STURGIS, S.D. (Rapid City Journal) — Attorneys say a South Dakota teenager plans to plead guilty to manslaughter in the death of a 16-year-old Wyoming girl whose body was found in his basement last fall. 

The 17-year-old defendant originally was charged as an adult with alternative counts of first- and second-degree murder in the killing of Shayna Ritthaler of Upton, Wyoming. 

The prosecutor tells the Rapid City Journal the boy is expected to plead guilty to manslaughter on Thursday. 

He originally pleaded not guilty and not guilty by reason of insanity. The prosecutor and the teen's attorney have agreed to ask the judge for a 55-year sentence, but the judge does not have to agree to their recommendation. 

The prosecutor has said the suspect shot Ritthaler after an argument.

STURGIS, S.D. (Rapid City Journal) — Attorneys say a South Dakota teenager plans to plead guilty to manslaughter in the death of a 16-year-old Wyoming girl whose body was found in his basement last fall. The 17-year-old defendant originally was charged as an adult with alternative counts of first- and second-degree murder in the killing of Shayna Ritthaler of Upton, Wyoming. The prosecutor tells the Rapid City Journal the boy is expected to plead guilty to manslaughter on Thursday. He originally pleaded not guilty and not guilty by reason of insanity. The prosecutor and the teen's attorney have agreed to ask the judge for a 55-year sentence, but the judge does not have to agree to their recommendation. The prosecutor has said the suspect shot Ritthaler after an argument.

South Dakota teen to plead guilty in Wyoming girl's killing

AP -&nbsp;Many governments eager to reopen their societies are starting to bet on smartphone apps to help stanch the coronavirus pandemic. But their decisions on which technologies to use highlight some uncomfortable trade-offs between protecting privacy and public health. 

The first such apps collect user data and sometimes their location history to warn people about possible exposure to COVID-19. 

Such information could help authorities detect new outbreak hot spots, but it could also potentially be abused by police or immigration agents. 

By contrast, Apple and Google are offering new software designed to support apps that will alert individuals directly about exposure, an approach increasingly popular in Europe.

AP -&nbsp;Many governments eager to reopen their societies are starting to bet on smartphone apps to help stanch the coronavirus pandemic. But their decisions on which technologies to use highlight some uncomfortable trade-offs between protecting privacy and public health. The first such apps collect user data and sometimes their location history to warn people about possible exposure to COVID-19. Such information could help authorities detect new outbreak hot spots, but it could also potentially be abused by police or immigration agents. By contrast, Apple and Google are offering new software designed to support apps that will alert individuals directly about exposure, an approach increasingly popular in Europe.

Here come COVID-19 tracing apps - and privacy trade-offs

LINCOLN — An off-duty Nebraska State Trooper was able to apprehend the suspect of a hit and run crash in Lincoln Monday morning.

At approximately 10:55 a.m., the trooper, who was off-duty and not in uniform, observed a vehicle hit another vehicle in the parking lot of a gas station at 27th&nbsp;and Porter Ridge Road in Lincoln. The trooper attempted to get the driver’s attention by honking, but the vehicle left the scene. The trooper then alerted NSP dispatch of the situation and followed the vehicle at a safe distance in his own personal vehicle.

The vehicle stopped near 28th&nbsp;and Brummel Street. The passenger confronted the trooper, who then clearly identified himself as a State Trooper and displayed his badge. The trooper advised the driver to remain in the vehicle until on-duty officers arrived.

The driver, Korey Fillmore, 27, of Lincoln, then exited his vehicle and advanced toward the trooper. Fillmore then threw a punch at the trooper, striking him in the head. The trooper was able to avoid a second punch and quickly gain control of the suspect by taking him to the ground. The trooper remained in control of the suspect until Lincoln Police officers arrived on scene and placed Fillmore under arrest.

LPD arrested Fillmore for Assault on a Police Officer, Leaving the Scene of an Accident, and Driving under the Influence. The trooper sustained minor injuries and did not require medical treatment.

LINCOLN — An off-duty Nebraska State Trooper was able to apprehend the suspect of a hit and run crash in Lincoln Monday morning.At approximately 10:55 a.m., the trooper, who was off-duty and not in uniform, observed a vehicle hit another vehicle in the parking lot of a gas station at 27th&nbsp;and Porter Ridge Road in Lincoln. The trooper attempted to get the driver’s attention by honking, but the vehicle left the scene. The trooper then alerted NSP dispatch of the situation and followed the vehicle at a safe distance in his own personal vehicle.The vehicle stopped near 28th&nbsp;and Brummel Street. The passenger confronted the trooper, who then clearly identified himself as a State Trooper and displayed his badge. The trooper advised the driver to remain in the vehicle until on-duty officers arrived.The driver, Korey Fillmore, 27, of Lincoln, then exited his vehicle and advanced toward the trooper. Fillmore then threw a punch at the trooper, striking him in the head. The trooper was able to avoid a second punch and quickly gain control of the suspect by taking him to the ground. The trooper remained in control of the suspect until Lincoln Police officers arrived on scene and placed Fillmore under arrest.LPD arrested Fillmore for Assault on a Police Officer, Leaving the Scene of an Accident, and Driving under the Influence. The trooper sustained minor injuries and did not require medical treatment.

Off-Duty trooper apprehends hit and run suspect

LINCOLN –&nbsp;The first COVID-19 case in Boone County has been reported to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

Local health departments are reporting deaths and cases in their jurisdictions. In the event of a discrepancy between DHHS dashboard data and deaths or cases reported by local public health officials, data reported by the local health department should be considered the most up to date.

The total number of COVID-19-related deaths in the state to date is 78, according to the DHHS data dashboard. The state case total, as of 5:45 p.m. Central Daylight Time, is 6,083. Nebraska’s COVID-19 case totals are updated daily at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA1MDUuMjEwMzI4MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vZGhocy5uZS5nb3YvY29yb25hdmlydXMifQ.wBRr-3YAIiVF42vr104-zzlOUley6g8DCYng1bGw1xw%2Fbr%2F78219324676-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C360e8f504cbf445a6aef08d7f09fb392%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637242441009826522&amp;sdata=YXXdq7hAIA4USYwdol5Gt%2FEnN%2BJN8N2qhvFnB5OqNPE%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>.&nbsp;

Governor Pete Ricketts has announced changes to some of the state’s the Directed Health Measures, including reopenings of selected businesses in specific regions of Nebraska. The new DHM updates can be found by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.QYPAfB_ovviYa9qZMVGXayUe51WEh4aWWBGnOJGjWyQ%2Fbr%2F78219324676-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C360e8f504cbf445a6aef08d7f09fb392%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637242441009836478&amp;sdata=eU5V%2FPr7WCQO6a1glPjlPtJ49JLa94f6L90pS7ZRLcs%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.&nbsp; Not sure which local health department is yours? A map is available by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA1MDUuMjEwMzI4MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vZGhocy5uZS5nb3YvQ0hQTSUyME1hcHMvTkVfSGVhbHRoX0RlcHRfTWFwX0RlY18yMDE2LnBkZiJ9.rjFWFxKnVH07sDbeHVNaoQFBGR6AAOPj0Uhw3f-cVsk%2Fbr%2F78219324676-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C360e8f504cbf445a6aef08d7f09fb392%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637242441009836478&amp;sdata=J3qB5v1mAxQmQ%2B4JkSoK5gVcqhUEJ1AP5yuoLUXOgoM%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

Governor Ricketts recently announced&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA1MDUuMjEwMzI4MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy50ZXN0bmVicmFza2EuY29tLyJ9.la_N1w9jOu82-vUSg1GRfOKQ4y3edmgyqdYOuk_7jsU%2Fbr%2F78219324676-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C360e8f504cbf445a6aef08d7f09fb392%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637242441009846434&amp;sdata=JOA5zkT5gm1XTcFgGyEBihwa4v2bqrWHpiZEIP%2FssiY%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">TestNebraska</a>, a public-private partnership designed to increase testing capacity and #CrushTheCurve in Nebraska. TestNebraska launched today in Grand Island and Omaha and additional mobile testing sites are expected to become available shortly.

The Governor is urging all Nebraskans to take the assessment provided on the TestNebraska website to help identify cases of COVID-19 in the state. After taking the assessment participants who fit the criteria will be notified via phone or email that they qualify to be tested for COVID-19. Nebraskans can take the assessment at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA1MDUuMjEwMzI4MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy50ZXN0bmVicmFza2EuY29tLyJ9.F5ganNyA_k6wISzLaQ4IQln4BkP2hR6KsWtHPFS3PTw%2Fbr%2F78219324676-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C360e8f504cbf445a6aef08d7f09fb392%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637242441009846434&amp;sdata=KNmw0hrufJzptWMTj3NzY1ZM6v8xnPWgqnCuPRQEPEY%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.testnebraska.com/</a>&nbsp;As of Monday morning, more than 137,000 assessments had been completed.

Because people can develop symptoms quickly, Nebraskans are asked to update their assessments from time to time as needed.

DHHS supports Governor Ricketts in urging Nebraskans to follow the&nbsp;Six Rules to Keep Nebraska Healthy.&nbsp;

Recent studies show that a significant portion of people with COVID-19 lack symptoms and those who eventually develop symptoms can pass the virus to others before showing symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC now recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (grocery stores, pharmacies, etc.) especially in areas of significant community-based transmission -&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA1MDUuMjEwMzI4MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jZGMuZ292L2Nvcm9uYXZpcnVzLzIwMTktbmNvdi9wcmV2ZW50LWdldHRpbmctc2ljay9jbG90aC1mYWNlLWNvdmVyLWZhcS5odG1sIn0.uo2AfWYzsNNRKHxvqz11DhoWj-2SZDYJKK9FjYTB1_s%2Fbr%2F78219324676-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C360e8f504cbf445a6aef08d7f09fb392%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637242441009856381&amp;sdata=AcXT7b2OYSjnn4upL4LxhjqdvmgRT3VxPil0bOBUxMk%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover-faq.html</a>.

