulations.Heather Lansdowne, a spokesperson for Kansas Department of Agriculture, said it doesn’t mean any immediate charge for farmers. But she added that the agency was “confident” that they would be growing commercial hemp next year.

Kansas moves one step closer to commercial hemp program

RAYTOWN, Mo. (AP) — Authorities say a Kansas City area police officer shot and killed an man at a Walmart.

Raytown police Capt. Dyon Harper said the officer was in uniform and working at the store in an off-duty capacity Saturday night when an armed man entered the store. Harper says the officer then “encountered the man and shots were fired."

It wasn't immediately clear what led up to the shooting or where exactly in the store it happened.

The man died at the scene. Police did not immediately release his name.

Harper said the officer was not injured, and has been placed on administrative leave. No other injuries were reported.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol is investigating.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587333314831.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation- photo <a href="https://www.kctv5.com/news/local_news/officer-fatally-shoots-armed-man-at-raytown-walmart/article_61466d48-81e4-11ea-92bc-9b6f8cd19692.html">courtesy KCTV</a>" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation- photo <a href="https://www.kctv5.com/news/local_news/officer-fatally-shoots-armed-man-at-raytown-walmart/article_61466d48-81e4-11ea-92bc-9b6f8cd19692.html">courtesy KCTV</a></figcaption>
 </figure>RAYTOWN, Mo. (AP) — Authorities say a Kansas City area police officer shot and killed an man at a Walmart.Raytown police Capt. Dyon Harper said the officer was in uniform and working at the store in an off-duty capacity Saturday night when an armed man entered the store. Harper says the officer then “encountered the man and shots were fired."It wasn't immediately clear what led up to the shooting or where exactly in the store it happened.The man died at the scene. Police did not immediately release his name.Harper said the officer was not injured, and has been placed on administrative leave. No other injuries were reported.The Missouri State Highway Patrol is investigating.

Officer shoots, kills man at Kansas City-area Walmart

SEATTLE (AP) — Before stay-at-home orders are lifted, the nation's public health agencies want to be ready to douse any new sparks of coronavirus infection — a task they say could require tens of thousands more investigators to call people who test positive, track down their contacts and get them into quarantine.

Without the extra help, officials insist, states cannot possibly be ready to resume normal everyday activities, and some agencies are so desperate they are considering recruiting librarians and Peace Corps volunteers to join the effort.

“We are trying to build these teams and processes in the midst of a crisis,” said Sharon Bogan, a public health spokeswoman for Seattle and King County, which are seeking at least 20 more investigators.

As federal officials weigh how and when to reopen the country, experts worry that the United States does not have enough public health workers to suppress another outbreak, especially those qualified to do contact tracing, the critically important search for people who may have been exposed to the virus.

While the exact number of workers needed is a subject of debate, a top federal health official this week acknowledged the mandate to find many more.

“Everybody agrees that our public health capacity at the local and state level is not ready to take this on at a very large scale without reinforcements,” said Dr. Anne Schuchat of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, who oversees the agency’s coronavirus response work.

The work could require as many as 300,000 public health workers — a daunting number given that the combined federal, state, and local public health workforce has been shrinking and is now probably less than 280,000, according to some estimates.

To address the shortage of help, governments are weighing whether to enlist people with little to no experience in public health, including the Peace Corps volunteers, furloughed social workers and public health students. San Francisco is training librarians, medical students and people who work for the city attorney’s office.

The extra workers would help conduct testing, isolate sick cases and trace everyone those sick people had contact with.

