POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. (AP) — A 9-year-old boy drowned Thursday while swimming in a river in southeast Missouri, authorities say.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol said the boy began to struggle Thursday while attempting to swim to an island in the Black River, near Hendrickson Park in Butler County. The patrol said the boy then went under and didn't resurface.

The boy was from the town of Naylor, but the patrol didn't immediately release his name.

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. (AP) — A 9-year-old boy drowned Thursday while swimming in a river in southeast Missouri, authorities say.The Missouri State Highway Patrol said the boy began to struggle Thursday while attempting to swim to an island in the Black River, near Hendrickson Park in Butler County. The patrol said the boy then went under and didn't resurface.The boy was from the town of Naylor, but the patrol didn't immediately release his name.

9-year-old Missouri boy drowns while swimming in river 

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — The University of Missouri Faculty Council has rejected a a proposal to start fall classes 10 days early.

The council voted 23-6 Thursday against a proposal to begin the fall semester Aug. 12 and hold classes on Labor Day. The plan also called for ending in-person classes at the Thanksgiving break on Nov. 20, with finals starting ten days later.

The university said in a news release Wednesday that the proposal would have to pass the council before going before the Board of Curators.

University leaders had suggested the change in part to cut down on travel in the winter months when viral illnesses are more active.

The council instead voted to start classes on Aug. 24 and include a Labor Day break. The council approved a proposal to move to online-only classes after Thanksgiving break and to have finals remotely if needed.

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — The University of Missouri Faculty Council has rejected a a proposal to start fall classes 10 days early.The council voted 23-6 Thursday against a proposal to begin the fall semester Aug. 12 and hold classes on Labor Day. The plan also called for ending in-person classes at the Thanksgiving break on Nov. 20, with finals starting ten days later.The university said in a news release Wednesday that the proposal would have to pass the council before going before the Board of Curators.University leaders had suggested the change in part to cut down on travel in the winter months when viral illnesses are more active.The council instead voted to start classes on Aug. 24 and include a Labor Day break. The council approved a proposal to move to online-only classes after Thanksgiving break and to have finals remotely if needed.

Faculty council rejects university of Missouri early start

BRANSON WEST, Mo. (AP) — Authorities are investigating a deadly shooting in southwest Missouri.

&nbsp;Deputies responded Thursday morning to a home just outside of Branson West after an altercation was reported.

Stone County Sheriff Rader says the deputies found one man shot. The victim later died.

Deputies arrested one man as a person of interest. No other details were immediately released, including the identity of the victim. Rader described the investigation as ongoing.

BRANSON WEST, Mo. (AP) — Authorities are investigating a deadly shooting in southwest Missouri.&nbsp;Deputies responded Thursday morning to a home just outside of Branson West after an altercation was reported.Stone County Sheriff Rader says the deputies found one man shot. The victim later died.Deputies arrested one man as a person of interest. No other details were immediately released, including the identity of the victim. Rader described the investigation as ongoing.

Sheriff investigates deadly SW Missouri shooting

KANSAS CITY — A Kansas City police officer is recovering after being stabbed by a man who may have been suffering a mental health crisis.

The stabbing happened Wednesday evening in downtown Kansas City, where officers responded to a medical call.

According to court records, police officers responded to 901 Grand on a reported stabbing of a police officer. They found the victim identified as 25-year-old Austin R. Lewis and the officer, on the ground. 

He had been stabbed in the upper left chest. He was in full uniform with clear police markings on his uniform and vest. He had been dispatched to the area on a medical call. He observed Lewis huffing or inhaling an unknown substance. 

The officer was waiting with the defendant for an ambulance arrived, when Lewis quickly reached into a pant pocket and pulled a kitchen knife and stabbed the officer in the chest. The victim fell to the ground and drew his firearm. 

As he raised the gun, the suspect dropped the knife and began moving away. The officer advised dispatchers of his injury and asked for officers to respond. The injured officer also chased the suspect, giving him commands to stop. 

The suspect did stop and laid down on his stomach with his hands behind his back. The officer/victim then held the suspect at gunpoint until backup arrived. The defendant told police that he was suicidal and trying to kill himself by huffing when he was approached by the officer. He said he heard voices, got scared and felt cornered by the officer and stabbed him.&nbsp;

The officer, whose name has not been released, was in stable condition Wednesday night, police said.&nbsp;

Lewis has been been charged with 1st Degree Assault, Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker announced Thursday.

Police say the incident did not appear to be related to protests being held in Kansas City.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591317358154.png" alt="Lewis photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Lewis photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY — A Kansas City police officer is recovering after being stabbed by a man who may have been suffering a mental health crisis.The stabbing happened Wednesday evening in downtown Kansas City, where officers responded to a medical call.According to court records, police officers responded to 901 Grand on a reported stabbing of a police officer. They found the victim identified as 25-year-old Austin R. Lewis and the officer, on the ground. He had been stabbed in the upper left chest. He was in full uniform with clear police markings on his uniform and vest. He had been dispatched to the area on a medical call. He observed Lewis huffing or inhaling an unknown substance. The officer was waiting with the defendant for an ambulance arrived, when Lewis quickly reached into a pant pocket and pulled a kitchen knife and stabbed the officer in the chest. The victim fell to the ground and drew his firearm. As he raised the gun, the suspect dropped the knife and began moving away. The officer advised dispatchers of his injury and asked for officers to respond. The injured officer also chased the suspect, giving him commands to stop. The suspect did stop and laid down on his stomach with his hands behind his back. The officer/victim then held the suspect at gunpoint until backup arrived. The defendant told police that he was suicidal and trying to kill himself by huffing when he was approached by the officer. He said he heard voices, got scared and felt cornered by the officer and stabbed him.&nbsp;The officer, whose name has not been released, was in stable condition Wednesday night, police said.&nbsp;Lewis has been been charged with 1st Degree Assault, Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker announced Thursday.Police say the incident did not appear to be related to protests being held in Kansas City.

Kansas City police officer recovering after being stabbed

OSAGE BEACH, Mo. (AP) — No additional cases of the new coronavirus have been reported stemming from the crowded pool parties at Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks over the Memorial Day weekend, the state's top health official said.

Camden County Health Department reported Friday that a person from Boone County who had attended the parties tested positive for the virus.

Speaking at a news conference in Jefferson City on Wednesday, Dr. Randall Williams, the director of the Department of Health and Senior Services, said no more cases have been uncovered since, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/state-and-regional/no-new-covid-19-cases-from-lake-of-the-ozarks-crowds-missouri-health-director-says/article_6f36ad32-d125-5382-b78f-74bd0f6510ac.html#tracking-source=home-top-story-1">reported</a>.

Social media postings of the event showed large crowds of mostly young people without masks and not adhering to social distancing guidelines at pools along the central Missouri lake that is a popular weekend getaway spot. The pictures and video of crowds at the lake&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/ee76c5be2695d5c019e8165767862905">prompted a public outcry</a>&nbsp;and led health officials to urge anyone who attended the parties to self-quarantine for 14 days.

Officials have been trying to trace anyone who may have come into contact with the one person who has tested positive, releasing a brief timeline of their whereabouts including stops at a bar called Backwater Jacks, a bar and restaurant that has a pool, as well as a dining and pool venue called Shady Gators and Lazy Gators.

For some infected people, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, the virus can cause severe illness or death. But for most people, it causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, that clear up in two to three weeks.

