WASHINGTON, DC - There’s an incredible new opportunity for recovered&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;patients to help their community. 

In coordination with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA, the&nbsp; American Red Cross (ARC) is seeking people who are fully recovered from COVID-19 to&nbsp;<a href="http://t.givebloodtoday.redcrossblood.org/r/?id=h30c2d963,16642d12,163097fe&amp;med=email&amp;source=bioadobe&amp;campdesc=BHQ_IN_WB_ABO_CCPEmail1_NA1_Active_050620&amp;cid=373271110&amp;did=PRDDM60165&amp;bid=818076003&amp;subj=You%20Could%20Help%20Save%20A%20COVID-19%20Patient&amp;prty=normal&amp;nat=conversion&amp;prod=plasma&amp;sender=American%20Red%20Cross&amp;delvId=375663890" target="_blank">sign up to donate plasma</a>&nbsp;to help current&nbsp;COVID-19 patients.

If you have recovered from a positive&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;diagnosis and wish to be a convalescent plasma donor, or if you know somebody who has recovered and may want to help in this way, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="http://t.givebloodtoday.redcrossblood.org/r/?id=h30c2d963,16642d12,163097ff&amp;med=email&amp;source=bioadobe&amp;campdesc=BHQ_IN_WB_ABO_CCPEmail1_NA1_Active_050620&amp;cid=373271110&amp;did=PRDDM60165&amp;bid=818076003&amp;subj=You%20Could%20Help%20Save%20A%20COVID-19%20Patient&amp;prty=normal&amp;nat=conversion&amp;prod=plasma&amp;sender=American%20Red%20Cross&amp;delvId=375663890" target="_blank">COVID-19&nbsp;Convalescent Plasma Donor Information Page.</a>&nbsp;You could be eligible to help&nbsp;if you:

Historically, convalescent plasma has been used as a potentially lifesaving treatment when new diseases or infections develop quickly, and no treatments or vaccines are available yet.

&nbsp;<a href="http://t.givebloodtoday.redcrossblood.org/r/?id=h30c2d963,16642d12,16309801&amp;med=email&amp;source=bioadobe&amp;campdesc=BHQ_IN_WB_ABO_CCPEmail1_NA1_Active_050620&amp;cid=373271110&amp;did=PRDDM60165&amp;bid=818076003&amp;subj=You%20Could%20Help%20Save%20A%20COVID-19%20Patient&amp;prty=normal&amp;nat=conversion&amp;prod=plasma&amp;sender=American%20Red%20Cross&amp;delvId=375663890" target="_blank">The&nbsp;Red Cross&nbsp;program</a>&nbsp;will allow for efficient distribution of convalescent plasma to wherever it’s needed most across the country. Your plasma may be the key to&nbsp;saving lives.

If you have recently recovered from&nbsp;COVID-19,&nbsp;please take a moment to learn more about our convalescent plasma program and fill out our <a href="https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/dlp/plasma-donations-from-recovered-covid-19-patients.html?med=email&amp;source=bioadobe&amp;campdesc=BHQ_IN_WB_ABO_CCPEmail1_NA1_Active_050620&amp;cid=373271110&amp;did=PRDDM60165&amp;bid=818076003&amp;subj=You%20Could%20Help%20Save%20A%20COVID-19%20Patient&amp;prty=normal&amp;nat=conversion&amp;prod=plasma&amp;sender=American%20Red%20Cross&amp;delvId=375663890">online form</a> to help those fighting&nbsp;the virus.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588801216356.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>ARCWASHINGTON, DC - There’s an incredible new opportunity for recovered&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;patients to help their community. In coordination with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA, the&nbsp; American Red Cross (ARC) is seeking people who are fully recovered from COVID-19 to&nbsp;<a href="http://t.givebloodtoday.redcrossblood.org/r/?id=h30c2d963,16642d12,163097fe&amp;med=email&amp;source=bioadobe&amp;campdesc=BHQ_IN_WB_ABO_CCPEmail1_NA1_Active_050620&amp;cid=373271110&amp;did=PRDDM60165&amp;bid=818076003&amp;subj=You%20Could%20Help%20Save%20A%20COVID-19%20Patient&amp;prty=normal&amp;nat=conversion&amp;prod=plasma&amp;sender=American%20Red%20Cross&amp;delvId=375663890" target="_blank">sign up to donate plasma</a>&nbsp;to help current&nbsp;COVID-19 patients.If you have recovered from a positive&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;diagnosis and wish to be a convalescent plasma donor, or if you know somebody who has recovered and may want to help in this way, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="http://t.givebloodtoday.redcrossblood.org/r/?id=h30c2d963,16642d12,163097ff&amp;med=email&amp;source=bioadobe&amp;campdesc=BHQ_IN_WB_ABO_CCPEmail1_NA1_Active_050620&amp;cid=373271110&amp;did=PRDDM60165&amp;bid=818076003&amp;subj=You%20Could%20Help%20Save%20A%20COVID-19%20Patient&amp;prty=normal&amp;nat=conversion&amp;prod=plasma&amp;sender=American%20Red%20Cross&amp;delvId=375663890" target="_blank">COVID-19&nbsp;Convalescent Plasma Donor Information Page.</a>&nbsp;You could be eligible to help&nbsp;if you:<ol>
 <li>Meet standard blood donation eligibility&nbsp;<a href="http://t.givebloodtoday.redcrossblood.org/r/?id=h30c2d963,16642d12,16309800&amp;med=email&amp;source=bioadobe&amp;campdesc=BHQ_IN_WB_ABO_CCPEmail1_NA1_Active_050620&amp;cid=373271110&amp;did=PRDDM60165&amp;bid=818076003&amp;subj=You%20Could%20Help%20Save%20A%20COVID-19%20Patient&amp;prty=normal&amp;nat=conversion&amp;prod=plasma&amp;sender=American%20Red%20Cross&amp;delvId=375663890" target="_blank">(FAQs)</a></li><li>Have a verified, prior diagnosis&nbsp;of COVID-19</li><li>Are now symptom free and fully recovered&nbsp;from COVID-19</li>
 </ol>Historically, convalescent plasma has been used as a potentially lifesaving treatment when new diseases or infections develop quickly, and no treatments or vaccines are available yet.&nbsp;<a href="http://t.givebloodtoday.redcrossblood.org/r/?id=h30c2d963,16642d12,16309801&amp;med=email&amp;source=bioadobe&amp;campdesc=BHQ_IN_WB_ABO_CCPEmail1_NA1_Active_050620&amp;cid=373271110&amp;did=PRDDM60165&amp;bid=818076003&amp;subj=You%20Could%20Help%20Save%20A%20COVID-19%20Patient&amp;prty=normal&amp;nat=conversion&amp;prod=plasma&amp;sender=American%20Red%20Cross&amp;delvId=375663890" target="_blank">The&nbsp;Red Cross&nbsp;program</a>&nbsp;will allow for efficient distribution of convalescent plasma to wherever it’s needed most across the country. Your plasma may be the key to&nbsp;saving lives.If you have recently recovered from&nbsp;COVID-19,&nbsp;please take a moment to learn more about our convalescent plasma program and fill out our <a href="https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/dlp/plasma-donations-from-recovered-covid-19-patients.html?med=email&amp;source=bioadobe&amp;campdesc=BHQ_IN_WB_ABO_CCPEmail1_NA1_Active_050620&amp;cid=373271110&amp;did=PRDDM60165&amp;bid=818076003&amp;subj=You%20Could%20Help%20Save%20A%20COVID-19%20Patient&amp;prty=normal&amp;nat=conversion&amp;prod=plasma&amp;sender=American%20Red%20Cross&amp;delvId=375663890">online form</a> to help those fighting&nbsp;the virus.

Convalescent COVID plasma donations sought by Red Cross and FDA

<a href="https://northplattepost.com">North Platte Post</a>

Dr. Carol Fassbinder-Orth is a Creighton University biologist, honeybee expert and beekeeper. In this episode of the Post Podcast from North Platte, Neb., she talks about the "murder hornet" with Eagle's Scott Carlson — how it got here, what threat it poses and more.

