Here's the COVID-19 update from Saline County:

The Saline County Health Department has been notified of an additional case of COVID-19:

• This case is a female in her 20’s with a known close contact who is isolated at home.

Symptoms for COVID-19 appear 2 - 14 days after exposure and include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Other rarer symptoms that may develop include malaise, sore throat, and diarrhea. If you develop symptoms consistent with COVID-19 between 2 and 14 days later, please call your medical provider.

At 11 am, KDHE reported the following in their daily release:

• A total of 3,056 positive cases and 117 deaths. That is an increase of 279 positive cases from yesterday’s release.

• There have been 474 of 2,292 cases that have been hospitalized.

• 22,143 negative tests have been received through the KDHE and private labs.

• The age range is 0 years to 99 years (median 47 years of age).

KDHE noted in their release that they anticipate seeing an increase in the next several days for areas in Western Kansas due to the new testing strategies implemented.

Saline County residents are encouraged to help the community and our health care system flatten the curve and slow the spread of coronavirus. You can do this by:

• Following the Statewide Stay-at-Home Order which remains in effect until May 3rd

• Covering all coughs and sneezes.

• Washing your hands for 20 second with soap and water.

• Wearing cloth face coverings or homemade masks when in public.

Help our community in slowing the spread of this virus. Only follow official sources to obtain information: <a href="http://www.saline.org/coronavirus">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a> or <a href="http://www.kdheks.gov">www.kdheks.gov</a>. Stay Safe, Stay Healthy and Stay at Home.

Here's the COVID-19 update from Saline County:The Saline County Health Department has been notified of an additional case of COVID-19:• This case is a female in her 20’s with a known close contact who is isolated at home.Symptoms for COVID-19 appear 2 - 14 days after exposure and include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Other rarer symptoms that may develop include malaise, sore throat, and diarrhea. If you develop symptoms consistent with COVID-19 between 2 and 14 days later, please call your medical provider.At 11 am, KDHE reported the following in their daily release:• A total of 3,056 positive cases and 117 deaths. That is an increase of 279 positive cases from yesterday’s release.• There have been 474 of 2,292 cases that have been hospitalized.• 22,143 negative tests have been received through the KDHE and private labs.• The age range is 0 years to 99 years (median 47 years of age).KDHE noted in their release that they anticipate seeing an increase in the next several days for areas in Western Kansas due to the new testing strategies implemented.Saline County residents are encouraged to help the community and our health care system flatten the curve and slow the spread of coronavirus. You can do this by:• Following the Statewide Stay-at-Home Order which remains in effect until May 3rd• Covering all coughs and sneezes.• Washing your hands for 20 second with soap and water.• Wearing cloth face coverings or homemade masks when in public.Help our community in slowing the spread of this virus. Only follow official sources to obtain information: <a href="http://www.saline.org/coronavirus">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a> or <a href="http://www.kdheks.gov">www.kdheks.gov</a>. Stay Safe, Stay Healthy and Stay at Home.

Saline County reports 1 more COVID-19 case

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 279 to a total of 3056, the state health department reported Saturday afternoon.

Coronavirus deaths were reported at 117, an increase of 6 from Friday's report.

<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 279 to a total of 3056, the state health department reported Saturday afternoon.Coronavirus deaths were reported at 117, an increase of 6 from Friday's report.<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/2020/4/1587834808363.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

WASHINGTON (AP) — The financial condition of the government’s two biggest benefit programs remains shaky, with Medicare expected to become insolvent in just six years, while Social Security will be unable to pay full benefits starting in 2035, the government said this week.

And that’s before factoring what officials acknowledge will be a substantial hit to both programs from the coronavirus pandemic, which has shut down large parts of the U.S. economy and put millions of people out of work.

The depletion dates, which remained unchanged from last year’s estimates, were revealed Wednesday with release of the annual trustees reports of both programs. When Social Security’s reserves are exhausted in 2035, the program will only be able to pay 79% of benefits at that time.

Even if employment rebounds by the end of this year and payroll taxes return to near-normal levels, the shock from the pandemic shutdown could accelerate the depletion of the Social Security trust fund by about six months, officials told reporters.

If a recession extends into next year, it could mean that a depletion would come a full year earlier. The consequences may be worse for the Medicare program, which in this report is estimated to deplete its reserves in 2026.

The expected recession, projected by economists to be the deepest since the 1930s, will mean fewer people paying into Social Security and Medicare. Compounding the problem, the pandemic will impose heavier caseloads on the health program, which provides care for those 65 and older.

In a statement, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, who chairs the trustees’ group, said that the Trump administration was “working around the clock to mitigate any potential long-term negative economic effects of the pandemic and position the economy once again for strong growth.”

William Arnone, CEO of the nonpartisan National Academy of Social Insurance, which works on education and policy, said that next year’s report will be much more important because it will take into account the impact of pandemic.

More than 20 million workers have been laid off so far. As a consequence, they and their employers are no longer sending in payroll taxes to support Social Security retirement benefits and Medicare’s giant trust fund for inpatient care.

People forced to retire because of job loss could see their lifetime Social Security checks reduced because the earnings they expected to receive from work won’t be factored into the calculation of their benefits. A year is no small sacrifice for older workers who are at or near their peak earning capacity.

“That will be reflected in next year’s report,” Arnone said.

Medicare’s Part B premium for outpatient care is projected to go up by about $9 next year, to $153.30 a month.

The impact on Medicare spending may be harder to sort out, said Fred Riccardi, president of the Medicare Rights Center advocacy group. That’s because of a push-pull effect on spending.

“The demographics of this are that people on Medicare are the most severely impacted,” Riccardi said, noting that older people suffer the worst consequences of COVID-19. Hospitalizations will raise Medicare spending.

“But we also know that the stay-at-home order has put elective surgery and treatment on hold,” Riccardi continued. Older people are also the most likely to need hip and knee replacements and other procedures now paused, and that would tend to lower projected Medicare spending.

The dates are the years that both programs will exhaust their trust funds. When that happens, Social Security will have to cut benefits which many recipients depend on, or lawmakers will have to raise the payroll tax. Medicare would have to cut its payments to hospitals, nursing homes and other medical providers unless taxes are increased.

The annual trustees reports contain the same general warnings they’ve carried for years. Both benefit programs need to make adjustments to become financially sound. But the choices of cutting benefits or raising taxes to bring that about remain politically unpalatable to most lawmakers.

Instead, Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, has called for expanding both programs. On Social Security Biden would increase benefits, especially for people of modest incomes, while raising more revenue from upper-income earners.

President Donald Trump pledged during the 2016 campaign not to cut Social Security and Medicare benefits. Before the pandemic, he said in an interview that his administration would be taking a look at benefit programs, but the White House press office pushed back on suggestions he was opening the door to cuts.

