PAPILLION, Neb. (AP) - Deputies in suburban Omaha have arrested a former apartment maintenance worker suspected of sexually assaulting at least four women.

Hector Guardado-Alfaro, 42, of Omaha, was arrested Thursday on warrants charging him with first-degree sexual assault, the Sarpy County Sheriff's Office said in a news release. Officials said the arrest came after multiple women reported being assaulted by Guardado-Alfaro.

Investigators believe Guardado-Alfaro used his former position as a maintenance worker to attack at least four women. Investigators said in court documents that the victims were both co-workers and residents of the apartment complex. Officials are asking any others who believe they were assaulted by Guardado-Alfaro to contact the sheriff's office.

No attorney was listed for Guardado-Alfaro in online court documents.

PAPILLION, Neb. (AP) - Deputies in suburban Omaha have arrested a former apartment maintenance worker suspected of sexually assaulting at least four women.Hector Guardado-Alfaro, 42, of Omaha, was arrested Thursday on warrants charging him with first-degree sexual assault, the Sarpy County Sheriff's Office said in a news release. Officials said the arrest came after multiple women reported being assaulted by Guardado-Alfaro.Investigators believe Guardado-Alfaro used his former position as a maintenance worker to attack at least four women. Investigators said in court documents that the victims were both co-workers and residents of the apartment complex. Officials are asking any others who believe they were assaulted by Guardado-Alfaro to contact the sheriff's office.No attorney was listed for Guardado-Alfaro in online court documents.

Suburban Omaha ex-maintenance man accused of sex assaults

KEARNEY, Neb. (AP) — State health officials say a third staff member and three residents at Nebraska’s Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center in Kearney have tested positive for the new coronavirus. 

Those were the results released late Wednesday of facility-wide testing after two staff members initially tested positive for COVID-19.

 Officials say the infected staffer is self-isolating and monitoring symptoms at home. 

The three boys are asymptomatic and are self-isolating in individual rooms at the center, officials said.

 The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services also says all “necessary areas” in the facility have been sanitized and that all staff and youth continue to be monitored for symptoms.

KEARNEY, Neb. (AP) — State health officials say a third staff member and three residents at Nebraska’s Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center in Kearney have tested positive for the new coronavirus. Those were the results released late Wednesday of facility-wide testing after two staff members initially tested positive for COVID-19. Officials say the infected staffer is self-isolating and monitoring symptoms at home. The three boys are asymptomatic and are self-isolating in individual rooms at the center, officials said. The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services also says all “necessary areas” in the facility have been sanitized and that all staff and youth continue to be monitored for symptoms.

4 more test positive for COVID-19 at Nebraska youth center

By STEPHEN KORANDA &amp; CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/kansas-gop-upends-gov-kellys-limits-church-services-and-potentially-all-gatherings#stream/0">Kansas News Service</a>

TOPEKA, Kansas — Kansas may not have any limits on the number of people who can safely gather — at all.&nbsp;

In
 a dramatic rebuke, Republican leaders on the Legislative Coordinating 
Council voted Wednesday to overturn the Democratic governor’s executive 
order banning churches and funerals from having more than 10 people at 
services, which followed a wider directive from March 24.&nbsp;

Kelly 
did not immediately reinstate a ban on large gatherings, saying her 
administration was exploring its legal options. But Attorney General 
Derek Schmidt said in a news release Wednesday evening that his office 
believes the March 24 order to be in effect.

The governor’s 
office did not immediately respond to emails and phone calls seeking 
clarification. However, Kelly said earlier in the day that “even if we 
run into a legal snag here, I would encourage the people of Kansas to 
still act as if ... those orders are in place.”&nbsp;

It was seemingly
 the final straw for Republicans when Kelly told churches that they 
couldn’t gather as normal to celebrate one of the most important days in
 Christianity, Easter.&nbsp;

“I’ve received an absolute outpouring of 
concerns from people of faith. And it's not because they were planning 
on attending a worship service for Easter,” Senate President Susan Wagle
 said during the panel’s meeting, invoking religious liberties. “They 
think it’s totally inappropriate for the governor to tell them that they
 cannot worship in a way and in the manner that they choose to on 
Sunday.”&nbsp;

Kelly sternly called the panel’s decision “shockingly 
irresponsible” and an action that will “put every Kansan at risk.” Kelly
 also took aim at Schmidt, who discouraged police and prosecutors from 
breaking up groups of people, which she called a “bizarre, confusing and
 overtly political attack.”&nbsp;

Schmidt responded that his office 
“repeatedly advised against issuing the overreaching executive order 
regulating churches and notified her I would express my concerns 
publicly if she proceeded. She did, and so did I.”

The fight came as Kansas topped 1,000 cases of COVID-19. Already, 
Kansas officials say three clusters of coronavirus have been tied 
directly to church events. Those and nine other outbreaks from group 
settings have led to 165 illnesses and 12 deaths combined. And dozens of
 states have limited church gatherings.

State officials and 
lawmakers have largely worked in bipartisan fashion the last month or so
 to help stem the spread of coronavirus and help out Kansans who need 
unemployment benefits and small business loans. That cooperation, Kelly 
said, had “enabled Kansas to move swiftly and to save lives.”

But
 while most churches had canceled Easter services or moved them online 
voluntarily, Kelly’s order to keep church attendance to 10 or less (not 
including choirs, ministers, etc.) rankled Kansas’ Republican leaders.&nbsp;

Kelly
 said her legal counsel had put the executive order together, and 
believe it to be constitutional. But Wagle, who is running for an open 
U.S. Senate seat and often clashes with Kelly, disagreed.

While 
it is “unprecedented times,” Wagle said she believed the executive order
 restricted “individual rights to practice religious liberties,” adding:
 “I can’t approve this.”

House Speaker Pro Tem Blaine Finch, who 
voted to overturn Kelly’s executive order, did press Kansans to stay at 
home on Easter Sunday.&nbsp;

“We have a duty to look out for one 
another and not spread this virus,” he said, asking faith leaders to 
find different ways to help people celebrate the religious holiday.&nbsp;

“Don’t
 hold services where people have to come in person this weekend or next 
weekend,” Finch said. “Let’s get through this crisis first."

The 
nonprofit advocacy group Kansas Interfaith Action weighed in, saying 
people should adhere to social distancing during any services this 
weekend and stick with the 10-person limit.&nbsp;

“As faith leaders, 
of course we place a high value on our religious freedom, but we believe
 that a) no one is limiting our right to worship, only to gather 
publicly, and b) the pandemic is an extenuating circumstance that calls 
us to accept temporary limitations on public worship that would be 
unacceptable in normal circumstances.”

Those who voted to 
overturn the executive order were Wagle, Finch, Senate Majority Leader 
Jim Denning, House Speaker Ron Ryckman and House Majority Leader Dan 
Hawkins. The two Democrats on the panel, Senate Minority Leader Anthony 
Hensley and House Minority Leader Tom Sawyer, wanted to keep the order.

Kelly
 also said early Wednesday evening that the vote was a distraction 
because state officials were starting to talk about whether they need to
 extend the stay-at-home order.&nbsp;

“We really need to be talking 
about what strategy are we going to have in place to rebuild our economy
 when we’re able to open back up,” she said, “and how are we gonna do 
that?”

An early version of this article incorrectly stated the number of COVID-19 cases tied directly to church services.

Stephen Koranda is the Statehouse reporter for Kansas Public Radio and the Kansas News Service. You can reach him on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/kprkoranda">@kprkoranda</a>.

