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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Restaurant dining rooms, retail stores and some offices began reopening Monday after Kansas lifted a statewide stay-at-home order, though some business owners hesitated, still concerned about the novel coronavirus.

<a href="https://apnews.com/abd6bb1cfc4f6349d94f853f04b12bcb">Gov. Laura Kelly plans</a>&nbsp;to reopen the pandemic-battered economy in four stages between now an at least June 15. The first stage began when the her stay-at-home order expired at midnight Sunday, allowing dine-in service in restaurants and the reopening of stores, though social distancing still must be observed.

But some owners weren’t ready to open their stores to in-person shoppers. In Wichita, Watermark Books and Cafe remained closed except for online orders and curbside pickup, though owner Sarah Bagby has seen business drop 60% to 70%. She said she’s still working out issues that come with running a store where customers had been used to handling multiple books while browsing.

“We’re going to do this slowly and deliberately,” she said. “What once was once considered cozy is now considered risky, so we have to kind of reconfigure some things.”

Many businesses, including bars, gyms, theaters, barbershops and hair and nail salons, must remain closed until the second phase begins on May 18. That’s also when a 10-person mass gathering limit would increase, first to 30 until June 1 and then 90 until June 15.

Kelly’s plan already&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e047671519a2e0d18115103f45162df7">has drawn criticism</a>&nbsp;for treating certain types of businesses differently from others. She’s also allowing local officials to impose stricter rules.

In the Kansas City area, Johnson County, the state’s most populous county, and neighboring Wyandotte County, are keeping stay-at-home orders in place through this Sunday. The two counties account for more than 100 of the state’s 136 reported COVID-19-related deaths.

In Shawnee County, home to the state capital of Topeka, Dr. Gianfranco Pezzino, the health officer, said the county’s 24 new cases last week were more than double the number the previous week, and cases with no tie to a previous infection source are more frequent. He said new restrictions are possible.

Confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas rose by 4.3% on Monday, up 215 to 5,245 total, though the actual number is thought to be higher because of limited testing and because people can be infected without showing symptoms. Reported COVID-19-related deaths increased by two.

The Kansas Department of Corrections reported that a third inmate died in a coronavirus outbreak at the state prison in Lansing, near Kansas City. Some 380 inmates and 88 employees have tested positive there, and there have been more than 480 confirmed cases among inmates and staff at seven of the state’s nine other prisons, but no deaths.

The coronavirus can cause severe illness or death, particularly for older people or people with existing medical conditions. But most infected people have mild or moderate symptoms that clear up within a few weeks.

In northwestern Kansas, Junelle Hills put up the open sign for Interior Connection and Quilt Cabin in Colby. It sells curtains, quilting supplies and portable sheds and cabins, and Hills said she was looking forward to “getting back to normal.”

Her door has been locked for weeks, but she shipped material for masks and let in individual customers who needed supplies to make them. She remained busy even as the normal weekday 8:30 a.m. bustle in her hometown disappeared, she said.

“It was kind of scary some mornings, driving to work, because it was like a ghost town,” she said.

In Dodge City in southwestern Kansas, Brenda Lee was eager to reopen the I Don’t Care Family Restaurant, so named because that was often the answer she or her husband gave when the other asked where they should eat. The reopening won’t happen for a week or two, but that’s because of a renovation undertaken during the stay-at-home order.

Lee said the restaurant was observing social distancing before the stay-at-home order. Even without the coronavirus, she said, the restaurant has to worry about people coming in with illnesses like the flu.

