KANSAS CITY, KAN. (AP)&nbsp;— A Wyandotte County jail inmate was paid a $50,000 out-of-court settlement and a sergeant was fired after he allegedly beat the prisoner, who was handcuffed at the time, Sheriff Donald Ash said Thursday.

Ash discussed the incident after an internal investigation was completed, which led to Sgt. David Toland being fired and four others being disciplined for their “action or inaction."

Toland was accused of punching the prisoner and slamming his head against an elevator while taking him from a drug search in September. He was charged in November with misdemeanor mistreatment of a prisoner and aggravated battery.

Deputy Marcus Johnson was charged with misdemeanor mistreatment of a confined person and misdemeanor asssault for a separate incident that occurred in the same search, Ash said. Johnson was not fired but Ash would not say if Johnson was disciplined.

Ash also said a Wyandotte County detective is on leave after being named as a suspect in a December hit-and-run on Interstate 70. An internal investigation is ongoing but a criminal investigation has concluded. As of Thursday, no charges have been filed.

In response to the incidents, Ash said he was implementing new policies to improve officers' understanding of use of force policies.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576619005504.png" alt="Former Sgt. David Toland was fired after the investigation" />
 <figcaption>Former Sgt. David Toland was fired after the investigation</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, KAN. (AP)&nbsp;— A Wyandotte County jail inmate was paid a $50,000 out-of-court settlement and a sergeant was fired after he allegedly beat the prisoner, who was handcuffed at the time, Sheriff Donald Ash said Thursday.Ash discussed the incident after an internal investigation was completed, which led to Sgt. David Toland being fired and four others being disciplined for their “action or inaction."Toland was accused of punching the prisoner and slamming his head against an elevator while taking him from a drug search in September. He was charged in November with misdemeanor mistreatment of a prisoner and aggravated battery.Deputy Marcus Johnson was charged with misdemeanor mistreatment of a confined person and misdemeanor asssault for a separate incident that occurred in the same search, Ash said. Johnson was not fired but Ash would not say if Johnson was disciplined.The men's criminal cases are pending.Ash also said a Wyandotte County detective is on leave after being named as a suspect in a December hit-and-run on Interstate 70. An internal investigation is ongoing but a criminal investigation has concluded. As of Thursday, no charges have been filed.In response to the incidents, Ash said he was implementing new policies to improve officers' understanding of use of force policies.

Kan. county pays $50,000 to inmate beaten by sergeant

SALINE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities investigating a February 23 armed robbery at a residence in the 6000 block of North Cunningham Road in Saline County have made an additional arrest.&nbsp;

On Thursday, deputies executed two more search warrants at a residence in the 1300 Block of East North Street in Salina, the residence of Valerie Vogel, 26, according to&nbsp;Saline County Sheriff's Lieutenant Jeremiah Hayes.

During that search, deputies located a couple of pipes and some syringes. K-9 Maggie also located approximately an ounce of methamphetamine in her vehicle, according to Hayes.

Deputies arrested Vogel on requested charges of the possession of methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a school, Possession of drug paraphernalia

On February 23, deputies were dispatched to the 6000 block of North Cunningham Road for the report of an armed robbery. Two victims were driven to that location by alleged perpetrators while a second vehicle arrived at the scene with more alleged perpetrators to help with the robbery, according to Hayes.

The two victims were dragged from the vehicle and their money was stolen. The suspects then got back in the vehicles and left the two victims at the location. The victims walked to a nearby residence and called authorities. Deputies reported five arrests in the case Thursday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586534106733.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Vogel photo Saline CountySALINE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities investigating a February 23 armed robbery at a residence in the 6000 block of North Cunningham Road in Saline County have made an additional arrest.&nbsp;On Thursday, deputies executed two more search warrants at a residence in the 1300 Block of East North Street in Salina, the residence of Valerie Vogel, 26, according to&nbsp;Saline County Sheriff's Lieutenant Jeremiah Hayes.During that search, deputies located a couple of pipes and some syringes. K-9 Maggie also located approximately an ounce of methamphetamine in her vehicle, according to Hayes.Deputies arrested Vogel on requested charges of the possession of methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a school, Possession of drug paraphernaliaOn February 23, deputies were dispatched to the 6000 block of North Cunningham Road for the report of an armed robbery. Two victims were driven to that location by alleged perpetrators while a second vehicle arrived at the scene with more alleged perpetrators to help with the robbery, according to Hayes.The two victims were dragged from the vehicle and their money was stolen. The suspects then got back in the vehicles and left the two victims at the location. The victims walked to a nearby residence and called authorities. Deputies reported five arrests in the case Thursday.

Robbery investigation leads to arrest of Kansas woman

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating an aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer and after asking the public for help, have arrested&nbsp; 24-year-old Madelyn Roberts of Wichita.

Just after 3 a.m. Thursday, officers initiated a traffic stop on a stolen red Chevrolet Sonic at Kellogg and Hillside in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp; 

Roberts, who was identified as the driver, refused to stop, and a traffic pursuit ensued.&nbsp; The vehicle became disabled at Lincoln and I-135, and Roberts and a passenger identified a John Hall-Kennedy were arrested without further incident.

Roberts was wanted regarding an aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer case that occurred on Monday, March 16, in the 1200 block of West 2nd&nbsp;Street.&nbsp; In that case, officers responded to a residence to check for a stolen vehicle.

Roberts was backing the car into the driveway, and an 18-year-old identified as&nbsp;Kaeden Murphy  was causing a verbal disturbance in the front of the residence. 

One officer contacted Murphy and the second officer went to contact Roberts. She put the car in drive, drove into the officer, and struck him with the vehicle while fleeing. The officer ended up on the hood of the car before sliding off. The second officer lost sight of the first officer believing he was injured and being dragged by the vehicle and fired three shots. Roberts fled the scene in the stolen car. No one was injured in this event.

The March incident involving Roberts has been presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office and Thursday's case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Roberts is being held on on bonds totaling $180,000 for aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer, felony flee and elude, an aggravated weapons violation, theft, two city of Wichita warrants, and a Sedgwick County warrant, stemming from the early morning chase and the officer-involved shooting in March.

John Hall-Kennedy&nbsp; is being held on charges of possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and a Kansas Department of Corrections parole violation.&nbsp;

Roberts has been previously arrested and convicted on charges that include criminal possession of a weapon and possession of drugs.&nbsp; Hall-Kennedy has been previously arrested and convicted on a charge of manufacturing of meth.