OSAGE BEACH, Mo. (AP) — No additional cases of the new coronavirus have been reported stemming from the crowded pool parties at Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks over the Memorial Day weekend, the state's top health official said.Camden County Health Department reported Friday that a person from Boone County who had attended the parties tested positive for the virus.Speaking at a news conference in Jefferson City on Wednesday, Dr. Randall Williams, the director of the Department of Health and Senior Services, said no more cases have been uncovered since, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/state-and-regional/no-new-covid-19-cases-from-lake-of-the-ozarks-crowds-missouri-health-director-says/article_6f36ad32-d125-5382-b78f-74bd0f6510ac.html#tracking-source=home-top-story-1">reported</a>.Social media postings of the event showed large crowds of mostly young people without masks and not adhering to social distancing guidelines at pools along the central Missouri lake that is a popular weekend getaway spot. The pictures and video of crowds at the lake&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/ee76c5be2695d5c019e8165767862905">prompted a public outcry</a>&nbsp;and led health officials to urge anyone who attended the parties to self-quarantine for 14 days.Officials have been trying to trace anyone who may have come into contact with the one person who has tested positive, releasing a brief timeline of their whereabouts including stops at a bar called Backwater Jacks, a bar and restaurant that has a pool, as well as a dining and pool venue called Shady Gators and Lazy Gators.For some infected people, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, the virus can cause severe illness or death. But for most people, it causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, that clear up in two to three weeks.

Health official: No new virus cases from Lake of the Ozarks party

GASCONADE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 8a.m. Thursday in Gasconade&nbsp; County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Jeep Latitude driven by Danton C. Clark, 29, Rosebud, was westbound on U.S. 50 just before Roethmyer Road.

The vehicle crossed the center line and struck a 2004 Chevy Silverado driven by Dale D. Kurrelmeyer, 59, Rosebud, head-on.

Clark was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to the funeral home in Owensville.&nbsp; Arch transported Kurrelmeyer to Mercy in Creve Couer.

Clark was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

GASCONADE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 8a.m. Thursday in Gasconade&nbsp; County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Jeep Latitude driven by Danton C. Clark, 29, Rosebud, was westbound on U.S. 50 just before Roethmyer Road.The vehicle crossed the center line and struck a 2004 Chevy Silverado driven by Dale D. Kurrelmeyer, 59, Rosebud, head-on.Clark was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to the funeral home in Owensville.&nbsp; Arch transported Kurrelmeyer to Mercy in Creve Couer.Clark was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

1 dead, 1 airlifted to hospital after Missouri head-on crash

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri's Republican U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt on Wednesday called on the U.S. attorney general to act in response to nationwide protests against police brutality following the death of George Floyd.

“In the wake of the recent tragic deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery, Americans are rightfully demanding justice and accountability,” <a href="https://www.blunt.senate.gov/news/press-releases/blunt-urges-attorney-general-barr-to-reinstate-police-reform-policies">Blunt wrote in a letter </a>to U.S. Attorney General William Barr.

Blunt asked him to launch more pattern-of-practice reviews, which are reviews of police agencies, possible misconduct and their handling of protests.

The U.S. Department of Justice previously used that process to investigate Ferguson's police department following months of protests after the fatal police shooting of unarmed, black 18-year-old Michael Brown in 2014. Local police promised change through a consent decree.

“Unfortunately, news reports indicate that the Department of Justice has walked away from pattern-or-practice reviews in recent years,” Blunt wrote to Barr. “Additionally, the Department of Justice implemented a policy change in November 2018 that placed tighter restrictions on the use of consent decrees, making it more difficult to pursue reforms where they are needed.”

Blunt called for more pattern-of-practice reviews and consent decrees.

An Associated Press request for comment to the U.S. Department of Justice wasn't immediately returned Thursday.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri's Republican U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt on Wednesday called on the U.S. attorney general to act in response to nationwide protests against police brutality following the death of George Floyd.“In the wake of the recent tragic deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery, Americans are rightfully demanding justice and accountability,” <a href="https://www.blunt.senate.gov/news/press-releases/blunt-urges-attorney-general-barr-to-reinstate-police-reform-policies">Blunt wrote in a letter </a>to U.S. Attorney General William Barr.Blunt asked him to launch more pattern-of-practice reviews, which are reviews of police agencies, possible misconduct and their handling of protests.The U.S. Department of Justice previously used that process to investigate Ferguson's police department following months of protests after the fatal police shooting of unarmed, black 18-year-old Michael Brown in 2014. Local police promised change through a consent decree.“Unfortunately, news reports indicate that the Department of Justice has walked away from pattern-or-practice reviews in recent years,” Blunt wrote to Barr. “Additionally, the Department of Justice implemented a policy change in November 2018 that placed tighter restrictions on the use of consent decrees, making it more difficult to pursue reforms where they are needed.”Blunt called for more pattern-of-practice reviews and consent decrees.An Associated Press request for comment to the U.S. Department of Justice wasn't immediately returned Thursday.

Sen. Blunt wants more federal police reviews

TOPEKA — The Kansas Senate voted Thursday afternoon to approve a bill that gives lawmakers some oversight in the state's coronavirus response. The vote was 26-12. The legislation also extends the governor's coronavirus disaster declaration.

Supporters of the bill allowed no debate, cutting off any chance for opponents to try to amend the bill after the House passed it Wednesday night, 107-12.

The bill is headed to Governor Kelly's desk.&nbsp;

On Thursday morning, Kelly praised the bill, "The House of Representatives passed a bipartisan COVID-19 response bill. In spite of their disagreements, they put the interests of Kansans ahead of politics. I commend their action, and I urge the Senate to swiftly follow their lead."

Moments after the vote, the Senate voted to adjourn and end the Special Legislative session.

Check the Post for additional details on the bill as they become available.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A bill giving Kansas lawmakers some oversight of the state’s coronavirus response cleared the House on Wednesday night and is headed to the Senate.

The Legislature convened for a special session called by Kelly after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a5e30a0ec7a5943ada9f03af22ee1970">she vetoed</a>&nbsp;a sweeping coronavirus bill GOP lawmakers approved in May moments before adjourning their annual session. That measure would have curbed Kelly’s power to direct the state’s pandemic response; given legislative leaders the final say over how $1.25 billion in federal relief funds are spent; and protected businesses, medical providers and nursing homes from lawsuits.

Her staff and top Republicans have been negotiating since then. GOP lawmakers unveiled a new plan Tuesday that also would give legislators oversight of spending, prevent coronavirus-related lawsuits and limit Kelly’s ability to close businesses statewide this fall and winter. The vote in the House was 107-12.

Senate Vice President Jeff Longbine, an Emporia Republican, said “the majority” of the first bill is “still intact.”

But the details are different enough that Kelly said Wednesday that she supports the measure and it “will provide the framework our state needs as we continue on the path to recovery.”

The House debated the new measure first, and GOP leaders faced resistance from fellow Republicans who didn’t like some of the compromises necessary to get Kelly’s support. Top Republicans urged rank-and-filed GOP lawmakers to accept the new plan as written, with House Speaker Ron Ryckman Jr., an Olathe Republican, telling them in a meeting, “Something is better than nothing.”

Later, Will Lawrence, Kelly’s chief of staff met with House Democrats and urged them to accept the plan.

“It’s been a delicate negotiation and it won’t take much to tip it out of kilter,” said Rep. Russ Jennings, a Lakin Republican.

Kansas law gives the governor broad power in an emergency but requires legislative approval to extend a state of emergency past 15 days. The current state of emergency ends June 10, and Kelly called the special session to get it extended.

The governor was locked for weeks in a dispute with top Republicans who argue that she has restricted businesses too much. When she vetoed the first coronavirus measure, she dropped all remaining statewide restrictions and gave the state’s 105 counties the power to set the rules.

Republicans’ new coronavirus measure would extend the state of emergency until Sept. 15 and into late January 2021 if legislative leaders agree. Legislative leaders would have a say in whether businesses statewide are forced to close again, but the restrictions on Kelly are not as tough as in the bill she vetoed.

Kelly would have to get top lawmakers’ approval of her plans to distribute federal relief funds. The bill she vetoed contained a similar requirement but also moved the money into the Legislature’s budget from the governor’s office budget. An economic recovery team appointed by Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/spark-taskforce-executive-committee-approves-proposal-of-400-million-to-local-governments-for-covid-19-expenses/" target="_blank">proposed Tuesday</a>&nbsp;that $400 million go to cities and counties to cover coronavirus costs.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/measures/documents/hb2054_enrolled.pdf" target="_blank">In vetoing Republicans’ first bill,&nbsp;</a>Kelly argued that provisions meant to head off coronavirus-related lawsuits went too far. The first bill protected medical personnel, businesses and nursing homes, and the second bill narrows the protections, for nursing homes in particular.