Celia Llopis-Jepsen reports on consumer health and education for the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/Celia_LJ">@celia_LJ</a> or email her at celia@kcur.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586453362209.jpeg" alt=" Celia Llopis-Jepsen / Kansas News Service " />
 <figcaption> Celia Llopis-Jepsen / Kansas News Service </figcaption>
 </figure>By STEPHEN KORANDA &amp; CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/kansas-gop-upends-gov-kellys-limits-church-services-and-potentially-all-gatherings#stream/0">Kansas News Service</a>TOPEKA, Kansas — Kansas may not have any limits on the number of people who can safely gather — at all.&nbsp;In
 a dramatic rebuke, Republican leaders on the Legislative Coordinating 
Council voted Wednesday to overturn the Democratic governor’s executive 
order banning churches and funerals from having more than 10 people at 
services, which followed a wider directive from March 24.&nbsp;Kelly 
did not immediately reinstate a ban on large gatherings, saying her 
administration was exploring its legal options. But Attorney General 
Derek Schmidt said in a news release Wednesday evening that his office 
believes the March 24 order to be in effect.The governor’s 
office did not immediately respond to emails and phone calls seeking 
clarification. However, Kelly said earlier in the day that “even if we 
run into a legal snag here, I would encourage the people of Kansas to 
still act as if ... those orders are in place.”&nbsp;It was seemingly
 the final straw for Republicans when Kelly told churches that they 
couldn’t gather as normal to celebrate one of the most important days in
 Christianity, Easter.&nbsp;“I’ve received an absolute outpouring of 
concerns from people of faith. And it's not because they were planning 
on attending a worship service for Easter,” Senate President Susan Wagle
 said during the panel’s meeting, invoking religious liberties. “They 
think it’s totally inappropriate for the governor to tell them that they
 cannot worship in a way and in the manner that they choose to on 
Sunday.”&nbsp;Kelly sternly called the panel’s decision “shockingly 
irresponsible” and an action that will “put every Kansan at risk.” Kelly
 also took aim at Schmidt, who discouraged police and prosecutors from 
breaking up groups of people, which she called a “bizarre, confusing and
 overtly political attack.”&nbsp;Schmidt responded that his office 
“repeatedly advised against issuing the overreaching executive order 
regulating churches and notified her I would express my concerns 
publicly if she proceeded. She did, and so did I.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586453519904.jpeg" alt=" Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly speaks about an hour after Republicans overturned her executive order limiting churches to 10 people or less at services. Credit Celia Llopis-Jepsen / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly speaks about an hour after Republicans overturned her executive order limiting churches to 10 people or less at services. Credit Celia Llopis-Jepsen / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>The fight came as Kansas topped 1,000 cases of COVID-19. Already, 
Kansas officials say three clusters of coronavirus have been tied 
directly to church events. Those and nine other outbreaks from group 
settings have led to 165 illnesses and 12 deaths combined. And dozens of
 states have limited church gatherings.State officials and 
lawmakers have largely worked in bipartisan fashion the last month or so
 to help stem the spread of coronavirus and help out Kansans who need 
unemployment benefits and small business loans. That cooperation, Kelly 
said, had “enabled Kansas to move swiftly and to save lives.”But
 while most churches had canceled Easter services or moved them online 
voluntarily, Kelly’s order to keep church attendance to 10 or less (not 
including choirs, ministers, etc.) rankled Kansas’ Republican leaders.&nbsp;Kelly
 said her legal counsel had put the executive order together, and 
believe it to be constitutional. But Wagle, who is running for an open 
U.S. Senate seat and often clashes with Kelly, disagreed.While 
it is “unprecedented times,” Wagle said she believed the executive order
 restricted “individual rights to practice religious liberties,” adding:
 “I can’t approve this.”House Speaker Pro Tem Blaine Finch, who 
voted to overturn Kelly’s executive order, did press Kansans to stay at 
home on Easter Sunday.&nbsp;“We have a duty to look out for one 
another and not spread this virus,” he said, asking faith leaders to 
find different ways to help people celebrate the religious holiday.&nbsp;“Don’t
 hold services where people have to come in person this weekend or next 
weekend,” Finch said. “Let’s get through this crisis first."The 
nonprofit advocacy group Kansas Interfaith Action weighed in, saying 
people should adhere to social distancing during any services this 
weekend and stick with the 10-person limit.&nbsp;“As faith leaders, 
of course we place a high value on our religious freedom, but we believe
 that a) no one is limiting our right to worship, only to gather 
publicly, and b) the pandemic is an extenuating circumstance that calls 
us to accept temporary limitations on public worship that would be 
unacceptable in normal circumstances.”Those who voted to 
overturn the executive order were Wagle, Finch, Senate Majority Leader 
Jim Denning, House Speaker Ron Ryckman and House Majority Leader Dan 
Hawkins. The two Democrats on the panel, Senate Minority Leader Anthony 
Hensley and House Minority Leader Tom Sawyer, wanted to keep the order.Kelly
 also said early Wednesday evening that the vote was a distraction 
because state officials were starting to talk about whether they need to
 extend the stay-at-home order.&nbsp;“We really need to be talking 
about what strategy are we going to have in place to rebuild our economy
 when we’re able to open back up,” she said, “and how are we gonna do 
that?”An early version of this article incorrectly stated the number of COVID-19 cases tied directly to church services.Stephen Koranda is the Statehouse reporter for Kansas Public Radio and the Kansas News Service. You can reach him on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/kprkoranda">@kprkoranda</a>.Celia Llopis-Jepsen reports on consumer health and education for the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/Celia_LJ">@celia_LJ</a> or email her at celia@kcur.org.

GOP upends limits on church services, and potentially all gatherings

RAPID CITY, S.D. (Argus Leader) — Authorities have identified the human remains found recently near a creek on a golf course in Rapid City. Police say the remains are those of a woman who disappeared in 2015. 

Malinda Ader was 35 when she went missing.

 A grounds keeper at the Rapid City Elks Golf Course discovered a human skull on March 31. 

 After the police were alerted, investigators searched the area and located most of the remains of what they said appeared to be an adult. 

The Argus Leader reports positive identification was made through Ader’s dental records. 

Family told police that Ader had a history of mental illness and drug abuse.&nbsp;

RAPID CITY, S.D. (Argus Leader) — Authorities have identified the human remains found recently near a creek on a golf course in Rapid City. Police say the remains are those of a woman who disappeared in 2015. Malinda Ader was 35 when she went missing. A grounds keeper at the Rapid City Elks Golf Course discovered a human skull on March 31. After the police were alerted, investigators searched the area and located most of the remains of what they said appeared to be an adult. The Argus Leader reports positive identification was made through Ader’s dental records. Family told police that Ader had a history of mental illness and drug abuse.&nbsp;

Remains identified as Rapid City woman missing since 2015

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska saw record unemployment yet again last week as the new coronavirus forced more businesses to lay off workers. 

The U.S. Department of Labor says the state received 26,788 new unemployment claims during the week that ended April 4. 

The new numbers mark the third straight week with a record-setting increase. 

The previous record of 24,725 was set in the prior week as state officials imposed new social-distancing restrictions on business and residents hunkered down at home to keep the virus from spreading. 

That number surpassed the earlier record of 15,700 new claims, which had been set the week before.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska saw record unemployment yet again last week as the new coronavirus forced more businesses to lay off workers. The U.S. Department of Labor says the state received 26,788 new unemployment claims during the week that ended April 4. The new numbers mark the third straight week with a record-setting increase. The previous record of 24,725 was set in the prior week as state officials imposed new social-distancing restrictions on business and residents hunkered down at home to keep the virus from spreading. That number surpassed the earlier record of 15,700 new claims, which had been set the week before.

Nebraska jobless claims hit record for 3rd straight week

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve is taking additional steps to provide up to $2.3 trillion in loans to support the economy. The money will target American households and businesses, as well as local governments besieged by the coronavirus outbreak.

<a href="https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/monetary20200409a.htm">Click here </a>to see additional details on the program

The Fed said Thursday that it is activating a Main Street Business Lending Program authorized by the CARES Act, the largest economic relief package ever passed by Congress.

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell said the Fed's role was to “provide as much relief and stability as we can during this period of constrained economic activity.”

In in a webcast from the Brookings Institution, Powell said that the Fed fully intended to use its powers “forcefully, proactively and aggressively until we are confident that we are solidly on the road to recovery.”

He said there was “every reason to believe that the economic rebound, when it comes, can be robust” because the economy was doing well before the virus hit.

Among the actions taken Thursday, the Fed activated a loan program for municipal governments, as well as additional support for the Paycheck Protection Program, which the Small Business Administration rolled out last week. The program provides loans to businesses with fewer than 500 employees.

