WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump gave governors a road map Thursday for recovering from the economic pain of the coronavirus pandemic, laying out “a phased and deliberate approach” to restoring normal activity in places that have strong testing and are seeing a decrease in COVID-19 cases.

He added, “This is a gradual process.”

The new guidelines are aimed at easing restrictions in areas with low transmission of the coronavirus, while holding the line in harder-hit locations. They make clear that the return to normalcy will be a far longer process than Trump initially envisioned, with federal officials warning that some social distancing measures may need to remain in place through the end of the year to prevent a new outbreak. And they largely reinforce plans already in the works by governors, who have primary responsibility for public health in their states.

“You’re going to call your own shots,” Trump told the governors Thursday afternoon in a conference call, according to an audio recording obtained by The Associated Press. “We’re going to be standing alongside of you.”

Places with declining infections and strong testing would begin a three-phase gradual reopening of businesses and schools.

In phase one, for instance, the plan recommends strict social distancing for all people in public. Gatherings larger than 10 people are to be avoided and nonessential travel is discouraged.

In phase two, people are encouraged to maximize social distancing and limit gatherings to no more than 50 people unless precautionary measures are taken. Travel could resume.

Phase three envisions a return to normalcy for most Americans, with a focus on identification and isolation of any new infections.

Trump said recent trends in some states were so positive that they could almost immediately begin taking the steps laid out in phase one.

“They will be able to go literally tomorrow,” Trump said.

Governors of both parties made clear they will move at their own pace.

Delaware Gov. John Carney, a Democrat, said the guidelines “seem to make sense.”

“We’re days, maybe weeks away from the starting line and then you have to have 14 days of declining cases, of declining symptoms and hospital capacity that exists in case you have a rebound,” he said.

West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice, a Trump ally, cautiously floated the idea of reopening parts of the state, but said testing capacity and contact tracing would need to be considerably ramped up before restrictions could be safely lifted.

“All would be forgotten very quickly if we moved into a stage quicker than we should, and then we got into a situation where we had people dying like flies,” Justice told reporter

At the earliest, the guidelines suggest, some parts of the country could see a resumption in normal commerce and social gatherings after a month of evaluating whether easing up on restrictions has led to a resurgence in virus cases. In other parts of the country, or if virus cases pick up, it could be substantially longer.

In briefing governors on the plan, Trump said they were going to be responsible for deciding when it is safe to lift restrictions in their states. Just days before, he had drawn swift pushback for claiming he had absolute authority to determine how and when states reopen.

“We have a very large number of states that want to get going and they’re in very good shape,” Trump said. “That’s good with us, frankly.”

The guidelines also include general recommendations to businesses as they plan for potential reopenings, suggesting temperature-taking, rapid COVID-19 testing and widespread disinfection efforts in workplaces.

Those most susceptible to the respiratory disease are advised to remain sheltered in place until their area enters the final phase — and even then are encouraged to take precautions to avoid close contact with other people.

Governors, for their part, have been moving ahead with their own plans for how to safely revive normal activity. Seven Midwestern governors announced Thursday they will coordinate on reopening their economies. Similar pacts were announced earlier in the week in the West and Northeast.

Two in three Americans expressed concerns that restrictions meant to slow the spread of the virus would be eased too quickly, according to a Pew Research Center survey released Thursday. More than 30,000 people in the United States have died from the virus.

Trump also held conference calls Thursday with lawmakers he named to a new congressional advisory task force on reviving the economy. The economic costs were clear in new federal data showing that at least 22 million Americans have been thrown out of work in the last month. But the legislators repeatedly urged the president not to sacrifice public health by moving too quickly.

“My highest priority on this task force will be to ensure the federal government’s efforts to reopen our economy are bipartisan, data-driven, and based on the expertise of public health professionals,” said Democratic Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia.

The federal government envisions a gradual recovery from the virus, in which disruptive mitigation measures may be needed in some places at least until a vaccine is available — a milestone unlikely to be reached until sometime next year.

“It’s not going to immediately be a situation where we have stadiums full of people,” said Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson on Thursday. “We’re Americans. We will adapt,” he added.

Trump on Thursday claimed the U.S. has “built the most advanced and robust testing anywhere in the world.” But even people close to him warned more would be necessary.

“We are struggling with testing at a large scale,” South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham told ABC’s “The View.” “You really can’t go back to work until we have more tests.”

There was also concern that the White House was taking too rosy a view on trends in the U.S.

“I would not declare a peak almost anywhere in the U.S. yet,” said Marc Lipsitch, a Harvard epidemiology professor who is director of the university’s Center for Communicable Disease Dynamics. He recommended “working to enhance surveillance and testing so if we do hit a peak, it will be possible to identify it with greater certainty.”

But some of Trump’s conservative allies, like economist Stephen Moore, have encouraged him to act swiftly, warning of “a mini Great Depression if we keep the economy shut down.”

“That is a catastrophic outcome for our country. Period,” Moore said he advised the president.

A big testing ground for Trump’s road map could be Texas, where Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, who has stuck close to federal guidance throughout the crisis, will lay out his reopening plan Friday. Abbott has said the process will be gradual, but he is facing pressure from conservative lawmakers to get Texas back to work.

The White House proposal presented Thursday is different from what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended last week, according to a draft of the recommendation obtained by The Associated Press. The CDC talked about using more specific criteria and in many cases looking for improvement over longer periods of time before easing restrictions in high-transmission areas. Examples include wanting to see sustained reductions over 30 days in positive tests for coronavirus, and sustained reductions over 15 days in numbers of coronavirus deaths.

WASHINGTON (AP) — New White House guidelines outline a phased approach to restoring normal commerce and services, but only for places with strong testing and seeing a decrease in COVID-19 cases.

President Donald Trump unveiled his administration’s plans to ease social distancing requirements on a call Thursday with the nation’s governors. The new guidelines are aimed at clearing the way for an easing of restrictions in areas with low transmission of the coronavirus, while keeping them in place in harder-hit locations.

Places with declining infections and strong testing would begin a three-phased gradual reopening of businesses and schools, with each phase lasting at least 14 days, meant to ensure that the virus outbreak doesn’t accelerate again.

The Associated Press obtained a copy of the guidelines before their public release.

The recommendations make clear that the return to normalcy will be a far longer process than Trump initially envisioned, with federal officials warning that some social distancing measures may need to remain in place through the end of the year to prevent a new outbreak.

At earliest, the guidelines suggest that some parts of the country could see a resumption in normal commerce and social gatherings after a month of evaluating whether the easing of restrictions leads to a resurgence in virus cases. In other parts of the country, or if virus cases resume an up-tick, it could be substantially longer.

Trump briefed the nation’s governors on the plan Thursday afternoon, saying they were going to be responsible for deciding when it is safe to lift restrictions in their states.

“You’re going to call your own shots,” Trump told governors, according to an audio recording obtained by The Associated Press. “We’re going to be standing along side of you.”

Meanwhile, under the federal guidelines, those most susceptible to the respiratory disease would be advised to remain sheltered in place until their area enters the final phase — and even then are advised to take precautions to avoid close contact with other people.

The federal guidelines come after seven governors in the Midwest announced Thursday they will coordinate on reopening the economy, after similar pacts were announced earlier this week in the West and Northeast.

Trump held conference calls earlier Thursday with lawmakers he named to a new congressional advisory task force. The economic costs were clear in new federal data showing that at least 22 million Americans have been thrown out of work in the last month. But the legislators repeatedly urged the president not to sacrifice public health in an effort to reopen the economy.

Business leaders, too, raised concerns to the president in a round of calls Wednesday, warning that a dramatic increase in testing and wider availability of protective equipment will be necessary before they can safely revive operations.

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said at a news conference before the call with the White House that he planned to ask the president for “direct cash assistance,” citing the state’s troubled tax revenues. He also said he would press for “robust health care infrastructure” and mass testing with quick turnaround times before reopening the economy.

Trump said Wednesday that data indicates the U.S. is “past the peak” of the COVID-19 epidemic. He said the numbers have “put us in a very strong position to finalize guidelines for states on reopening the country.”

Dr. Deborah Birx, the White House coronavirus task force coordinator, added that data from across the country showed the nation “improving,” but that Americans had to recommit to social distancing to keep up the positive momentum.

She said nine states have fewer than 1,000 cases and just a few dozen new cases per day. She said those would likely be the first to see a lifting in social distancing restrictions at the direction of their governors under the guidelines set to be released Thursday.

But participants in a Wednesday call with Trump that included executives of dozens of leading American companies raised concerns about the testing issue, according to one participant who spoke on condition of anonymity to describe the private discussion.

Another participant said it was stressed to Trump that expansion of testing and contact tracing was crucial, as well as guidelines for best practices on reopening businesses in phases or in one fell swoop.

The participant said those on the call noted to the administration that there was about to be a rush on personal protective equipment. Many businesses that are now shuttered will need the protective equipment to keep their employees and customers safe.

Trump was told “the economy will look very different and operations will look very different,” one participant said.

South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, a Republican close to Trump, said the lack of widespread testing was an impediment to lifting the social distancing guidelines. “We are struggling with testing at a large scale.,” he told ABC’s “The View.” “You really can’t go back to work until we have more tests.”

“That is a catastrophic outcome for our country. Period,” Moore said he advised the president. “We can’t have 30 million people in this country unemployed or you’re going to have social chaos.”