Various proposals have been put forward. They include reducing the annual cost of living benefit increases for Social Security, raising payroll taxes or raising the retirement age for Medicare. Yet there is little political appetite for such changes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587590671442.png" alt="Sema Verma, Administrator of the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services during an April 19 Coronavirus Task Force briefing -White House image" />
 <figcaption>Sema Verma, Administrator of the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services during an April 19 Coronavirus Task Force briefing -White House image</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The financial condition of the government’s two biggest benefit programs remains shaky, with Medicare expected to become insolvent in just six years, while Social Security will be unable to pay full benefits starting in 2035, the government said this week.And that’s before factoring what officials acknowledge will be a substantial hit to both programs from the coronavirus pandemic, which has shut down large parts of the U.S. economy and put millions of people out of work.The depletion dates, which remained unchanged from last year’s estimates, were revealed Wednesday with release of the annual trustees reports of both programs. When Social Security’s reserves are exhausted in 2035, the program will only be able to pay 79% of benefits at that time.Even if employment rebounds by the end of this year and payroll taxes return to near-normal levels, the shock from the pandemic shutdown could accelerate the depletion of the Social Security trust fund by about six months, officials told reporters.If a recession extends into next year, it could mean that a depletion would come a full year earlier. The consequences may be worse for the Medicare program, which in this report is estimated to deplete its reserves in 2026.The expected recession, projected by economists to be the deepest since the 1930s, will mean fewer people paying into Social Security and Medicare. Compounding the problem, the pandemic will impose heavier caseloads on the health program, which provides care for those 65 and older.In a statement, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, who chairs the trustees’ group, said that the Trump administration was “working around the clock to mitigate any potential long-term negative economic effects of the pandemic and position the economy once again for strong growth.”William Arnone, CEO of the nonpartisan National Academy of Social Insurance, which works on education and policy, said that next year’s report will be much more important because it will take into account the impact of pandemic.More than 20 million workers have been laid off so far. As a consequence, they and their employers are no longer sending in payroll taxes to support Social Security retirement benefits and Medicare’s giant trust fund for inpatient care.People forced to retire because of job loss could see their lifetime Social Security checks reduced because the earnings they expected to receive from work won’t be factored into the calculation of their benefits. A year is no small sacrifice for older workers who are at or near their peak earning capacity.“That will be reflected in next year’s report,” Arnone said.Medicare’s Part B premium for outpatient care is projected to go up by about $9 next year, to $153.30 a month.The impact on Medicare spending may be harder to sort out, said Fred Riccardi, president of the Medicare Rights Center advocacy group. That’s because of a push-pull effect on spending.“The demographics of this are that people on Medicare are the most severely impacted,” Riccardi said, noting that older people suffer the worst consequences of COVID-19. Hospitalizations will raise Medicare spending.“But we also know that the stay-at-home order has put elective surgery and treatment on hold,” Riccardi continued. Older people are also the most likely to need hip and knee replacements and other procedures now paused, and that would tend to lower projected Medicare spending.The dates are the years that both programs will exhaust their trust funds. When that happens, Social Security will have to cut benefits which many recipients depend on, or lawmakers will have to raise the payroll tax. Medicare would have to cut its payments to hospitals, nursing homes and other medical providers unless taxes are increased.The annual trustees reports contain the same general warnings they’ve carried for years. Both benefit programs need to make adjustments to become financially sound. But the choices of cutting benefits or raising taxes to bring that about remain politically unpalatable to most lawmakers.Instead, Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, has called for expanding both programs. On Social Security Biden would increase benefits, especially for people of modest incomes, while raising more revenue from upper-income earners.President Donald Trump pledged during the 2016 campaign not to cut Social Security and Medicare benefits. Before the pandemic, he said in an interview that his administration would be taking a look at benefit programs, but the White House press office pushed back on suggestions he was opening the door to cuts.Various proposals have been put forward. They include reducing the annual cost of living benefit increases for Social Security, raising payroll taxes or raising the retirement age for Medicare. Yet there is little political appetite for such changes.

Social Security and Medicare funds at risk even before virus

By GENE POLICINSKI Freedom Forum

Can the government override our First Amendment rights with orders such as limits on public assemblies, faith-based gatherings and public protests during the COVID-19 pandemic?

The short answer is “yes … probably … in certain circumstances … within specific limits.”

Here’s what our public officials, should ask themselves — and what we should demand that they do — before using public health concerns as a reason to infringe on any of our core freedoms of religion, speech, press, assembly or petition.

First, take a measure of whether a quarantine, stay-at-home order or limit on public gatherings is in response to an actual crisis.

Little doubt today’s COVID-19 pandemic meets that test.

But going all the way back to 1900, courts have not always supported declarations. In that year, a federal court overturned a San Francisco quarantine order applied to a largely Chinese-American area of the city. The court, in Jew Ho v. Williamson, found the order overly broad, based on a biased and unsupported theory that rice consumption made people more likely to spread bubonic plague — a genuine health crisis of that moment.

More recently, several courts have rejected such government overreach in cases involving vaccination for measles — overturning attempts to ban unvaccinated students from attending public schools. Again, in other cases more than a century old to modern-day issues ranging from AIDS to the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) epidemic of a few years ago to concern about Ebola, courts largely have focused more on “how” government is applying limits on personal freedoms rather than “if” such action is constitutional.

In what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cites as the foundation case for government authority to impose public safety limitations, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld in 1905 Massachusetts’ state power to impose “public health control measures” in the face of a smallpox outbreak. The justices held that the 10th&nbsp;Amendment empowers states to undertake “reasonable regulations” to protect public health and safety” and cited a community’s “right of self-defense” to “protect itself against an epidemic disease.”

But both First Amendment and due process requirements of the 14th&nbsp;Amendment lead us to the second question that public officials should ask themselves: Is the order the least-restrictive means to protecting public health?

We see such reasoning applied when officials have turned first to “social distancing” — 6-, 8- or 10-foot separation from others — or limits on the number of people at public gatherings, rather than attempting outright bans on all meetings or short-term school closings before canceling classes for an entire semester.

As a coalition of free-speech groups — including, I should note, the Freedom Forum — argued in an open letter recently to federal, state and local officials, there also are ways to protest that don’t violate health orders: “Wearing masks and standing 6 feet apart outside hospitals and other places of business to protest inadequate safety precautions; participating in car demonstrations in Arizona, California and Michigan; and launching digital campaigns.”

The letter was prompted in part by a tweet on April 14 by police in Raleigh, N.C., that public protest is “a non-essential activity.” The coalition letter argued that “people must be free to express disagreement with government decisions, even when it involves criticism of essential public health measures.”

Two lawsuits directly stemming from COVID-19 restrictions give a hint as to the legal battles ahead.

Temple Baptist Church in Greenville, Miss.,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/justice-department-church-greenville-mississippi-coronavirus-order/" target="_blank">filed a federal lawsuit</a>&nbsp;challenging $500 fines for worshipers who attended a “drive-in” service in which they remained in their cars. The U.S. Justice Department is supporting the church, saying police targeted a religious gathering and were not applying meeting limits equally to secular events, and that a ban on attending services in a car does not meet the “least-restrictive methods” test.

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court upheld last week that Gov. Tom Wolf’s March 19 order banning “non-life-essential” meetings does not violate the First Amendment right to peaceably assemble or other constitutional rights. A group supporting a congressional candidate had challenged the executive order, claiming multiple constitutional violations, including that it interfered with members’ rights to peaceably assemble at a “place of physical operations” that they wish to use to engage in speech and advocacy.

However, the justices, in&nbsp;<a href="https://law.justia.com/cases/pennsylvania/supreme-court/2020/68-mm-2020.html" target="_blank">Friends of Danny DeVito, et al v. Wolf</a>, said, “Constitutional rights to free speech and assembly … are not absolute, and states may place content-neutral time, place and manner restrictions on speech and assembly,” as long as the restrictions further a substantial governmental interest and do not unreasonably limit alternative means of communication, such as online campaigning.

Technology may be a barrier to successful challenges by faith-based communities to orders preventing them from gathering to worship, which some groups argue is essential to their religious practices. Courts may find that online meeting apps and software, such as Zoom and GoToMeeting, provide reasonable alternatives to actual gatherings, at least for a short time. Critics of social distancing or meeting bans may counter that not all people have access to the web, but not everyone has ready transportation to attend services in person, either.

And the element of time introduces a third question to be asked, likely to come more into play as the coronavirus crisis lengthens: “Is the duration of the limit appropriate to the danger?” As the danger to public health ebbs, the legal justification for preventing in-person worship services or shoulder-to-shoulder protest marches also will diminish.

For those watching the daily briefings from the White House, federal officials are, for now, limited in their power to impose widespread orders like stay-at-home restrictions. The U.S. government can impose individual quarantines to prevent the spread of diseases like cholera, yellow fever, pandemic flu and now “severe acute respiratory syndromes” like COVID-19 across state lines. But as with state and local officials, federal agencies like the CDC show a clear and compelling reason for detention — that it’s the least restrictive measure required to protect public health.

A complicating factor for First Amendment watchdogs is that each state has its own version of laws authorizing quarantines and isolation orders. A starting point for opponents of such restrictions rests with the U.S. Constitution’s provision in the 14th&nbsp;Amendment that none of us can be denied “life, liberty or property, without due process of law.” Again, courts have held there are reasons when we can be deprived of liberty because we pose a danger to others — for example, because of mental illness (U.S. Supreme Court, Addington v. Texas, 1979).