The Main Street lending program “will make a significant difference for the 40,000 medium-sized business that employ 35 million Americans," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Thursday.

The government's pay protection plan for small businesses is off to a rocky start. Businesses have had difficulty getting banks to provide the loans. The banks have said that the government has not made clear how they should process such loans, even what forms businesses are required to use.

The Fed announced the new infusion of cash on the same day the U.S. reported applications for unemployment benefits reached a staggering 6.6 million last week. That means more than one in 10 workers have lost their jobs in just the past three weeks to the coronavirus outbreak.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586444648763.png" alt="Empty business along SW Wanamaker Road this week in Topeka" />
 <figcaption>Empty business along SW Wanamaker Road this week in Topeka</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve is taking additional steps to provide up to $2.3 trillion in loans to support the economy. The money will target American households and businesses, as well as local governments besieged by the coronavirus outbreak.<a href="https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/monetary20200409a.htm">Click here </a>to see additional details on the programThe Fed said Thursday that it is activating a Main Street Business Lending Program authorized by the CARES Act, the largest economic relief package ever passed by Congress.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586436935167.png" alt="Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell" />
 <figcaption>Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell</figcaption>
 </figure>Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell said the Fed's role was to “provide as much relief and stability as we can during this period of constrained economic activity.”In in a webcast from the Brookings Institution, Powell said that the Fed fully intended to use its powers “forcefully, proactively and aggressively until we are confident that we are solidly on the road to recovery.”He said there was “every reason to believe that the economic rebound, when it comes, can be robust” because the economy was doing well before the virus hit.Among the actions taken Thursday, the Fed activated a loan program for municipal governments, as well as additional support for the Paycheck Protection Program, which the Small Business Administration rolled out last week. The program provides loans to businesses with fewer than 500 employees.The Main Street lending program “will make a significant difference for the 40,000 medium-sized business that employ 35 million Americans," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Thursday.The government's pay protection plan for small businesses is off to a rocky start. Businesses have had difficulty getting banks to provide the loans. The banks have said that the government has not made clear how they should process such loans, even what forms businesses are required to use.The Fed announced the new infusion of cash on the same day the U.S. reported applications for unemployment benefits reached a staggering 6.6 million last week. That means more than one in 10 workers have lost their jobs in just the past three weeks to the coronavirus outbreak.

Virus relief: New $2.3 trillion Fed plan to buttress cities, businesses

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Police have announced an arrest in the case of a newborn baby wrapped in plastic and abandoned on an Omaha doorstep earlier this week. 

Police say 28-year-old Maria Piaz-Perez is the woman who left the 7-pound baby boy on Vicente Cruz's front porch Monday. 

Police say investigators used witness accounts and security video to find Piaz-Perez and arrest her Wednesday. 

She has been charged with child abuse and abandonment. 

Cruz said his wife saw a young woman get out of a car at his home's front curb, run up to the porch with a package, then run off. 

An ambulance took the baby to a hospital. 

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Police have announced an arrest in the case of a newborn baby wrapped in plastic and abandoned on an Omaha doorstep earlier this week. Police say 28-year-old Maria Piaz-Perez is the woman who left the 7-pound baby boy on Vicente Cruz's front porch Monday. Police say investigators used witness accounts and security video to find Piaz-Perez and arrest her Wednesday. She has been charged with child abuse and abandonment. Cruz said his wife saw a young woman get out of a car at his home's front curb, run up to the porch with a package, then run off. An ambulance took the baby to a hospital. Doctors determined the baby is healthy.

Police make arrest in case of abandoned newborn

OMAHA-The Eighth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals affirmed the district court judgment sentencing Jorge Alberto Sainz Navarrete to life imprisonment for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.  He was also sentenced to a concurrent term of imprisonment of 240 months for two counts of conspiracy to commit money laundering and one count of laundering of monetary instrument.  Navarrete was convicted following a June 2018 jury trial in Omaha.

The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals found that the evidence was sufficient to support defendant's conviction, further affirming the district court's determination that Navarrete was responsible for distributing at least forty-eight (48) pounds of methamphetamine and laundering more than $125,000 in drug proceeds during the course of the conspiracy. 

At trial it was shown that Navarrete, an Arizona resident with direct ties to a Mexican drug cartel, began delivering methamphetamine to the Omaha area using cars with false compartments.  Drug Enforcement Administration agents utilized confidential informants, undercover agents, and a federal wiretap to bring down the organization.  A total of eleven (11) people were indicted as a result of the investigation, many of whom testified against Navarrete at trial. 

Navarrete was previously convicted of possession with intent to distribute fifty (50) grams or more of methamphetamine in the District of Minnesota in 2005 and was sentenced to eighty-seven (87) months’ imprisonment.  

This case highlights the commitment of the United States Attorney’s Office to enforce the law and to ensure public safety, not only through conviction but through any challenges defendants may make to their sentence.

OMAHA-The Eighth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals affirmed the district court judgment sentencing Jorge Alberto Sainz Navarrete to life imprisonment for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. He was also sentenced to a concurrent term of imprisonment of 240 months for two counts of conspiracy to commit money laundering and one count of laundering of monetary instrument. Navarrete was convicted following a June 2018 jury trial in Omaha.The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals found that the evidence was sufficient to support defendant's conviction, further affirming the district court's determination that Navarrete was responsible for distributing at least forty-eight (48) pounds of methamphetamine and laundering more than $125,000 in drug proceeds during the course of the conspiracy. At trial it was shown that Navarrete, an Arizona resident with direct ties to a Mexican drug cartel, began delivering methamphetamine to the Omaha area using cars with false compartments. Drug Enforcement Administration agents utilized confidential informants, undercover agents, and a federal wiretap to bring down the organization. A total of eleven (11) people were indicted as a result of the investigation, many of whom testified against Navarrete at trial. Navarrete was previously convicted of possession with intent to distribute fifty (50) grams or more of methamphetamine in the District of Minnesota in 2005 and was sentenced to eighty-seven (87) months’ imprisonment. This case highlights the commitment of the United States Attorney’s Office to enforce the law and to ensure public safety, not only through conviction but through any challenges defendants may make to their sentence.

Appeals court affirms life sentence for Nebraska meth dealer

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Strategic National Stockpile is nearly out of the N95 respirators, surgical masks, face, shields, gowns and other medical supplies desperately needed to protect front-line medical workers treating coronavirus patients.

The Department of Health and Human Services told The Associated Press Wednesday that the federal stockpile was in the process of deploying all remaining personal protective equipment in its inventory.

The HHS statement confirms&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/6827959-Medical-supplies-distribution.html" target="_blank">federal documents</a>&nbsp;released Wednesday by the House Oversight and Reform Committee showing that about 90% of the personal protective equipment in the stockpile has been distributed to state and local governments.

HHS spokeswoman Katie McKeogh said the remaining 10% will be kept in reserve to support federal response efforts.

House Oversight Chairwoman Carolyn B. Maloney, D-N.Y., said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://oversight.house.gov/news/press-releases/new-document-shows-inadequate-distribution-of-personal-protective-equipment-and" target="_blank">statement</a>&nbsp;that the Trump administration is leaving states to scour the open market for scarce supplies, often competing with each other and federal agencies in a chaotic bidding war that drives up prices.

“The President failed to bring in FEMA (the Federal Emergency Management Agency) early on, failed to name a national commander for this crisis, and failed to fully utilize the authorities Congress gave him under the Defense Production Act to procure and manage the distribution of critical supplies,” Maloney said. “He must take action now to address these deficiencies.”

For the last month, health care workers across the nation have taken to social media to illustrate the shortages by taking selfies wearing home-sewn masks on their faces and trash bags over their scrubs.

President Donald Trump has faulted the states for not better preparing for the pandemic and has said they should only being relying on the federal stockpile as a last resort.