“That’s the risk of being a business, period,” she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587578545738.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Restaurant dining rooms, retail stores and some offices began reopening Monday after Kansas lifted a statewide stay-at-home order, though some business owners hesitated, still concerned about the novel coronavirus.<a href="https://apnews.com/abd6bb1cfc4f6349d94f853f04b12bcb">Gov. Laura Kelly plans</a>&nbsp;to reopen the pandemic-battered economy in four stages between now an at least June 15. The first stage began when the her stay-at-home order expired at midnight Sunday, allowing dine-in service in restaurants and the reopening of stores, though social distancing still must be observed.But some owners weren’t ready to open their stores to in-person shoppers. In Wichita, Watermark Books and Cafe remained closed except for online orders and curbside pickup, though owner Sarah Bagby has seen business drop 60% to 70%. She said she’s still working out issues that come with running a store where customers had been used to handling multiple books while browsing.“We’re going to do this slowly and deliberately,” she said. “What once was once considered cozy is now considered risky, so we have to kind of reconfigure some things.”Many businesses, including bars, gyms, theaters, barbershops and hair and nail salons, must remain closed until the second phase begins on May 18. That’s also when a 10-person mass gathering limit would increase, first to 30 until June 1 and then 90 until June 15.Kelly’s plan already&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e047671519a2e0d18115103f45162df7">has drawn criticism</a>&nbsp;for treating certain types of businesses differently from others. She’s also allowing local officials to impose stricter rules.In the Kansas City area, Johnson County, the state’s most populous county, and neighboring Wyandotte County, are keeping stay-at-home orders in place through this Sunday. The two counties account for more than 100 of the state’s 136 reported COVID-19-related deaths.In Shawnee County, home to the state capital of Topeka, Dr. Gianfranco Pezzino, the health officer, said the county’s 24 new cases last week were more than double the number the previous week, and cases with no tie to a previous infection source are more frequent. He said new restrictions are possible.Confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas rose by 4.3% on Monday, up 215 to 5,245 total, though the actual number is thought to be higher because of limited testing and because people can be infected without showing symptoms. Reported COVID-19-related deaths increased by two.The Kansas Department of Corrections reported that a third inmate died in a coronavirus outbreak at the state prison in Lansing, near Kansas City. Some 380 inmates and 88 employees have tested positive there, and there have been more than 480 confirmed cases among inmates and staff at seven of the state’s nine other prisons, but no deaths.The coronavirus can cause severe illness or death, particularly for older people or people with existing medical conditions. But most infected people have mild or moderate symptoms that clear up within a few weeks.In northwestern Kansas, Junelle Hills put up the open sign for Interior Connection and Quilt Cabin in Colby. It sells curtains, quilting supplies and portable sheds and cabins, and Hills said she was looking forward to “getting back to normal.”Her door has been locked for weeks, but she shipped material for masks and let in individual customers who needed supplies to make them. She remained busy even as the normal weekday 8:30 a.m. bustle in her hometown disappeared, she said.“It was kind of scary some mornings, driving to work, because it was like a ghost town,” she said.In Dodge City in southwestern Kansas, Brenda Lee was eager to reopen the I Don’t Care Family Restaurant, so named because that was often the answer she or her husband gave when the other asked where they should eat. The reopening won’t happen for a week or two, but that’s because of a renovation undertaken during the stay-at-home order.Lee said the restaurant was observing social distancing before the stay-at-home order. Even without the coronavirus, she said, the restaurant has to worry about people coming in with illnesses like the flu.“That’s the risk of being a business, period,” she said.____

Some Kansas businesses eagerly reopen, but others hesitate

JOHNSON COUNTY —The Johnson County Officer Involved Shooting Investigation Team has released the name of the deceased suspect in Sunday's fatal shooting of Officer Mike Mosher.

Mosher was shot during an incident in the 3800 Block of West 123rd Street in Overland Park. EMS transported Mosher to a local hospital where he died.

According to the Investigation team&nbsp;by 38-year-old Phillip Michael Carney was also involved in the incident and died at the scene.

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) — Police in Kansas say a shootout has left both a police officer and a hit-and-run suspect dead. 

Overland Park Police Chief Frank Donchez says Officer Mike Mosher died at a hospital Sunday. A police spokesman says Mosher was off-duty but in uniform when he saw an apparent hit-and-run and pursued the suspect. 

