CHICAGO (AP) — The U.S. death toll from the coronavirus eclipsed Italy’s for the highest in the world Saturday at about 20,000, as Chicago and other cities across the Midwest braced for a potential surge in victims and moved to snuff out smoldering hot spots of contagion before they erupt.

With the New York area still deep in crisis, fear mounted over the spread of the scourge into the nation’s heartland.

Twenty-four residents of an Indiana nursing home hit by COVID-19 have died, while a nursing home in Iowa saw 14 deaths. Chicago’s Cook County has set up a temporary morgue that can take more than 2,000 bodies. And&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/6f408d2ff996945505f334a7529c0d90">Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot</a>&nbsp;has been going around telling groups of people to “break it up.”

Around the world, meanwhile, European countries used roadblocks, drones, helicopters, mounted patrols and the threat of fines to keep people from traveling over Easter weekend. And with infections and deaths slowing in Italy, Spain and other places on the Continent, governments took tentative steps toward loosening the weeks-long shutdowns.

Glorious weather across Europe posed an extra test of people’s discipline.

“Don’t do silly things,” said Domenico Arcuri, Italy’s special commissioner for the virus emergency. “Don’t go out, continue to behave responsibly as you have done until today, use your head and your sense of responsibility.”

The outbreak’s center of gravity has long since shifted from China to Europe and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/556b271a1e574c373204924c7035332f">United State</a>&nbsp;s, which now has by far the largest number of confirmed cases — a half-million — and a death toll higher than Italy’s count of nearly 19,500, according to the<a href="https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html"> tally kept by Johns Hopkins University.</a>

The death rate — that is, the number of dead relative to the population — is still far higher in Italy than in U.S., which has more than five times as many people. And worldwide, the true numbers of dead and infected are believed to be much higher because of testing shortages, different counting practices and concealment by some governments.

About half the deaths in the U.S. are in the New York metropolitan area, where hospitalizations are nevertheless slowing and other indicators suggest lockdowns and social distancing are “flattening the curve” of infections and staving off the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/556b271a1e574c373204924c7035332f">doomsday scenarios</a>&nbsp;of just a week or two ago.

New York state on Saturday reported 783 more deaths, for a total over 8,600. Gov. Andrew Cuomo said the daily number of deaths is stabilizing “but stabilizing at a horrific rate.”

“What do we do now? We stay the course,” said Cuomo, who like other leaders has warned that relaxing restrictions too soon could enable the virus to come back with a vengeance.

With authorities warning that the crisis in New York is far from over, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that the city’s 1.1 million-student school system will remain closed for the rest of the academic year. But Cuomo said the decision is up to him, and no such determination has been made.

In the Midwest, pockets of contagion have alarmed state and city leaders and led to stricter enforcement.

Nearly 300 inmates at the Cook County Jail have tested positive for the virus, and two have died. In Wisconsin, health officials expect to see an increase in coronavirus cases after thousands of people went to the polls during Wisconsin’s presidential primary Tuesday.

Michigan’s governor extended her state’s stay-at-home order with new provisions: People with multiple homes may no longer travel between them.

And in Kansas, the state Supreme Court heard arguments in a dispute Saturday between Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly and Republican lawmakers who overturned her executive order banning religious services and funerals with more than 10 people.

Elsewhere around the world, Italian authorities set up roadblocks around Milan to discourage people from going on Easter weekend trips. British police kept a close watch on gatherings in parks and at the seaside on one of the hottest days of the year. And France deployed some 160,000 police, including officers on horseback who patrolled beaches and parks.

“It’s useless to pack your bags for a vacation,” Paris police tweeted.

With religious leaders around the globe urging people to observe Easter safely at home, not in church, the archbishop of Turin, Italy, allowed a video streaming display of the Shroud of Turin, believed by the faithful to be the burial cloth of Jesus, so that they can pray in front of it during the epidemic.

Austria aims to reopen small shops on Tuesday. Spain, with more than 16,300 dead, plans to allow workers in some nonessential industries to return to factories and construction sites Monday. Spanish authorities said they will distribute 10 million face masks at major train and subway stations.

“We think that with these measures we will prevent a jump in infections,” Health Minister Salvador Illa said.

Italy continued to include all nonessential manufacturing in an extension of its national lockdown until May 3. But Premier Giuseppe Conte held out&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/8daf291838bae0c7e17c055c4955cea7">hope that some industry could re-open earlier</a>&nbsp;if conditions permit.

Arcuri said that the exit from the lockdown will include increased virus testing, the deployment of a voluntary contact-tracing app and mandatory blood tests as Italy seeks to set up a system of ’’immunity passports.”

India extended its lockdown of the nation of 1.3 billion people by two more weeks. But Iran, the site of the worst outbreak in the Middle East, reopened government offices and businesses outside Tehran.

Britain on Saturday reported 917 more deaths, down from the peak of 980 recorded a day earlier. The country’s overall death toll neared 10,000. At the same time, data suggest that the number of hospital admissions in Britain is leveling off.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the first major world leader confirmed to have COVID-19, continued to recover at a London hospital, where he was able to take short walks, according to his office.

Worldwide, confirmed infections rose above 1.7 million, with over 100,000 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins. Close to 400,000 people have recovered.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. But for others, especially older people and those with health problems, it can cause severe symptoms like pneumonia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586635290743.png" alt="<a href="https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html">John Hopkins Coronavirus resource center map</a>" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html">John Hopkins Coronavirus resource center map</a></figcaption>
 </figure>CHICAGO (AP) — The U.S. death toll from the coronavirus eclipsed Italy’s for the highest in the world Saturday at about 20,000, as Chicago and other cities across the Midwest braced for a potential surge in victims and moved to snuff out smoldering hot spots of contagion before they erupt.With the New York area still deep in crisis, fear mounted over the spread of the scourge into the nation’s heartland.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585696207171.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Twenty-four residents of an Indiana nursing home hit by COVID-19 have died, while a nursing home in Iowa saw 14 deaths. Chicago’s Cook County has set up a temporary morgue that can take more than 2,000 bodies. And&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/6f408d2ff996945505f334a7529c0d90">Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot</a>&nbsp;has been going around telling groups of people to “break it up.”Around the world, meanwhile, European countries used roadblocks, drones, helicopters, mounted patrols and the threat of fines to keep people from traveling over Easter weekend. And with infections and deaths slowing in Italy, Spain and other places on the Continent, governments took tentative steps toward loosening the weeks-long shutdowns.Glorious weather across Europe posed an extra test of people’s discipline.“Don’t do silly things,” said Domenico Arcuri, Italy’s special commissioner for the virus emergency. “Don’t go out, continue to behave responsibly as you have done until today, use your head and your sense of responsibility.”The outbreak’s center of gravity has long since shifted from China to Europe and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/556b271a1e574c373204924c7035332f">United State</a>&nbsp;s, which now has by far the largest number of confirmed cases — a half-million — and a death toll higher than Italy’s count of nearly 19,500, according to the<a href="https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html"> tally kept by Johns Hopkins University.</a>The death rate — that is, the number of dead relative to the population — is still far higher in Italy than in U.S., which has more than five times as many people. And worldwide, the true numbers of dead and infected are believed to be much higher because of testing shortages, different counting practices and concealment by some governments.About half the deaths in the U.S. are in the New York metropolitan area, where hospitalizations are nevertheless slowing and other indicators suggest lockdowns and social distancing are “flattening the curve” of infections and staving off the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/556b271a1e574c373204924c7035332f">doomsday scenarios</a>&nbsp;of just a week or two ago.New York state on Saturday reported 783 more deaths, for a total over 8,600. Gov. Andrew Cuomo said the daily number of deaths is stabilizing “but stabilizing at a horrific rate.”“What do we do now? We stay the course,” said Cuomo, who like other leaders has warned that relaxing restrictions too soon could enable the virus to come back with a vengeance.With authorities warning that the crisis in New York is far from over, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that the city’s 1.1 million-student school system will remain closed for the rest of the academic year. But Cuomo said the decision is up to him, and no such determination has been made.In the Midwest, pockets of contagion have alarmed state and city leaders and led to stricter enforcement.Nearly 300 inmates at the Cook County Jail have tested positive for the virus, and two have died. In Wisconsin, health officials expect to see an increase in coronavirus cases after thousands of people went to the polls during Wisconsin’s presidential primary Tuesday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585696236815.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Michigan’s governor extended her state’s stay-at-home order with new provisions: People with multiple homes may no longer travel between them.And in Kansas, the state Supreme Court heard arguments in a dispute Saturday between Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly and Republican lawmakers who overturned her executive order banning religious services and funerals with more than 10 people.Elsewhere around the world, Italian authorities set up roadblocks around Milan to discourage people from going on Easter weekend trips. British police kept a close watch on gatherings in parks and at the seaside on one of the hottest days of the year. And France deployed some 160,000 police, including officers on horseback who patrolled beaches and parks.“It’s useless to pack your bags for a vacation,” Paris police tweeted.With religious leaders around the globe urging people to observe Easter safely at home, not in church, the archbishop of Turin, Italy, allowed a video streaming display of the Shroud of Turin, believed by the faithful to be the burial cloth of Jesus, so that they can pray in front of it during the epidemic.Austria aims to reopen small shops on Tuesday. Spain, with more than 16,300 dead, plans to allow workers in some nonessential industries to return to factories and construction sites Monday. Spanish authorities said they will distribute 10 million face masks at major train and subway stations.“We think that with these measures we will prevent a jump in infections,” Health Minister Salvador Illa said.Italy continued to include all nonessential manufacturing in an extension of its national lockdown until May 3. But Premier Giuseppe Conte held out&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/8daf291838bae0c7e17c055c4955cea7">hope that some industry could re-open earlier</a>&nbsp;if conditions permit.Arcuri said that the exit from the lockdown will include increased virus testing, the deployment of a voluntary contact-tracing app and mandatory blood tests as Italy seeks to set up a system of ’’immunity passports.”India extended its lockdown of the nation of 1.3 billion people by two more weeks. But Iran, the site of the worst outbreak in the Middle East, reopened government offices and businesses outside Tehran.Britain on Saturday reported 917 more deaths, down from the peak of 980 recorded a day earlier. The country’s overall death toll neared 10,000. At the same time, data suggest that the number of hospital admissions in Britain is leveling off.Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the first major world leader confirmed to have COVID-19, continued to recover at a London hospital, where he was able to take short walks, according to his office.Worldwide, confirmed infections rose above 1.7 million, with over 100,000 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins. Close to 400,000 people have recovered.For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. But for others, especially older people and those with health problems, it can cause severe symptoms like pneumonia.___