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating an aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer and asking the public to help locate a suspect identified as 22-year-old Madelyn Roberts of Wichita.

Just after 8:30 p.m. March 16, police responded to a home in the 1200 block of West 2nd Street to check for a stolen vehicle, according to officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Upon arrival, officers located the stolen vehicle at the home.&nbsp; Roberts was backing the car into the driveway, and an 18-year-old man identified as Kaeden Murphy was causing a verbal disturbance in the front of the residence.&nbsp;

One officer contacted Murphy, and the second officer went to contact Roberts.&nbsp; She put the car in drive, drove into the officer, and struck him with the vehicle while fleeing.&nbsp;

The officer ended up on the hood of the car before sliding off.&nbsp; The second officer lost sight of the first officer believing he was being injured and drug by the vehicle, and fired three shots.&nbsp; Roberts fled the scene in the stolen car.&nbsp; No one was injured in this event.

Officers arrested the Murphy at the home, and he was booked into jail on charges of obstruct and outstanding warrants.&nbsp;

Sometime later, a WPD officer recovered the abandoned stolen vehicle at a business in the 9400 block of East Cooperate Hills Drive.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Roberts also has outstanding warrants through the City of Wichita and Sedgwick County.&nbsp; Anyone with information on Roberts is asked to contact police.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586461566110.png" alt="Roberts photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Roberts photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating an aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer and after asking the public for help, have arrested&nbsp; 24-year-old Madelyn Roberts of Wichita.Just after 3 a.m. Thursday, officers initiated a traffic stop on a stolen red Chevrolet Sonic at Kellogg and Hillside in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp; Roberts, who was identified as the driver, refused to stop, and a traffic pursuit ensued.&nbsp; The vehicle became disabled at Lincoln and I-135, and Roberts and a passenger identified a John Hall-Kennedy were arrested without further incident.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586461612652.png" alt="Hall-Kennedy" />
 <figcaption>Hall-Kennedy</figcaption>
 </figure>Roberts was wanted regarding an aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer case that occurred on Monday, March 16, in the 1200 block of West 2nd&nbsp;Street.&nbsp; In that case, officers responded to a residence to check for a stolen vehicle.Roberts was backing the car into the driveway, and an 18-year-old identified as&nbsp;Kaeden Murphy was causing a verbal disturbance in the front of the residence. One officer contacted Murphy and the second officer went to contact Roberts. She put the car in drive, drove into the officer, and struck him with the vehicle while fleeing. The officer ended up on the hood of the car before sliding off. The second officer lost sight of the first officer believing he was injured and being dragged by the vehicle and fired three shots. Roberts fled the scene in the stolen car. No one was injured in this event.The March incident involving Roberts has been presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office and Thursday's case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.&nbsp;&nbsp;Roberts is being held on on bonds totaling $180,000 for aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer, felony flee and elude, an aggravated weapons violation, theft, two city of Wichita warrants, and a Sedgwick County warrant, stemming from the early morning chase and the officer-involved shooting in March.John Hall-Kennedy&nbsp; is being held on charges of possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and a Kansas Department of Corrections parole violation.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585942545470.png" alt="Police released this photo of Roberts in their effort to locate her" />
 <figcaption>Police released this photo of Roberts in their effort to locate her</figcaption>
 </figure>Roberts has been previously arrested and convicted on charges that include criminal possession of a weapon and possession of drugs.&nbsp; Hall-Kennedy has been previously arrested and convicted on a charge of manufacturing of meth.--------SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating an aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer and asking the public to help locate a suspect identified as 22-year-old Madelyn Roberts of Wichita.Just after 8:30 p.m. March 16, police responded to a home in the 1200 block of West 2nd Street to check for a stolen vehicle, according to officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp;&nbsp;Upon arrival, officers located the stolen vehicle at the home.&nbsp; Roberts was backing the car into the driveway, and an 18-year-old man identified as Kaeden Murphy was causing a verbal disturbance in the front of the residence.&nbsp;One officer contacted Murphy, and the second officer went to contact Roberts.&nbsp; She put the car in drive, drove into the officer, and struck him with the vehicle while fleeing.&nbsp;The officer ended up on the hood of the car before sliding off.&nbsp; The second officer lost sight of the first officer believing he was being injured and drug by the vehicle, and fired three shots.&nbsp; Roberts fled the scene in the stolen car.&nbsp; No one was injured in this event.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584458140312.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MurphyOfficers arrested the Murphy at the home, and he was booked into jail on charges of obstruct and outstanding warrants.&nbsp;Sometime later, a WPD officer recovered the abandoned stolen vehicle at a business in the 9400 block of East Cooperate Hills Drive.&nbsp;&nbsp;Roberts also has outstanding warrants through the City of Wichita and Sedgwick County.&nbsp; Anyone with information on Roberts is asked to contact police.

Kan. woman jailed for incident that prompted officer shooting

LANSING, Kan. (AP) — Dozens of inmates at the Lansing Correctional Facility in Kansas rampaged through offices, breaking windows and setting small fires for several hours before the facility was secured, a prison official said Friday.

The disturbance began about 3 p.m. Thursday in medium-security cell house C, said Randy Bowman, spokesman for the Kansas Department of Corrections. By 9 p.m., some inmates had given up or gone back to their cells.

All inmates were secured and accounted for by about 1 a.m. Friday, Bowman said in an email cited by NBC News. Bowman did not immediately return a message left Friday morning by The Associated Press seeking an update.

No injuries were reported and staff members were able to leave the cell house after the riot began.

Bowman said the disturbance started when some inmates refused to return to their cells as ordered. He said it appeared about 50 inmates were involved at first, with between 20 or 30 participating through the evening.

It’s unclear what started the riot, Bowman said.

The Lansing prison has drawn attention recently amid the coronavirus crisis, with the corrections department reporting 14 staff and 12 inmates with confirmed cases of COVID-19 at the facility.

On Thursday, the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/ac07990b544da59f4a72588fe2a58f2f">asked the Kansas Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;to immediately release prisoners who have preexisting medical conditions that make them vulnerable to the coronavirus. That class action petition is on behalf of seven inmates at prisons including the Lansing facility.

The department said Thursday that state officials recognize that inmates and prison staff are especially at risk of infection and have taken steps to reduce the impact of COVID-19 in corrections facilities.