The panel, which Trump dubbed the new Great American Economic Revival Industry Groups, also could help give him a measure of cover. If cases surge once restrictions are lifted, as many experts have warned, Trump will be able to tell the public he didn’t act alone and the nation’s top minds — from manufacturing to defense to technology — helped shape the plan.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587087044524.png" alt="President Trump answers questions Thursday on the plan during the Coronavirus Task Force briefing- Image courtesy White House&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>President Trump answers questions Thursday on the plan during the Coronavirus Task Force briefing- Image courtesy White House&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump gave governors a road map Thursday for recovering from the economic pain of the coronavirus pandemic, laying out “a phased and deliberate approach” to restoring normal activity in places that have strong testing and are seeing a decrease in COVID-19 cases.He added, “This is a gradual process.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587086887250.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The new guidelines are aimed at easing restrictions in areas with low transmission of the coronavirus, while holding the line in harder-hit locations. They make clear that the return to normalcy will be a far longer process than Trump initially envisioned, with federal officials warning that some social distancing measures may need to remain in place through the end of the year to prevent a new outbreak. And they largely reinforce plans already in the works by governors, who have primary responsibility for public health in their states.“You’re going to call your own shots,” Trump told the governors Thursday afternoon in a conference call, according to an audio recording obtained by The Associated Press. “We’re going to be standing alongside of you.”Places with declining infections and strong testing would begin a three-phase gradual reopening of businesses and schools.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587086594833.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>In phase one, for instance, the plan recommends strict social distancing for all people in public. Gatherings larger than 10 people are to be avoided and nonessential travel is discouraged.In phase two, people are encouraged to maximize social distancing and limit gatherings to no more than 50 people unless precautionary measures are taken. Travel could resume.Phase three envisions a return to normalcy for most Americans, with a focus on identification and isolation of any new infections.Trump said recent trends in some states were so positive that they could almost immediately begin taking the steps laid out in phase one.“They will be able to go literally tomorrow,” Trump said.Governors of both parties made clear they will move at their own pace.Delaware Gov. John Carney, a Democrat, said the guidelines “seem to make sense.”“We’re days, maybe weeks away from the starting line and then you have to have 14 days of declining cases, of declining symptoms and hospital capacity that exists in case you have a rebound,” he said.West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice, a Trump ally, cautiously floated the idea of reopening parts of the state, but said testing capacity and contact tracing would need to be considerably ramped up before restrictions could be safely lifted.“All would be forgotten very quickly if we moved into a stage quicker than we should, and then we got into a situation where we had people dying like flies,” Justice told reporterAt the earliest, the guidelines suggest, some parts of the country could see a resumption in normal commerce and social gatherings after a month of evaluating whether easing up on restrictions has led to a resurgence in virus cases. In other parts of the country, or if virus cases pick up, it could be substantially longer.In briefing governors on the plan, Trump said they were going to be responsible for deciding when it is safe to lift restrictions in their states. Just days before, he had drawn swift pushback for claiming he had absolute authority to determine how and when states reopen.“We have a very large number of states that want to get going and they’re in very good shape,” Trump said. “That’s good with us, frankly.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587086755141.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The guidelines also include general recommendations to businesses as they plan for potential reopenings, suggesting temperature-taking, rapid COVID-19 testing and widespread disinfection efforts in workplaces.Those most susceptible to the respiratory disease are advised to remain sheltered in place until their area enters the final phase — and even then are encouraged to take precautions to avoid close contact with other people.Governors, for their part, have been moving ahead with their own plans for how to safely revive normal activity. Seven Midwestern governors announced Thursday they will coordinate on reopening their economies. Similar pacts were announced earlier in the week in the West and Northeast.Two in three Americans expressed concerns that restrictions meant to slow the spread of the virus would be eased too quickly, according to a Pew Research Center survey released Thursday. More than 30,000 people in the United States have died from the virus.Trump also held conference calls Thursday with lawmakers he named to a new congressional advisory task force on reviving the economy. The economic costs were clear in new federal data showing that at least 22 million Americans have been thrown out of work in the last month. But the legislators repeatedly urged the president not to sacrifice public health by moving too quickly.“My highest priority on this task force will be to ensure the federal government’s efforts to reopen our economy are bipartisan, data-driven, and based on the expertise of public health professionals,” said Democratic Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia.The federal government envisions a gradual recovery from the virus, in which disruptive mitigation measures may be needed in some places at least until a vaccine is available — a milestone unlikely to be reached until sometime next year.“It’s not going to immediately be a situation where we have stadiums full of people,” said Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson on Thursday. “We’re Americans. We will adapt,” he added.Trump on Thursday claimed the U.S. has “built the most advanced and robust testing anywhere in the world.” But even people close to him warned more would be necessary.“We are struggling with testing at a large scale,” South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham told ABC’s “The View.” “You really can’t go back to work until we have more tests.”There was also concern that the White House was taking too rosy a view on trends in the U.S.“I would not declare a peak almost anywhere in the U.S. yet,” said Marc Lipsitch, a Harvard epidemiology professor who is director of the university’s Center for Communicable Disease Dynamics. He recommended “working to enhance surveillance and testing so if we do hit a peak, it will be possible to identify it with greater certainty.”But some of Trump’s conservative allies, like economist Stephen Moore, have encouraged him to act swiftly, warning of “a mini Great Depression if we keep the economy shut down.”“That is a catastrophic outcome for our country. Period,” Moore said he advised the president.A big testing ground for Trump’s road map could be Texas, where Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, who has stuck close to federal guidance throughout the crisis, will lay out his reopening plan Friday. Abbott has said the process will be gradual, but he is facing pressure from conservative lawmakers to get Texas back to work.The White House proposal presented Thursday is different from what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended last week, according to a draft of the recommendation obtained by The Associated Press. The CDC talked about using more specific criteria and in many cases looking for improvement over longer periods of time before easing restrictions in high-transmission areas. Examples include wanting to see sustained reductions over 30 days in positive tests for coronavirus, and sustained reductions over 15 days in numbers of coronavirus deaths.___WASHINGTON (AP) — New White House guidelines outline a phased approach to restoring normal commerce and services, but only for places with strong testing and seeing a decrease in COVID-19 cases.President Donald Trump unveiled his administration’s plans to ease social distancing requirements on a call Thursday with the nation’s governors. The new guidelines are aimed at clearing the way for an easing of restrictions in areas with low transmission of the coronavirus, while keeping them in place in harder-hit locations.Places with declining infections and strong testing would begin a three-phased gradual reopening of businesses and schools, with each phase lasting at least 14 days, meant to ensure that the virus outbreak doesn’t accelerate again.The Associated Press obtained a copy of the guidelines before their public release.The recommendations make clear that the return to normalcy will be a far longer process than Trump initially envisioned, with federal officials warning that some social distancing measures may need to remain in place through the end of the year to prevent a new outbreak.At earliest, the guidelines suggest that some parts of the country could see a resumption in normal commerce and social gatherings after a month of evaluating whether the easing of restrictions leads to a resurgence in virus cases. In other parts of the country, or if virus cases resume an up-tick, it could be substantially longer.Trump briefed the nation’s governors on the plan Thursday afternoon, saying they were going to be responsible for deciding when it is safe to lift restrictions in their states.“You’re going to call your own shots,” Trump told governors, according to an audio recording obtained by The Associated Press. “We’re going to be standing along side of you.”Meanwhile, under the federal guidelines, those most susceptible to the respiratory disease would be advised to remain sheltered in place until their area enters the final phase — and even then are advised to take precautions to avoid close contact with other people.The federal guidelines come after seven governors in the Midwest announced Thursday they will coordinate on reopening the economy, after similar pacts were announced earlier this week in the West and Northeast.Trump held conference calls earlier Thursday with lawmakers he named to a new congressional advisory task force. The economic costs were clear in new federal data showing that at least 22 million Americans have been thrown out of work in the last month. But the legislators repeatedly urged the president not to sacrifice public health in an effort to reopen the economy.“My highest priority on this task force will be to ensure the federal government’s efforts to reopen our economy are bipartisan, data-driven, and based on the expertise of public health professionals,” said Democratic Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia.Business leaders, too, raised concerns to the president in a round of calls Wednesday, warning that a dramatic increase in testing and wider availability of protective equipment will be necessary before they can safely revive operations.The federal government envisions a gradual recovery from the virus, in which disruptive mitigation measures may be needed in some places at least until a vaccine is available — a milestone unlikely to be reached until sometime next year.“It’s not going to immediately be a situation where we have stadiums full of people,” said Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson on Thursday. “We’re Americans. We will adapt,” he added.New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said at a news conference before the call with the White House that he planned to ask the president for “direct cash assistance,” citing the state’s troubled tax revenues. He also said he would press for “robust health care infrastructure” and mass testing with quick turnaround times before reopening the economy.Trump said Wednesday that data indicates the U.S. is “past the peak” of the COVID-19 epidemic. He said the numbers have “put us in a very strong position to finalize guidelines for states on reopening the country.”Dr. Deborah Birx, the White House coronavirus task force coordinator, added that data from across the country showed the nation “improving,” but that Americans had to recommit to social distancing to keep up the positive momentum.She said nine states have fewer than 1,000 cases and just a few dozen new cases per day. She said those would likely be the first to see a lifting in social distancing restrictions at the direction of their governors under the guidelines set to be released Thursday.But participants in a Wednesday call with Trump that included executives of dozens of leading American companies raised concerns about the testing issue, according to one participant who spoke on condition of anonymity to describe the private discussion.Another participant said it was stressed to Trump that expansion of testing and contact tracing was crucial, as well as guidelines for best practices on reopening businesses in phases or in one fell swoop.The participant said those on the call noted to the administration that there was about to be a rush on personal protective equipment. Many businesses that are now shuttered will need the protective equipment to keep their employees and customers safe.Trump was told “the economy will look very different and operations will look very different,” one participant said.South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, a Republican close to Trump, said the lack of widespread testing was an impediment to lifting the social distancing guidelines. “We are struggling with testing at a large scale.,” he told ABC’s “The View.” “You really can’t go back to work until we have more tests.”But some of Trump’s conservative allies, like economist Stephen Moore, have encouraged him to act swiftly, warning of “a mini Great Depression if we keep the economy shut down.”“That is a catastrophic outcome for our country. Period,” Moore said he advised the president. “We can’t have 30 million people in this country unemployed or you’re going to have social chaos.”The panel, which Trump dubbed the new Great American Economic Revival Industry Groups, also could help give him a measure of cover. If cases surge once restrictions are lifted, as many experts have warned, Trump will be able to tell the public he didn’t act alone and the nation’s top minds — from manufacturing to defense to technology — helped shape the plan.___

Trump gives governors plan to reopen economy

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges of a chase and arrest.