Cloth face coverings are not a substitute for social distancing. Public health officials continue to emphasize that maintaining 6-feet social distancing is crucial to slowing the spread of the virus.

Here's where to find tools and resources for individuals and families, schools, communities, businesses, healthcare facilities, and first responders on the DHHS website -&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA1MDUuMjEwMzI4MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vZGhocy5uZS5nb3YvY29yb25hdmlydXMifQ.9W0NVxkLTnTFtiCCU9WbJBqn5wxtZkwnR4dAPDOG4Hs%2Fbr%2F78219324676-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C360e8f504cbf445a6aef08d7f09fb392%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637242441009856381&amp;sdata=WCE0l3CuaKLhwWhXZTVqMjqTvtaeBio%2Fx7ePaGh4X50%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;and CDC's website –&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDcsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA1MDUuMjEwMzI4MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jZGMuZ292L2NvdmlkMTkifQ.MmmpuYfx1xyeJEwUhNkwlv9II9sAWNk_8wnpxoUjS5Y%2Fbr%2F78219324676-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C360e8f504cbf445a6aef08d7f09fb392%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637242441009866340&amp;sdata=HnGkzSqehPP9WSMe3TM9NySuoDAfMqxJwbGUFkpfJPw%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/covid19&nbsp;</a>.

DHHS opened a statewide COVID-19 information line to help answer general questions and share the latest information and resources with Nebraskans to help keep them informed. The number is (402) 552-6645 or toll-free at (833) 998-2275; hours of operation are 8 a.m.-8 p.m. CDT, 7 days a week.

DHHS will continue to update Nebraskans through the DHHS website and on Facebook and Twitter as we have new information. The CDC's website is also a good resource for COVID-19 information -&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDgsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA1MDUuMjEwMzI4MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jZGMuZ292L2NvdmlkMTkifQ.D1hBmvz6soZT9jDG5N67VWFAofQfWAkffwhqSLJRrlg%2Fbr%2F78219324676-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C360e8f504cbf445a6aef08d7f09fb392%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637242441009866340&amp;sdata=JKEPkOdPaaHsH5HrncJZsCOo1A46%2BIoyQPm8bKahuR8%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/covid19&nbsp;</a>.

LINCOLN –&nbsp;The first COVID-19 case in Boone County has been reported to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).Local health departments are reporting deaths and cases in their jurisdictions. In the event of a discrepancy between DHHS dashboard data and deaths or cases reported by local public health officials, data reported by the local health department should be considered the most up to date.The total number of COVID-19-related deaths in the state to date is 78, according to the DHHS data dashboard. The state case total, as of 5:45 p.m. Central Daylight Time, is 6,083. Nebraska’s COVID-19 case totals are updated daily at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA1MDUuMjEwMzI4MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vZGhocy5uZS5nb3YvY29yb25hdmlydXMifQ.wBRr-3YAIiVF42vr104-zzlOUley6g8DCYng1bGw1xw%2Fbr%2F78219324676-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C360e8f504cbf445a6aef08d7f09fb392%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637242441009826522&amp;sdata=YXXdq7hAIA4USYwdol5Gt%2FEnN%2BJN8N2qhvFnB5OqNPE%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>.&nbsp;Governor Pete Ricketts has announced changes to some of the state’s the Directed Health Measures, including reopenings of selected businesses in specific regions of Nebraska. The new DHM updates can be found by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.QYPAfB_ovviYa9qZMVGXayUe51WEh4aWWBGnOJGjWyQ%2Fbr%2F78219324676-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C360e8f504cbf445a6aef08d7f09fb392%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637242441009836478&amp;sdata=eU5V%2FPr7WCQO6a1glPjlPtJ49JLa94f6L90pS7ZRLcs%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.&nbsp; Not sure which local health department is yours? A map is available by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA1MDUuMjEwMzI4MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vZGhocy5uZS5nb3YvQ0hQTSUyME1hcHMvTkVfSGVhbHRoX0RlcHRfTWFwX0RlY18yMDE2LnBkZiJ9.rjFWFxKnVH07sDbeHVNaoQFBGR6AAOPj0Uhw3f-cVsk%2Fbr%2F78219324676-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C360e8f504cbf445a6aef08d7f09fb392%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637242441009836478&amp;sdata=J3qB5v1mAxQmQ%2B4JkSoK5gVcqhUEJ1AP5yuoLUXOgoM%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.Governor Ricketts recently announced&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA1MDUuMjEwMzI4MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy50ZXN0bmVicmFza2EuY29tLyJ9.la_N1w9jOu82-vUSg1GRfOKQ4y3edmgyqdYOuk_7jsU%2Fbr%2F78219324676-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C360e8f504cbf445a6aef08d7f09fb392%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637242441009846434&amp;sdata=JOA5zkT5gm1XTcFgGyEBihwa4v2bqrWHpiZEIP%2FssiY%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">TestNebraska</a>, a public-private partnership designed to increase testing capacity and #CrushTheCurve in Nebraska. TestNebraska launched today in Grand Island and Omaha and additional mobile testing sites are expected to become available shortly.The Governor is urging all Nebraskans to take the assessment provided on the TestNebraska website to help identify cases of COVID-19 in the state. After taking the assessment participants who fit the criteria will be notified via phone or email that they qualify to be tested for COVID-19. Nebraskans can take the assessment at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA1MDUuMjEwMzI4MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy50ZXN0bmVicmFza2EuY29tLyJ9.F5ganNyA_k6wISzLaQ4IQln4BkP2hR6KsWtHPFS3PTw%2Fbr%2F78219324676-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C360e8f504cbf445a6aef08d7f09fb392%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637242441009846434&amp;sdata=KNmw0hrufJzptWMTj3NzY1ZM6v8xnPWgqnCuPRQEPEY%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.testnebraska.com/</a>&nbsp;As of Monday morning, more than 137,000 assessments had been completed.Because people can develop symptoms quickly, Nebraskans are asked to update their assessments from time to time as needed.DHHS supports Governor Ricketts in urging Nebraskans to follow the&nbsp;Six Rules to Keep Nebraska Healthy.&nbsp;<ol>
 <li>Stay home.&nbsp; No non-essential errands and no social gatherings.&nbsp; Respect the ten-person limits.</li><li>Socially distance your work.&nbsp; Work from home or use the six-foot rule as much as possible in the workplace.&nbsp;</li><li>Shop alone.&nbsp; Do this only once a week and do not take your family with you.</li><li>Help kids social distance. Play at home, no group sports and no playgrounds.</li><li>Help seniors stay at home.&nbsp; This can be done by shopping for them.&nbsp; Do not visit long-term facilities.&nbsp;</li><li>Exercise daily.&nbsp; Do your best to stay as healthy and safe as you can.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
 </ol>Recent studies show that a significant portion of people with COVID-19 lack symptoms and those who eventually develop symptoms can pass the virus to others before showing symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC now recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (grocery stores, pharmacies, etc.) especially in areas of significant community-based transmission -&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA1MDUuMjEwMzI4MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jZGMuZ292L2Nvcm9uYXZpcnVzLzIwMTktbmNvdi9wcmV2ZW50LWdldHRpbmctc2ljay9jbG90aC1mYWNlLWNvdmVyLWZhcS5odG1sIn0.uo2AfWYzsNNRKHxvqz11DhoWj-2SZDYJKK9FjYTB1_s%2Fbr%2F78219324676-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C360e8f504cbf445a6aef08d7f09fb392%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637242441009856381&amp;sdata=AcXT7b2OYSjnn4upL4LxhjqdvmgRT3VxPil0bOBUxMk%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover-faq.html</a>.Cloth face coverings are not a substitute for social distancing. Public health officials continue to emphasize that maintaining 6-feet social distancing is crucial to slowing the spread of the virus.Here's where to find tools and resources for individuals and families, schools, communities, businesses, healthcare facilities, and first responders on the DHHS website -&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA1MDUuMjEwMzI4MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vZGhocy5uZS5nb3YvY29yb25hdmlydXMifQ.9W0NVxkLTnTFtiCCU9WbJBqn5wxtZkwnR4dAPDOG4Hs%2Fbr%2F78219324676-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C360e8f504cbf445a6aef08d7f09fb392%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637242441009856381&amp;sdata=WCE0l3CuaKLhwWhXZTVqMjqTvtaeBio%2Fx7ePaGh4X50%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;and CDC's website –&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDcsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA1MDUuMjEwMzI4MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jZGMuZ292L2NvdmlkMTkifQ.MmmpuYfx1xyeJEwUhNkwlv9II9sAWNk_8wnpxoUjS5Y%2Fbr%2F78219324676-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C360e8f504cbf445a6aef08d7f09fb392%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637242441009866340&amp;sdata=HnGkzSqehPP9WSMe3TM9NySuoDAfMqxJwbGUFkpfJPw%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/covid19&nbsp;</a>.DHHS opened a statewide COVID-19 information line to help answer general questions and share the latest information and resources with Nebraskans to help keep them informed. The number is (402) 552-6645 or toll-free at (833) 998-2275; hours of operation are 8 a.m.-8 p.m. CDT, 7 days a week.DHHS will continue to update Nebraskans through the DHHS website and on Facebook and Twitter as we have new information. The CDC's website is also a good resource for COVID-19 information -&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDgsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA1MDUuMjEwMzI4MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jZGMuZ292L2NvdmlkMTkifQ.D1hBmvz6soZT9jDG5N67VWFAofQfWAkffwhqSLJRrlg%2Fbr%2F78219324676-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C360e8f504cbf445a6aef08d7f09fb392%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637242441009866340&amp;sdata=JKEPkOdPaaHsH5HrncJZsCOo1A46%2BIoyQPm8bKahuR8%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/covid19&nbsp;</a>.