LANSING, Kan. (AP) — Several inmates from one cell house at the Lansing Correctional Facility rampaged through offices, destroying windows and setting small fires for several hours Thursday, prison officials said.

The disturbance began about 3 p.m. in medium-security cell house C, said Randy Bowman, spokesman for the Kansas Department of Corrections. By 9 p.m., some inmates had given up or gone back to their cells but others continued the rampage.

Bowman said the uproar began when some inmates refused to return to their cells as ordered. He said it appeared about 50 inmates were involved at first with between 20 or 30 participating through the evening.

Staff members were able to leave the cell house and there were no reports of injuries.

Staff and law enforcement officers who were monitoring the events through video and on-site had not witnessed any physical violence as of 9 p.m., Bowman said. Extra corrections department staff from Topeka and other law enforcement agencies were on standby.

Prison officials planned to continue monitoring the situation unless the inmates escalated the violence, he said.

The corrections department has reported 14 staff and 12 inmates have confirmed cases of COVID-19 at the Lansing prison.

LANSING, Kan. (AP) — Several inmates from one cell house at the Lansing Correctional Facility got out of their cells and are destroying property, prison officials said.

The riot began about 3 p.m. Thursday in medium-security cell house C, Randy Bowman, according to spokesman for the Kansas Department of Corrections.

About 20 inmates were still destroying property but others had returned to their cells three hours later, Bowman said.

Staff members were able to leave the cell house and there were no immediate reports of injuries.

The events are being monitored through video and on-site and extra corrections department staff from Topeka and other law enforcement agencies are on standby.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586514171163.png" alt="Law enforcement arrive to assist at the Lansing Correctional Facility Thursday -<a href="https://www.kshb.com/news/local-news/prison-inmates-trash-cell-block-at-lansing-correctional-facility">photo courtesy Fox4Kansas City</a>" />
 <figcaption>Law enforcement arrive to assist at the Lansing Correctional Facility Thursday -<a href="https://www.kshb.com/news/local-news/prison-inmates-trash-cell-block-at-lansing-correctional-facility">photo courtesy Fox4Kansas City</a></figcaption>
 </figure>LANSING, Kan. (AP) — Dozens of inmates at the Lansing Correctional Facility in Kansas rampaged through offices, breaking windows and setting small fires for several hours before the facility was secured, a prison official said Friday.The disturbance began about 3 p.m. Thursday in medium-security cell house C, said Randy Bowman, spokesman for the Kansas Department of Corrections. By 9 p.m., some inmates had given up or gone back to their cells.All inmates were secured and accounted for by about 1 a.m. Friday, Bowman said in an email cited by NBC News. Bowman did not immediately return a message left Friday morning by The Associated Press seeking an update.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586514248901.png" alt="From above the Lansing Correctional Facility Thursday -image <a href="https://www.kshb.com/news/local-news/prison-inmates-trash-cell-block-at-lansing-correctional-facility">courtesy Fox4KansasCity</a>" />
 <figcaption>From above the Lansing Correctional Facility Thursday -image <a href="https://www.kshb.com/news/local-news/prison-inmates-trash-cell-block-at-lansing-correctional-facility">courtesy Fox4KansasCity</a></figcaption>
 </figure>No injuries were reported and staff members were able to leave the cell house after the riot began.Bowman said the disturbance started when some inmates refused to return to their cells as ordered. He said it appeared about 50 inmates were involved at first, with between 20 or 30 participating through the evening.It’s unclear what started the riot, Bowman said.The Lansing prison has drawn attention recently amid the coronavirus crisis, with the corrections department reporting 14 staff and 12 inmates with confirmed cases of COVID-19 at the facility.On Thursday, the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/ac07990b544da59f4a72588fe2a58f2f">asked the Kansas Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;to immediately release prisoners who have preexisting medical conditions that make them vulnerable to the coronavirus. That class action petition is on behalf of seven inmates at prisons including the Lansing facility.-------The department said Thursday that state officials recognize that inmates and prison staff are especially at risk of infection and have taken steps to reduce the impact of COVID-19 in corrections facilities.LANSING, Kan. (AP) — Several inmates from one cell house at the Lansing Correctional Facility rampaged through offices, destroying windows and setting small fires for several hours Thursday, prison officials said.The disturbance began about 3 p.m. in medium-security cell house C, said Randy Bowman, spokesman for the Kansas Department of Corrections. By 9 p.m., some inmates had given up or gone back to their cells but others continued the rampage.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586514248901.png" alt="The scene above the Lansing Correctional Facility Thursday -image courtesy <a href="https://www.kshb.com/news/local-news/prison-inmates-trash-cell-block-at-lansing-correctional-facility">Fox4KansasCity</a>" />
 <figcaption>The scene above the Lansing Correctional Facility Thursday -image courtesy <a href="https://www.kshb.com/news/local-news/prison-inmates-trash-cell-block-at-lansing-correctional-facility">Fox4KansasCity</a></figcaption>
 </figure>Bowman said the uproar began when some inmates refused to return to their cells as ordered. He said it appeared about 50 inmates were involved at first with between 20 or 30 participating through the evening.Staff members were able to leave the cell house and there were no reports of injuries.It’s unclear what started the riot, Bowman said.Staff and law enforcement officers who were monitoring the events through video and on-site had not witnessed any physical violence as of 9 p.m., Bowman said. Extra corrections department staff from Topeka and other law enforcement agencies were on standby.Prison officials planned to continue monitoring the situation unless the inmates escalated the violence, he said.The corrections department has reported 14 staff and 12 inmates have confirmed cases of COVID-19 at the Lansing prison.------LANSING, Kan. (AP) — Several inmates from one cell house at the Lansing Correctional Facility got out of their cells and are destroying property, prison officials said.The riot began about 3 p.m. Thursday in medium-security cell house C, Randy Bowman, according to spokesman for the Kansas Department of Corrections.About 20 inmates were still destroying property but others had returned to their cells three hours later, Bowman said.Staff members were able to leave the cell house and there were no immediate reports of injuries.It’s unclear what started the riot, Bowman said.The events are being monitored through video and on-site and extra corrections department staff from Topeka and other law enforcement agencies are on standby.The corrections department has reported 14 staff and 12 inmates have confirmed cases of COVID-19 at the Lansing prison.