Just after 3:30a.m. Thursday, a deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a Ford pickup in the 5500 block of SW Randolph Road for a traffic violation, according to Sgt. Todd Stallbaumer.&nbsp; 

The pickup failed to stop for the deputy, initiating a pursuit.

The pursuit went north on SW Burlingame Rd, west on SW 37th&nbsp;Street and south on SW Kiowa Street.&nbsp; The driver of the pickup rammed a deputy’s patrol car in the 3800 block of SW Kiowa Street and drove back north on Kiowa Street.&nbsp;&nbsp; A controlled vehicle intervention maneuver was utilized in the 3500 block of SW Kiowa Street which safely disabled the truck and ended the vehicle pursuit.&nbsp; The suspect attempted to flee on foot, but deputies, with the assistance of a K-9, were able to take the suspect into custody.

The investigation on scene indicated the driver, Rob A. Voelker, 27, of Carbondale, was a Fugitive from Justice and the pickup truck was reported stolen through the city of Topeka.&nbsp; The Topeka Police Department arrived on scene to recover the stolen truck.

Mr. Voelker was arrested and transported to the Department of Corrections on requested charges of Reckless driving&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Felony Flee and elude, Aggravated battery on LEO,&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Aggravated assault on LEO , Possession of stolen property&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Felony Interference, Violation of the executive order,&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Possession of methamphetamine, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Fugitive from justice (Felony warrant, Other Traffic Violations, In addition, Mr. Voelker has charges pending from the Topeka Police Department.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587074363286.png" alt="Voelker photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Voelker photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges of a chase and arrest.Just after 3:30a.m. Thursday, a deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a Ford pickup in the 5500 block of SW Randolph Road for a traffic violation, according to Sgt. Todd Stallbaumer.&nbsp; The pickup failed to stop for the deputy, initiating a pursuit.The pursuit went north on SW Burlingame Rd, west on SW 37th&nbsp;Street and south on SW Kiowa Street.&nbsp; The driver of the pickup rammed a deputy’s patrol car in the 3800 block of SW Kiowa Street and drove back north on Kiowa Street.&nbsp;&nbsp; A controlled vehicle intervention maneuver was utilized in the 3500 block of SW Kiowa Street which safely disabled the truck and ended the vehicle pursuit.&nbsp; The suspect attempted to flee on foot, but deputies, with the assistance of a K-9, were able to take the suspect into custody.The investigation on scene indicated the driver, Rob A. Voelker, 27, of Carbondale, was a Fugitive from Justice and the pickup truck was reported stolen through the city of Topeka.&nbsp; The Topeka Police Department arrived on scene to recover the stolen truck.Mr. Voelker was arrested and transported to the Department of Corrections on requested charges of Reckless driving&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Felony Flee and elude, Aggravated battery on LEO,&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Aggravated assault on LEO , Possession of stolen property&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Felony Interference, Violation of the executive order,&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Possession of methamphetamine, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Fugitive from justice (Felony warrant, Other Traffic Violations, In addition, Mr. Voelker has charges pending from the Topeka Police Department.

K9 helps deputies catch Kansas fugitive from justice

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Seven more people at a nursing and rehabilitation home in Kansas City, Kansas, have died from COVID-19, taking the facility’s toll to 19 in an outbreak that is believed to have started with an infected worker.

The Wyandotte County-Kansas City health department announced an increase of four deaths Thursday on top of three Wednesday at Riverbend Post Acute Rehabilitation. A total of 116 residents and staff have tested positive at the facility, making it the state’s largest cluster.

A new health department report shows a staff member at the facility started displaying symptoms of the coronavirus around March 24, and went to work on March 27 and 28 with a cough and fever. The report said the employee was allowed to work without appropriate personal protective equipment.

The worker then went to the emergency room on March 29, and the COVID-19 test came back positive the next day. But health officials didn’t confirm until April 3 that the employee worked at Riverbend. By then, residents were getting sick.

Janell Friesen, a spokeswoman for the joint city-county health department, said that it appears a number of people may have been exposed when the employee went to work with symptoms. But she noted that the department is still investigating to see if there may have been an earlier instance of exposure.

“Unfortunately, any setting where many people are grouped together increases the risk of spread, and the risk for serious illness is especially high for older adults and people with underlying health conditions, like many of the residents in a facility like this,” she said in a written statement.

A statement posted on the facility’s website said coronavirus-infected patients on one floor have been “fully stabilized,” while they are hopeful the others will be stabilized soon. They said plans are being made to return hospitalized patients to the home.

The state health department is bringing on 400 volunteers to help assist local departments tracing the contacts of people with the coronavirus. The Wyandotte County health department also has 20 University of Kansas medical student volunteers and five staffers doing contact tracing.

Statewide, the number of confirmed cases increased Thursday to 1,588, a jump of 94 cases from Wednesday. The number of deaths increased by four to 80.

A Lawrence area church has found what it believes is a way to continue meeting despite Gov. Laura Kelly’s executive order banning religious gathering with more than 10 worshipers.

On Wednesday, Heritage Baptist Church held a service under a tent, with between 75 and 100 people in attendance. A single protester held a sign that read, “Don’t be selfish — Go home — God will be there too,” the Lawrence Journal-World reports.

The Rev. Scott Hanks, the congregation’s leader, said the church had determined that Kelly’s order, which limits the number of worshipers meeting in “the same building or confined or enclosed space,” would still allow for outdoor services.

Sheriff’s office spokeswoman Jenn Hethcoat said it reached a similar conclusion, as long as social-distancing requirements are observed. The church also held an Easter service in which about 40 vehicles were spotted parked outside. But it wasn’t cited because of a technical issue; Kelly’s order hadn’t yet been published in the state’s legal newspaper.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas City, Kansas, nursing and rehabilitation home has seen three more COVID-19-related deaths to bring its total to 15, and the state health department plans to bring on 400 volunteers to help trace people who’ve had contacts with people infected with coronavirus.

The outbreak at the Riverbend Post Acute Rehabilitation home in Wyandotte County has become the state’s largest coronavirus cluster, with the number of coronavirus cases likely to surpass 1,500 statewide on Thursday. Wyandotte County also has the state’s highest number of COVID-19-related deaths, with 31 of the 76 reported, or 41%.

<a href="https://twitter.com/UGHealthDept/status/1250544993921572864" target="_blank">The Wyandotte County-Kansas City health department reported</a>&nbsp;that six more people have tested positive for coronavirus at the Riverbend home, making the total 116. Cases have been confirmed in 92 residents and 24 employees, and nine people remain hospitalized.

Nursing homes have been hit hard by the coronavirus, with the state Department of Health and Environment reporting at least a dozen outbreaks with more than 200 cases.

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

Tracing the contacts of people with coronavirus generally is done by local health departments, but the state health department assists, and it is bringing on 400 volunteers. Some will be medical students and others will be existing health department employees.

The Wyandotte County health department also has 20 University of Kansas medical students are volunteering their time on contact tracing, joining five staffers in doing the work.

“It does not require a medical, a nursing or a technology degree to do the contact tracing,” said KDHE Secretary Lee Norman. “People can do it from an office or their home. It’s not face-to-face.”

The state saw a 4.8% increase Wednesday in confirmed coronavirus cases, up 68 to 1,494. The number of reported COVID-19 related deaths jumped 10%, up seven to 76.

Wyandotte County has a disproportionately high number of cases, 362, or 24% of the state’s total, despite having only 5.7% of the state’s population.

