Target and CVS are temporarily closing certain locations after some were damaged during weekend protests over the death of George Floyd.

Target said it was closing 105 stores in 10 states, including 46 stores in&nbsp;California&nbsp;and 33 in&nbsp;Minnesota, where the company is based and where the protests over Floyd's death began. Target is also closing some stores in Colorado, Pennsylvania, Illinois, New York, Georgia, Oregon, Michigan and Texas.

CVS didn't say how many stores it had closed, but it said the shuttered locations are in more than 20 states and the District of Columbia. A spokeswoman for the company said pharmacies at closed stores will reroute customers to a nearby CVS so they can get prescriptions filled.

“Employee and customer safety is our top priority, so we are continually monitoring protests as they occur in the communities we serve and will close stores, if needed, to help ensure the safety of employees and customers,” CVS said in a statement.

Floyd, who was black and handcuffed, died while being arrested by Minneapolis police for suspicion of passing a counterfeit bill on May 25. Cellphone video showed that a white officer, Derek Chauvin, pressed his knee into Floyd’s neck for several minutes while Floyd pleaded for air and eventually stopped moving. 

Chauvin now faces murder and manslaughter charges. The other three officers who took part in the arrest were fired but haven't been charged.

“We are heartbroken by the death of George Floyd and the pain it is causing communities across the country,” Target said in a statement. “Our focus will remain on our team members’ safety and helping our community heal.”

Target said employees at stores that are closed will be paid for up to 14 days, including premiums they are earning due to the coronavirus pandemic. They will also be able to work at Target locations that remain open.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590953587047.png" alt="Rioters looting at a Target store in Minneapolis on Thursday night -image courtesy WCCO" />
 <figcaption>Rioters looting at a Target store in Minneapolis on Thursday night -image courtesy WCCO</figcaption>
 </figure>BY DEE-ANN DURBIN, Associated PressTarget and CVS are temporarily closing certain locations after some were damaged during weekend protests over the death of George Floyd.Target said it was closing 105 stores in 10 states, including 46 stores in&nbsp;California&nbsp;and 33 in&nbsp;Minnesota, where the company is based and where the protests over Floyd's death began. Target is also closing some stores in Colorado, Pennsylvania, Illinois, New York, Georgia, Oregon, Michigan and Texas.CVS didn't say how many stores it had closed, but it said the shuttered locations are in more than 20 states and the District of Columbia. A spokeswoman for the company said pharmacies at closed stores will reroute customers to a nearby CVS so they can get prescriptions filled.“Employee and customer safety is our top priority, so we are continually monitoring protests as they occur in the communities we serve and will close stores, if needed, to help ensure the safety of employees and customers,” CVS said in a statement.Floyd, who was black and handcuffed, died while being arrested by Minneapolis police for suspicion of passing a counterfeit bill on May 25. Cellphone video showed that a white officer, Derek Chauvin, pressed his knee into Floyd’s neck for several minutes while Floyd pleaded for air and eventually stopped moving. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590840957949.png" alt="Derek Chauvin photo County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Derek Chauvin photo County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>Chauvin now faces murder and manslaughter charges. The other three officers who took part in the arrest were fired but haven't been charged.“We are heartbroken by the death of George Floyd and the pain it is causing communities across the country,” Target said in a statement. “Our focus will remain on our team members’ safety and helping our community heal.”Target said employees at stores that are closed will be paid for up to 14 days, including premiums they are earning due to the coronavirus pandemic. They will also be able to work at Target locations that remain open.

Target, CVS temporarily close stores due to protest dangers

KANSAS CITY —Mayor Quinton Lucas and KCMO Police Chief Rick Smith held a news conference Sunday afternoon to announce there is an 8 p.m. curfew for the Country Club Plaza, Westport and Downtown business districts, as well as all city parks. It extends until 6 a.m. Monday.

Lucas reported police made 85 arrests during Saturday's protests. There was also significant damage to businesses on the Plaza. 

Nearly all officers were hit with frozen water bottles or rocks during Saturday's confrontation, according to Lucas. Two officers hospitalized from being struck - one with an injury to the temple and one with a lacerated liver, according to Chief Smith.

