WICHITA —WSU Tech has made a change in who will speak at their weekend virtual graduation event.

On Thursday morning, the school announced that Ivanka Trump, advisor to the president of the United States, as a planned speaker at the college’s virtual commencement ceremony scheduled for Saturday.

The invitation was extended in February and Ms. Trump offered to record a congratulatory message to graduates to be played during the event, according to a statement released late Thursday from Dr. Sheree Utash, President, WSU Tech.

"In light of the social justice issues brought forth by George Floyd’s death, I understand and take responsibility that the timing of the announcement was insensitive. For this, I’m sorry that was never the intent, and I want you to know I have heard you and we are responding," according to Utash.

"Our focus with commencement has always been about our graduates and celebrating their accomplishments. To ensure this our only commencement speaker will be Rebecca Zinabu, WSU Tech practical nursing graduate," according to a joint statement from Utash and Wichita State University president Jay Golden.

"The graduates will also be invited to separately view congratulatory messages from over 30 voices, including Ms. Trump and community members."

Utash wrote, "I respect and understand the sharply divided reaction to today’s announcement. The college stands with those who fight injustice and advocate for social equity, and we’re profoundly proud of the diversity and social change being brought forth by our students, alumni, faculty, and staff.

In my heart, my highest priority has always been to support our students and our community, and we will do so on Saturday."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574437394978.png" alt="Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Ivanka Trump during her visit to Wichita in October of 2019" />
 <figcaption>Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Ivanka Trump during her visit to Wichita in October of 2019</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA —WSU Tech has made a change in who will speak at their weekend virtual graduation event.On Thursday morning, the school announced that Ivanka Trump, advisor to the president of the United States, as a planned speaker at the college’s virtual commencement ceremony scheduled for Saturday.The invitation was extended in February and Ms. Trump offered to record a congratulatory message to graduates to be played during the event, according to a statement released late Thursday from Dr. Sheree Utash, President, WSU Tech."In light of the social justice issues brought forth by George Floyd’s death, I understand and take responsibility that the timing of the announcement was insensitive. For this, I’m sorry that was never the intent, and I want you to know I have heard you and we are responding," according to Utash."Our focus with commencement has always been about our graduates and celebrating their accomplishments. To ensure this our only commencement speaker will be Rebecca Zinabu, WSU Tech practical nursing graduate," according to a joint statement from Utash and Wichita State University president Jay Golden."The graduates will also be invited to separately view congratulatory messages from over 30 voices, including Ms. Trump and community members."Utash wrote, "I respect and understand the sharply divided reaction to today’s announcement. The college stands with those who fight injustice and advocate for social equity, and we’re profoundly proud of the diversity and social change being brought forth by our students, alumni, faculty, and staff.In my heart, my highest priority has always been to support our students and our community, and we will do so on Saturday."

Kan. school cancels Ivanka Trump's commencement address

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Kansas City is reforming police procedures after criticism from black organizations about police conduct during nearly a week of protests as well as long-standing tension between the department and minorities, the mayor announced Thursday.

A coalition of civil rights organizations demanded Wednesday that Police Chief Rick Smith be fired. But Mayor Quinton Lucas said Smith would remain "as we weather our current crisis and also as we continue to address our issues related to violent crime and the high number of homicides in Kansas City.”

Lucas said after a closed meeting of the Kansas City Police Board of Commissioners that the city would ask an outside agency to review all police-involved shootings; create whistleblower protections for officers; end a department policy of not sending probable cause statements to prosecutors in officer-involved shootings; review officers' use of tear gas and projectiles; and provide updates to the city council on the department's community engagement efforts.

Lucas said he hoped a review of tear gas and projectile use would lead to a new policy in the near future.

The city announced Wednesday that $2.5 million in private funding has been donated to buy police body cameras.

Lucas said the changes addressed long-standing issues, not only concerns raised during the protests over the death of George Floyd, the handcuffed black man who died after being restrained by Minneapolis police on May 25.

“It also recognizes that this moment is not about individual protests on the plaza or in Kansas City," Lucas said. “But instead how we can modernize policing, how we can build trust between police and our communities, and frankly, how we can help solve many of the challenges we have in Kansas City’s violent crime.”

The announcement came shortly after Jackson County’s prosecutor, Jean Peters Baker, said she was reaching out to Kansas City protesters claiming to be victims of police misconduct, urging them to report their allegations online.

Peaceful daytime demonstrations in Kansas City often have devolved into violence at night. Police have been pelted with rocks and bottles, and officers have used pepper spray and tear gas on protesters. On Thursday, 22-year-old Matthew Madden, who initially was arrested on suspicion of throwing water bottles at police officers during Tuesday's protests, was charged in federal court with illegally possessing a firearm.