<a href="https://northplattepost.com">North Platte Post</a>Dr. Carol Fassbinder-Orth is a Creighton University biologist, honeybee expert and beekeeper. In this episode of the Post Podcast from North Platte, Neb., she talks about the "murder hornet" with Eagle's Scott Carlson — how it got here, what threat it poses and more.<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/815590951&color=%232b7fb4&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe></div>

🎙 Post Podcast: Bee expert discusses 'murder hornet'

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


HUTCHINSON — 
The digital differences between students in Kansas K-12 education have been brought into sharp relief this year.

"We've
 known for several years that children, especially those who live in 
some of the more remote rural areas, or those who live in high poverty 
areas just do not have access to broadband internet either at all or to a
 reliable supplier," said KASB Advocacy and Outreach Specialist Leah 
Fliter. "We've known that. It's something that the state has been 
attempting to work on through a broadband task force, but you know, it's
 been slow going."

The federal level may provide some hope in that regard if proposed legislation makes it into the next COVID-19 stimulus bill.

"The
 Emergency Educational Connections Act, that's a bill that would provide
 $4 billion for internet connectivity across the nation," Fliter said. 
"It would assist with broadband devices, with Wi-Fi hotspots and other 
connectivity issues for students across the United States."

The 
National Center for Education Statistics estimates 14 percent of 
school-aged children didn’t have home internet access in 2017. Kansas 
was slightly below that national rate.

"In Kansas, that's 70,000 kids we estimate do not have broadband internet access at home," Fliter said.

For
 those who think online delivery might be the solution to a long-term 
teacher shortage in the state, in order for that to be viable, the 
students need to have internet access at home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588957609333.jpeg" alt="1588933801473.jpeg" />
 <figcaption>1588933801473.jpeg</figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
<a href="https://hutchpost.com">Hutch
Post</a>
HUTCHINSON — 
The digital differences between students in Kansas K-12 education have been brought into sharp relief this year."We've
 known for several years that children, especially those who live in 
some of the more remote rural areas, or those who live in high poverty 
areas just do not have access to broadband internet either at all or to a
 reliable supplier," said KASB Advocacy and Outreach Specialist Leah 
Fliter. "We've known that. It's something that the state has been 
attempting to work on through a broadband task force, but you know, it's
 been slow going."The federal level may provide some hope in that regard if proposed legislation makes it into the next COVID-19 stimulus bill."The
 Emergency Educational Connections Act, that's a bill that would provide
 $4 billion for internet connectivity across the nation," Fliter said. 
"It would assist with broadband devices, with Wi-Fi hotspots and other 
connectivity issues for students across the United States."The 
National Center for Education Statistics estimates 14 percent of 
school-aged children didn’t have home internet access in 2017. Kansas 
was slightly below that national rate."In Kansas, that's 70,000 kids we estimate do not have broadband internet access at home," Fliter said.For
 those who think online delivery might be the solution to a long-term 
teacher shortage in the state, in order for that to be viable, the 
students need to have internet access at home.

Pandemic brings rural broadband disparity for students into focus

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem has warned that the state may see a spike in confirmed cases of COVID-19 after a mass testing event in Sioux Falls. 

The Republican governor says that about 2,600 people have been tested this week as part of an effort to get employees from a Smithfield pork processing facility ready to return to work. 

The plant shut down for more than two weeks after hundreds of employees were sickened by the virus, but some departments opened on Monday. 

Noem continues to move the state towards reopening, indicating that some state employees may soon be returning to their offices, even as confirmed cases are likely to spike.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem has warned that the state may see a spike in confirmed cases of COVID-19 after a mass testing event in Sioux Falls. The Republican governor says that about 2,600 people have been tested this week as part of an effort to get employees from a Smithfield pork processing facility ready to return to work. The plant shut down for more than two weeks after hundreds of employees were sickened by the virus, but some departments opened on Monday. Noem continues to move the state towards reopening, indicating that some state employees may soon be returning to their offices, even as confirmed cases are likely to spike.

Noem expecting spike in SD cases after mass testing event

RAPID CITY, S.D. (Rapid City Journal) — A South Dakota county is investigating how a subdivision was built after a sinkhole collapsed exposing an abandoned mine. 

The Rapid City Journal reports that Meade County is looking into the development of homes in a Black Hawk neighborhood after the gypsum mine emerged last week, breaking water and sewer lines and causing a dozen families to evacuate.

RAPID CITY, S.D. (Rapid City Journal) — A South Dakota county is investigating how a subdivision was built after a sinkhole collapsed exposing an abandoned mine. The Rapid City Journal reports that Meade County is looking into the development of homes in a Black Hawk neighborhood after the gypsum mine emerged last week, breaking water and sewer lines and causing a dozen families to evacuate.

A South Dakota county investigates homes after mine emerges

STURGIS, S.D. (Rapid City Journal) — A South Dakota teenager has admitted that he fatally shot a Wyoming girl during an argument last fall.

 The 17-year-old boy pleaded guilty Thursday to first-degree manslaughter for killing Shayna Ritthaler, a 16-year-old from Upton, Wyoming. 

The defendant said at his change-of-plea hearing that the two got into an argument and he shot her in the head. In court, the defendant referred to the victim as his girlfriend. 

Both the prosecutor and the defense agreed to ask the judge to sentence the teen to 55 years in prison. 

The prosecutor told the Rapid City Journal that the two had been chatting online but met in person for the first time when he killed her in October. 

STURGIS, S.D. (Rapid City Journal) — A South Dakota teenager has admitted that he fatally shot a Wyoming girl during an argument last fall. The 17-year-old boy pleaded guilty Thursday to first-degree manslaughter for killing Shayna Ritthaler, a 16-year-old from Upton, Wyoming. The defendant said at his change-of-plea hearing that the two got into an argument and he shot her in the head. In court, the defendant referred to the victim as his girlfriend. Both the prosecutor and the defense agreed to ask the judge to sentence the teen to 55 years in prison. The prosecutor told the Rapid City Journal that the two had been chatting online but met in person for the first time when he killed her in October. Sentencing is set for July.

South Dakota teen admits to fatally shooting Wyoming girl

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The University of Nebraska will freeze tuition rates for the next two school years, citing the financial hardship many students and their families face in the fallout from the coronavirus pandemic. 

The university’s president, Ted Carter, announced the freeze on Thursday for the 2021-22 and 2022-23 school years.

 It applies to in-state and out-of-state students, including undergraduates, graduate and doctoral students. 

Carter says that when the pandemic is over, Nebraska will need an educated workforce to help with the state's recovery.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The University of Nebraska will freeze tuition rates for the next two school years, citing the financial hardship many students and their families face in the fallout from the coronavirus pandemic. The university’s president, Ted Carter, announced the freeze on Thursday for the 2021-22 and 2022-23 school years. It applies to in-state and out-of-state students, including undergraduates, graduate and doctoral students. Carter says that when the pandemic is over, Nebraska will need an educated workforce to help with the state's recovery.

University of Nebraska freezing tuition for 2 years

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - It looks like scooters will be back on the streets of Omaha this summer unless the coronavirus keeps them away.

The city announced Thursday that two companies, Spin and Bird, signed up for the second year of the city's pilot program. Unless the pandemic prompts the city to stop the program, scooters will return in June and remain until November.

Across the U.S., scooters have proven popular with riders, but led to several accidents. The city said that for 2020, scooter companies must provide assurance that that they can slow down and stop.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - It looks like scooters will be back on the streets of Omaha this summer unless the coronavirus keeps them away.The city announced Thursday that two companies, Spin and Bird, signed up for the second year of the city's pilot program. Unless the pandemic prompts the city to stop the program, scooters will return in June and remain until November.Across the U.S., scooters have proven popular with riders, but led to several accidents. The city said that for 2020, scooter companies must provide assurance that that they can slow down and stop.

Scooters expected to return to Omaha this summer

AURORA, Neb. (Lincoln Journal Star) — Two Lincoln men were arrested after trying to flee from state highway patrol troopers in a chase that reached 125 mph. 

The Nebraska State Patrol says the chase began early Thursday when a trooper stopped a speeding car on Interstate 80 near Aurora. 

The car took off as the trooper walked toward it. 

A second trooper was able to deploy stop strips near York. 

The patrol says the car hit construction cones, a guard rail and the back of a semi-trailer truck before it stopped. 