Business owners in Kansas City were assessing damage and cleaning up Sunday after protests over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis and the general treatment of blacks by police devolved into violence.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590947856878.png" alt="KCMO Mayor Quinton Lucas during his Sunday afternoon news conference to announce a curfew" />
 <figcaption>KCMO Mayor Quinton Lucas during his Sunday afternoon news conference to announce a curfew</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Mayor Quinton Lucas and KCMO Police Chief Rick Smith held a news conference Sunday afternoon to announce there is an 8 p.m. curfew for the Country Club Plaza, Westport and Downtown business districts, as well as all city parks. It extends until 6 a.m. Monday.Lucas reported police made 85 arrests during Saturday's protests. There was also significant damage to businesses on the Plaza. Nearly all officers were hit with frozen water bottles or rocks during Saturday's confrontation, according to Lucas. Two officers hospitalized from being struck - one with an injury to the temple and one with a lacerated liver, according to Chief Smith.Business owners in Kansas City were assessing damage and cleaning up Sunday after protests over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis and the general treatment of blacks by police devolved into violence.

Mayor issues curfew at locations across Kansas City

States have tried for years to tackle the skyrocketing price of air ambulances

BY CELIS LLOPIS-JEPSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-05-27/kansas-supreme-court-mulling-whether-the-state-can-police-medical-bills-from-air-pirates">Kansas News Service</a>

TOPEKA — Fed-up with sticker shock from air ambulance bills, one insurer has pressed its case all the way to the Kansas Supreme Court.

A justice on the state’s high court seemed sympathetic, even as he 
questioned whether state courts hold the power to tackle practices that 
critics see as predatory.

“We understand that you’re trying to 
fight federally sanctioned air pirates,” Justice Dan Biles told an 
attorney for the insurance company during <a href="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FR0p04ZRA0U?autoplay=1&amp;rel=0" target="_blank">oral arguments</a> in Topeka in January. “But … it seems like your fight is with Congress.”

The Kansas Supreme Court has yet to rule in <a href="https://www.kscourts.org/KSCourts/media/KsCourts/Opinions/117903.pdf?ext=.pdf" target="_blank">the case</a>. It involves <a href="http://www.flyeaglemed.com/" target="_blank">EagleMed</a>,
 a company that billed Travelers Insurance tens of thousands of dollars 
in 2013 for each of four people flown from rural areas to hospitals in 
Wichita and Garden City.

The insurer balked at the bills and offered far lower payouts based on Medicare rates.

Massive
 bills for air ambulance rides are common. The Kansas News Service wrote
 this week about Alvin Letner, a retired school teacher facing <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-05-26/a-kansans-50k-medical-bill-shows-that-you-dont-always-owe-what-youre-charged" target="_blank">a nearly $50,000 bill</a> for a 30-mile transport following a traffic accident.

Such bills are notoriously tricky for states to rein in, because 
federal law shields air ambulance companies from many of their attempts 
at regulation. Because the EagleMed case involved injured workers, 
however, the insurer hoped that would give Kansas authority to review 
EagleMed’s charges.

The Kansas Division of Workers’ Compensation sets pay rates for other medical services stemming from workplace injuries.

In <a href="https://www.ca10.uscourts.gov/opinions/16/16-8064.pdf" target="_blank">a similar case from Wyoming</a>, the U.S. 10th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in 2017 that states couldn’t set rates.

Wyoming
 had limited its workers’ compensation fund to paying out $3,900 for 
transporting an injured worker by helicopter (plus a modest mileage 
fee).

Air ambulance operators sued, and federal judges agreed that
 Wyoming couldn’t set that price. Why? Because medical helicopters and 
planes fall under the same 1978 federal aviation law that regulates 
airlines and prevents states from setting airline prices.

Kansas 
is one of at least two states where supreme courts are considering 
similar cases. In the Kansas case, Travelers Insurance argues the state 
can review air ambulance charges without actually setting their rates 
the way Wyoming had done.

The other pending case is in <a href="http://www.search.txcourts.gov/Case.aspx?cn=18-0216&amp;coa=cossup" target="_blank">Texas</a>.

In 2015, <a href="https://www.tdi.texas.gov/medcases/soah15/454-15-0681.M4(R).pdf" target="_blank">an administrative judge</a> there concluded he could weigh
 in on prices. He pegged the fair payout for air ambulances in workers’ 
compensation cases at about 1.5 times Medicare rates. That, he said, 
ensured the helicopter company “a reasonable profit.”

Outrage at air ambulance prices is fueled in part by dramatic increases. <a href="https://www.gao.gov/assets/700/697684.pdf" target="_blank">Federal investigators</a> compared 2010 and 2014 prices and found they had doubled.

Those investigators also found that air ambulances aren’t subject to the same type of <a href="https://www.gao.gov/assets/690/686167.pdf" target="_blank">price competition</a> as airlines.

A
 person unconscious after a traffic accident can’t call around for price
 quotes or ask emergency responders to find an air ambulance within 
their insurance network.