20,000: US death toll overtakes Italy's as Midwest braces

The Kansas Department of Health released the state's latest numbers on coronavirus Saturday afternoon.

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

The Kansas Department of Health released the state's latest numbers on coronavirus Saturday afternoon.<a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/kdhe.epidemiology#!/vizhome/COVID-19Data_15851817634470/KSCOVID-19CaseData">Click here</a> for additional details<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586626295924.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities investigating shooting death of a Kansas woman and her 8-year-old daughter have made an arrest.

Police followed up on information that 25-year-old Daniel Lopez was at the home of family members, according to officer Kevin Wheeler.&nbsp; Late Friday, police were able to arrest him without incident at a residence in the 4600 block of South Gold in Wichita, according to Wheeler.

Lopez was wanted on felony Sedgwick County warrant for the shooting deaths of 24- year-old Mickayla Sorell and her 8-year-old daughter, Natalya Sorrell.&nbsp;

At approximately 4:25 p.m. on Monday, March 31, officers responded to the call of a welfare check at a residence in the 4500 block of South Walnut, after Sorell did not report to work. Upon arrival, officers located both victims deceased inside the residence.

The investigation revealed that the shootings took place on Saturday, March 28.&nbsp; Lopez was identified as the suspect in the case and was subsequently charged by the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office on April 3. <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=18825536">He is being held on bond</a>s totaling $1,500,000., according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586604705468.png" alt="Lopez photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Lopez photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities investigating shooting death of a Kansas woman and her 8-year-old daughter have made an arrest.Police followed up on information that 25-year-old Daniel Lopez was at the home of family members, according to officer Kevin Wheeler.&nbsp; Late Friday, police were able to arrest him without incident at a residence in the 4600 block of South Gold in Wichita, according to Wheeler.Lopez was wanted on felony Sedgwick County warrant for the shooting deaths of 24- year-old Mickayla Sorell and her 8-year-old daughter, Natalya Sorrell.&nbsp;At approximately 4:25 p.m. on Monday, March 31, officers responded to the call of a welfare check at a residence in the 4500 block of South Walnut, after Sorell did not report to work. Upon arrival, officers located both victims deceased inside the residence.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585662112788.png" alt="Police on the scene of the murder investigation photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the murder investigation photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>The investigation revealed that the shootings took place on Saturday, March 28.&nbsp; Lopez was identified as the suspect in the case and was subsequently charged by the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office on April 3. <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=18825536">He is being held on bond</a>s totaling $1,500,000., according to online jail records.

Kan. man jailed for murder of girlfriend, her 8-year-old daughter

BELLE PLAINE, Kan. (AP) — An attorney for Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly told the state Supreme Court on Saturday that a Republican-dominated legislative panel exceeded its authority when it overturned the Democratic governor’s executive order banning religious and funeral services of more than 10 people during the coronavirus pandemic.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhnQYvyZXgY&amp;feature=youtu.be">Click here to watch</a> a replay of the oral arguments.

Lawmakers countered that the language in a resolution they contend gave the panel that authority was a compromise reached with Kelly and was intended as a check on her power at a time when the full Legislature couldn’t meet because of virus concerns.

The hearing, which was the court’s first conducted completely via video conferencing, came one day before Easter, which is typically the busiest day on the Christian calendar in terms of church attendance.

“In this time of crisis, the question before the court is whether a seven-member legislative committee has the power to overrule the governor. The answer is no,” said Clay Britton, chief counsel for the governor.

During an emergency, the governor can only be overruled by the Legislature as a whole acting on a resolution voted on by all 165 of its members, he argued.

Attorneys for the lawmakers, though, said the court should consider that the resolution that gave the panel its authority was a compromise meant to give legislative oversight at a time when the full Legislature couldn’t meet.

“You will recall this was a time everybody was trying to skedaddle as fast as they could from the Statehouse because of the pandemic concerns,” said attorney Brad Schlozman.

The justices said they would confer right after the arguments were presented and would try to reach a decision quickly.

Both sides agree that worshipers should avoid gathering in large groups to avoid the risk of spreading the coronavirus. Many churches have been conducting services online for weeks, and none have publicly announced plans to reopen their doors to worshippers.

The legal issue at stake concerns how far the Legislature can go in delegating it’s power to another group, in this case, the Legislative Coordinating Council, which is made up of the top four House leaders and top three Senate leaders. Five of the seven members are Republicans.

Lawmakers gave the council the right to review Kelly’s executive orders and to overturn many of them within days. Conservative Republicans were upset with an order from Kelly to close K-12 schools for the rest of the spring semester and wanted to block her from using sweeping gubernatorial powers granted to deal with short-term disasters.

The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state grew Saturday by 102, to 1,268. Kansas also reported five more deaths, bringing the total to 55.

The state has identified four outbreaks stemming from religious gatherings.

The hearing came one day before Easter, and the justices said they would confer immediately after arguments were presented to try to come to a quick ruling.

Starting at 9a.m. Saturday, the Kansas Supreme Court, in a time of quarantine, heard arguments in Gov. Laura Kelly’s lawsuit against legislative leaders who overturned her executive order banning religious services of more than 10 attendees during the coronavirus pandemic. 

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1pXIOdkwjkdiLnpXj4Wp8w/live">Click here to watch&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;(The oral arguments ended just before 10:30a.m.)&nbsp; &nbsp;Chief Justice Marla Luckert said the court hoped to have a decision sometime Saturday.