But demonstrations have grown calmer, with protesters marching peacefully Thursday night through the upscale Country Club Plaza restaurant and shopping district without any sign of a police presence.

“We have already asked for an investigation of one incident in which protesters were pepper-sprayed by police,” Baker’s office said. Video shared on social media showed a confrontation Wednesday during a protest at the Country Club Plaza in which officers appeared to use pepper spray on two protesters after one of them yelled at police.

Baker stressed that her office has not filed charges against protesters arrested for minor offenses such as walking on the street or stepping off a curb. Those charges, she said, were municipal counts filed by the city prosecutor’s office.

Kansas City police have arrested about 200 people during the protests. Lucas said he would consider pardoning all nonviolent protesters.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591353068022.png" alt="Mayor Quinton Lucas listening to peaceful protest in Kansas City last week-image courtesy Mayor Lucas" />
 <figcaption>Mayor Quinton Lucas listening to peaceful protest in Kansas City last week-image courtesy Mayor Lucas</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — Kansas City is reforming police procedures after criticism from black organizations about police conduct during nearly a week of protests as well as long-standing tension between the department and minorities, the mayor announced Thursday.A coalition of civil rights organizations demanded Wednesday that Police Chief Rick Smith be fired. But Mayor Quinton Lucas said Smith would remain "as we weather our current crisis and also as we continue to address our issues related to violent crime and the high number of homicides in Kansas City.”Lucas said after a closed meeting of the Kansas City Police Board of Commissioners that the city would ask an outside agency to review all police-involved shootings; create whistleblower protections for officers; end a department policy of not sending probable cause statements to prosecutors in officer-involved shootings; review officers' use of tear gas and projectiles; and provide updates to the city council on the department's community engagement efforts.Lucas said he hoped a review of tear gas and projectile use would lead to a new policy in the near future.The city announced Wednesday that $2.5 million in private funding has been donated to buy police body cameras.Lucas said the changes addressed long-standing issues, not only concerns raised during the protests over the death of George Floyd, the handcuffed black man who died after being restrained by Minneapolis police on May 25.“It also recognizes that this moment is not about individual protests on the plaza or in Kansas City," Lucas said. “But instead how we can modernize policing, how we can build trust between police and our communities, and frankly, how we can help solve many of the challenges we have in Kansas City’s violent crime.”The announcement came shortly after Jackson County’s prosecutor, Jean Peters Baker, said she was reaching out to Kansas City protesters claiming to be victims of police misconduct, urging them to report their allegations online.Peaceful daytime demonstrations in Kansas City often have devolved into violence at night. Police have been pelted with rocks and bottles, and officers have used pepper spray and tear gas on protesters. On Thursday, 22-year-old Matthew Madden, who initially was arrested on suspicion of throwing water bottles at police officers during Tuesday's protests, was charged in federal court with illegally possessing a firearm.But demonstrations have grown calmer, with protesters marching peacefully Thursday night through the upscale Country Club Plaza restaurant and shopping district without any sign of a police presence.“We have already asked for an investigation of one incident in which protesters were pepper-sprayed by police,” Baker’s office said. Video shared on social media showed a confrontation Wednesday during a protest at the Country Club Plaza in which officers appeared to use pepper spray on two protesters after one of them yelled at police.Baker stressed that her office has not filed charges against protesters arrested for minor offenses such as walking on the street or stepping off a curb. Those charges, she said, were municipal counts filed by the city prosecutor’s office.Kansas City police have arrested about 200 people during the protests. Lucas said he would consider pardoning all nonviolent protesters.

Kansas City announces planned reform of police procedures

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects in connection with using social media to bring people together to do violence in Wichita.

On Wednesday, police received information about a social media post encouraging others to meet at 21st and Arkansas at 7 p.m. and then traveling to other parts of Sedgwick County and engaging in violent behavior, according to Officer Charley Davidson.

The investigation revealed 20-year-old Michael Boston Jr. of Wichita and 19-year-old Rashawn Mayes of Park City&nbsp;were responsible for the post that was shared thousands of times throughout Sedgwick County and surrounding areas, causing fear and panic to citizens and business owners.

On Wednesday evening, officers located Boston and Mayes, and they were arrested without incident on requested charges of&nbsp; incitement to riot, according to Davidson.&nbsp; Online jail records indicate both suspects are no longer in custody.

The arrests of Boston and Mayes Jr. sparked immediate outcry on social media. Wichita City Council member Brandon Johnson posted a supportive video on Facebook, saying the men “were arrested for sharing information that we all saw.”&nbsp;

Police have released no additional details on the investigation.