Air ambulance companies, meanwhile, argue that higher prices for some privately insured customers help balance out <a href="https://www.xcenda.com/news-and-events/news/0417_air-medical-services-costs" target="_blank">lower payments</a> for serving people on Medicare, Medicaid or without insurance.

Some companies also argue that a sharp increase in air ambulances <a href="https://www.gao.gov/assets/690/686167.pdf" target="_blank">vying for patients</a> has cut into each chopper’s workload, making it harder to maintain profit margins.

Still, the growing chorus of complaints over hefty bills has prompted Congress to create <a href="https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/AAPB" target="_blank">a special committee</a> that’s looking into the problem. That body met for the first time in January.

Celia Llopis-Jepsen reports on consumer health and education for the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/Celia_LJ" target="_blank">@celia_LJ</a>
 or email her at celia@kcur.org. The Kansas News Service is a
 collaboration of KCUR, Kansas Public Radio, KMUW and High Plains Public
 Radio focused on health, the social determinants of health and their 
connection to public policy.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590675173475.png" alt="Crysta Henthorne / KCUR" />
 <figcaption>Crysta Henthorne / KCUR</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>States have tried for years to tackle the skyrocketing price of air ambulances</h2>BY CELIS LLOPIS-JEPSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-05-27/kansas-supreme-court-mulling-whether-the-state-can-police-medical-bills-from-air-pirates">Kansas News Service</a>TOPEKA — Fed-up with sticker shock from air ambulance bills, one insurer has pressed its case all the way to the Kansas Supreme Court.A justice on the state’s high court seemed sympathetic, even as he 
questioned whether state courts hold the power to tackle practices that 
critics see as predatory.“We understand that you’re trying to 
fight federally sanctioned air pirates,” Justice Dan Biles told an 
attorney for the insurance company during <a href="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FR0p04ZRA0U?autoplay=1&amp;rel=0" target="_blank">oral arguments</a> in Topeka in January. “But … it seems like your fight is with Congress.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590675381919.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Supreme Court has yet to rule in <a href="https://www.kscourts.org/KSCourts/media/KsCourts/Opinions/117903.pdf?ext=.pdf" target="_blank">the case</a>. It involves <a href="http://www.flyeaglemed.com/" target="_blank">EagleMed</a>,
 a company that billed Travelers Insurance tens of thousands of dollars 
in 2013 for each of four people flown from rural areas to hospitals in 
Wichita and Garden City.The insurer balked at the bills and offered far lower payouts based on Medicare rates.Massive
 bills for air ambulance rides are common. The Kansas News Service wrote
 this week about Alvin Letner, a retired school teacher facing <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-05-26/a-kansans-50k-medical-bill-shows-that-you-dont-always-owe-what-youre-charged" target="_blank">a nearly $50,000 bill</a> for a 30-mile transport following a traffic accident.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590675306655.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Such bills are notoriously tricky for states to rein in, because 
federal law shields air ambulance companies from many of their attempts 
at regulation. Because the EagleMed case involved injured workers, 
however, the insurer hoped that would give Kansas authority to review 
EagleMed’s charges.The Kansas Division of Workers’ Compensation sets pay rates for other medical services stemming from workplace injuries.In <a href="https://www.ca10.uscourts.gov/opinions/16/16-8064.pdf" target="_blank">a similar case from Wyoming</a>, the U.S. 10th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in 2017 that states couldn’t set rates.Wyoming
 had limited its workers’ compensation fund to paying out $3,900 for 
transporting an injured worker by helicopter (plus a modest mileage 
fee).Air ambulance operators sued, and federal judges agreed that
 Wyoming couldn’t set that price. Why? Because medical helicopters and 
planes fall under the same 1978 federal aviation law that regulates 
airlines and prevents states from setting airline prices.Kansas 
is one of at least two states where supreme courts are considering 
similar cases. In the Kansas case, Travelers Insurance argues the state 
can review air ambulance charges without actually setting their rates 
the way Wyoming had done.The other pending case is in <a href="http://www.search.txcourts.gov/Case.aspx?cn=18-0216&amp;coa=cossup" target="_blank">Texas</a>.In 2015, <a href="https://www.tdi.texas.gov/medcases/soah15/454-15-0681.M4(R).pdf" target="_blank">an administrative judge</a> there concluded he could weigh
 in on prices. He pegged the fair payout for air ambulances in workers’ 
compensation cases at about 1.5 times Medicare rates. That, he said, 
ensured the helicopter company “a reasonable profit.”Outrage at air ambulance prices is fueled in part by dramatic increases. <a href="https://www.gao.gov/assets/700/697684.pdf" target="_blank">Federal investigators</a> compared 2010 and 2014 prices and found they had doubled.Those investigators also found that air ambulances aren’t subject to the same type of <a href="https://www.gao.gov/assets/690/686167.pdf" target="_blank">price competition</a> as airlines.A
 person unconscious after a traffic accident can’t call around for price
 quotes or ask emergency responders to find an air ambulance within 
their insurance network.Air ambulance companies, meanwhile, argue that higher prices for some privately insured customers help balance out <a href="https://www.xcenda.com/news-and-events/news/0417_air-medical-services-costs" target="_blank">lower payments</a> for serving people on Medicare, Medicaid or without insurance.Some companies also argue that a sharp increase in air ambulances <a href="https://www.gao.gov/assets/690/686167.pdf" target="_blank">vying for patients</a> has cut into each chopper’s workload, making it harder to maintain profit margins.Still, the growing chorus of complaints over hefty bills has prompted Congress to create <a href="https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/AAPB" target="_blank">a special committee</a> that’s looking into the problem. That body met for the first time in January.Celia Llopis-Jepsen reports on consumer health and education for the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/Celia_LJ" target="_blank">@celia_LJ</a>
 or email her at celia@kcur.org. The Kansas News Service is a
 collaboration of KCUR, Kansas Public Radio, KMUW and High Plains Public
 Radio focused on health, the social determinants of health and their 
connection to public policy.