The Kansas Supreme Court has offered livestreamed oral arguments since 2012, but set a record Saturday with over 2400 viewers, according to the court. The previous high was in the hundreds.

The governor filed the lawsuit Thursday after a Republican-dominated legislative panel overturned her order.

Kelly and the panel generally agree that worshipers should stay home and watch livestreamed religious services during the pandemic, but they disagree on whether the state has the constitutional authority to order it. Kelly pointed to three religious gatherings that led to outbreaks of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586614513860.png" alt="Kansas Supreme Court Saturday morning" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Supreme Court Saturday morning</figcaption>
 </figure>BELLE PLAINE, Kan. (AP) — An attorney for Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly told the state Supreme Court on Saturday that a Republican-dominated legislative panel exceeded its authority when it overturned the Democratic governor’s executive order banning religious and funeral services of more than 10 people during the coronavirus pandemic.<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhnQYvyZXgY&amp;feature=youtu.be">Click here to watch</a> a replay of the oral arguments.Lawmakers countered that the language in a resolution they contend gave the panel that authority was a compromise reached with Kelly and was intended as a check on her power at a time when the full Legislature couldn’t meet because of virus concerns.The hearing, which was the court’s first conducted completely via video conferencing, came one day before Easter, which is typically the busiest day on the Christian calendar in terms of church attendance.“In this time of crisis, the question before the court is whether a seven-member legislative committee has the power to overrule the governor. The answer is no,” said Clay Britton, chief counsel for the governor.During an emergency, the governor can only be overruled by the Legislature as a whole acting on a resolution voted on by all 165 of its members, he argued.Attorneys for the lawmakers, though, said the court should consider that the resolution that gave the panel its authority was a compromise meant to give legislative oversight at a time when the full Legislature couldn’t meet.“You will recall this was a time everybody was trying to skedaddle as fast as they could from the Statehouse because of the pandemic concerns,” said attorney Brad Schlozman.The justices said they would confer right after the arguments were presented and would try to reach a decision quickly.Both sides agree that worshipers should avoid gathering in large groups to avoid the risk of spreading the coronavirus. Many churches have been conducting services online for weeks, and none have publicly announced plans to reopen their doors to worshippers.The legal issue at stake concerns how far the Legislature can go in delegating it’s power to another group, in this case, the Legislative Coordinating Council, which is made up of the top four House leaders and top three Senate leaders. Five of the seven members are Republicans.Lawmakers gave the council the right to review Kelly’s executive orders and to overturn many of them within days. Conservative Republicans were upset with an order from Kelly to close K-12 schools for the rest of the spring semester and wanted to block her from using sweeping gubernatorial powers granted to deal with short-term disasters.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586617651999.png" alt="<a href="https://www.kscourts.org/Cases-Opinions/High-Interest-Cases/Governor-Laura-Kelly-v-Legislative-Coordinating-Co">Click here to see </a>other documents in the case." />
 <figcaption><a href="https://www.kscourts.org/Cases-Opinions/High-Interest-Cases/Governor-Laura-Kelly-v-Legislative-Coordinating-Co">Click here to see </a>other documents in the case.</figcaption>
 </figure>The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state grew Saturday by 102, to 1,268. Kansas also reported five more deaths, bringing the total to 55.The state has identified four outbreaks stemming from religious gatherings.The hearing came one day before Easter, and the justices said they would confer immediately after arguments were presented to try to come to a quick ruling.-------Starting at 9a.m. Saturday, the Kansas Supreme Court, in a time of quarantine, heard arguments in Gov. Laura Kelly’s lawsuit against legislative leaders who overturned her executive order banning religious services of more than 10 attendees during the coronavirus pandemic. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1pXIOdkwjkdiLnpXj4Wp8w/live">Click here to watch&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;(The oral arguments ended just before 10:30a.m.)&nbsp; &nbsp;Chief Justice Marla Luckert said the court hoped to have a decision sometime Saturday.The Kansas Supreme Court has offered livestreamed oral arguments since 2012, but set a record Saturday with over 2400 viewers, according to the court. The previous high was in the hundreds.The governor filed the lawsuit Thursday after a Republican-dominated legislative panel overturned her order.Kelly and the panel generally agree that worshipers should stay home and watch livestreamed religious services during the pandemic, but they disagree on whether the state has the constitutional authority to order it. Kelly pointed to three religious gatherings that led to outbreaks of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.&nbsp;

The Latest: 🎥 Kan. high court weighs virus limits on religious services 

WASHINGTON (AP) — At the end of a week officials had warned would be this generation’s Pearl Harbor, White House officials pointed to hopeful signs Friday that the spread of the coronavirus could be slowing, even as President Donald Trump insisted he would not move to reopen the country until it is safe.

At the same time, Trump said he would be announcing the launch of what he dubbed the “Opening our Country” task force next Tuesday to work toward that goal.

“I want to get it open as soon as possible,” he said at a Good Friday briefing, while adding: “The facts are going to determine what I do.”

With the economy reeling and job losses soaring, Trump has been itching to reopen the country, drawing alarm from health experts who warn that doing so too quickly could spark a deadly resurgence that could undermine current distancing efforts.

But Trump, who had once set Easter Sunday as the date he hoped people in certain parts of the country might begin to return to work and pack church pews, said he would continue to listen to health experts like Drs. Anthony Fauci and Deborah Birx as he considers what he described as the “biggest decision I’ve ever had to make.”

While “there are both sides to every argument,” he said, “we’re not doing anything until we know that this country is going be healthy. We don’t want to go back and start doing it over again.”

Trump’s comments came at the end of a week officials had warned would be a devastating one for the country. Hours earlier, Johns Hopkins University announced that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/8233264cd1a25eb2e583ef9f5e4f8d37">worldwide death toll from the coronavirus</a>&nbsp;had hit a bleak milestone: 100,000 people. That includes about 18,000 in the U.S., where about half-million people have been confirmed infected.

More than 40% of the deaths in the U.S so far have happened in New York state, which reported 777 new deaths on Friday. But there were also signs of hope. State officials reported that the number of people in intensive care dropped for the first time there since mid-March. Hospitalizations are also slowing, with 290 new patients admitted in a single day versus daily increases of more than 1,000 last week.

While bemoaning the death numbers as “so horrible,” Trump said “tremendous progress” is being made.”

“In the midst of grief and pain, we’re seeing clear signs that our aggressive strategy is saving countless lives,” he said, pointing to models that are now forecasting far fewer U.S. deaths than had originally been predicted.

Health experts have warned, however, that if the country rolls back restrictions too quickly, case levels could once again begin to soar, especially without widespread testing to determine who might be a carrier of the virus. While the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms for most people, for some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness or death. And research has shown that people can be highly infectious even if they are not displaying symptoms.

Fauci, the nation’s top infectious-diseases expert, told CNN that the timeline for reopening the country would be informed by a team that has been reviewing data day-by-day and presenting that information to the president.

“The virus kind of decides whether or not it’s appropriate to open it,” he said. “The one thing you don’t want to do is you don’t want to get out there prematurely and then wind up backtracking.”

Still, he cautioned that there will most certainly be cases when that day comes.

“When we decide, at a proper time, when we’re going to be relaxing some of the restrictions, there’s no doubt you’re going to see cases,” he said. “The question is how you respond to them.”

As a clearer picture of the virus begins to emerge, data has begun to show that it is having&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/71d952faad4a2a5d14441534f7230c7c">a particularly devastating impact</a>&nbsp;on an already vulnerable population — black Americans.

Of the victims whose demographic data was publicly shared by officials — nearly 3,300 of the nation’s 13,000 deaths thus far — about 42% were black, according to an Associated Press analysis. African Americans account for roughly 21% of the total population in those places. Black adults suffer from higher rates of underlying health conditions like obesity, diabetes and asthma, which put them at higher risk for severe complications.

To that end, U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams on Friday made a plea to minority communities to follow social distancing guidelines — if not for themselves, then for their family members.

“Do it for your abuela. Do it for your granddaddy. Do it for your Big Mama. Do it for your Pop Pop,” he said, adding that they should also avoid alcohol, tobacco and drugs.