“Those who promote and engage in violence will be arrested,” Chief Gordon Ramsay said. “They will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, including federal charges.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591288010763.png" alt="Mayes photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Mayes photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects in connection with using social media to bring people together to do violence in Wichita.On Wednesday, police received information about a social media post encouraging others to meet at 21st and Arkansas at 7 p.m. and then traveling to other parts of Sedgwick County and engaging in violent behavior, according to Officer Charley Davidson.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591287646883.png" alt="Boston photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Boston photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The investigation revealed 20-year-old Michael Boston Jr. of Wichita and 19-year-old Rashawn Mayes of Park City&nbsp;were responsible for the post that was shared thousands of times throughout Sedgwick County and surrounding areas, causing fear and panic to citizens and business owners.On Wednesday evening, officers located Boston and Mayes, and they were arrested without incident on requested charges of&nbsp; incitement to riot, according to Davidson.&nbsp; Online jail records indicate both suspects are no longer in custody.The arrests of Boston and Mayes Jr. sparked immediate outcry on social media. Wichita City Council member Brandon Johnson posted a supportive video on Facebook, saying the men “were arrested for sharing information that we all saw.”&nbsp;Police have released no additional details on the investigation.-----------SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects in connection with using social media to bring people together to do violence in Wichita.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591288010763.png" alt="Mayes photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Mayes photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>On Wednesday, police received information about a social media post encouraging others to meet at 21st and Arkansas at 7 p.m. and then traveling to other parts of Sedgwick County and engaging in violent behavior, according to Officer Charley Davidson.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591287646883.png" alt="Boston photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Boston photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The investigation revealed 20-year-old Michael Boston Jr. of Wichita and 19-year-old Rashawn Mayes of Park City&nbsp;were responsible for the post that was shared thousands of times throughout Sedgwick County and surrounding areas, causing fear and panic to citizens and business owners.On Wednesday evening, officers located Boston and Mayes, and they were arrested without incident on requested charges of&nbsp; incitement to riot, according to Davidson.&nbsp; Online jail records indicate both suspects are no longer in custody.“Those who promote and engage in violence will be arrested,” Chief Gordon Ramsay said. “They will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, including federal charges.”

Update: 2 Kan. men allegedly used social media to incite riot

NEW YORK (AP) — J.C. Penney says it is closing 154 stores nationwide in what it is calling the first phase of its efforts to shrink its footprint.

Three stores in Kansas are on the list of stores to close including the store at the Central Mall in Salina, the store on North Kansas Avenue in Liberal and the store at Flint Hills Village in Emporia.

In Missouri, the company will close the store at Bolger Square in Independence and the store at the Kirksville Shopping Center.

<a href="https://companyblog.jcpnewsroom.com/storeclosings/">Click here to see a full list</a> of stores that will close.

The Plano, Texas-based retailer said it could take about 10 to 16 weeks to complete the closures. 

Penney filed for bankruptcy protection last month, making it the biggest retailer to do since the coronavirus pandemic forced non-essential stores to be shut down temporarily. 

As part of its bankruptcy reorganization, Penney said it planned to permanently close nearly a third of its 846 stores in the next two years. That would leave it with just over 600 locations.&nbsp;

NEW YORK (AP) — J.C. Penney says it is closing 154 stores nationwide in what it is calling the first phase of its efforts to shrink its footprint.Three stores in Kansas are on the list of stores to close including the store at the Central Mall in Salina, the store on North Kansas Avenue in Liberal and the store at Flint Hills Village in Emporia.In Missouri, the company will close the store at Bolger Square in Independence and the store at the Kirksville Shopping Center.<a href="https://companyblog.jcpnewsroom.com/storeclosings/">Click here to see a full list</a> of stores that will close.The Plano, Texas-based retailer said it could take about 10 to 16 weeks to complete the closures. Penney filed for bankruptcy protection last month, making it the biggest retailer to do since the coronavirus pandemic forced non-essential stores to be shut down temporarily. As part of its bankruptcy reorganization, Penney said it planned to permanently close nearly a third of its 846 stores in the next two years. That would leave it with just over 600 locations.&nbsp;

Bankruptcy plan: JC Penney closing 3 stores in Kansas

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Police in Kansas City, Kansas, say a man has died after crashing his motorcycle into a building. Police say in a news release that the crash happened around 7:30 p.m. 

Thursday night. Police say an initial investigation showed the man was eastbound on a city street when he left the roadway and crashed into the building. Police have not released the name of the man, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Police in Kansas City, Kansas, say a man has died after crashing his motorcycle into a building. Police say in a news release that the crash happened around 7:30 p.m. Thursday night. Police say an initial investigation showed the man was eastbound on a city street when he left the roadway and crashed into the building. Police have not released the name of the man, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police: Man killed after crash into building in Kansas

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kansas City police officer recovering after being stabbed

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By STEPHEN KORANDA <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-06-04/kansas-governor-poised-to-trade-some-emergency-powers-to-keep-her-covid-orders">Kansas News Service</a>

TOPEKA, Kansas — A deal forged by the governor and legislative
 leaders extends the Kansas disaster declaration in response to the 
coronavirus through September, for now ending what’s become a partisan 
conflict.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li_2020s/b2020s/measures/hb2016/" target="_blank">The bill</a>
 lets Gov. Laura Kelly keep some of her powers to respond to the 
coronavirus, like delaying deadlines for things such as filing taxes or 
renewing drivers licenses. The plan gives legislators more control over 
extending the disaster declaration and reviewing new orders.