High court mulling if state can police medical bills from 'air pirates'

Police on the Country Club Plaza in Kansas City Saturday photo courtesy KCTV

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Missouri Gov. Mike Parson on Saturday evening activated the Missouri National Guard to help respond to protests around the state that he described as creating hazards to safety, welfare and property that are beyond the abilities of local authorities to manage.

Protests continued Saturday in Kansas City and elsewhere in the state in response to the death of George Floyd after a white Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee onto Floyd's neck during an arrest.

In Kansas City, five people were arrested in Saturday evening protests in and near the Country Club Plaza shopping and entertainment district, the Kansas City Star reported. Mayor Quinton Lucas had earlier told reporters that he knew there was a lot of pain in the community and nation and called on the hundreds gathered near the Plaza to think about change and to protest peacefully.

Local media reported that police used tear gas to force protesters out of streets and onto sidewalks in the Plaza area. The Plaza managers announced earlier in the day that the shops and restaurants in the district would close Saturday afternoon and remain closed Sunday because of planned protests.

On the other side of the state, the Post-Dispatch reported about 500 people were protesting peacefully Saturday evening in Ferguson, where 18-year-old Michael Brown was fatally shot by Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson in 2014. The resulting protests strengthened the fledgling Black Lifes Matter movement. Protesters marched in other St. Louis-area communities earlier in the day.

On Friday night, protesters blocked a downtown St. Louis interstate, set a fire in the road and broke into trucks.

Protesters blocked Interstate 44 for nearly three hours after taking to the streets Friday night, the Post-Dispatch reported. One protester died after climbing between two trailers of a FedEx truck and was killed when it drove away. Police said they were investigating.

The crowd dispersed after a few gunshots were fired. Police did not report any arrests.

Tear gas used on protesters near the Country Club Plaza in Kansas City on Saturday photo courtesy KCTV

In Kansas City, police used pepper spray on people marching through its Westport bar-and-entertainment district Friday night and Saturday morning, The Star reported.

Kansas City Police Capt. David Jackson said the pepper spray was used on about 50 “non-lawful protesters” around 1 a.m. Saturday in order to disperse them. Jackson said some in the crowd had thrown rocks and bottles, shattered three business windows and damaged police cars.

At least five people were arrested for offenses such as disorderly conduct, Jackson said.