A shootout ensued. The suspect died at the scene and hasn't been identified. Police didn't immediately say what led to the exchange of gunfire. Mosher had been with the Overland Park department for nearly 15 years. News outlets report the department hadn't lost an officer in the line of duty since 1985.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588597817471.png" alt="Mosher" />
 <figcaption>Mosher</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —The Johnson County Officer Involved Shooting Investigation Team has released the name of the deceased suspect in Sunday's fatal shooting of Officer Mike Mosher.Mosher was shot during an incident in the 3800 Block of West 123rd Street in Overland Park. EMS transported Mosher to a local hospital where he died.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588627743741.png" alt="Carney" />
 <figcaption>Carney</figcaption>
 </figure>According to the Investigation team&nbsp;by 38-year-old Phillip Michael Carney was also involved in the incident and died at the scene.------<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588588773753.png" alt="Police on the scene of the fatal shooting Sunday -photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the fatal shooting Sunday -photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) — Police in Kansas say a shootout has left both a police officer and a hit-and-run suspect dead. Overland Park Police Chief Frank Donchez says Officer Mike Mosher died at a hospital Sunday. A police spokesman says Mosher was off-duty but in uniform when he saw an apparent hit-and-run and pursued the suspect. A shootout ensued. The suspect died at the scene and hasn't been identified. Police didn't immediately say what led to the exchange of gunfire. Mosher had been with the Overland Park department for nearly 15 years. News outlets report the department hadn't lost an officer in the line of duty since 1985.

Police ID suspect in shooting that left Kan. officer dead 

COWLEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an accident that critically injured a woman Sunday.

Just after 5p.m. officers were dispatched to the 600 block of South C Street for a report of an accident, according to media release from police.

They learned that a woman had been underneath a 1995 GMC pickup truck, working on the muffler, when she asked a family member to drive the vehicle forward.

The vehicle instead traveled in reverse and ran over the woman. She was under the rear portion of the truck.

The truck continued to back up southbound and crossed C Street, striking a parked 2012 Chevrolet.

&nbsp;Arkansas City Fire-EMS Department transported the woman by ambulance to South Central Kansas Medical Center and then she was airlifted to a Wichita-area hospital.

Authorities have not released the victim's name or additional details.

COWLEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an accident that critically injured a woman Sunday.Just after 5p.m. officers were dispatched to the 600 block of South C Street for a report of an accident, according to media release from police.They learned that a woman had been underneath a 1995 GMC pickup truck, working on the muffler, when she asked a family member to drive the vehicle forward.The vehicle instead traveled in reverse and ran over the woman. She was under the rear portion of the truck.The truck continued to back up southbound and crossed C Street, striking a parked 2012 Chevrolet.&nbsp;Arkansas City Fire-EMS Department transported the woman by ambulance to South Central Kansas Medical Center and then she was airlifted to a Wichita-area hospital.Authorities have not released the victim's name or additional details.

Kan. woman critically injured while working under truck

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Treasury announces record borrowing of $2.99 trillion

MARION COUNTY—&nbsp; K-177 remains closed between mile marker 79.3 to 94.3 in Marion County, according to the Kansas Department of Transportation.&nbsp; It is anticipated that K-177 will be closed until Tuesday afternoon.

Traffic on westbound&nbsp; Interstate 70 remains at one lane from mile marker 318 to 316 (east of the Manhattan exit K-177) as the clean up continued from the power lines downed by the Monday morning storm.

RILEY COUNTY —Interstate 70 is shut in both directions between exit 313 (Manhattan-Council Grove) and exit 328 (Wamego-Alma) could be shut down for up to 8-hours as crews remove and repair the downed power lines across the highway, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol.

In addition Kansas 177 highway just south of I-70 also has a downed power line across it causing a shutdown, according to the KHP.

Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588609101953.png" alt="Interstate 70 near the Manhattan-Council Gove exit-KHP photo" />
 <figcaption>Interstate 70 near the Manhattan-Council Gove exit-KHP photo</figcaption>
 </figure>MARION COUNTY—&nbsp; K-177 remains closed between mile marker 79.3 to 94.3 in Marion County, according to the Kansas Department of Transportation.&nbsp; It is anticipated that K-177 will be closed until Tuesday afternoon.Traffic on westbound&nbsp; Interstate 70 remains at one lane from mile marker 318 to 316 (east of the Manhattan exit K-177) as the clean up continued from the power lines downed by the Monday morning storm.--------RILEY COUNTY —Interstate 70 is shut in both directions between exit 313 (Manhattan-Council Grove) and exit 328 (Wamego-Alma) could be shut down for up to 8-hours as crews remove and repair the downed power lines across the highway, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588614587211.png" alt="Photo of the downed power lines on I-70 photo KHP" />
 <figcaption>Photo of the downed power lines on I-70 photo KHP</figcaption>
 </figure>In addition Kansas 177 highway just south of I-70 also has a downed power line across it causing a shutdown, according to the KHP.Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

Update: Portions of I-70 shut down due to downed power lines

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged aggravated assault

Just after 4:40 a.m. Saturday, police were contacted by a 32-year-old woman&nbsp;in the 800 block of South Mission Road in Wichita, according to officer Kevin Wheeler.