But even in such cases, government has to prove a “clear and compelling danger,” not just a scientific theory or concern that someone or something might be a threat — a legal standard which might come to rely heavily on testing for COVID-19 exposure and infection once those interventions become widespread.

The COVID-19 outbreak is a real threat to public health, but it should not be a reason for long-term damage to our core freedoms.

Gene Policinski is a senior fellow for the First Amendment at the Freedom Forum, and president and chief operating officer of the Freedom Forum Institute. He can be reached at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:gpolicinski@freedomforum.org" target="_blank">gpolicinski@freedomforum.org</a>, or follow him on Twitter at&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/@genefac" target="_blank">@genefac</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573872297806.png" alt="Gene Policinski. Photo courtesy Freedom Forum" />
 <figcaption>Gene Policinski. Photo courtesy Freedom Forum</figcaption>
 </figure>By GENE POLICINSKI Freedom ForumCan the government override our First Amendment rights with orders such as limits on public assemblies, faith-based gatherings and public protests during the COVID-19 pandemic?The short answer is “yes … probably … in certain circumstances … within specific limits.”Here’s what our public officials, should ask themselves — and what we should demand that they do — before using public health concerns as a reason to infringe on any of our core freedoms of religion, speech, press, assembly or petition.First, take a measure of whether a quarantine, stay-at-home order or limit on public gatherings is in response to an actual crisis.Little doubt today’s COVID-19 pandemic meets that test.But going all the way back to 1900, courts have not always supported declarations. In that year, a federal court overturned a San Francisco quarantine order applied to a largely Chinese-American area of the city. The court, in Jew Ho v. Williamson, found the order overly broad, based on a biased and unsupported theory that rice consumption made people more likely to spread bubonic plague — a genuine health crisis of that moment.More recently, several courts have rejected such government overreach in cases involving vaccination for measles — overturning attempts to ban unvaccinated students from attending public schools. Again, in other cases more than a century old to modern-day issues ranging from AIDS to the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) epidemic of a few years ago to concern about Ebola, courts largely have focused more on “how” government is applying limits on personal freedoms rather than “if” such action is constitutional.In what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cites as the foundation case for government authority to impose public safety limitations, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld in 1905 Massachusetts’ state power to impose “public health control measures” in the face of a smallpox outbreak. The justices held that the 10th&nbsp;Amendment empowers states to undertake “reasonable regulations” to protect public health and safety” and cited a community’s “right of self-defense” to “protect itself against an epidemic disease.”But both First Amendment and due process requirements of the 14th&nbsp;Amendment lead us to the second question that public officials should ask themselves: Is the order the least-restrictive means to protecting public health?We see such reasoning applied when officials have turned first to “social distancing” — 6-, 8- or 10-foot separation from others — or limits on the number of people at public gatherings, rather than attempting outright bans on all meetings or short-term school closings before canceling classes for an entire semester.As a coalition of free-speech groups — including, I should note, the Freedom Forum — argued in an open letter recently to federal, state and local officials, there also are ways to protest that don’t violate health orders: “Wearing masks and standing 6 feet apart outside hospitals and other places of business to protest inadequate safety precautions; participating in car demonstrations in Arizona, California and Michigan; and launching digital campaigns.”The letter was prompted in part by a tweet on April 14 by police in Raleigh, N.C., that public protest is “a non-essential activity.” The coalition letter argued that “people must be free to express disagreement with government decisions, even when it involves criticism of essential public health measures.”Two lawsuits directly stemming from COVID-19 restrictions give a hint as to the legal battles ahead.Temple Baptist Church in Greenville, Miss.,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/justice-department-church-greenville-mississippi-coronavirus-order/" target="_blank">filed a federal lawsuit</a>&nbsp;challenging $500 fines for worshipers who attended a “drive-in” service in which they remained in their cars. The U.S. Justice Department is supporting the church, saying police targeted a religious gathering and were not applying meeting limits equally to secular events, and that a ban on attending services in a car does not meet the “least-restrictive methods” test.The Pennsylvania Supreme Court upheld last week that Gov. Tom Wolf’s March 19 order banning “non-life-essential” meetings does not violate the First Amendment right to peaceably assemble or other constitutional rights. A group supporting a congressional candidate had challenged the executive order, claiming multiple constitutional violations, including that it interfered with members’ rights to peaceably assemble at a “place of physical operations” that they wish to use to engage in speech and advocacy.However, the justices, in&nbsp;<a href="https://law.justia.com/cases/pennsylvania/supreme-court/2020/68-mm-2020.html" target="_blank">Friends of Danny DeVito, et al v. Wolf</a>, said, “Constitutional rights to free speech and assembly … are not absolute, and states may place content-neutral time, place and manner restrictions on speech and assembly,” as long as the restrictions further a substantial governmental interest and do not unreasonably limit alternative means of communication, such as online campaigning.Technology may be a barrier to successful challenges by faith-based communities to orders preventing them from gathering to worship, which some groups argue is essential to their religious practices. Courts may find that online meeting apps and software, such as Zoom and GoToMeeting, provide reasonable alternatives to actual gatherings, at least for a short time. Critics of social distancing or meeting bans may counter that not all people have access to the web, but not everyone has ready transportation to attend services in person, either.And the element of time introduces a third question to be asked, likely to come more into play as the coronavirus crisis lengthens: “Is the duration of the limit appropriate to the danger?” As the danger to public health ebbs, the legal justification for preventing in-person worship services or shoulder-to-shoulder protest marches also will diminish.For those watching the daily briefings from the White House, federal officials are, for now, limited in their power to impose widespread orders like stay-at-home restrictions. The U.S. government can impose individual quarantines to prevent the spread of diseases like cholera, yellow fever, pandemic flu and now “severe acute respiratory syndromes” like COVID-19 across state lines. But as with state and local officials, federal agencies like the CDC show a clear and compelling reason for detention — that it’s the least restrictive measure required to protect public health.A complicating factor for First Amendment watchdogs is that each state has its own version of laws authorizing quarantines and isolation orders. A starting point for opponents of such restrictions rests with the U.S. Constitution’s provision in the 14th&nbsp;Amendment that none of us can be denied “life, liberty or property, without due process of law.” Again, courts have held there are reasons when we can be deprived of liberty because we pose a danger to others — for example, because of mental illness (U.S. Supreme Court, Addington v. Texas, 1979).But even in such cases, government has to prove a “clear and compelling danger,” not just a scientific theory or concern that someone or something might be a threat — a legal standard which might come to rely heavily on testing for COVID-19 exposure and infection once those interventions become widespread.The COVID-19 outbreak is a real threat to public health, but it should not be a reason for long-term damage to our core freedoms.Gene Policinski is a senior fellow for the First Amendment at the Freedom Forum, and president and chief operating officer of the Freedom Forum Institute. He can be reached at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:gpolicinski@freedomforum.org" target="_blank">gpolicinski@freedomforum.org</a>, or follow him on Twitter at&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/@genefac" target="_blank">@genefac</a>.

First Five: Our First Amendment rights must survive COVID-19

Developing a spending plan can help reduce stress, maintain control of your financial position

MANHATTAN – The economic fallout from closed businesses and lost jobs linked to the new coronavirus hit with almost no warning, abruptly slashing the income of millions of Americans. The situation is heightening stress as individuals and families figure out how to pay rent, utility bills and more.

“An abrupt loss of income, whatever the reason, can be traumatic,” said Kansas State University associate professor Elizabeth Kiss. “When it happens, a common instinct is to panic. Although natural, avoid the temptation to tailspin as much as possible.”

It may feel like you’re not in control right now, but there are things you can control, said Kiss, a family resource specialist with K-State Research and Extension (KSRE). She provided suggestions in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF3497.pdf" target="_blank">Don’t Panic – Take Control</a>&nbsp;one of a series of resources available free online under the title, When Your Income Drops.

