KANSAS CITY (AP) — Missouri's Interstate 70 will be expanded to three lanes across the state as part of a roughly $50 billion state budget approved Friday by lawmakers.

Republican lawmakers took up GOP Gov. Mike Parson's January call to pour money into I-70 this year, and they went even further than he initially requested.

Instead of targeting only the most congested areas of the highway in urban areas as Parson proposed, the Legislature went big and set aside $2.8 billion to complete lane expansions from St. Louis to Kansas City.

“This represents the single greatest investment into our transportation network in the state's history,” Republican House Budget Committee Chairman Cody Smith said.

The governor appears likely to sign off on the highway plan. Parson's spokeswoman, Kelli Jones, in a Friday email said funding for the project is “well spent money.”

The budget also prioritizes funding for pre-K and childcare, which influential business groups have said is needed to give parents and guardians the ability to work and hopefully ease Missouri's workforce shortage.

Lawmakers set aside $78 million for childcare subsidies and another $56 million to expand access to pre-K, which Parson had requested.

Kansas City Democratic Sen. Lauren Arthur said the extra money will help ensure “more safe options available for parents.”

Public K-12 schools will get $3.6 billion in primary funding, as well as the minimum amount required to provide busing to all students. Public colleges and universities will get a 7% funding hike.

Lawmakers also expanded a grant program to ensure K-12 teachers make at least $38,000 a year. Previously, the state asked local schools to chip in 30% of the cost to raise teacher pay to that minimum. Beginning in July, the state will foot the bill to hike pay to that level.

Lawmakers ultimately decided to keep public funding for libraries and government spending on diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, despite a controversial push by the House to zero-out those programs.

Other major programs in the upcoming budget include $171 million to raise pay for workers who care for people with developmental disabilities and a 20% pay raise for Missouri State Highway Patrol officers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683324000146.png" alt="Friday May 5 traffic on I-70 in Kansas City-image KC Scout" />
 <figcaption>Friday May 5 traffic on I-70 in Kansas City-image KC Scout</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — Missouri's Interstate 70 will be expanded to three lanes across the state as part of a roughly $50 billion state budget approved Friday by lawmakers.Republican lawmakers took up GOP Gov. Mike Parson's January call to pour money into I-70 this year, and they went even further than he initially requested.Instead of targeting only the most congested areas of the highway in urban areas as Parson proposed, the Legislature went big and set aside $2.8 billion to complete lane expansions from St. Louis to Kansas City.“This represents the single greatest investment into our transportation network in the state's history,” Republican House Budget Committee Chairman Cody Smith said.The governor appears likely to sign off on the highway plan. Parson's spokeswoman, Kelli Jones, in a Friday email said funding for the project is “well spent money.”The budget also prioritizes funding for pre-K and childcare, which influential business groups have said is needed to give parents and guardians the ability to work and hopefully ease Missouri's workforce shortage.Lawmakers set aside $78 million for childcare subsidies and another $56 million to expand access to pre-K, which Parson had requested.Kansas City Democratic Sen. Lauren Arthur said the extra money will help ensure “more safe options available for parents.”Public K-12 schools will get $3.6 billion in primary funding, as well as the minimum amount required to provide busing to all students. Public colleges and universities will get a 7% funding hike.Lawmakers also expanded a grant program to ensure K-12 teachers make at least $38,000 a year. Previously, the state asked local schools to chip in 30% of the cost to raise teacher pay to that minimum. Beginning in July, the state will foot the bill to hike pay to that level.Lawmakers ultimately decided to keep public funding for libraries and government spending on diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, despite a controversial push by the House to zero-out those programs.Other major programs in the upcoming budget include $171 million to raise pay for workers who care for people with developmental disabilities and a 20% pay raise for Missouri State Highway Patrol officers.

Lawmakers send Mo. governor $2.8B to expand Interstate 70

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Relatives are demanding justice for a 6-year-old boy who was killed outside his Kansas home in a drive-by shooting that police said doesn't appear to be random.

Kansas City, Kansas, police spokeswoman Nancy Chartrand confirmed Friday that the boy was Sir’Antonio Brown and said there was no new information to share about the search for suspects.

“I just want the people that did this brought to justice," his godmother, Shyneisha Hill, told&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kctv5.com/2023/05/05/kck-police-continue-investigation-into-shooting-6-year-old-boy/">KCTV-TV</a>. "Sir deserves justice. No 6-year-old deserves that. No child deserves that. No parent deserves what my cousin is going through.”

One or more shooters opened fire on Sir on Wednesday as he played in the front yard of a home, killing him. Police announced Thursday that they had found the vehicle used in the attack and asked for tips.

Chartrand told The Associated Press that police believe that the suspects came to the neighborhood with the intention of targeting someone, although she didn't know the reason behind it.

“This wasn’t like they were just joyriding in the area without intent to basically shoot and kill somebody. That’s what they came to do," Chartrand said. "Unfortunately, Sir, was there and he was the one that was shot and killed.”

She said that sometimes a stray bullet fired in a shootout a block away claims the life of a child. But she said this was different.

“When they pulled up and let loose with gunfire, they saw that child there. We don’t believe that there’s any way that they didn’t," she said. "And they shot anyway, showing no regard for his life, much less whoever it was that they were intending to be shooting at.”

The loss was reverberating around the community. Sir's kindergarten teacher, Amanda Mynatt, told&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kshb.com/news/local-news/kck-family-teacher-remember-sir-antonio-brown-6-year-old-killed-in-shooting-as-loving-energetic">KSHB-TV</a>&nbsp;that she joked that Sir was her “school son.”

"He was so charismatic, he never sat still, he would be doing cartwheels across the carpet, and everyone loved him,” she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683336213432.png" alt="Sir’Antonio Brown -photo GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>Sir’Antonio Brown -photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Relatives are demanding justice for a 6-year-old boy who was killed outside his Kansas home in a drive-by shooting that police said doesn't appear to be random.Kansas City, Kansas, police spokeswoman Nancy Chartrand confirmed Friday that the boy was Sir’Antonio Brown and said there was no new information to share about the search for suspects.“I just want the people that did this brought to justice," his godmother, Shyneisha Hill, told&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kctv5.com/2023/05/05/kck-police-continue-investigation-into-shooting-6-year-old-boy/">KCTV-TV</a>. "Sir deserves justice. No 6-year-old deserves that. No child deserves that. No parent deserves what my cousin is going through.”One or more shooters opened fire on Sir on Wednesday as he played in the front yard of a home, killing him. Police announced Thursday that they had found the vehicle used in the attack and asked for tips.Chartrand told The Associated Press that police believe that the suspects came to the neighborhood with the intention of targeting someone, although she didn't know the reason behind it.“This wasn’t like they were just joyriding in the area without intent to basically shoot and kill somebody. That’s what they came to do," Chartrand said. "Unfortunately, Sir, was there and he was the one that was shot and killed.”She said that sometimes a stray bullet fired in a shootout a block away claims the life of a child. But she said this was different.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683195327042.png" alt="Police located the vehicle used during the shooting -photo KCK Police" />
 <figcaption>Police located the vehicle used during the shooting -photo KCK Police</figcaption>
 </figure>“When they pulled up and let loose with gunfire, they saw that child there. We don’t believe that there’s any way that they didn’t," she said. "And they shot anyway, showing no regard for his life, much less whoever it was that they were intending to be shooting at.”The loss was reverberating around the community. Sir's kindergarten teacher, Amanda Mynatt, told&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kshb.com/news/local-news/kck-family-teacher-remember-sir-antonio-brown-6-year-old-killed-in-shooting-as-loving-energetic">KSHB-TV</a>&nbsp;that she joked that Sir was her “school son.”"He was so charismatic, he never sat still, he would be doing cartwheels across the carpet, and everyone loved him,” she said.