Update: Coronavirus at Kan. prison; inmates riot, set fires

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate has twisted itself into knots over President Donald Trump’s new coronavirus aid request, as Democrats refused to rubber stamp his proposal for $250 billion more to boost small businesses, demanding modifications along with an additional $250 billion for health care providers and states. Republicans wouldn’t go along.

The standoff Thursday doesn’t end the pursuit of more rescue funds, but it came as the government reported that 6.6 million more people filed for unemployment benefits last week, increasing worries that the economy is sliding toward a severe recession. The small business program at issue is off to a rocky rollout.

GOP leader Mitch McConnell sought to keep Thursday’s debate limited to Trump’s request and wouldn’t accept Democratic additions. Even if the GOP plan had succeeded in the Senate, the Democratic-controlled House is determined to make changes to ensure small businesses in minority communities benefit from the burst of government funding.

Democrats and Republicans agree the aid is urgently needed and talks are sure to continue, but it reinforces that Congress and the White House will need to find bipartisan agreement — especially with lawmakers scattered in their states and districts and both the House and Senate unable to conduct roll-call votes.

“Nobody thinks this will be the Senate’s last word on COVID-19," McConnell said. “Let’s continue to work together, with speed and bipartisanship. We will get through this crisis together.”

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi declared the Senate vote merely a “stunt" as the country faces an “epic” crisis. She ridiculed the administration for trying to jam a $250 billion request through Congress with 48 hours notice with little data to back it up.

“Really?” Pelosi said on a conference call with reporters.

The stall comes as communities across the nation strain to meet health care needs and salvage local economies pummeled by the crisis. A new jobless report shows a whopping 16.8 million Americans are now out of work.

The massive infusions of federal cash — the $250 billion sought by the administration would come on top of combined legislation already totaling about $2.5 trillion -- are intended as a patch to help the $21 trillion U.S. economy through the current recession, which is causing an economic contraction and a spike in joblessness that is overwhelming many state systems for delivering unemployment benefits.

With Congress all but shuttered — and unlikely to return April 20, as planned — lawmakers pledged to keep negotiating with the White House.

McConnell and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin say the “paycheck protection” program, which involves direct subsidies to companies to keep employees on payroll and pay company rent, is on track to quickly deplete its first $350 billion infusion as businesses rush to apply for the aid.

Democrats are not opposed to boosting the payroll fund, but they want to ensure that the new program delivers benefits to businesses in minority communities that are often under-served by traditional lenders.

“What the secretary requested and the bill that the Senate majority leader brought to the floor would never pass the House,” she said. “It is a basis for some negotiation.”

Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., accused McConnell of trying to ram through legislation and detailed a variety of glitches in the program, including fears that many big lenders are not serving minority neighborhoods.

Democrats are pressing for half of the White House request, or $125 billion, to be channeled through community-based financial institutions that serve farmers and family-, women-, minority- and veteran-owned small businesses and nonprofits in rural, tribal, suburban and urban communities.

They circulated a $500 billion plan that would include the Trump request and add $100 billion for hospitals and other health care providers and $150 billion to state and local governments, as well as a 15% boost in food stamp benefits. They hope this serves as a basis for talks with McConnell going forward.

With Capitol Hill virtually shut down, legislation is most easily passed through unanimous agreement, which is often not an easy task.

Another complication is lone wolf Republican Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, who promises to block efforts to pass such huge legislation through the House without lawmakers present and ready to vote. The Senate is used to passing legislation by unanimous consent, but the House is more typically driven by the majority party imposing its will.

Pelosi said McConnell’s request “simply can’t” advance through the Democratic-controlled House under unanimous consent.

The future of the legislation is likely to be largely determined by a small, familiar group of senior Washington hands, including Pelosi, McConnell and Mnuchin, along with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.

Vice President Mike Pence convened another day of conference calls with lawmakers and the coronavirus task force, talking separately with Senate Republicans and Democrats, on the crisis and federal response.

The Senate convened for the brief pro-forma session with just four senators present — none in masks — to consider the dueling proposals.

Senate Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., who presided over the brief session, told reporters it is “unlikely” the chamber will reopen April 20 as planned.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586471272238.png" alt="President Trump arrives for Thursday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing-image courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>President Trump arrives for Thursday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing-image courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate has twisted itself into knots over President Donald Trump’s new coronavirus aid request, as Democrats refused to rubber stamp his proposal for $250 billion more to boost small businesses, demanding modifications along with an additional $250 billion for health care providers and states. Republicans wouldn’t go along.The standoff Thursday doesn’t end the pursuit of more rescue funds, but it came as the government reported that 6.6 million more people filed for unemployment benefits last week, increasing worries that the economy is sliding toward a severe recession. The small business program at issue is off to a rocky rollout.GOP leader Mitch McConnell sought to keep Thursday’s debate limited to Trump’s request and wouldn’t accept Democratic additions. Even if the GOP plan had succeeded in the Senate, the Democratic-controlled House is determined to make changes to ensure small businesses in minority communities benefit from the burst of government funding.Democrats and Republicans agree the aid is urgently needed and talks are sure to continue, but it reinforces that Congress and the White House will need to find bipartisan agreement — especially with lawmakers scattered in their states and districts and both the House and Senate unable to conduct roll-call votes.“Nobody thinks this will be the Senate’s last word on COVID-19," McConnell said. “Let’s continue to work together, with speed and bipartisanship. We will get through this crisis together.”House Speaker Nancy Pelosi declared the Senate vote merely a “stunt" as the country faces an “epic” crisis. She ridiculed the administration for trying to jam a $250 billion request through Congress with 48 hours notice with little data to back it up.“Really?” Pelosi said on a conference call with reporters.The stall comes as communities across the nation strain to meet health care needs and salvage local economies pummeled by the crisis. A new jobless report shows a whopping 16.8 million Americans are now out of work.The massive infusions of federal cash — the $250 billion sought by the administration would come on top of combined legislation already totaling about $2.5 trillion -- are intended as a patch to help the $21 trillion U.S. economy through the current recession, which is causing an economic contraction and a spike in joblessness that is overwhelming many state systems for delivering unemployment benefits.With Congress all but shuttered — and unlikely to return April 20, as planned — lawmakers pledged to keep negotiating with the White House.McConnell and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin say the “paycheck protection” program, which involves direct subsidies to companies to keep employees on payroll and pay company rent, is on track to quickly deplete its first $350 billion infusion as businesses rush to apply for the aid.Democrats are not opposed to boosting the payroll fund, but they want to ensure that the new program delivers benefits to businesses in minority communities that are often under-served by traditional lenders.“What the secretary requested and the bill that the Senate majority leader brought to the floor would never pass the House,” she said. “It is a basis for some negotiation.”Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., accused McConnell of trying to ram through legislation and detailed a variety of glitches in the program, including fears that many big lenders are not serving minority neighborhoods.Democrats are pressing for half of the White House request, or $125 billion, to be channeled through community-based financial institutions that serve farmers and family-, women-, minority- and veteran-owned small businesses and nonprofits in rural, tribal, suburban and urban communities.They circulated a $500 billion plan that would include the Trump request and add $100 billion for hospitals and other health care providers and $150 billion to state and local governments, as well as a 15% boost in food stamp benefits. They hope this serves as a basis for talks with McConnell going forward.With Capitol Hill virtually shut down, legislation is most easily passed through unanimous agreement, which is often not an easy task.Another complication is lone wolf Republican Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, who promises to block efforts to pass such huge legislation through the House without lawmakers present and ready to vote. The Senate is used to passing legislation by unanimous consent, but the House is more typically driven by the majority party imposing its will.Pelosi said McConnell’s request “simply can’t” advance through the Democratic-controlled House under unanimous consent.The future of the legislation is likely to be largely determined by a small, familiar group of senior Washington hands, including Pelosi, McConnell and Mnuchin, along with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.Vice President Mike Pence convened another day of conference calls with lawmakers and the coronavirus task force, talking separately with Senate Republicans and Democrats, on the crisis and federal response.The Senate convened for the brief pro-forma session with just four senators present — none in masks — to consider the dueling proposals.Senate Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., who presided over the brief session, told reporters it is “unlikely” the chamber will reopen April 20 as planned.___