Boone County records its first COVID-19 case

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. regulators Monday pulled back a decision that allowed scores of coronavirus blood tests to hit the market without first providing proof that they worked.

The Food and Drug Administration said it took the action because some sellers have made false claims about the tests and their accuracy. Companies will now have to show their tests work or risk having them pulled from the market.

Under pressure to increase testing options, the FDA in March essentially allowed companies to begin selling tests as long as they notified the agency of their plans and provided disclaimers, including that they were not FDA approved. The policy was intended to allow “flexibility” needed to quickly ramp up production, officials said.

“However, flexibility never meant we would allow fraud,” Dr. Anand Shah, an FDA deputy commissioner, said in a statement. “We unfortunately see unscrupulous actors marketing fraudulent test kits and using the pandemic as an opportunity to take advantage of Americans.”

Blood tests are different from the nasal swab tests currently used to diagnose active COVID-19 infections. Instead, the tests look for blood proteins called antibodies, which the body produces days or weeks after fighting an infection. Most use a finger-prick of blood on a test strip.

The revised policy follows weeks of criticism from doctors, lab specialists and members of Congress who said the FDA’s lack of oversight created a Wild West of unregulated tests.

The agency acknowledged Monday that there have been problems with deceptive, false marketing among the 160 tests that have been launched in the U.S. Some companies have claimed their tests can be used at home, although FDA has not allowed that use. Others make unsubstantiated claims about their accuracy. Some U.S. hospitals and local governments have reported buying tests that turned out to be inaccurate or frauds.

So far, the FDA has granted authorization to 12 antibody tests, meaning their methods, materials and accuracy passed muster with agency regulators. Companies with test kits currently on the market without FDA authorization will now be required to submit formal applications to regulators within 10 business days. Companies that launch at a later date will have 10 days to turn over their applications after validating their tests.

Health officials in the U.S. and around the world have suggested the tests could be helpful in identifying people who have previously had the virus — with or without getting sick — and developed some immunity to it. But researchers haven’t yet been able to answer key questions that are essential to their practical use: what level of antibodies does it take to be immune and how long does that protection last?

“We’re spending a lot of time and resources on something that is not really a panacea for reopening,” said Kamran Kadkhoda, a lab director at the Cleveland Clinic.

For now, the tests are mainly a research tool for scientists trying to determine how widely the coronavirus has spread among the U.S. population. Those studies are underway but have produced widely different preliminary results, in part, due to variations between tests. Even high-performing tests can produce skewed results when used in a large population where few people have had the virus.

The National Institutes of Health and other federal agencies are also reviewing tests and conducting research into whether they can successfully predict immunity.

FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn told reporters Monday that his agency’s “careful balancing of risks and benefits shifted to the approach we’ve outlined today,” based on new data from FDA and NIH reviews. Hahn said more than 200 companies are in the process of submitting testing data to the FDA.

Experts who criticized the government’s previous policy welcomed the new evidence requirement.

“We want to make sure that testing in the U.S. is of high quality and that those using the tests understand how the results should or should not be used,” said Dr. Robin Patel of the Mayo Clinic.

Monday’s move is the latest in the Trump administration’s fitful attempt to roll out an effective, comprehensive testing strategy. While testing has ramped up since the outset of the outbreak, state and local governments continue to report shortages of testing supplies needed to screen for the virus and safely ease social distancing measures. A “testing blueprint” released last week by the White House emphasized that states are responsible for developing their own testing plans.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588175688546.png" alt="A health care worker at a drive-through coronavirus testing center in April in Garden City. Corinne Boyer / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>A health care worker at a drive-through coronavirus testing center in April in Garden City. Corinne Boyer / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. regulators Monday pulled back a decision that allowed scores of coronavirus blood tests to hit the market without first providing proof that they worked.The Food and Drug Administration said it took the action because some sellers have made false claims about the tests and their accuracy. Companies will now have to show their tests work or risk having them pulled from the market.Under pressure to increase testing options, the FDA in March essentially allowed companies to begin selling tests as long as they notified the agency of their plans and provided disclaimers, including that they were not FDA approved. The policy was intended to allow “flexibility” needed to quickly ramp up production, officials said.“However, flexibility never meant we would allow fraud,” Dr. Anand Shah, an FDA deputy commissioner, said in a statement. “We unfortunately see unscrupulous actors marketing fraudulent test kits and using the pandemic as an opportunity to take advantage of Americans.”Blood tests are different from the nasal swab tests currently used to diagnose active COVID-19 infections. Instead, the tests look for blood proteins called antibodies, which the body produces days or weeks after fighting an infection. Most use a finger-prick of blood on a test strip.The revised policy follows weeks of criticism from doctors, lab specialists and members of Congress who said the FDA’s lack of oversight created a Wild West of unregulated tests.The agency acknowledged Monday that there have been problems with deceptive, false marketing among the 160 tests that have been launched in the U.S. Some companies have claimed their tests can be used at home, although FDA has not allowed that use. Others make unsubstantiated claims about their accuracy. Some U.S. hospitals and local governments have reported buying tests that turned out to be inaccurate or frauds.So far, the FDA has granted authorization to 12 antibody tests, meaning their methods, materials and accuracy passed muster with agency regulators. Companies with test kits currently on the market without FDA authorization will now be required to submit formal applications to regulators within 10 business days. Companies that launch at a later date will have 10 days to turn over their applications after validating their tests.Health officials in the U.S. and around the world have suggested the tests could be helpful in identifying people who have previously had the virus — with or without getting sick — and developed some immunity to it. But researchers haven’t yet been able to answer key questions that are essential to their practical use: what level of antibodies does it take to be immune and how long does that protection last?“We’re spending a lot of time and resources on something that is not really a panacea for reopening,” said Kamran Kadkhoda, a lab director at the Cleveland Clinic.For now, the tests are mainly a research tool for scientists trying to determine how widely the coronavirus has spread among the U.S. population. Those studies are underway but have produced widely different preliminary results, in part, due to variations between tests. Even high-performing tests can produce skewed results when used in a large population where few people have had the virus.The National Institutes of Health and other federal agencies are also reviewing tests and conducting research into whether they can successfully predict immunity.FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn told reporters Monday that his agency’s “careful balancing of risks and benefits shifted to the approach we’ve outlined today,” based on new data from FDA and NIH reviews. Hahn said more than 200 companies are in the process of submitting testing data to the FDA.Experts who criticized the government’s previous policy welcomed the new evidence requirement.“We want to make sure that testing in the U.S. is of high quality and that those using the tests understand how the results should or should not be used,” said Dr. Robin Patel of the Mayo Clinic.Monday’s move is the latest in the Trump administration’s fitful attempt to roll out an effective, comprehensive testing strategy. While testing has ramped up since the outset of the outbreak, state and local governments continue to report shortages of testing supplies needed to screen for the virus and safely ease social distancing measures. A “testing blueprint” released last week by the White House emphasized that states are responsible for developing their own testing plans.___

US to rein in flood of virus blood tests after lax oversight

WASHINGTON (AP) — The economic paralysis triggered by the coronavirus pandemic is forcing the U.S. Treasury to borrow far more than it ever has before — $2.99 trillion in the current quarter alone.

The amount is more than five times the government’s previous record borrowing for a quarter, $569 billion, set in the depths of the 2008 financial crisis. It also dwarfs the $1.28 trillion the government borrowed in the bond market for all of 2019.

The Treasury Department said the huge sum is needed to pay for nearly $3 trillion in rescue aid that the government has unleashed in programs to support tens of millions of jobless workers and shuttered businesses with direct payments and loans.

“Borrowing needs are skyrocketing as Treasury needs cash to fund stimulus measures and to compensate for a plunge in revenues caused by massive job losses,” said Nancy Vanden Houten, an economist at Oxford Economics.

In addition, the government needs to borrow to cover the shortfall in revenue that will occur because the Trump administration has delayed the deadline for tax payments this year from April to June.

The Congressional Budget Office is forecasting that the government will run a record deficit of $3.7 trillion this year, far above the $1 trillion-plus annual deficits recorded from 2009 through 2012 when the government was fighting the 2008 financial crisis and a deep downturn that followed.

The deficits would be even higher but the Federal Reserve has cut its benchmark short-term interest rate to a record low near zero and is buying trillions of dollars in government bonds and mortgage-backed securities to push long-term interest rates, which were already at record lows, even lower.

Private economists believe that the government has little choice but to spend the money now to prevent an even worse downturn and possibly even a situation like the Great Depression of the 1930s.

Under the plans the Treasury unveiled on Monday, the government will borrow $4.48 trillion this budget year including a projected $677 billion in borrowing in the July-September quarter. The budget year ends on Sept. 30.

In a stark demonstration of how the government’s financial situation has changed, three months ago before the coronavirus outbreak caused widespread shutdowns in the United States, Treasury was projecting that it would be able to pay down $56 billion in debt during the quarter.