Advocates of expanding the state’s Medicaid coverage for the needy hoped to have an expansion included in the coronavirus bill. Kelly has pushed for Medicaid expansion since taking office in January 2019 but it’s been blocked by GOP conservatives.

Some Democrats also wanted to tackle a new issue: ensuring that workers who contract the coronavirus on the job are entitled to workers compensation benefits to cover medical expenses and lost wages.

State officials and attorneys who represent injured workers said such benefits aren’t allowed now. Because states have separate systems for reviewing claims from injured workers, they aren’t allowed to go to court if they can’t get benefits.

Some Republicans are wary because expanding benefits for workers will cost employers. Most businesses have insurance to cover such costs, but their premiums are based on the benefits they have paid to workers. They also worry that it will be difficult to determine how a worker got infected — opening businesses up to pay benefits even if it was off the job.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591300444392.png" alt="Kansas Senate President Susan Wagle explains why she voted in favor of the bill. Wagle, who decided not to file to run for the U.S. Senate, is also not running to keep her seat in the Kansas Senate." />
 <figcaption>Kansas Senate President Susan Wagle explains why she voted in favor of the bill. Wagle, who decided not to file to run for the U.S. Senate, is also not running to keep her seat in the Kansas Senate.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA — The Kansas Senate voted Thursday afternoon to approve a bill that gives lawmakers some oversight in the state's coronavirus response. The vote was 26-12. The legislation also extends the governor's coronavirus disaster declaration.Supporters of the bill allowed no debate, cutting off any chance for opponents to try to amend the bill after the House passed it Wednesday night, 107-12.The bill is headed to Governor Kelly's desk.&nbsp;On Thursday morning, Kelly praised the bill, "The House of Representatives passed a bipartisan COVID-19 response bill. In spite of their disagreements, they put the interests of Kansans ahead of politics. I commend their action, and I urge the Senate to swiftly follow their lead."Moments after the vote, the Senate voted to adjourn and end the Special Legislative session.Check the Post for additional details on the bill as they become available.------TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A bill giving Kansas lawmakers some oversight of the state’s coronavirus response cleared the House on Wednesday night and is headed to the Senate.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591275025318.png" alt="Debate on the coronavirus bill late in the day Wednesday in the Kansas House" />
 <figcaption>Debate on the coronavirus bill late in the day Wednesday in the Kansas House</figcaption>
 </figure>The Legislature convened for a special session called by Kelly after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a5e30a0ec7a5943ada9f03af22ee1970">she vetoed</a>&nbsp;a sweeping coronavirus bill GOP lawmakers approved in May moments before adjourning their annual session. That measure would have curbed Kelly’s power to direct the state’s pandemic response; given legislative leaders the final say over how $1.25 billion in federal relief funds are spent; and protected businesses, medical providers and nursing homes from lawsuits.Her staff and top Republicans have been negotiating since then. GOP lawmakers unveiled a new plan Tuesday that also would give legislators oversight of spending, prevent coronavirus-related lawsuits and limit Kelly’s ability to close businesses statewide this fall and winter. The vote in the House was 107-12.Senate Vice President Jeff Longbine, an Emporia Republican, said “the majority” of the first bill is “still intact.”But the details are different enough that Kelly said Wednesday that she supports the measure and it “will provide the framework our state needs as we continue on the path to recovery.”The House debated the new measure first, and GOP leaders faced resistance from fellow Republicans who didn’t like some of the compromises necessary to get Kelly’s support. Top Republicans urged rank-and-filed GOP lawmakers to accept the new plan as written, with House Speaker Ron Ryckman Jr., an Olathe Republican, telling them in a meeting, “Something is better than nothing.”Later, Will Lawrence, Kelly’s chief of staff met with House Democrats and urged them to accept the plan.“It’s been a delicate negotiation and it won’t take much to tip it out of kilter,” said Rep. Russ Jennings, a Lakin Republican.Kansas law gives the governor broad power in an emergency but requires legislative approval to extend a state of emergency past 15 days. The current state of emergency ends June 10, and Kelly called the special session to get it extended.The governor was locked for weeks in a dispute with top Republicans who argue that she has restricted businesses too much. When she vetoed the first coronavirus measure, she dropped all remaining statewide restrictions and gave the state’s 105 counties the power to set the rules.Republicans’ new coronavirus measure would extend the state of emergency until Sept. 15 and into late January 2021 if legislative leaders agree. Legislative leaders would have a say in whether businesses statewide are forced to close again, but the restrictions on Kelly are not as tough as in the bill she vetoed.Kelly would have to get top lawmakers’ approval of her plans to distribute federal relief funds. The bill she vetoed contained a similar requirement but also moved the money into the Legislature’s budget from the governor’s office budget. An economic recovery team appointed by Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/spark-taskforce-executive-committee-approves-proposal-of-400-million-to-local-governments-for-covid-19-expenses/" target="_blank">proposed Tuesday</a>&nbsp;that $400 million go to cities and counties to cover coronavirus costs.<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/measures/documents/hb2054_enrolled.pdf" target="_blank">In vetoing Republicans’ first bill,&nbsp;</a>Kelly argued that provisions meant to head off coronavirus-related lawsuits went too far. The first bill protected medical personnel, businesses and nursing homes, and the second bill narrows the protections, for nursing homes in particular.Advocates of expanding the state’s Medicaid coverage for the needy hoped to have an expansion included in the coronavirus bill. Kelly has pushed for Medicaid expansion since taking office in January 2019 but it’s been blocked by GOP conservatives.Some Democrats also wanted to tackle a new issue: ensuring that workers who contract the coronavirus on the job are entitled to workers compensation benefits to cover medical expenses and lost wages.State officials and attorneys who represent injured workers said such benefits aren’t allowed now. Because states have separate systems for reviewing claims from injured workers, they aren’t allowed to go to court if they can’t get benefits.Some Republicans are wary because expanding benefits for workers will cost employers. Most businesses have insurance to cover such costs, but their premiums are based on the benefits they have paid to workers. They also worry that it will be difficult to determine how a worker got infected — opening businesses up to pay benefits even if it was off the job.___

Update: Kan. legislature passes bill to limit governor's emergency powers

Governor Mike Parson discussed the Missouri National Guard's assignment in Washington and also gave a COVID-19 briefing Thursday afternoon.&nbsp;

Joining the governor is Director Rob Dixon of Missouri Economic Development and Adjutant General Brigadier General Levon Cumpton of the Missouri National Guard.

Governor Mike Parson discussed the Missouri National Guard's assignment in Washington and also gave a COVID-19 briefing Thursday afternoon.&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovMikeParson%2Fvideos%2F293527911683965%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>Joining the governor is Director Rob Dixon of Missouri Economic Development and Adjutant General Brigadier General Levon Cumpton of the Missouri National Guard.

🎥  Gov. Parson on protest marches, coronavirus in Missouri

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">📊COVID-19 update for June 4: 6.3% Positive of all patients tested by PCR. 3.9% Positive of all patients tested by Serology. 14,057 positive patients. 789 Missourians lost to COVID-19. For more on MO&#39;s COVID-19 statistics visit: <a href="https://t.co/V6es2FbVFy">https://t.co/V6es2FbVFy</a>.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ShowMeStrong?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ShowMeStrong</a> <a href="https://t.co/VmxckF6jjf">pic.twitter.com/VmxckF6jjf</a>&mdash; Mo Health &amp; Sr Srvcs (@HealthyLivingMo) <a href="https://twitter.com/HealthyLivingMo/status/1268619899435315200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Missouri coronavirus cases top 14,000

Historic meeting at YMCA
 in 1920 may never have happened if not for 1918 pandemic

By GREG ECHLIN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/sports/2020-05-30/how-a-global-pandemic-100-years-ago-led-to-the-founding-of-the-negro-leagues-in-kansas-city">Kansas News Service</a>

Getting past a disruption caused by a global pandemic is nothing new 
for professional baseball. Even as Major League Baseball considers a 
shortened season this year amid the ongoing coroanavirus outbreak, the 
sport faced an even more dire threat a century ago with the flu 
pandemic.