“A 
compromise position. A position that still allows the governor to 
operate,” Republican Rep. Fred Patton told the House this week. “But we 
also wanted to have legislative oversight.”

Some Republicans had 
objected to the Democratic governor closing businesses and banning large
 gatherings statewide this spring, even though the virus so far hasn’t 
been widespread in some rural counties.

The bill was passed by the
 House on Wednesday night, with the Senate following suit Thursday. 
Kelly is expected to sign the bill, which extends her disaster 
declaration until Sept. 15 (further extensions are possible) and 
preserves her executive orders for everything from letting nurses handle
 <a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/governor-signs-two-executive-orders-as-part-of-her-administrations-ongoing-covid-19-response/" target="_blank">more patient care</a> to allowing restaurants to sell alcohol to go.

As
 the rare special session began, Kelly signaled she’d support the 
compromise because it provides “the framework our state needs as we 
continue on the path to recovery.”

“There are parts of this bill 
that I do not support,” Kelly said in a statement. “However, my priority
 is and will always be the interests of Kansans first.”

She 
compromised on her ability to close businesses or ban large gatherings 
until after Sept. 15. Lawmakers said it will give the governor a chance 
to respond if cases surge as businesses and other facilities reopen.

“It’s before any potential second wave, we hope, any second wave would come,” Patton said.

Already, Kelly conceded such restrictions to counties last month, 
turning her reopening plan into recommendations. That came after 
lawmakers passed a bill<a href="https://www.kansaspublicradio.org/kpr-news/kansas-gov-kelly%E2%80%99s-emergency-powers-weakened-lawmakers-who-say-she-overreacted-covid-19" target="_blank"> restricting her </a>during a nearly 24-hour-long single-day veto session. Kelly <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-05-26/kansas-counties-in-charge-of-covid-19-restrictions-after-gov-kelly-vetoes-emergency-powers-bill" target="_blank">vetoed </a>that bill.

Legislative leaders said the new plan was born in a bipartisan meeting that Kelly invited them to after the veto.

“We
 came to a realization very quickly that our policy differences weren’t 
that large,” Republican Senate Vice President Jeff Longbine told a 
Senate committee.

The bill is similar in some ways to the previous
 plan Kelly vetoed, but gives joint oversight of the $1.25 billion in 
federal coronavirus response funding. Initially, full authority to spend
 that money rested with Kelly’s office, and the bill she vetoed would 
have given authority fully to lawmakers.

Now, a panel made up of the governor and legislative leaders will 
make final decisions on federal aid. That same panel could approve 
additional extensions to the disaster declaration, and would need to OK 
future business closures of more than 15 days.

Kelly was the <a href="https://www.kcur.org/2020-03-19/every-school-kid-in-kansas-was-just-told-to-stay-home-until-fall-because-of-coronavirus" target="_blank">first governor</a>
 in the country to close schools statewide for the rest of the academic 
year to control the spread of the virus. This bill wouldn't let her do 
that again without approval of the State Board of Education.

There
 was some complaint about the process, after the legislation was rushed 
to the House floor before many lawmakers could study it. In a Senate 
committee, any amendments were discouraged to speed up approving the 
plan.

“Everybody wants to go home,” Republican Sen. Dennis Pyle 
said after he offered an amendment that was rejected. “I’m so sick of 
hearing that.”

Protections for business and flexibility for counties

How
 to deal with local governments has been one of the biggest divides 
between the governor and lawmakers. Kelly’s orders banning large 
gatherings and closing businesses applied to all counties, which 
lawmakers tried to take away.

The new bill puts some requirements on local governments that want to
 sidestep her orders — they can approve rules that are less restrictive 
than the state, but must consult with the local health officer to make 
sure restrictions aren’t needed to protect public health in the county.

It
 also gives Kansas businesses some liability protections if people get 
sick or if the company sells coronavirus-related protective equipment 
that turns out to be faulty. There are restrictions, as the protective 
equipment must have been ordered by the state. Businesses would be 
protected from claims over coronavirus infections if they’re taking 
recommended precautions.

The governor’s chief of staff said Kelly 
supports protections for health care providers so they aren’t liable for
 things like procedures that had to be delayed because of the 
coronavirus. Otherwise, Kelly is only accepting the liability 
protections as part of the compromise.