“We need you to understand, especially in communities of color, we need you to step up and help stop the spread so that we can protect those who are most vulnerable,” he said.

Asked whether his comments could be deemed offensive for viewers, Adams, who is black, said that was not his intention.

“That’s the language that we use and that I use,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586553667558.png" alt="President Trump and Vice President Pence answer questions during Friday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing" />
 <figcaption>President Trump and Vice President Pence answer questions during Friday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — At the end of a week officials had warned would be this generation’s Pearl Harbor, White House officials pointed to hopeful signs Friday that the spread of the coronavirus could be slowing, even as President Donald Trump insisted he would not move to reopen the country until it is safe.At the same time, Trump said he would be announcing the launch of what he dubbed the “Opening our Country” task force next Tuesday to work toward that goal.“I want to get it open as soon as possible,” he said at a Good Friday briefing, while adding: “The facts are going to determine what I do.”With the economy reeling and job losses soaring, Trump has been itching to reopen the country, drawing alarm from health experts who warn that doing so too quickly could spark a deadly resurgence that could undermine current distancing efforts.But Trump, who had once set Easter Sunday as the date he hoped people in certain parts of the country might begin to return to work and pack church pews, said he would continue to listen to health experts like Drs. Anthony Fauci and Deborah Birx as he considers what he described as the “biggest decision I’ve ever had to make.”While “there are both sides to every argument,” he said, “we’re not doing anything until we know that this country is going be healthy. We don’t want to go back and start doing it over again.”Trump’s comments came at the end of a week officials had warned would be a devastating one for the country. Hours earlier, Johns Hopkins University announced that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/8233264cd1a25eb2e583ef9f5e4f8d37">worldwide death toll from the coronavirus</a>&nbsp;had hit a bleak milestone: 100,000 people. That includes about 18,000 in the U.S., where about half-million people have been confirmed infected.More than 40% of the deaths in the U.S so far have happened in New York state, which reported 777 new deaths on Friday. But there were also signs of hope. State officials reported that the number of people in intensive care dropped for the first time there since mid-March. Hospitalizations are also slowing, with 290 new patients admitted in a single day versus daily increases of more than 1,000 last week.While bemoaning the death numbers as “so horrible,” Trump said “tremendous progress” is being made.”“In the midst of grief and pain, we’re seeing clear signs that our aggressive strategy is saving countless lives,” he said, pointing to models that are now forecasting far fewer U.S. deaths than had originally been predicted.Health experts have warned, however, that if the country rolls back restrictions too quickly, case levels could once again begin to soar, especially without widespread testing to determine who might be a carrier of the virus. While the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms for most people, for some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness or death. And research has shown that people can be highly infectious even if they are not displaying symptoms.Fauci, the nation’s top infectious-diseases expert, told CNN that the timeline for reopening the country would be informed by a team that has been reviewing data day-by-day and presenting that information to the president.“The virus kind of decides whether or not it’s appropriate to open it,” he said. “The one thing you don’t want to do is you don’t want to get out there prematurely and then wind up backtracking.”Still, he cautioned that there will most certainly be cases when that day comes.“When we decide, at a proper time, when we’re going to be relaxing some of the restrictions, there’s no doubt you’re going to see cases,” he said. “The question is how you respond to them.”As a clearer picture of the virus begins to emerge, data has begun to show that it is having&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/71d952faad4a2a5d14441534f7230c7c">a particularly devastating impact</a>&nbsp;on an already vulnerable population — black Americans.Of the victims whose demographic data was publicly shared by officials — nearly 3,300 of the nation’s 13,000 deaths thus far — about 42% were black, according to an Associated Press analysis. African Americans account for roughly 21% of the total population in those places. Black adults suffer from higher rates of underlying health conditions like obesity, diabetes and asthma, which put them at higher risk for severe complications.To that end, U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams on Friday made a plea to minority communities to follow social distancing guidelines — if not for themselves, then for their family members.“Do it for your abuela. Do it for your granddaddy. Do it for your Big Mama. Do it for your Pop Pop,” he said, adding that they should also avoid alcohol, tobacco and drugs.“We need you to understand, especially in communities of color, we need you to step up and help stop the spread so that we can protect those who are most vulnerable,” he said.Asked whether his comments could be deemed offensive for viewers, Adams, who is black, said that was not his intention.“That’s the language that we use and that I use,” he said.___

White House points to hopeful signs as deaths keep rising

WASHINGTON – Agricultural producers now have more time to repay Marketing Assistance Loans (MAL) as part of the U.S. Department
 of Agriculture’s implementation of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020. The loans now mature at 12 months rather than nine, and this flexibility is available for most commodities.

“Spring is the season when most producers have the biggest need for capital, and many may have or are considering putting commodities under
 loan. Extending the commodity loan maturity affords farmers more time to market their commodity and repay their loan at a later time,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue. “We are extremely pleased that USDA can offer these marketing flexibilities
 at this critical time for the agriculture industry and the nation.”

Effective immediately, producers of eligible commodities now have up to 12 months to repay their commodity loans. The maturity extension applies
 to nonrecourse loans for crop years 2018, 2019 and 2020. Eligible open loans must in good standing with a maturity date of March 31, 2020, or later or new crop year (2019 or 2020) loans requested by September 30, 2020. All new loans requested by September
 30, 2020, will have a maturity date 12 months following the date of approval.

The maturity extension for current, active loans will be automatically extended an additional 3 months. Loans that matured March 31 have already
 been automatically extended by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA). Producers who prefer a nine-month loan will need to contact their local FSA county office. Loans requested after September 30, 2020, will have a term of nine months.


Eligible commodities include barley, chickpeas (small and large, corn, cotton (upland and extra-long staple, dry peas, grain
 sorghum, honey, lentils, mohair, oats, peanuts, rice (long and medium grain, soybeans, unshorn pelts, wheat, wool (graded and nongraded); and other oilseeds, including canola, crambe, flaxseed, mustard seed, rapeseed, safflower, sunflower seed, and sesame
 seed. Seed cotton and sugar are not eligible.

Placing commodities under loan provides producers interim financing to meet cash flow needs without having to sell their commodities when market
 prices are low and allows producers to store production for more orderly marketing of commodities throughout the year.&nbsp;


These loans are considered nonrecourse because the commodity is pledged as loan collateral, and producers have the option of delivering the
 pledged collateral to the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) for repayment of the outstanding loan at maturity.&nbsp;

Under the new maturity provisions, producers can still repay the loan as they would have before the extension:

A Marketing Loan Gain occurs when a MAL is repaid at less than the loan principal. If market gain is applicable during
 the now-extended loan period, producers can receive a gain on the repayment made before the loan matures.