That event, combined with World War I and a major gambling scandal, jeopardized the very future of the game.

Part
 of what came next was history, made in Kansas City: the Negro Leagues 
were formed 100 years ago at the Paseo YMCA, just as professional 
baseball was trying to figure out how to move on from a series of 
world-altering events.

‘The biggest entertainment business in America.’

Before
 1917, Eliot Asinoff wrote in his bestseller “Eight Men Out” that 
baseball was “the biggest entertainment business in America.”

But 
in 1920, at the same time that Kansas City jazz was taking off in the 
18th and Vine district, Rube Foster of Chicago and J.L. Wilkinson, who 
had recently moved to Kansas City from Iowa, met at the nearby YMCA on 
The Paseo to formalize the Negro National League in the Negro Leagues.

It was an unusual partnership for its time. Foster was black, and Wilkinson was white.

“Foster,
 I understand, would’ve preferred to have had all-black leadership for 
the leagues, but could not deny the connection that Wilkinson had,” said
 Raymond Doswell, vice president and curator for Kansas City’s Negro 
Leagues Baseball Museum, which has been closed since mid-March as a 
precaution against the spread of the coronavirus.

Foster knew 
Wilkinson from the integrated barnstorming team Wilkinson owned called 
the All Nations team. It was made up of players from a variety of 
backgrounds, including African Americans, Latino Americans and Asian 
immigrants.

Barnstorming teams —semi-professional outfits that 
traveled around the country playing other local teams— got in on the 
success that professional baseball had produced at that time.

“I 
do know the All Nations played the Chicago American Giants,” said Tom 
Fredrick, a Kansas City attorney who has published research on 
Wilkinson. “In other words, Rube Foster’s team, pre-Negro National 
League formation, in October of 1916. In Kansas City, Missouri.”

Despite the difference in the color of their skin, Doswell said Foster and Wilkinson had a lot in common.

“These were two baseball men who were visionaries in many respects, who understood the broader picture,” said Doswell.

Their partnership, though, came out of global tragedy and turmoil.

When the U.S. entered World War I in 1917, Wilkinson’s All Nations players were among those who enlisted according to Fredrick.

“He (Wilkinson) lost All-Nations roster to the Great War. We know that,” he said.

Things
 worsened in 1918 when baseball—and especially barnstorming teams that 
had to travel to make money—were hit hard by the global flu pandemic.

Then, as now with the coronavirus, the flu impacted black communities more, according to Doswell.

“There’s
 a lot of urbanization, so it’s easy for these kinds of things like the 
flu or even tuberculosis to sweep through black communities very 
easily,” he said. “That was a problem in some large communities for many
 years.”

By 1919, the war had ended and the flu had subsided. But baseball had
 another lingering problem: gambling. Though an issue before the war and
 pandemic, the problem reached its apex when several members of the 
Chicago White Sox took money to intentionally lose the 1919 World Series
 against the Cincinnati Reds.

After those chain of events, Doswell said Foster and Wilkinson converged in Kansas City in 1920.

“They
 were being pushed by the black press mostly,” he said. “Black sports 
news editors were sometimes also the editors of different papers. They 
were commenting on the fact that black baseball was loose, and it was 
not organized.”

Kansas City’s signature franchise

From
 Fredrick’s research on Wilkinson, it was discovered that Wilkinson, 
being the shrewd businessman that he was, planned to start up the Kansas
 City Monarchs, with or without an organized league.

But as it 
turned out, the Monarchs became one of the league’s signature teams 
under Wilkinson’s ownership. Wilkinson, who entered the National 
Baseball of Fame in 2006, had earned the respect of his players.

One of them was former Monarchs first baseman and manager Buck O’Neil, who before his death in 2006, praised Wilkinson.

“J.L.
 (Wilkinson was) an outstanding individual. Great baseball mind,” he 
said. “He’s a promoter. He knew how to make money,” O’Neil said at that 
time.

One hundred years ago, the formation of the Negro Leagues 
was a historic step for baseball, one that may never have happened if 
not for world-shaking events. That’ something for Major League Baseball 
to keep in mind now, as it tries to move on after another global 
pandemic.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591289256619.png" alt="J.W. Wilkinson's traveling All-Nations team in 1916. The squad was made up of players from a variety of ethnic backgrounds, but its roster was decimated by both World War I and the 1918 flu pandemic. Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, Inc." />
 <figcaption>J.W. Wilkinson's traveling All-Nations team in 1916. The squad was made up of players from a variety of ethnic backgrounds, but its roster was decimated by both World War I and the 1918 flu pandemic. Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, Inc.</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Historic meeting at YMCA
 in 1920 may never have happened if not for 1918 pandemic</h2>By GREG ECHLIN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/sports/2020-05-30/how-a-global-pandemic-100-years-ago-led-to-the-founding-of-the-negro-leagues-in-kansas-city">Kansas News Service</a>Getting past a disruption caused by a global pandemic is nothing new 
for professional baseball. Even as Major League Baseball considers a 
shortened season this year amid the ongoing coroanavirus outbreak, the 
sport faced an even more dire threat a century ago with the flu 
pandemic.That event, combined with World War I and a major gambling scandal, jeopardized the very future of the game.Part
 of what came next was history, made in Kansas City: the Negro Leagues 
were formed 100 years ago at the Paseo YMCA, just as professional 
baseball was trying to figure out how to move on from a series of 
world-altering events.‘The biggest entertainment business in America.’Before
 1917, Eliot Asinoff wrote in his bestseller “Eight Men Out” that 
baseball was “the biggest entertainment business in America.”But 
in 1920, at the same time that Kansas City jazz was taking off in the 
18th and Vine district, Rube Foster of Chicago and J.L. Wilkinson, who 
had recently moved to Kansas City from Iowa, met at the nearby YMCA on 
The Paseo to formalize the Negro National League in the Negro Leagues.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591289387032.png" alt="Kansas City Monarchs owner J.L. Wilkinson (left) and Rube Foster, owner of the Chicago American Giants, were the two driving forces behind the founding of the Negro Leagues in 1920. Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, Inc. " />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Monarchs owner J.L. Wilkinson (left) and Rube Foster, owner of the Chicago American Giants, were the two driving forces behind the founding of the Negro Leagues in 1920. Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, Inc. </figcaption>
 </figure>It was an unusual partnership for its time. Foster was black, and Wilkinson was white.“Foster,
 I understand, would’ve preferred to have had all-black leadership for 
the leagues, but could not deny the connection that Wilkinson had,” said
 Raymond Doswell, vice president and curator for Kansas City’s Negro 
Leagues Baseball Museum, which has been closed since mid-March as a 
precaution against the spread of the coronavirus.Foster knew 
Wilkinson from the integrated barnstorming team Wilkinson owned called 
the All Nations team. It was made up of players from a variety of 
backgrounds, including African Americans, Latino Americans and Asian 
immigrants.Barnstorming teams —semi-professional outfits that 
traveled around the country playing other local teams— got in on the 
success that professional baseball had produced at that time.“I 
do know the All Nations played the Chicago American Giants,” said Tom 
Fredrick, a Kansas City attorney who has published research on 
Wilkinson. “In other words, Rube Foster’s team, pre-Negro National 
League formation, in October of 1916. In Kansas City, Missouri.”Despite the difference in the color of their skin, Doswell said Foster and Wilkinson had a lot in common.“These were two baseball men who were visionaries in many respects, who understood the broader picture,” said Doswell.A war, a pandemic and a scandalTheir partnership, though, came out of global tragedy and turmoil.When the U.S. entered World War I in 1917, Wilkinson’s All Nations players were among those who enlisted according to Fredrick.“He (Wilkinson) lost All-Nations roster to the Great War. We know that,” he said.Things
 worsened in 1918 when baseball—and especially barnstorming teams that 
had to travel to make money—were hit hard by the global flu pandemic.Then, as now with the coronavirus, the flu impacted black communities more, according to Doswell.“There’s
 a lot of urbanization, so it’s easy for these kinds of things like the 
flu or even tuberculosis to sweep through black communities very 
easily,” he said. “That was a problem in some large communities for many
 years.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591289439235.png" alt="The Chicago American Giants, owned by Rube Foster (back row, middle, wearing suit) were a pre-Negro Leagues barnstorming team made up of all black players. This was the 1918 squad. Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, Inc." />
 <figcaption>The Chicago American Giants, owned by Rube Foster (back row, middle, wearing suit) were a pre-Negro Leagues barnstorming team made up of all black players. This was the 1918 squad. Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, Inc.</figcaption>
 </figure>By 1919, the war had ended and the flu had subsided. But baseball had
 another lingering problem: gambling. Though an issue before the war and
 pandemic, the problem reached its apex when several members of the 
Chicago White Sox took money to intentionally lose the 1919 World Series
 against the Cincinnati Reds.After those chain of events, Doswell said Foster and Wilkinson converged in Kansas City in 1920.“They
 were being pushed by the black press mostly,” he said. “Black sports 
news editors were sometimes also the editors of different papers. They 
were commenting on the fact that black baseball was loose, and it was 
not organized.”Kansas City’s signature franchiseFrom
 Fredrick’s research on Wilkinson, it was discovered that Wilkinson, 
being the shrewd businessman that he was, planned to start up the Kansas
 City Monarchs, with or without an organized league.But as it 
turned out, the Monarchs became one of the league’s signature teams 
under Wilkinson’s ownership. Wilkinson, who entered the National 
Baseball of Fame in 2006, had earned the respect of his players.One of them was former Monarchs first baseman and manager Buck O’Neil, who before his death in 2006, praised Wilkinson.“J.L.
 (Wilkinson was) an outstanding individual. Great baseball mind,” he 
said. “He’s a promoter. He knew how to make money,” O’Neil said at that 
time.One hundred years ago, the formation of the Negro Leagues 
was a historic step for baseball, one that may never have happened if 
not for world-shaking events. That’ something for Major League Baseball 
to keep in mind now, as it tries to move on after another global 
pandemic.