'No child deserves that,' says godmother of slain Kan. 6-year-old

WASHINGTON —In 2021, the Biden-Harris Administration announced COVID-19 vaccination requirements to promote the health and safety of individuals and the efficiency of workplaces, protecting vital sectors of our economy and vulnerable populations, according to the White House web site.

Since January 2021, COVID-19 deaths have declined by 95%, and hospitalizations are down nearly 91%. Globally, COVID-19 deaths are at their lowest levels since the start of the pandemic. Following a whole-of-government effort that led to a record number of nearly 270 million Americans receiving at least one shot of the COVID-19 vaccine, we are in a different phase of our response to COVID-19 than we were when many of these requirements were put into place.

The week, the White House announced that the Administration will end the COVID-19 vaccine requirements for Federal employees, Federal contractors, and international air travelers at the end of the day on May 11, according to a statement from the White House. May 11, is the same day that the COVID-19 public health emergency ends.

 Additionally, HHS and DHS announced Monday that they will start the process to end their vaccination requirements for Head Start educators, CMS-certified healthcare facilities, and certain noncitizens at the land border. In the coming days, further details related to ending these requirements will be provided.

The Administration’s vaccination requirements helped ensure the safety of workers in critical workforces including those in the healthcare and education sectors, protecting themselves and the populations they serve, and strengthening their ability to provide services without disruptions to operations. 

The Federal government successfully implemented requirements for its workforce in a way that increased vaccination to achieve 98% compliance, reflecting employees who had received at least one dose of a vaccine or had a pending or approved exception or extension request filed by January 2022. 

The administration also put in place vaccination requirements for certain international travelers to slow the spread of new variants entering the country and to allow our healthcare system time to effectively manage access to care if faced with an increase in cases and hospitalizations.

The COVID-19 vaccine requirements bolstered vaccination across the nation, and our broader vaccination campaign has saved millions of lives. We have successfully marshalled a response to make historic investments in broadly accessible vaccines, tests, and treatments to help us combat COVID-19. 

While vaccination remains one of the most important tools in advancing the health and safety of employees and promoting the efficiency of workplaces, we are now in a different phase of our response when these measures are no longer necessary.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666730504896.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —In 2021, the Biden-Harris Administration announced COVID-19 vaccination requirements to promote the health and safety of individuals and the efficiency of workplaces, protecting vital sectors of our economy and vulnerable populations, according to the White House web site.Since January 2021, COVID-19 deaths have declined by 95%, and hospitalizations are down nearly 91%. Globally, COVID-19 deaths are at their lowest levels since the start of the pandemic. Following a whole-of-government effort that led to a record number of nearly 270 million Americans receiving at least one shot of the COVID-19 vaccine, we are in a different phase of our response to COVID-19 than we were when many of these requirements were put into place.The week, the White House announced that the Administration will end the COVID-19 vaccine requirements for Federal employees, Federal contractors, and international air travelers at the end of the day on May 11, according to a statement from the White House. May 11, is the same day that the COVID-19 public health emergency ends. Additionally, HHS and DHS announced Monday that they will start the process to end their vaccination requirements for Head Start educators, CMS-certified healthcare facilities, and certain noncitizens at the land border. In the coming days, further details related to ending these requirements will be provided.The Administration’s vaccination requirements helped ensure the safety of workers in critical workforces including those in the healthcare and education sectors, protecting themselves and the populations they serve, and strengthening their ability to provide services without disruptions to operations. The Federal government successfully implemented requirements for its workforce in a way that increased vaccination to achieve 98% compliance, reflecting employees who had received at least one dose of a vaccine or had a pending or approved exception or extension request filed by January 2022. The administration also put in place vaccination requirements for certain international travelers to slow the spread of new variants entering the country and to allow our healthcare system time to effectively manage access to care if faced with an increase in cases and hospitalizations.The COVID-19 vaccine requirements bolstered vaccination across the nation, and our broader vaccination campaign has saved millions of lives. We have successfully marshalled a response to make historic investments in broadly accessible vaccines, tests, and treatments to help us combat COVID-19. While vaccination remains one of the most important tools in advancing the health and safety of employees and promoting the efficiency of workplaces, we are now in a different phase of our response when these measures are no longer necessary.

Biden will end all COVID vaccination requirements 

LONDON (AP) — King Charles III&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/king-charles-coronation-live-updates-d0566e3fa36e01e67e642061d3f9014e">was crowned</a>&nbsp;Saturday at Westminster Abbey, in a ceremony built on ancient traditions at a time when the British monarchy faces an uncertain future.

Click below to watch a livestream that began at&nbsp;4a.m. CDT Saturday

Trumpets sounded inside the medieval abbey and the congregation shouted “God save King Charles” as the ceremony began in front of more than 2,000 guests, including world leaders, aristocrats and celebrities. Outside, thousands of troops, tens of thousands of spectators and a smattering of protesters converged along a route that the king traveled from Buckingham Palace in a gilt-trimmed, horse-drawn carriage.

It was the final mile of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/king-coronation-charles-camilla-a799d9bc8baf93778aff362fcde0c80d">seven-decade journey</a>&nbsp;for Charles from heir to monarch.

To the royal family and government, the occasion — code-named Operation Golden Orb — is a display of heritage, tradition and spectacle unmatched around the world.

The rite was expected to by watched by millions, though the awe and reverence the ceremony was designed to evoke are largely gone — and many greeted the day with apathy.

Some even met it with disdain. Republican protesters gathered outside to holler “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/king-charles-coronation-opponents-republican-protest-6aab62a8c337568386914e6374a709be">Not my king</a>&nbsp;” for a celebration of an institution they say stands for privilege and inequality, in a country of deepening poverty and fraying social ties. A handful were arrested.

As guests arrived, the church buzzed with excitement and was abloom with fragrant flowers and colorful hats. Among them were U.S. First Lady Jill Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, eight current and former British prime ministers as well as Judi Dench, Emma Thompson and Lionel Richie.

Thousands of people from across the U.K. and around the world camped overnight along a 1.3-mile (2-kilometer) route that the king and his wife, Camilla, traveled to reach the abbey.

At a traditional Anglican service slightly tweaked for modern times, Charles, clad in crimson and cream robes, swore on a Bible that he is a “true Protestant.”

But for the first time, a preface was added to the coronation oath to say the Church of England “will seek to foster an environment where people of all faiths and beliefs may live freely," and the epistle from the King James Bible was read by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Britain's first Hindu leader.

A gospel choir performed a newly composed “Alleluia,” and, for the first time, female clergy took part in the ceremony.