Senators block new virus aid, Pelosi decries 'stunt'

By&nbsp;JIM MCLEAN, Kansas News Service

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly is suing a GOP-led panel of legislative leaders that blocked her executive order limiting religious services and funerals to 10 or fewer people.&nbsp;

The Democrat also said Thursday that it isn’t clear whether her previous order from late March, meant to stop the spread of COVID-19, is still in effect. The attorney general has said he believes so.&nbsp;

Kelly said that her legal team thinks only the full Legislature can revoke an executive order, not the Legislative Coordinating Council. She wants the state Supreme Court to take up the issue quickly.&nbsp;

Kelly expanded her initial restrictions on gatherings&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/sites/kcur/files/eo_20-14_executed.pdf">from March 24</a>&nbsp;to include church services. It took effect Wednesday, and applied to attendees, but not choirs, ministers or others who were taking part in a ceremony.&nbsp;

With Easter services just days away, five Republican legislative leaders contended the move was an unconstitutional restriction on worship. Attorney General Derek Schmidt said his office suggested Kelly issued an “overreaching executive order.” Based on advice from her chief counsel, Kelly said she believed the expansion was legal.

Many churches already had canceled services or had moved them online. But by Wednesday afternoon, all of the Republicans on the seven-member Legislative Coordinating Council&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/kansas-gop-upends-gov-kelly-s-limits-church-services-and-potentially-all-gatherings">voted to rescind Kelly’s executive order</a>.&nbsp;

Not long after, Kelly held a news conference in which she called the decision “shockingly irresponsible” and said her legal team was looking into their options. Schmidt later issued a statement that said the original executive order from March 24 was still in effect because the one that limited church gatherings and funerals hadn’t yet been published in the Kansas Register.

Before Thursday's news conference, Kelly's official Facebook page addressed the situation, saying that the "physical church ... has never defined Kansans' deep and abiding faith."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586465261139.png" alt="Kansas Governor Laura Kelly during Thursday's news conference on the decision to fight the GOP-led legislative leaders in court" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Governor Laura Kelly during Thursday's news conference on the decision to fight the GOP-led legislative leaders in court</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;JIM MCLEAN, Kansas News ServiceKansas Gov. Laura Kelly is suing a GOP-led panel of legislative leaders that blocked her executive order limiting religious services and funerals to 10 or fewer people.&nbsp;(audio begins at 2:20)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovLauraKelly%2Fvideos%2F155161369154168%2F&show_text=0&width=560" width="560" height="315" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>The Democrat also said Thursday that it isn’t clear whether her previous order from late March, meant to stop the spread of COVID-19, is still in effect. The attorney general has said he believes so.&nbsp;Kelly said that her legal team thinks only the full Legislature can revoke an executive order, not the Legislative Coordinating Council. She wants the state Supreme Court to take up the issue quickly.&nbsp;Kelly expanded her initial restrictions on gatherings&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/sites/kcur/files/eo_20-14_executed.pdf">from March 24</a>&nbsp;to include church services. It took effect Wednesday, and applied to attendees, but not choirs, ministers or others who were taking part in a ceremony.&nbsp;With Easter services just days away, five Republican legislative leaders contended the move was an unconstitutional restriction on worship. Attorney General Derek Schmidt said his office suggested Kelly issued an “overreaching executive order.” Based on advice from her chief counsel, Kelly said she believed the expansion was legal.Many churches already had canceled services or had moved them online. But by Wednesday afternoon, all of the Republicans on the seven-member Legislative Coordinating Council&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/kansas-gop-upends-gov-kelly-s-limits-church-services-and-potentially-all-gatherings">voted to rescind Kelly’s executive order</a>.&nbsp;Not long after, Kelly held a news conference in which she called the decision “shockingly irresponsible” and said her legal team was looking into their options. Schmidt later issued a statement that said the original executive order from March 24 was still in effect because the one that limited church gatherings and funerals hadn’t yet been published in the Kansas Register.Before Thursday's news conference, Kelly's official Facebook page addressed the situation, saying that the "physical church ... has never defined Kansans' deep and abiding faith."

 🎥 Kan. Gov. goes to court to keep ban on large gatherings, including church

ROOKS COUNTY —The KBI and the Rooks County Sheriff's Office are investigating the death of a woman who was shot in Rooks County.

Just before 11:45 p.m., Wednesday, the Rooks County Sheriff’s Office and EMS were dispatched to the 70o block of Spruce Street in Woodston, after receiving a report that a woman later identified as 36-year-old Charity Northrup had been shot at her residence, according to a media release.