How 1918 pandemic sparked founding of Negro Leagues in Kansas City

By
NICK GOSNELL <a href="https://hutchpost.com">Hutch
Post</a>


HUTCHINSON — 
An advocate for the Kansas Association of School Boards says the Kansas 
State Board of Education is working on recommendations for school 
districts for how they should approach reopening in the fall.

"Everyone
 is hopeful that schools will reopen," Tallman said. "The question is, 
what kinds of restrictions may there be on things like social distancing
 and activities and students coming together."

An unknown factor is the attitude of parents toward putting their kids back together with others in school.

"How
 many parents may not want their kids to come back or come right away, 
how do we accommodate that?" Tallman asked. "We've got a group of people
 who are extremely anxious to make sure school starts and we've got 
another group who are very concerned about school starting and we're 
going to have to work through how we try to address both of those 
concerns."

This decision, like many in the state after the Governor's orders have changed, will likely be different in each district.

"A
 lot of the actual implementation is going to have to be at the local 
level," Tallman said. "I think we could see variations. We, of course, 
saw some of that just in the continuous learning plans. What ability did
 a district have to get internet-based instruction to all of its 
students? Some had very little difficulty doing that. Everyone had some 
struggles. In other districts, it was a much greater challenge."

Economics
 were an issue in getting online curriculum delivered, so what sorts of 
flexibility districts will have will be important.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582221969260.jpeg" alt="Mark Tallman, Kansas Association of School Boards" />
 <figcaption>Mark Tallman, Kansas Association of School Boards</figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL <a href="https://hutchpost.com">Hutch
Post</a>
HUTCHINSON — 
An advocate for the Kansas Association of School Boards says the Kansas 
State Board of Education is working on recommendations for school 
districts for how they should approach reopening in the fall."Everyone
 is hopeful that schools will reopen," Tallman said. "The question is, 
what kinds of restrictions may there be on things like social distancing
 and activities and students coming together."An unknown factor is the attitude of parents toward putting their kids back together with others in school."How
 many parents may not want their kids to come back or come right away, 
how do we accommodate that?" Tallman asked. "We've got a group of people
 who are extremely anxious to make sure school starts and we've got 
another group who are very concerned about school starting and we're 
going to have to work through how we try to address both of those 
concerns."This decision, like many in the state after the Governor's orders have changed, will likely be different in each district."A
 lot of the actual implementation is going to have to be at the local 
level," Tallman said. "I think we could see variations. We, of course, 
saw some of that just in the continuous learning plans. What ability did
 a district have to get internet-based instruction to all of its 
students? Some had very little difficulty doing that. Everyone had some 
struggles. In other districts, it was a much greater challenge."Economics
 were an issue in getting online curriculum delivered, so what sorts of 
flexibility districts will have will be important.

Tallman: 'Everyone is hopeful that schools will reopen'

TALLEDEGA COUNTY, AL —Law enforcement authorities investigating a double homicide in Junction City are reporting the arrest of Dontavion Wright, 18, Talladega, Alabama.

On May 7, police responded to the area of 800 West 11th Street in Junction City for a report of shots fired. They found Dillon Spencer, 21, and Aaron Villarreal, 19, both of Junction City dead of apparent gun shot wounds.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, police in Alabama arrested Wright on a Geary County District Court warrant charging him with two counts of First-Degree Murder, according to&nbsp;Junction City Police Captain Trish Giordano.

Wright had previously been identified by police in Junction City only as "J,"&nbsp; a person of interest in the case, but has now been identified and is being held on a two-million dollar bond, according to Talladega County jail records pending extradition back to Geary County.

Police are still looking for a second suspect in the case identified as Nathaniel Holmes, according to Giordano.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591281924815.png" alt="Wright -photo Talladega County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Wright -photo Talladega County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>TALLEDEGA COUNTY, AL —Law enforcement authorities investigating a double homicide in Junction City are reporting the arrest of Dontavion Wright, 18, Talladega, Alabama.On May 7, police responded to the area of 800 West 11th Street in Junction City for a report of shots fired. They found Dillon Spencer, 21, and Aaron Villarreal, 19, both of Junction City dead of apparent gun shot wounds.&nbsp;On Wednesday, police in Alabama arrested Wright on a Geary County District Court warrant charging him with two counts of First-Degree Murder, according to&nbsp;Junction City Police Captain Trish Giordano.Wright had previously been identified by police in Junction City only as "J,"&nbsp; a person of interest in the case, but has now been identified and is being held on a two-million dollar bond, according to Talladega County jail records pending extradition back to Geary County.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591220861704.jpeg" alt="Nathaniel Holmes" />
 <figcaption>Nathaniel Holmes</figcaption>
 </figure>Police are still looking for a second suspect in the case identified as Nathaniel Holmes, according to Giordano.

Teen suspect in Kansas double murder jailed in Alabama

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Civil rights organizations on Wednesday called for the resignation of Kansas City Police Chief Rick Smith, hours after a group of mostly black pastors demanded changes to improve relations between police and the city's minority community.

The Urban League of Greater Kansas City, the NAACP’s Kansas City, Missouri branch, and More2 said in a statement that Smith should resign because of his handling of previous excessive force complaints and officer-involved shootings of black men.

Smith said he had no plans to resign. After mingling with a crowd of protesters chanting “Black lives must survive," he announced that the department had “been listening" and had obtained funding for body cameras. The crowd erupted into applause. The DeBruce Foundation donated $1 million, with another $1.5 million coming from other business and philanthropic groups.