For 1,000 years and more, British monarchs&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/king-charles-iii-coronation-britain-crown-monarchy-d0f34a0b5489f673844c7d1c8135db86">have been crowned in grandiose ceremonies</a>&nbsp;that confirm their right to rule.

These days, the king no longer has executive or political power, and the service is purely ceremonial since Charles automatically became king upon&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/b2578aa91c3fef9c5d6ad4a557bf63e4">death of his mother</a>, Queen Elizabeth II, in September.

The king remains the U.K.’s head of state and a symbol of national identity — and Charles will have to work to unite a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uk-coronation-diversity-racism-d32740c5a8844ada2d12cd8d8ca1c3ab">multicultural nation</a>&nbsp;and keep the monarchy relevant at at time when support for it is waning, especially among younger people.

The anti-monarchy group Republic said six of its members, including its chief executive, were arrested as they arrived at a protest. Police have said they will have have a “low tolerance” for people seeking to disrupt the day, sparking criticism that they are clamping down on free speech.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-uk-cost-of-living-crisis-4dd114614a9f5c9645d04f5aac8ce2e2">A cost-of-living crisis</a>&nbsp;is also making everyone in the U.K. poorer, raising questions about the cost of all the pomp.

Charles has sought to lead a smaller, less expensive royal machine for the 21st century. So this will be a shorter affair than&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/7c2cf637844ccc0e018ee45e5ac8b44f">Elizabeth's three-hour coronation</a>.

In 1953, Westminster Abbey was fitted with temporary stands to boost the seating capacity to more than 8,000, aristocrats wore crimson robes and coronets, and the coronation procession meandered 5 miles (8 kilometers) through central London so an estimated 3 million people could cheer for the glamorous 27-year-old queen.

Organizers this time shortened the procession route, trimmed the coronation service to less than two hours and sent out 2,300 invitations to world royalty, heads of state, public servants, key workers and local heroes. There were judges in wigs, soldiers with gleaming medals attached to red tunics and members of the House of Lords in their red robes.

Heir to the throne Prince William, his wife, Kate, and their three children were all in attendance. William’s younger brother Prince Harry, who has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/4bafacae1a15e7030eb337e74e904732">publicly sparred with the family</a>, arrived alone. His wife Meghan and their children remained at home in California.

Built around the theme “Called to Serve,” the coronation service began with one of the youngest members of the congregation — a boy chorister — greeting the king. Charles responded by saying, "I come not to be served but to serve.”

The moment is meant to underscore the importance of young people — and is a new addition in a service laden with the rituals through which power has been passed down to new monarchs throughout the centuries.

The symbolic peak of the two-hour service came halfway through when Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby placed the solid gold St. Edward’s Crown on the monarch’s head. Trumpets sounded and gun salutes were fired across the U.K.

In another change, Charles has scrapped the traditional moment at the end of the service when nobles were asked to kneel and pledge their loyalty to the king.

Instead, Welby will invite everyone in the abbey to swear “true allegiance” to the monarch. He'll invite people watching on television to pay homage, too — though that part of the ceremony has been toned down after some criticized it as a tone-deaf effort to demand public support for Charles. Welby will now suggest people at home take a “moment of quiet reflection” or say “God Save the King.”

The public’s response to Charles, though, during the service and along the parade route, is key, said George Gross, a visiting research fellow at King’s College, London and an expert on coronations.

“None of this matters if the public don’t show up,’’ Gross said. ‘’If they don’t care, then the whole thing doesn’t really work. It is all about this interaction.’’

And today's public is very different from the audience that saw Elizabeth crowned.

Almost 20% of the population now come from ethnic minority groups, compared with less than 1% in the 1950s. More than 300 languages are spoken in British schools, and less than half of the population describe themselves as Christian.

Although organizers say the coronation remains a “sacred Anglican service,” the ceremony will for the first time&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/king-charles-iii-sikh-muslims-jews-christians-7ada0db9dd055d1f924165d4b84c48c7">include the active participation of other faiths</a>, including representatives of the Buddhist, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, and Sikh traditions.

LONDON (AP) — The United Kingdom's royal family turns the page on a new chapter Saturday with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/king-charles-iii-coronation-britain-crown-monarchy-d0f34a0b5489f673844c7d1c8135db86">the coronation</a>&nbsp;of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/king-coronation-charles-camilla-a799d9bc8baf93778aff362fcde0c80d">King Charles III</a>&nbsp;— a spectacle that echoes medieval times but features modern flourishes.

Click below to watch a livestream that begins&nbsp;4a.m. CDT Saturday

The pomp,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/king-charles-coronation-ceremonial-roles-farmer-2462b58ff2e8bba0abfa3bf5ecfa080c">pageantry</a>&nbsp;and symbolism date back more than 1,000 years, but the crowning of this king will feature new&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-united-kingdom-king-charles-iii-royalty-c4ef73e7590c0d3647fdf40469aa0388">twists on the tradition</a>&nbsp;and changes from the coronation of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronation-king-charles-queen-elizabeth-cd8a5071914fdb2a1bcde67c5fe9c3c4">70 years ago</a>.

Plans for the ceremony at Westminster Abbey call for a more toned-down affair than the last one, even though royals from other nations, heads of state and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/king-charles-iii-coronation-family-harry-meghan-4bafacae1a15e7030eb337e74e904732">most of Charles' family</a>&nbsp;will be there, and the monarch plans to wear&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/caroline-de-guitaut-national-95912098ff0c4f859b1cfc8397aa3444">the same vestments</a>&nbsp;as Elizabeth did.

Here are some things to know about the coronation:

WHY HAVE THE CORONATION IF CHARLES IS ALREADY KING?

Charles automatically ascended to the throne when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/queen-elizabeth-ii-health-update-b2578aa91c3fef9c5d6ad4a557bf63e4">Elizabeth died Sept. 8</a>, and he was officially proclaimed the United Kingdom's monarch two days later in an ascension ceremony broadcast for the first time on television.

Charles said he was “deeply aware of this great inheritance and of the duties and heavy responsibilities of sovereignty which have now passed to me.”

There is no legal requirement for a coronation, and other European monarchies have done away with the ceremonies.

But the deeply religious and regalia-heavy event is a more formal confirmation of his role as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/king-charles-coronation-parliament-speakers-coach-077c71b57815a241a75068d9789b06d9">head of state</a>&nbsp;and titular head of the Church of England and was intended to show the king's authority was derived from God.

During&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/king-charles-iii-coronation-service-d30f336a0700c14b5fa7fbaacc995d54">the service</a>&nbsp;conducted by the church's spiritual leader, the archbishop of Canterbury, Charles will be&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/king-charles-iii-oil-coronation-jerusalem-6a66a419f294c3f6265b117c66cf4086">anointed with oil</a>, receive the traditional symbols of the monarch — including the orb and scepter — and have the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/queen-elizabeth-ii-king-charles-iii-europe-london-f29b0d48f224dbc2b947938e7ef901c7">St. Edwards Crown</a>&nbsp;placed on his head for the first time.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uk-coronation-queen-camilla-3f2937d8a9ce210397f1eb64263e1a86">Charles’ wife</a>, Camilla, will be crowned as queen consort.