&nbsp;She was pronounced dead at the scene early Thursday.

The Rooks County Sheriff’s Office requested KBI assistance Thursday at around 1:15 a.m. KBI agents and the Crime Scene Response Team responded to investigate.

No threat to the public is believed to exist related to this incident.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576429682832.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>ROOKS COUNTY —The KBI and the Rooks County Sheriff's Office are investigating the death of a woman who was shot in Rooks County.Just before 11:45 p.m., Wednesday, the Rooks County Sheriff’s Office and EMS were dispatched to the 70o block of Spruce Street in Woodston, after receiving a report that a woman later identified as 36-year-old Charity Northrup had been shot at her residence, according to a media release.&nbsp;She was pronounced dead at the scene early Thursday.The Rooks County Sheriff’s Office requested KBI assistance Thursday at around 1:15 a.m. KBI agents and the Crime Scene Response Team responded to investigate.No threat to the public is believed to exist related to this incident.

KBI: 36-year-old NW Kansas woman dies in shooting

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a 17-year Kansas felon on new charges after an arrest.

Just after 12 a.m. Thursday, a Wichita Police SWAT team executed a search warrant at a home in the 3900 block of West 31st&nbsp;Street South in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.

The search warrant was in reference to an ongoing investigation of the 17-year-old living at the home posting photos with guns and drugs on social media.&nbsp; 

The investigation had revealed the 17-year-old was previously convicted of felony charges.

Upon the execution of the search warrant, the 17-year-old refused to exit the home.&nbsp; A police K9 unit assisted on the warrant, and the teen was arrested with the assistance of the K9.&nbsp; He was transported to an area hospital and treated for minor injuries from a dog bite.

Inside the home, officers recovered multiple handguns, a rifle, gun parts, gun magazines, ammunition, marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and cash.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a 17-year Kansas felon on new charges after an arrest.Just after 12 a.m. Thursday, a Wichita Police SWAT team executed a search warrant at a home in the 3900 block of West 31st&nbsp;Street South in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.The search warrant was in reference to an ongoing investigation of the 17-year-old living at the home posting photos with guns and drugs on social media.&nbsp; The investigation had revealed the 17-year-old was previously convicted of felony charges.Upon the execution of the search warrant, the 17-year-old refused to exit the home.&nbsp; A police K9 unit assisted on the warrant, and the teen was arrested with the assistance of the K9.&nbsp; He was transported to an area hospital and treated for minor injuries from a dog bite.Inside the home, officers recovered multiple handguns, a rifle, gun parts, gun magazines, ammunition, marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and cash.

17-year-old Kan. felon posted photos of guns, drugs on social media

WASHINGTON — Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top U.S. infectious disease expert, says don’t assume the coronavirus will fade during warm weather.

Fauci told ABC’s “Good Morning America” there’s precedent with other infections like influenza that “when the virus gets warmer that the virus goes down in its ability to replicate, to spread.”

But Fauci added “having said that, one should not assume that we are going to be rescued by a change in the weather. You must assume that the virus will continue to do its thing. If we get some help from the weather, so be it, fine. But I don’t think we need to assume that.”

He was asked about the New York Times story that research indicates the coronavirus that began circulating in New York in mid-February came mainly from Europe, not Asia.

“I think that’s probably correct,” Fauci said. He notes that “Europe became the epicenter pretty quickly after China really exploded with their cases.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586435843632.png" alt="Dr. Anthony Fauci answers questions during Wednesday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing -photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Anthony Fauci answers questions during Wednesday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing -photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON — Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top U.S. infectious disease expert, says don’t assume the coronavirus will fade during warm weather.Fauci told ABC’s “Good Morning America” there’s precedent with other infections like influenza that “when the virus gets warmer that the virus goes down in its ability to replicate, to spread.”But Fauci added “having said that, one should not assume that we are going to be rescued by a change in the weather. You must assume that the virus will continue to do its thing. If we get some help from the weather, so be it, fine. But I don’t think we need to assume that.”He was asked about the New York Times story that research indicates the coronavirus that began circulating in New York in mid-February came mainly from Europe, not Asia.“I think that’s probably correct,” Fauci said. He notes that “Europe became the epicenter pretty quickly after China really exploded with their cases.”___

Dr. Fauci: Don’t assume virus fades in warm weather

SHAWNEE COUNTY— Law enforcement are investigating a fatal weekend shooting and have two suspects in custody.

On Wednesday investigators served two search warrants in furtherance of the investigation into the death of&nbsp; 28-year-old D’Angelo L. Payne of Topeka, according to Topeka police Lt. Aaron Jones.

&nbsp;Police took a total of five men into custody and four were transported to the Law Enforcement Center for questioning.

Police arrested James D. Boatwright 22 and Davontra L. Alston 26, on requested charges of Murder in the First Degree. Alston was also arrested for an outstanding warrant.

Jeffrey E. Walters, 21 of Topeka, was arrested under suspicion of Criminal Possession of a Firearm and Possession of a Controlled Substance with intent to distribute. One man was taken to the SNCO DOC for an outstanding unrelated warrant. One man was released.

Just before 11:30p.m. Saturday police responded to the area of SW 5th and SW Western in Topeka after a report of gunshots being fired and a vehicle that had crashed, according to Lt. Ron Ekis.

Police located Payne who had been shot. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.&nbsp;

SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have identified the victim as&nbsp;28-year-old D’Angelo L. Payne of Topeka.