 She reported a disturbance in a home and a suspect later identified as 28-year-old Porche Wilson fired a gun. 

The woman ran from the home with her 10-year-old daughter and contacted the officers. Officers attempted to make contact with the occupants of the residence but were unsuccessful.

 The WPD Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team responded to the residence. Wilson peacefully surrendered and was arrested. SWAT located two other male adults and four children inside the residence. There were two 10-year-old boys, a four-year-old boy, and a two-year-old girl.

There were no injuries to the other occupants.

Officers arrested Wilson on requested&nbsp; charges of aggravated assault and criminal use of weapons, according to Wheeler.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588526570253.png" alt="Wilson photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Wilson photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged aggravated assaultJust after 4:40 a.m. Saturday, police were contacted by a 32-year-old woman&nbsp;in the 800 block of South Mission Road in Wichita, according to officer Kevin Wheeler. She reported a disturbance in a home and a suspect later identified as 28-year-old Porche Wilson fired a gun. The woman ran from the home with her 10-year-old daughter and contacted the officers. Officers attempted to make contact with the occupants of the residence but were unsuccessful. The WPD Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team responded to the residence. Wilson peacefully surrendered and was arrested. SWAT located two other male adults and four children inside the residence. There were two 10-year-old boys, a four-year-old boy, and a two-year-old girl.There were no injuries to the other occupants.Officers arrested Wilson on requested&nbsp; charges of aggravated assault and criminal use of weapons, according to Wheeler.

5 children at Kan. home when woman fired gun during disturbance

TOPEKA, Kansas – Three juveniles at the Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex (KJCC) failed to follow staff instruction and damaged property in their unit on Saturday.

Three juvenile offenders housed at KJCC refused to obey the directives of staff and then escalated their behavior by tearing up the officer’s workstation. 

Desk drawers were broken, electronic equipment damaged, supplies were thrown about, and three windows broken. The incident began at approximately 6:50 p.m. and was cleared at 7:55 p.m. Upon a verbal directive from the Superintendent, the three juveniles ended the incident by sitting down in chairs and waiting for staff to escort them out of the unit. No force was used and there were no injuries.

An investigation is underway by Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) Enforcement, Apprehension and Investigation Unit to determine the cause of the disturbance. Recommendations to the Shawnee County District Attorney on possible charges are expected this week.

<a>Established in 1879 as the State Reform School, the Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex is Kansas’ only juvenile prison that currently houses 153.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588628560618.png" alt="Photos courtesy Kansas Dept. of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Photos courtesy Kansas Dept. of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kansas – Three juveniles at the Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex (KJCC) failed to follow staff instruction and damaged property in their unit on Saturday.Three juvenile offenders housed at KJCC refused to obey the directives of staff and then escalated their behavior by tearing up the officer’s workstation. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588628524742.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Desk drawers were broken, electronic equipment damaged, supplies were thrown about, and three windows broken. The incident began at approximately 6:50 p.m. and was cleared at 7:55 p.m. Upon a verbal directive from the Superintendent, the three juveniles ended the incident by sitting down in chairs and waiting for staff to escort them out of the unit. No force was used and there were no injuries.An investigation is underway by Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) Enforcement, Apprehension and Investigation Unit to determine the cause of the disturbance. Recommendations to the Shawnee County District Attorney on possible charges are expected this week.<a>Established in 1879 as the State Reform School, the Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex is Kansas’ only juvenile prison that currently houses 153.</a>

Teens destroy property at the Kan. Juvenile Correctional Complex

TOPEKA, Kansas – Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) Secretary Jeff Zmuda announced Monday that one resident at Hutchinson Correctional Facility (HCF) tested positive for COVID-19. This is the seventh KDOC facility with a confirmed case, with the first cases reported at Lansing Correctional Facility (LCF, Wichita Work Release Facility, Topeka Correctional Facility, Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex and El Dorado Correctional Facility and Ellsworth Correctional Facility.