WHAT WILL BE DIFFERENT FROM THE LAST CORONATION?

The coronation ceremony dates back to the medieval period, and much of it remains unchanged.

Westminster Abbey has been the setting of the ritual since William the Conqueror was crowned in 1066.

Elizabeth II's coronation in June 1953 was the first to be televised live. The broadcast in black and white drew an audience of tens of millions in the U.K. and was later played to a worldwide audience. In the age of streaming and social media, people will be able to watch Charles' crowning live — and in vivid reds, blues and golds — from virtually anywhere on the planet and post their hot takes with a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/king-charles-iii-coronation-crown-jewels-90276e03632ac50aa10f3b91e464ac06">crown emoji</a>&nbsp;created for the occasion.

Charles has said he plans to slim down the monarchy. His coronation is expected to reflect that with a ceremony shorter than his mother's three-hour extravaganza and no more than 2,800 guests in the audience — far fewer than the 8,000 who assembled to see Elizabeth crowned.

In a nod to the change in the religious makeup of the United Kingdom, Buddhist, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim and Sikh religious leaders will play a role at the coronation. That reflects&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/king-charles-iii-sikh-muslims-jews-christians-7ada0db9dd055d1f924165d4b84c48c7">Charles' vow to be “the defender of faiths,”</a>&nbsp;as opposed to the “defender of the faith.”

The procession after the ceremony also will be decidedly shorter than the 5-mile (8 kilometer) route that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/90276e03632ac50aa10f3b91e464ac06">Elizabeth and her husband, Prince Philip, took</a>&nbsp;around London in 1953. Charles and Camilla plan to take a more modern set of horse-drawn wheels for the 1.3-mile (2-kilometer) route from Buckingham Palace to the abbey. Once crowned, they will step back in time and retrace the journey in the 260-year-old carriage — notorious for its rough ride — used in every coronation since William IV’s in 1831.

A hundred heads of state are expected to attend along with royalty ranging from Japan's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-lifestyle-business-naruhito-japan-36d8a43b744aa69ffae49df6c5be8b36">Crown Prince Akishino</a>&nbsp;and his wife, Kiko, to Spain’s King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia.

The U.S. will keep alive its streak of a president never attending a British royal coronation, although&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/king-charles-coronation-jill-biden-united-kingdom-cf70740ce8f67f0be13dcf1f6517d3fb">first lady Jill Biden is set to attend</a>.

William, Prince of Wales and heir to the throne, is expected to kneel before his father and pledge his loyalty in what's known as the Homage of Royal Blood.

His younger brother, Prince Harry, the disgruntled Duke of Sussex, is not expected to take part in the service. His explosive memoir “Spare,” which became a bestseller early this year, made unflattering claims about the royal family.

Until three weeks ago, there was a question of whether Harry and his wife, Meghan, would attend the crowning after leveling&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/prince-harry-book-details-ce879703cbc92372e4736313c6cab941">charges of racism and media manipulation</a>&nbsp;at the royal family.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/prince-harry-king-charles-coronation-ed88499c6fdab56d0b502fce0186d62f">While Harry will be there</a>, the duchess is to remain at the couple's Southern California home with their two young children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

The coronation is just a few days before the first of Harry's lawsuits against the British tabloid press goes to trial. The case could reveal more family secrets.

During a hearing in a similar case last week,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/204040933edff25780a8df251c1494ef">Harry said in court papers</a>&nbsp;that Buckingham Palace, with the approval of the queen, had an agreement with Rupert Murdoch's English newspapers to settle phone hacking allegations without a lawsuit. Harry said he was directed by palace staff to drop his litigation because his father wanted to curry favor with the press.

The family drama doesn't end there. Charles' brother, Prince Andrew, is also not expected to play any role in the ceremony. Andrew gave up royal duties and was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/prince-andrew-queen-elizabeth-ii-sexual-assault-allegations-898054236b195125946b3bacc3262b5b">stripped of military titles and patronages</a>&nbsp;after revelations of his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/prince-andrew-virginia-giuffre-lawsuit-settlement-8b04c775aa46f761d81c05ef12e3a94f">settled a lawsuit</a>&nbsp;with a woman who said she was forced to have sex with him when she was a teenager.

WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF THE CORONATION?

With opinion polls showing support for the monarchy has weakened in recent years, this is the chance for Charles to seek and showcase the public's embrace.

Crowds are expected to line the streets to cheer the new king, and throngs will stand outside Buckingham Palace waiting for him to appear on the balcony after the procession.

While criticism of the crown was relatively muted in recent years out of respect for the queen and her decades of service to the country, there is likely to be much more discussion of whether the United Kingdom still needs this antiquated institution or if it should become a republic with an elected head of state.

The leader of the anti-monarchist group Republic said it plans to have more than 1,000 protesters clad in yellow chanting, “Not my king” as the royal procession passes by.

For the vast majority, though, it will be an opportunity to celebrate being British — or show their support for an institution that is the subject of fascination for so many around the world.

Streets will be lined with union flags, spectators will dress in red, white and blue, and military jets will fly overhead streaming plumes of smoke in the national colors. The pomp and circumstance of the ceremony itself is also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/british-monarchy-slavery-slave-trade-king-charles-1964cdbc927f4c9ad21836cec137e911">a reminder of a time</a>&nbsp;when Britain was the most powerful nation in the world.

WHO IS PICKING UP THE TAB FOR THE CELEBRATION?

The public is footing the bill for the coronation. There is no official estimate yet of what it might cost. Some reports estimate it could top 100 million pounds ($125 million).

A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said Tuesday that some estimates were “more fanciful than others” and that the true cost would be shared later.

The celebration comes as the U.K. weathers a bruising cost-of-living crisis that left many struggling to heat their homes this winter and put food on their tables.

But plenty of people stand to profit from the hoopla.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/king-charles-coronation-tourism-uk-economy-4514f315ff977d132743f728bd019afa">Officials are expecting to see a tourism</a>&nbsp;boost and there is no shortage of coronation-themed events and commemorative products that could ring up additional sales taxes.

Fans looking to remember the historic event can find everything from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/king-charles-coronation-china-souvenirs-456b64674d2bc7b96c2a12eb570e1e3a">fine china</a>&nbsp;to souvenir coins or even cardboard masks of Charles and Camilla. Coronation themed biscuits, chocolates and beers are likely to be quickly forgotten.

🎥 History: The coronation of King Charles III

NEW YORK (AP) — A video recording of former President Donald Trump being questioned about the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-rape-trial-carroll-columnist-2024-b3c1a4b254b8d16d76e2ce39342d9856">rape allegations against him</a>&nbsp;was made public for the first time Friday, providing a glimpse of the Republican's emphatic, often colorful denials.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?527931-1/president-trump-deposition-e-jean-carroll-civil-case">CLICK here to watch </a>the deposition&nbsp;

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-rape-trial-carroll-columnist-7e4d44c7e8f65c1bd4ebde27ea3b7d7f">Jurors got to see the video</a>&nbsp;of Trump's October 2022 deposition over the past few days at the trial over a lawsuit filed against him by advice columnist E. Jean Carroll. Written transcripts of Trump's testimony had also previously been made public, but not the recording itself.