Sixty-three of the state’s 105 counties have reported cases.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587053239931.png" alt="KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman during Wednesday's press conference" />
 <figcaption>KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman during Wednesday's press conference</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Seven more people at a nursing and rehabilitation home in Kansas City, Kansas, have died from COVID-19, taking the facility’s toll to 19 in an outbreak that is believed to have started with an infected worker.RIVERBEND OUTBREAKThe Wyandotte County-Kansas City health department announced an increase of four deaths Thursday on top of three Wednesday at Riverbend Post Acute Rehabilitation. A total of 116 residents and staff have tested positive at the facility, making it the state’s largest cluster.A new health department report shows a staff member at the facility started displaying symptoms of the coronavirus around March 24, and went to work on March 27 and 28 with a cough and fever. The report said the employee was allowed to work without appropriate personal protective equipment.The worker then went to the emergency room on March 29, and the COVID-19 test came back positive the next day. But health officials didn’t confirm until April 3 that the employee worked at Riverbend. By then, residents were getting sick.Janell Friesen, a spokeswoman for the joint city-county health department, said that it appears a number of people may have been exposed when the employee went to work with symptoms. But she noted that the department is still investigating to see if there may have been an earlier instance of exposure.“Unfortunately, any setting where many people are grouped together increases the risk of spread, and the risk for serious illness is especially high for older adults and people with underlying health conditions, like many of the residents in a facility like this,” she said in a written statement.A statement posted on the facility’s website said coronavirus-infected patients on one floor have been “fully stabilized,” while they are hopeful the others will be stabilized soon. They said plans are being made to return hospitalized patients to the home.CONTACT TRACING AND TESTINGThe state health department is bringing on 400 volunteers to help assist local departments tracing the contacts of people with the coronavirus. The Wyandotte County health department also has 20 University of Kansas medical student volunteers and five staffers doing contact tracing.Statewide, the number of confirmed cases increased Thursday to 1,588, a jump of 94 cases from Wednesday. The number of deaths increased by four to 80.RELIGIOUS GROUPSA Lawrence area church has found what it believes is a way to continue meeting despite Gov. Laura Kelly’s executive order banning religious gathering with more than 10 worshipers.On Wednesday, Heritage Baptist Church held a service under a tent, with between 75 and 100 people in attendance. A single protester held a sign that read, “Don’t be selfish — Go home — God will be there too,” the Lawrence Journal-World reports.The Rev. Scott Hanks, the congregation’s leader, said the church had determined that Kelly’s order, which limits the number of worshipers meeting in “the same building or confined or enclosed space,” would still allow for outdoor services.Sheriff’s office spokeswoman Jenn Hethcoat said it reached a similar conclusion, as long as social-distancing requirements are observed. The church also held an Easter service in which about 40 vehicles were spotted parked outside. But it wasn’t cited because of a technical issue; Kelly’s order hadn’t yet been published in the state’s legal newspaper.___------TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas City, Kansas, nursing and rehabilitation home has seen three more COVID-19-related deaths to bring its total to 15, and the state health department plans to bring on 400 volunteers to help trace people who’ve had contacts with people infected with coronavirus.The outbreak at the Riverbend Post Acute Rehabilitation home in Wyandotte County has become the state’s largest coronavirus cluster, with the number of coronavirus cases likely to surpass 1,500 statewide on Thursday. Wyandotte County also has the state’s highest number of COVID-19-related deaths, with 31 of the 76 reported, or 41%.RIVERBEND OUTBREAK<a href="https://twitter.com/UGHealthDept/status/1250544993921572864" target="_blank">The Wyandotte County-Kansas City health department reported</a>&nbsp;that six more people have tested positive for coronavirus at the Riverbend home, making the total 116. Cases have been confirmed in 92 residents and 24 employees, and nine people remain hospitalized.Nursing homes have been hit hard by the coronavirus, with the state Department of Health and Environment reporting at least a dozen outbreaks with more than 200 cases.For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. But for some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.CONTACT TRACINGTracing the contacts of people with coronavirus generally is done by local health departments, but the state health department assists, and it is bringing on 400 volunteers. Some will be medical students and others will be existing health department employees.The Wyandotte County health department also has 20 University of Kansas medical students are volunteering their time on contact tracing, joining five staffers in doing the work.“It does not require a medical, a nursing or a technology degree to do the contact tracing,” said KDHE Secretary Lee Norman. “People can do it from an office or their home. It’s not face-to-face.”CASES, DEATHS RISINGThe state saw a 4.8% increase Wednesday in confirmed coronavirus cases, up 68 to 1,494. The number of reported COVID-19 related deaths jumped 10%, up seven to 76.Wyandotte County has a disproportionately high number of cases, 362, or 24% of the state’s total, despite having only 5.7% of the state’s population.Sixty-three of the state’s 105 counties have reported cases.___

Kansas rehab worker showed up sick; 19 die at facility

WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Donald Trump selected&nbsp;U.S. Senators Pat Roberts and Jerry Moran to serve on the bipartisan, bicameral White House task force to reopen America. 

This task force will provide counsel to the president on the re-opening of the United States in light of COVID-19. It is comprised of U.S. Senators and members of the House of Representatives.

Robert's said, “I am honored to be selected by President Trump to serve on this task force and represent the needs of Kansans in response to the coronavirus. Our country is faced with a crisis we have never seen before, and I am proud to work with the President and his administration to reopen America,”&nbsp;said Sen. Roberts.&nbsp;

“We must find a way to carry on and revive our economy, while ensuring the health and safety of every citizen. I am proud to be selected for this task force and serve my state and country during this time of crisis.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Donald Trump selected&nbsp;U.S. Senators Pat Roberts and Jerry Moran to serve on the bipartisan, bicameral White House task force to reopen America. This task force will provide counsel to the president on the re-opening of the United States in light of COVID-19. It is comprised of U.S. Senators and members of the House of Representatives.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Pleased to be named to <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a>’s Congressional Economic Recovery Task Force. For our economy to recover, we need widespread <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> testing so Americans can feel secure in their health, businesses can reopen &amp; folks can safely return to work.&mdash; Senator Jerry Moran (@JerryMoran) <a href="https://twitter.com/JerryMoran/status/1250857452440084484?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 16, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Robert's said, “I am honored to be selected by President Trump to serve on this task force and represent the needs of Kansans in response to the coronavirus. Our country is faced with a crisis we have never seen before, and I am proud to work with the President and his administration to reopen America,”&nbsp;said Sen. Roberts.&nbsp;“We must find a way to carry on and revive our economy, while ensuring the health and safety of every citizen. I am proud to be selected for this task force and serve my state and country during this time of crisis.”

Senators Roberts, Moran to serve on Task Force to Reopen America

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Sedgwick County has settled a lawsuit with a former jail inmate who alleged he was has beaten unconscious by a deputy for $50,000. 

Commissioners approved the settlement Wednesday with 32-year-old Kristopher Welch, who sued last year in federal court. Welch’s lawsuit originally sought $75,000 in damages. 

Among those named in the suit was Cody Alexander, the jail sergeant whom Welch said beat him. The sheriff’s office says Alexander is now a lieutenant.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587068010032.png" alt="Welch has previous convictions for drugs and criminal damage to property, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections." />
 <figcaption>Welch has previous convictions for drugs and criminal damage to property, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Sedgwick County has settled a lawsuit with a former jail inmate who alleged he was has beaten unconscious by a deputy for $50,000. Commissioners approved the settlement Wednesday with 32-year-old Kristopher Welch, who sued last year in federal court. Welch’s lawsuit originally sought $75,000 in damages. Among those named in the suit was Cody Alexander, the jail sergeant whom Welch said beat him. The sheriff’s office says Alexander is now a lieutenant.&nbsp;

Former Kan. inmate reaches $50K settlement in abuse lawsuit

BELLE PLAINE, Kan. (AP) — Kansas ranchers eager to prepare their land for cattle grazing have mostly brushed off the plea from state health officials to voluntarily cut back this spring’s prairie burning to reduce air pollution during the coronavirus pandemic.

With the potential of the pandemic overwhelming the state’s medical facilities, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment on March 26 encouraged land owners and managers to reduce burned acres this spring in an effort to mitigate respiratory concerns connected to breathing the smoke.

Officials warned that individuals with respiratory issues, including COVID-19, as well as those with preexisting heart and lung diseases, children and elderly may experience worse symptoms due to the smoke from fires.

But air quality monitors this past week have picked up “significantly high readings” downwind from Kansas in the Lincoln and Omaha areas of Nebraska, with smoke from Kansas reaching as far north as South Dakota, said Rick Brunetti, director of the Bureau of Air at at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

“We are seeing very little, if any, reduction in the amount of burning that is taking place in Kansas at the present time, Brunetti said.

The reasons vary, experts say. Some landowners may already have had contracts in place with the professionals hired to do the burning. Others have agreements in place to fatten cattle on those acres this summer. And still others do so because that is the way they have always done it and are more comfortable with burning in the spring.

“There is a whole infrastructure that is geared up to do this, so it doesn’t surprise me,” said Craig Volland, chairman of the air quality committee of the Kansas chapter of the Sierra Club.

Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, said on Wednesday that he does not “have the inclination” to recommend now an outright ban on all rangeland burning because pollution levels aren’t consistently above the thresholds set by the federal government.

“I think that would be considered if we had continued high number of coronavirus cases and influx into hospitals and that kind of thing,” Norman said. “But we actually are not seeing an unusual amount of clinical activity now in those facilities.

Air quality standards were exceeded six times between April 3 and 9 in Kansas, according to the latest&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksfire.org/new-media-archives/weeklyupdates/2020_Flint_Hills_Update_April_10.pdf" target="_blank">Flint Hills Prescribed Fire Update</a>. Pollution levels were also exceeded Saturday in Lincoln, Nebraska, as the smoke from Kansas drifted across state lines.

A day earlier, the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department in Nebraska issued a health advisory to the general public saying smoke in the air was expected to reach levels that are unhealthy for everyone. They especially pose an elevated risk to children, older adults and those with asthma, lung disease, other respiratory conditions or heart disease.

About 2.6 million acres (1.1 million hectares) were burned in Kansas last year, compared to 1.5 million acres (about 607,000 hectares) in 2018 and 2.4 million acres (about 971,000 hectares) in 2017, according to satellite data by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

For decades, landowners have burned their fields each spring as a way to control invasive plant species and increase the lushness of pastures where they will graze beef cattle in the coming months.