The resident at HCF is a male over the age of 30. This male was recently transferred to HCF as a security precaution due to his behavior while at LCF. Upon arrival to HCF, he was immediately taken to the infirmary and kept in a negative air-flow room and was never put into general population. Upon diagnosis, he was transferred back to LCF for observation and treatment. In order to protect the identity of the person, no other information will be released.

The KDOC has been in consultation with officials from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) on next steps to address these circumstances. As a result of that consultation with KDHE, the following steps were implemented:

“Transferring residents from Lansing to other facilities is never our first choice, but due to extenuating circumstances, it was necessary,” Zmuda said. “Thankfully our staff took every precaution and we have no reason to believe that any others at the facility are at risk.”

The Hutchinson Correctional Facility is Kansas’ second-oldest prison and houses 1,884 men. Formerly known as the Kansas State Industrial Reformatory, the facility has three buildings including the Central (all custody levels, East (low-medium custody) and South (minimum custody) units.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588634023977.png" alt="Hutchinson Correctional Facility" />
 <figcaption>Hutchinson Correctional Facility</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kansas – Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) Secretary Jeff Zmuda announced Monday that one resident at Hutchinson Correctional Facility (HCF) tested positive for COVID-19. This is the seventh KDOC facility with a confirmed case, with the first cases reported at Lansing Correctional Facility (LCF, Wichita Work Release Facility, Topeka Correctional Facility, Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex and El Dorado Correctional Facility and Ellsworth Correctional Facility.The resident at HCF is a male over the age of 30. This male was recently transferred to HCF as a security precaution due to his behavior while at LCF. Upon arrival to HCF, he was immediately taken to the infirmary and kept in a negative air-flow room and was never put into general population. Upon diagnosis, he was transferred back to LCF for observation and treatment. In order to protect the identity of the person, no other information will be released.The KDOC has been in consultation with officials from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) on next steps to address these circumstances. As a result of that consultation with KDHE, the following steps were implemented:<ol>
 <li>The resident was moved to LCF for medical isolation for treatment of his symptoms</li><li>KDHE conducted contact tracing to determine who among our staff and residents have been in close contact with this individual</li><li>KDOC will remain diligent in monitoring other staff and residents for symptoms</li>
 </ol>“Transferring residents from Lansing to other facilities is never our first choice, but due to extenuating circumstances, it was necessary,” Zmuda said. “Thankfully our staff took every precaution and we have no reason to believe that any others at the facility are at risk.”The Hutchinson Correctional Facility is Kansas’ second-oldest prison and houses 1,884 men. Formerly known as the Kansas State Industrial Reformatory, the facility has three buildings including the Central (all custody levels, East (low-medium custody) and South (minimum custody) units.

7th Kan. Dept. of Corrections facility reports case of coronavirus

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Meatpackers cautiously reopen plants amid coronavirus fears

TOPEKA, Kan. – Law enforcement authorities are investigating a homicide that occurred Friday evening and asking the public for help to locate two persons-of-interest.

Just after 6:30 p.m. Friday, the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center began receiving multiple calls about a possible shooting in the 1200 block of NE Quincy Street in Topeka, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Koenen.

At the scene officers located an adult male victim identified as&nbsp; Joseph Hill, 26, of Topeka outside a residence in the area suffering from life-threatening injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police&nbsp; asked community members in the area to review their home security camera footage and are attempting to locate two persons of interest in the homicide.