Benny Cardella, the owner of a hair-styling shop. said barber tools were taken from his business after the front window was broken but more valuable TVs and artwork were not removed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590925487256.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Police on the Country Club Plaza in Kansas City Saturday photo courtesy KCTVKANSAS CITY (AP) — Missouri Gov. Mike Parson on Saturday evening activated the Missouri National Guard to help respond to protests around the state that he described as creating hazards to safety, welfare and property that are beyond the abilities of local authorities to manage.Protests continued Saturday in Kansas City and elsewhere in the state in response to the death of George Floyd after a white Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee onto Floyd's neck during an arrest.In Kansas City, five people were arrested in Saturday evening protests in and near the Country Club Plaza shopping and entertainment district, the Kansas City Star reported. Mayor Quinton Lucas had earlier told reporters that he knew there was a lot of pain in the community and nation and called on the hundreds gathered near the Plaza to think about change and to protest peacefully.Local media reported that police used tear gas to force protesters out of streets and onto sidewalks in the Plaza area. The Plaza managers announced earlier in the day that the shops and restaurants in the district would close Saturday afternoon and remain closed Sunday because of planned protests.On the other side of the state, the Post-Dispatch reported about 500 people were protesting peacefully Saturday evening in Ferguson, where 18-year-old Michael Brown was fatally shot by Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson in 2014. The resulting protests strengthened the fledgling Black Lifes Matter movement. Protesters marched in other St. Louis-area communities earlier in the day.On Friday night, protesters blocked a downtown St. Louis interstate, set a fire in the road and broke into trucks.Protesters blocked Interstate 44 for nearly three hours after taking to the streets Friday night, the Post-Dispatch reported. One protester died after climbing between two trailers of a FedEx truck and was killed when it drove away. Police said they were investigating.The crowd dispersed after a few gunshots were fired. Police did not report any arrests.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590925459037.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Tear gas used on protesters near the Country Club Plaza in Kansas City on Saturday photo courtesy KCTVIn Kansas City, police used pepper spray on people marching through its Westport bar-and-entertainment district Friday night and Saturday morning, The Star reported.Kansas City Police Capt. David Jackson said the pepper spray was used on about 50 “non-lawful protesters” around 1 a.m. Saturday in order to disperse them. Jackson said some in the crowd had thrown rocks and bottles, shattered three business windows and damaged police cars.At least five people were arrested for offenses such as disorderly conduct, Jackson said.Benny Cardella, the owner of a hair-styling shop. said barber tools were taken from his business after the front window was broken but more valuable TVs and artwork were not removed.

Gov. activates National Guard to respond to protests in KC, elsewhere

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly’s top public health administrator acknowledged Friday that he would have preferred that she not lift statewide coronavirus restrictions on businesses and said local officials shouldn’t allow bars and nightclubs to reopen yet.

Dr. Lee Norman, state secretary of health and environment, said he advised Kelly on “public health principles” before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a5e30a0ec7a5943ada9f03af22ee1970">she acted Tuesday</a>&nbsp;to end statewide restrictions that would have kept bars and nightclubs from reopening and would have limited mass gatherings. Health officers in each of the state’s 105 counties now decide the rules, though they can refer to her plan for reopening the economy in phases for guidance.

The Democratic governor faced weeks of criticism from the Republican-controlled Legislature that she was moving too slowly to reopen the economy. Lawmakers passed a sweeping coronavirus bill that would have curbed her power to direct the state’s response. She vetoed it Tuesday before conceding to GOP leaders’ demand to allow counties to set their own rules for businesses.

Officials in the state’s two most populous counties, Johnson and Sedgwick counties, are using Kelly’s reopening guidelines as recommendations for businesses, without imposing enforceable rules. Wyandotte County, which is in the Kansas City area and has had the most COVID-19-related deaths in the state, said bars could reopen Friday if they limited indoor crowds to 15 people, enforced social distancing in their indoor and outdoor seating areas, and required staff to wear masks.

Norman called bars and nightclubs “inherently unsafe.” Asked whether he would have allowed them to reopen, he said, “Not at this juncture.”

“If the officials feel that it’s safe to reopen in their counties, we would still hope that people would vote with their feet,” Norman said during a Statehouse news conference. “This virus is still out there, I assure you.”

The state health department reported Friday that there were 382 new confirmed coronavirus cases in the state, raising the total since the outbreak started by 4.1%, to 9,719. The actual number of cases is thought to be higher because of a lack of testing, particularly early on, and because people can be infected without feeling ill.

The state health department also reported three new coronavirus-related deaths, raising the state’s total to 208, though Johns Hopkins University pegs it at 215.

Kelly had planned to keep some restrictions on businesses in place until at least June 23. But she’s issued multiple state-of-emergency declarations to tap the broad powers to manage emergencies, and state Attorney General Derek Schmidt and some fellow Republicans in the Legislature have challenged her authority to do that.

Kelly and Norman often have appeared as a team at news conferences on the pandemic, but she was not present Friday. She said Tuesday that she was compelled to lift statewide restrictions because “of the political games that have been played” over her pandemic response.

Kelly’s spokeswoman, Lauren Fitzgerald, said the governor finds the situation “not ideal,” but she added that county officials “have the flexibility to address the situation in their specific areas.”

Norman told reporters: “I’m not a politician and I don’t have a deep knowledge of legislative affairs.”