The AP&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/090600c299a8cf07f5b44d92534856bc">reported</a>&nbsp;Sunday that the Trump administration squandered nearly two months after the early January warnings that COVID-19 might ignite a global pandemic, waiting until mid-March to place bulk orders of N95 masks and other medical supplies needed to build up the stockpile. By then, hospitals in several states were treating thousands of infected patients without adequate equipment and were pleading for help.

Trump spent the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/09985ba2784e553d69c7f194960de94f">first two months</a>&nbsp;of the outbreak playing down the threat from the new virus. He derided warnings of a pandemic as a hoax perpetrated by Democrats and the media, predicting as late as Feb. 26 that the number of U.S. cases would soon drop to zero.

The stockpile was created in 1999 to prevent supply-chain disruptions for the predicted Y2K computer problems. It expanded after 9/11 to prepare for chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear attacks. Congress provided money in 2006 to prepare for a potential influenza pandemic, though much of that stock was used during the H1N1 flu outbreak three years later.

At the start of the COVID-19 crisis, the federal stockpile had about 13 million N95 respirators, masks which filter out about 95% of all liquid or airborne particles and are critical to prevent health care workers from becoming infected. That’s just a small fraction of what hospitals need to protect their workers, who normally would wear a new mask for each patient, but who now are often issued only one to last for days.

Federal contracting records show HHS made an initial bulk order of N95 masks on March 12, followed by larger orders on March 21. But those contracts won’t yield big deliveries to the national stockpile until the end of April, after the White House has projected the pandemic will reach its peak.

For nearly a month, Trump rebuffed calls to use his authority under the Defense Production Act to order companies to increase production of respirators and ventilators, before he relented last week.

Asked about the AP report, the president suggested Sunday the states should be thankful for the shipments of supplies they have gotten.

“FEMA, the military, what they’ve done is a miracle,” Trump said. “What they’ve done is a miracle in getting all of this stuff. What they have done for states is incredible.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586430652281.png" alt="PPE distribution on Wednesday in Missouri -photo office of Missouri governor" />
 <figcaption>PPE distribution on Wednesday in Missouri -photo office of Missouri governor</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Strategic National Stockpile is nearly out of the N95 respirators, surgical masks, face, shields, gowns and other medical supplies desperately needed to protect front-line medical workers treating coronavirus patients.The Department of Health and Human Services told The Associated Press Wednesday that the federal stockpile was in the process of deploying all remaining personal protective equipment in its inventory.The HHS statement confirms&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/6827959-Medical-supplies-distribution.html" target="_blank">federal documents</a>&nbsp;released Wednesday by the House Oversight and Reform Committee showing that about 90% of the personal protective equipment in the stockpile has been distributed to state and local governments.HHS spokeswoman Katie McKeogh said the remaining 10% will be kept in reserve to support federal response efforts.House Oversight Chairwoman Carolyn B. Maloney, D-N.Y., said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://oversight.house.gov/news/press-releases/new-document-shows-inadequate-distribution-of-personal-protective-equipment-and" target="_blank">statement</a>&nbsp;that the Trump administration is leaving states to scour the open market for scarce supplies, often competing with each other and federal agencies in a chaotic bidding war that drives up prices.“The President failed to bring in FEMA (the Federal Emergency Management Agency) early on, failed to name a national commander for this crisis, and failed to fully utilize the authorities Congress gave him under the Defense Production Act to procure and manage the distribution of critical supplies,” Maloney said. “He must take action now to address these deficiencies.”For the last month, health care workers across the nation have taken to social media to illustrate the shortages by taking selfies wearing home-sewn masks on their faces and trash bags over their scrubs.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586209464100.png" alt="President Trump answering questions during Tuesday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing" />
 <figcaption>President Trump answering questions during Tuesday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing</figcaption>
 </figure>President Donald Trump has faulted the states for not better preparing for the pandemic and has said they should only being relying on the federal stockpile as a last resort.The AP&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/090600c299a8cf07f5b44d92534856bc">reported</a>&nbsp;Sunday that the Trump administration squandered nearly two months after the early January warnings that COVID-19 might ignite a global pandemic, waiting until mid-March to place bulk orders of N95 masks and other medical supplies needed to build up the stockpile. By then, hospitals in several states were treating thousands of infected patients without adequate equipment and were pleading for help.Trump spent the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/09985ba2784e553d69c7f194960de94f">first two months</a>&nbsp;of the outbreak playing down the threat from the new virus. He derided warnings of a pandemic as a hoax perpetrated by Democrats and the media, predicting as late as Feb. 26 that the number of U.S. cases would soon drop to zero.The stockpile was created in 1999 to prevent supply-chain disruptions for the predicted Y2K computer problems. It expanded after 9/11 to prepare for chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear attacks. Congress provided money in 2006 to prepare for a potential influenza pandemic, though much of that stock was used during the H1N1 flu outbreak three years later.At the start of the COVID-19 crisis, the federal stockpile had about 13 million N95 respirators, masks which filter out about 95% of all liquid or airborne particles and are critical to prevent health care workers from becoming infected. That’s just a small fraction of what hospitals need to protect their workers, who normally would wear a new mask for each patient, but who now are often issued only one to last for days.Federal contracting records show HHS made an initial bulk order of N95 masks on March 12, followed by larger orders on March 21. But those contracts won’t yield big deliveries to the national stockpile until the end of April, after the White House has projected the pandemic will reach its peak.For nearly a month, Trump rebuffed calls to use his authority under the Defense Production Act to order companies to increase production of respirators and ventilators, before he relented last week.Asked about the AP report, the president suggested Sunday the states should be thankful for the shipments of supplies they have gotten.“FEMA, the military, what they’ve done is a miracle,” Trump said. “What they’ve done is a miracle in getting all of this stuff. What they have done for states is incredible.”

HHS: Federal stocks of protective equipment nearly depleted

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued new guidelines for essential workers, such as those in the health care and food supply industries. The guidance is focused on when those workers can return to work after having been exposed to the new coronavirus.

— Do take your temperature before work.

— Do practice social distancing as work duties permit.

— Don’t stay at work if you become sick

— Don’t share headsets or objects used near face.

— Don’t congregate in the break room or other crowded places.

The CDC also issued guidance for employers in essential industries.

— Do increase the frequency of cleaning commonly touched surfaces.

— Do increase air exchange in the building.

— Do send sick workers home immediately.

— Do test the use of face masks to ensure they don’t interfere with workflow.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586391131314.png" alt="Dr. Robert Redfield, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention during Wednesday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Robert Redfield, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention during Wednesday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued new guidelines for essential workers, such as those in the health care and food supply industries. The guidance is focused on when those workers can return to work after having been exposed to the new coronavirus.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586391294022.png" alt="CDC" />
 <figcaption>CDC</figcaption>
 </figure>— Do take your temperature before work.— Do wear a face mask at all times.— Do practice social distancing as work duties permit.— Don’t stay at work if you become sick— Don’t share headsets or objects used near face.— Don’t congregate in the break room or other crowded places.The CDC also issued guidance for employers in essential industries.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586391231224.png" alt="CDC" />
 <figcaption>CDC</figcaption>
 </figure>— Do increase the frequency of cleaning commonly touched surfaces.— Do increase air exchange in the building.— Do send sick workers home immediately.— Do test the use of face masks to ensure they don’t interfere with workflow.

New CDC guidance for essential workers, employers during coronavirus

86 cases of COVID-19 reported in Hall, Hamilton and Merrick Counties

LINCOLN –&nbsp;Today, at his daily COVID-19 press briefing, Governor Pete Ricketts issued Passover and Easter proclamations and designated Sunday, April 12th as a statewide day of prayer for those affected by coronavirus. &nbsp;The Governor also thanked community banks in Nebraska for connecting businesses to much-needed financial resources that are available as part of the federal economic stimulus package (the CARES Act).

Jeff Kanger, Executive Vice President at First State Bank Nebraska, joined the Governor at today’s news conference.&nbsp; He outlined his bank’s efforts to provide low-interest, potentially forgivable loans to small businesses as part of the Paycheck Protection Program.