That is especially the case in the Flint Hills, where the rock is so close to the surface and the terrain so hilly that tilling is impractical. Encompassing several hundred miles in eastern Kansas, the Flint Hills are among the last remaining tallgrass prairie ecosystems in the world.

While landowners in other parts of Kansas and states around it also burn rangeland, Brunetti said, the fires are of “significantly greater quantity” in the Flint Hills.

Flint Hills rancher Pete Ferrell said their protocol does not include yearly burning. They burn less consistently than other ranchers because they use high density stocking of beef cattle and a goat herd to control invasive species. He said they had already decided not to burn this year when health officials made their request.

“So no, that was not a factor for us, although I have shared that concern with neighbors, with associates who do burn,” Ferrell said.

It is not possible yet to say definitively whether smoke impacts have changed in Nebraska because of the recommendation by Kansas health officials to not burn, said Amanda Woita, spokeswoman for the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy. Nebraska would not have “a full picture” until after the burn season ends, she said.

KDHE spokeswoman Kristi Zears said Kansas health department officials are encouraging landowners in the Flint Hills to use the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksfire.org/" target="_blank">smoke model tool</a>&nbsp;to alleviate impacts to downwind communities.

“This is especially important with the current coronavirus pandemic affecting fellow Kansans and surrounding states,” Zears said.

BELLE PLAINE, Kan. (AP) — Kansas ranchers eager to prepare their land for cattle grazing have mostly brushed off the plea from state health officials to voluntarily cut back this spring’s prairie burning to reduce air pollution during the coronavirus pandemic.With the potential of the pandemic overwhelming the state’s medical facilities, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment on March 26 encouraged land owners and managers to reduce burned acres this spring in an effort to mitigate respiratory concerns connected to breathing the smoke.Officials warned that individuals with respiratory issues, including COVID-19, as well as those with preexisting heart and lung diseases, children and elderly may experience worse symptoms due to the smoke from fires.But air quality monitors this past week have picked up “significantly high readings” downwind from Kansas in the Lincoln and Omaha areas of Nebraska, with smoke from Kansas reaching as far north as South Dakota, said Rick Brunetti, director of the Bureau of Air at at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.“We are seeing very little, if any, reduction in the amount of burning that is taking place in Kansas at the present time, Brunetti said.The reasons vary, experts say. Some landowners may already have had contracts in place with the professionals hired to do the burning. Others have agreements in place to fatten cattle on those acres this summer. And still others do so because that is the way they have always done it and are more comfortable with burning in the spring.“There is a whole infrastructure that is geared up to do this, so it doesn’t surprise me,” said Craig Volland, chairman of the air quality committee of the Kansas chapter of the Sierra Club.Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, said on Wednesday that he does not “have the inclination” to recommend now an outright ban on all rangeland burning because pollution levels aren’t consistently above the thresholds set by the federal government.“I think that would be considered if we had continued high number of coronavirus cases and influx into hospitals and that kind of thing,” Norman said. “But we actually are not seeing an unusual amount of clinical activity now in those facilities.Air quality standards were exceeded six times between April 3 and 9 in Kansas, according to the latest&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksfire.org/new-media-archives/weeklyupdates/2020_Flint_Hills_Update_April_10.pdf" target="_blank">Flint Hills Prescribed Fire Update</a>. Pollution levels were also exceeded Saturday in Lincoln, Nebraska, as the smoke from Kansas drifted across state lines.A day earlier, the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department in Nebraska issued a health advisory to the general public saying smoke in the air was expected to reach levels that are unhealthy for everyone. They especially pose an elevated risk to children, older adults and those with asthma, lung disease, other respiratory conditions or heart disease.About 2.6 million acres (1.1 million hectares) were burned in Kansas last year, compared to 1.5 million acres (about 607,000 hectares) in 2018 and 2.4 million acres (about 971,000 hectares) in 2017, according to satellite data by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.For decades, landowners have burned their fields each spring as a way to control invasive plant species and increase the lushness of pastures where they will graze beef cattle in the coming months.That is especially the case in the Flint Hills, where the rock is so close to the surface and the terrain so hilly that tilling is impractical. Encompassing several hundred miles in eastern Kansas, the Flint Hills are among the last remaining tallgrass prairie ecosystems in the world.While landowners in other parts of Kansas and states around it also burn rangeland, Brunetti said, the fires are of “significantly greater quantity” in the Flint Hills.Flint Hills rancher Pete Ferrell said their protocol does not include yearly burning. They burn less consistently than other ranchers because they use high density stocking of beef cattle and a goat herd to control invasive species. He said they had already decided not to burn this year when health officials made their request.“So no, that was not a factor for us, although I have shared that concern with neighbors, with associates who do burn,” Ferrell said.It is not possible yet to say definitively whether smoke impacts have changed in Nebraska because of the recommendation by Kansas health officials to not burn, said Amanda Woita, spokeswoman for the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy. Nebraska would not have “a full picture” until after the burn season ends, she said.KDHE spokeswoman Kristi Zears said Kansas health department officials are encouraging landowners in the Flint Hills to use the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksfire.org/" target="_blank">smoke model tool</a>&nbsp;to alleviate impacts to downwind communities.“This is especially important with the current coronavirus pandemic affecting fellow Kansans and surrounding states,” Zears said.

Kansas ranchers burn land despite plea from health officials

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal drive by shooting and have&nbsp; arrested 32-year-old Joshua Johnson of Wichita on a charge of first-degree murder.

Just after 12:30 a.m. on Monday, police responded to a shooting call at the Kwik Shop in the 600 block of South West Street in&nbsp; Wicihta, according to officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp; 

Police located a 2014 white Dodge Avenger with the rear window shot out.&nbsp; Inside the vehicle was an 18-year-old male driver, a 27-year-old male passenger and 18-year-old Aubrey Resendez, who had been shot.&nbsp; 

EMS transported Resendez&nbsp; to an area hospital where she died, according to Davidson.&nbsp; The 18-year-old was Resendez’s boyfriend, and the 27-year-old was Resendez’s brother.&nbsp; They were not injured.

The investigation revealed a disturbance ensued in the 4200 block of West Pawnee between the occupants of the Avenger and Johnson, who was in a 2006 Silver Dodge Ram truck.&nbsp; During the disturbance, Johnson fired multiple shots at the Avenger, striking the vehicle and striking Resendez, according to Davidson.&nbsp; The truck was recently reported stolen out of Reno County and is still outstanding.

The will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office, according to Davidson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587056156024.png" alt="Johnson photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Johnson photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal drive by shooting and have&nbsp; arrested 32-year-old Joshua Johnson of Wichita on a charge of first-degree murder.Just after 12:30 a.m. on Monday, police responded to a shooting call at the Kwik Shop in the 600 block of South West Street in&nbsp; Wicihta, according to officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp; Police located a 2014 white Dodge Avenger with the rear window shot out.&nbsp; Inside the vehicle was an 18-year-old male driver, a 27-year-old male passenger and 18-year-old Aubrey Resendez, who had been shot.&nbsp; <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586790756899.png" alt="Police on the scene of the shooting investigation -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the shooting investigation -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>EMS transported Resendez&nbsp; to an area hospital where she died, according to Davidson.&nbsp; The 18-year-old was Resendez’s boyfriend, and the 27-year-old was Resendez’s brother.&nbsp; They were not injured.The investigation revealed a disturbance ensued in the 4200 block of West Pawnee between the occupants of the Avenger and Johnson, who was in a 2006 Silver Dodge Ram truck.&nbsp; During the disturbance, Johnson fired multiple shots at the Avenger, striking the vehicle and striking Resendez, according to Davidson.&nbsp; The truck was recently reported stolen out of Reno County and is still outstanding.The will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office, according to Davidson.

Suspect arrested for fatal drive-by shooting of Kan. teen

TOPEKA — Kansas Governor Laura Kelly and Labor Secretary Delia Garcia announced a new unemployment claims process Thursday during the governor's daily press conference.

The new program asks claimants to file an application for benefits and weekly claims on certain days by the first letter of their last name. 

If you need to file a claim and your last name begins with the letter A - M, file a claim on Sunday (after noon, Tuesday, or Thursday.

If you need to file a claim and your last name begins with the letter N - Z, file a claim on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday.

Remember: claims filed on either Sunday or Monday will be paid at the same time, so there is no disadvantage to you if your last name is Zook and you file on Mon. instead of Sun.

Participating in the Labor Department's gating program will help to ensure that all Kansans eligible for unemployment insurance benefits will have access to the system.&nbsp;

TOPEKA — Kansas Governor Laura Kelly and Labor Secretary Delia Garcia announced a new unemployment claims process Thursday during the governor's daily press conference.The new program asks claimants to file an application for benefits and weekly claims on certain days by the first letter of their last name. <div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovLauraKelly%2Fvideos%2F622240108405535%2F&show_text=0&width=560" width="560" height="315" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>If you need to file a claim and your last name begins with the letter A - M, file a claim on Sunday (after noon, Tuesday, or Thursday.If you need to file a claim and your last name begins with the letter N - Z, file a claim on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday.Remember: claims filed on either Sunday or Monday will be paid at the same time, so there is no disadvantage to you if your last name is Zook and you file on Mon. instead of Sun.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587069308691.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Participating in the Labor Department's gating program will help to ensure that all Kansans eligible for unemployment insurance benefits will have access to the system.&nbsp;

🎥 Kansas announces new filing process for unemployment

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas City, Missouri, Mayor Quinton Lucas held a noon&nbsp; news conference Thursday to announce and provide further details on the extension of his stay-at-home order to Friday, May 15.