Troopers reportedly found about 22 pounds of marijuana and more than $4,000 in cash in the car.&nbsp;

AURORA, Neb. (Lincoln Journal Star) — Two Lincoln men were arrested after trying to flee from state highway patrol troopers in a chase that reached 125 mph. The Nebraska State Patrol says the chase began early Thursday when a trooper stopped a speeding car on Interstate 80 near Aurora. The car took off as the trooper walked toward it. A second trooper was able to deploy stop strips near York. The patrol says the car hit construction cones, a guard rail and the back of a semi-trailer truck before it stopped. Troopers reportedly found about 22 pounds of marijuana and more than $4,000 in cash in the car.&nbsp;

Two men arrested after chase on Interstate 80 that hit 125 mph

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. unemployment rate hit 14.7% in April, the highest rate since the Great Depression, as 20.5 million jobs vanished in the worst monthly loss on record. The figures are stark evidence of the damage the coronavirus has done to a now-shattered economy.

The losses reflect what has become a severe recession caused by sudden business shutdowns in nearly every industry. Almost all the job growth achieved during the 11-year recovery from the Great Recession has now been lost in one month.

The collapse of the job market has occurred with stunning speed. As recently as February, the unemployment rate was a five-decade low of 3.5%, and employers had added jobs for a record 113 months. In March, the unemployment rate was just 4.4%

The government’s report Friday noted that many people who lost jobs in April but didn’t look for another one weren’t even counted in the unemployment rate. The impact of those losses was reflected in the drop in the proportion of working-age Americans who have jobs: Just 51.3%, the lowest on record.

In addition to the millions of newly unemployed, 5.1 million others had their hours reduced in April. That trend, too, means less income and less spending, perpetuating the economic downturn. A measure of what’s called underemployment — which counts the unemployed plus full-time workers who were reduced to part-time work — reached 22.8%, a record high.

Though some businesses are beginning to reopen in certain states, factories, hotels, restaurants, resorts, sporting venues, movie theaters and many small businesses are still largely shuttered. As companies have laid off tens of millions, lives have been upended across the country.

One of the newly unemployed, Sara Barnard, 24, of St. Louis, has lost three jobs: A floor manager at a pub and restaurant, a bartender at a small downtown tavern and the occasional stand-up comedian. Her main job was at McGurk’s, an Irish pub and restaurant near downtown that closed days before St. Patrick’s Day. She had worked there continually since high school.

McGurk’s tried selling food curbside, Barnard said, but it was costing more to keep the place open than the money that was coming in. Around that time, the bar where she worked closed, and comedy jobs ended when social distancing requirements forced clubs to close.

McGurk’s is a St. Louis landmark, and Barnard expects it to rebound quickly once it reopens. She just doesn’t know when.

Job losses and pay cuts are ranging across the world. Unemployment in the 19-country eurozone is expected to surpass 10% in coming months as more people are laid off. That figure is expected to remain lower than the U.S. unemployment rate. But it doesn’t count many people who either are furloughed or whose hours are cut but who receive most of their wages from government assistance.

In France, about half the private-sector workforce is on a government paid-leave program whereby they receive up to 84% of their net salary. In Germany, 3 million workers are supported in a similar system, with the government paying up to 60% of their net pay.

In the five weeks covered by the U.S. jobs report for April, 26.5 million people applied for unemployment benefits.

The job loss reported Friday was a smaller figure because the two are measured differently: The government calculates job losses by surveying businesses and households. It’s a net figure that also counts the hiring that some companies, like Amazon and many grocery stores, have done. By contrast, total jobless claims are a measure of just the layoff side of the equation.

For the United States, a key question is where the job market goes from here. Applications for unemployment aid, while high, have declined for five straight weeks, a sign that the worst of the layoffs has passed. Still, few economists expect a rapid turnaround.

The Congressional Budget Office has forecast that the unemployment rate will still be 9.5% by the end of next year. A paper by economists at the San Francisco Federal Reserve estimates that under an optimistic scenario that assumes shutdowns are lifted quickly, the unemployment rate could fall back to about 4% by mid-2021.

But if shutdowns recur and hiring revives more slowly, the jobless rate could remain in double-digits until the end of 2021, the San Francisco Fed economists predict.

Raj Chetty, a Harvard economist, is tracking real-time data on the economy, including consumer spending, small business hiring and job postings. Chetty noted the economy’s health will hinge on when the viral outbreak has subsided enough that most Americans will feel comfortable returning to restaurants, bars, movie theaters and shops.

The data suggests that many small businesses are holding on in hopes that spending and the economy will rebound soon, he said. Small business payrolls have fallen sharply but have leveled off in recent weeks. And job postings haven’t dropped nearly as much as total jobs have. But it’s unclear how much longer those trends will persist.

“There’s only so long you can hold out,” Chetty said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584974379276.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. unemployment rate hit 14.7% in April, the highest rate since the Great Depression, as 20.5 million jobs vanished in the worst monthly loss on record. The figures are stark evidence of the damage the coronavirus has done to a now-shattered economy.The losses reflect what has become a severe recession caused by sudden business shutdowns in nearly every industry. Almost all the job growth achieved during the 11-year recovery from the Great Recession has now been lost in one month.The collapse of the job market has occurred with stunning speed. As recently as February, the unemployment rate was a five-decade low of 3.5%, and employers had added jobs for a record 113 months. In March, the unemployment rate was just 4.4%The government’s report Friday noted that many people who lost jobs in April but didn’t look for another one weren’t even counted in the unemployment rate. The impact of those losses was reflected in the drop in the proportion of working-age Americans who have jobs: Just 51.3%, the lowest on record.In addition to the millions of newly unemployed, 5.1 million others had their hours reduced in April. That trend, too, means less income and less spending, perpetuating the economic downturn. A measure of what’s called underemployment — which counts the unemployed plus full-time workers who were reduced to part-time work — reached 22.8%, a record high.Though some businesses are beginning to reopen in certain states, factories, hotels, restaurants, resorts, sporting venues, movie theaters and many small businesses are still largely shuttered. As companies have laid off tens of millions, lives have been upended across the country.One of the newly unemployed, Sara Barnard, 24, of St. Louis, has lost three jobs: A floor manager at a pub and restaurant, a bartender at a small downtown tavern and the occasional stand-up comedian. Her main job was at McGurk’s, an Irish pub and restaurant near downtown that closed days before St. Patrick’s Day. She had worked there continually since high school.McGurk’s tried selling food curbside, Barnard said, but it was costing more to keep the place open than the money that was coming in. Around that time, the bar where she worked closed, and comedy jobs ended when social distancing requirements forced clubs to close.McGurk’s is a St. Louis landmark, and Barnard expects it to rebound quickly once it reopens. She just doesn’t know when.Job losses and pay cuts are ranging across the world. Unemployment in the 19-country eurozone is expected to surpass 10% in coming months as more people are laid off. That figure is expected to remain lower than the U.S. unemployment rate. But it doesn’t count many people who either are furloughed or whose hours are cut but who receive most of their wages from government assistance.In France, about half the private-sector workforce is on a government paid-leave program whereby they receive up to 84% of their net salary. In Germany, 3 million workers are supported in a similar system, with the government paying up to 60% of their net pay.In the five weeks covered by the U.S. jobs report for April, 26.5 million people applied for unemployment benefits.The job loss reported Friday was a smaller figure because the two are measured differently: The government calculates job losses by surveying businesses and households. It’s a net figure that also counts the hiring that some companies, like Amazon and many grocery stores, have done. By contrast, total jobless claims are a measure of just the layoff side of the equation.For the United States, a key question is where the job market goes from here. Applications for unemployment aid, while high, have declined for five straight weeks, a sign that the worst of the layoffs has passed. Still, few economists expect a rapid turnaround.The Congressional Budget Office has forecast that the unemployment rate will still be 9.5% by the end of next year. A paper by economists at the San Francisco Federal Reserve estimates that under an optimistic scenario that assumes shutdowns are lifted quickly, the unemployment rate could fall back to about 4% by mid-2021.But if shutdowns recur and hiring revives more slowly, the jobless rate could remain in double-digits until the end of 2021, the San Francisco Fed economists predict.Raj Chetty, a Harvard economist, is tracking real-time data on the economy, including consumer spending, small business hiring and job postings. Chetty noted the economy’s health will hinge on when the viral outbreak has subsided enough that most Americans will feel comfortable returning to restaurants, bars, movie theaters and shops.The data suggests that many small businesses are holding on in hopes that spending and the economy will rebound soon, he said. Small business payrolls have fallen sharply but have leveled off in recent weeks. And job postings haven’t dropped nearly as much as total jobs have. But it’s unclear how much longer those trends will persist.“There’s only so long you can hold out,” Chetty said.