Gov. Ricketts: Passover and Easter Proclamations / Day of Prayer

Gov. Ricketts: Efforts of Community Banks

Gov. Ricketts: COVID-19 Messaging to Non-English Speakers

The Governor’s Passover proclamation is available by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fs%2Fp6v9512hd9xtffc%2F2020%2520Education%252C%2520Sharing%252C%2520and%2520Freedom%2520Day%2520.pdf%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C23fb9ffbe6704f9c5a6d08d7dc0bca87%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637219815540082687&amp;sdata=FkHAiYAT%2Bl5H57uXgJxRzPCraxc2E%2B6A7yXkGgWEIcI%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.&nbsp; His proclamation declaring Easter as a day of prayer is available by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fs%2Ffi2yr05ru0s4j3c%2F2020%2520A%2520Statewide%2520Day%2520of%2520Prayer.pdf%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C23fb9ffbe6704f9c5a6d08d7dc0bca87%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637219815540082687&amp;sdata=12VLVZv4aL045jgR5z3mZE72VYnM5mmrAf4rPZrCgPw%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

Full video of today’s press briefing is available by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fs%2Fo0gd7dflxrlnjwv%2FPress%2520Conf%25204.08.2020.mp4%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C23fb9ffbe6704f9c5a6d08d7dc0bca87%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637219815540092641&amp;sdata=lmLfxovbjV3%2FZokU4VagP2DQ1SGyLwpgpZ3V1bqmxyo%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

LINCOLN –&nbsp;Today, at his daily COVID-19 press briefing, Governor Pete Ricketts issued Passover and Easter proclamations and designated Sunday, April 12th as a statewide day of prayer for those affected by coronavirus. &nbsp;The Governor also thanked community banks in Nebraska for connecting businesses to much-needed financial resources that are available as part of the federal economic stimulus package (the CARES Act).Jeff Kanger, Executive Vice President at First State Bank Nebraska, joined the Governor at today’s news conference.&nbsp; He outlined his bank’s efforts to provide low-interest, potentially forgivable loans to small businesses as part of the Paycheck Protection Program.Gov. Ricketts: Passover and Easter Proclamations / Day of Prayer<ol>
 <li>This evening marks the beginning of Passover. &nbsp;To everyone who will be celebrating, I wish you a Happy Passover.</li><li>This is also Holy Week for Christians. &nbsp;This Friday will be Good Friday, and Sunday is Resurrection Day.</li><li>It will be an unusual time for all of us observing these holy days this week.</li><li>Please limit Easter and Passover celebrations to family in your household only.We would all like to celebrate with extended family and friends, but it’s important to avoid social gatherings at this time.</li><li>We would all like to celebrate with extended family and friends, but it’s important to avoid social gatherings at this time.</li><li>As Nebraskans celebrate, I invite everyone to pray and reflect on the blessings we have been given. &nbsp;I also encourage Nebraskans to pray for those affected by the pandemic.</li><li>Today, I am signing a proclamation to declare Easter Sunday as a Day of Prayer in Nebraska.</li>
 </ol>Gov. Ricketts: Efforts of Community Banks<ol>
 <li>Last week, we announced the launch of several federal programs to help our business owners during this time.</li><li>We want to encourage any employer who has experienced substantial financial impact from the pandemic to reach out to their community banker right now.</li><li>Nebraska’s 160 banks are helping keep the state working during an incredibly difficult time.</li><li>Nebraska banks are working tirelessly to support the credit needs of their small business clients across the state, despite a fast rollout for the Paycheck Protection Program.&nbsp;</li><li>Banks are working extra-long days focused on accessing the SBA portal and inputting loan applications for their small business customers.Community bankers are working into the night and starting their days early in the morning.Many are doing this while juggling kids as they work from home.</li><li>Community bankers are working into the night and starting their days early in the morning.</li><li>Many are doing this while juggling kids as they work from home.</li><li>As of the close of business on April 7, 2020 our community banks had already submitted over 7,800 applications for federal review, totaling in excess of $1.47 billion.</li>
 </ol>Jeff Kanger: Efforts of Community Banks<ol>
 <li>I am executive director of a community bank with 150 teammates.</li><li>We’re working with the federal government to deliver the programs included in the CARES Act.</li><li>Specifically, our bank is helping businesses take part in the Paycheck Protection Program.</li><li>Just as a football game has 4 quarters, there are 4 “quarters” of the Payroll Protection Program:Processing the loan application and securing funds.Distributing the funds to small businesses so that they can meet payroll and continue operations.Documenting the use of funds by collecting receipts.Submitting receipts so that the loan can be forgiven.</li><li>Processing the loan application and securing funds.</li><li>Distributing the funds to small businesses so that they can meet payroll and continue operations.</li><li>Documenting the use of funds by collecting receipts.</li><li>Submitting receipts so that the loan can be forgiven.</li><li>We’re committed to partnering with businesses through all four quarters of the process.</li><li>Our teammates have literally been working through the night to get loan applications finalized.</li><li>Other community banks across Nebraska are making preparations to become part of the Paycheck Protection Program.</li>
 </ol>Gov. Ricketts: COVID-19 Messaging to Non-English Speakers<ol>
 <li>Communities are working hard to spread the word about COVID-19 to non-English speakers.CHI St. Francis is advertising on radio and billboards in Spanish.Grand Island Public Schools has been doing an excellent job of communicating with families for whom English isn’t the primary language.JBS in Grand Island has been providing information on COVID-19 to their teammates who speak Spanish or Arabic.News Channel Nebraska and Telemundo have been working to set up a Spanish-language news bureau in Grand Island.The State of Nebraska is ramping up its efforts to distribute information in Spanish.</li><li>CHI St. Francis is advertising on radio and billboards in Spanish.</li><li>Grand Island Public Schools has been doing an excellent job of communicating with families for whom English isn’t the primary language.</li><li>JBS in Grand Island has been providing information on COVID-19 to their teammates who speak Spanish or Arabic.</li><li>News Channel Nebraska and Telemundo have been working to set up a Spanish-language news bureau in Grand Island.</li><li>The State of Nebraska is ramping up its efforts to distribute information in Spanish.</li>
 </ol>The Governor’s Passover proclamation is available by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fs%2Fp6v9512hd9xtffc%2F2020%2520Education%252C%2520Sharing%252C%2520and%2520Freedom%2520Day%2520.pdf%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C23fb9ffbe6704f9c5a6d08d7dc0bca87%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637219815540082687&amp;sdata=FkHAiYAT%2Bl5H57uXgJxRzPCraxc2E%2B6A7yXkGgWEIcI%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.&nbsp; His proclamation declaring Easter as a day of prayer is available by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fs%2Ffi2yr05ru0s4j3c%2F2020%2520A%2520Statewide%2520Day%2520of%2520Prayer.pdf%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C23fb9ffbe6704f9c5a6d08d7dc0bca87%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637219815540082687&amp;sdata=12VLVZv4aL045jgR5z3mZE72VYnM5mmrAf4rPZrCgPw%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.Full video of today’s press briefing is available by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fs%2Fo0gd7dflxrlnjwv%2FPress%2520Conf%25204.08.2020.mp4%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C23fb9ffbe6704f9c5a6d08d7dc0bca87%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637219815540092641&amp;sdata=lmLfxovbjV3%2FZokU4VagP2DQ1SGyLwpgpZ3V1bqmxyo%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

Ricketts proclaims Easter as Day of Prayer, thanks Community Banks for helping Nebraska businesses

LINCOLN, Neb. (Lincoln Journal Star) — A 76-year-old man convicted of killing an Omaha man with a hatchet in 1981 has died. Cary Rehbein died Wenesday at a hospital. 

Nebraska correctional spokeswoman Laura Strimple says Rehbein was being treated for a medical condition and he is believed to have died from natural causes.

 He was serving a life sentence at the Tecumseh State Correctional Institution for the September 1981 death of Carl Fisher.

 Prosecutors said Rehbein broke into Fisher's apartment intending to rob him but killed him with a hatchet. 

Rehbein, who later changed his name to Yourgos Diamantopolos, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and was sentenced in June 1983.