This order was previously scheduled to expire next Friday, April 24. Lucas said his decision came after health officials from the 9 county metro in Kansas and Missouri made the recommendation Wednesday.

<a href="https://www.kcmo.gov/city-hall/departments/health/coronavirus-covid-19/stay-at-home-order-faq">Click here to read</a> the original stay-at-home order for Kansas City.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585236249325.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas City, Missouri, Mayor Quinton Lucas held a noon&nbsp; news conference Thursday to announce and provide further details on the extension of his stay-at-home order to Friday, May 15.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fquinton.lucas%2Fvideos%2F317120535923454%2F&show_text=0&width=560" width="560" height="315" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>This order was previously scheduled to expire next Friday, April 24. Lucas said his decision came after health officials from the 9 county metro in Kansas and Missouri made the recommendation Wednesday.<a href="https://www.kcmo.gov/city-hall/departments/health/coronavirus-covid-19/stay-at-home-order-faq">Click here to read</a> the original stay-at-home order for Kansas City.

🎥 Update: Kansas City extends stay-at-home order to May 15

NEW YORK (AP) — The government’s lending program for small businesses is on hold.

The Small Business Administration said Thursday that it reached the $349 billion lending limit for the program, after approving nearly 1.7 million loans.

Thousands of small business owners whose loans have not yet been processed must now wait for Congress to approve a Trump administration request for another $250 billion for the program. Lawmakers have been haggling over whether to extend the program as it stands now, or whether to add provisions that, among other things, would help minority businesses. It’s unclear when they might reach an agreement that would allow loan approvals to continue.

Business owners left in limbo were getting more anxious after hearing the program was on hold.

“Ugh. I'm starting to stress a bit,” said Greg Corey, who applied when the program launched April 3. He last heard from his bank on Saturday. Corey, owner of Porchlight, an Atlanta-based advertising and marketing firm, has been cutting expenses and work for freelancers so he can keep paying his staff of 10.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and SBA head Jovita Carranza on Wednesday urged Congress to approve more funds. Meanwhile, thousands of businesses are still applying, hoping to get loans when Congress approves an extension of the program.

The fight in Congress over the extension is along party lines. Republicans are amping up the political pressure in hopes of getting a relatively narrowly-drawn infusion of $250 billion in funding into the program, but top Democrats are seeking to add funding for hospitals and state and local governments.

Action on Capitol Hill is complicated by the shuttering of the Capitol other than for pro forma sessions that require unanimous agreement in order for any legislation to advance. The sums are unlike anything that has passed under conditions requiring such unanimous consent — a wholly unprecedented situation that has scrambled the power dynamics inside the Capitol.

Democrats like House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California are also seeking to add provisions that among other things would help minority businesses.

A Senate session Thursday afternoon likely won’t produce any progress, which means the business payroll subsidy program won’t get funding until next week at the earliest.

The most likely outcome if there is to be a successful result could be a relatively narrowly-drawn bill involving additional funding for hospitals and maybe testing.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587060914300.png" alt="Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin answers questions outside the White House this week.- photo courtesy Dept. of Treasury" />
 <figcaption>Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin answers questions outside the White House this week.- photo courtesy Dept. of Treasury</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — The government’s lending program for small businesses is on hold.The Small Business Administration said Thursday that it reached the $349 billion lending limit for the program, after approving nearly 1.7 million loans.Thousands of small business owners whose loans have not yet been processed must now wait for Congress to approve a Trump administration request for another $250 billion for the program. Lawmakers have been haggling over whether to extend the program as it stands now, or whether to add provisions that, among other things, would help minority businesses. It’s unclear when they might reach an agreement that would allow loan approvals to continue.Business owners left in limbo were getting more anxious after hearing the program was on hold.“Ugh. I'm starting to stress a bit,” said Greg Corey, who applied when the program launched April 3. He last heard from his bank on Saturday. Corey, owner of Porchlight, an Atlanta-based advertising and marketing firm, has been cutting expenses and work for freelancers so he can keep paying his staff of 10.Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and SBA head Jovita Carranza on Wednesday urged Congress to approve more funds. Meanwhile, thousands of businesses are still applying, hoping to get loans when Congress approves an extension of the program.The fight in Congress over the extension is along party lines. Republicans are amping up the political pressure in hopes of getting a relatively narrowly-drawn infusion of $250 billion in funding into the program, but top Democrats are seeking to add funding for hospitals and state and local governments.Action on Capitol Hill is complicated by the shuttering of the Capitol other than for pro forma sessions that require unanimous agreement in order for any legislation to advance. The sums are unlike anything that has passed under conditions requiring such unanimous consent — a wholly unprecedented situation that has scrambled the power dynamics inside the Capitol.Democrats like House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California are also seeking to add provisions that among other things would help minority businesses.A Senate session Thursday afternoon likely won’t produce any progress, which means the business payroll subsidy program won’t get funding until next week at the earliest.The most likely outcome if there is to be a successful result could be a relatively narrowly-drawn bill involving additional funding for hospitals and maybe testing.

Virus relief: Government lending program for small businesses on hold

The Kansas Department of Health released the latest coronavirus numbers Thursday afternoon.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here for </a>additional details

The Kansas Department of Health released the latest coronavirus numbers Thursday afternoon.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here for </a>additional details<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587057356104.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

WASHINGTON —&nbsp;The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing its proposal to retain, without changes, the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for particulate matter (PM) including both fine particles (PM2.5) and coarse particles (PM10).&nbsp;This proposal comes after careful review and consideration of the most current available scientific evidence and risk and exposure information, and with consultation and confirmation by the agency’s independent science advisors.

“The U.S. has made incredible strides in reducing particulate matter concentrations across the nation,”&nbsp;said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “Based on review of the scientific literature and recommendation from our independent science advisors, we are proposing to retain existing PM standards which will ensure the continued protection of both public health and the environment.”

As a result of Clean Air Act programs and efforts by state, local and tribal governments, as well as technological improvements, average PM2.5 concentrations in the U.S. fell by 39 percent between 2000 and 2018 while average PM10 concentrations fell by 31 percent during the same period. 

With this action, EPA is following the principles established in the earliest days of this administration to streamline the NAAQS review process and to fulfill the statutory responsibility to complete the NAAQS review within a 5-year timeframe. 

More information about the rule can be found at:&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUQDOz1Y0ipqkj0TWUVCRTR8a1Jwdd3m5LujRAvFpFWskt9mucRBp-2BvWgUCvGkiZTSImEnHRGjePXEeZ2gOUIlCfNLlwBylC-2FpkcLTI9z8IrlVo3y_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah21KHordUO1d7zhLCFR0YP4W2h34kGvaUJG9DcNaDLY4wTxXaVbw1sBFaBaBxdAvVVHDh-2BjtC-2BvvGvl28uUus-2B6ZkHCU9U3YJLYUBBKLuVPgtLBJ2MfiYwGER-2B65lzGd0f0S3baVSybhiNChtZQzlp8iHeldka7yxrn1KiVuDsAz7CEi2gCFTEOZj8Uj57u88Q0AxwS5C-2FCyQPxYd3FLMYlED2i10VnAsfhXFS1T8HV829-2FLc4DYgPJPvWxXl1R-2BktDSdVnSJtREqaAveFN2ea2oyQkbAZxZuTyH1-2FDa36eLg2P6-2BNpr41JfQ5LA4urhqc-3D" target="_blank">https://www.epa.gov/pm-pollution/national-ambient-air-quality-standards-naaqs-pm</a>

<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUQDOz1Y0ipqkj0TWUVCRTR8a1Jwdd3m5LujRAvFpFWskt9mucRBp-2BvWgUCvGkiZTSImEnHRGjePXEeZ2gOUIlCfNLlwBylC-2FpkcLTI9z8IrlVo3y_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah21KHordUO1d7zhLCFR0YP4W2h34kGvaUJG9DcNaDLY4wTxXaVbw1sBFaBaBxdAvVVHDh-2BjtC-2BvvGvl28uUus-2B6ZkHCU9U3YJLYUBBKLuVPgtLBJ2MfiYwGER-2B65lzGd0f0S3baVSybhiNChtZQzlp8iHeldka7yxrn1KiVuDsAz7CEi2gCFTEOZj8Uj57u88Q0AxwS5C-2FCyQPxYd3FLMYlED2i10VnAsfhXFS1T8HV829-2FLc4DYgPJPvWxXl1R-2BktDSdVnSJtREqaAveFN2ea2oyQkbAZxZuTyH1-2FDa36eLg2P6-2BNpr41JfQ5LA4urhqc-3D" target="_blank"></a>Public Officials Voice Support for EPA's Action:

Congressman Rob Bishop (UT-01, House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member:&nbsp;“The United States is a world leader in growing our economy while simultaneously improving air quality. Between 1970 to 2018, air pollutants identified in the Clean Air Act have fallen 74 percent&nbsp;while the US economy has grown by 275 percent.&nbsp;EPA’s decision to maintain the current National Particulate Matter Standards reflects this fact. Administrator Wheeler and the Administration should be commended for partnering with states, local, and tribal governments in improving our air quality while allowing economic growth to continue.”

Congressman Paul Gosar (AZ-04, Ranking Member of the Energy and Mineral Resources Subcommittee, House Natural Resources Committee:&nbsp;“Communities across the West are working hard every day to meet current environmental standards. Today’s announcement is proof the EPA has listened to the concerns of local communities who are weary of excessive government overreach. I applaud President Trump and Administrator Wheeler for working in concert with state, local, and tribal governments to ensure we have clean air and clean water.”