For more information on MALs, contact the nearest FSA county office. USDA Service Centers, including FSA county offices, are open for business
 by phone appointment only, and field work will continue with appropriate social distancing. While program delivery staff will continue to come into the office, they will be working with producers by phone and using online tools whenever possible. All Service
 Center visitors wishing to conduct business with the FSA, Natural Resources Conservation Service, or any other Service Center agency are required to call their Service Center to schedule a phone appointment. More information can be found at
<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=TeZUXWpUv-2B6TCY38pVLo9ngIO64DYG6qL4M1Malhw82cEkraq6oGj7JOvhbufzxnwmpe_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah21KHordUO1d7zhLCFR0YP4W2h34kGvaUJG9DcNaDLY4wTxXaVbw1sBFaBaBxdAvVUQ24xcDuevDYppsOabu4fhNaAK1EP7L-2FqZT0GBZYJ107JEIyh82TVd4IxfWll-2B7DUS-2Fb4ZYifZvTgwaCPAZ17CISTpA4ZK1-2FCRAeHgtIDaTLbgP-2FXbMwSkwGTRCoVcZ3RtTHA3Jfi8yMgUjdFwlKIvT3yhOg4W9EsLucukZPCMBsPVVkq9qyuUjOwZZxbInWWlDZzC7laFVDOnoa9k3BI2AnjrBRzat-2BcFk9mPLd2DPWjxl7rDqBDsmk17WmDRw8g-3D" target="_blank">
farmers.gov/coronavirus</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574789405667.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>USDAWASHINGTON – Agricultural producers now have more time to repay Marketing Assistance Loans (MAL) as part of the U.S. Department
 of Agriculture’s implementation of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020. The loans now mature at 12 months rather than nine, and this flexibility is available for most commodities.“Spring is the season when most producers have the biggest need for capital, and many may have or are considering putting commodities under
 loan. Extending the commodity loan maturity affords farmers more time to market their commodity and repay their loan at a later time,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue. “We are extremely pleased that USDA can offer these marketing flexibilities
 at this critical time for the agriculture industry and the nation.”Effective immediately, producers of eligible commodities now have up to 12 months to repay their commodity loans. The maturity extension applies
 to nonrecourse loans for crop years 2018, 2019 and 2020. Eligible open loans must in good standing with a maturity date of March 31, 2020, or later or new crop year (2019 or 2020) loans requested by September 30, 2020. All new loans requested by September
 30, 2020, will have a maturity date 12 months following the date of approval.The maturity extension for current, active loans will be automatically extended an additional 3 months. Loans that matured March 31 have already
 been automatically extended by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA). Producers who prefer a nine-month loan will need to contact their local FSA county office. Loans requested after September 30, 2020, will have a term of nine months.
Eligible commodities include barley, chickpeas (small and large, corn, cotton (upland and extra-long staple, dry peas, grain
 sorghum, honey, lentils, mohair, oats, peanuts, rice (long and medium grain, soybeans, unshorn pelts, wheat, wool (graded and nongraded); and other oilseeds, including canola, crambe, flaxseed, mustard seed, rapeseed, safflower, sunflower seed, and sesame
 seed. Seed cotton and sugar are not eligible.About MALsPlacing commodities under loan provides producers interim financing to meet cash flow needs without having to sell their commodities when market
 prices are low and allows producers to store production for more orderly marketing of commodities throughout the year.&nbsp;
These loans are considered nonrecourse because the commodity is pledged as loan collateral, and producers have the option of delivering the
 pledged collateral to the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) for repayment of the outstanding loan at maturity.&nbsp;MAL Repayment
Under the new maturity provisions, producers can still repay the loan as they would have before the extension:<ol>
 <li>repay the MAL on or before the maturity date;</li><li>upon maturity by delivering or forfeiting the commodity to CCC as loan repayment;
 or</li><li>after maturity and before CCC acquires the farm-stored commodity by repaying the
 outstanding MAL principle and interest.</li>
 </ol>Marketing Loan GainsA Marketing Loan Gain occurs when a MAL is repaid at less than the loan principal. If market gain is applicable during
 the now-extended loan period, producers can receive a gain on the repayment made before the loan matures.For more information on MALs, contact the nearest FSA county office. USDA Service Centers, including FSA county offices, are open for business
 by phone appointment only, and field work will continue with appropriate social distancing. While program delivery staff will continue to come into the office, they will be working with producers by phone and using online tools whenever possible. All Service
 Center visitors wishing to conduct business with the FSA, Natural Resources Conservation Service, or any other Service Center agency are required to call their Service Center to schedule a phone appointment. More information can be found at
<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=TeZUXWpUv-2B6TCY38pVLo9ngIO64DYG6qL4M1Malhw82cEkraq6oGj7JOvhbufzxnwmpe_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah21KHordUO1d7zhLCFR0YP4W2h34kGvaUJG9DcNaDLY4wTxXaVbw1sBFaBaBxdAvVUQ24xcDuevDYppsOabu4fhNaAK1EP7L-2FqZT0GBZYJ107JEIyh82TVd4IxfWll-2B7DUS-2Fb4ZYifZvTgwaCPAZ17CISTpA4ZK1-2FCRAeHgtIDaTLbgP-2FXbMwSkwGTRCoVcZ3RtTHA3Jfi8yMgUjdFwlKIvT3yhOg4W9EsLucukZPCMBsPVVkq9qyuUjOwZZxbInWWlDZzC7laFVDOnoa9k3BI2AnjrBRzat-2BcFk9mPLd2DPWjxl7rDqBDsmk17WmDRw8g-3D" target="_blank">
farmers.gov/coronavirus</a>.

USDA: Producers get marketing flexibility amid COVID-19 outbreak

TOPEKA&nbsp; -- Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt issued the following statement on Friday's Kansas Court of Appeals decision rejecting an attempt by a Wichita abortion provider to use the current COVID-19 crisis as a reason to lift restrictions on the delivery of abortion services through telemedicine:

“Around the country, several attempts to&nbsp;increase&nbsp;regulation of abortion providers during the current pandemic have drawn significant public attention, but here in Kansas just the&nbsp;opposite&nbsp;was happening with little notice. On March 31, a Kansas abortion provider invoked the COVID-19 crisis in quietly requesting the Court of Appeals to block enforcement of a state law that regulates the delivery of abortion services through telemedicine – a law that remains the subject of years-long litigation unrelated to the pandemic. As we pointed out in opposition, their request was an ‘opportunistic abuse of the appellate process.’ The court did the right thing today in rejecting it.”

The case is&nbsp;Trust Women v. Bennet.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://ag.ks.gov/docs/default-source/documents/121693-order-denying-motion.pdf?sfvrsn=ad18ac1a_2">Click here to read a copy of Friday's order&nbsp;&nbsp;</a>

TOPEKA&nbsp; -- Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt issued the following statement on Friday's Kansas Court of Appeals decision rejecting an attempt by a Wichita abortion provider to use the current COVID-19 crisis as a reason to lift restrictions on the delivery of abortion services through telemedicine:“Around the country, several attempts to&nbsp;increase&nbsp;regulation of abortion providers during the current pandemic have drawn significant public attention, but here in Kansas just the&nbsp;opposite&nbsp;was happening with little notice. On March 31, a Kansas abortion provider invoked the COVID-19 crisis in quietly requesting the Court of Appeals to block enforcement of a state law that regulates the delivery of abortion services through telemedicine – a law that remains the subject of years-long litigation unrelated to the pandemic. As we pointed out in opposition, their request was an ‘opportunistic abuse of the appellate process.’ The court did the right thing today in rejecting it.”The case is&nbsp;Trust Women v. Bennet.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://ag.ks.gov/docs/default-source/documents/121693-order-denying-motion.pdf?sfvrsn=ad18ac1a_2">Click here to read a copy of Friday's order&nbsp;&nbsp;</a>

Kan. court rejects attempt to lift abortion restrictions because of virus crisis

LANSING, Kan. (AP) — Inmates at a Kansas prison where at least 28 people have been sickened by the coronavirus rampaged through offices, breaking windows and setting small fires for several hours before the facility was secured, prison officials said Friday.

The disturbance involving about 20 men began about 3 p.m. Thursday in medium-security cell house C of the Lansing Correctional Facility, said Rebecca Witte, spokeswoman for the Kansas Department of Corrections. The fires were set in a different living unit at the prison and did not involve the same inmates as the larger disturbance in cell house C, she said.

The situation lasted until around 11 p.m., when staff using tear gas were able to re-enter the cell house C and began taking inmates from their cells to another building on the grounds. Everyone was secured by 2 a.m. Friday, she said.

“We’ve launched an investigation into what took place and what can be one moving forward to ensure that this doesn’t happen again,” Gov. Laura Kelly told reporters Friday. “But rest assured my administration will complete that work, hold those responsible for the outbreak to account and put in place any additional steps that are necessary to ensure that safety and order is maintained. We will learn from this.”

Two inmates sustained minor injuries, including one who received stitches for a cut and another who was treated after inhaling tear gas, Kelly said. Both were treated onsite. Staff members were able to get out of the building when the disturbance began and no staff was injured.

The governor said that while a review of the disturbance is underway, it appears that officers followed department protocols and that ultimately ensured that injuries were minor and that there was no loss of life.