“I know everybody is tired of waiting for justice," Mayor Quinton Lucas said. “What we are going to do today is take one first step into the process of rebuilding connections, rebuilding trust and making sure you know that this city works for you. What I want to make sure that you know we know is that black lives matter."

Body cameras were among the demands from the group calling for Smith's resignation. They also criticized the city’s Board of Police Commissioners for allowing the chief to conduct internal investigations of officer-involved shootings and complaints of excessive force rather than calling in independent investigators.

A group of mostly black religious leaders made similar demands earlier Wednesday, but without calling for Smith's resignation.

Emanual Cleaver III, pastor at St. James United Methodist Church, said the pastors believed it was necessary to seek change because: “What happened to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/c35e8d89079dcb7cf7021ebdb71b04be">George Floyd&nbsp;</a>was nothing new.” He said pastors "will take action” if the city doesn't respond, though he declined to elaborate.

Among the protesters in the crowd, was 20-year-old Joileeah Worley, who is spending the summer at home in Kansas City after studying at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in Los Angeles.

“Something needs to change," she said. “And if it's not a change in policy, it needs to be a change in perspective and the only way we can get a change in perspective is if we have someone new in power."

Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker said her office was reviewing video of Kansas City police officers who pepper-sprayed two protesters and arrested one who was yelling at police during protests Monday night.

Lucas said Tuesday that he reviewed videos that had been sent to him from people concerned about police actions, and asked the FBI and federal prosecutors to review any that might violate procedures or show misconduct.

Kansas City has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/83b1ecab54f039bbd30346a218a4c994">endured&nbsp;</a>five days of protests over Floyd's May 25 death in Minneapolis. Peaceful daytime demonstrations devolved into violence. Police used tear gas on protesters for the first four nights before relative calm returned Tuesday night.

In St. Louis, the police officers’ union this week said it had lost faith in Police Chief John Hayden’s response to violent demonstrators and asked Gov. Mike Parson to send the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the National Guard to help, The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported.

Mayor Lyda Krewson said Hayden had her full support. Sgt. Heather Taylor, president of the Ethical Society of Police, which represents mostly black officers, said Hayden is doing a fair job and that the union is targeting him because he’s firing union members “at an alarming rate for misconduct,” and because the chief is black. Jeff Roorda, business manager of the union calling for reinforcements, said the criticism is based on the chief’s performance.

Parson said Wednesday that the state doesn’t need federal troops “at this point" to help quell the demonstrations.

President Donald Trump on Monday threatened to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/41d80cc063a7199f75fb28cc34713f0c">send federal military troops</a>&nbsp;to U.S. cities to quell the violence that erupted after Floyd, a handcuffed black man died, after a white police officer pressed a knee into his neck until he stopped moving.

St. Louis County Executive Sam Page on Wednesday accused Trump of “fanning the flames” of violence and treating the demonstrations as if they “were a reality show.”

Although protests Tuesday night in St. Louis County were calm, Page's comments came after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/83b1ecab54f039bbd30346a218a4c994">four St. Louis police officers</a>&nbsp;were shot and a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/1421b4f84e39488c41c0a285dba8a8cc">retired St. Louis police captain</a>&nbsp;was killed during violence overnight Monday. Police said more than 70 businesses in the city were ransacked, including a pawn shop where retired St. Louis police Capt. David Dorn was fatally shot during a break-in.

The U.S. Attorney in St. Louis on Wednesday charged a man who lived in a complex adjacent to where the four officers were shot with felony weapons charges. The complaint does not directly link Christopher Thomas Gaston, 40, of St. Louis, to the shootings.

The criminal complaint says witnesses reported seeing Gaston with weapons the evening of the shootings and surveillance video showed Gaston carrying a long rifle partially concealed under a blanket. Officers found two firearms and ammunition in his apartment.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591275596951.png" alt="Chief Rick Smith and Mayor Lucas during a Monday press briefing -image courtesy KCMO police" />
 <figcaption>Chief Rick Smith and Mayor Lucas during a Monday press briefing -image courtesy KCMO police</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Civil rights organizations on Wednesday called for the resignation of Kansas City Police Chief Rick Smith, hours after a group of mostly black pastors demanded changes to improve relations between police and the city's minority community.The Urban League of Greater Kansas City, the NAACP’s Kansas City, Missouri branch, and More2 said in a statement that Smith should resign because of his handling of previous excessive force complaints and officer-involved shootings of black men.Smith said he had no plans to resign. After mingling with a crowd of protesters chanting “Black lives must survive," he announced that the department had “been listening" and had obtained funding for body cameras. The crowd erupted into applause. The DeBruce Foundation donated $1 million, with another $1.5 million coming from other business and philanthropic groups.“I know everybody is tired of waiting for justice," Mayor Quinton Lucas said. “What we are going to do today is take one first step into the process of rebuilding connections, rebuilding trust and making sure you know that this city works for you. What I want to make sure that you know we know is that black lives matter."Body cameras were among the demands from the group calling for Smith's resignation. They also criticized the city’s Board of Police Commissioners for allowing the chief to conduct internal investigations of officer-involved shootings and complaints of excessive force rather than calling in independent investigators.A group of mostly black religious leaders made similar demands earlier Wednesday, but without calling for Smith's resignation.Emanual Cleaver III, pastor at St. James United Methodist Church, said the pastors believed it was necessary to seek change because: “What happened to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/c35e8d89079dcb7cf7021ebdb71b04be">George Floyd&nbsp;</a>was nothing new.” He said pastors "will take action” if the city doesn't respond, though he declined to elaborate.Among the protesters in the crowd, was 20-year-old Joileeah Worley, who is spending the summer at home in Kansas City after studying at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in Los Angeles.“Something needs to change," she said. “And if it's not a change in policy, it needs to be a change in perspective and the only way we can get a change in perspective is if we have someone new in power."Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker said her office was reviewing video of Kansas City police officers who pepper-sprayed two protesters and arrested one who was yelling at police during protests Monday night.Lucas said Tuesday that he reviewed videos that had been sent to him from people concerned about police actions, and asked the FBI and federal prosecutors to review any that might violate procedures or show misconduct.Kansas City has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/83b1ecab54f039bbd30346a218a4c994">endured&nbsp;</a>five days of protests over Floyd's May 25 death in Minneapolis. Peaceful daytime demonstrations devolved into violence. Police used tear gas on protesters for the first four nights before relative calm returned Tuesday night.In St. Louis, the police officers’ union this week said it had lost faith in Police Chief John Hayden’s response to violent demonstrators and asked Gov. Mike Parson to send the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the National Guard to help, The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported.Mayor Lyda Krewson said Hayden had her full support. Sgt. Heather Taylor, president of the Ethical Society of Police, which represents mostly black officers, said Hayden is doing a fair job and that the union is targeting him because he’s firing union members “at an alarming rate for misconduct,” and because the chief is black. Jeff Roorda, business manager of the union calling for reinforcements, said the criticism is based on the chief’s performance.Parson said Wednesday that the state doesn’t need federal troops “at this point" to help quell the demonstrations.President Donald Trump on Monday threatened to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/41d80cc063a7199f75fb28cc34713f0c">send federal military troops</a>&nbsp;to U.S. cities to quell the violence that erupted after Floyd, a handcuffed black man died, after a white police officer pressed a knee into his neck until he stopped moving.St. Louis County Executive Sam Page on Wednesday accused Trump of “fanning the flames” of violence and treating the demonstrations as if they “were a reality show.”Although protests Tuesday night in St. Louis County were calm, Page's comments came after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/83b1ecab54f039bbd30346a218a4c994">four St. Louis police officers</a>&nbsp;were shot and a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/1421b4f84e39488c41c0a285dba8a8cc">retired St. Louis police captain</a>&nbsp;was killed during violence overnight Monday. Police said more than 70 businesses in the city were ransacked, including a pawn shop where retired St. Louis police Capt. David Dorn was fatally shot during a break-in.The U.S. Attorney in St. Louis on Wednesday charged a man who lived in a complex adjacent to where the four officers were shot with felony weapons charges. The complaint does not directly link Christopher Thomas Gaston, 40, of St. Louis, to the shootings.The criminal complaint says witnesses reported seeing Gaston with weapons the evening of the shootings and surveillance video showed Gaston carrying a long rifle partially concealed under a blanket. Officers found two firearms and ammunition in his apartment.