CBO is projecting the U.S. economy will shrink by a record 40% at an annual rate in the current April-June quarter.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The economic paralysis triggered by the coronavirus pandemic is forcing the U.S. Treasury to borrow far more than it ever has before — $2.99 trillion in the current quarter alone.The amount is more than five times the government’s previous record borrowing for a quarter, $569 billion, set in the depths of the 2008 financial crisis. It also dwarfs the $1.28 trillion the government borrowed in the bond market for all of 2019.The Treasury Department said the huge sum is needed to pay for nearly $3 trillion in rescue aid that the government has unleashed in programs to support tens of millions of jobless workers and shuttered businesses with direct payments and loans.“Borrowing needs are skyrocketing as Treasury needs cash to fund stimulus measures and to compensate for a plunge in revenues caused by massive job losses,” said Nancy Vanden Houten, an economist at Oxford Economics.In addition, the government needs to borrow to cover the shortfall in revenue that will occur because the Trump administration has delayed the deadline for tax payments this year from April to June.The Congressional Budget Office is forecasting that the government will run a record deficit of $3.7 trillion this year, far above the $1 trillion-plus annual deficits recorded from 2009 through 2012 when the government was fighting the 2008 financial crisis and a deep downturn that followed.The deficits would be even higher but the Federal Reserve has cut its benchmark short-term interest rate to a record low near zero and is buying trillions of dollars in government bonds and mortgage-backed securities to push long-term interest rates, which were already at record lows, even lower.Private economists believe that the government has little choice but to spend the money now to prevent an even worse downturn and possibly even a situation like the Great Depression of the 1930s.Under the plans the Treasury unveiled on Monday, the government will borrow $4.48 trillion this budget year including a projected $677 billion in borrowing in the July-September quarter. The budget year ends on Sept. 30.In a stark demonstration of how the government’s financial situation has changed, three months ago before the coronavirus outbreak caused widespread shutdowns in the United States, Treasury was projecting that it would be able to pay down $56 billion in debt during the quarter.CBO is projecting the U.S. economy will shrink by a record 40% at an annual rate in the current April-June quarter.

Treasury announces record borrowing of $2.99 trillion

KEARNEY, Neb. (AP) — A 17-year-old boy who escaped from a Kearney juvenile center was recaptured but three other escapees remain at large.

 The Nebraska State Patrol says one juvenile was arrested early Monday after a pursuit near Grand Island. 

Patrol spokesman Cody Thomas says a trooper tried to stop a speeding car on Interstate 80 but the driver sped away. 

During the pursuit, the car reached speeds of more than 125 mph before another trooper successfully deployed spike strips.

 He and the others escaped from the Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center in Kearney on Sunday night.&nbsp;

KEARNEY, Neb. (AP) — A 17-year-old boy who escaped from a Kearney juvenile center was recaptured but three other escapees remain at large. The Nebraska State Patrol says one juvenile was arrested early Monday after a pursuit near Grand Island. Patrol spokesman Cody Thomas says a trooper tried to stop a speeding car on Interstate 80 but the driver sped away. During the pursuit, the car reached speeds of more than 125 mph before another trooper successfully deployed spike strips. He and the others escaped from the Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center in Kearney on Sunday night.&nbsp;

1 juvenile escapee from Kearney center captured, 3 at large

NEW YORK (AP) - Many Americans are getting their first taste of what pandemic shopping looks like at their local mall.

Simon Property Group, the nation's largest mall operator, reopened several dozen shopping centers across Texas, Georgia and roughly ten other states between Friday and Monday.

There, a new reality is on display: Play areas and water fountains are off limits. Employees wear masks and shopping in groups is banned. Shoppers can also get their temperature checked for free on the premises.

Among other changes: Every other urinal and sink is taped off, and there's ample space between seating in the food court. Simon also has technologies that will make sure occupancy will not exceed one person for every 50 feet (15 meters).

But despite all the safety measures, the question remains: Will anyone come?

"There are still a lot of people who are scared," said Jon Reily, global head of commerce strategy at Isobar Global, a global digital agency. "The tricky part for malls is finding that sweet spot. Yes, you can come here and yes, you can be safe."

So far, the early signs haven't been encouraging.

At Simon's Town Center at Cobb, which reopened Monday in Kennesaw, a suburb of Atlanta, many of the stores remained closed. Those still dark and locked by gates included Starbucks, Victoria Secret, Helzberg Diamonds and the Build-A-Bear Workshop. Some of the kiosks selling jewelry, cell phones and T-shirts were open, though others were closed.

For sale at one of the kiosks: A black-and-white T-shirt emblazoned with a gas mask and the words "I Survived Coronavirus 2020."

Douglas Butler, 28, arrived at Simon's Lenox Square mall in Atlanta around 11 a.m. on Monday. It was much less crowded than normal, and he easily found a parking spot in the normally packed lot.

Mall employees were handing out masks at the door, and just about everyone was wearing one while also maintaining distance from other shoppers, he said. Many stores still weren't open, especially the higher-end and designer stores. He bought two new pairs of shoes for his 4-year-old son. He added he might pick up something for himself as well.

"Since I'm here, I might as well," Butler said. "Everybody has a sale on. If you're open, you have a sale."

Meanwhile, a Nebraska mall got off to a subdued start Friday morning with just a few shops welcoming customers and about half a dozen patrons wandering the open-air facility wearing masks.

Nebraska Crossing resumed business with new safety measures, including hand sanitizing stations, plexiglass barriers and signs to promote social distancing guidelines. A handful of mall patrons walked through mostly empty pathways between stores, glancing into shop windows.

"I do think it's a little soon, but it's kind of slow and there aren't a lot of people here, so I'm not too worried," said Jasmine Ramos of Omaha.

Lawrence Gostin, a public health expert at Georgetown University who has been consulting businesses and governors on reopenings, agrees that it is too soon. There first needs to be a "long-term verifiable significant reduction" in cases and ample virus testing and contact tracing, he said.

And shoppers should be required to wear masks, he said.

"Malls are inherently risky places for transmission of the coronavirus by design," he said. "They are there to have a lot of people congregating among each other and among the staff."

Given so much uncertainty, many major national mall operators have held off on announcing reopening plans and are weighing safety protocols while waiting for stay-at-home restrictions to be lifted.

Taubman Centers, which operates 26 malls worldwide and is being acquired by Indianapolis-based Simon, said it plans to open three malls - two in Florida and one in Utah- on Wednesday. Chattanooga, Tennessee-based CBL Properties, which owns and manages 108 properties, said it will be announcing its reopening plans on a property-by-property basis.

Even before the cornonavirus pandemic, malls were grappling with a shift to online retail as well as shoppers who'd grown bored of department stores and specialty chains like The Gap. That resulted in a number of bankruptcies and liquidations of stores.

The coronavirus has brought further peril by derailing consumer spending and scaring off public gatherings.

Jan Rogers Kniffen, a consultant to investors in retail companies and a former retail executive, now expects that 500 of the 1,000 malls in the U.S. will either close or be unrecognizable in two years. Before the pandemic, he expected 300 to shutter by 2030.

The imminent demise of several key tenants could also leave shoppers with fewer places to spend. J.Crew, saddled by debt, filed for Chapter 11 on Monday, becoming the first major retailer to do so. J.C. Penney and Neiman Marcus are also expected to file for Chapter 11.

And Macy's CEO Jeff Gennette told analysts Thursday that it would emerge from this crisis as a "smaller company." That's bad news because 60% of U.S. malls are still anchored by department stores, according to research firm Green Street Advisors.

Macy's reopened nearly 70 stores Monday, with many just focusing only on curbside pickup. Gennette said he expects less than 20% of the business to come back at first. And shoppers will notice a lot of changes: The chain is banning spa-like services, as well as bra fitting and ear piercing. For clothes that have been tried or returned, workers will take them off the sales floor for 24 hours.

Higher-end malls are expected to survive the crisis because owners like Simon, which operates 200 properties in 37 states, have enough money to cover losses. A Simon spokesperson declined to comment.

There was already a growing gap between the high- and low-end malls. While vacancies at top malls have remained tight at 2.7 %, the bottom-rung of malls are struggling with an average vacancy rate of 7.9% as of the first three months of 2020, according to Kevin Cody, senior consultant at CoStar Portfolio.

"It's really a tale of two cities," said Steve Dennis, president and CEO of SageBerry Consulting, a retail consultancy. "(The crisis) really pushes the extremes further apart."

William Taubman, chief operating officer at Taubman Centers, which operates such high-end centers as The Mall at Short Hills in N.J. and Beverly Centers in Los Angeles, said he believes the carnage in stores in communities will only fortify business at malls like his. He feels heartened that Taubman's mall business in South Korea is exceeding sales prior to the pandemic. In China, business is "not quite there but almost there."

Taubman said he thinks many are interested in getting out but "they may come less frequently." He expects spending will be higher for each trip.