Asked whether his preference would have been to keep statewide restrictions in place, Norman answered, “Yes.”

In Wichita, the state’s largest city, Mayor Brandon Whipple is upset that the local county commission eased restrictions so that bars and nightclubs could reopen. Whipple said he wishes cities had more power to drive public health decisions,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansas.com/news/politics-government/article243060281.html" target="_blank">The Wichita Eagle</a>&nbsp;reported.

Meanwhile. 130 youth baseball teams were preparing for a weekend tournament in Johnson County,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/sports/article243028536.html" target="_blank">The Kansas City Star</a>&nbsp;reported. The sponsoring 3&amp;2 Baseball club has changed how people will enter parks and where umpires will stand, and has added Plexiglas shields to all concession stands.

Norman said he does not have a problem with such tournaments if proper safeguards are followed. Kelly already had allowed youth sports games and practices to resume in time for Memorial Day.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly’s top public health administrator acknowledged Friday that he would have preferred that she not lift statewide coronavirus restrictions on businesses and said local officials shouldn’t allow bars and nightclubs to reopen yet.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovLauraKelly%2Fvideos%2F274937310368681%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>Dr. Lee Norman, state secretary of health and environment, said he advised Kelly on “public health principles” before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a5e30a0ec7a5943ada9f03af22ee1970">she acted Tuesday</a>&nbsp;to end statewide restrictions that would have kept bars and nightclubs from reopening and would have limited mass gatherings. Health officers in each of the state’s 105 counties now decide the rules, though they can refer to her plan for reopening the economy in phases for guidance.The Democratic governor faced weeks of criticism from the Republican-controlled Legislature that she was moving too slowly to reopen the economy. Lawmakers passed a sweeping coronavirus bill that would have curbed her power to direct the state’s response. She vetoed it Tuesday before conceding to GOP leaders’ demand to allow counties to set their own rules for businesses.Officials in the state’s two most populous counties, Johnson and Sedgwick counties, are using Kelly’s reopening guidelines as recommendations for businesses, without imposing enforceable rules. Wyandotte County, which is in the Kansas City area and has had the most COVID-19-related deaths in the state, said bars could reopen Friday if they limited indoor crowds to 15 people, enforced social distancing in their indoor and outdoor seating areas, and required staff to wear masks.Norman called bars and nightclubs “inherently unsafe.” Asked whether he would have allowed them to reopen, he said, “Not at this juncture.”“If the officials feel that it’s safe to reopen in their counties, we would still hope that people would vote with their feet,” Norman said during a Statehouse news conference. “This virus is still out there, I assure you.”The state health department reported Friday that there were 382 new confirmed coronavirus cases in the state, raising the total since the outbreak started by 4.1%, to 9,719. The actual number of cases is thought to be higher because of a lack of testing, particularly early on, and because people can be infected without feeling ill.The state health department also reported three new coronavirus-related deaths, raising the state’s total to 208, though Johns Hopkins University pegs it at 215.Kelly had planned to keep some restrictions on businesses in place until at least June 23. But she’s issued multiple state-of-emergency declarations to tap the broad powers to manage emergencies, and state Attorney General Derek Schmidt and some fellow Republicans in the Legislature have challenged her authority to do that.Kelly and Norman often have appeared as a team at news conferences on the pandemic, but she was not present Friday. She said Tuesday that she was compelled to lift statewide restrictions because “of the political games that have been played” over her pandemic response.Kelly’s spokeswoman, Lauren Fitzgerald, said the governor finds the situation “not ideal,” but she added that county officials “have the flexibility to address the situation in their specific areas.”Norman told reporters: “I’m not a politician and I don’t have a deep knowledge of legislative affairs.”Asked whether his preference would have been to keep statewide restrictions in place, Norman answered, “Yes.”In Wichita, the state’s largest city, Mayor Brandon Whipple is upset that the local county commission eased restrictions so that bars and nightclubs could reopen. Whipple said he wishes cities had more power to drive public health decisions,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansas.com/news/politics-government/article243060281.html" target="_blank">The Wichita Eagle</a>&nbsp;reported.Meanwhile. 130 youth baseball teams were preparing for a weekend tournament in Johnson County,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/sports/article243028536.html" target="_blank">The Kansas City Star</a>&nbsp;reported. The sponsoring 3&amp;2 Baseball club has changed how people will enter parks and where umpires will stand, and has added Plexiglas shields to all concession stands.Norman said he does not have a problem with such tournaments if proper safeguards are followed. Kelly already had allowed youth sports games and practices to resume in time for Memorial Day.____

🎥 Kan. health secretary wanted to keep state COVID-19 limits

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon said Saturday it was ready to provide military help to authorities scrambling to contain unrest in Minneapolis, where George Floyd’s death has sparked widespread protests, but Gov. Tim Walz has not requested federal troops.