•Don’t panic, take control. Don’t blame yourself for the current situation. Instead use that energy to deal with your situation.

•Control stress. Being proactive about developing a plan to manage your finances can reduce stress.

•Take stock of family resources. Know what you own and what you owe. Find out about community or government resources available to help people in tough situations like yours.

•Set priorities for spending. Now’s the time to talk with family members about how each uses money. Design a family spending plan.

•Pay creditors. It may mean calling them to make arrangements that you both can live with.

•Keep a roof overhead and meet insurance needs. Knowing that the basics like food and diapers, the mortgage or rent, the utilities and essential insurance are paid for can go a long way toward easing stress.

•Sharpen your economic survival skills. Consider how you can substitute, conserve, cooperate or cut back on your spending.

When Your Income Drops fact sheets are available&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/family-finances/" target="_blank">online</a>&nbsp;on the K-State Research and Extension website.

<h2>Developing a spending plan can help reduce stress, maintain control of your financial position</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587780450451.jpeg" alt="Image courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN – The economic fallout from closed businesses and lost jobs linked to the new coronavirus hit with almost no warning, abruptly slashing the income of millions of Americans. The situation is heightening stress as individuals and families figure out how to pay rent, utility bills and more.“An abrupt loss of income, whatever the reason, can be traumatic,” said Kansas State University associate professor Elizabeth Kiss. “When it happens, a common instinct is to panic. Although natural, avoid the temptation to tailspin as much as possible.”It may feel like you’re not in control right now, but there are things you can control, said Kiss, a family resource specialist with K-State Research and Extension (KSRE). She provided suggestions in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF3497.pdf" target="_blank">Don’t Panic – Take Control</a>&nbsp;one of a series of resources available free online under the title, When Your Income Drops.In it, Kiss encourages people to:•Don’t panic, take control. Don’t blame yourself for the current situation. Instead use that energy to deal with your situation.•Control stress. Being proactive about developing a plan to manage your finances can reduce stress.•Take stock of family resources. Know what you own and what you owe. Find out about community or government resources available to help people in tough situations like yours.•Set priorities for spending. Now’s the time to talk with family members about how each uses money. Design a family spending plan.•Pay creditors. It may mean calling them to make arrangements that you both can live with.•Keep a roof overhead and meet insurance needs. Knowing that the basics like food and diapers, the mortgage or rent, the utilities and essential insurance are paid for can go a long way toward easing stress.•Sharpen your economic survival skills. Consider how you can substitute, conserve, cooperate or cut back on your spending.When Your Income Drops fact sheets are available&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/family-finances/" target="_blank">online</a>&nbsp;on the K-State Research and Extension website.

Income drop? Take stock and set priorities

MCPHERSON -- The McPherson County Health Department reported some good news today concerning the COVID-19 pandemic.

While no new confirmed cases were reported, the department did report that of the 20 confirmed cases, 13 have met the recovery guidelines set forth by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

Four of the 20 confirmed cases are currently hospitalized, the health department noted.

MCPHERSON -- The McPherson County Health Department reported some good news today concerning the COVID-19 pandemic.While no new confirmed cases were reported, the department did report that of the 20 confirmed cases, 13 have met the recovery guidelines set forth by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.Four of the 20 confirmed cases are currently hospitalized, the health department noted.

COVID-19: 13 of 20 cases in McPherson Co. recovered

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — State officials said Friday Kansas may be nearing or has already reached its peak in COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths, leaving the state to focus on the economic fallout of closing businesses to stem the spread.

Kansas saw the number of deaths drop Friday from 112 to 111 after an investigation determined one of the previously counted fatalities was not related to the coronavirus. Positive cases increased by 295 to 2,777. But the increase comes as the state, whose testing rate had been among the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/f6828656a14b81e1b0d695662b58ec3e">lowest&nbsp;</a>in the nation, works to boost testing.

Gov. Laura Kelly said it appears the state is “headed toward the downhill slope of this journey.”

“We should be able to proceed with our transition from response to recovery next week as planned,” Kelly said. That includes working on a plan for spending federal aid, reopening the economy in phases and identifying a strategy for “addressing an imminent budget crisis.”

The National Governors Association is calling on Congress to approve $500 billion more for direct aid to states, and Kelly said such funding is critical. The emergency federal funding that has been approved so far can’t be used by state’s to plug holes in their budgets.

Kelly noted Kansas is facing a projected 8.1% shortfall in its next state budget after a new fiscal forecast slashed projections for expected tax collections over the next 15 months by nearly $1.37 billion, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/66bc36a2cf33d0b60df265bdd0b70a70">projections</a>&nbsp;released earlier this week.

“The Great Recession cuts were brutal, but they occurred gradually,” Kelly said, adding that without federal help, “Kansas will be forced to make all of those cuts in just one budget cycle.”

She said it is particularly crucial to protect education, health care and infrastructure spending.

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

In Kansas, the cases are heavily concentrated in nursing homes and rehabilitation facilities, where there are 19 clusters and 63 deaths, 57% of the state’s total. Federal and state officials also are monitoring outbreaks in six meatpacking plants, where 250 are infected.

Dr. Lee Norman, the state’s health director, said the state is beginning to have the capacity not just to test the ill, but to conduct surveillance testing to determine the prevalence of the virus in different communities.

“One of the things we do not want to do is fly blind in terms of predicting and in terms of allocating resources,” Norman said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587774515099.png" alt="Dr. Lee Norman responds to a question during Friday's press conference" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Lee Norman responds to a question during Friday's press conference</figcaption>
 </figure>MISSION, Kan. (AP) — State officials said Friday Kansas may be nearing or has already reached its peak in COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths, leaving the state to focus on the economic fallout of closing businesses to stem the spread.Kansas saw the number of deaths drop Friday from 112 to 111 after an investigation determined one of the previously counted fatalities was not related to the coronavirus. Positive cases increased by 295 to 2,777. But the increase comes as the state, whose testing rate had been among the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/f6828656a14b81e1b0d695662b58ec3e">lowest&nbsp;</a>in the nation, works to boost testing.Gov. Laura Kelly said it appears the state is “headed toward the downhill slope of this journey.”“We should be able to proceed with our transition from response to recovery next week as planned,” Kelly said. That includes working on a plan for spending federal aid, reopening the economy in phases and identifying a strategy for “addressing an imminent budget crisis.”The National Governors Association is calling on Congress to approve $500 billion more for direct aid to states, and Kelly said such funding is critical. The emergency federal funding that has been approved so far can’t be used by state’s to plug holes in their budgets.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587774640369.png" alt="On Friday afternoon, Governor Laura Kelly said, "The state is headed toward the downhill slope of this journey.”" />
 <figcaption>On Friday afternoon, Governor Laura Kelly said, "The state is headed toward the downhill slope of this journey.”</figcaption>
 </figure>Kelly noted Kansas is facing a projected 8.1% shortfall in its next state budget after a new fiscal forecast slashed projections for expected tax collections over the next 15 months by nearly $1.37 billion, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/66bc36a2cf33d0b60df265bdd0b70a70">projections</a>&nbsp;released earlier this week.“The Great Recession cuts were brutal, but they occurred gradually,” Kelly said, adding that without federal help, “Kansas will be forced to make all of those cuts in just one budget cycle.”She said it is particularly crucial to protect education, health care and infrastructure spending.For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness and death.In Kansas, the cases are heavily concentrated in nursing homes and rehabilitation facilities, where there are 19 clusters and 63 deaths, 57% of the state’s total. Federal and state officials also are monitoring outbreaks in six meatpacking plants, where 250 are infected.Dr. Lee Norman, the state’s health director, said the state is beginning to have the capacity not just to test the ill, but to conduct surveillance testing to determine the prevalence of the virus in different communities.“One of the things we do not want to do is fly blind in terms of predicting and in terms of allocating resources,” Norman said.

Officials: Kansas may be near peak in coronavirus deaths

Here is the Friday COVID-19 update from Saline County:

The Saline County Health Department has been notified of an additional positive case of COVID-19.