SEATTLE (AP) — Before stay-at-home orders are lifted, the nation's public health agencies want to be ready to douse any new sparks of coronavirus infection — a task they say could require tens of thousands more investigators to call people who test positive, track down their contacts and get them into quarantine.Without the extra help, officials insist, states cannot possibly be ready to resume normal everyday activities, and some agencies are so desperate they are considering recruiting librarians and Peace Corps volunteers to join the effort.“We are trying to build these teams and processes in the midst of a crisis,” said Sharon Bogan, a public health spokeswoman for Seattle and King County, which are seeking at least 20 more investigators.As federal officials weigh how and when to reopen the country, experts worry that the United States does not have enough public health workers to suppress another outbreak, especially those qualified to do contact tracing, the critically important search for people who may have been exposed to the virus.While the exact number of workers needed is a subject of debate, a top federal health official this week acknowledged the mandate to find many more.“Everybody agrees that our public health capacity at the local and state level is not ready to take this on at a very large scale without reinforcements,” said Dr. Anne Schuchat of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, who oversees the agency’s coronavirus response work.The work could require as many as 300,000 public health workers — a daunting number given that the combined federal, state, and local public health workforce has been shrinking and is now probably less than 280,000, according to some estimates.To address the shortage of help, governments are weighing whether to enlist people with little to no experience in public health, including the Peace Corps volunteers, furloughed social workers and public health students. San Francisco is training librarians, medical students and people who work for the city attorney’s office.The extra workers would help conduct testing, isolate sick cases and trace everyone those sick people had contact with.It’s crucial that such a system be in place before government officials ease social-distancing guidelines, reopen schools or lift stay-at-home orders, said Dr. Tom Frieden, a former CDC director.“If we have explosive spread when we reopen, we’ll have to close again. That will be very damaging, not just economically but from a health standpoint,” Frieden said.The U.S. government has funneled about $800 million to states for coronavirus response work that can include contact tracing. On top of hundreds of staff sent to states to help with coronavirus work, the CDC has already assembled “community protection teams” of six to 12 people each to do contact tracing and investigate tools that could help with it. Some have already been deployed to states where spread of the virus has been relatively low.Tiny Rhode Island has nearly 100 people "focused on nothing but contact tracing,” reaching out to hundreds of contacts of infected people each day, Gov. Gina Raimondo told reporters. She has urged all residents to take a minute each evening to write down who they physically encountered that day and where those encounters took place.“If I’m going out to the store, I’ll put the date, what store I went to, and then the time I was there,” said Drew Grande, 40, of Cranston, Rhode Island. He started a contacts diary on a note-taking app on his phone after he heard the governor's request.Contact tracing has changed over the last few months in the U.S. When the first handful of infections were being identified, teams of 20 or more might be assigned to each confirmed case. Investigations would often start with a staffer or two doing an in-person interview at a hospital bedside. Disease trackers might spend hours asking a sick person and that person's relatives who they had been in contact with since symptoms surfaced.In-person interviews are often better, said Isaac Ghinai, a CDC disease tracker assigned to Chicago to work with that city's health department.“There's a value to looking someone in the eye. You can build a relationship face to face that you can't always do by phone," he said. Some people are comfortable sharing personal details over the phone but others “require more cajoling.”With hundreds of new cases emerging each day in Chicago, that kind of attention to individual infections has largely stopped. Instead, the priority is large groups of people who are particularly vulnerable, like those at nursing homes or homeless shelters. Many new confirmed cases are not being investigated, and when they are, the interviews may be done by only two or three people, and over the phone, Ghinai said.Could there be a digital solution? Apple and Google are teaming up on a contact-tracing app, and other efforts use Bluetooth to gather data from phones that came close to an infected person. Seattle scientist Trevor Bedford has developed a digital interview that public health departments can use if they don’t have enough people trained in contact tracing.Whatever the solution, it will take a while.People have to be tested and diagnosed before contact tracing kicks into gear, and testing remains limited in many parts of the country. This week, the Association of American Medical Colleges sent a letter to the White House Coronavirus Task Force saying that testing materials and machines remain in short supply.President Donald Trump has floated the idea of easing at least some restrictions as early as May 1.Some observers believe restrictions could be eased first in places where the spread is low, if rigorous testing and contact tracing could prevent a sudden explosion in infections.But Schuchat warned that "there is no way the entire country could relax mitigation on May 1 and the country not experience a major resurgence.”