Jonathan Rath Hoffman, the chief Pentagon spokesman, said several military units have been placed on higher alert “as a prudent planning measure” in case Walz asks for help. The Associated Press first reported on the potential deployments and, citing sources with direct knowledge of the orders, named four locations from which soldiers would be drawn.

Hoffman did not identify the units, but other officials said they are mainly military police. Hoffman said these are units normally on 48-hour recall to support state authorities in the event of crises like natural disasters. They are now on four-hour alert, Hoffman said.

Defense officials said there was no intent by the Pentagon to deploy any federal forces to Minnesota unless Walz asked for help. If he did make such a request, federal units such as military police could provide logistical and other kinds of support to the Minnesota National Guard or state law enforcement, but would not get directly involved in law enforcement under current plans, the officials said. They were not authorized to discuss the planning publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Hoffman said Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, had spoken to Walz twice in the past 24 hours and told him the Pentagon was prepared to help if needed.

Maj. Gen. Jon Jensen, the adjutant general of the Minnesota National Guard, said the Pentagon’s decision to place some military units on a higher state of alert for potential deployment was “a prudent move” that gave Walz more options.

Earlier, Alyssa Farah, the White House director of strategic communications, told the AP that the deployment of active-duty military police to Minnesota was untrue. In an email, she referred to Title 10, the U.S. law that governs the armed forces and would authorize active duty military to operate within the country

“False: off the record - title 10 not under discussion,” said Farah. No off-record agreement was negotiated with the AP.

President Donald Trump urged Walz and other authorities in Minnesota to “be tough” in Minneapolis.

“We have our military ready, willing and able if they ever want to call our military, and we can have troops on the ground every quickly,” Trump said.

Soldiers from Fort Bragg in North Carolina and Fort Drum in New York have been ordered to be ready to deploy within four hours if called, according to three people with direct knowledge of the orders. Soldiers in Fort Carson, in Colorado, and Fort Riley in Kansas have been told to be ready within 24 hours. The people were not were not authorized to discuss the preparations publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

The get-ready orders were sent verbally on Friday, after Trump asked Esper for military options to help quell the unrest in Minneapolis after protests descended into looting and arson in some parts of the city.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590889396673.png" alt="Police attempting to enforce an 8p.m. curfew in Minneapolis Saturday night -image courtesy WCCO TV" />
 <figcaption>Police attempting to enforce an 8p.m. curfew in Minneapolis Saturday night -image courtesy WCCO TV</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon said Saturday it was ready to provide military help to authorities scrambling to contain unrest in Minneapolis, where George Floyd’s death has sparked widespread protests, but Gov. Tim Walz has not requested federal troops.Jonathan Rath Hoffman, the chief Pentagon spokesman, said several military units have been placed on higher alert “as a prudent planning measure” in case Walz asks for help. The Associated Press first reported on the potential deployments and, citing sources with direct knowledge of the orders, named four locations from which soldiers would be drawn.Hoffman did not identify the units, but other officials said they are mainly military police. Hoffman said these are units normally on 48-hour recall to support state authorities in the event of crises like natural disasters. They are now on four-hour alert, Hoffman said.Defense officials said there was no intent by the Pentagon to deploy any federal forces to Minnesota unless Walz asked for help. If he did make such a request, federal units such as military police could provide logistical and other kinds of support to the Minnesota National Guard or state law enforcement, but would not get directly involved in law enforcement under current plans, the officials said. They were not authorized to discuss the planning publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.Hoffman said Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, had spoken to Walz twice in the past 24 hours and told him the Pentagon was prepared to help if needed.Maj. Gen. Jon Jensen, the adjutant general of the Minnesota National Guard, said the Pentagon’s decision to place some military units on a higher state of alert for potential deployment was “a prudent move” that gave Walz more options.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590753741227.png" alt="Downtown Minneapolis burning early Friday -Minnesota DOT traffic camera" />
 <figcaption>Downtown Minneapolis burning early Friday -Minnesota DOT traffic camera</figcaption>
 </figure>Earlier, Alyssa Farah, the White House director of strategic communications, told the AP that the deployment of active-duty military police to Minnesota was untrue. In an email, she referred to Title 10, the U.S. law that governs the armed forces and would authorize active duty military to operate within the country“False: off the record - title 10 not under discussion,” said Farah. No off-record agreement was negotiated with the AP.President Donald Trump urged Walz and other authorities in Minnesota to “be tough” in Minneapolis.“We have our military ready, willing and able if they ever want to call our military, and we can have troops on the ground every quickly,” Trump said.Soldiers from Fort Bragg in North Carolina and Fort Drum in New York have been ordered to be ready to deploy within four hours if called, according to three people with direct knowledge of the orders. Soldiers in Fort Carson, in Colorado, and Fort Riley in Kansas have been told to be ready within 24 hours. The people were not were not authorized to discuss the preparations publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.The get-ready orders were sent verbally on Friday, after Trump asked Esper for military options to help quell the unrest in Minneapolis after protests descended into looting and arson in some parts of the city.