The video was made available Friday to news organizations covering the proceedings.

The video shows Trump answering questions in his trademark navy suit and a bright blue tie. He called Carroll's claim that he raped her in a luxury Manhattan department store "a false, disgusting lie.”

“It’s a disgrace. Frankly it’s a disgrace that something like this can be brought,” Trump said.

Trump reiterated his assertion that Carroll is “not my type,” but also mistook her for his second wife, Marla Maples, when shown a photo of him meeting Carroll and her then-husband at an event in the 1980s.

Trump was also asked about the infamous “Access Hollywood” video in which Trump bragged about grabbing women’s genitals. He said, as he has previously, that he was was engaging in “locker room talk.” Trump justified his comments about famous people being able to have their way with women, saying: “Historically that’s true with stars.”

All planned testimony in the trial concluded Thursday, clearing the way for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-rape-accuser-carroll-golf-ireland-765e105fb21896b147ef9bf380487af7">closing arguments</a>&nbsp;by the lawyers to happen Monday barring a last-minute decision by Trump to testify.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683335527038.png" alt="Image from the video that was made available Friday to news organizations covering the proceedings." />
 <figcaption>Image from the video that was made available Friday to news organizations covering the proceedings.</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — A video recording of former President Donald Trump being questioned about the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-rape-trial-carroll-columnist-2024-b3c1a4b254b8d16d76e2ce39342d9856">rape allegations against him</a>&nbsp;was made public for the first time Friday, providing a glimpse of the Republican's emphatic, often colorful denials.<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?527931-1/president-trump-deposition-e-jean-carroll-civil-case">CLICK here to watch </a>the deposition&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-rape-trial-carroll-columnist-7e4d44c7e8f65c1bd4ebde27ea3b7d7f">Jurors got to see the video</a>&nbsp;of Trump's October 2022 deposition over the past few days at the trial over a lawsuit filed against him by advice columnist E. Jean Carroll. Written transcripts of Trump's testimony had also previously been made public, but not the recording itself.The video was made available Friday to news organizations covering the proceedings.The video shows Trump answering questions in his trademark navy suit and a bright blue tie. He called Carroll's claim that he raped her in a luxury Manhattan department store "a false, disgusting lie.”“It’s a disgrace. Frankly it’s a disgrace that something like this can be brought,” Trump said.Trump reiterated his assertion that Carroll is “not my type,” but also mistook her for his second wife, Marla Maples, when shown a photo of him meeting Carroll and her then-husband at an event in the 1980s.Trump was also asked about the infamous “Access Hollywood” video in which Trump bragged about grabbing women’s genitals. He said, as he has previously, that he was was engaging in “locker room talk.” Trump justified his comments about famous people being able to have their way with women, saying: “Historically that’s true with stars.”All planned testimony in the trial concluded Thursday, clearing the way for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-rape-accuser-carroll-golf-ireland-765e105fb21896b147ef9bf380487af7">closing arguments</a>&nbsp;by the lawyers to happen Monday barring a last-minute decision by Trump to testify.

🎥Trump's video deposition in rape lawsuit made public

LABETTE COUNTY _ The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Labette County Sheriff’s Office continue their search for Dakota A. Patton, the 23-year-old man who was last seen the evening of April 25, in Parsons, Kansas. Foul play is suspected in Patton’s disappearance, according to a media release from the KBI.

The Labette County Sheriff’s Office requested KBI assistance on April 27, after Patton’s vehicle was located abandoned in a field in rural Labette County. Patton was also reported missing on April 27.

Patton is a white male. He is 5 ft. 11 in. tall and weighs around 230 lbs. He has brown hair, blue eyes, and facial hair. Patton was likely wearing blue jeans, a grey sweatshirt and boots.

KBI agents believe Patton may have last been in an area along the Neosho River,&nbsp; between 20th Road and Wallace Road and 60th Road and Wallace Road. 

Investigators ask fisherman, hunters, farmers, and hikers who frequent this area to report anything suspicious they encounter that may be connected to Patton’s disappearance.

If you have any information about the disappearance of Dakota Patton, please contact the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME, or the Labette County Sheriff’s Office at 620-795-2565. Anonymous tips can be made online at https://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683326201347.png" alt="Image KBI" />
 <figcaption>Image KBI</figcaption>
 </figure>LABETTE COUNTY _ The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Labette County Sheriff’s Office continue their search for Dakota A. Patton, the 23-year-old man who was last seen the evening of April 25, in Parsons, Kansas. Foul play is suspected in Patton’s disappearance, according to a media release from the KBI.The Labette County Sheriff’s Office requested KBI assistance on April 27, after Patton’s vehicle was located abandoned in a field in rural Labette County. Patton was also reported missing on April 27.Patton is a white male. He is 5 ft. 11 in. tall and weighs around 230 lbs. He has brown hair, blue eyes, and facial hair. Patton was likely wearing blue jeans, a grey sweatshirt and boots.KBI agents believe Patton may have last been in an area along the Neosho River,&nbsp; between 20th Road and Wallace Road and 60th Road and Wallace Road. Investigators ask fisherman, hunters, farmers, and hikers who frequent this area to report anything suspicious they encounter that may be connected to Patton’s disappearance.If you have any information about the disappearance of Dakota Patton, please contact the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME, or the Labette County Sheriff’s Office at 620-795-2565. Anonymous tips can be made online at https://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar.

KBI: Foul play suspected in disappearance of Kan. man

KANSAS CITY— Law enforcement authorities continue searching for 21-year-old Jae’veon Marquice Mitchell-Locke, a suspect in the April 5, shooting of three Kansas police officers during an undercover fentanyl trafficking investigation, according&nbsp; to the Platte County Sheriff's office.

Officials at the Platte County, Missouri Detention Center released him inadvertently on April 20.

Mitchell-Locke and two other suspects in the gunfight are charged in Wyandotte County with attempted murder, aggravated battery against law enforcement, criminal discharge of a firearm at an occupied building or vehicle, aggravated endangering a child, aggravated assault of law enforcement officers and distribution or possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682111930463.png" alt="Mitchell-Locke-photo Platte County" />
 <figcaption>Mitchell-Locke-photo Platte County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY— Law enforcement authorities continue searching for 21-year-old Jae’veon Marquice Mitchell-Locke, a suspect in the April 5, shooting of three Kansas police officers during an undercover fentanyl trafficking investigation, according&nbsp; to the Platte County Sheriff's office.Officials at the Platte County, Missouri Detention Center released him inadvertently on April 20.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681993393030.png" alt="Scene of the shooting investigation on April 5 -photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Scene of the shooting investigation on April 5 -photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>Mitchell-Locke and two other suspects in the gunfight are charged in Wyandotte County with attempted murder, aggravated battery against law enforcement, criminal discharge of a firearm at an occupied building or vehicle, aggravated endangering a child, aggravated assault of law enforcement officers and distribution or possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, according to online jail records.

Suspect in Kan. officer shooting released by mistake is still missing

CDC's Rochelle Walensky resigns, citing pandemic transition

NEW YORK (AP) — Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, submitted her resignation Friday, saying the waning of the COVID-19 pandemic was a good time to make a transition.