By ANNE D'INNOCENZIO-Associated PressNEW YORK (AP) - Many Americans are getting their first taste of what pandemic shopping looks like at their local mall.Simon Property Group, the nation's largest mall operator, reopened several dozen shopping centers across Texas, Georgia and roughly ten other states between Friday and Monday.There, a new reality is on display: Play areas and water fountains are off limits. Employees wear masks and shopping in groups is banned. Shoppers can also get their temperature checked for free on the premises.Among other changes: Every other urinal and sink is taped off, and there's ample space between seating in the food court. Simon also has technologies that will make sure occupancy will not exceed one person for every 50 feet (15 meters).But despite all the safety measures, the question remains: Will anyone come?"There are still a lot of people who are scared," said Jon Reily, global head of commerce strategy at Isobar Global, a global digital agency. "The tricky part for malls is finding that sweet spot. Yes, you can come here and yes, you can be safe."So far, the early signs haven't been encouraging.At Simon's Town Center at Cobb, which reopened Monday in Kennesaw, a suburb of Atlanta, many of the stores remained closed. Those still dark and locked by gates included Starbucks, Victoria Secret, Helzberg Diamonds and the Build-A-Bear Workshop. Some of the kiosks selling jewelry, cell phones and T-shirts were open, though others were closed.For sale at one of the kiosks: A black-and-white T-shirt emblazoned with a gas mask and the words "I Survived Coronavirus 2020."Douglas Butler, 28, arrived at Simon's Lenox Square mall in Atlanta around 11 a.m. on Monday. It was much less crowded than normal, and he easily found a parking spot in the normally packed lot.Mall employees were handing out masks at the door, and just about everyone was wearing one while also maintaining distance from other shoppers, he said. Many stores still weren't open, especially the higher-end and designer stores. He bought two new pairs of shoes for his 4-year-old son. He added he might pick up something for himself as well."Since I'm here, I might as well," Butler said. "Everybody has a sale on. If you're open, you have a sale."Meanwhile, a Nebraska mall got off to a subdued start Friday morning with just a few shops welcoming customers and about half a dozen patrons wandering the open-air facility wearing masks.Nebraska Crossing resumed business with new safety measures, including hand sanitizing stations, plexiglass barriers and signs to promote social distancing guidelines. A handful of mall patrons walked through mostly empty pathways between stores, glancing into shop windows."I do think it's a little soon, but it's kind of slow and there aren't a lot of people here, so I'm not too worried," said Jasmine Ramos of Omaha.Lawrence Gostin, a public health expert at Georgetown University who has been consulting businesses and governors on reopenings, agrees that it is too soon. There first needs to be a "long-term verifiable significant reduction" in cases and ample virus testing and contact tracing, he said.And shoppers should be required to wear masks, he said."Malls are inherently risky places for transmission of the coronavirus by design," he said. "They are there to have a lot of people congregating among each other and among the staff."Given so much uncertainty, many major national mall operators have held off on announcing reopening plans and are weighing safety protocols while waiting for stay-at-home restrictions to be lifted.Taubman Centers, which operates 26 malls worldwide and is being acquired by Indianapolis-based Simon, said it plans to open three malls - two in Florida and one in Utah- on Wednesday. Chattanooga, Tennessee-based CBL Properties, which owns and manages 108 properties, said it will be announcing its reopening plans on a property-by-property basis.Even before the cornonavirus pandemic, malls were grappling with a shift to online retail as well as shoppers who'd grown bored of department stores and specialty chains like The Gap. That resulted in a number of bankruptcies and liquidations of stores.The coronavirus has brought further peril by derailing consumer spending and scaring off public gatherings.Jan Rogers Kniffen, a consultant to investors in retail companies and a former retail executive, now expects that 500 of the 1,000 malls in the U.S. will either close or be unrecognizable in two years. Before the pandemic, he expected 300 to shutter by 2030.The imminent demise of several key tenants could also leave shoppers with fewer places to spend. J.Crew, saddled by debt, filed for Chapter 11 on Monday, becoming the first major retailer to do so. J.C. Penney and Neiman Marcus are also expected to file for Chapter 11.And Macy's CEO Jeff Gennette told analysts Thursday that it would emerge from this crisis as a "smaller company." That's bad news because 60% of U.S. malls are still anchored by department stores, according to research firm Green Street Advisors.Macy's reopened nearly 70 stores Monday, with many just focusing only on curbside pickup. Gennette said he expects less than 20% of the business to come back at first. And shoppers will notice a lot of changes: The chain is banning spa-like services, as well as bra fitting and ear piercing. For clothes that have been tried or returned, workers will take them off the sales floor for 24 hours.Higher-end malls are expected to survive the crisis because owners like Simon, which operates 200 properties in 37 states, have enough money to cover losses. A Simon spokesperson declined to comment.There was already a growing gap between the high- and low-end malls. While vacancies at top malls have remained tight at 2.7 %, the bottom-rung of malls are struggling with an average vacancy rate of 7.9% as of the first three months of 2020, according to Kevin Cody, senior consultant at CoStar Portfolio."It's really a tale of two cities," said Steve Dennis, president and CEO of SageBerry Consulting, a retail consultancy. "(The crisis) really pushes the extremes further apart."William Taubman, chief operating officer at Taubman Centers, which operates such high-end centers as The Mall at Short Hills in N.J. and Beverly Centers in Los Angeles, said he believes the carnage in stores in communities will only fortify business at malls like his. He feels heartened that Taubman's mall business in South Korea is exceeding sales prior to the pandemic. In China, business is "not quite there but almost there."Taubman said he thinks many are interested in getting out but "they may come less frequently." He expects spending will be higher for each trip.

What's shopping in a pandemic like? Drive to your local mall

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — A South Dakota pork processing plant took its first steps toward reopening Monday after being shuttered for over two weeks because of a coronavirus outbreak that infected more than 800 employees.

As two departments opened at the Smithfield Foods plant in Sioux Falls, employees filed through a tent where they were screened for fever and other signs of COVID-19. Some said they felt the measures Smithfield has taken would protect them from another virus outbreak, while others were not confident that infections could be halted in a crowded plant.

Lydia Toby, who works in the ground seasoned pork department, said she was “kind of worried” as she entered the plant before 6 a.m. for her first shift in over two weeks. The company met employees in her department Friday and explained they had installed dividers on the production line and would require everyone to wear masks.

“I think it’s going to be OK,” she said.

In the wake of an executive order from President Donald Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/fb38a5a53ac1a92039bc0a4b545b19d7">ordering meat plants to remain open,</a>&nbsp;Arkansas-based Tyson Foods was also resuming “limited production” Monday at its pork plant in Logansport, Indiana, where nearly 900 employees tested positive. And the JBS pork plant in Worthington, Minnesota — just an hour east of Smithfield’s South Dakota plant — planned a partial reopening on Wednesday.

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden on Monday called meatpacking plants — along with nursing homes — “the most dangerous places there are right now.” He called for greater protections for meatpacking workers.

“They designate them as essential workers and then treat them as disposable,” Biden said.

In a teleconference town hall with the League of United Latin American Citizens, Biden also noted that their employees may include workers who are in the country illegally and are afraid to seek medical help.

Virginia-based Smithfield is offering COVID-19 testing to all employees and their family members, according to a text message sent to employees and seen by The Associated Press. The message told employees to report to a local high school to be tested. It wasn’t clear if testing was required before employees could return, and Smithfield didn’t immediately respond to questions.

About 250 employees were told to report to work on Monday, according to the union that represents them. The plant employees about 3,700 workers and produces roughly 5% of the nation’s pork.

Salaheldin Ahmed, who works in a department that has not yet reopened, said he was called in by plant management to look at changes in the plant.

“They fixed a lot of things,” he said, describing how workers would be spread apart where possible.

According to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report released Friday, more than 4,900 workers at meat and poultry processing facilities have been diagnosed with the coronavirus, including 20 who died. Some states didn’t provide data, so the actual count is believed to be higher. The true number of COVID-19 infections is also thought to be far higher than the number of confirmed cases because many people haven’t been tested and studies suggest people can be infected without feeling sick.

The CDC researchers said plant workers may be at risk for a number of reasons, including difficulties with physical distancing and hygiene, and crowded living and transportation conditions. They suggested enhanced disinfection and that workers get regular screening for the virus, more space from co-workers and training materials in their native languages. Many meatpacking employees are immigrants; a CDC report on the Smithfield outbreak found that employees there spoke about 40 different languages.

The United Food and Commercial Workers union, which represents roughly 80% of beef and pork workers and 33% of poultry workers nationwide, has called for stricter measures than the CDC recommendations, including mandating that workers be spaced 6 feet apart on production lines. It has appealed to governors for help enforcing worker safety rules. The union also wants to get rid of waivers that allow some plants to operate at faster speeds.

As plants warily reopen or others operate at diminished capacity with many workers staying home sick or in fear,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/6c6711b16d68ebde1b2cd8060f431774">it’s unclear Trump’s order will guarantee an unbroken supply of meat</a>.

Tyson Foods reported record meat sales in the first quarter but warned investors Monday that it faces continued production slowdowns. Company officials said it expected lower productivity “in the short term until local infection rates begin to decrease.”

Zach Medhaug, a maintenance employee at Tyson’s pork plant in Waterloo, Iowa, said he will feel comfortable returning to work when the plant reopens, even as he fears that one of his closest colleagues may soon die from the coronavirus.

Jose Ayala, 44, is in critical condition on a ventilator at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics after catching the virus a month ago. Medhaug has been calling Ayala, who is medically paralyzed but may still be able to hear, encouraging him to keep fighting.

Medhaug tested positive himself for the coronavirus on April 20. He said he had mild symptoms and expects to return to work later this week at the plant, which suspended production April 22. Medhaug said Tyson has made key safety changes, such as vowing to enforce rather than just encourage social distancing and providing employees with masks instead of telling them to bring their own.