“This is probably the part 
of the bill that the governor has the most hesitation over,” Chief of 
Staff Will Lawrence told a committee.

Democrats in the House called the liability protections unnecessary and unsuccessfully tried to amend them.

Republican Rep. Kellie Warren said businesses need the protection from lawsuits as they reopen.

“If
 these businesses are exposed to what I would say in some instances 
would be frivolous lawsuits,” she said, “it’s just the process of 
defending those lawsuits that will bankrupt our businesses.”

While the 
coronavirus bill was the main focus of the special session, Democrats in
 the House did make a last-ditch effort to expand Medicaid. They pointed
 to the spike in unemployment during the pandemic and said expanding 
health care coverage to thousands more Kansans was critical.

“When
 they lost their job, they lost their health care,” Democratic Rep. Jim 
Ward argued on the House floor. “Medicaid expansion would help them.”

As
 in past attempts, the chamber’s rules blocked the consideration of 
expansion and there weren’t enough votes to override the rules.

In addition, lawmakers didn’t take any action to tackle a budget deficit next fiscal year <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-05-18/the-coronavirus-blew-a-650m-hole-in-kansas-budget-putting-even-school-funding-in-jeopardy" target="_blank">topping $600 million</a>. That could mean the governor will make unilateral budget cuts or legislators take on the deficit when they return in January.

In
 the Senate, lawmakers rejected the governor’s nominee for a seat on the
 Court of Appeals. Some senators criticized Carl Folsom, an attorney 
from Lawrence, for spending most of his career as a public defender and 
questioned whether he’d be fair on the bench.

“The nominee donated
 to Governor Kelly’s campaign, which is indicative of his political 
ideology,” Republican Senate President Susan Wagle said.

That drew a sharp response from Kelly, who said senators were rejecting a highly qualified nominee for political reasons.

“The
 partisanship being inserted into this process is just wrong,” she said,
 “and it breaks with long-standing Kansas tradition of keeping politics 
out of the courts.”