LINCOLN, Neb. (Lincoln Journal Star) — A 76-year-old man convicted of killing an Omaha man with a hatchet in 1981 has died. Cary Rehbein died Wenesday at a hospital. Nebraska correctional spokeswoman Laura Strimple says Rehbein was being treated for a medical condition and he is believed to have died from natural causes. He was serving a life sentence at the Tecumseh State Correctional Institution for the September 1981 death of Carl Fisher. Prosecutors said Rehbein broke into Fisher's apartment intending to rob him but killed him with a hatchet. Rehbein, who later changed his name to Yourgos Diamantopolos, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and was sentenced in June 1983.

Man convicted in 1983 hatchet murder in Omaha dies in prison

LINCOLN, Neb.-Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird and the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department (LLCHD) announced today that one resident has died from COVID-19 in Lincoln. LLCHD will have more information this afternoon.

Three new lab-confirmed cases were reported in Lincoln today, bringing the total number of cases in the city to 37.

1LLCHD is now monitoring 110 individuals. Lancaster County reports 1,194 negative tests and 37 positives with 16 tests pending at the Nebraska Public Health Lab. There are now 497 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Nebraska and 13 deaths.

The Mayor and LLCHD will hold a briefing at 3:30 p.m. TODAY, Wednesday, April 8. The briefing will be aired live on LNKTV, the City government access channel. The briefing may be viewed on Allo channels 2 and 3, Spectrum channels 1300 and 1301, and Kinetic channels 1005 and 1010. The briefing will also be streamed at LNKTVcity.lincoln.ne.gov and available at YouTube.com/LNKTVcity and Facebook.com/LNKTVcity.

Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, and shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. Those who experience these symptoms should self-quarantine and call their health care providers for recommended follow up before visiting. If you need help accessing care, contact the Health Department at 402-441-8006. Do not go to the emergency room unless it is essential.

Those prioritized for testing remain, healthcare workers; public safety personnel; residents and employees of nursing homes and group homes; those attending or working at daycares; and people over 60 or those with underlying health conditions.

Those who have no symptoms do not need to contact a health provider to be tested. Do not go to urgent care, the emergency room, or a doctor's office to get a COVID-19 test. Those test kits and medical personnel must be reserved for individuals in the prioritized categories.

The latest information on local coronavirus response is available at COVID19.lincoln.ne.gov and health.lincoln.ne.gov. LLCHD has established a hotline at 402-441-8006 for questions on COVID-19.

News ReleaseLINCOLN, Neb.-Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird and the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department (LLCHD) announced today that one resident has died from COVID-19 in Lincoln. LLCHD will have more information this afternoon.Three new lab-confirmed cases were reported in Lincoln today, bringing the total number of cases in the city to 37.1LLCHD is now monitoring 110 individuals. Lancaster County reports 1,194 negative tests and 37 positives with 16 tests pending at the Nebraska Public Health Lab. There are now 497 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Nebraska and 13 deaths.The Mayor and LLCHD will hold a briefing at 3:30 p.m. TODAY, Wednesday, April 8. The briefing will be aired live on LNKTV, the City government access channel. The briefing may be viewed on Allo channels 2 and 3, Spectrum channels 1300 and 1301, and Kinetic channels 1005 and 1010. The briefing will also be streamed at LNKTVcity.lincoln.ne.gov and available at YouTube.com/LNKTVcity and Facebook.com/LNKTVcity.Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, and shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. Those who experience these symptoms should self-quarantine and call their health care providers for recommended follow up before visiting. If you need help accessing care, contact the Health Department at 402-441-8006. Do not go to the emergency room unless it is essential.Those prioritized for testing remain, healthcare workers; public safety personnel; residents and employees of nursing homes and group homes; those attending or working at daycares; and people over 60 or those with underlying health conditions.Those who have no symptoms do not need to contact a health provider to be tested. Do not go to urgent care, the emergency room, or a doctor's office to get a COVID-19 test. Those test kits and medical personnel must be reserved for individuals in the prioritized categories.The latest information on local coronavirus response is available at COVID19.lincoln.ne.gov and health.lincoln.ne.gov. LLCHD has established a hotline at 402-441-8006 for questions on COVID-19.

Lincoln has first death attributed to COVID-19

WASHINGTON (AP) — Sen. Bernie Sanders, who saw his once strong lead in the Democratic primary evaporate as the party’s establishment lined swiftly up behind rival Joe Biden, ended his presidential bid on Wednesday, an acknowledgment that the former vice president is too far ahead for him to have any reasonable hope of catching up.

<a href="https://live.berniesanders.com/">Click here to watch his announcement </a>

The Vermont senator’s announcement makes Biden the presumptive Democratic nominee to challenge President Donald Trump in November.

“The path toward victory is virtually impossible,” Sanders told supporters as he congratulated Biden. The former vice president is “a very decent man whom I will work with to move our progressive ideas forward.”

Sanders initially exceeded sky-high expectations about his ability to recreate the magic of his 2016 presidential bid, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/fcec4d5e82844672b3e330535506135f">even overcame a heart attack last October</a>. But he found himself unable to convert unwavering support from progressives into a viable path to the nomination amid “electability” fears fueled by questions about whether his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/0f19aa284fbb49eab5a07dcd28156e83">democratic socialist ideology</a>&nbsp;would be palatable to general election voters.

The 78-year-old senator began his latest White House bid facing questions about whether he could win back the supporters who chose him four years ago as an insurgent alternative to the party establishment’s choice, Hillary Clinton. Despite winning 22 states in 2016, there were no guarantees he’d be a major presidential contender this cycle, especially as the race’s oldest candidate.

Sanders, though, used strong polling and solid fundraising — collected almost entirely from small donations made online — to more than quiet early doubters. Like the first time, he attracted widespread support from young voters and was able to make new inroads within the Hispanic community, even as his appeal with African Americans remained small.

Sanders amassed the most votes in Iowa and New Hampshire, which opened primary voting, and cruised to an easy victory in Nevada — seemingly leaving him well positioned to sprint to the Democratic nomination while a deeply crowded and divided field of alternatives sunk around him.

But a crucial endorsement of Biden by influential South Carolina Rep. Jim Clyburn, and a subsequent, larger-than-expected victory in South Carolina, propelled the former vice president into&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/fc56521fb4375ffa5375fd6daae3be5b">Super Tuesday, when he won 10 of 14 states</a>.

In a matter of days, his top former Democratic rivals lined up and announced their endorsement of Biden. The former vice president’s campaign had appeared on the brink of collapse after New Hampshire but found new life as the rest of the party’s more moderate establishment coalesced around him as an alternative to Sanders.

Things only got worse the following week when Sanders lost Michigan, where he had campaigned hard and upset Clinton in 2016. He was also beaten in Missouri, Mississippi and Idaho the same night and the results were so decisive that Sanders headed to Vermont without speaking to the media.

<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">The coronavirus outbreak</a>&nbsp;essentially froze the campaign, preventing Sanders from holding the large rallies that had become his trademark and shifting the primary calendar. It became increasingly unclear where he could notch a victory that would help him regain ground against Biden.

Though he will not be the nominee, Sanders was a key architect of many of the social policies that dominated the Democratic primary, including a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/ec36c409be344f23854ae4497ad87ee5">“Medicare for All”&nbsp;</a>universal, government-funded health care plan, tuition-free public college, a $15 minimum wage and sweeping efforts to fight climate change under the “Green New Deal.”

He relished the fact that his ideas — viewed as radical four years ago— had become part of the political mainstream by the next election cycle, as Democratic politics lurched to the left in the Trump era.

Sanders began the 2020 race by arguing that he was the most electable Democrat against Trump. He said his working-class appeal could help Democrats win back Rust Belt states that Trump won in 2016, including Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. But as the race wore on, the senator reverted to his 2016 roots, repeatedly stressing that he backs a “political revolution” from the bottom up under the slogan “Not me. Us.”

Sanders also faced persistent questions about being the field’s oldest candidate. Those were pushed into the spotlight on Oct. 1, when he was at a rally in Las Vegas and asked for a chair to be brought on stage so he could sit down. Suffering from chest pains afterward, he underwent surgery to insert two stints because of a blocked artery, and his campaign revealed two days later that he had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/fcec4d5e82844672b3e330535506135f">suffered a heart attack</a>.