Congressman James Comer (KY-01, Ranking Member of the Environment Subcommittee, House Oversight and Reform Committee:&nbsp;“I strongly support EPA’s decision to maintain the current Particulate Matter (PM) standards. The current PM standards are among the strictest safeguards in the world. EPA will continue to protect the environment while not placing unnecessary burdens on local communities. Under Administrator Wheeler’s leadership, EPA has proven that it is possible to improve air quality in the United States while simultaneously growing the economy.”

Congressman Devin Nunes (CA-22):&nbsp;“I am gratified that the EPA’s standards are now guided by the scientific evidence and the needs of local communities. Farming families can rest assured the federal government will not impede their livelihoods or their continued ability to feed the nation.”

Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05): “Air quality in the United States continues to improve under President Trump’s administration. The EPA’s proposed action relieves our state from an increase in regulatory burdens by maintaining the current national particulate matter standards. This gives Arizona the flexibility to work on its current plan to meet and exceed the EPA’s standards and improve our state’s environmental health.”

Congressman Larry Bucshon (IN-08):&nbsp;“In these uncertain times, removing barriers to innovation and championing free-market solutions driven by the American consumer will provide Hoosier manufacturers and energy producers&nbsp;with&nbsp;the&nbsp;certainty&nbsp;they need.&nbsp;I applaud the Administration’s decision to maintain the existing National Particulate Matter Standards, which ensures Hoosier families have access to cleaner&nbsp;air and&nbsp;that&nbsp;burdensome regulations do not stifle Main Street jobs. We must continue&nbsp;to provide the certainty needed to promote innovation and economic growth,” said Dr. Bucshon.

Congresswoman Carol Miller (WV-03):&nbsp;“With this decision, Administrator Wheeler has proven, once again, that we can protect our environment and prioritize the health of our citizens without unnecessary and overburdensome regulations. I applaud the EPA for their commitment to improving our air quality, which is now five times cleaner than the global average.” 

Congressman Morgan Griffith (VA-09):&nbsp;“In maintaining the national Particulate Matter standards set in 2012, the EPA has made the right call. Our air quality has improved under the current standards, and we can continue to make progress without imposing costly new burdens on the energy and manufacturing sectors.”

Congressman Alex Mooney (WV-02):&nbsp;“I am pleased to hear the EPA is maintaining the current national PM&nbsp;standards. After eight years of former President Obama’s War on Coal, President Donald Trump’s leadership is saving jobs in our coal industry. This decision will improve air quality while protecting West Virginia energy jobs.”

Congressman Bill Flores (TX-17): “I am pleased to see the Trump administration and the EPA&nbsp;employ a science and data driven approach to address the NAAQS&nbsp;for particulate matter. Communities throughout the nation, including some in the 17th Congressional District of Texas, have been struggling to prepare for previously proposed rules which had increasingly unreasonable standards. The EPA’s decision to retain current standards, without changes, rightly reflects the long-term trend data of dramatically decreased particulate matter as well as the needs of our state and local governments. Now, more than ever, our communities, small businesses, and industries need thoughtful, scientific-based certainty to dig our economy out of current coronavirus-related economic harm while continuing the trend of greatly improved air quality for hardworking American families.”

Austin Caperton, Cabinet Secretary, West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection:&nbsp;“With several announcements over the past few weeks the Trump administration, and the EPA administration, continue to demonstrate that states have rights and, more importantly, that science will be the guiding light when it comes to regulating the environment. The announcement that the PM2.5 and PM10 standards will remain as is until science dictates otherwise is but yet another example.&nbsp;And I'm proud to report that West Virginia is in full compliance with both standards.”

Kenneth Wagner, Oklahoma&nbsp;Secretary of Energy and Environment:&nbsp;“The regulatory decision to keep Particulate Matter standards steady under the NAAQS is strongly supported by the State of Oklahoma.&nbsp;The certainty of holding these standards steady allows businesses in Oklahoma to plan, comply and hopefully, grow after this incredibly difficult economic period.”

Libby Szabo, Commissioner, Jefferson County, CO:&nbsp;“Maintaining the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for particulate matter is a win, win.&nbsp;It not only makes sure we are setting a high standard for air quality but it also provides the requisite protection for public health and welfare of our communities, while making sure we are consistent with the best available science.&nbsp;My hat goes off to the EPA for finding this delicate balance.”

The Clean Air Act requires the EPA to set NAAQS for “criteria pollutants.” Currently, PM and five other major pollutants are listed as criteria pollutants. 

The law requires the EPA to periodically review the relevant scientific information and the standards and revise them, if appropriate, to ensure that the standards provide the requisite protection for public health and welfare. 

In the prior review of the PM standards, which was completed in 2012, the EPA revised the level of the primary annual PM2.5 standard from 15.0 to 12.0 mg/m3. 