Jobless rate spikes to 14.7%, highest since Great Depression

Topeka,&nbsp;Kan.&nbsp;–The Shawnee County Health Department (SCHD) has identified some COVID-19 cases linked to the Topeka Service Area on the I-70 Turnpike located at mile marker 188 (just East of Topeka, according to a media relase.

The exposure is specifically designated to the food court and restrooms of the facility. This facility houses a food court which includes the following restaurants: Dunkin Donuts, Hardees, Taco Bell, and Pizza Hut. The facility is accessible going east and westbound on the I-70 Turnpike.

People who have traveled to food court or used the restrooms of this facility after April 23rd&nbsp;are recommended to contact their primary care provider IF they develop any of the following symptoms within 14 days from the date of their visit fever of 100.4 F or higher,&nbsp;chills, rigors, myalgia (muscle pain or aches, malaise,&nbsp;&nbsp;headache, sore throat, lower respiratory illness (cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing) new olfactory and taste disorders, diarrhea

The facility will remain closed while it is sanitized.

Dr. Gianfranco Pezzino, Shawnee County Health Officer stated, ”While the risk of anyone being infected with coronavirus during a visit at the Turnpike food court is probably very low, it is not zero. We think that the public should know that information and should share it with their healthcare provider if they become sick.”

This investigation is being conducted by the Shawnee County Health Department in collaboration with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the Kansas Department of Transportation and the Kansas Turnpike Authority.

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

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Stay home when you are sick and only leave home for essential items.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588891583149.png" alt="Topeka Service area on I-70 Google image" />
 <figcaption>Topeka Service area on I-70 Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>Topeka,&nbsp;Kan.&nbsp;–The Shawnee County Health Department (SCHD) has identified some COVID-19 cases linked to the Topeka Service Area on the I-70 Turnpike located at mile marker 188 (just East of Topeka, according to a media relase.The exposure is specifically designated to the food court and restrooms of the facility. This facility houses a food court which includes the following restaurants: Dunkin Donuts, Hardees, Taco Bell, and Pizza Hut. The facility is accessible going east and westbound on the I-70 Turnpike.People who have traveled to food court or used the restrooms of this facility after April 23rd&nbsp;are recommended to contact their primary care provider IF they develop any of the following symptoms within 14 days from the date of their visit fever of 100.4 F or higher,&nbsp;chills, rigors, myalgia (muscle pain or aches, malaise,&nbsp;&nbsp;headache, sore throat, lower respiratory illness (cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing) new olfactory and taste disorders, diarrheaThe facility will remain closed while it is sanitized.Dr. Gianfranco Pezzino, Shawnee County Health Officer stated, ”While the risk of anyone being infected with coronavirus during a visit at the Turnpike food court is probably very low, it is not zero. We think that the public should know that information and should share it with their healthcare provider if they become sick.”This investigation is being conducted by the Shawnee County Health Department in collaboration with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the Kansas Department of Transportation and the Kansas Turnpike Authority.As a reminder, human coronaviruses like the one that causes COVID-19 are most commonly spread through coughing and sneezing, personal contact like shaking hands, and touching a surface with the virus and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth. There are simple steps everyone can take to help prevent spreading them:·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Avoid close contact with people who are sick.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Stay home when you are sick and only leave home for essential items.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Coronavirus cases identified at I-70 service area food court

WASHINGTON (AP) — Despite a massive effort, the nation faces “truly daunting” challenges to deploy millions of coronavirus tests to safely re-open the economy, the head of the National Institutes of Health told lawmakers Thursday.

NIH Director Francis Collins told the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions committee that government and private industry have launched a $2.5 billion, taxpayer-funded effort to develop, manufacture and distribute technology capable of accurately testing millions of people a week by the end of the summer or the fall, before the annual flu season.

<a href="https://apnews.com/64a594728f6e36480ee38cc1502436cc">Widespread availability of testing is seen as critical</a>&nbsp;to reopening the economy because it would allow public health officials to identify and contain a rebound of the virus. It remains a high bar to clear.

“I must tell you, senators, that this is a stretch goal that goes well beyond what most experts think will be possible,” Collins said. “I have encountered some stunned expressions when describing these goals and this timetable to knowledgeable individuals. The scientific and logistical challenges are truly daunting.”

Nonetheless, Collins said “the track record of American ingenuity” gives him optimism. More than three months into the epidemic, the lack of testing is widely acknowledged as a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/c335958b1f8f6a37b19b421bc7759722">central failing in the nation’s response</a>.

The issue has dogged the White House for weeks. President Donald Trump takes credit for the fact that testing has ramped up dramatically since the early days of the outbreak, when a test from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ran into numerous problems.

But sometimes he also seems uneasy about testing.

“We do, by far, the most testing,” he told reporters on Wednesday. “If we did very little testing, we wouldn’t have the most cases. So, in a way, by doing all of this testing, we make ourselves look bad.”

The U.S. is currently testing more than a million people a week for COVID-19 and White House coronavirus adviser Dr. Deborah Birx has said that weekly number should rise to 2 million or 2.5 million by the middle of June.

But some experts say a million tests per day are needed, or more.

“To test every nursing home, and every prison, everyone in an operating room, and some entire classes and campuses and factories, teams at sports events, and to give those tests more than once, we will need millions more tests,” agreed committee chairman Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn. “This demand will only grow as the country goes back to work.”

Sen. Patty Murray of Washington, the ranking Democrat on the panel, put the blame on Trump for persistent problems with testing.

“The problem isn’t a lack of innovation—it’s a lack of national leadership, and a plan from the White House. “And when it comes to testing, this administration has had no map, and no one at the wheel.”

Congress provided NIH with $1.5 billion to develop tests. To help private industry quickly produce and distribute tests that meet NIH standards, lawmakers gave another $1 billion to the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority. Known as BARDA, that agency is under scrutiny after its director alleged he was ousted for opposing widespread use of a a malaria drug promoted by Trump to treat coronavirus patients.

Collins said the goal is to have highly accurate tests that can provide quick results at the “point-of-care,” such as a doctor’s office or a community health clinic. A special effort is being made to expand testing in minority communities that have taken the brunt of virus deaths.

Many of the currently available tests require processing by a central laboratory to get results. Medical technology giant Abbott already has a point-of-care test available. But Collins said there’s a limited supply of the machines, and that they can sometimes fail to detect a patient who is positive. He said Abbott is working to improve its test, but that he thinks NIH might be able to do better.

NIH has set up what Collins calls a “shark tank” process to quickly identify promising technologies, and test them. Within the agency, the initiative is formally called Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics, or RADx. It was launched just last week.

NIH scientists, along with their counterparts in industry and academia, are looking into tests that can use different types of samples, from nasal swabs, saliva, blood, or exhaled breath.

They’re also looking at antigen tests, a form of rapid test that can detect active infection. With time and effort such tests can be modified to be done at home, Collins said, but accuracy has traditionally been a problem.