Walensky's last day will be June 30, CDC officials said, and an interim director wasn't immediately named. She sent a resignation letter to President Joe Biden and announced the decision at a CDC staff meeting.

Walensky, 54, has been the agency's director for a little over two years, and the announcement took many health experts by surprise. In her letter to Biden, she expressed "mixed feelings" about the decision and didn't explain exactly why she was stepping down, but said the nation is at a moment of transition as emergency declarations come to an end.

"I have never been prouder of anything I have done in my professional career," she wrote.

The World Health Organization said Friday that COVID-19 no longer qualifies as a global emergency, and the U.S. public health emergency will expire next week. Deaths in the U.S. are at their lowest point since the earliest days of the coronavirus outbreak in early 2020.

The CDC, with a $12 billion budget and more than 12,000 employees. is an Atlanta-based federal agency charged with protecting Americans from disease outbreaks and other public health threats.

Walensky, previously an infectious-diseases specialist at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, had no experience running a government health agency when she was sworn in on the first day of the Biden administration.

She came with a reputation as a prominent voice on the pandemic, sometimes criticizing how the government was responding. She was brought in to raise morale at the CDC, to rebuild public trust in the agency and to improve its sometimes-bumbling response to the pandemic.

At the time of her arrival, more than 400,000 U.S. COVID-19 deaths had been reported, and states were scrambling to get supplies of new vaccines. Morale at the CDC was abysmal. The Trump administration had marginalized the agency, with the White House taking over the government's messaging about the pandemic and sometimes opposing or undermining what the CDC wanted to do.

"No CDC director in history inherited the set of challenges she faced coming into the job," said Jason Schwartz, a health policy expert at the Yale School of Public Health.

The CDC regained prominence in government messaging — although even under Biden, the White House remained at center stage in the handling of the response, Schwartz said.

She leaves at a time when the national COVID-19 death toll stands at about 1.1 million. Reported cases, hospitalizations and deaths have all been trending down for months.

At CDC, Walensky started a center for forecasting and outbreak analytics and took steps to modernize data collection and analysis. Last year, she began a reorganization designed to make the agency more nimble and to improve its communications with the public.

Biden, in a statement, said Walensky "leaves CDC a stronger institution, better positioned to confront health threats and protect Americans."

White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients applauded her performance.

"Her creativity, skill and expertise, and pure grit were essential to our effective response and an historic recovery that made life better for Americans across the country," Zients said in a statement.

There were stumbles during her tenure too.

In the spring of 2021, Walensky said fully vaccinated people could stop wearing masks in many settings, only to reverse course as the then-new delta variant spread. In December 2021, the agency's decision to shorten isolation and quarantine caught many by surprise and caused confusion.

Also, Walensky and other U.S. officials were criticized last year for not being aggressive enough against an emerging mpox outbreak that faded in the late summer and fall.

Jennifer Nuzzo, a pandemic expert at the Brown University School of Public Health, is worried that the proposed reforms won't happen without Walensky there to drive them.

"CDC is exhausted. They have been working around the clock, nonstop, for three years with little gratitude," she said. "To have a leadership change in the midst of all that ... I can't imagine that doesn't take the wind out of the sails of change."

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662076170437.png" alt="Walensky's last day will be June 30, CDC officials said. -courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Walensky's last day will be June 30, CDC officials said. -courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>CDC's Rochelle Walensky resigns, citing pandemic transitionBy MIKE STOBBE AP Medical WriterNEW YORK (AP) — Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, submitted her resignation Friday, saying the waning of the COVID-19 pandemic was a good time to make a transition.Walensky's last day will be June 30, CDC officials said, and an interim director wasn't immediately named. She sent a resignation letter to President Joe Biden and announced the decision at a CDC staff meeting.Walensky, 54, has been the agency's director for a little over two years, and the announcement took many health experts by surprise. In her letter to Biden, she expressed "mixed feelings" about the decision and didn't explain exactly why she was stepping down, but said the nation is at a moment of transition as emergency declarations come to an end."I have never been prouder of anything I have done in my professional career," she wrote.The World Health Organization said Friday that COVID-19 no longer qualifies as a global emergency, and the U.S. public health emergency will expire next week. Deaths in the U.S. are at their lowest point since the earliest days of the coronavirus outbreak in early 2020.The CDC, with a $12 billion budget and more than 12,000 employees. is an Atlanta-based federal agency charged with protecting Americans from disease outbreaks and other public health threats.Walensky, previously an infectious-diseases specialist at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, had no experience running a government health agency when she was sworn in on the first day of the Biden administration.She came with a reputation as a prominent voice on the pandemic, sometimes criticizing how the government was responding. She was brought in to raise morale at the CDC, to rebuild public trust in the agency and to improve its sometimes-bumbling response to the pandemic.At the time of her arrival, more than 400,000 U.S. COVID-19 deaths had been reported, and states were scrambling to get supplies of new vaccines. Morale at the CDC was abysmal. The Trump administration had marginalized the agency, with the White House taking over the government's messaging about the pandemic and sometimes opposing or undermining what the CDC wanted to do."No CDC director in history inherited the set of challenges she faced coming into the job," said Jason Schwartz, a health policy expert at the Yale School of Public Health.The CDC regained prominence in government messaging — although even under Biden, the White House remained at center stage in the handling of the response, Schwartz said.She leaves at a time when the national COVID-19 death toll stands at about 1.1 million. Reported cases, hospitalizations and deaths have all been trending down for months.At CDC, Walensky started a center for forecasting and outbreak analytics and took steps to modernize data collection and analysis. Last year, she began a reorganization designed to make the agency more nimble and to improve its communications with the public.Biden, in a statement, said Walensky "leaves CDC a stronger institution, better positioned to confront health threats and protect Americans."White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients applauded her performance."Her creativity, skill and expertise, and pure grit were essential to our effective response and an historic recovery that made life better for Americans across the country," Zients said in a statement.There were stumbles during her tenure too.In the spring of 2021, Walensky said fully vaccinated people could stop wearing masks in many settings, only to reverse course as the then-new delta variant spread. In December 2021, the agency's decision to shorten isolation and quarantine caught many by surprise and caused confusion.Also, Walensky and other U.S. officials were criticized last year for not being aggressive enough against an emerging mpox outbreak that faded in the late summer and fall.Jennifer Nuzzo, a pandemic expert at the Brown University School of Public Health, is worried that the proposed reforms won't happen without Walensky there to drive them."CDC is exhausted. They have been working around the clock, nonstop, for three years with little gratitude," she said. "To have a leadership change in the midst of all that ... I can't imagine that doesn't take the wind out of the sails of change."___The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.---------

CDC Director Rochelle Walensky is stepping down from agency

SEDGWICK COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 6p.m. Thursday in Sedgwick County.

A moped driven by a 69-year-old man was eastbound on Walker Street when he collided with a Subaru Forrester driven by a 72-year-old who was southbound on Mclean, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.