To view a fact sheet, click here:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUQDOz1Y0ipqkj0TWUVCRTR-2FsFz1pZPL7JUIXUwvJFjHSt-2B1vMee4k1UGSD7WI9Z5EtQBiesHVZBYEZGXqwdt5GjUIjzFO3MZLePz6oP-2BQvgx7OLKUnnWnTv0rHNf5rYIzuNBhMyWRjC-2F-2Fe-2FggHv-2FqdE-3D4NYo_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah21KHordUO1d7zhLCFR0YP4W2h34kGvaUJG9DcNaDLY4wTxXaVbw1sBFaBaBxdAvVVHDh-2BjtC-2BvvGvl28uUus-2B6ZkHCU9U3YJLYUBBKLuVPgtLBJ2MfiYwGER-2B65lzGd0f0S3baVSybhiNChtZQzlp8jWbkAw7L7C-2BYHlehA0JkjKPaZaPcBLZNB93vf-2FHFCGAyopDBEKkUiVxlmHfxD-2FyyGUzBU0oBA6wyQyxo0hvs3aWemzGSWvD6rQ0vBpLvsZ12JLU61EbXnFsiBotkiAAHzPpuXaZ2vyp27tuX3oFKoCXuDBrI-2FdkXEgvsCPfQ6zM-3D" target="_blank">https://www.epa.gov/pm-pollution/proposal-retain-national-ambient-air-quality-standards-particulate-matter-pm</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586884804354.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>EPAWASHINGTON —&nbsp;The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing its proposal to retain, without changes, the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for particulate matter (PM) including both fine particles (PM2.5) and coarse particles (PM10).&nbsp;This proposal comes after careful review and consideration of the most current available scientific evidence and risk and exposure information, and with consultation and confirmation by the agency’s independent science advisors.“The U.S. has made incredible strides in reducing particulate matter concentrations across the nation,”&nbsp;said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “Based on review of the scientific literature and recommendation from our independent science advisors, we are proposing to retain existing PM standards which will ensure the continued protection of both public health and the environment.”As a result of Clean Air Act programs and efforts by state, local and tribal governments, as well as technological improvements, average PM2.5 concentrations in the U.S. fell by 39 percent between 2000 and 2018 while average PM10 concentrations fell by 31 percent during the same period. With this action, EPA is following the principles established in the earliest days of this administration to streamline the NAAQS review process and to fulfill the statutory responsibility to complete the NAAQS review within a 5-year timeframe. More information about the rule can be found at:&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUQDOz1Y0ipqkj0TWUVCRTR8a1Jwdd3m5LujRAvFpFWskt9mucRBp-2BvWgUCvGkiZTSImEnHRGjePXEeZ2gOUIlCfNLlwBylC-2FpkcLTI9z8IrlVo3y_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah21KHordUO1d7zhLCFR0YP4W2h34kGvaUJG9DcNaDLY4wTxXaVbw1sBFaBaBxdAvVVHDh-2BjtC-2BvvGvl28uUus-2B6ZkHCU9U3YJLYUBBKLuVPgtLBJ2MfiYwGER-2B65lzGd0f0S3baVSybhiNChtZQzlp8iHeldka7yxrn1KiVuDsAz7CEi2gCFTEOZj8Uj57u88Q0AxwS5C-2FCyQPxYd3FLMYlED2i10VnAsfhXFS1T8HV829-2FLc4DYgPJPvWxXl1R-2BktDSdVnSJtREqaAveFN2ea2oyQkbAZxZuTyH1-2FDa36eLg2P6-2BNpr41JfQ5LA4urhqc-3D" target="_blank">https://www.epa.gov/pm-pollution/national-ambient-air-quality-standards-naaqs-pm</a><a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUQDOz1Y0ipqkj0TWUVCRTR8a1Jwdd3m5LujRAvFpFWskt9mucRBp-2BvWgUCvGkiZTSImEnHRGjePXEeZ2gOUIlCfNLlwBylC-2FpkcLTI9z8IrlVo3y_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah21KHordUO1d7zhLCFR0YP4W2h34kGvaUJG9DcNaDLY4wTxXaVbw1sBFaBaBxdAvVVHDh-2BjtC-2BvvGvl28uUus-2B6ZkHCU9U3YJLYUBBKLuVPgtLBJ2MfiYwGER-2B65lzGd0f0S3baVSybhiNChtZQzlp8iHeldka7yxrn1KiVuDsAz7CEi2gCFTEOZj8Uj57u88Q0AxwS5C-2FCyQPxYd3FLMYlED2i10VnAsfhXFS1T8HV829-2FLc4DYgPJPvWxXl1R-2BktDSdVnSJtREqaAveFN2ea2oyQkbAZxZuTyH1-2FDa36eLg2P6-2BNpr41JfQ5LA4urhqc-3D" target="_blank"></a>Public Officials Voice Support for EPA's Action:Congressman Rob Bishop (UT-01, House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member:&nbsp;“The United States is a world leader in growing our economy while simultaneously improving air quality. Between 1970 to 2018, air pollutants identified in the Clean Air Act have fallen 74 percent&nbsp;while the US economy has grown by 275 percent.&nbsp;EPA’s decision to maintain the current National Particulate Matter Standards reflects this fact. Administrator Wheeler and the Administration should be commended for partnering with states, local, and tribal governments in improving our air quality while allowing economic growth to continue.”Congressman Paul Gosar (AZ-04, Ranking Member of the Energy and Mineral Resources Subcommittee, House Natural Resources Committee:&nbsp;“Communities across the West are working hard every day to meet current environmental standards. Today’s announcement is proof the EPA has listened to the concerns of local communities who are weary of excessive government overreach. I applaud President Trump and Administrator Wheeler for working in concert with state, local, and tribal governments to ensure we have clean air and clean water.”Congressman James Comer (KY-01, Ranking Member of the Environment Subcommittee, House Oversight and Reform Committee:&nbsp;“I strongly support EPA’s decision to maintain the current Particulate Matter (PM) standards. The current PM standards are among the strictest safeguards in the world. EPA will continue to protect the environment while not placing unnecessary burdens on local communities. Under Administrator Wheeler’s leadership, EPA has proven that it is possible to improve air quality in the United States while simultaneously growing the economy.”Congressman Devin Nunes (CA-22):&nbsp;“I am gratified that the EPA’s standards are now guided by the scientific evidence and the needs of local communities. Farming families can rest assured the federal government will not impede their livelihoods or their continued ability to feed the nation.”Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05): “Air quality in the United States continues to improve under President Trump’s administration. The EPA’s proposed action relieves our state from an increase in regulatory burdens by maintaining the current national particulate matter standards. This gives Arizona the flexibility to work on its current plan to meet and exceed the EPA’s standards and improve our state’s environmental health.”Congressman Larry Bucshon (IN-08):&nbsp;“In these uncertain times, removing barriers to innovation and championing free-market solutions driven by the American consumer will provide Hoosier manufacturers and energy producers&nbsp;with&nbsp;the&nbsp;certainty&nbsp;they need.&nbsp;I applaud the Administration’s decision to maintain the existing National Particulate Matter Standards, which ensures Hoosier families have access to cleaner&nbsp;air and&nbsp;that&nbsp;burdensome regulations do not stifle Main Street jobs. We must continue&nbsp;to provide the certainty needed to promote innovation and economic growth,” said Dr. Bucshon.Congresswoman Carol Miller (WV-03):&nbsp;“With this decision, Administrator Wheeler has proven, once again, that we can protect our environment and prioritize the health of our citizens without unnecessary and overburdensome regulations. I applaud the EPA for their commitment to improving our air quality, which is now five times cleaner than the global average.” Congressman Morgan Griffith (VA-09):&nbsp;“In maintaining the national Particulate Matter standards set in 2012, the EPA has made the right call. Our air quality has improved under the current standards, and we can continue to make progress without imposing costly new burdens on the energy and manufacturing sectors.”Congressman Alex Mooney (WV-02):&nbsp;“I am pleased to hear the EPA is maintaining the current national PM&nbsp;standards. After eight years of former President Obama’s War on Coal, President Donald Trump’s leadership is saving jobs in our coal industry. This decision will improve air quality while protecting West Virginia energy jobs.”Congressman Bill Flores (TX-17): “I am pleased to see the Trump administration and the EPA&nbsp;employ a science and data driven approach to address the NAAQS&nbsp;for particulate matter. Communities throughout the nation, including some in the 17th Congressional District of Texas, have been struggling to prepare for previously proposed rules which had increasingly unreasonable standards. The EPA’s decision to retain current standards, without changes, rightly reflects the long-term trend data of dramatically decreased particulate matter as well as the needs of our state and local governments. Now, more than ever, our communities, small businesses, and industries need thoughtful, scientific-based certainty to dig our economy out of current coronavirus-related economic harm while continuing the trend of greatly improved air quality for hardworking American families.”Austin Caperton, Cabinet Secretary, West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection:&nbsp;“With several announcements over the past few weeks the Trump administration, and the EPA administration, continue to demonstrate that states have rights and, more importantly, that science will be the guiding light when it comes to regulating the environment. The announcement that the PM2.5 and PM10 standards will remain as is until science dictates otherwise is but yet another example.&nbsp;And I'm proud to report that West Virginia is in full compliance with both standards.”Kenneth Wagner, Oklahoma&nbsp;Secretary of Energy and Environment:&nbsp;“The regulatory decision to keep Particulate Matter standards steady under the NAAQS is strongly supported by the State of Oklahoma.&nbsp;The certainty of holding these standards steady allows businesses in Oklahoma to plan, comply and hopefully, grow after this incredibly difficult economic period.”Libby Szabo, Commissioner, Jefferson County, CO:&nbsp;“Maintaining the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for particulate matter is a win, win.&nbsp;It not only makes sure we are setting a high standard for air quality but it also provides the requisite protection for public health and welfare of our communities, while making sure we are consistent with the best available science.&nbsp;My hat goes off to the EPA for finding this delicate balance.”Background:The Clean Air Act requires the EPA to set NAAQS for “criteria pollutants.” Currently, PM and five other major pollutants are listed as criteria pollutants. The law requires the EPA to periodically review the relevant scientific information and the standards and revise them, if appropriate, to ensure that the standards provide the requisite protection for public health and welfare. In the prior review of the PM standards, which was completed in 2012, the EPA revised the level of the primary annual PM2.5 standard from 15.0 to 12.0 mg/m3. To view a fact sheet, click here:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUQDOz1Y0ipqkj0TWUVCRTR-2FsFz1pZPL7JUIXUwvJFjHSt-2B1vMee4k1UGSD7WI9Z5EtQBiesHVZBYEZGXqwdt5GjUIjzFO3MZLePz6oP-2BQvgx7OLKUnnWnTv0rHNf5rYIzuNBhMyWRjC-2F-2Fe-2FggHv-2FqdE-3D4NYo_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah21KHordUO1d7zhLCFR0YP4W2h34kGvaUJG9DcNaDLY4wTxXaVbw1sBFaBaBxdAvVVHDh-2BjtC-2BvvGvl28uUus-2B6ZkHCU9U3YJLYUBBKLuVPgtLBJ2MfiYwGER-2B65lzGd0f0S3baVSybhiNChtZQzlp8jWbkAw7L7C-2BYHlehA0JkjKPaZaPcBLZNB93vf-2FHFCGAyopDBEKkUiVxlmHfxD-2FyyGUzBU0oBA6wyQyxo0hvs3aWemzGSWvD6rQ0vBpLvsZ12JLU61EbXnFsiBotkiAAHzPpuXaZ2vyp27tuX3oFKoCXuDBrI-2FdkXEgvsCPfQ6zM-3D" target="_blank">https://www.epa.gov/pm-pollution/proposal-retain-national-ambient-air-quality-standards-particulate-matter-pm</a>

EPA proposes retaining air particulate standards

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and have made an arrest.

Just after 12:10 a.m. Wednesday, police responded to a drive-by shooting call in the 1400 block of North Poplar in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.

At the approximate same time, a police Sergeant working off duty at Wesley Medical Center advised of a walk-in shooting at the hospital.

A 31-year-old woman arrived at the hospital with a minor graze wound to the top of her head.&nbsp; 

A man identified as 30-year-old Denoveous Adams of Wichita, brought her to the hospital in a Jeep Liberty, according to Davidson.

When Adams saw the police Sergeant, he grabbed a handgun from the Jeep and fled on foot.&nbsp; Officers arriving in the area arrested Adams and also recovered the gun.

During the investigation, officers located multiple shell casings in the 1400 block and 1600 block of North Poplar.&nbsp;

Investigators are also working to determine the circumstances of what occurred.&nbsp; A lack of all cooperation in this investigation has affected investigators from learning all the details of this case.&nbsp; 

&nbsp;Adams is being held for possession of a firearm by a felon. He has previously been arrested and convicted of charges that include aggravated robbery and robbery.

This was not a random incident, according to Davidson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586967270701.png" alt="Adams photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Adams photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and have made an arrest.Just after 12:10 a.m. Wednesday, police responded to a drive-by shooting call in the 1400 block of North Poplar in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.At the approximate same time, a police Sergeant working off duty at Wesley Medical Center advised of a walk-in shooting at the hospital.A 31-year-old woman arrived at the hospital with a minor graze wound to the top of her head.&nbsp; A man identified as 30-year-old Denoveous Adams of Wichita, brought her to the hospital in a Jeep Liberty, according to Davidson.When Adams saw the police Sergeant, he grabbed a handgun from the Jeep and fled on foot.&nbsp; Officers arriving in the area arrested Adams and also recovered the gun.During the investigation, officers located multiple shell casings in the 1400 block and 1600 block of North Poplar.&nbsp;Investigators are also working to determine the circumstances of what occurred.&nbsp; A lack of all cooperation in this investigation has affected investigators from learning all the details of this case.&nbsp; &nbsp;Adams is being held for possession of a firearm by a felon. He has previously been arrested and convicted of charges that include aggravated robbery and robbery.This was not a random incident, according to Davidson.