NIH has received more than 1,000 applications putting forth different ideas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588938823679.png" alt="NIH Director Francis Collins during Senate testimony Thursday-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>NIH Director Francis Collins during Senate testimony Thursday-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Despite a massive effort, the nation faces “truly daunting” challenges to deploy millions of coronavirus tests to safely re-open the economy, the head of the National Institutes of Health told lawmakers Thursday.NIH Director Francis Collins told the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions committee that government and private industry have launched a $2.5 billion, taxpayer-funded effort to develop, manufacture and distribute technology capable of accurately testing millions of people a week by the end of the summer or the fall, before the annual flu season.<a href="https://apnews.com/64a594728f6e36480ee38cc1502436cc">Widespread availability of testing is seen as critical</a>&nbsp;to reopening the economy because it would allow public health officials to identify and contain a rebound of the virus. It remains a high bar to clear.“I must tell you, senators, that this is a stretch goal that goes well beyond what most experts think will be possible,” Collins said. “I have encountered some stunned expressions when describing these goals and this timetable to knowledgeable individuals. The scientific and logistical challenges are truly daunting.”Nonetheless, Collins said “the track record of American ingenuity” gives him optimism. More than three months into the epidemic, the lack of testing is widely acknowledged as a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/c335958b1f8f6a37b19b421bc7759722">central failing in the nation’s response</a>.The issue has dogged the White House for weeks. President Donald Trump takes credit for the fact that testing has ramped up dramatically since the early days of the outbreak, when a test from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ran into numerous problems.But sometimes he also seems uneasy about testing.“We do, by far, the most testing,” he told reporters on Wednesday. “If we did very little testing, we wouldn’t have the most cases. So, in a way, by doing all of this testing, we make ourselves look bad.”The U.S. is currently testing more than a million people a week for COVID-19 and White House coronavirus adviser Dr. Deborah Birx has said that weekly number should rise to 2 million or 2.5 million by the middle of June.But some experts say a million tests per day are needed, or more.“To test every nursing home, and every prison, everyone in an operating room, and some entire classes and campuses and factories, teams at sports events, and to give those tests more than once, we will need millions more tests,” agreed committee chairman Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn. “This demand will only grow as the country goes back to work.”Sen. Patty Murray of Washington, the ranking Democrat on the panel, put the blame on Trump for persistent problems with testing.“The problem isn’t a lack of innovation—it’s a lack of national leadership, and a plan from the White House. “And when it comes to testing, this administration has had no map, and no one at the wheel.”Congress provided NIH with $1.5 billion to develop tests. To help private industry quickly produce and distribute tests that meet NIH standards, lawmakers gave another $1 billion to the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority. Known as BARDA, that agency is under scrutiny after its director alleged he was ousted for opposing widespread use of a a malaria drug promoted by Trump to treat coronavirus patients.Collins said the goal is to have highly accurate tests that can provide quick results at the “point-of-care,” such as a doctor’s office or a community health clinic. A special effort is being made to expand testing in minority communities that have taken the brunt of virus deaths.Many of the currently available tests require processing by a central laboratory to get results. Medical technology giant Abbott already has a point-of-care test available. But Collins said there’s a limited supply of the machines, and that they can sometimes fail to detect a patient who is positive. He said Abbott is working to improve its test, but that he thinks NIH might be able to do better.NIH has set up what Collins calls a “shark tank” process to quickly identify promising technologies, and test them. Within the agency, the initiative is formally called Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics, or RADx. It was launched just last week.NIH scientists, along with their counterparts in industry and academia, are looking into tests that can use different types of samples, from nasal swabs, saliva, blood, or exhaled breath.They’re also looking at antigen tests, a form of rapid test that can detect active infection. With time and effort such tests can be modified to be done at home, Collins said, but accuracy has traditionally been a problem.NIH has received more than 1,000 applications putting forth different ideas.___

US faces 'truly daunting' challenges on needed COVID tests

WASHINGTON (AP) — A member of the military serving as one of President Donald Trump’s valets has tested positive for the coronavirus, the White House said Thursday. It said Trump and Vice President Mike Pence have since tested negative for the virus and “remain in good health.”

It marked the latest coronavirus scare for the president, and the first known instance where a person who has come in close proximity to the president has tested positive since several people present at his private Florida club were diagnosed with COVID-19 in early March. The person tested positive on Wednesday, the White House said.

White House spokesman Hogan Gidley said in a statement, “We were recently notified by the White House Medical Unit that a member of the United States Military, who works on the White House campus, has tested positive for Coronavirus."

He added, "The President and the Vice President have since tested negative for the virus and they remain in great health.”

A person familiar with the matter said the member of the military who tested positive was one of the president’s valets. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.

The White House instituted safety protocols nearly two months ago, including frequent temperature checks. Last month it began administering rapid COVID-19 tests to all those in close proximity to the president, with staffers being tested about once a week.

Several valets cater to the president and his guests at the White House, both in the West Wing and in the White House residence.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588878905265.png" alt="President Trump outside the Oval Office Thursday-photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>President Trump outside the Oval Office Thursday-photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — A member of the military serving as one of President Donald Trump’s valets has tested positive for the coronavirus, the White House said Thursday. It said Trump and Vice President Mike Pence have since tested negative for the virus and “remain in good health.”It marked the latest coronavirus scare for the president, and the first known instance where a person who has come in close proximity to the president has tested positive since several people present at his private Florida club were diagnosed with COVID-19 in early March. The person tested positive on Wednesday, the White House said.White House spokesman Hogan Gidley said in a statement, “We were recently notified by the White House Medical Unit that a member of the United States Military, who works on the White House campus, has tested positive for Coronavirus."He added, "The President and the Vice President have since tested negative for the virus and they remain in great health.”A person familiar with the matter said the member of the military who tested positive was one of the president’s valets. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.The White House instituted safety protocols nearly two months ago, including frequent temperature checks. Last month it began administering rapid COVID-19 tests to all those in close proximity to the president, with staffers being tested about once a week.Several valets cater to the president and his guests at the White House, both in the West Wing and in the White House residence.

Trump valet has coronavirus; president again tests negative

GRAND ISLAND — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) arrested two people on numerous charges following a pursuit overnight that began near Aurora and ended near Waco.

At approximately 1:25 a.m. today, a trooper observed an eastbound Lincoln MKZ speeding on Interstate 80 near Aurora at mile marker 331. The trooper initiated a traffic stop, for which the Lincoln came to a stop on the shoulder. As the trooper approached the vehicle, the vehicle fled and accelerated to a high rate of speed. The trooper initiated a pursuit.

The vehicle reached speeds in excess of 125 miles per hour as it continued eastbound on I-80. As the vehicle approached York, another trooper was able to successfully deploy spike strips to slow the vehicle. With lower speeds, the vehicle continued driving eastbound.

As the suspect vehicle approached the Waco interchange, it struck several construction cones, a guard rail, and then the rear of a semi before it came to a stop. The two occupants were immediately taken into custody. A search of the vehicle revealed approximately 22 pounds of marijuana and more than $4,000 in cash.

The driver, Demitrius Perkins, 27, of Lincoln, was arrested for flight to avoid arrest, willful reckless driving, driving under suspension, possession of marijuana – more than one pound, possession with intent to deliver, no drug tax stamp, possession of money during a drug violation, and numerous traffic violations. The passenger, Dontay Perkins, 28, of Lincoln, was arrested for possession of marijuana – more than one pound, possession with intent to deliver, no drug tax stamp, and possession of money during a drug violation.&nbsp; Both men were lodged in Hamilton County Jail.

GRAND ISLAND — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) arrested two people on numerous charges following a pursuit overnight that began near Aurora and ended near Waco.At approximately 1:25 a.m. today, a trooper observed an eastbound Lincoln MKZ speeding on Interstate 80 near Aurora at mile marker 331. The trooper initiated a traffic stop, for which the Lincoln came to a stop on the shoulder. As the trooper approached the vehicle, the vehicle fled and accelerated to a high rate of speed. The trooper initiated a pursuit.The vehicle reached speeds in excess of 125 miles per hour as it continued eastbound on I-80. As the vehicle approached York, another trooper was able to successfully deploy spike strips to slow the vehicle. With lower speeds, the vehicle continued driving eastbound.As the suspect vehicle approached the Waco interchange, it struck several construction cones, a guard rail, and then the rear of a semi before it came to a stop. The two occupants were immediately taken into custody. A search of the vehicle revealed approximately 22 pounds of marijuana and more than $4,000 in cash.The driver, Demitrius Perkins, 27, of Lincoln, was arrested for flight to avoid arrest, willful reckless driving, driving under suspension, possession of marijuana – more than one pound, possession with intent to deliver, no drug tax stamp, possession of money during a drug violation, and numerous traffic violations. The passenger, Dontay Perkins, 28, of Lincoln, was arrested for possession of marijuana – more than one pound, possession with intent to deliver, no drug tax stamp, and possession of money during a drug violation.&nbsp; Both men were lodged in Hamilton County Jail.

Troopers arrest two men following pursuit near York

LINCOLN-&nbsp;Nebraska voters – vote - despite COVID-19.&nbsp; “A record number of Nebraska voters requested an early ballot this year amid a COVID-19 event,” stated Secretary of State Bob Evnen. “To date, 63.7% of those who requested early ballots have returned their ballots and 47.8% of the voters in the all-mail-in counties have returned their ballots as well.”