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591303937881.png" alt="Wichita Democratic state Rep. Elizabeth Bishop puts on a mask as she enters the Statehouse on Thursday, the second day of the special session. Jim McLean / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Wichita Democratic state Rep. Elizabeth Bishop puts on a mask as she enters the Statehouse on Thursday, the second day of the special session. Jim McLean / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By STEPHEN KORANDA <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-06-04/kansas-governor-poised-to-trade-some-emergency-powers-to-keep-her-covid-orders">Kansas News Service</a>TOPEKA, Kansas — A deal forged by the governor and legislative
 leaders extends the Kansas disaster declaration in response to the 
coronavirus through September, for now ending what’s become a partisan 
conflict.<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li_2020s/b2020s/measures/hb2016/" target="_blank">The bill</a>
 lets Gov. Laura Kelly keep some of her powers to respond to the 
coronavirus, like delaying deadlines for things such as filing taxes or 
renewing drivers licenses. The plan gives legislators more control over 
extending the disaster declaration and reviewing new orders.“A 
compromise position. A position that still allows the governor to 
operate,” Republican Rep. Fred Patton told the House this week. “But we 
also wanted to have legislative oversight.”Some Republicans had 
objected to the Democratic governor closing businesses and banning large
 gatherings statewide this spring, even though the virus so far hasn’t 
been widespread in some rural counties.The bill was passed by the
 House on Wednesday night, with the Senate following suit Thursday. 
Kelly is expected to sign the bill, which extends her disaster 
declaration until Sept. 15 (further extensions are possible) and 
preserves her executive orders for everything from letting nurses handle
 <a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/governor-signs-two-executive-orders-as-part-of-her-administrations-ongoing-covid-19-response/" target="_blank">more patient care</a> to allowing restaurants to sell alcohol to go.As
 the rare special session began, Kelly signaled she’d support the 
compromise because it provides “the framework our state needs as we 
continue on the path to recovery.”“There are parts of this bill 
that I do not support,” Kelly said in a statement. “However, my priority
 is and will always be the interests of Kansans first.”She 
compromised on her ability to close businesses or ban large gatherings 
until after Sept. 15. Lawmakers said it will give the governor a chance 
to respond if cases surge as businesses and other facilities reopen.“It’s before any potential second wave, we hope, any second wave would come,” Patton said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591304012490.png" alt="McPherson Republican state Rep. Les Mason gets his temperature checked as he enters the Statehouse during the special session. Jim McLean photo" />
 <figcaption>McPherson Republican state Rep. Les Mason gets his temperature checked as he enters the Statehouse during the special session. Jim McLean photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Already, Kelly conceded such restrictions to counties last month, 
turning her reopening plan into recommendations. That came after 
lawmakers passed a bill<a href="https://www.kansaspublicradio.org/kpr-news/kansas-gov-kelly%E2%80%99s-emergency-powers-weakened-lawmakers-who-say-she-overreacted-covid-19" target="_blank"> restricting her </a>during a nearly 24-hour-long single-day veto session. Kelly <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-05-26/kansas-counties-in-charge-of-covid-19-restrictions-after-gov-kelly-vetoes-emergency-powers-bill" target="_blank">vetoed </a>that bill.Legislative leaders said the new plan was born in a bipartisan meeting that Kelly invited them to after the veto.“We
 came to a realization very quickly that our policy differences weren’t 
that large,” Republican Senate Vice President Jeff Longbine told a 
Senate committee.The bill is similar in some ways to the previous
 plan Kelly vetoed, but gives joint oversight of the $1.25 billion in 
federal coronavirus response funding. Initially, full authority to spend
 that money rested with Kelly’s office, and the bill she vetoed would 
have given authority fully to lawmakers.Now, a panel made up of the governor and legislative leaders will 
make final decisions on federal aid. That same panel could approve 
additional extensions to the disaster declaration, and would need to OK 
future business closures of more than 15 days.Kelly was the <a href="https://www.kcur.org/2020-03-19/every-school-kid-in-kansas-was-just-told-to-stay-home-until-fall-because-of-coronavirus" target="_blank">first governor</a>
 in the country to close schools statewide for the rest of the academic 
year to control the spread of the virus. This bill wouldn't let her do 
that again without approval of the State Board of Education.There
 was some complaint about the process, after the legislation was rushed 
to the House floor before many lawmakers could study it. In a Senate 
committee, any amendments were discouraged to speed up approving the 
plan.“Everybody wants to go home,” Republican Sen. Dennis Pyle 
said after he offered an amendment that was rejected. “I’m so sick of 
hearing that.”<h2>Protections for business and flexibility for counties</h2>How
 to deal with local governments has been one of the biggest divides 
between the governor and lawmakers. Kelly’s orders banning large 
gatherings and closing businesses applied to all counties, which 
lawmakers tried to take away.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591304082028.png" alt="House Minority Leader Tom Sawyer of Wichita (left) confers with House Majority Leader Dan Hawkins, also of Wichita (center, and House Speaker Ron Ryckman, a Republican from Olathe. Jim McLean photo" />
 <figcaption>House Minority Leader Tom Sawyer of Wichita (left) confers with House Majority Leader Dan Hawkins, also of Wichita (center, and House Speaker Ron Ryckman, a Republican from Olathe. Jim McLean photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The new bill puts some requirements on local governments that want to
 sidestep her orders — they can approve rules that are less restrictive 
than the state, but must consult with the local health officer to make 
sure restrictions aren’t needed to protect public health in the county.It
 also gives Kansas businesses some liability protections if people get 
sick or if the company sells coronavirus-related protective equipment 
that turns out to be faulty. There are restrictions, as the protective 
equipment must have been ordered by the state. Businesses would be 
protected from claims over coronavirus infections if they’re taking 
recommended precautions.The governor’s chief of staff said Kelly 
supports protections for health care providers so they aren’t liable for
 things like procedures that had to be delayed because of the 
coronavirus. Otherwise, Kelly is only accepting the liability 
protections as part of the compromise.“This is probably the part 
of the bill that the governor has the most hesitation over,” Chief of 
Staff Will Lawrence told a committee.Democrats in the House called the liability protections unnecessary and unsuccessfully tried to amend them.Republican Rep. Kellie Warren said businesses need the protection from lawsuits as they reopen.“If
 these businesses are exposed to what I would say in some instances 
would be frivolous lawsuits,” she said, “it’s just the process of 
defending those lawsuits that will bankrupt our businesses.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591304121651.png" alt="Mitzi McFatrich testifies in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee, urging members not to shield nursing homes from civil litigation in a COVID-19 response bill. McFatrich is the executive director of Kansas Advocates for Better Care, an organization that lobbies for improvements in nursing home care. Jim McLean photo" />
 <figcaption>Mitzi McFatrich testifies in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee, urging members not to shield nursing homes from civil litigation in a COVID-19 response bill. McFatrich is the executive director of Kansas Advocates for Better Care, an organization that lobbies for improvements in nursing home care. Jim McLean photo</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Medicaid and court nominee stumble</h2>While the 
coronavirus bill was the main focus of the special session, Democrats in
 the House did make a last-ditch effort to expand Medicaid. They pointed
 to the spike in unemployment during the pandemic and said expanding 
health care coverage to thousands more Kansans was critical.“When
 they lost their job, they lost their health care,” Democratic Rep. Jim 
Ward argued on the House floor. “Medicaid expansion would help them.”As
 in past attempts, the chamber’s rules blocked the consideration of 
expansion and there weren’t enough votes to override the rules.In addition, lawmakers didn’t take any action to tackle a budget deficit next fiscal year <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-05-18/the-coronavirus-blew-a-650m-hole-in-kansas-budget-putting-even-school-funding-in-jeopardy" target="_blank">topping $600 million</a>. That could mean the governor will make unilateral budget cuts or legislators take on the deficit when they return in January.In
 the Senate, lawmakers rejected the governor’s nominee for a seat on the
 Court of Appeals. Some senators criticized Carl Folsom, an attorney 
from Lawrence, for spending most of his career as a public defender and 
questioned whether he’d be fair on the bench.“The nominee donated
 to Governor Kelly’s campaign, which is indicative of his political 
ideology,” Republican Senate President Susan Wagle said.That drew a sharp response from Kelly, who said senators were rejecting a highly qualified nominee for political reasons.“The
 partisanship being inserted into this process is just wrong,” she said,
 “and it breaks with long-standing Kansas tradition of keeping politics 
out of the courts.”Stephen Koranda is the Statehouse reporter for Kansas Public Radio and the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on Twitter<a href="https://twitter.com/kprkoranda" target="_blank"> @kprkoranda</a>.