Black leaders in Kansas City seek police chief's resignation

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas food plant temporarily shut down Wednesday after several workers tested positive for the coronavirus.

The Reser’s Fine Foods plant in Topeka, which makes prepared entrees and side dishes sold at grocery stores, will close for two weeks while all employees get tested.

Reser’s didn’t specify how many employees have tested positive for the coronavirus. A spokeswoman declined to provide further information Wednesday, including how many people work at the site.

Meanwhile, Kansas health officials want to randomly test Sedgwick County residents to track the spread of coronavirus in the area.

The county health department will offer testing to 1,600 random residents next week, KSNW-TV&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksn.com/news/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-in-kansas/sedgwick-county-wants-to-randomly-test-residents-for-covid-19/" target="_blank">reported</a>.

Residents who get a call from the health department will be offered testing regardless of whether they have symptoms of COVID-19.

Testing in Sedgwick County will be held June 18 through June 20. Health officials are planning another round of random testing in mid-July to see if the virus spreads.

Kansas has continued to see coronavirus cases and COVID-19-related deaths increase. The state Department of Health and Environment reported Monday that the number of cases had reached 10,011, which was up by 292 or 3% since Friday. The number of deaths jumped 4.5%, up 9 to a total of 217 since the pandemic hit the state in early March.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough 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.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas food plant temporarily shut down Wednesday after several workers tested positive for the coronavirus.The Reser’s Fine Foods plant in Topeka, which makes prepared entrees and side dishes sold at grocery stores, will close for two weeks while all employees get tested.Reser’s didn’t specify how many employees have tested positive for the coronavirus. A spokeswoman declined to provide further information Wednesday, including how many people work at the site.Meanwhile, Kansas health officials want to randomly test Sedgwick County residents to track the spread of coronavirus in the area.The county health department will offer testing to 1,600 random residents next week, KSNW-TV&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksn.com/news/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-in-kansas/sedgwick-county-wants-to-randomly-test-residents-for-covid-19/" target="_blank">reported</a>.Residents who get a call from the health department will be offered testing regardless of whether they have symptoms of COVID-19.Testing in Sedgwick County will be held June 18 through June 20. Health officials are planning another round of random testing in mid-July to see if the virus spreads.Kansas has continued to see coronavirus cases and COVID-19-related deaths increase. The state Department of Health and Environment reported Monday that the number of cases had reached 10,011, which was up by 292 or 3% since Friday. The number of deaths jumped 4.5%, up 9 to a total of 217 since the pandemic hit the state in early March.For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough 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.

Kansas food plant shuts down after workers contract virus

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Gov. Mike Parson on Wednesday said Missouri will send National Guard troops to Washington, D.C. amid sometimes violent protests in the nation’s capital.

A spokeswoman for the Missouri National Guard said the Missouri troops are heading out in response to a request for help from the District of Columbia National Guard.

Col. Anna Friederich-Maggard said Missouri troops will depart over the next several days. She said she can’t say how many Missouri troops are going for security reasons.

The National Guard is in Washington supporting local law enforcement. Protests there have been violent at times. The protests are in response to the death in Minnesota of a black man, George Floyd, who died after a white police officer pressed his knee to Floyd’s neck for several minutes.

So far, Indiana has sent about 300 National Guard troops to D.C., Tennessee has sent about 1,000 and South Carolina has sent more than 400.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Gov. Mike Parson on Wednesday said Missouri will send National Guard troops to Washington, D.C. amid sometimes violent protests in the nation’s capital.A spokeswoman for the Missouri National Guard said the Missouri troops are heading out in response to a request for help from the District of Columbia National Guard.Col. Anna Friederich-Maggard said Missouri troops will depart over the next several days. She said she can’t say how many Missouri troops are going for security reasons.The National Guard is in Washington supporting local law enforcement. Protests there have been violent at times. The protests are in response to the death in Minnesota of a black man, George Floyd, who died after a white police officer pressed his knee to Floyd’s neck for several minutes.So far, Indiana has sent about 300 National Guard troops to D.C., Tennessee has sent about 1,000 and South Carolina has sent more than 400.

Missouri National Guard headed to D.C.

MANHATTAN—Kansas State University on Wednesday announced a third round of emergency furloughs from multiple areas of the university. 

According to a media release from KSU, a total of 15 employees will be furloughed. According to the K-State Today announcement affected areas include Enrollment Management, International Student and Scholar Services, and Education Abroad. The furloughs will occur in June and July.

Enrollment Management is furloughing three employees, International Student and Scholar Services is furloughing five employees, and Education Abroad is furloughing seven employees.&nbsp; The emergency furloughs are expected to result in cost reductions of nearly $80,000.

&nbsp;Furloughed employees may qualify for state unemployment benefits.

MANHATTAN—Kansas State University on Wednesday announced a third round of emergency furloughs from multiple areas of the university. According to a media release from KSU, a total of 15 employees will be furloughed. According to the K-State Today announcement affected areas include Enrollment Management, International Student and Scholar Services, and Education Abroad. The furloughs will occur in June and July.Enrollment Management is furloughing three employees, International Student and Scholar Services is furloughing five employees, and Education Abroad is furloughing seven employees.&nbsp; The emergency furloughs are expected to result in cost reductions of nearly $80,000.&nbsp;Furloughed employees may qualify for state unemployment benefits.

K-State announces 3rd round of emergency furloughs 

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Republican-led Kansas Senate has rejected Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s latest nominee for the state Court of Appeals. 

The Senate on Wednesday rejected Kelly’s nomination of longtime state and federal public defender Carl Folsom III, largely because he represented a client convicted of possessing child pornography.

Republican Sen. Molly Baumgardner criticized Folsom for aruging for a reduced sentence for his client. Democratic Sen. Vic Miller challenged Baumgardner, noting that public defenders don’t choose their clients. Kelly called it “political games.”

TOPEKA—Governor Laura Kelly issued a statement to the press Wednesday afternoon critical of the Kansas Senate’s action to reject the nomination of Carl Folsom to the Kansas Court of Appeals.

The governor made her comments in the Kansas Statehouse, 2nd Floor Rotunda.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Republican-led Kansas Senate has rejected Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s latest nominee for the state Court of Appeals. <div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovLauraKelly%2Fvideos%2F3289779231074220%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>The Senate on Wednesday rejected Kelly’s nomination of longtime state and federal public defender Carl Folsom III, largely because he represented a client convicted of possessing child pornography.Republican Sen. Molly Baumgardner criticized Folsom for aruging for a reduced sentence for his client. Democratic Sen. Vic Miller challenged Baumgardner, noting that public defenders don’t choose their clients. Kelly called it “political games.”--------TOPEKA—Governor Laura Kelly issued a statement to the press Wednesday afternoon critical of the Kansas Senate’s action to reject the nomination of Carl Folsom to the Kansas Court of Appeals.The governor made her comments in the Kansas Statehouse, 2nd Floor Rotunda.

🎥  Gov. responds to decision to reject her appointment to Court of Appeals

By ELLE MOXLEY <a href="https://www.kcur.org/education/2020-06-03/kansas-school-districts-funding-looks-good-on-paper-but-deep-cuts-are-expected-this-fall-due-to-the-pandemic">Kansas News Service</a>

Kansas school districts are trying to budget for some pretty big unknowns right now.

No
 one knows if it will even be safe to have students in schools in 
August, and everyone’s worried about the $650 million hole COVID-19 blew
 in the state’s budget. Administrators are worried that if the state’s 
economy doesn’t rebound soon, they’ll have to make deep cuts in the 
middle of next school year.