Police located Payne who had been shot. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. Police have not reported an arrest or additional details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586431723608.png" alt="Boatwright" />
 <figcaption>Boatwright</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY— Law enforcement are investigating a fatal weekend shooting and have two suspects in custody.On Wednesday investigators served two search warrants in furtherance of the investigation into the death of&nbsp; 28-year-old D’Angelo L. Payne of Topeka, according to Topeka police Lt. Aaron Jones.&nbsp;Police took a total of five men into custody and four were transported to the Law Enforcement Center for questioning.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586431788167.png" alt="Alston photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Alston photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>Police arrested James D. Boatwright 22 and Davontra L. Alston 26, on requested charges of Murder in the First Degree. Alston was also arrested for an outstanding warrant.Jeffrey E. Walters, 21 of Topeka, was arrested under suspicion of Criminal Possession of a Firearm and Possession of a Controlled Substance with intent to distribute. One man was taken to the SNCO DOC for an outstanding unrelated warrant. One man was released.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586089549173.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation early Sunday photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation early Sunday photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>Just before 11:30p.m. Saturday police responded to the area of SW 5th and SW Western in Topeka after a report of gunshots being fired and a vehicle that had crashed, according to Lt. Ron Ekis.Police located Payne who had been shot. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.&nbsp;--------SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have identified the victim as&nbsp;28-year-old D’Angelo L. Payne of Topeka.Just before 11:30p.m. Saturday police responded to the area of SW 5th and SW Western in Topeka after a report of gunshots being fired and a vehicle that had crashed, according to Lt. Ron Ekis.Police located Payne who had been shot. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. Police have not reported an arrest or additional details.----------

Police: 2 Kan. men in custody after shooting, vehicle crash

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A civil rights group asked the Kansas Supreme Court on Thursday to immediately release prisoners who have preexisting medical conditions that make them vulnerable to the COVID-19 virus.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas filed the class action petition on behalf of seven inmates being housed at Lansing Correctional Facility, the Ellsworth Correctional Facility and the Topeka Correctional Facility. They are seeking an expedited hearing before the state’s highest court on the request by the named plaintiffs and other Kansas inmates in a similar situation.

Rebecca Witte, the spokeswoman for the Kansas Department of Corrections, said the department would comment later on the filing.

“Petitioners are housed in crowded facilities with limited access to adequate medical treatment and sanitation supplies,” according to the petition. “Several petitioners also have preexisting medical conditions that make them uniquely vulnerable to serious complications and death if they contract the COVID-19 virus — which has already infected both staff and individuals housed within Kansas prisons.”

The lawsuit contends that the release would not only prevent harm to the medically vulnerable inmates, but would also sufficiently reduce the population at prison facilities to ensure proper social distancing and reduce transmission of the virus to inmates and the wider public.

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A civil rights group asked the Kansas Supreme Court on Thursday to immediately release prisoners who have preexisting medical conditions that make them vulnerable to the COVID-19 virus.The American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas filed the class action petition on behalf of seven inmates being housed at Lansing Correctional Facility, the Ellsworth Correctional Facility and the Topeka Correctional Facility. They are seeking an expedited hearing before the state’s highest court on the request by the named plaintiffs and other Kansas inmates in a similar situation.Rebecca Witte, the spokeswoman for the Kansas Department of Corrections, said the department would comment later on the filing.“Petitioners are housed in crowded facilities with limited access to adequate medical treatment and sanitation supplies,” according to the petition. “Several petitioners also have preexisting medical conditions that make them uniquely vulnerable to serious complications and death if they contract the COVID-19 virus — which has already infected both staff and individuals housed within Kansas prisons.”The lawsuit contends that the release would not only prevent harm to the medically vulnerable inmates, but would also sufficiently reduce the population at prison facilities to ensure proper social distancing and reduce transmission of the virus to inmates and the wider public.

ACLU seeks release of Kan. inmates vulnerable to COVID-19

The Kansas Department of Health released the state's latest report on coronavirus Thursday afternoon.

<a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/kdhe.epidemiology#!/vizhome/COVID-19Data_15851817634470/KSCOVID-19CaseData">Click here f</a>or additional details.

The Kansas Department of Health released the state's latest report on coronavirus Thursday afternoon.<a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/kdhe.epidemiology#!/vizhome/COVID-19Data_15851817634470/KSCOVID-19CaseData">Click here f</a>or additional details.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586452228368.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

GOVE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect after a chase early Thursday on Interstate 70 in Gove County.

Just after 7 a.m., a man later identified as Abron R. Dunston, Jr. 36, Norfolk, VA, pulled into the parking lot of the Golden Plains Credit Union in Quinter, according to Gove County Sheriff Allan Weber.&nbsp;

 The driver pulled the 2019 Nissan passenger vehicle up to a woman arriving for work and demanded she give up her purse. When the victim refused, Dunston drove away.

Law enforcement responded to the report and KHP troopers picked up the chase on westbound Interstate 70 near the Grinnell exit.&nbsp; 

The Nissan continued into Thomas County where Dunston drove through the median and then westbound in the eastbound lanes of I-70 at speeds of 110 miles per hour, according to Heilman. Dunston also avoided two attempts by law enforcement to use stop sticks.

Dunston then traveled back through the median to the westbound lanes, lost control of the Nissan in a ditch and crashed through a KDOT fence between the Sleep Inn and Walmart in Colby, according to Heilman.

When Dunston, who was not seriously injured, refused to exit the vehicle, officers used a K9 to help them make an arrest, according to Sheriff Weber.

According to Heilman, the Nissan was reported stolen in Virginia.

Dunston was treated for minor injuries will be jailed in Thomas County on requested charges that include the stolen vehicle, felony flee and elude and a weapons possession violation charge, according to Heilman.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/8/1565313643582.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>GOVE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect after a chase early Thursday on Interstate 70 in Gove County.Just after 7 a.m., a man later identified as Abron R. Dunston, Jr. 36, Norfolk, VA, pulled into the parking lot of the Golden Plains Credit Union in Quinter, according to Gove County Sheriff Allan Weber.&nbsp; The driver pulled the 2019 Nissan passenger vehicle up to a woman arriving for work and demanded she give up her purse. When the victim refused, Dunston drove away.Law enforcement responded to the report and KHP troopers picked up the chase on westbound Interstate 70 near the Grinnell exit.&nbsp; The Nissan continued into Thomas County where Dunston drove through the median and then westbound in the eastbound lanes of I-70 at speeds of 110 miles per hour, according to Heilman. Dunston also avoided two attempts by law enforcement to use stop sticks.Dunston then traveled back through the median to the westbound lanes, lost control of the Nissan in a ditch and crashed through a KDOT fence between the Sleep Inn and Walmart in Colby, according to Heilman.When Dunston, who was not seriously injured, refused to exit the vehicle, officers used a K9 to help them make an arrest, according to Sheriff Weber.According to Heilman, the Nissan was reported stolen in Virginia.Dunston was treated for minor injuries will be jailed in Thomas County on requested charges that include the stolen vehicle, felony flee and elude and a weapons possession violation charge, according to Heilman.

KHP: Suspect drove wrong-way on I-70 during chase

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

BARTON COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are asking the public for help in locating a wanted Kansas felon, according to Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir.