“That’s a huge step,” he said. “The people returning, I see them having a better chance of not getting it at all.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586983231357.png" alt="Smithfield plant in South Dakota -google image" />
 <figcaption>Smithfield plant in South Dakota -google image</figcaption>
 </figure>SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — A South Dakota pork processing plant took its first steps toward reopening Monday after being shuttered for over two weeks because of a coronavirus outbreak that infected more than 800 employees.As two departments opened at the Smithfield Foods plant in Sioux Falls, employees filed through a tent where they were screened for fever and other signs of COVID-19. Some said they felt the measures Smithfield has taken would protect them from another virus outbreak, while others were not confident that infections could be halted in a crowded plant.Lydia Toby, who works in the ground seasoned pork department, said she was “kind of worried” as she entered the plant before 6 a.m. for her first shift in over two weeks. The company met employees in her department Friday and explained they had installed dividers on the production line and would require everyone to wear masks.“I think it’s going to be OK,” she said.In the wake of an executive order from President Donald Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/fb38a5a53ac1a92039bc0a4b545b19d7">ordering meat plants to remain open,</a>&nbsp;Arkansas-based Tyson Foods was also resuming “limited production” Monday at its pork plant in Logansport, Indiana, where nearly 900 employees tested positive. And the JBS pork plant in Worthington, Minnesota — just an hour east of Smithfield’s South Dakota plant — planned a partial reopening on Wednesday.Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden on Monday called meatpacking plants — along with nursing homes — “the most dangerous places there are right now.” He called for greater protections for meatpacking workers.“They designate them as essential workers and then treat them as disposable,” Biden said.In a teleconference town hall with the League of United Latin American Citizens, Biden also noted that their employees may include workers who are in the country illegally and are afraid to seek medical help.Virginia-based Smithfield is offering COVID-19 testing to all employees and their family members, according to a text message sent to employees and seen by The Associated Press. The message told employees to report to a local high school to be tested. It wasn’t clear if testing was required before employees could return, and Smithfield didn’t immediately respond to questions.About 250 employees were told to report to work on Monday, according to the union that represents them. The plant employees about 3,700 workers and produces roughly 5% of the nation’s pork.Salaheldin Ahmed, who works in a department that has not yet reopened, said he was called in by plant management to look at changes in the plant.“They fixed a lot of things,” he said, describing how workers would be spread apart where possible.According to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report released Friday, more than 4,900 workers at meat and poultry processing facilities have been diagnosed with the coronavirus, including 20 who died. Some states didn’t provide data, so the actual count is believed to be higher. The true number of COVID-19 infections is also thought to be far higher than the number of confirmed cases because many people haven’t been tested and studies suggest people can be infected without feeling sick.The CDC researchers said plant workers may be at risk for a number of reasons, including difficulties with physical distancing and hygiene, and crowded living and transportation conditions. They suggested enhanced disinfection and that workers get regular screening for the virus, more space from co-workers and training materials in their native languages. Many meatpacking employees are immigrants; a CDC report on the Smithfield outbreak found that employees there spoke about 40 different languages.The United Food and Commercial Workers union, which represents roughly 80% of beef and pork workers and 33% of poultry workers nationwide, has called for stricter measures than the CDC recommendations, including mandating that workers be spaced 6 feet apart on production lines. It has appealed to governors for help enforcing worker safety rules. The union also wants to get rid of waivers that allow some plants to operate at faster speeds.As plants warily reopen or others operate at diminished capacity with many workers staying home sick or in fear,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/6c6711b16d68ebde1b2cd8060f431774">it’s unclear Trump’s order will guarantee an unbroken supply of meat</a>.Tyson Foods reported record meat sales in the first quarter but warned investors Monday that it faces continued production slowdowns. Company officials said it expected lower productivity “in the short term until local infection rates begin to decrease.”Zach Medhaug, a maintenance employee at Tyson’s pork plant in Waterloo, Iowa, said he will feel comfortable returning to work when the plant reopens, even as he fears that one of his closest colleagues may soon die from the coronavirus.Jose Ayala, 44, is in critical condition on a ventilator at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics after catching the virus a month ago. Medhaug has been calling Ayala, who is medically paralyzed but may still be able to hear, encouraging him to keep fighting.Medhaug tested positive himself for the coronavirus on April 20. He said he had mild symptoms and expects to return to work later this week at the plant, which suspended production April 22. Medhaug said Tyson has made key safety changes, such as vowing to enforce rather than just encourage social distancing and providing employees with masks instead of telling them to bring their own.“That’s a huge step,” he said. “The people returning, I see them having a better chance of not getting it at all.”

Meatpackers cautiously reopen plants amid coronavirus fears

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (AP) — Police in western Iowa have identified a Omaha, Nebraska, man shot by a Council Bluffs officer in an exchange of gunfire.

 Police say 34-year-old Jimmy Carr was shot Saturday outsident a Council Bluffs gas station and is being treated at an Omaha hospital for a gunshot wound to his left hip.

Police say the shooting happened after an employee at the gas station reported that someone had stolen a gas can. 

Police say an officer who responded encountered Carr outside the station, and that Carr pulled a gun from his pocket and fired at the officer. 

The officer returned fire, injuring Carr. 

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (AP) — Police in western Iowa have identified a Omaha, Nebraska, man shot by a Council Bluffs officer in an exchange of gunfire. Police say 34-year-old Jimmy Carr was shot Saturday outsident a Council Bluffs gas station and is being treated at an Omaha hospital for a gunshot wound to his left hip. He is expected to recover. Police say the shooting happened after an employee at the gas station reported that someone had stolen a gas can. Police say an officer who responded encountered Carr outside the station, and that Carr pulled a gun from his pocket and fired at the officer. The officer returned fire, injuring Carr. The officer was not hurt.

Police ID Nebraska man shot by officer in Council Bluffs

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (AP) — Officials with the Lincoln County Sheriff's Department in central Nebraska say a woman has died in a weekend crash near North Platte. 

The department says in a Facebook post that the crash happened just before 4 p.m. Saturday, when a southbound pickup truck pulling a camper on U.S. Highway 83 left the road and rolled. 

Investigators say four people in the truck were injured and taken to a North Platte hospital. 

The driver, 64-year-old Susan Wong of Spokane, Washington, died from her injuries. 

The three others are expected to recover.

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (AP) — Officials with the Lincoln County Sheriff's Department in central Nebraska say a woman has died in a weekend crash near North Platte. The department says in a Facebook post that the crash happened just before 4 p.m. Saturday, when a southbound pickup truck pulling a camper on U.S. Highway 83 left the road and rolled. Investigators say four people in the truck were injured and taken to a North Platte hospital. The driver, 64-year-old Susan Wong of Spokane, Washington, died from her injuries. The three others are expected to recover.

Weekend crash in near North Platte leaves 1 woman dead

WASHINGTON (AP) — Weighing the risks, the Senate reopened on Monday as the coronavirus crisis rages and the House stays shuttered, an approach that leaves Congress as divided as the nation.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s decision to convene 100 senators at the Capitol during a pandemic gives President Donald Trump the imagery he wants of America getting back to work, despite health worries and a lack of testing.

Yet, the Washington region remains under stay-at-home orders as a virus hot spot. Gathering senators for the first time since March risks lawmakers as well the cooks, cleaners, police officers and other workers who keep the lights on at the Capitol complex.

“We will continue to stand together for the American people — even as we stand 6 feet apart,” McConnell said ahead of the opening.

Trump himself offered Congress access to the instant virus test system used to screen visitors to the White House. But in an extraordinary rebuff, McConnell and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a statement Saturday that they would “respectfully decline” the offer and instead direct resources to the front lines “where they can do the most good.”

For Senate Republicans, returning to session is an attempt to set the terms of debate as Democrats push for another pricey coronavirus relief bill. Frustrated after Pelosi boosted Democratic priorities in earlier aid packages, an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/f7927456d58b4c29c843252506685e02">unprecedented $3 trillion&nbsp;</a>in emergency spending, they are resisting more. Republicans are counting on the country’s reopening and an economic rebound as their best hope to limit a new round of big spending on virus aid.

As the Senate gavels in and the 430-member House stays away on the Capitol physician’s advice, the Congress provides a snapshot of divided America struggling to confront the COVID-19 crisis. Some states are reopening, others are staying closed and questions abound.

Senators face few new rules for operating in the pandemic beyond the recommendations that they wear masks — blue face coverings will be available for free — keep their distance and leave most staff at home. Hand sanitizer is back in stock. But public access will be limited, including at public hearings. The Capitol itself remains closed to visitors and tours.

Democrats complain they are returning to a noticeably light agenda, packed with confirmation hearings for Trump’s judicial and executive branch nominees, but with little emphasis on the pandemic and Great Depression-level economic collapse.

“Democrats are going to fight like hell,” Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said on a conference call with Latino leaders. “We’re going to make sure people have enough money to live and get back on their feet.”

In making his snap decision to return, McConnell said the Senate cannot “sit on the sidelines.” He compared the senators to the essential work force of grocery clerks, truck drivers and others keeping Americans fed during the crisis.

But Capitol Hill erupted in the days after the attending physician, facing questions from top GOP officials, said the health office did not have the means to perform instant virus tests on returning lawmakers.

“There is tremendous CoronaVirus testing capacity in Washington for the Senators returning to Capital Hill on Monday,” Trump tweeted.

Ninety minutes later, Health Secretary Alex Azar tweeted that the administration would be sending three machines and 1,000 virus tests to Capitol Hill.

In the rare joint statement, the congressional leaders said Congress will use the existing protocols from the Capitol physician “until these speedier technologies become more widely available.”

Hours later Trump tweeted a response that insulted Pelosi but didn’t mention McConnell: “No reason to turn it down, except politics. We have plenty of testing. Maybe you need a new Doctor over there. Crazy Nancy will use it as an excuse not to show up to work!”

The haphazard approach — to testing, health guidelines and the broader reopening — is what Democrats say is inadequate in the Republican response to the crisis.

With more than 65,000 U.S. deaths due to the virus and 30 million Americans suddenly unemployed, Democratic senators say the focus needs to be singular — to ease this crisis and prevent a second wave of infections.

“If we’re going to go back, let’s do something about COVID,” Schumer said.

Instead, the agenda is focused on the president’s nominees. Among them is Justin Walker, a conservative, McConnell-backed pick to be a federal judge on the U.S. Courts of Appeal in the District of Columbia Circuit, which is seen as a stepping stone to the Supreme Court.