• This case involves a female in her 30’s associated with an already identified cluster of cases in Wichita. She is currently in isolation at her residence. All direct contacts have been isolated and are being monitored. While exhibiting mild symptoms, the patient traveled to the following places:

April 15th, unknown time frame – Dillon’s located at 2350 Planet Ave Salina, KS

April 20th, between 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm – Wal Mart at 2900 S. 9th Street Salina

April 21st, between 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm – Dillon’s located at 1235 E Cloud Salina, KS

April 22nd, between 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm – Dillon’s located at 1235 E Cloud Salina, KS

April 23rd, between 1:15 pm – 2:45 pm – Dillon’s located at 1201 W Crawford Salina, KS

Symptoms for COVID-19 appear 2 – 14 days after exposure and include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Other rarer symptoms that may develop include malaise, sore throat, and diarrhea. If you were at any of the above locations during these specific dates and times and develop symptoms consistent with COVID-19 between 2 and 14 days later, please call your medical provider.

If you have questions, please contact the Saline County Health Department at 785-826-6600.

• A total of 2,777 positive cases and 111 deaths. That is an increase of 295 positive cases from yesterdays release.

• There have been 457 of 2,173 cases that have been hospitalized (21%).

• 20,806 negative tests have been received through the KDHE and private labs.

• The age range is 0 years to 99 years (median 50 years of age).

Governor Kelly’s Statewide Stay-at-Home order is still in effect. Social distancing is imperative. It cannot be stressed enough the importance of staying home and only going out for essential tasks.

Help our community in stopping the spread of this virus. Only follow official sources to obtain information: <a href="http://www.saline.org/coronavirus">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a> or <a href="http://www.kdheks.gov">www.kdheks.gov</a>. Stay Safe, Stay Healthy and Stay at Home.

Here is the Friday COVID-19 update from Saline County:The Saline County Health Department has been notified of an additional positive case of COVID-19.• This case involves a female in her 30’s associated with an already identified cluster of cases in Wichita. She is currently in isolation at her residence. All direct contacts have been isolated and are being monitored. While exhibiting mild symptoms, the patient traveled to the following places:April 15th, unknown time frame – Dillon’s located at 2350 Planet Ave Salina, KSApril 20th, between 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm – Wal Mart at 2900 S. 9th Street SalinaApril 21st, between 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm – Dillon’s located at 1235 E Cloud Salina, KSApril 22nd, between 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm – Dillon’s located at 1235 E Cloud Salina, KSApril 23rd, between 1:15 pm – 2:45 pm – Dillon’s located at 1201 W Crawford Salina, KSSymptoms for COVID-19 appear 2 – 14 days after exposure and include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Other rarer symptoms that may develop include malaise, sore throat, and diarrhea. If you were at any of the above locations during these specific dates and times and develop symptoms consistent with COVID-19 between 2 and 14 days later, please call your medical provider.If you have questions, please contact the Saline County Health Department at 785-826-6600.At 11 am, KDHE reported the following in their daily release:• A total of 2,777 positive cases and 111 deaths. That is an increase of 295 positive cases from yesterdays release.• There have been 457 of 2,173 cases that have been hospitalized (21%).• 20,806 negative tests have been received through the KDHE and private labs.• The age range is 0 years to 99 years (median 50 years of age).Governor Kelly’s Statewide Stay-at-Home order is still in effect. Social distancing is imperative. It cannot be stressed enough the importance of staying home and only going out for essential tasks.Help our community in stopping the spread of this virus. Only follow official sources to obtain information: <a href="http://www.saline.org/coronavirus">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a> or <a href="http://www.kdheks.gov">www.kdheks.gov</a>. Stay Safe, Stay Healthy and Stay at Home.

Saline County: 1 new confirmed case of COVID-19

ALBANY,&nbsp; N.Y. —To end his daily press conference Friday, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo shared a letter he received from a farmer in northeast Kansas.&nbsp;

According to Cuomo, the farmer's wife is ill and he is aging.&nbsp;

"He sent me 1 of 5 N95 masks he has from farming to pass on to a doctor or nurse in New York. This is humanity at its best. I share his letter as inspiration."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Fast forward to 22:05 to listen to Cuomo read the letter.

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly also shared comments about the letter on social media and said, "This incredible example of kindness and generosity is the epitome of what it means to be a Kansan. I am so proud to be the governor of this great state."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587753434953.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>ALBANY,&nbsp; N.Y. —To end his daily press conference Friday, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo shared a letter he received from a farmer in northeast Kansas.&nbsp;According to Cuomo, the farmer's wife is ill and he is aging.&nbsp;"He sent me 1 of 5 N95 masks he has from farming to pass on to a doctor or nurse in New York. This is humanity at its best. I share his letter as inspiration."&nbsp;&nbsp;Fast forward to 22:05 to listen to Cuomo read the letter.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Holding a briefing with updates on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Coronavirus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Coronavirus</a>. Watch Live: <a href="https://t.co/G8ZpT8sfoR">https://t.co/G8ZpT8sfoR</a>&mdash; Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) <a href="https://twitter.com/NYGovCuomo/status/1253708565212041216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly also shared comments about the letter on social media and said, "This incredible example of kindness and generosity is the epitome of what it means to be a Kansan. I am so proud to be the governor of this great state."

New York governor shares letter from Kansas farmer

WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House is pitching “emerging” research on the benefits of sunlight and humidity in diminishing the threat of the coronavirus as President Donald Trump encourages states to move to reopen their economies.

Past studies have not found good evidence that the warmer temperatures and higher humidity of spring and summer will help tamp down the spread of the virus.

But William Bryan of the Department of Homeland Security said at a White House briefing Thursday that there are “emerging results” from new research that suggest solar light has a powerful effect in killing the virus on surfaces and in the air. He said scientists have seen a similar effect from higher temperatures and humidity. A biocontainment lab in Maryland has been conducting testing on the virus since February, Bryan said.

“The virus is dying at a much more rapid pace just from exposure to higher temperatures and just from exposure to humidity,” Bryan said.

Bryan said having more knowledge about this could help governors when making decisions about how and when to open their state economies. However, he stressed that the emerging results of the light and heat studies do not replace social distancing recommendations.

Trump, who has consistently looked for hopeful news about containing the virus, was asked if it was dangerous to make people think they would be safe by going outside in the heat, considering that so many people have died in Florida.

“I hope people enjoy the sun. And if it has an impact, that’s great,” Trump replied, adding, “It’s just a suggestion from a brilliant lab by a very, very smart, perhaps brilliant man.”

“I’m here to present ideas, because we want ideas to get rid of this thing. And if heat is good, and if sunlight is good, that’s a great thing as far as I’m concerned,” the president said.

Trump noted that the researchers were also looking at the effects of disinfectants on the virus and wondered aloud if they could be injected into people, saying the virus “does a tremendous number on the lungs, so it would be interesting to check that.” Bryan said there was no consideration of that.

The president has often talked up prospects for new therapies and offered rosy timelines for the development of a vaccine.

Earlier in the month, scientific advisers told the White House there’s no good evidence yet that the heat and humidity of summer will rein in the virus without continued public health measures.

Researchers convened by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine analyzed studies done so far to test virus survival under different laboratory conditions as well as tracking where and how COVID-19 has spread so far.

“Given that countries currently in ‘summer’ climates, such as Australia and Iran, are experiencing rapid virus spread, a decrease in cases with increases in humidity and temperature elsewhere should not be assumed,” the researchers wrote earlier in April in response to questions from the White House Office of Science and Technology.

In addition, the report cited the global lack of immunity to the new virus and concluded, “if there is an effect of temperature and humidity on transmission, it may not be as apparent as with other respiratory viruses for which there is at least some preexisting partial immunity.”

They noted that during 10 previous flu pandemics, regardless of what season they started, all had a peak second wave about six months after the virus first emerged.