But a serious health scare that might have derailed other campaigns seemed only to help Sanders as his already-strong fundraising got stronger and rising stars on the Democratic left, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, endorsed him. Many supporters said the heart attack only strengthened their resolve to back him.

Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren outshone him throughout much of the summer, but Sanders worked his way back up in the polls. The two progressive candidates spent months refusing to attack each other, though Sanders offered a strong defense of Medicare for All after Warren offered a transition plan saying it would take the country years to transition to it.

The two longtime allies finally clashed bitterly, if briefly, in January, when Warren said that Sanders had suggested during a 2018 private meeting that a woman couldn’t be elected president. Sanders denied saying that, but Warren refused to shake his outstretched hand after a debate in Iowa.

Warren left the race after a dismal Super Tuesday showing in which she finished third in her own state.

In 2016, Sanders kept campaigning long after the primaries had ended and endorsed Clinton less than two weeks before their party’s convention. This cycle, he promised to work better with the national and state parties. His dropping out of the race now could be a step toward unity.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586362083497.png" alt="Senator Sanders during his announcement from Vermont Wednesday morning." />
 <figcaption>Senator Sanders during his announcement from Vermont Wednesday morning.</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Sen. Bernie Sanders, who saw his once strong lead in the Democratic primary evaporate as the party’s establishment lined swiftly up behind rival Joe Biden, ended his presidential bid on Wednesday, an acknowledgment that the former vice president is too far ahead for him to have any reasonable hope of catching up.<a href="https://live.berniesanders.com/">Click here to watch his announcement </a>The Vermont senator’s announcement makes Biden the presumptive Democratic nominee to challenge President Donald Trump in November.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I know Bernie well. He’s a good man, a great leader, and one of the most powerful voices for change in our country. And it’s hard to sum up his contributions to our politics in one, single tweet. So I won’t try to. <a href="https://t.co/Z6OkCDWFNm">https://t.co/Z6OkCDWFNm</a>&mdash; Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden/status/1247920466603528193?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“The path toward victory is virtually impossible,” Sanders told supporters as he congratulated Biden. The former vice president is “a very decent man whom I will work with to move our progressive ideas forward.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The KDP issued the following statement about the 2020 Primary and Bernie Sanders&#39;s decision to suspend his Presidential campaign: <a href="https://t.co/zRgxWT100Z">pic.twitter.com/zRgxWT100Z</a>&mdash; Kansas Dems (@KansasDems) <a href="https://twitter.com/KansasDems/status/1247938223894134784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Sanders initially exceeded sky-high expectations about his ability to recreate the magic of his 2016 presidential bid, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/fcec4d5e82844672b3e330535506135f">even overcame a heart attack last October</a>. But he found himself unable to convert unwavering support from progressives into a viable path to the nomination amid “electability” fears fueled by questions about whether his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/0f19aa284fbb49eab5a07dcd28156e83">democratic socialist ideology</a>&nbsp;would be palatable to general election voters.The 78-year-old senator began his latest White House bid facing questions about whether he could win back the supporters who chose him four years ago as an insurgent alternative to the party establishment’s choice, Hillary Clinton. Despite winning 22 states in 2016, there were no guarantees he’d be a major presidential contender this cycle, especially as the race’s oldest candidate.Sanders, though, used strong polling and solid fundraising — collected almost entirely from small donations made online — to more than quiet early doubters. Like the first time, he attracted widespread support from young voters and was able to make new inroads within the Hispanic community, even as his appeal with African Americans remained small.Sanders amassed the most votes in Iowa and New Hampshire, which opened primary voting, and cruised to an easy victory in Nevada — seemingly leaving him well positioned to sprint to the Democratic nomination while a deeply crowded and divided field of alternatives sunk around him.But a crucial endorsement of Biden by influential South Carolina Rep. Jim Clyburn, and a subsequent, larger-than-expected victory in South Carolina, propelled the former vice president into&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/fc56521fb4375ffa5375fd6daae3be5b">Super Tuesday, when he won 10 of 14 states</a>.In a matter of days, his top former Democratic rivals lined up and announced their endorsement of Biden. The former vice president’s campaign had appeared on the brink of collapse after New Hampshire but found new life as the rest of the party’s more moderate establishment coalesced around him as an alternative to Sanders.Things only got worse the following week when Sanders lost Michigan, where he had campaigned hard and upset Clinton in 2016. He was also beaten in Missouri, Mississippi and Idaho the same night and the results were so decisive that Sanders headed to Vermont without speaking to the media.<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">The coronavirus outbreak</a>&nbsp;essentially froze the campaign, preventing Sanders from holding the large rallies that had become his trademark and shifting the primary calendar. It became increasingly unclear where he could notch a victory that would help him regain ground against Biden.Though he will not be the nominee, Sanders was a key architect of many of the social policies that dominated the Democratic primary, including a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/ec36c409be344f23854ae4497ad87ee5">“Medicare for All”&nbsp;</a>universal, government-funded health care plan, tuition-free public college, a $15 minimum wage and sweeping efforts to fight climate change under the “Green New Deal.”He relished the fact that his ideas — viewed as radical four years ago— had become part of the political mainstream by the next election cycle, as Democratic politics lurched to the left in the Trump era.Sanders began the 2020 race by arguing that he was the most electable Democrat against Trump. He said his working-class appeal could help Democrats win back Rust Belt states that Trump won in 2016, including Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. But as the race wore on, the senator reverted to his 2016 roots, repeatedly stressing that he backs a “political revolution” from the bottom up under the slogan “Not me. Us.”Sanders also faced persistent questions about being the field’s oldest candidate. Those were pushed into the spotlight on Oct. 1, when he was at a rally in Las Vegas and asked for a chair to be brought on stage so he could sit down. Suffering from chest pains afterward, he underwent surgery to insert two stints because of a blocked artery, and his campaign revealed two days later that he had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/fcec4d5e82844672b3e330535506135f">suffered a heart attack</a>.But a serious health scare that might have derailed other campaigns seemed only to help Sanders as his already-strong fundraising got stronger and rising stars on the Democratic left, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, endorsed him. Many supporters said the heart attack only strengthened their resolve to back him.Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren outshone him throughout much of the summer, but Sanders worked his way back up in the polls. The two progressive candidates spent months refusing to attack each other, though Sanders offered a strong defense of Medicare for All after Warren offered a transition plan saying it would take the country years to transition to it.The two longtime allies finally clashed bitterly, if briefly, in January, when Warren said that Sanders had suggested during a 2018 private meeting that a woman couldn’t be elected president. Sanders denied saying that, but Warren refused to shake his outstretched hand after a debate in Iowa.Warren left the race after a dismal Super Tuesday showing in which she finished third in her own state.In 2016, Sanders kept campaigning long after the primaries had ended and endorsed Clinton less than two weeks before their party’s convention. This cycle, he promised to work better with the national and state parties. His dropping out of the race now could be a step toward unity.___

Sanders drops bid; likely nominee Biden responds

BY GREG DOERING <a href="https://kansaslivingmagazine.com/articles/2020/04/06/grocery-stores-keep-shelves-stocked-during-pandemic">Kansas Living Magazine, a publication of Kansas Farm Bureau</a>

Mike Floersch grew up in the 
grocery business with his father running and owning a store in Seneca. 
Floersch now runs five stores in northeast Kansas and another in 
Nebraska. In all that time he’s never experienced anything quite like 
the COVID-19 pandemic, and its effects on the industry.

“I’ve never seen it like this before,” Floersch says of the near constant demand and a supply chain struggling to keep up.

Floersch says distributors are doing everything they can to meet 
demand as more people stay home to keep from spreading the virus.

“Bread companies, they’re just making their top three items – a wheat
 bread, white bread and sandwich bread,” he says. “We get all of our 
eggs from AWG (Associated Wholesale Grocers, and we’re having a hard 
time there. We hooked up with a local guy by Council Grove. He’s 
bringing us 300 dozen. That’s OK, but it’s not enough.”