First responders located the moped rider who had been ejected from the vehicle.&nbsp;EMS and Wichita Fire rendered emergency medical aid to the rider and transported him to a local hospital with critical injuries. The rider did not regain consciousness after the impact, according to Rebolledo.&nbsp; He was later pronounced deceased by medical staff.

Currently, neither speed nor impairment are believed to be contributing factors to the accident, according to Rebolledo.

SEDGWICK COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 6p.m. Thursday in Sedgwick County.A moped driven by a 69-year-old man was eastbound on Walker Street when he collided with a Subaru Forrester driven by a 72-year-old who was southbound on Mclean, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.First responders located the moped rider who had been ejected from the vehicle.&nbsp;EMS and Wichita Fire rendered emergency medical aid to the rider and transported him to a local hospital with critical injuries. The rider did not regain consciousness after the impact, according to Rebolledo.&nbsp; He was later pronounced deceased by medical staff.Currently, neither speed nor impairment are believed to be contributing factors to the accident, according to Rebolledo.

Police: Kansas man dies after moped crash into SUV

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

Thieves used a stolen pickup to break into an ATM at a south Salina financial institution and in the process also damaged the wall of a neighboring office building early Friday morning.

&nbsp;Just after 4 a.m. Friday, the Saline County dispatch center received a notification that an alarm had been activated at Great Plains Federal Credit Union, 2061 S. Ohio Street in Salina, according to&nbsp;Salina Police Captain Gary Hanus.

Officers arrived at 4:17 a.m. and discovered a red 2000 Ford F250 pickup on the south side of the credit union. The pickup also was lodged in the north wall of Salina Family Vision, 2069 S. Ohio Street.

Hanus said the ATM had been ripped open with the hook and chains attached to the pickup and the ATM. The cash box, which contained an undisclosed amount of money, was missing.

The ATM was destroyed. A replacement will cost approximately $45,000, according to Hanus.

Although there was no damage estimate for the wall at Salina Family Vision, Hanus said it was expected to be in the thousands of dollars. He also said that a City of Salina Building inspector did declare the building safe.

Using license plate registration information, officers made contact with the owner of the pickup, who didn't know his pickup had been stolen until the officers showed up at his door. The pickup, valued at $5,000, had been parked in the 2100 block of Linden Drive, a few blocks away from the credit union.

Hanus said officers were canvassing the area and had found a witness who reported seeing two to three shorter stature males at the scene of the theft.

Officers have checked surveillance video from the credit union and are checking the Salina Police Department's Flock traffic cameras for possible leads.

Hanus encouraged anyone in the area with surveillance cameras to check their video for suspicious persons or activity. If anyone has alerts or sees suspicious activity on their surveillance videos, they are asked to contact the Salina Police Department's Detective Division.

Hanus said the Salina Police Department has been in contact with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation concerning this incident.

He noted that while the department is not able at this time to definitively say who committed the theft, one possibility detectives are checking into is that an organized crime group was involved.

 Hanus explained that information shared amongst law enforcement agencies indicates that such organized crime groups are targeting ATMs across the United States, including in Kansas. "Part of the groups' modus operandi, or MO, is to steal early 2000s Ford F250s to use in such heists."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683303642486.jpeg" alt="A tarp covers part of the north wall at&nbsp;Salina Family Vision, right, after thieves rammed a stolen pickup into the building while stealing the cash box from the ATM at neighboring Great Plains Federal Credit Union, left.&nbsp;Photo by Leslie Eikleberry/Salina Post" />
 <figcaption>A tarp covers part of the north wall at&nbsp;Salina Family Vision, right, after thieves rammed a stolen pickup into the building while stealing the cash box from the ATM at neighboring Great Plains Federal Credit Union, left.&nbsp;Photo by Leslie Eikleberry/Salina Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostThieves used a stolen pickup to break into an ATM at a south Salina financial institution and in the process also damaged the wall of a neighboring office building early Friday morning.&nbsp;Just after 4 a.m. Friday, the Saline County dispatch center received a notification that an alarm had been activated at Great Plains Federal Credit Union, 2061 S. Ohio Street in Salina, according to&nbsp;Salina Police Captain Gary Hanus.Officers arrived at 4:17 a.m. and discovered a red 2000 Ford F250 pickup on the south side of the credit union. The pickup also was lodged in the north wall of Salina Family Vision, 2069 S. Ohio Street.Hanus said the ATM had been ripped open with the hook and chains attached to the pickup and the ATM. The cash box, which contained an undisclosed amount of money, was missing.The ATM was destroyed. A replacement will cost approximately $45,000, according to Hanus.Although there was no damage estimate for the wall at Salina Family Vision, Hanus said it was expected to be in the thousands of dollars. He also said that a City of Salina Building inspector did declare the building safe.Using license plate registration information, officers made contact with the owner of the pickup, who didn't know his pickup had been stolen until the officers showed up at his door. The pickup, valued at $5,000, had been parked in the 2100 block of Linden Drive, a few blocks away from the credit union.Hanus said officers were canvassing the area and had found a witness who reported seeing two to three shorter stature males at the scene of the theft.Officers have checked surveillance video from the credit union and are checking the Salina Police Department's Flock traffic cameras for possible leads.Hanus encouraged anyone in the area with surveillance cameras to check their video for suspicious persons or activity. If anyone has alerts or sees suspicious activity on their surveillance videos, they are asked to contact the Salina Police Department's Detective Division.Hanus said the Salina Police Department has been in contact with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation concerning this incident.He noted that while the department is not able at this time to definitively say who committed the theft, one possibility detectives are checking into is that an organized crime group was involved. Hanus explained that information shared amongst law enforcement agencies indicates that such organized crime groups are targeting ATMs across the United States, including in Kansas. "Part of the groups' modus operandi, or MO, is to steal early 2000s Ford F250s to use in such heists."

Police: Cash box stolen from Kansas credit union ATM 

JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that occurred just after 6:30a.m. Friday near Holton, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

 The incident involved a driver of a brown Peterbilt semi pulling a grain hauler and the driver of a black GMC Denali. 

 The incident is believed to have started on U.S. Highway 75 north of Holton and continued thru the City of Holton, according to Morse.

It is believed that multiple shots were fired during the incident. Investigators were questioning the driver who were involved.

  The Sheriff’s Office is requesting assistance from the public. If anyone has any information regarding this early morning incident, they are asked to contact the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office at 785-364-2251.

JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that occurred just after 6:30a.m. Friday near Holton, according to Sheriff Tim Morse. The incident involved a driver of a brown Peterbilt semi pulling a grain hauler and the driver of a black GMC Denali. The incident is believed to have started on U.S. Highway 75 north of Holton and continued thru the City of Holton, according to Morse.It is believed that multiple shots were fired during the incident. Investigators were questioning the driver who were involved. The Sheriff’s Office is requesting assistance from the public. If anyone has any information regarding this early morning incident, they are asked to contact the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office at 785-364-2251.

Sheriff investigates multiple shots fired on Kansas highway

Detroit (AP) —Ford Motor Co. is recalling certain 2004 to 2006 Ranger vehicles because replacement front passenger air bag inflators may have been installed incorrectly.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in a letter that the recall includes 231,942 vehicles.