In March, Dr. Michael Ryan, the World Health Organization’s emergencies chief. said, “We have to assume that the virus will continue to have the capacity to spread, and it’s a false hope to say yes, it will just disappear in the summertime like influenza.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587725492311.png" alt="President Trump and William Bryan, Science and Technology Director at the Department of Homeland Security" />
 <figcaption>President Trump and William Bryan, Science and Technology Director at the Department of Homeland Security</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House is pitching “emerging” research on the benefits of sunlight and humidity in diminishing the threat of the coronavirus as President Donald Trump encourages states to move to reopen their economies.Past studies have not found good evidence that the warmer temperatures and higher humidity of spring and summer will help tamp down the spread of the virus.But William Bryan of the Department of Homeland Security said at a White House briefing Thursday that there are “emerging results” from new research that suggest solar light has a powerful effect in killing the virus on surfaces and in the air. He said scientists have seen a similar effect from higher temperatures and humidity. A biocontainment lab in Maryland has been conducting testing on the virus since February, Bryan said.“The virus is dying at a much more rapid pace just from exposure to higher temperatures and just from exposure to humidity,” Bryan said.Bryan said having more knowledge about this could help governors when making decisions about how and when to open their state economies. However, he stressed that the emerging results of the light and heat studies do not replace social distancing recommendations.Trump, who has consistently looked for hopeful news about containing the virus, was asked if it was dangerous to make people think they would be safe by going outside in the heat, considering that so many people have died in Florida.“I hope people enjoy the sun. And if it has an impact, that’s great,” Trump replied, adding, “It’s just a suggestion from a brilliant lab by a very, very smart, perhaps brilliant man.”“I’m here to present ideas, because we want ideas to get rid of this thing. And if heat is good, and if sunlight is good, that’s a great thing as far as I’m concerned,” the president said.Trump noted that the researchers were also looking at the effects of disinfectants on the virus and wondered aloud if they could be injected into people, saying the virus “does a tremendous number on the lungs, so it would be interesting to check that.” Bryan said there was no consideration of that.The president has often talked up prospects for new therapies and offered rosy timelines for the development of a vaccine.Earlier in the month, scientific advisers told the White House there’s no good evidence yet that the heat and humidity of summer will rein in the virus without continued public health measures.Researchers convened by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine analyzed studies done so far to test virus survival under different laboratory conditions as well as tracking where and how COVID-19 has spread so far.“Given that countries currently in ‘summer’ climates, such as Australia and Iran, are experiencing rapid virus spread, a decrease in cases with increases in humidity and temperature elsewhere should not be assumed,” the researchers wrote earlier in April in response to questions from the White House Office of Science and Technology.In addition, the report cited the global lack of immunity to the new virus and concluded, “if there is an effect of temperature and humidity on transmission, it may not be as apparent as with other respiratory viruses for which there is at least some preexisting partial immunity.”They noted that during 10 previous flu pandemics, regardless of what season they started, all had a peak second wave about six months after the virus first emerged.In March, Dr. Michael Ryan, the World Health Organization’s emergencies chief. said, “We have to assume that the virus will continue to have the capacity to spread, and it’s a false hope to say yes, it will just disappear in the summertime like influenza.”

White House: Heat, humidity could help fight virus

WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress delivered a nearly $500 billion infusion of coronavirus spending Thursday, rushing new relief to employers and hospitals buckling under the strain of a pandemic that has claimed almost 50,000 American lives and one in six U.S. jobs.

The measure passed almost unanimously, but the lopsided tally belies a potentially bumpier path ahead as battle lines are being formed for much more ambitious future legislation that may prove far more difficult to maneuver through Congress.

President Donald Trump is scheduled to sign the bill during a White House ceremony Friday.

The bipartisan measure passed as lawmakers gathered in Washington as a group for the first time since March 27, adopting stricter social distancing rules while seeking to prove they can do their work despite the COVID-19 crisis.

Lawmakers’ face masks and bandannas added an somber tone to their effort to aid a nation staggered by the health crisis and devastating economic costs of the pandemic.

“Millions of people out of work,” said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. “This is really a very, very, very sad day. We come to the floor with nearly 50,000 deaths, a huge number of people impacted, and the uncertainty of it all. We hope to soon get to a recovery phase. But right now we’re still in mitigation.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — A nearly $500 billion measure helping businesses and hospitals ride out the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">coronavirus’ devastation</a>&nbsp;edged toward House passage Thursday, as lawmakers’ face masks and bandannas added an eerie tone to Congress’ effort to aid a staggered nation.

“Millions of people out of work,” said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. “This is really a very, very, very sad day. We come to the floor with nearly 50,000 deaths, a huge number of people impacted, and the uncertainty of it all.”

The day’s debate was almost overshadowed by social distancing steps that produced a stark image of how the pandemic is changing what used to be normal behavior in Washington.

As Pelosi spoke, she lowered a white scarf that had covered much of her face. House Chaplain Patrick Conroy delivered the opening prayer wearing a yellow protective mask, and most lawmakers and aides on the chamber’s sparsely populated floor wore masks as well.

With the entire Capitol closed to the public, visitors’ galleries were set aside for lawmakers in an effort to separate them.

The package was headed toward certain, overwhelming approval later Thursday, an action that would send the measure to President Donald Trump for his signature. The Senate approved the legislation Tuesday.

But partisan divides remained over the government’s response to the country’s unprecedented health and economic crises — some of them literally visible.

Of the roughly two dozen lawmakers on the chamber’s floor as debate began, just two were not wearing masks — Republican Reps. Jim Jordan of Ohio and James Comer of Kentucky.

In addition, Republicans chided Democrats for holding up the initial version of the bill by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., which included just $250 billion, all of it for small businesses.

After two weeks, GOP leaders agreed to expand the bill as Democrats insisted on more money for small businesses in minority and rural communities, hospitals and for virus testing. During that period, the government exhausted an initial $250 billion lawmakers had provided in earlier emergency legislation.

Rep. Kevin Brady, R-Texas, blamed Pelosi for delaying the money as “small businesses and their workers desperately fought to hold on.” He added, “How many jobs could we have saved if partisan politics had not reared its ugly head.”

Pelosi blamed Republicans and McConnell for the holdup, saying Democrats had changed a GOP-written “corporate-oriented trickle-down bill to a worker-first, bubble-up bill.”

She also singled out McConnell for at first opposing adding any money to his original $250 billion package and saying cash-strapped states should be allowed to declare bankruptcy, a move they currently cannot do and that would threaten a broad range of state services.

“Oh, really?” Pelosi said. “What made you think that was a good idea?”

A government report Thursday showed that since the virus hit the U.S., a previously unthinkable 26 millions Americans have filed for unemployment benefits, about 1 in 6 workers.

Despite the political rhetoric, large majorities of both parties were sure to back the measure by a wide margin.

Anchoring the bill is a request by the Trump administration to replenish&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/edf614822fa34d70520b35e000f3b3ce">a fund to help small- and medium-size businesses</a>&nbsp;with payroll, rent and other expenses.

Supporters are already warning that more funds will be needed almost immediately for the business-backed Paycheck Protection Program. Launched just weeks ago, the program quickly reached its lending limit after approving nearly 1.7 million loans. That left thousands of small businesses in limbo as they sought help.

Battle lines are forming over the next measure amid growing demands to help out state and local governments, the Postal Service and first responders.

Pelosi said she would name it the “Heroes Act” because it will include more money for first-responders and other state and local costs. She and House Ways and Means Chairman Richard Neal, D-Md., said it will also include more money for hospitals, direct payments to individuals and an extension of beefed up unemployment payments until the fall.

McConnell has said the Senate will pause before jumping onto the next bill. He has said he wants to consider the impact on the swelling national debt of the $2.5 trillion Congress will now have provided with four bipartisan bills addressing the pandemic and supporting the economy.

The bill being approved Thursday started two weeks ago as a simple Trump-sought $250 billion replenishment of the oversubscribed payroll subsidy program and grew from there. The payroll program provides forgivable loans so businesses can continue paying workers while forced to stay closed for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/fa1fda126fe191425abc20ab461dfbe7">social distancing</a>&nbsp;and stay-at-home orders.