Voters have two options to choose from when returning an early ballot.

2. Sign and drop it off at the voter drop box located in your county.&nbsp; (Recommended)

All early ballots need to be returned by the close of polls Tuesday, May 12, using one of the two options listed above.

For more information visit&nbsp;<a href="https://sos.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">https://sos.nebraska.gov/</a>

LINCOLN-&nbsp;Nebraska voters – vote - despite COVID-19.&nbsp; “A record number of Nebraska voters requested an early ballot this year amid a COVID-19 event,” stated Secretary of State Bob Evnen. “To date, 63.7% of those who requested early ballots have returned their ballots and 47.8% of the voters in the all-mail-in counties have returned their ballots as well.”Voters have two options to choose from when returning an early ballot.1. Sign and mail it2. Sign and drop it off at the voter drop box located in your county.&nbsp; (Recommended)All early ballots need to be returned by the close of polls Tuesday, May 12, using one of the two options listed above.For more information visit&nbsp;<a href="https://sos.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">https://sos.nebraska.gov/</a>

Nebraskans vote in high numbers for the 2020 Primary Election

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — A set of detailed documents created by the nation’s top disease investigators meant to give step-by-step advice to local leaders deciding when and how to reopen public places such as mass transit, day care centers and restaurants during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">the still-raging pandemic</a>&nbsp;has been shelved by the Trump administration.

The 17-page report by a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention team, titled “Guidance for Implementing the Opening Up America Again Framework,” was researched and written to help faith leaders, business owners, educators and state and local officials as they begin to reopen.

It was supposed to be published last Friday, but agency scientists were told the guidance “would never see the light of day,” according to a CDC official. The official was not authorized to talk to reporters and spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity.

The AP obtained a copy from a second federal official who was not authorized to release it. The guidance was described in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2a1cf36c0ad1ae31938351f6f74abe28">AP stories</a>&nbsp;last week, prior to the White House decision to shelve it.

The Trump administration has been closely controlling the release of guidance and information during the pandemic spurred by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak">a new coronavirus that scientists are still trying to understand</a>, with the president himself leading&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/969eafc8f5cb01e9b3e8fe941b3264eb">freewheeling daily briefings</a>&nbsp;until last week.

Traditionally, it’s been the CDC’s role to give the public and local officials guidance and science-based information during public health crises. During this one, however, the CDC has not had a regular, pandemic-related news briefing in nearly two months. CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield has been a member of the White House coronavirus task force, but largely absent from public appearances.

The dearth of real-time, public information from the nation’s experts has struck many current and former government health officials as dangerous.

“CDC has always been the public health agency Americans turn to in a time of crisis,” said Dr. Howard Koh, a Harvard professor and former health official in the Obama administration during the H1N1 swine flu pandemic in 2009. “The standard in a crisis is to turn to them for the latest data and latest guidance and the latest press briefing. That has not occurred, and everyone sees that.”

The Trump administration has instead sought to put the onus on states to handle COVID-19 response. This approach to managing the pandemic has been reflected in President Donald Trump’s public statements, from the assertion that he isn’t responsible for the country’s lackluster early testing efforts, to his description last week of the federal government’s role as a “supplier of last resort” for states in need of testing aid.

White House spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany echoed that at a briefing Wednesday. “We’ve consulted individually with states, but as I said, it’s (a) governor-led effort. It’s a state-led effort on ... which the federal government will consult. And we do so each and every day.”

The rejected reopening guidance was described by one of the federal officials as a touchstone document that was to be used as a blueprint for other groups inside the CDC who are creating the same type of instructional materials for other facilities.

The guidance contained detailed advice for making site-specific decisions related to reopening schools, restaurants, summer camps, churches, day care centers and other institutions. It had been widely shared within CDC, and included detailed “decision trees,” flow charts to be used by local officials to think through different scenarios. One page of the document can be found on the CDC website via search engines, but it did not appear to be linked to any other CDC pages.

Some of the report’s suggestions already appear on federal websites. But the guidance offered specific, tailored recommendations for reopening in one place.

For example, the report suggested restaurants and bars should install sneeze guards at cash registers and avoid having buffets, salad bars and drink stations. Similar tips appear on the CDC’s site and a Food and Drug Administration page.

But the shelved report also said that as restaurants start seating diners again, they should space tables at least 6 feet apart and try to use phone app technology to alert a patron when their table is ready to avoid touching and use of “buzzers.” That’s not on the CDC’s site now.

“You can say that restaurants can open and you need to follow social distancing guidelines. But restaurants want to know, ‘What does that look like?’ States would like more guidance,” said Dr. Marcus Plescia, chief medical officer of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials.

The White House’s own “Opening Up America Again” guidelines released last month were more vague than the CDC’s unpublished report. They instructed state and local governments to reopen in accordance with federal and local “regulations and guidance,” and to monitor employees for symptoms of COVID-19. The White House guidance also included advice developed earlier in the pandemic that remains important like social distancing and encouraging working from home.

A person close to the White House’s coronavirus task force said the CDC documents were never cleared by CDC leadership for public release. The person said that White House officials don’t want to offer detailed guidance for how specific sectors can reopen, calling it a “slippery slope” because the virus is affecting various parts of the country differently.

CDC is hearing daily from state and county health departments looking for scientifically valid information with which to make informed decisions.

Still, behind the scenes, CDC scientists like those who produced the guidance for “Opening Up America Again″ are working to get information to local governments. The agency still employs hundreds of the world’s most respected epidemiologists and doctors, who in times of crisis are looked to for their expertise, said former CDC director Tom Frieden. People have clicked on the CDC’s coronavirus website more than 1.2 billion times.

States that directly reach out to the CDC can tap guidance that’s been prepared, but that the White House has not released yet.