Corrections secretary Jeff Zmuda said they do not know yet what triggered the disturbance, which was not in the building where the quarantined inmates are being held

The Lansing prison has drawn attention recently amid the coronavirus crisis, with the corrections department on Friday reporting 16 staff and 12 inmates with confirmed cases of COVID-19 at the facility. Seven additional inmates are in quarantine for observation.

Corrections secretary Jeff Zmuda said they do not know yet what triggered the disturbance, which was not in the building where the quarantined inmates are being held.

Every staff member and inmate at the Lansing prison received three cloth masks on Thursday. The prison had instituted a plan for reduced movement last Saturday that kept different units in the facility from intermingling.

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

The Kansas Supreme Court on Friday granted the ACLU’s request to expedite the matter and set oral argument for Wednesday.

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

The cell house, which housed 169 people on Thursday, sustained “quite a bit of damage” during the disturbance, Witte said. In addition to the broken windows, prisoners damaged computers, furniture, security cameras and lights.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586546500562.png" alt="On Friday, Kansas Corrections Secretary Jeff Zmuda answered questions during Governor Kelly's news conference&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>On Friday, Kansas Corrections Secretary Jeff Zmuda answered questions during Governor Kelly's news conference&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>LANSING, Kan. (AP) — Inmates at a Kansas prison where at least 28 people have been sickened by the coronavirus rampaged through offices, breaking windows and setting small fires for several hours before the facility was secured, prison officials said Friday.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovLauraKelly%2Fvideos%2F582437612370396%2F&show_text=0&width=560" width="560" height="315" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>The disturbance involving about 20 men began about 3 p.m. Thursday in medium-security cell house C of the Lansing Correctional Facility, said Rebecca Witte, spokeswoman for the Kansas Department of Corrections. The fires were set in a different living unit at the prison and did not involve the same inmates as the larger disturbance in cell house C, she said.The situation lasted until around 11 p.m., when staff using tear gas were able to re-enter the cell house C and began taking inmates from their cells to another building on the grounds. Everyone was secured by 2 a.m. Friday, she said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586545499952.png" alt="Gov. Laura Kelly discussed the uprising during her Friday news conference" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Laura Kelly discussed the uprising during her Friday news conference</figcaption>
 </figure>“We’ve launched an investigation into what took place and what can be one moving forward to ensure that this doesn’t happen again,” Gov. Laura Kelly told reporters Friday. “But rest assured my administration will complete that work, hold those responsible for the outbreak to account and put in place any additional steps that are necessary to ensure that safety and order is maintained. We will learn from this.”Two inmates sustained minor injuries, including one who received stitches for a cut and another who was treated after inhaling tear gas, Kelly said. Both were treated onsite. Staff members were able to get out of the building when the disturbance began and no staff was injured.The governor said that while a review of the disturbance is underway, it appears that officers followed department protocols and that ultimately ensured that injuries were minor and that there was no loss of life.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586514290122.png" alt="Law enforcement on the scene to assist with the riot Thursday evening -photo courtesy Fox4Kansas City" />
 <figcaption>Law enforcement on the scene to assist with the riot Thursday evening -photo courtesy Fox4Kansas City</figcaption>
 </figure>Corrections secretary Jeff Zmuda said they do not know yet what triggered the disturbance, which was not in the building where the quarantined inmates are being heldThe Lansing prison has drawn attention recently amid the coronavirus crisis, with the corrections department on Friday reporting 16 staff and 12 inmates with confirmed cases of COVID-19 at the facility. Seven additional inmates are in quarantine for observation.Corrections secretary Jeff Zmuda said they do not know yet what triggered the disturbance, which was not in the building where the quarantined inmates are being held.Every staff member and inmate at the Lansing prison received three cloth masks on Thursday. The prison had instituted a plan for reduced movement last Saturday that kept different units in the facility from intermingling.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586514248901.png" alt="Lansing Correctional Facility Thursday during the riot -image courtesy Fox4KansasCIty" />
 <figcaption>Lansing Correctional Facility Thursday during the riot -image courtesy Fox4KansasCIty</figcaption>
 </figure>On Thursday, the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/ac07990b544da59f4a72588fe2a58f2f">asked the Kansas Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;to immediately release prisoners who have preexisting medical conditions that make them vulnerable to the coronavirus. That class action petition is on behalf of seven inmates at prisons, including the Lansing facility.The Kansas Supreme Court on Friday granted the ACLU’s request to expedite the matter and set oral argument for Wednesday.The department said Thursday that state officials recognize that inmates and prison staff are especially at risk of infection and have taken steps to reduce the impact of COVID-19 in corrections facilities.The cell house, which housed 169 people on Thursday, sustained “quite a bit of damage” during the disturbance, Witte said. In addition to the broken windows, prisoners damaged computers, furniture, security cameras and lights.

🎥 The Latest: Inmates riot, set fires at Kansas prison

WASHINGTON — The top U.S. infectious disease official says coronavirus antibody tests are just days away.

Dr. Anthony Fauci says at the last White House coronavirus task force meeting, the people responsible for developing, validating and disseminating the tests were saying “a rather large number of tests” will be available within a week.

Fauci told CNN on Friday he’s ”certain that that’s going to happen.”

An antibody test could show whether a person was recently exposed to the coronavirus. Fauci says the test would say “that you were infected and if you’re feeling well you very likely recovered.”

Fauci says medical experts could then try to determine how deeply the virus “has penetrated the society” and whether previously infected people would be vulnerable to reinfection, which is particularly “important for health care workers.”

Fauci says testing for an antibody doesn’t mean medical experts are shifting away from testing for the virus to see who’s infected. He says, “those things are done in parallel.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586523980010.png" alt="Dr. Anthony Fauci answers questions during Thursday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Anthony Fauci answers questions during Thursday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON — The top U.S. infectious disease official says coronavirus antibody tests are just days away.Dr. Anthony Fauci says at the last White House coronavirus task force meeting, the people responsible for developing, validating and disseminating the tests were saying “a rather large number of tests” will be available within a week.Fauci told CNN on Friday he’s ”certain that that’s going to happen.”An antibody test could show whether a person was recently exposed to the coronavirus. Fauci says the test would say “that you were infected and if you’re feeling well you very likely recovered.”Fauci says medical experts could then try to determine how deeply the virus “has penetrated the society” and whether previously infected people would be vulnerable to reinfection, which is particularly “important for health care workers.”Fauci says testing for an antibody doesn’t mean medical experts are shifting away from testing for the virus to see who’s infected. He says, “those things are done in parallel.”___

Fauci: Virus antibody tests expected next week 

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas Supreme Court is set to convene Saturday for the first time ever via video conference to hear arguments on Gov. Laura Kelly’s lawsuit against legislative leaders who overturned her executive order banning religious and funeral services of more than 10 attendees during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Democratic&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a215569a11d3a6dde7069f75599afb5f">governor filed the lawsuit Thursday</a>&nbsp;after a Republican-dominated legislative panel overturned her order.

Kelly and the panel generally agree that worshipers should avoid gathering in large groups during the pandemic, but they disagree on whether the state has the constitutional authority to order it. Many churches have been conducting services online for weeks, and none have publicly announced plans to meet in person.

Republican Senate President Susan Wagle defended the vote in a written statement. She noted that Attorney General Derek Schmidt, also a Republican, said that although Kelly’s order was “sound public-health advice,” he was discouraging law enforcement agencies and prosecutors from attempting to enforce the requirements, citing the constitutional concerns.

“Governor Kelly is playing politics with this lawsuit,” said Wagle, who also is a candidate for the U.S. Senate seat Republican Pat Roberts is vacating.

Kelly also blamed politics, tweeting Friday, “We must put aside political games and do what’s necessary to save lives.”

The arguments will be broadcast over YouTube. Besides being the first hearing conducted completely via video conference, it also may be the court’s first-ever Saturday hearing, said Kansas Supreme Court spokeswoman Lisa Taylor.

The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state grew Friday by 60 to 1,166. Kansas reported eight more deaths, bringing the total to 50. Kelly said at a news conference that she anticipated that the statewide stay-at-home order, which had been set to expire April 19, would be extended. She said she more details would be released next week.