It also contains $100 billion demanded by Democrats for hospitals and a nationwide testing program, along with a $60 billion set-aside for small banks and an alternative network of community development banks that focus on development in urban neighborhoods and rural areas ignored by many lenders. There’s also $60 billion for small-business loans and grants delivered through the Small Business Administration’s existing disaster aid program.

The House planned to conduct its roll call votes under social distancing rules, with dozens of lawmakers voting at a time grouped in alphabetical order.

Pelosi has also orchestrated a vote to establish a select panel to provide oversight of the government’s efforts to battle the coronavirus, a move decried by Republicans as playing politics with the crisis.

Trump has said he supports including fiscal relief for state and local government in another virus aid package along with infrastructure projects.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587665990231.png" alt="Chaplin Pat Conroy opened Thursday's business in the&nbsp; House of Representatives with prayer -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Chaplin Pat Conroy opened Thursday's business in the&nbsp; House of Representatives with prayer -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress delivered a nearly $500 billion infusion of coronavirus spending Thursday, rushing new relief to employers and hospitals buckling under the strain of a pandemic that has claimed almost 50,000 American lives and one in six U.S. jobs.The measure passed almost unanimously, but the lopsided tally belies a potentially bumpier path ahead as battle lines are being formed for much more ambitious future legislation that may prove far more difficult to maneuver through Congress.President Donald Trump is scheduled to sign the bill during a White House ceremony Friday.The bipartisan measure passed as lawmakers gathered in Washington as a group for the first time since March 27, adopting stricter social distancing rules while seeking to prove they can do their work despite the COVID-19 crisis.Lawmakers’ face masks and bandannas added an somber tone to their effort to aid a nation staggered by the health crisis and devastating economic costs of the pandemic.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587723272444.png" alt="House Speaker Nancy Pelosi addressed the media following Thursday's vote -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>House Speaker Nancy Pelosi addressed the media following Thursday's vote -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>“Millions of people out of work,” said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. “This is really a very, very, very sad day. We come to the floor with nearly 50,000 deaths, a huge number of people impacted, and the uncertainty of it all. We hope to soon get to a recovery phase. But right now we’re still in mitigation.”WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress delivered a nearly $500 billion infusion of coronavirus spending Thursday, rushing new relief to employers and hospitals buckling under the strain of a pandemic that has claimed almost 50,000 American lives and one in six U.S. jobs.The measure passed almost unanimously, but the lopsided tally belies a potentially bumpier path ahead as battle lines are being formed for much more ambitious future legislation that may prove far more difficult to maneuver through Congress.President Donald Trump is scheduled to sign the bill during a White House ceremony Friday.The bipartisan measure passed as lawmakers gathered in Washington as a group for the first time since March 27, adopting stricter social distancing rules while seeking to prove they can do their work despite the COVID-19 crisis.Lawmakers’ face masks and bandannas added an somber tone to their effort to aid a nation staggered by the health crisis and devastating economic costs of the pandemic.“Millions of people out of work,” said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. “This is really a very, very, very sad day. We come to the floor with nearly 50,000 deaths, a huge number of people impacted, and the uncertainty of it all. We hope to soon get to a recovery phase. But right now we’re still in mitigation.”-------WASHINGTON (AP) — A nearly $500 billion measure helping businesses and hospitals ride out the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">coronavirus’ devastation</a>&nbsp;edged toward House passage Thursday, as lawmakers’ face masks and bandannas added an eerie tone to Congress’ effort to aid a staggered nation.“Millions of people out of work,” said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. “This is really a very, very, very sad day. We come to the floor with nearly 50,000 deaths, a huge number of people impacted, and the uncertainty of it all.”The day’s debate was almost overshadowed by social distancing steps that produced a stark image of how the pandemic is changing what used to be normal behavior in Washington.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587665950744.png" alt="House Speaker Nancy Pelosi during Thursday's debate on the relief package -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>House Speaker Nancy Pelosi during Thursday's debate on the relief package -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>As Pelosi spoke, she lowered a white scarf that had covered much of her face. House Chaplain Patrick Conroy delivered the opening prayer wearing a yellow protective mask, and most lawmakers and aides on the chamber’s sparsely populated floor wore masks as well.With the entire Capitol closed to the public, visitors’ galleries were set aside for lawmakers in an effort to separate them.The package was headed toward certain, overwhelming approval later Thursday, an action that would send the measure to President Donald Trump for his signature. The Senate approved the legislation Tuesday.But partisan divides remained over the government’s response to the country’s unprecedented health and economic crises — some of them literally visible.Of the roughly two dozen lawmakers on the chamber’s floor as debate began, just two were not wearing masks — Republican Reps. Jim Jordan of Ohio and James Comer of Kentucky.In addition, Republicans chided Democrats for holding up the initial version of the bill by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., which included just $250 billion, all of it for small businesses.After two weeks, GOP leaders agreed to expand the bill as Democrats insisted on more money for small businesses in minority and rural communities, hospitals and for virus testing. During that period, the government exhausted an initial $250 billion lawmakers had provided in earlier emergency legislation.Rep. Kevin Brady, R-Texas, blamed Pelosi for delaying the money as “small businesses and their workers desperately fought to hold on.” He added, “How many jobs could we have saved if partisan politics had not reared its ugly head.”Pelosi blamed Republicans and McConnell for the holdup, saying Democrats had changed a GOP-written “corporate-oriented trickle-down bill to a worker-first, bubble-up bill.”She also singled out McConnell for at first opposing adding any money to his original $250 billion package and saying cash-strapped states should be allowed to declare bankruptcy, a move they currently cannot do and that would threaten a broad range of state services.“Oh, really?” Pelosi said. “What made you think that was a good idea?”A government report Thursday showed that since the virus hit the U.S., a previously unthinkable 26 millions Americans have filed for unemployment benefits, about 1 in 6 workers.Despite the political rhetoric, large majorities of both parties were sure to back the measure by a wide margin.Anchoring the bill is a request by the Trump administration to replenish&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/edf614822fa34d70520b35e000f3b3ce">a fund to help small- and medium-size businesses</a>&nbsp;with payroll, rent and other expenses.Supporters are already warning that more funds will be needed almost immediately for the business-backed Paycheck Protection Program. Launched just weeks ago, the program quickly reached its lending limit after approving nearly 1.7 million loans. That left thousands of small businesses in limbo as they sought help.Battle lines are forming over the next measure amid growing demands to help out state and local governments, the Postal Service and first responders.Pelosi said she would name it the “Heroes Act” because it will include more money for first-responders and other state and local costs. She and House Ways and Means Chairman Richard Neal, D-Md., said it will also include more money for hospitals, direct payments to individuals and an extension of beefed up unemployment payments until the fall.McConnell has said the Senate will pause before jumping onto the next bill. He has said he wants to consider the impact on the swelling national debt of the $2.5 trillion Congress will now have provided with four bipartisan bills addressing the pandemic and supporting the economy.The bill being approved Thursday started two weeks ago as a simple Trump-sought $250 billion replenishment of the oversubscribed payroll subsidy program and grew from there. The payroll program provides forgivable loans so businesses can continue paying workers while forced to stay closed for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/fa1fda126fe191425abc20ab461dfbe7">social distancing</a>&nbsp;and stay-at-home orders.It also contains $100 billion demanded by Democrats for hospitals and a nationwide testing program, along with a $60 billion set-aside for small banks and an alternative network of community development banks that focus on development in urban neighborhoods and rural areas ignored by many lenders. There’s also $60 billion for small-business loans and grants delivered through the Small Business Administration’s existing disaster aid program.The House planned to conduct its roll call votes under social distancing rules, with dozens of lawmakers voting at a time grouped in alphabetical order.Pelosi has also orchestrated a vote to establish a select panel to provide oversight of the government’s efforts to battle the coronavirus, a move decried by Republicans as playing politics with the crisis.Trump has said he supports including fiscal relief for state and local government in another virus aid package along with infrastructure projects.___

Congress, many in masks, approves $500B more in virus aid

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Gov. Laura Kelly said Thursday that her goal is to start reopening the Kansas economy on May 3 but she may not be able to do it because the state is “nowhere near” having the supplies needed for adequate coronavirus testing.