Police say, if you see Flores or Gonzalez-Rook, do not attempt to apprehend them yourself. Call 911 immediately. To report past sightings, please email telltpd@topeka.org or call the Topeka Police Criminal Investigation Bureau at 785-368-9400. Anonymous tips can be made by calling Shawnee County Crime Stoppers at 785-234-0007. You can also make anonymous tips online at www.p3tips.com/128.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588622128765.png" alt="25-year-old Michael D. Flores of Topeka -photo Topeka PD&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>25-year-old Michael D. Flores of Topeka -photo Topeka PD&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. – Law enforcement authorities are investigating a homicide that occurred Friday evening and asking the public for help to locate two persons-of-interest.Just after 6:30 p.m. Friday, the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center began receiving multiple calls about a possible shooting in the 1200 block of NE Quincy Street in Topeka, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Koenen.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588622331728.png" alt="22-year-old Vincent D. Gonzalez-Rook of Topeka -photo Topeka PD" />
 <figcaption>22-year-old Vincent D. Gonzalez-Rook of Topeka -photo Topeka PD</figcaption>
 </figure>At the scene officers located an adult male victim identified as&nbsp; Joseph Hill, 26, of Topeka outside a residence in the area suffering from life-threatening injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene.Police&nbsp; asked community members in the area to review their home security camera footage and are attempting to locate two persons of interest in the homicide.Police say, if you see Flores or Gonzalez-Rook, do not attempt to apprehend them yourself. Call 911 immediately. To report past sightings, please email telltpd@topeka.org or call the Topeka Police Criminal Investigation Bureau at 785-368-9400. Anonymous tips can be made by calling Shawnee County Crime Stoppers at 785-234-0007. You can also make anonymous tips online at www.p3tips.com/128.

Police ID persons of interest in Kan. homicide investigation

TOPEKA, Kansas –&nbsp;A Lansing Correctional Facility resident who&nbsp;died&nbsp;Monday, May 4, had tested positive for COVID-19. This is the third death related to COVID-19, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Corrections.

The resident was a male over the age of 50 who tested positive for the virus on May 1. He was transferred to Providence Medical Center on May 1.&nbsp;The official manner of death for all COVID-19 deaths is natural causes.&nbsp;

The individual was serving an 85-month sentence for charges including aggravated indecent liberties with a child, lewd fondling/touching; child less than 14. 

He had been imprisoned with the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) since July 2018. For the privacy of his family and due to confidentiality laws, the KDOC will not release his name nor his underlying medical conditions. His family has been notified.

The Lansing Correctional Facility, formerly the Kansas State Penitentiary, opened in 1867 during the presidency of Andrew Johnson and is the oldest and largest state correctional facility in Kansas. Serving only males, the facility capacity is 2,432 residents.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586477437695.png" alt="Lansing Correctional Facility -photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Lansing Correctional Facility -photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kansas –&nbsp;A Lansing Correctional Facility resident who&nbsp;died&nbsp;Monday, May 4, had tested positive for COVID-19. This is the third death related to COVID-19, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Corrections.The resident was a male over the age of 50 who tested positive for the virus on May 1. He was transferred to Providence Medical Center on May 1.&nbsp;The official manner of death for all COVID-19 deaths is natural causes.&nbsp;The individual was serving an 85-month sentence for charges including aggravated indecent liberties with a child, lewd fondling/touching; child less than 14. He had been imprisoned with the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) since July 2018. For the privacy of his family and due to confidentiality laws, the KDOC will not release his name nor his underlying medical conditions. His family has been notified.The Lansing Correctional Facility, formerly the Kansas State Penitentiary, opened in 1867 during the presidency of Andrew Johnson and is the oldest and largest state correctional facility in Kansas. Serving only males, the facility capacity is 2,432 residents.

Third inmate at Kansas prison dies from coronavirus

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Wichita Police Department employee on drug charges.

Just after 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, officers contacted the employee identified as 38-year-old Chad Michael Hobbick&nbsp; after receiving information about his involvement with illegal narcotics. 

He was arrested without incident&nbsp;and resigned from the department that day, according to officer Charley Davidson.

Hobbick faces requested charges of unlawful possession of meth and drug paraphernalia. The four-year employee worked in a support role for the Support Services Division and was not a police officer.&nbsp; He is no longer in custody, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588620138876.png" alt="Hobbick photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Hobbick photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Wichita Police Department employee on drug charges.Just after 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, officers contacted the employee identified as 38-year-old Chad Michael Hobbick&nbsp; after receiving information about his involvement with illegal narcotics. He was arrested without incident&nbsp;and resigned from the department that day, according to officer Charley Davidson.Hobbick faces requested charges of unlawful possession of meth and drug paraphernalia. The four-year employee worked in a support role for the Support Services Division and was not a police officer.&nbsp; He is no longer in custody, according to online jail records.

Kan. police department employee accused of meth possession

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 215 to a total of 5245, the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional numbers from the KDHE

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 215 to a total of 5245, the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 136<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional numbers from the KDHE<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588612157775.png" alt="May 4, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>May 4, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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