The problem, Floersch says, isn’t the availability of food in 
distributors’ warehouses, but the people to pull product and put it on 
trucks to ship out.

“We get three trucks a week,” he says. “The warehouse is telling us we could order two more, but they can’t get them pulled.”

Floersch says up until last Sunday (March 26) consumer demand was 
“just unbelievable.” That’s become more manageable, but there’s still 
some items he struggles to keep on the shelves in places like Beloit, 
Clay Center, St. Marys, Council Grove and Seneca.

“You walk the store and think, ‘My God, we don’t have any eggs. We 
don’t have any flour,’ Floersch says. “We cured some of that just by 
making phone calls.”

Floersch drove from Clay Center to Hudson over the weekend to get two
 pallets of flour from the Stafford County Flour Mill. He’s also working
 with a couple of smaller meat lockers to source ground beef.

Still, the stores have struggled to keep items like toilet paper and 
potatoes in stock. Again, that’s not because there’s a shortage of those
 items, rather there’s a distribution bottleneck as wholesalers adjust 
supply chains for people staying at home.

Floersch believes distributors are being fair in how they divvy up the items.

“They’re allocating to everybody, so everybody gets some,” he says. “That way the bigger stores don’t just wipe them out.”

On top of managing what he can in the supply chain, Floersch also is making sure he’s taking care of his employees.

“We’re wiping down more,” Floersch says. “We’re going to put up 
plastic sneeze guards (at registers). There’s so many things we’ve got 
to do because of our employees. We’re on the frontline.”

Floersch is grateful his customers have been understanding throughout the crisis.

“We have not had anyone get upset with us,” he says. “A lot of them 
are thanking us for being here. As a small retailer … we try to serve 
the communities we’re in.”

To learn more about COVID-19, get educational resources and community efforts, visit <a href="http://www.kfb.org/covid19" target="_blank">www.kfb.org/covid19</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586204425388.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BY GREG DOERING <a href="https://kansaslivingmagazine.com/articles/2020/04/06/grocery-stores-keep-shelves-stocked-during-pandemic">Kansas Living Magazine, a publication of Kansas Farm Bureau</a> Mike Floersch grew up in the 
grocery business with his father running and owning a store in Seneca. 
Floersch now runs five stores in northeast Kansas and another in 
Nebraska. In all that time he’s never experienced anything quite like 
the COVID-19 pandemic, and its effects on the industry.“I’ve never seen it like this before,” Floersch says of the near constant demand and a supply chain struggling to keep up.Floersch says distributors are doing everything they can to meet 
demand as more people stay home to keep from spreading the virus.“Bread companies, they’re just making their top three items – a wheat
 bread, white bread and sandwich bread,” he says. “We get all of our 
eggs from AWG (Associated Wholesale Grocers, and we’re having a hard 
time there. We hooked up with a local guy by Council Grove. He’s 
bringing us 300 dozen. That’s OK, but it’s not enough.”The problem, Floersch says, isn’t the availability of food in 
distributors’ warehouses, but the people to pull product and put it on 
trucks to ship out.“We get three trucks a week,” he says. “The warehouse is telling us we could order two more, but they can’t get them pulled.”Floersch says up until last Sunday (March 26) consumer demand was 
“just unbelievable.” That’s become more manageable, but there’s still 
some items he struggles to keep on the shelves in places like Beloit, 
Clay Center, St. Marys, Council Grove and Seneca.“You walk the store and think, ‘My God, we don’t have any eggs. We 
don’t have any flour,’ Floersch says. “We cured some of that just by 
making phone calls.”Floersch drove from Clay Center to Hudson over the weekend to get two
 pallets of flour from the Stafford County Flour Mill. He’s also working
 with a couple of smaller meat lockers to source ground beef.Still, the stores have struggled to keep items like toilet paper and 
potatoes in stock. Again, that’s not because there’s a shortage of those
 items, rather there’s a distribution bottleneck as wholesalers adjust 
supply chains for people staying at home.Floersch believes distributors are being fair in how they divvy up the items.“They’re allocating to everybody, so everybody gets some,” he says. “That way the bigger stores don’t just wipe them out.”On top of managing what he can in the supply chain, Floersch also is making sure he’s taking care of his employees.“We’re wiping down more,” Floersch says. “We’re going to put up 
plastic sneeze guards (at registers). There’s so many things we’ve got 
to do because of our employees. We’re on the frontline.”Floersch is grateful his customers have been understanding throughout the crisis.“We have not had anyone get upset with us,” he says. “A lot of them 
are thanking us for being here. As a small retailer … we try to serve 
the communities we’re in.”To learn more about COVID-19, get educational resources and community efforts, visit <a href="http://www.kfb.org/covid19" target="_blank">www.kfb.org/covid19</a>.

Grocery stores work to keep shelves stocked during pandemic

MIAMI (AP) — A raucous beach party thrown by several children of Venezuela’s ruling elite has led to a cluster of coronavirus cases. 

It's also shown how the revelry hasn't stopped for the wealthy amid a widening pandemic in a country already gripped by crisis. 

The elites took private planes to a Caribbean island and brought in prostitutes from Europe while Venezuela went on lockdown last month. 

Anger has been deepening in the world's most unequal region, where jet-setting elites have imported the virus to Latin America but the poor are bearing the brunt.

MIAMI (AP) — A raucous beach party thrown by several children of Venezuela’s ruling elite has led to a cluster of coronavirus cases. It's also shown how the revelry hasn't stopped for the wealthy amid a widening pandemic in a country already gripped by crisis. The elites took private planes to a Caribbean island and brought in prostitutes from Europe while Venezuela went on lockdown last month. Anger has been deepening in the world's most unequal region, where jet-setting elites have imported the virus to Latin America but the poor are bearing the brunt.

Sex. Drugs. Virus. Venezuela elites still party in pandemic

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — In the middle of a pandemic, country music's biggest stars still play on. 

Showing unscripted parts of their lives, artists performed from home for “ACM Presents: Our Country," on CBS on Sunday, in lieu of the delayed Academy of Country Music Awards. Children, spouses and even a horse made cameos in the homemade videos from stars like Lady Antebellum, Brad Paisley and Shania Twain. 

Keith Urban gave thanks to the medical workers on the front lines and Carrie Underwood raised a glass of wine from her couch. 

The country stars also paid tribute to the late Kenny Rogers, who died at age 81 last month.&nbsp;

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — In the middle of a pandemic, country music's biggest stars still play on. Showing unscripted parts of their lives, artists performed from home for “ACM Presents: Our Country," on CBS on Sunday, in lieu of the delayed Academy of Country Music Awards. Children, spouses and even a horse made cameos in the homemade videos from stars like Lady Antebellum, Brad Paisley and Shania Twain. Keith Urban gave thanks to the medical workers on the front lines and Carrie Underwood raised a glass of wine from her couch. The country stars also paid tribute to the late Kenny Rogers, who died at age 81 last month.&nbsp;

At home with kids, pets and spouses, country stars play on

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Gov. Kristi Noem says the stronger executive orders she issued this week are necessary to delay a surge in hospitalizations from the coronavirus, but that a statewide lock down on daily life is still not needed. 

The orders tell businesses to limit group sizes and directs people in Minnehaha and Lincoln counties to stay home if they are over 65 or have chronic health problems. 

The governor has resisted issuing a statewide order to stay home or close businesses. Health officials report two new deaths from the coronavirus, along with 32 new confirmed cases. 

Noem is also proclaiming Wednesday a day of prayer.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Gov. Kristi Noem says the stronger executive orders she issued this week are necessary to delay a surge in hospitalizations from the coronavirus, but that a statewide lock down on daily life is still not needed. The orders tell businesses to limit group sizes and directs people in Minnehaha and Lincoln counties to stay home if they are over 65 or have chronic health problems. The governor has resisted issuing a statewide order to stay home or close businesses. Health officials report two new deaths from the coronavirus, along with 32 new confirmed cases. Noem is also proclaiming Wednesday a day of prayer.