“I don’t think that any state feels that the CDC is deficient. It’s just the process of getting stuff out,” Plescia said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588847256361.png" alt="President Trump, Vice President Pence listen to Dr. Anthony Fauci during the April 13 Coronavirus Task Force briefing&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>President Trump, Vice President Pence listen to Dr. Anthony Fauci during the April 13 Coronavirus Task Force briefing&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — A set of detailed documents created by the nation’s top disease investigators meant to give step-by-step advice to local leaders deciding when and how to reopen public places such as mass transit, day care centers and restaurants during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">the still-raging pandemic</a>&nbsp;has been shelved by the Trump administration.The 17-page report by a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention team, titled “Guidance for Implementing the Opening Up America Again Framework,” was researched and written to help faith leaders, business owners, educators and state and local officials as they begin to reopen.It was supposed to be published last Friday, but agency scientists were told the guidance “would never see the light of day,” according to a CDC official. The official was not authorized to talk to reporters and spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity.The AP obtained a copy from a second federal official who was not authorized to release it. The guidance was described in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2a1cf36c0ad1ae31938351f6f74abe28">AP stories</a>&nbsp;last week, prior to the White House decision to shelve it.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587086887250.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Trump administration has been closely controlling the release of guidance and information during the pandemic spurred by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak">a new coronavirus that scientists are still trying to understand</a>, with the president himself leading&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/969eafc8f5cb01e9b3e8fe941b3264eb">freewheeling daily briefings</a>&nbsp;until last week.Traditionally, it’s been the CDC’s role to give the public and local officials guidance and science-based information during public health crises. During this one, however, the CDC has not had a regular, pandemic-related news briefing in nearly two months. CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield has been a member of the White House coronavirus task force, but largely absent from public appearances.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586391131314.png" alt="Dr. Robert Redfield, Director of the CDC during a Coronavirus Task Force briefing in April" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Robert Redfield, Director of the CDC during a Coronavirus Task Force briefing in April</figcaption>
 </figure>The dearth of real-time, public information from the nation’s experts has struck many current and former government health officials as dangerous.“CDC has always been the public health agency Americans turn to in a time of crisis,” said Dr. Howard Koh, a Harvard professor and former health official in the Obama administration during the H1N1 swine flu pandemic in 2009. “The standard in a crisis is to turn to them for the latest data and latest guidance and the latest press briefing. That has not occurred, and everyone sees that.”The Trump administration has instead sought to put the onus on states to handle COVID-19 response. This approach to managing the pandemic has been reflected in President Donald Trump’s public statements, from the assertion that he isn’t responsible for the country’s lackluster early testing efforts, to his description last week of the federal government’s role as a “supplier of last resort” for states in need of testing aid.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588846780251.png" alt="Kayleigh McEnany addressed the issue at Wednesday's press briefing -White House image&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Kayleigh McEnany addressed the issue at Wednesday's press briefing -White House image&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>White House spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany echoed that at a briefing Wednesday. “We’ve consulted individually with states, but as I said, it’s (a) governor-led effort. It’s a state-led effort on ... which the federal government will consult. And we do so each and every day.”The rejected reopening guidance was described by one of the federal officials as a touchstone document that was to be used as a blueprint for other groups inside the CDC who are creating the same type of instructional materials for other facilities.The guidance contained detailed advice for making site-specific decisions related to reopening schools, restaurants, summer camps, churches, day care centers and other institutions. It had been widely shared within CDC, and included detailed “decision trees,” flow charts to be used by local officials to think through different scenarios. One page of the document can be found on the CDC website via search engines, but it did not appear to be linked to any other CDC pages.Some of the report’s suggestions already appear on federal websites. But the guidance offered specific, tailored recommendations for reopening in one place.For example, the report suggested restaurants and bars should install sneeze guards at cash registers and avoid having buffets, salad bars and drink stations. Similar tips appear on the CDC’s site and a Food and Drug Administration page.But the shelved report also said that as restaurants start seating diners again, they should space tables at least 6 feet apart and try to use phone app technology to alert a patron when their table is ready to avoid touching and use of “buzzers.” That’s not on the CDC’s site now.“You can say that restaurants can open and you need to follow social distancing guidelines. But restaurants want to know, ‘What does that look like?’ States would like more guidance,” said Dr. Marcus Plescia, chief medical officer of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials.The White House’s own “Opening Up America Again” guidelines released last month were more vague than the CDC’s unpublished report. They instructed state and local governments to reopen in accordance with federal and local “regulations and guidance,” and to monitor employees for symptoms of COVID-19. The White House guidance also included advice developed earlier in the pandemic that remains important like social distancing and encouraging working from home.A person close to the White House’s coronavirus task force said the CDC documents were never cleared by CDC leadership for public release. The person said that White House officials don’t want to offer detailed guidance for how specific sectors can reopen, calling it a “slippery slope” because the virus is affecting various parts of the country differently.CDC is hearing daily from state and county health departments looking for scientifically valid information with which to make informed decisions.Still, behind the scenes, CDC scientists like those who produced the guidance for “Opening Up America Again″ are working to get information to local governments. The agency still employs hundreds of the world’s most respected epidemiologists and doctors, who in times of crisis are looked to for their expertise, said former CDC director Tom Frieden. People have clicked on the CDC’s coronavirus website more than 1.2 billion times.States that directly reach out to the CDC can tap guidance that’s been prepared, but that the White House has not released yet.“I don’t think that any state feels that the CDC is deficient. It’s just the process of getting stuff out,” Plescia said.___

US shelves detailed guide to reopening country

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Four more people Nebraska residents have died of the coronavirus, bringing the statewide total to 86 since the pandemic began. The Department of Health and Human Services reported the deaths Wednesday evening.

 One death was in Hall County, but details weren’t immediately provided.

 Two others were both men in their 60s with underlying health conditions, one in Adams County and the other in Colfax County. 

No details were given on the fourth death.

 The state also confirmed the first coronavirus case in Thomas County. 

Nebraska had 6,771 confirmed cases as of Wednesday evening.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Four more people Nebraska residents have died of the coronavirus, bringing the statewide total to 86 since the pandemic began. The Department of Health and Human Services reported the deaths Wednesday evening. One death was in Hall County, but details weren’t immediately provided. Two others were both men in their 60s with underlying health conditions, one in Adams County and the other in Colfax County. No details were given on the fourth death. The state also confirmed the first coronavirus case in Thomas County. Nebraska had 6,771 confirmed cases as of Wednesday evening.

4 more die from coronavirus in Nebraska, raising total to 86

CODY, Wyo. (The Cody Enterprise) — The body of a man missing in a Wyoming canyon has been found. 

Fifty-year-old Michael Alan Shotts went missing in Shoshone Canyon just west of Cody on Saturday. 

He'd recently posted on Facebook to ask friends about a type of snake he had found. 

Park County Commissioner Lee Livingston says Shotts' body was found in a head gate in the Heart Mountain Canal north of town Tuesday.

 The canal flows through part of the area where Shotts was believed to have been. 

Park County Search and Rescue found Shotts’ two dogs near his truck in the canyon Sunday.

CODY, Wyo. (The Cody Enterprise) — The body of a man missing in a Wyoming canyon has been found. Fifty-year-old Michael Alan Shotts went missing in Shoshone Canyon just west of Cody on Saturday. He'd recently posted on Facebook to ask friends about a type of snake he had found. Park County Commissioner Lee Livingston says Shotts' body was found in a head gate in the Heart Mountain Canal north of town Tuesday. The canal flows through part of the area where Shotts was believed to have been. Park County Search and Rescue found Shotts’ two dogs near his truck in the canyon Sunday.

Body of man missing in Wyoming canyon found in canal

BALTIMORE (AP) — U.S. businesses cut an unprecedented 20.2 million jobs in April, an epic collapse with coronavirus outbreak closing the offices, factories, schools, construction sites and stores that propel the U.S. economy.

The Wednesday report from payroll company ADP showed the tragic depth and scale of job losses that left no part of the world’s largest economy unscathed. The losses will likely continue through May, with a recovery in hiring likely to begin in the months that follow, said Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s Analytics.

“This is one for the record books,” Zandi said. ”The good news is that we’re at the apex of the job loss.”

Even though Zandi expects hiring to resume in June as states ease lockdowns, he cautioned that it will be a “slog” over several years to recover all the jobs lost in April.

The private industry report comes two days ahead of the official monthly job figures from the U.S. Labor Department. Economists believe the Friday report will reveal unemployment in the U.S. stands at a shocking 16%, up from 4.4% in March.

According to ADP, the leisure and hospitality sector shed 8.6 million workers last month. Trade, transportation and utilities let 3.4 million people go. Construction firms cut nearly 2.5 million jobs, while manufacturers let go of roughly 1.7 million people. The health care sector cut 1 million jobs, but education services eked out a gain of 28,000 as colleges and universities do not appear to have forced significant layoffs that could come later this year.

More than half of April’s job losses came from smaller companies with 500 workers or fewer. But larger employers cut 8.9 million jobs. Polling by The Associated Press and NORC Center for Public Affairs Research indicates that nearly eight in 10 households that suffered job losses expect to return to their previous employer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586986967714.png" alt="This closed thrift store is one of thousands of business shuttered across Kansas, closings that have overwhelmed the state's unemployment benefits system. Jim McLean photo" />
 <figcaption>This closed thrift store is one of thousands of business shuttered across Kansas, closings that have overwhelmed the state's unemployment benefits system. Jim McLean photo</figcaption>
 </figure>BALTIMORE (AP) — U.S. businesses cut an unprecedented 20.2 million jobs in April, an epic collapse with coronavirus outbreak closing the offices, factories, schools, construction sites and stores that propel the U.S. economy.The Wednesday report from payroll company ADP showed the tragic depth and scale of job losses that left no part of the world’s largest economy unscathed. The losses will likely continue through May, with a recovery in hiring likely to begin in the months that follow, said Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s Analytics.“This is one for the record books,” Zandi said. ”The good news is that we’re at the apex of the job loss.”Even though Zandi expects hiring to resume in June as states ease lockdowns, he cautioned that it will be a “slog” over several years to recover all the jobs lost in April.The private industry report comes two days ahead of the official monthly job figures from the U.S. Labor Department. Economists believe the Friday report will reveal unemployment in the U.S. stands at a shocking 16%, up from 4.4% in March.According to ADP, the leisure and hospitality sector shed 8.6 million workers last month. Trade, transportation and utilities let 3.4 million people go. Construction firms cut nearly 2.5 million jobs, while manufacturers let go of roughly 1.7 million people. The health care sector cut 1 million jobs, but education services eked out a gain of 28,000 as colleges and universities do not appear to have forced significant layoffs that could come later this year.More than half of April’s job losses came from smaller companies with 500 workers or fewer. But larger employers cut 8.9 million jobs. Polling by The Associated Press and NORC Center for Public Affairs Research indicates that nearly eight in 10 households that suffered job losses expect to return to their previous employer.