&nbsp;Andrew Taylor, 33, is described as a white male, 5-foot-10 and approximately 225 pounds.

He&nbsp;has a previous conviction for theft, according the Kansas Department of Corrections and is wanted on a Barton County District Court warrant. He may be in possession of a handgun and a sawed-off shotgun, according to Bellendir. 

Taylor has allegedly made statements he will not be taken alive by law enforcement and should be considered armed and dangerous.

If you have information about Taylor, call police.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586446136824.png" alt="Taylor photo Barton County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Taylor photo Barton County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are asking the public for help in locating a wanted Kansas felon, according to Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir.&nbsp;Andrew Taylor, 33, is described as a white male, 5-foot-10 and approximately 225 pounds.He&nbsp;has a previous conviction for theft, according the Kansas Department of Corrections and is wanted on a Barton County District Court warrant. He may be in possession of a handgun and a sawed-off shotgun, according to Bellendir. Taylor has allegedly made statements he will not be taken alive by law enforcement and should be considered armed and dangerous.If you have information about Taylor, call police.

Sheriff asks for help to locate armed, dangerous Kan. felon

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

By STEPHAN BISAHA <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/anxious-kansas-parents-keep-kids-home-day-care-amid-coronavirus-outbreak">Kansas News Service</a>

WICHITA — Day cares, at a premium in Kansas 
in non-pandemic times, are essential businesses that can stay open while
 the state is under a stay-at-home order. Overall, they’re seeing a drop
 in the number of kids who show up, but want to be there for health care
 workers.

“The nurses. The doctors. Everybody on the frontlines,”
 Phillipsburg Child Care Center program director Brooke Feik said. “They
 need somewhere to take their kiddos.”

Meanwhile, some parents 
who are at home due to social distancing or climbing unemployment are 
keeping their kids with them while still paying to keep their day care 
spots for when the virus lifts. And about 7% of Kansas day cares decided
 it was too risky to stay open, especially with a combination of 
hygiene-oblivious toddlers and a shortage of cleaning supplies.

The
 biggest competition to child care facilities during the pandemic: 
friends, family and neighbors. With plenty of Kansans stuck home, they 
have the free time to watch each other’s kids.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586352274209.jpeg" alt=" An empty playground outside of Plymouth Preschool in Wichita. Stephan Bisaha / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> An empty playground outside of Plymouth Preschool in Wichita. Stephan Bisaha / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By STEPHAN BISAHA <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/anxious-kansas-parents-keep-kids-home-day-care-amid-coronavirus-outbreak">Kansas News Service</a>WICHITA — Day cares, at a premium in Kansas 
in non-pandemic times, are essential businesses that can stay open while
 the state is under a stay-at-home order. Overall, they’re seeing a drop
 in the number of kids who show up, but want to be there for health care
 workers.“The nurses. The doctors. Everybody on the frontlines,”
 Phillipsburg Child Care Center program director Brooke Feik said. “They
 need somewhere to take their kiddos.”Meanwhile, some parents 
who are at home due to social distancing or climbing unemployment are 
keeping their kids with them while still paying to keep their day care 
spots for when the virus lifts. And about 7% of Kansas day cares decided
 it was too risky to stay open, especially with a combination of 
hygiene-oblivious toddlers and a shortage of cleaning supplies.<h2>Staying home</h2>The
 biggest competition to child care facilities during the pandemic: 
friends, family and neighbors. With plenty of Kansans stuck home, they 
have the free time to watch each other’s kids.“If you know that 
your neighbor is also home cause she's a school teacher, you might 
approach her and say ‘Hey, can you watch your children Monday, 
Wednesday, Friday? I'll watch your children on Tuesday, Thursday,’" said
 Leadell Ediger, executive director of Child Care Aware of Kansas, which
 runs the state’s child care referral network.According to a 
last year’s child care state report, 77% of Kansas counties had fewer 
than one child care spot per 10 toddlers, and there were 10% fewer child
 care programs in the state than two years prior.But while 
attendance at child care has dropped, enrollment has not. Day care 
providers say many parents continue to write the tuition checks, 
figuring it’s better to pay for unused child care than give up one of 
the state’s limited number of spots.“If we had several people 
coming in looking for care next week and you didn’t have that spot held 
for your child, we wouldn’t necessarily have a spot for them,” said 
Jaime Noone, a teacher at Logan ABC Community Day Care Center.<h2>Cleanliness at centers</h2>The
 practical advice for preventing the spread of the coronavirus is easy —
 wash your hands, stay six feet away from other people, don’t touch your
 face. But try giving it to a three-year-old.Kansas provides 
some social distancing guidelines for child care centers, like no more 
than 10 kids in a group, not mixing the group and keeping employees with
 the same group.Providers say that’s not too different from what
 they already have to do to keep their licenses, but they also say 
keeping kids six feet apart is unrealistic when they’re just learning 
what personal space means.“We are doing everything we can to 
space children, but the reality of children is that’s not a feasible 
task,” said Emily Barnes, who operates Barnes Childcare in Olathe.Instead,
 day care providers take kids’ temperatures before they come inside. The
 parents stay outside. One center has the fingerprint scanner that 
parents have to use when dropping off their kids each day, and it’s 
cleaned constantly.There’s also a lot of hand-washing — a lot. At one center, kids have to each time they touch their face.But
 like a lot of places right now, it’s hard to find cleaning supplies, 
thermometers and disposable thermometer covers. About 7% of child care 
providers in the state closed their doors since mid-March, mostly to 
stop the spread of the virus, according to Child Care Aware of Kansas.<h2>Still working</h2>The parents who still need day care services are often those who can’t stay at home.Kerri
 Burr usually drops her 3-year-old daughter off at a Wichita day care. 
Burr has worked at home for a while, writing grants for a nonprofit, but
 her husband still goes in for his job at a car dealership.All 
four of their kids are now at home because schools are closed, and she 
works at night so her husband can be on parenting duty.She said it would have been easier to keep sending her daughter to day care, but she didn’t want to be a vector.“It’s
 hard for me to have everyone home but I don’t have to wonder if we’re 
spreading something around to somebody whose body can’t handle it or 
fight it off,” Burr said.Stephan Bisaha reports on education and young adult life for KMUW and the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on Twitter&nbsp;<a href="http://twitter.com/stevebisaha?lang=en" target="_blank">@stevebisaha</a>.