Kelly poised to trade emergency powers to keep COVID orders

COWLEY COUNTY&nbsp;— Law enforcement authorities are investigating an accident Tuesday in which a juvenile pedestrian was struck by a vehicle, according to the Arkansas City Police Department.

Just before 6p.m. officers were dispatched to the 1200 block of North Summit Street for a report of an 11-year-old boy who had been struck by a southbound motor vehicle on Summit Street.

Police learned the juvenile was trying to cross the road eastbound on foot when he was struck.

The victim sustained minor injuries to his face and head. He was transported by the Arkansas City Fire-EMS Department via ambulance to South Central Kansas Medical Center for treatment.

The driver of the vehicle was not cited in connection with this accident because the juvenile was not in a crosswalk at the time he was struck by the vehicle.

Police did not release name of the driver or the victim.

COWLEY COUNTY&nbsp;— Law enforcement authorities are investigating an accident Tuesday in which a juvenile pedestrian was struck by a vehicle, according to the Arkansas City Police Department.Just before 6p.m. officers were dispatched to the 1200 block of North Summit Street for a report of an 11-year-old boy who had been struck by a southbound motor vehicle on Summit Street.Police learned the juvenile was trying to cross the road eastbound on foot when he was struck.The victim sustained minor injuries to his face and head. He was transported by the Arkansas City Fire-EMS Department via ambulance to South Central Kansas Medical Center for treatment.The driver of the vehicle was not cited in connection with this accident because the juvenile was not in a crosswalk at the time he was struck by the vehicle.Police did not release name of the driver or the victim.

11-year-old Kansas boy struck by vehicle

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Black leaders in Kansas City seek police chief's resignation

COWLEY COUNTY&nbsp;—Law enforcement authorities are investigating&nbsp; a trio of suspected thieves who stole wallets in several grocery stores in Arkansas City that are connected to similar thefts in Kansas and across the country.

On April 30, an Arkansas City resident was the victim of theft of a wallet from her purse while she was shopping at Dillons, 425 N. Summit Street, according to&nbsp; The Arkansas City Police. The three suspects were seen leaving the store in a gray four-door sport utility vehicle.

A short time later, the victim’s credit card was used to make a purchase of gift cards and clothing in excess of $2,300 at Walmart, 1 N. Summit Street in Arkansas City.

The theft in Arkansas City was thought to be an isolated incident until a few days later, when investigators were alerted that the same suspects had allegedly committed the same crime in Wichita on April 29, when they stole a wallet from an open purse in a grocery store, then proceeded to a Target store to buy gift cards. The same gray SUV was spotted on video in the area.

A few days after the thefts in Wichita and Arkansas City, a Wisconsin law enforcement agency reached out to Wichita police with information pertaining to the thieves. It was determined that the same suspects had victimized shoppers in Janesville, Wisconsin, on May 10 and Mt. Pleasant, Wisconsin, on May 11. Video surveillance there was able to determine the vehicle used was a gray 2017 Honda Pilot.

The Arkansas City Police Department reached out to other agencies and learned the suspects had been in El Dorado, also on April 30. 

Police have been able to put together a timeline involving this group of three suspects across the West and Midwest, dating back to March 30:

· April 26 — Cortez, Colorado and Durango, Colorado;

· April 30 — Arkansas City and El Dorado;

· May 30 — Mason City, Iowa and Storm Lake, Iowa.

“A rough path can be charted from the West Coast through the Midwest and now they appear to be trekking back to the West Coast through northern states,” said Arkansas City Police Capt. Eric Burr.