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

In instituting the now-overturned order earlier this week, Kelly initially said three religious gatherings had led to outbreaks of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. Lee Norman, secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, announced Friday that a fourth church outbreak had since been identified. Three have died.

He said two of the religious outbreaks were in Wyandotte County, with one stemming from a ministers’ conference last month. The county has issued a new order discouraging gatherings of any size, but requiring that during in-person religious gatherings, individuals must remain in their vehicles and that materials, such as communion, should not be passed around or shared, The Kansas City Star reported.

Norman said two others occurred in Sedgwick County. Because of the legal fight over the statewide order, the county has reinstated a local order limiting the size of public gatherings to groups of 10 or fewer, with no exemption for churches, synagogues, mosques, temples or other religious institutions.

Norman urged people everywhere to stay home, noting that new research shows the virus is more easily transmissible than initially believed. He said that Johnson County, which is the site of 22% of the state’s cases, was starting more testing to determine how widespread the virus is in the population.

“We cannot blink,” Norman said. “We have to keep pushing on this.

Mission, Kan. (AP)— The Kansas Supreme Court is set to hear arguments Saturday on Gov. Laura Kelly’s lawsuit against legislative leaders who overturned her executive order banning religious and funeral services of more than 10 attendees during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Democratic governor filed the lawsuit Thursday after a Republican-dominated legislative panel overturned her order.

Kelly and the panel generally agree that worshipers should stay home and watch livestreamed religious services during the pandemic, but they disagree on whether the state has the constitutional authority to order it.

In instituting the now-overturned order, Kelly said three religious gatherings had led to outbreaks of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.

The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state grew by 60 on Thursday, to 1,106. Kansas reported four more deaths, bringing the total to 42.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586465261139.png" alt="Governor Laura Kelly during her Thursday news conference" />
 <figcaption>Governor Laura Kelly during her Thursday news conference</figcaption>
 </figure>MISSION, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas Supreme Court is set to convene Saturday for the first time ever via video conference to hear arguments on Gov. Laura Kelly’s lawsuit against legislative leaders who overturned her executive order banning religious and funeral services of more than 10 attendees during the coronavirus pandemic.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovLauraKelly%2Fvideos%2F582437612370396%2F&show_text=0&width=560" width="560" height="315" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>The Democratic&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a215569a11d3a6dde7069f75599afb5f">governor filed the lawsuit Thursday</a>&nbsp;after a Republican-dominated legislative panel overturned her order.Kelly and the panel generally agree that worshipers should avoid gathering in large groups during the pandemic, but they disagree on whether the state has the constitutional authority to order it. Many churches have been conducting services online for weeks, and none have publicly announced plans to meet in person.Republican Senate President Susan Wagle defended the vote in a written statement. She noted that Attorney General Derek Schmidt, also a Republican, said that although Kelly’s order was “sound public-health advice,” he was discouraging law enforcement agencies and prosecutors from attempting to enforce the requirements, citing the constitutional concerns.“Governor Kelly is playing politics with this lawsuit,” said Wagle, who also is a candidate for the U.S. Senate seat Republican Pat Roberts is vacating.Kelly also blamed politics, tweeting Friday, “We must put aside political games and do what’s necessary to save lives.”The arguments will be broadcast over YouTube. Besides being the first hearing conducted completely via video conference, it also may be the court’s first-ever Saturday hearing, said Kansas Supreme Court spokeswoman Lisa Taylor.The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state grew Friday by 60 to 1,166. Kansas reported eight more deaths, bringing the total to 50. Kelly said at a news conference that she anticipated that the statewide stay-at-home order, which had been set to expire April 19, would be extended. She said she more details would be released next week.For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.In instituting the now-overturned order earlier this week, Kelly initially said three religious gatherings had led to outbreaks of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. Lee Norman, secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, announced Friday that a fourth church outbreak had since been identified. Three have died.He said two of the religious outbreaks were in Wyandotte County, with one stemming from a ministers’ conference last month. The county has issued a new order discouraging gatherings of any size, but requiring that during in-person religious gatherings, individuals must remain in their vehicles and that materials, such as communion, should not be passed around or shared, The Kansas City Star reported.Norman said two others occurred in Sedgwick County. Because of the legal fight over the statewide order, the county has reinstated a local order limiting the size of public gatherings to groups of 10 or fewer, with no exemption for churches, synagogues, mosques, temples or other religious institutions.Norman urged people everywhere to stay home, noting that new research shows the virus is more easily transmissible than initially believed. He said that Johnson County, which is the site of 22% of the state’s cases, was starting more testing to determine how widespread the virus is in the population.“We cannot blink,” Norman said. “We have to keep pushing on this.----------Mission, Kan. (AP)— The Kansas Supreme Court is set to hear arguments Saturday on Gov. Laura Kelly’s lawsuit against legislative leaders who overturned her executive order banning religious and funeral services of more than 10 attendees during the coronavirus pandemic.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovLauraKelly%2Fvideos%2F155161369154168%2F&show_text=0&width=560" width="560" height="315" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>The Democratic governor filed the lawsuit Thursday after a Republican-dominated legislative panel overturned her order.Kelly and the panel generally agree that worshipers should stay home and watch livestreamed religious services during the pandemic, but they disagree on whether the state has the constitutional authority to order it.In instituting the now-overturned order, Kelly said three religious gatherings had led to outbreaks of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state grew by 60 on Thursday, to 1,106. Kansas reported four more deaths, bringing the total to 42.For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.

 🎥 Update: Kan. Supreme Court will hear coronavirus case Saturday

On Friday afternoon, the Kansas Department of Health released the latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas.

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

On Friday afternoon, the Kansas Department of Health released the latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas.<a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/kdhe.epidemiology#!/vizhome/COVID-19Data_15851817634470/KSCOVID-19CaseData">Click here </a>for additional details.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586545261087.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas suspended on Friday sales of general nonresident turkey permits to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

“During this unprecedented crisis, we must take every measure possible to protect Kansas lives,” Gov. Laura Kelly said in a news release. “While turkey hunting is largely a solitary activity, the potential for inadvertent spread of COVID-19 due to travel associated with nonresident participation is something we simply cannot risk.”

This was initially not an issue because nonresident permit sales were lagging behind last year, when 14,700 nonresident spring turkey permits were issued.

“However, recently, as opportunities in other states began to diminish, nonresident demand increased at a rate we are no longer comfortable with,” said Brad Loveless, Secretary of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism.

The governor’s order suspending their sale is effective immediately.

Kansas’ regular turkey season opens April 15.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas suspended on Friday sales of general nonresident turkey permits to prevent the spread of coronavirus.“During this unprecedented crisis, we must take every measure possible to protect Kansas lives,” Gov. Laura Kelly said in a news release. “While turkey hunting is largely a solitary activity, the potential for inadvertent spread of COVID-19 due to travel associated with nonresident participation is something we simply cannot risk.”This was initially not an issue because nonresident permit sales were lagging behind last year, when 14,700 nonresident spring turkey permits were issued.“However, recently, as opportunities in other states began to diminish, nonresident demand increased at a rate we are no longer comfortable with,” said Brad Loveless, Secretary of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism.The governor’s order suspending their sale is effective immediately.Kansas’ regular turkey season opens April 15.

Kan. suspends sales of nonresident turkey permits amid pandemic

At Eagle Radio of Hays, we are committed not only to serving our listening and online audiences, but also helping our business partners and advertisers during this difficult time.&nbsp;

Already, in this time of social distancing, we see businesses across the area working hard to take care of their employees and customers by creating a safe shopping, dining or service environment. Getting the message of those efforts out to the public not only helps to protect businesses but assists in instilling a sense of confidence and calm to the community in the face of the serious situation we face.

“Across each of our markets in Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri we at Eagle Communications pledge to help our communities to stop the spread of the Coronavirus. Local businesses want you to know they are taking the necessary measures to provide a safe place where you can shop, dine out, and support your local community during this difficult time,” said Kurt David, president and CEO of Eagle Communications. “Go to&nbsp;<a href="http://helpstopthespread.org/">helpstopthespread.org</a>&nbsp;for a list of local businesses who have taken the pledge to help stop the spread.”