“There’s not a superintendent that 
isn’t preparing for something like that,” said Glen Suppes, the 
superintendent of the Smoky Valley Public Schools in Lindsborg. “We 
continue to hear optimism from (state education) Commissioner Randy 
Watson, and that schools are a priority for the governor.

“But I’m anxious to see how the tax revenues are going to come in.”

The
 fiscal year 2021 budget that Kansas lawmakers passed in March, before 
the pandemic hit, looked pretty good for public education. K-12 schools 
got an additional $120 million, money that the state’s high court has 
said needs to be spent on schools following <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2019-03-29/times-nearly-up-for-kansas-lawmakers-to-resolve-school-spending" target="_blank">a years-long funding battle</a>.

“The
 problem is that budget, when it was passed, was based on numbers last 
November that have dramatically changed,” said Mark Tallman with the 
Kansas Association of School Boards.

Because of the pandemic, 
Kansas is facing a huge budget shortfall. In an April 20 memo, the 
Kansas Legislative Research Department forecasted an 8% overall decline 
in revenue for the coming fiscal year.

Tallman said in a state that spends more than half its revenue on education, there’s no way cuts won’t touch K-12 schools.

“There
 are certainly things the governor and legislature could do, but all of 
those are kind of bad choices. In a simple world, if you just ... cut 8%
 out of the budget, you're taking very major cuts,” Tallman said.

In
 a big district like Shawnee Mission in Johnson County, an 8% cut would 
be the difference between ending the school year with a $7 million 
surplus — and a $13 million deficit.

And that’s before factoring 
in raises, which are top-of-mind in Shawnee Mission after a protracted 
contract dispute with the teachers union that dragged on for most of the
 school year that just ended.

“I guess I’m one of those that’s 
really concerned about the revenue,” board member Brad Stratton said 
during a budget workshop last week.

Stratton, who was first 
elected to the school board in 2015, wants to budget cautiously for the 
upcoming school year because he knows what happens when revenue 
collections fall short: Education pays the price.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591215691151.png" alt="Kansas schools face major uncertainty entering the 2020-21 school year, with many school administrators expecting drastic cuts in the fall once the state's budget fully absorbs the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Chris Neal / For the Kansas News Service " />
 <figcaption>Kansas schools face major uncertainty entering the 2020-21 school year, with many school administrators expecting drastic cuts in the fall once the state's budget fully absorbs the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Chris Neal / For the Kansas News Service </figcaption>
 </figure>By ELLE MOXLEY <a href="https://www.kcur.org/education/2020-06-03/kansas-school-districts-funding-looks-good-on-paper-but-deep-cuts-are-expected-this-fall-due-to-the-pandemic">Kansas News Service</a>Kansas school districts are trying to budget for some pretty big unknowns right now.No
 one knows if it will even be safe to have students in schools in 
August, and everyone’s worried about the $650 million hole COVID-19 blew
 in the state’s budget. Administrators are worried that if the state’s 
economy doesn’t rebound soon, they’ll have to make deep cuts in the 
middle of next school year.“There’s not a superintendent that 
isn’t preparing for something like that,” said Glen Suppes, the 
superintendent of the Smoky Valley Public Schools in Lindsborg. “We 
continue to hear optimism from (state education) Commissioner Randy 
Watson, and that schools are a priority for the governor.“But I’m anxious to see how the tax revenues are going to come in.”<h2>‘You’re talking very major cuts’</h2>The
 fiscal year 2021 budget that Kansas lawmakers passed in March, before 
the pandemic hit, looked pretty good for public education. K-12 schools 
got an additional $120 million, money that the state’s high court has 
said needs to be spent on schools following <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2019-03-29/times-nearly-up-for-kansas-lawmakers-to-resolve-school-spending" target="_blank">a years-long funding battle</a>.“The
 problem is that budget, when it was passed, was based on numbers last 
November that have dramatically changed,” said Mark Tallman with the 
Kansas Association of School Boards.Because of the pandemic, 
Kansas is facing a huge budget shortfall. In an April 20 memo, the 
Kansas Legislative Research Department forecasted an 8% overall decline 
in revenue for the coming fiscal year.Tallman said in a state that spends more than half its revenue on education, there’s no way cuts won’t touch K-12 schools.“There
 are certainly things the governor and legislature could do, but all of 
those are kind of bad choices. In a simple world, if you just ... cut 8%
 out of the budget, you're taking very major cuts,” Tallman said.In
 a big district like Shawnee Mission in Johnson County, an 8% cut would 
be the difference between ending the school year with a $7 million 
surplus — and a $13 million deficit.And that’s before factoring 
in raises, which are top-of-mind in Shawnee Mission after a protracted 
contract dispute with the teachers union that dragged on for most of the
 school year that just ended.“I guess I’m one of those that’s 
really concerned about the revenue,” board member Brad Stratton said 
during a budget workshop last week.Stratton, who was first 
elected to the school board in 2015, wants to budget cautiously for the 
upcoming school year because he knows what happens when revenue 
collections fall short: Education pays the price.“KSDE (the 
Kansas Department of Education) is presenting one number, and then 
there’s the reality our legislators and governor are going to have to 
face,” Stratton said.<h2>Factoring in cuts and the coronavirus</h2>Until
 lawmakers tell the state Department of Education otherwise, though, 
schools are stuck with the optimistic, pre-pandemic numbers.But 
Kansas school superintendents can’t afford to be quite so optimistic. 
Suppes, the Smoky Valley superintendent, needs to make decisions about 
staffing now before the fiscal year resets July 1.“Are we going 
to be paying coaches that may not coach a sport in the fall if we're 
shut down? Are we going to be paying bus drivers? And if we don't, yes, 
the district saves money, but on the other hand, there's another family 
without an income,” he said.On top of that, Suppes says 
superintendents still don’t know what school will look like in the fall 
after the pandemic wiped out the final two months of this past school 
year. “Can we touch the playground equipment? Can we sit in the 
lunch room together where we have plexiglass between us at all times?” 
Suppes said. “And how will we even pass through the corridor safely?”In
 a normal budget year, Wichita Public Schools Chief Financial Officer 
Susan Willis runs four or five budget scenarios. This year, she said 
she’s running 15.Not only is Willis trying to account for how 
school might be changed by the coronavirus, but she also is trying to 
factor in the timing of potential budget cuts.“What does it mean 
if they let us start the year with the increase that is due under the 
formula, but they come in with a cut in December? What are our options 
at that point?” Willis said.<h2>A new kind of challenge</h2>Willis
 said Kansas schools are used to dealing with financial uncertainty. 
There was the Great Recession, the tax cuts imposed by former Gov. Sam 
Brownback and the prolonged school funding fight.“But what makes 
this extremely challenging is we’re not as familiar with how we adapt 
the academic school year ... if we have to social distance,” Willis 
said.Kansas has gotten $2 billion dollars from the federal 
government to pay for coronavirus-related expenses, like protective gear
 and ventilators. But that money isn’t meant to shore up state budgets. 
That kind of aid could still come — it did during the Great Recession — 
but according to Marguerite Roza, states shouldn’t count on it.“We
 can’t even sort of look back at the last recession and say, ‘Here’s how
 we know this plays out’ because this is different,” said Roza, who runs
 the Edunomics Lab at Georgetown University, a research center for 
education financial policy.Roza said states that delay making 
inevitable budget cuts could fare worse than states that act now to 
restrict spending. Missouri has already slashed K-12 funding by more 
than $130 million. Colorado has warned schools that significant cuts are
 coming.But Kansas lawmakers have historically waited for the revenue consensus to come out in November before balancing the budgets.“If
 states wait longer to revise their budget projections or announce any 
K-12 funding impact, that will send districts further into the future 
before making any spending changes, which could require deeper cuts,” 
Roza said. “The idea is if you can’t start saving money now, you’ll have
 to save more and more suddenly.”Elle Moxley covers education for KCUR. You can reach her on Twitter @ellemoxley.