A nomination hearing also is scheduled for John Ratcliffe, the Texas Republican congressman who is Trump’s choice to lead the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.

Several committees will meet to debate issues related to the virus outbreak, including the nominee for a new oversight commission. The Health Committee will hold a session on potential cures and the Commerce Committee a hearing on the airline industry.

Yet as much as the world has changed during the global pandemic, the Senate remains a place of traditions.

Republican senators still plan to sit down for their regular luncheons, though the physician’s social distancing guidance limits them to three to a table. It was after one of their lunches in March that several senators went into self-quarantine because of their exposure to fellow GOP Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, who tested positive.

Democrats, who will meet for lunch over conference call, are assessing whether to appear in person for the committee hearings or dial in remotely.

The physician’s office sent guidelines late Friday encouraging Senate offices to minimize staff presence and reschedule any visitors who are visibly ill with “shaking chills” or “vomiting.”

Politically, operating the Senate even in a diminished capacity aligns with Trump’s effort to return to a sense of normalcy.

It also draws a stark contrast with Pelosi’s House, its return date uncertain. Trump has mocked House Democrats as enjoying a “vacation.”

Republicans worry that support for Trump is drifting as he responds to the coronavirus, a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e8f52f811364b38e4bf02ba0225e1a48">drag on the GOP&nbsp;</a>that threatens McConnell’s majority. Confronting his own reelection in fall, McConnell is eager to show the Senate is working.

Drawing GOP senators back to Washington, McConnell can more directly involve them in the new round of deliberations.

“I look forward to seeing my colleagues on Monday,” he said in a statement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588625034610.png" alt="U.S. Senate Chaplain Barry Black wore gloves and no mask during his opening prayer in the Senate Chamber Monday afternoon -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Senate Chaplain Barry Black wore gloves and no mask during his opening prayer in the Senate Chamber Monday afternoon -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Weighing the risks, the Senate reopened on Monday as the coronavirus crisis rages and the House stays shuttered, an approach that leaves Congress as divided as the nation.Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s decision to convene 100 senators at the Capitol during a pandemic gives President Donald Trump the imagery he wants of America getting back to work, despite health worries and a lack of testing.Yet, the Washington region remains under stay-at-home orders as a virus hot spot. Gathering senators for the first time since March risks lawmakers as well the cooks, cleaners, police officers and other workers who keep the lights on at the Capitol complex.“We will continue to stand together for the American people — even as we stand 6 feet apart,” McConnell said ahead of the opening.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588625064258.png" alt="Senate staff, most wearing masks, during opening moments of the Monday's business-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Senate staff, most wearing masks, during opening moments of the Monday's business-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>Trump himself offered Congress access to the instant virus test system used to screen visitors to the White House. But in an extraordinary rebuff, McConnell and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a statement Saturday that they would “respectfully decline” the offer and instead direct resources to the front lines “where they can do the most good.”For Senate Republicans, returning to session is an attempt to set the terms of debate as Democrats push for another pricey coronavirus relief bill. Frustrated after Pelosi boosted Democratic priorities in earlier aid packages, an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/f7927456d58b4c29c843252506685e02">unprecedented $3 trillion&nbsp;</a>in emergency spending, they are resisting more. Republicans are counting on the country’s reopening and an economic rebound as their best hope to limit a new round of big spending on virus aid.As the Senate gavels in and the 430-member House stays away on the Capitol physician’s advice, the Congress provides a snapshot of divided America struggling to confront the COVID-19 crisis. Some states are reopening, others are staying closed and questions abound.Senators face few new rules for operating in the pandemic beyond the recommendations that they wear masks — blue face coverings will be available for free — keep their distance and leave most staff at home. Hand sanitizer is back in stock. But public access will be limited, including at public hearings. The Capitol itself remains closed to visitors and tours.Democrats complain they are returning to a noticeably light agenda, packed with confirmation hearings for Trump’s judicial and executive branch nominees, but with little emphasis on the pandemic and Great Depression-level economic collapse.“Democrats are going to fight like hell,” Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said on a conference call with Latino leaders. “We’re going to make sure people have enough money to live and get back on their feet.”In making his snap decision to return, McConnell said the Senate cannot “sit on the sidelines.” He compared the senators to the essential work force of grocery clerks, truck drivers and others keeping Americans fed during the crisis.But Capitol Hill erupted in the days after the attending physician, facing questions from top GOP officials, said the health office did not have the means to perform instant virus tests on returning lawmakers.On Saturday, Trump stepped in.“There is tremendous CoronaVirus testing capacity in Washington for the Senators returning to Capital Hill on Monday,” Trump tweeted.Ninety minutes later, Health Secretary Alex Azar tweeted that the administration would be sending three machines and 1,000 virus tests to Capitol Hill.In the rare joint statement, the congressional leaders said Congress will use the existing protocols from the Capitol physician “until these speedier technologies become more widely available.”Hours later Trump tweeted a response that insulted Pelosi but didn’t mention McConnell: “No reason to turn it down, except politics. We have plenty of testing. Maybe you need a new Doctor over there. Crazy Nancy will use it as an excuse not to show up to work!”The haphazard approach — to testing, health guidelines and the broader reopening — is what Democrats say is inadequate in the Republican response to the crisis.With more than 65,000 U.S. deaths due to the virus and 30 million Americans suddenly unemployed, Democratic senators say the focus needs to be singular — to ease this crisis and prevent a second wave of infections.“If we’re going to go back, let’s do something about COVID,” Schumer said.Instead, the agenda is focused on the president’s nominees. Among them is Justin Walker, a conservative, McConnell-backed pick to be a federal judge on the U.S. Courts of Appeal in the District of Columbia Circuit, which is seen as a stepping stone to the Supreme Court.A nomination hearing also is scheduled for John Ratcliffe, the Texas Republican congressman who is Trump’s choice to lead the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.Several committees will meet to debate issues related to the virus outbreak, including the nominee for a new oversight commission. The Health Committee will hold a session on potential cures and the Commerce Committee a hearing on the airline industry.Yet as much as the world has changed during the global pandemic, the Senate remains a place of traditions.Republican senators still plan to sit down for their regular luncheons, though the physician’s social distancing guidance limits them to three to a table. It was after one of their lunches in March that several senators went into self-quarantine because of their exposure to fellow GOP Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, who tested positive.Democrats, who will meet for lunch over conference call, are assessing whether to appear in person for the committee hearings or dial in remotely.The physician’s office sent guidelines late Friday encouraging Senate offices to minimize staff presence and reschedule any visitors who are visibly ill with “shaking chills” or “vomiting.”Politically, operating the Senate even in a diminished capacity aligns with Trump’s effort to return to a sense of normalcy.It also draws a stark contrast with Pelosi’s House, its return date uncertain. Trump has mocked House Democrats as enjoying a “vacation.”Republicans worry that support for Trump is drifting as he responds to the coronavirus, a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e8f52f811364b38e4bf02ba0225e1a48">drag on the GOP&nbsp;</a>that threatens McConnell’s majority. Confronting his own reelection in fall, McConnell is eager to show the Senate is working.Drawing GOP senators back to Washington, McConnell can more directly involve them in the new round of deliberations.“I look forward to seeing my colleagues on Monday,” he said in a statement.

Back in session: Senate risks a return but House stays away

WASHINGTON (AP) — It’s a morning of firsts for the Supreme Court, the&nbsp;<a href="http://appodcasts.com/virtual-justice-supreme-court-allows-phone-arguments/" target="_blank">first time audio</a>&nbsp;of the court’s arguments can be heard live by the world and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/6ef92c67a26a3bca985ca76c3d414eac">first arguments by telephone</a>.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?471417-1/supreme-court-oral-argument-patent-trademark-office-v-bookingcom">Click here </a>to listen to a replay of Monday's oral arguments.

<a href="https://apnews.com/19b82f029dcb760dc7f0c644472192fb">The changes</a>&nbsp;are a result of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">the coronavirus pandemic</a>, which has made holding courtroom sessions unsafe, especially with six justices aged 65 or older and at risk of getting seriously sick from the virus.

The historic session began at the usual time of 10 a.m. EDT, when Marshal Pamela Talkin called the court to order and Chief Justice John Roberts announced the day’s case.

“Oyez! Oyez! Oyez!” Talkin began, dropping the words commanding people “to draw near” to reflect the unusual circumstances.

Arguments, scheduled to last an hour as they would generally in the courtroom, ran 17 minutes long, but without serious problems. The justices asked roughly two questions apiece at a time, and Roberts occasionally interjected to keep things moving.

And there was one mild surprise: Justice Clarence Thomas asked questions for the first time in more than a year.

Several justices said “good morning” to the lawyers, a telephone nicety not often heard in the courtroom. The justices also did not interrupt each other, as they frequently do in court, and instead took turns asking questions.

The court’s plaza, normally bustling on the mornings of arguments, was deserted Monday, as it has been since the building was closed to the public in mid-March because of the virus outbreak. Two months of arguments were postponed before the court decided to hear 10 cases over six days in May.

<a href="https://apnews.com/b6f1a7b77b2f8d0d6f0d0c416d9f8454">The experiment</a>&nbsp;could propel the court to routinely livestream its arguments. Or it could just be an extraordinary exception to the court’s sustained opposition to broadening the audience that can hear, if not see, its work live.

Cases that will be heard over the next two weeks include President Donald Trump’s effort to shield tax and other financial records and whether presidential electors have to cast their Electoral College ballots for the candidate who wins the popular vote in their state.

The court chose a somewhat obscure case about whether the travel website Booking.com can trademark its name for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/fd1da7f539b1f244196fefc3d570a19d">its first foray into remote arguments</a>. The lawyers on both sides are well known to the justices and experienced in arguing before the nation’s highest court.