To help “get the word out” about local businesses, Eagle Radio of Hays is offering a free directory of businesses that&nbsp;“Take the Pledge to Stop the Spread”&nbsp;by following the simple guidelines put forth by the World Health Organization.

Businesses in each of our markets pledge to keep the following standards of safety:

1.&nbsp; Make sure your workplaces are clean and hygienic.

2.&nbsp; Promote regular and thorough hand-washing by employees, contractors and customers.

3. Promote good respiratory hygiene in the workplace.

4. Advise employees and contractors to consult national travel advice before going on business trips.

5. Brief employees, contractors and customers that if COVID-19 starts spreading in your community anyone with even a mild cough or low-grade fever (100.4 degrees or higher) needs to stay at home. They should also stay home (or work from home) if they have had to take simple medications, such as paracetamol/acetaminophen, ibuprofen or aspirin, which may mask symptoms of infection.

Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.helpstopthespread.org/">www.helpstopthespread.org</a>&nbsp;to access a list of businesses who have taken the pledge. To have your business added to the free listing, contact your Eagle Radio of Hays representative or call (785) 301-2211.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584979315316.jpeg" alt="<a href="https://helpstopthespread.org/">Click here to visit the website.</a>" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://helpstopthespread.org/">Click here to visit the website.</a></figcaption>
 </figure>At Eagle Radio of Hays, we are committed not only to serving our listening and online audiences, but also helping our business partners and advertisers during this difficult time.&nbsp;Already, in this time of social distancing, we see businesses across the area working hard to take care of their employees and customers by creating a safe shopping, dining or service environment. Getting the message of those efforts out to the public not only helps to protect businesses but assists in instilling a sense of confidence and calm to the community in the face of the serious situation we face.“Across each of our markets in Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri we at Eagle Communications pledge to help our communities to stop the spread of the Coronavirus. Local businesses want you to know they are taking the necessary measures to provide a safe place where you can shop, dine out, and support your local community during this difficult time,” said Kurt David, president and CEO of Eagle Communications. “Go to&nbsp;<a href="http://helpstopthespread.org/">helpstopthespread.org</a>&nbsp;for a list of local businesses who have taken the pledge to help stop the spread.”To help “get the word out” about local businesses, Eagle Radio of Hays is offering a free directory of businesses that&nbsp;“Take the Pledge to Stop the Spread”&nbsp;by following the simple guidelines put forth by the World Health Organization.Businesses in each of our markets pledge to keep the following standards of safety:1.&nbsp; Make sure your workplaces are clean and hygienic.2.&nbsp; Promote regular and thorough hand-washing by employees, contractors and customers.3. Promote good respiratory hygiene in the workplace.4. Advise employees and contractors to consult national travel advice before going on business trips.5. Brief employees, contractors and customers that if COVID-19 starts spreading in your community anyone with even a mild cough or low-grade fever (100.4 degrees or higher) needs to stay at home. They should also stay home (or work from home) if they have had to take simple medications, such as paracetamol/acetaminophen, ibuprofen or aspirin, which may mask symptoms of infection.Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.helpstopthespread.org/">www.helpstopthespread.org</a>&nbsp;to access a list of businesses who have taken the pledge. To have your business added to the free listing, contact your Eagle Radio of Hays representative or call (785) 301-2211.&nbsp;

Businesses take the safety pledge at Help Stop the Spread site

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Robbery investigation leads to arrest of Kansas woman

<a href="https://hutchpost.com">Hutch Post</a>

HUTCHINSON — In April 1970, the world held its breath as three 
American astronauts endured one of the most harrowing space missions of 
our time — the mission of Apollo 13. It began with the successful launch
 of the crew into space on April 11 and ended with their safe return on 
April 17. To commemorate the anniversary, the Cosmosphere is launching a
 week of virtual celebrating. 

The Apollo 13 spacecraft’s command 
module, Odyssey, is part of the Cosmosphere’s collection and will be the
 centerpiece of the celebration, which will begin with the launch of a 
webpage dedicated to Apollo 13 this Saturday, April 11. The webpage will
 go live at the same time the spacecraft launched 50 years ago — 2:13 
p.m. Eastern time; 1:13 p.m. Central time. The page can be found at <a href="https://cosmo.org/">www.cosmo.org</a>.

“We
 are home to the command module and have a special place in the heart of
 our organization for the history of the Apollo 13 mission,” Jim Remar, 
Cosmosphere CEO, said. “On the Apollo 13 anniversary webpage, the public
 will have access to the facts, images, broadcasts and first-hand 
accounts about the mission all in one place. We want to make it easy to 
learn about this critical time in our nation’s history. Now is a good 
time to remember that we can overcome even the most difficult of 
circumstances.” 

The webpage will include a behind-the-scenes look
 at the restoration of the Odyssey, which was carried out by the 
Cosmosphere’s SpaceWorks division from 1995 to 1997. In addition to the 
webpage, the Cosmosphere is featuring daily posts on social media about 
the mission and a poster contest will be announced on Saturday as well. 
Prizes will be awarded for posters featuring the theme “Failure is Not 
an Option!” 

Coffee at the Cosmo — the free monthly lecture 
program offered every third Thursday at 9 a.m. at the Cosmosphere will 
be presented virtually this month. Remar will offer a live tour from the
 Odyssey exhibit at the Cosmosphere. Details will be available on the 
webpage. 

The virtual celebration is a substitute for the Apollo 
13 celebrations the Cosmosphere had planned before closing in response 
to the COVID-19 outbreak. A gala featuring the Apollo 13 astronauts and 
members of the mission control team was planned for April 4 in 
Hutchinson, but has been postponed to Nov. 14. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586527733810.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hutchpost.com">Hutch Post</a>HUTCHINSON — In April 1970, the world held its breath as three 
American astronauts endured one of the most harrowing space missions of 
our time — the mission of Apollo 13. It began with the successful launch
 of the crew into space on April 11 and ended with their safe return on 
April 17. To commemorate the anniversary, the Cosmosphere is launching a
 week of virtual celebrating. The Apollo 13 spacecraft’s command 
module, Odyssey, is part of the Cosmosphere’s collection and will be the
 centerpiece of the celebration, which will begin with the launch of a 
webpage dedicated to Apollo 13 this Saturday, April 11. The webpage will
 go live at the same time the spacecraft launched 50 years ago — 2:13 
p.m. Eastern time; 1:13 p.m. Central time. The page can be found at <a href="https://cosmo.org/">www.cosmo.org</a>. “We
 are home to the command module and have a special place in the heart of
 our organization for the history of the Apollo 13 mission,” Jim Remar, 
Cosmosphere CEO, said. “On the Apollo 13 anniversary webpage, the public
 will have access to the facts, images, broadcasts and first-hand 
accounts about the mission all in one place. We want to make it easy to 
learn about this critical time in our nation’s history. Now is a good 
time to remember that we can overcome even the most difficult of 
circumstances.” The webpage will include a behind-the-scenes look
 at the restoration of the Odyssey, which was carried out by the 
Cosmosphere’s SpaceWorks division from 1995 to 1997. In addition to the 
webpage, the Cosmosphere is featuring daily posts on social media about 
the mission and a poster contest will be announced on Saturday as well. 
Prizes will be awarded for posters featuring the theme “Failure is Not 
an Option!” Coffee at the Cosmo — the free monthly lecture 
program offered every third Thursday at 9 a.m. at the Cosmosphere will 
be presented virtually this month. Remar will offer a live tour from the
 Odyssey exhibit at the Cosmosphere. Details will be available on the 
webpage. The virtual celebration is a substitute for the Apollo 
13 celebrations the Cosmosphere had planned before closing in response 
to the COVID-19 outbreak. A gala featuring the Apollo 13 astronauts and 
members of the mission control team was planned for April 4 in 
Hutchinson, but has been postponed to Nov. 14.

Cosmosphere to hold virtual celebration of Apollo 13

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

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

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

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