“We have to assume that this group has been active every day during this three-month period of time. At more than $2,000 for each crime, the total value of theft has to be in the range of $100,000 or more. It seems like we are playing catchup and, on average, we are a week or more behind them.”

Prevention may the most productive course of action, Burr said: “When shopping, keep your purse closed and utilize the child strap to anchor it into the cart. After watching several videos of how this group works, usually one of the three will approach and remove the wallet when the shopper is distracted. Stores can be crowded with people at times, but be mindful of people approaching your cart or infringing on your personal space. Do not leave your cart and purse unattended for any length of time.”

The Arkansas City Police Department cautions against confronting these suspects if they are recognized. “Be the best witness you can be and alert local authorities as soon as possible, and be prepared to give a detailed description,” Burr said.

The two male suspects look similar and police suspect they could be related. They appear to be in their 40s and may be between 5-foot-8 to 6 feet tall, each weighing between 230 and 260 pounds.

The female suspect appears to be in her late 50s or 60s and is shorter, possibly 5-foot-2 to 5-foot-6, weighing 190 to 220 pounds. The suspects may be traveling in a newer gray or silver sport utility vehicle.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591273639605.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Arkansas City Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Arkansas City Police</figcaption>
 </figure>COWLEY COUNTY&nbsp;—Law enforcement authorities are investigating&nbsp; a trio of suspected thieves who stole wallets in several grocery stores in Arkansas City that are connected to similar thefts in Kansas and across the country.On April 30, an Arkansas City resident was the victim of theft of a wallet from her purse while she was shopping at Dillons, 425 N. Summit Street, according to&nbsp; The Arkansas City Police. The three suspects were seen leaving the store in a gray four-door sport utility vehicle.A short time later, the victim’s credit card was used to make a purchase of gift cards and clothing in excess of $2,300 at Walmart, 1 N. Summit Street in Arkansas City.The theft in Arkansas City was thought to be an isolated incident until a few days later, when investigators were alerted that the same suspects had allegedly committed the same crime in Wichita on April 29, when they stole a wallet from an open purse in a grocery store, then proceeded to a Target store to buy gift cards. The same gray SUV was spotted on video in the area.A few days after the thefts in Wichita and Arkansas City, a Wisconsin law enforcement agency reached out to Wichita police with information pertaining to the thieves. It was determined that the same suspects had victimized shoppers in Janesville, Wisconsin, on May 10 and Mt. Pleasant, Wisconsin, on May 11. Video surveillance there was able to determine the vehicle used was a gray 2017 Honda Pilot.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591273346712.png" alt="Photo Arkansas City Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Arkansas City Police</figcaption>
 </figure>The Arkansas City Police Department reached out to other agencies and learned the suspects had been in El Dorado, also on April 30. Police have been able to put together a timeline involving this group of three suspects across the West and Midwest, dating back to March 30:· March 30 — Reno, Nevada;· March 31 — Carson City, Nevada;· April 26 — Cortez, Colorado and Durango, Colorado;· April 29 — Wichita;· April 30 — Arkansas City and El Dorado;· May 10 — Janesville, Wisconsin;May 11 — Mt. Pleasant, Wisconsin;· May 23 — Mitchell, South Dakota;· May 30 — Mason City, Iowa and Storm Lake, Iowa.“A rough path can be charted from the West Coast through the Midwest and now they appear to be trekking back to the West Coast through northern states,” said Arkansas City Police Capt. Eric Burr.“We have to assume that this group has been active every day during this three-month period of time. At more than $2,000 for each crime, the total value of theft has to be in the range of $100,000 or more. It seems like we are playing catchup and, on average, we are a week or more behind them.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591273746078.png" alt="Suspect vehicle photo Arkansas City Police" />
 <figcaption>Suspect vehicle photo Arkansas City Police</figcaption>
 </figure>Prevention may the most productive course of action, Burr said: “When shopping, keep your purse closed and utilize the child strap to anchor it into the cart. After watching several videos of how this group works, usually one of the three will approach and remove the wallet when the shopper is distracted. Stores can be crowded with people at times, but be mindful of people approaching your cart or infringing on your personal space. Do not leave your cart and purse unattended for any length of time.”The Arkansas City Police Department cautions against confronting these suspects if they are recognized. “Be the best witness you can be and alert local authorities as soon as possible, and be prepared to give a detailed description,” Burr said.The two male suspects look similar and police suspect they could be related. They appear to be in their 40s and may be between 5-foot-8 to 6 feet tall, each weighing between 230 and 260 pounds.The female suspect appears to be in her late 50s or 60s and is shorter, possibly 5-foot-2 to 5-foot-6, weighing 190 to 220 pounds. The suspects may be traveling in a newer gray or silver sport utility vehicle.

Police link thefts in Kansas to crimes in 5 other states

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

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

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

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

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

‘The biggest entertainment business in America.’

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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