Justice Department lawyer Erica Ross, who once served as a law clerk to Justice Elena Kagan, was first up. She last argued at the court in late February. She delivered this Supreme Court argument, her sixth, from a Justice Department conference room.

She was followed by Lisa Blatt, a onetime government lawyer who will be arguing her 40th Supreme Court case. Blatt will be at her Washington-area home, she told The Washington Post.

She is known for her colorful writing and speaking style and for her ability to engage in a healthy give and take with the justices. She was also a prominent liberal supporter of Justice Brett Kavanaugh during his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/8234f0b8a6194d8b89ff79f9b0c94f35">contentious Senate confirmation hearings</a>&nbsp;for the Supreme Court.

Blatt, representing Booking.com, got Justice Sonia Sotomayor to laugh out loud when she told the justice, “It looks like we would have lost if you were the trial judge.”

Each lawyer got two uninterrupted minutes to make an opening statement, after which Roberts kicked off the questioning. After that, the justices asked questions in order of seniority. Kavanaugh, who joined the court in 2018, went last.

The court sometimes issues opinions at the start of argument sessions, with the justice who wrote for the majority reading a summary of the opinion and, more rarely, a second justice summarizing a dissent. But in another change wrought by the virus outbreak, opinions are being posted online without any statements from justices. The court will next issue opinions on Thursday.

The session ended as it always does in the courtroom. Roberts said, “The case is submitted.”

Talkin followed: “The honorable court is now adjourned until tomorrow at 10 o’clock.”

The live session session was scheduled to last until approximately 10a.m. CDT.

The historic session began at the usual time of 10 a.m. EDT, when Marshal Pamela Talkin called the court to order and Chief Justice John Roberts announced the day’s case. Arguments are scheduled to last an hour as they would generally in the courtroom.

Justice Department lawyer Erica Ross, who once served as a law clerk to Justice Elena Kagan, was first up. She last argued at the court in late February. She’s planning to deliver this Supreme Court argument, her sixth, from a Justice Department conference room.

She will be followed by Lisa Blatt, a onetime government lawyer who will be arguing her 40th Supreme Court case. Blatt will be at her Washington-area home, she told The Washington Post.

Each lawyer will get two uninterrupted minutes to make an opening statement, after which Roberts will kick off the questioning. After that, the justices will ask questions in order of seniority, although the longest-serving justice, Clarence Thomas, almost never questions lawyers. Kavanaugh, who joined the court in 2018, will go last.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/10/1571309298669.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — It’s a morning of firsts for the Supreme Court, the&nbsp;<a href="http://appodcasts.com/virtual-justice-supreme-court-allows-phone-arguments/" target="_blank">first time audio</a>&nbsp;of the court’s arguments can be heard live by the world and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/6ef92c67a26a3bca985ca76c3d414eac">first arguments by telephone</a>.<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?471417-1/supreme-court-oral-argument-patent-trademark-office-v-bookingcom">Click here </a>to listen to a replay of Monday's oral arguments.<a href="https://apnews.com/19b82f029dcb760dc7f0c644472192fb">The changes</a>&nbsp;are a result of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">the coronavirus pandemic</a>, which has made holding courtroom sessions unsafe, especially with six justices aged 65 or older and at risk of getting seriously sick from the virus.The historic session began at the usual time of 10 a.m. EDT, when Marshal Pamela Talkin called the court to order and Chief Justice John Roberts announced the day’s case.“Oyez! Oyez! Oyez!” Talkin began, dropping the words commanding people “to draw near” to reflect the unusual circumstances.Arguments, scheduled to last an hour as they would generally in the courtroom, ran 17 minutes long, but without serious problems. The justices asked roughly two questions apiece at a time, and Roberts occasionally interjected to keep things moving.And there was one mild surprise: Justice Clarence Thomas asked questions for the first time in more than a year.Several justices said “good morning” to the lawyers, a telephone nicety not often heard in the courtroom. The justices also did not interrupt each other, as they frequently do in court, and instead took turns asking questions.The court’s plaza, normally bustling on the mornings of arguments, was deserted Monday, as it has been since the building was closed to the public in mid-March because of the virus outbreak. Two months of arguments were postponed before the court decided to hear 10 cases over six days in May.<a href="https://apnews.com/b6f1a7b77b2f8d0d6f0d0c416d9f8454">The experiment</a>&nbsp;could propel the court to routinely livestream its arguments. Or it could just be an extraordinary exception to the court’s sustained opposition to broadening the audience that can hear, if not see, its work live.Cases that will be heard over the next two weeks include President Donald Trump’s effort to shield tax and other financial records and whether presidential electors have to cast their Electoral College ballots for the candidate who wins the popular vote in their state.The court chose a somewhat obscure case about whether the travel website Booking.com can trademark its name for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/fd1da7f539b1f244196fefc3d570a19d">its first foray into remote arguments</a>. The lawyers on both sides are well known to the justices and experienced in arguing before the nation’s highest court.Justice Department lawyer Erica Ross, who once served as a law clerk to Justice Elena Kagan, was first up. She last argued at the court in late February. She delivered this Supreme Court argument, her sixth, from a Justice Department conference room.She was followed by Lisa Blatt, a onetime government lawyer who will be arguing her 40th Supreme Court case. Blatt will be at her Washington-area home, she told The Washington Post.She is known for her colorful writing and speaking style and for her ability to engage in a healthy give and take with the justices. She was also a prominent liberal supporter of Justice Brett Kavanaugh during his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/8234f0b8a6194d8b89ff79f9b0c94f35">contentious Senate confirmation hearings</a>&nbsp;for the Supreme Court.ADVERTISEMENTBlatt, representing Booking.com, got Justice Sonia Sotomayor to laugh out loud when she told the justice, “It looks like we would have lost if you were the trial judge.”Each lawyer got two uninterrupted minutes to make an opening statement, after which Roberts kicked off the questioning. After that, the justices asked questions in order of seniority. Kavanaugh, who joined the court in 2018, went last.The court sometimes issues opinions at the start of argument sessions, with the justice who wrote for the majority reading a summary of the opinion and, more rarely, a second justice summarizing a dissent. But in another change wrought by the virus outbreak, opinions are being posted online without any statements from justices. The court will next issue opinions on Thursday.The session ended as it always does in the courtroom. Roberts said, “The case is submitted.”Talkin followed: “The honorable court is now adjourned until tomorrow at 10 o’clock.”___WASHINGTON (AP) — It’s a morning of firsts for the Supreme Court, the&nbsp;<a href="http://appodcasts.com/virtual-justice-supreme-court-allows-phone-arguments/" target="_blank">first time audio</a>&nbsp;of the court’s arguments can be heard live by the world and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/6ef92c67a26a3bca985ca76c3d414eac">first arguments by telephone</a>.The live session session was scheduled to last until approximately 10a.m. CDT.<a href="https://apnews.com/19b82f029dcb760dc7f0c644472192fb">The changes</a>&nbsp;are a result of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">the coronavirus pandemic</a>, which has made holding courtroom sessions unsafe, especially with six justices aged 65 or older and at risk of getting seriously sick from the virus.The historic session began at the usual time of 10 a.m. EDT, when Marshal Pamela Talkin called the court to order and Chief Justice John Roberts announced the day’s case. Arguments are scheduled to last an hour as they would generally in the courtroom.“Oyez! Oyez! Oyez!” Talkin began, dropping the words commanding people “to draw near” to reflect the unusual circumstances.The court’s plaza, normally bustling on the mornings of arguments, was deserted Monday, as it has been since the building was closed to the public in mid-March because of the virus outbreak. Two months of arguments were postponed before the court decided to hear 10 cases over six days in May.<a href="https://apnews.com/b6f1a7b77b2f8d0d6f0d0c416d9f8454">The experiment</a>&nbsp;could propel the court to routinely livestream its arguments. Or it could just be an extraordinary exception to the court’s sustained opposition to broadening the audience that can hear, if not see, its work live.Cases that will be heard over the next two weeks include President Donald Trump’s effort to shield tax and other financial records and whether presidential electors have to cast their Electoral College ballots for the candidate who wins the popular vote in their state.The court chose a somewhat obscure case about whether the travel website Booking.com can trademark its name for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/fd1da7f539b1f244196fefc3d570a19d">its first foray into remote arguments</a>. The lawyers on both sides are well known to the justices and experienced in arguing before the nation’s highest court.Justice Department lawyer Erica Ross, who once served as a law clerk to Justice Elena Kagan, was first up. She last argued at the court in late February. She’s planning to deliver this Supreme Court argument, her sixth, from a Justice Department conference room.She will be followed by Lisa Blatt, a onetime government lawyer who will be arguing her 40th Supreme Court case. Blatt will be at her Washington-area home, she told The Washington Post.She is known for her colorful writing and speaking style and for her ability to engage in a healthy give and take with the justices. She was also a prominent liberal supporter of Justice Brett Kavanaugh during his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/8234f0b8a6194d8b89ff79f9b0c94f35">contentious Senate confirmation hearings</a>&nbsp;for the Supreme Court.Each lawyer will get two uninterrupted minutes to make an opening statement, after which Roberts will kick off the questioning. After that, the justices will ask questions in order of seniority, although the longest-serving justice, Clarence Thomas, almost never questions lawyers. Kavanaugh, who joined the court in 2018, will go last.The court sometimes issues opinions at the start of argument sessions, with the justice who wrote for the majority reading a summary of the opinion and, more rarely, a second justice summarizing a dissent. But in another change wrought by the virus outbreak, opinions are being posted online without any statements from justices. The court will next issue opinions on Thursday.