Kelly’s comments came after hundreds of people protested around the Statehouse against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/dbec40f995b83b9a88cfe56cd1149708">a stay-at-home order</a>&nbsp;from the Democratic governor set to expire May 3. Participants in similar protests across the country contended that such orders damage the economy and violate people’s civil rights.

Health and government officials argue such orders orders are the best way to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. Kelly said a key issue in lifting restrictions is being able to test enough to identify and contain outbreaks quickly and take steps to contain them locally.

Kansas has struggled to get enough supplies from the federal government and private companies in competition with other states. It has had among the lowest testing rates of any state, 7.32 per 1,000 residents as of Thursday.

“We are nowhere near where we need to be with testing supplies,” Kelly said during a Statehouse news conference. “It’s the biggest frustration that I have.”

Kansas did receive&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/8c5145956432b1583d53fb98225d38a5">7,000 testing kits</a>&nbsp;from the federal government this past weekend because of outbreaks in meat-packing plants. It also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/67c6c34c71c00a739657687d8286f78d">liberalized its testing guidelines</a>&nbsp;this week.

But Kelly said the state has been told after multiple unfilled orders for supplies to the Federal Emergency Management Agency that it should direct requests to the federal Centers for Disease Control instead.

Meanwhile, the Department of Health and Environment is planning to train existing state workers and bring on volunteers to have 400 people to help trace infected people’s contacts. But the department said Thursday it is still recruiting and training them.

The protesters Thursday suggested Kelly has gone too far in imposing restrictions and shutting down the economy. They held or posted signs with slogans such as, “Fear is the real virus,” and “Choose Freedom. Reopen America.”

Many participants carried signs or waved flags supporting the reelection of President Donald Trump. Others were anti-vaccine activists, tea party movement members or gun-rights supporters. One vehicle displayed a Confederate flag; a protest sign promoted a far-right conspiracy theory.

A recent Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/9ed271ca13012d3b77a2b631c1979ce1">survey&nbsp;</a>showed that Americans remain overwhelmingly in favor of stay-at-home orders and other efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus. At the Statehouse, a few local nurses stood silently in scrubs to thank health care workers and counter-protest.

The state health department reported 2,482 confirmed cases, up 12.3% from 2,211 reported Wednesday. The state reported 112 people have died, two more than reported Wednesday. Infections are likely more numerous because of the state’s low testing rate and studies suggest people can be infected and not feel sick.

Long-term care homes have been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e34b42d996968cf9fa0ef85697418b01">particularly hard hit,</a>&nbsp;with at least 17 clusters of cases in such homes in Kansas and 58 COVID-19-related deaths, more than half the state’s total.

Twenty-seven deaths were among residents of the Riverbend Post Acute Rehabilitation home in Kansas City, Kansas. The family of an 87-year-old man who died filed a lawsuit Thursday accusing the home of negligence. The home declined comment.

TOPEKA&nbsp; — A rally to protest the stay-at-home order began at noon Thursday in Topeka.

According to Operation Gridlock Topeka, "It is time to open Kansas back up for business. It is time to converge on Topeka and show Governor Kelly that WE THE PEOPLE of Kansas can be safe, responsible, and LOUD!"

Event organizers encouraged those in attendance to stay in cars, honk horns, and wave flags. "Make sure she hears you and tell her to OPEN KANSAS UP!"

Between 75 and 100 people attended a similar rally in Kansas City on Monday to demand that the orders be lifted.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587667322441.png" alt="Protesters at the Kansas Statehouse Thursday -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Protesters at the Kansas Statehouse Thursday -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Gov. Laura Kelly said Thursday that her goal is to start reopening the Kansas economy on May 3 but she may not be able to do it because the state is “nowhere near” having the supplies needed for adequate coronavirus testing.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovLauraKelly%2Fvideos%2F3247224465502124%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>Kelly’s comments came after hundreds of people protested around the Statehouse against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/dbec40f995b83b9a88cfe56cd1149708">a stay-at-home order</a>&nbsp;from the Democratic governor set to expire May 3. Participants in similar protests across the country contended that such orders damage the economy and violate people’s civil rights.Health and government officials argue such orders orders are the best way to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. Kelly said a key issue in lifting restrictions is being able to test enough to identify and contain outbreaks quickly and take steps to contain them locally.Kansas has struggled to get enough supplies from the federal government and private companies in competition with other states. It has had among the lowest testing rates of any state, 7.32 per 1,000 residents as of Thursday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587661397475.png" alt="Protesters near the Kansas Statehouse Thursday afternoon -images courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Protesters near the Kansas Statehouse Thursday afternoon -images courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>“We are nowhere near where we need to be with testing supplies,” Kelly said during a Statehouse news conference. “It’s the biggest frustration that I have.”Kansas did receive&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/8c5145956432b1583d53fb98225d38a5">7,000 testing kits</a>&nbsp;from the federal government this past weekend because of outbreaks in meat-packing plants. It also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/67c6c34c71c00a739657687d8286f78d">liberalized its testing guidelines</a>&nbsp;this week.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587681170776.png" alt="Governor Laura Kelly discussed lack of virus testing during her Thursday news conference" />
 <figcaption>Governor Laura Kelly discussed lack of virus testing during her Thursday news conference</figcaption>
 </figure>But Kelly said the state has been told after multiple unfilled orders for supplies to the Federal Emergency Management Agency that it should direct requests to the federal Centers for Disease Control instead.“That was news to us,” she said.Meanwhile, the Department of Health and Environment is planning to train existing state workers and bring on volunteers to have 400 people to help trace infected people’s contacts. But the department said Thursday it is still recruiting and training them.The protesters Thursday suggested Kelly has gone too far in imposing restrictions and shutting down the economy. They held or posted signs with slogans such as, “Fear is the real virus,” and “Choose Freedom. Reopen America.”Many participants carried signs or waved flags supporting the reelection of President Donald Trump. Others were anti-vaccine activists, tea party movement members or gun-rights supporters. One vehicle displayed a Confederate flag; a protest sign promoted a far-right conspiracy theory.A recent Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/9ed271ca13012d3b77a2b631c1979ce1">survey&nbsp;</a>showed that Americans remain overwhelmingly in favor of stay-at-home orders and other efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus. At the Statehouse, a few local nurses stood silently in scrubs to thank health care workers and counter-protest.The state health department reported 2,482 confirmed cases, up 12.3% from 2,211 reported Wednesday. The state reported 112 people have died, two more than reported Wednesday. Infections are likely more numerous because of the state’s low testing rate and studies suggest people can be infected and not feel sick.For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness and death.Long-term care homes have been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e34b42d996968cf9fa0ef85697418b01">particularly hard hit,</a>&nbsp;with at least 17 clusters of cases in such homes in Kansas and 58 COVID-19-related deaths, more than half the state’s total.Twenty-seven deaths were among residents of the Riverbend Post Acute Rehabilitation home in Kansas City, Kansas. The family of an 87-year-old man who died filed a lawsuit Thursday accusing the home of negligence. The home declined comment.--------TOPEKA&nbsp; — A rally to protest the stay-at-home order began at noon Thursday in Topeka.According to Operation Gridlock Topeka, "It is time to open Kansas back up for business. It is time to converge on Topeka and show Governor Kelly that WE THE PEOPLE of Kansas can be safe, responsible, and LOUD!"<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587661434723.png" alt="Protesters blocking traffic Thursday afternoon in Topeka-photo KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Protesters blocking traffic Thursday afternoon in Topeka-photo KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>Event organizers encouraged those in attendance to stay in cars, honk horns, and wave flags. "Make sure she hears you and tell her to OPEN KANSAS UP!"Between 75 and 100 people attended a similar rally in Kansas City on Monday to demand that the orders be lifted.The event near the city's Country Club Plaza followed protests that began across the country last week, with some drawing much larger crowds.

Coronavirus Update