The vehicles had received replacement front passenger air bag inflators under a previous recall. The NHTSA said that an incorrectly installed inflator may not properly inflate the passenger air bag, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

Dealers will inspect and reinstall the front passenger air bag inflator, if needed, for free.

Notification letters are expected to be mailed to owners of the impacted vehicles on May 22.

Vehicle owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or the NHTSA at vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153).

A day earlier, BMW&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bmw-takata-air-bag-inflator-explode-killed-0167b6f727a20595a3c9a710faf1f660">warned</a>&nbsp;the owners of about 90,000 older vehicles in the U.S. not to drive them due to an increasing threat that the air bags might explode in a crash.

The warning covers vehicles from the 2000 through 2006 model years that previously had been recalled to replace faulty and dangerous air bag inflators made by Takata.

The company used volatile ammonium nitrate to inflate the air bags in a crash. But the chemical can deteriorate over time when exposed to heat and humidity and blow apart a metal canister, hurling shrapnel that can injure or kill drivers and passengers.

Since 2009, the exploding air bags made by Takata have killed at least 33 people worldwide, including 24 in the United States. Most of the deaths and about 400 injuries have happened in U.S., but they also have occurred in Australia and Malaysia.

Detroit (AP) —Ford Motor Co. is recalling certain 2004 to 2006 Ranger vehicles because replacement front passenger air bag inflators may have been installed incorrectly.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in a letter that the recall includes 231,942 vehicles.The vehicles had received replacement front passenger air bag inflators under a previous recall. The NHTSA said that an incorrectly installed inflator may not properly inflate the passenger air bag, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.Dealers will inspect and reinstall the front passenger air bag inflator, if needed, for free.Notification letters are expected to be mailed to owners of the impacted vehicles on May 22.Vehicle owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or the NHTSA at vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153).A day earlier, BMW&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bmw-takata-air-bag-inflator-explode-killed-0167b6f727a20595a3c9a710faf1f660">warned</a>&nbsp;the owners of about 90,000 older vehicles in the U.S. not to drive them due to an increasing threat that the air bags might explode in a crash.The warning covers vehicles from the 2000 through 2006 model years that previously had been recalled to replace faulty and dangerous air bag inflators made by Takata.The company used volatile ammonium nitrate to inflate the air bags in a crash. But the chemical can deteriorate over time when exposed to heat and humidity and blow apart a metal canister, hurling shrapnel that can injure or kill drivers and passengers.Since 2009, the exploding air bags made by Takata have killed at least 33 people worldwide, including 24 in the United States. Most of the deaths and about 400 injuries have happened in U.S., but they also have occurred in Australia and Malaysia.

Ford recalls some vehicles for air bag inflator installation

GENEVA (AP) — The World Health Organization said Friday that COVID-19 no longer qualifies as a global emergency, marking a symbolic end to the devastating coronavirus pandemic that triggered once-unthinkable lockdowns, upended economies worldwide and killed at least 7 million people worldwide.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583945487828.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>GENEVA (AP) — The World Health Organization said Friday that COVID-19 no longer qualifies as a global emergency, marking a symbolic end to the devastating coronavirus pandemic that triggered once-unthinkable lockdowns, upended economies worldwide and killed at least 7 million people worldwide.WHO said that even though the emergency phase was over, the pandemic hasn't come to an end, noting recent spikes in cases in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. The U.N. health agency says that thousands of people are still dying from the virus every week.“It’s with great hope that I declare COVID-19 over as a global health emergency,” WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.“That does not mean COVID-19 is over as a global health threat,” he said, adding he wouldn't hesitate to reconvene experts to reassess the situation should COVID-19 “put our world in peril.”Tedros said the pandemic had been on a downward trend for more than a year, acknowledging that most countries have already returned to life before COVID-19. He bemoaned the damage that COVID-19 had done to the global community, saying the virus had shattered businesses and plunged millions into poverty.“COVID has changed our world and it has changed us,” he said, warning that the risk of new variants still remained.When the U.N. health agency first declared the coronavirus to be an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/united-nations-japan-france-south-korea-virus-outbreak-0f0f07b30c8cdd2b0f30c6081acc7599">international crisis</a>&nbsp;on Jan. 30, 2020, it hadn't yet been named COVID-19 and there were no major outbreaks beyond China.More than three years later, the virus has caused an estimated 764 million cases globally and about 5 billion people have received at least one dose of vaccine.In the U.S., the public health emergency declaration made regarding COVID-19 is set to expire on May 11, when wide-ranging measures to support the pandemic response, including vaccine mandates, will end. Many other countries, including Germany, France and Britain, dropped many of their provisions against the pandemic last year.When Tedros declared COVID-19 to be an emergency in 2020, he said his greatest fear was the virus’ potential to spread in countries with weak health systems he described as “ill-prepared.”In fact, some of the countries that suffered the worst COVID-19 death tolls were previously judged to be the best-prepared for a pandemic, including the U.S. and Britain. According to WHO data, the number of deaths reported in Africa account for just 3% of the global total.WHO made its decision to lower its highest level of alert on Friday, after convening an expert group on Thursday. The U.N. agency doesn't “declare” pandemics, but first used the term to describe the outbreak in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/united-nations-michael-pence-religion-travel-virus-outbreak-52e12ca90c55b6e0c398d134a2cc286e">March 2020</a>, when the virus had spread to every continent except Antarctica, long after many other scientists had said a pandemic was already underway.WHO is the only agency mandated to coordinate the world’s response to acute health threats, but the organization faltered repeatedly as the coronavirus unfolded. In January 2020, WHO publicly applauded China for its supposed speedy and transparent response, even though recordings of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/united-nations-health-ap-top-news-virus-outbreak-public-health-3c061794970661042b18d5aeaaed9fae">private meetings obtained by The Associated Press</a>&nbsp;showed top officials were frustrated at the country’s lack of cooperation.WHO also recommended against members of the public wearing masks to protect against COVID-19 for months, a mistake many health officials say cost lives.Numerous scientists also slammed WHO’s reluctance to acknowledge that COVID-19 was frequently spread in the air and by people without symptoms, criticizing the agency’s lack of strong guidance to prevent such exposure.Tedros was a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/united-nations-coronavirus-pandemic-coronavirus-vaccine-geneva-5670593f4f3fd55113a9dea64b4bdc9d">vociferous critic</a>&nbsp;of rich countries who hoarded the limited supplies of COVID-19 vaccines, warning that the world was on the brink of a “catastrophic moral failure” by failing to share shots with poor countries.Most recently, WHO has been struggling to investigate the origins of the coronavirus, a challenging scientific endeavour that has also become politically fraught.After a weeks-long visit to China, WHO released a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/who-report-animals-source-covid-19-coronavirus-8a839c179c330c56fa46a763b7286a7f">report</a>&nbsp;in 2021 concluding that COVID-19 most likely jumped into humans from animals, dismissing the possibility that it originated in a lab as “extremely unlikely.”But the U.N. agency backtracked the following year, saying “key pieces of data” were still missing and that it was premature to rule out that COVID-19 might have ties to a lab.A panel commissioned by WHO to review its performance criticized China and other countries for not moving quicker to stop the virus and said the organization was constrained both by its limited finances and inability to compel countries to act.