Report: More than 20 million jobs vanished in April

NEW YORK (AP) — Had there been no coronavirus pandemic, America’s largest mainline Protestant denomination would be convening this week for a likely vote to break up over differences on same-sex marriage and ordination of LGBTQ pastors.

Instead, the United Methodist Church was forced to postpone the potentially momentous conference, leaving its various factions in limbo for perhaps 16 more months. The deep doctrinal differences seem irreconcilable, but for now there’s agreement that response to the pandemic takes priority.

“The people who are really in trauma right now cannot pay the price of our differences,” said Kenneth Carter, the Florida-based president of the UMC’s Council of Bishops. “What is in our minds and hearts is responding to death, illness, grief, loss of work.”

The conference was to have taken place at the Minneapolis Convention Center starting Tuesday, running through May 15. Instead, bishops are proposing to hold it there Aug. 31-Sept. 10 of next year.

The differences have simmered for years, and came to a head in February 2019 at a conference in St. Louis where delegates voted 438-384 for a proposal strengthening bans on LGBTQ-inclusive practices. Most U.S.-based delegates opposed that plan and favored LGBTQ-friendly options; they were outvoted by U.S. conservatives teamed with most of the delegates from Methodist strongholds in Africa and the Philippines.

In the aftermath of that meeting, many moderate and liberal clergy made clear they would not abide by the bans, and various groups worked throughout 2019 on proposals to let the UMC split along theological lines.

There have been at least four different proposals for how to implement a split.

The most widely discussed plan has a long name -- the Protocol of Reconciliation &amp; Grace Through Separation -- and some high-level support.

It was negotiated by 16 bishops and advocacy group leaders with differing views on LGBTQ inclusion. They were assisted by renowned mediator Kenneth Feinberg, who administered victim compensation funds stemming from the 9/11 attacks and the 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

Under the protocol, conservative congregations and regional bodies would be allowed to separate from the UMC and form a new denomination. They would receive $25 million in UMC funds and be able to keep their properties.

Formed in a merger in 1968, the UMC claims about 12.6 million members worldwide, including nearly 7 million in the United States. Leaders of the various factions have avoided making predictions of how many members might leave for a new denomination.

In hopes of minimizing friction, the protocol calls for a moratorium on enforcement of bans related to LGBTQ issues. Most bishops seem comfortable with that proposal, although Virginia-based Bishop Sharma Lewis approved initial disciplinary proceedings against a pastor in her region who officiated at a same-sex marriage.

There have been tangible benefits for one of the protocol negotiators, the Rev. David Meredith, who entered into a same-sex marriage with his long-time partner while serving as a pastor in Cincinnati.

The bishop of Meredith’s West Ohio region, Gregory Palmer, also served on the protocol team and endorsed the moratorium that freezes ongoing judicial proceedings against Meredith.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578095074490.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Had there been no coronavirus pandemic, America’s largest mainline Protestant denomination would be convening this week for a likely vote to break up over differences on same-sex marriage and ordination of LGBTQ pastors.Instead, the United Methodist Church was forced to postpone the potentially momentous conference, leaving its various factions in limbo for perhaps 16 more months. The deep doctrinal differences seem irreconcilable, but for now there’s agreement that response to the pandemic takes priority.“The people who are really in trauma right now cannot pay the price of our differences,” said Kenneth Carter, the Florida-based president of the UMC’s Council of Bishops. “What is in our minds and hearts is responding to death, illness, grief, loss of work.”The conference was to have taken place at the Minneapolis Convention Center starting Tuesday, running through May 15. Instead, bishops are proposing to hold it there Aug. 31-Sept. 10 of next year.The differences have simmered for years, and came to a head in February 2019 at a conference in St. Louis where delegates voted 438-384 for a proposal strengthening bans on LGBTQ-inclusive practices. Most U.S.-based delegates opposed that plan and favored LGBTQ-friendly options; they were outvoted by U.S. conservatives teamed with most of the delegates from Methodist strongholds in Africa and the Philippines.In the aftermath of that meeting, many moderate and liberal clergy made clear they would not abide by the bans, and various groups worked throughout 2019 on proposals to let the UMC split along theological lines.There have been at least four different proposals for how to implement a split.The most widely discussed plan has a long name -- the Protocol of Reconciliation &amp; Grace Through Separation -- and some high-level support.It was negotiated by 16 bishops and advocacy group leaders with differing views on LGBTQ inclusion. They were assisted by renowned mediator Kenneth Feinberg, who administered victim compensation funds stemming from the 9/11 attacks and the 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.Under the protocol, conservative congregations and regional bodies would be allowed to separate from the UMC and form a new denomination. They would receive $25 million in UMC funds and be able to keep their properties.Formed in a merger in 1968, the UMC claims about 12.6 million members worldwide, including nearly 7 million in the United States. Leaders of the various factions have avoided making predictions of how many members might leave for a new denomination.In hopes of minimizing friction, the protocol calls for a moratorium on enforcement of bans related to LGBTQ issues. Most bishops seem comfortable with that proposal, although Virginia-based Bishop Sharma Lewis approved initial disciplinary proceedings against a pastor in her region who officiated at a same-sex marriage.There have been tangible benefits for one of the protocol negotiators, the Rev. David Meredith, who entered into a same-sex marriage with his long-time partner while serving as a pastor in Cincinnati.The bishop of Meredith’s West Ohio region, Gregory Palmer, also served on the protocol team and endorsed the moratorium that freezes ongoing judicial proceedings against Meredith.“Everything that has been a threat is now in a drawer collecting dust,” Meredith said.Some conservatives worry that further flouting of the bans will occur ahead of the rescheduled national conference.“For any clergy to try to use this interim to willfully violate their own vows … would demonstrate an extreme lack of integrity and self-control,” said John Lomperis, who works with the conservative Institute on Religion &amp; Democracy and will be a delegate at next year’s conference.Lomperis is among a faction of UMC conservatives, now eager to form a new denomination, who worry that bishops supporting LGBTQ inclusion will use the delay to tilt outcomes in their favor during decision-making by regional bodies.The Rev. Tom Lambrecht, general manager of the conservative Methodist magazine Good News, said he and his allies have heard of instances where liberal pastors were appointed to lead conservative congregations and where small conservative churches were closed.“We will be vigilant to call out such behavior after the coronavirus crisis passes,” Lambrecht said via email.Some conservatives complain that the proposed $25 million payment to a new traditionalist denomination is unfairly small.But the Rev. Tom Berlin of Herndon, Virginia, a supporter of LGBTQ inclusion who served on the protocol team, says the proposal is generous in allowing departing churches to keep their property.“The majority of the wealth in the UMC is found in the real estate and bank accounts of the local churches,” he said. “The protocol allows them to retain that.”Berlin says debate over LGBTQ policies “is on the back burner for now.”“Once we get out of this, we’ll get back to the future of the UMC,” he said. “But now, churches of all varieties are working to respond to this pandemic in positive ways.”Support for the protocol is far from unanimous, though its backers predict it will win majority support next year. One dissenting faction, known as the “liberationists,” believes the proposal doesn’t go far enough in curbing racism, sexism and anti-LGBTQ sentiment within the UMC.A leaders of that faction, the Rev. Jay Williams of Union Church in Boston, hopes local churches will use the coming year to “innovate and adapt” without awaiting top-down directives.“I hope that we might claim this moment as an opportunity to courageously confront the systemic oppressions that have plagued our denomination since its beginning,” he said via email.When the conference does convene, the African delegates will be a key voting bloc. In St. Louis, they were pivotal in approving the strengthened bans on LGBTQ-inclusive practices.The Rev. Keith Boyette, president of the conservative Wesleyan Covenant Association and one of the protocol negotiators, has met with many African delegates. He says they have pledged support for the protocol, but want some changes – for example, giving them the option of retaining the words “United Methodist” in the name of whatever new traditionalist body they join.Bishop John Yambasu of Sierra Leone, the lone African among the protocol negotiators, said the proposal was “by no means perfect” but seemed to be the most acceptable option.In an email, he depicted the pandemic as “a holy call to action from God.... to make make Christian disciples for the transformation of the world.”