Soldiers in Kan. placed on alert to go Minneapolis if state asks

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged sexual assault involving a teen runaway and have a suspect in custody.

Just before 1a.m. May 22, police responded to a rape report in the 1800 block of W. Pine Avenue in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp; 

A minor female who ran to that location and reported to a citizen that she had been sexually assaulted.

The investigation revealed that the juvenile ran from her foster home earlier in the day around noon.&nbsp; 

A suspect identified 26-year-old Gerardo Aguero-Hernandez contacted her as she walked along North Broadway and offered her a ride.&nbsp; She accepted, but instead of being taken to the agreed-upon location, Aguero-Hernandez drove her to an area near Arthur B. Sim Park.&nbsp; While in the vehicle, Aguero-Hernandez sexually assaulted and battered the girl, according to Davidson. She was able to escape the vehicle and ran to contact a citizen who called 911.&nbsp;

Through further investigation, Aguero-Hernandez was identified subsequently arrested&nbsp;from a residence in the 2400 block of N. Woodland in Wichita.

He is being held on a requested charge of Rape, Aggravated Kidnapping, Aggravated battery, and an outstanding city of Wichita Warrant. He is being held on a $200,000 bond, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590769800736.png" alt="Aguero-Hernandez" />
 <figcaption>Aguero-Hernandez</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged sexual assault involving a teen runaway and have a suspect in custody.Just before 1a.m. May 22, police responded to a rape report in the 1800 block of W. Pine Avenue in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp; A minor female who ran to that location and reported to a citizen that she had been sexually assaulted.The investigation revealed that the juvenile ran from her foster home earlier in the day around noon.&nbsp; A suspect identified 26-year-old Gerardo Aguero-Hernandez contacted her as she walked along North Broadway and offered her a ride.&nbsp; She accepted, but instead of being taken to the agreed-upon location, Aguero-Hernandez drove her to an area near Arthur B. Sim Park.&nbsp; While in the vehicle, Aguero-Hernandez sexually assaulted and battered the girl, according to Davidson. She was able to escape the vehicle and ran to contact a citizen who called 911.&nbsp;Through further investigation, Aguero-Hernandez was identified subsequently arrested&nbsp;from a residence in the 2400 block of N. Woodland in Wichita.He is being held on a requested charge of Rape, Aggravated Kidnapping, Aggravated battery, and an outstanding city of Wichita Warrant. He is being held on a $200,000 bond, according to online jail records.

Kan. man jailed for alleged rape of runaway teen

TOPEKA, KAN. (AP) —&nbsp;Several hundred protesters rallied at the&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;Statehouse on Saturday to protest George Floyd's death in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/minnesota">Minnesota</a>&nbsp;with T-shirts and chants that recalled the 2017 case of a black man fatally shot by two white police officers in Topeka.

Organizers promised a peaceful protest and opened with prayer. The racially diverse crowd included children and older adults and held signs with slogans such as “I Can't Breathe" and “Stop Lynching Us.”

Floyd's death in Minneapolis sparked looting there and protests across the United States. Floyd, who'd been handcuffed, died after a white police officer, Derek Chauvin, pressed his knee into Floyd's neck for several minutes even after he stopped moving and pleading for air. Chauvin now faces murder and manslaughter charges.

Some protesters wore T-shirts saying, “Justice 4 Dominique White.” He was a 30-year-old Topeka resident fatally shot in September 2017 while running away from the two officers who'd stopped him to question him about shots being fired near a park. White had a gun in a pocket, and the local district attorney declared the officers' use of force justified, but White's family said video of the incident showed he wasn't a threat.

“Say his name! Dominique White!” the crowd chanted.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590865128720.png" alt="Protest Rally at the Kansas Statehouse Saturday photo courtesy Steve Hageman, Black Lives Matter" />
 <figcaption>Protest Rally at the Kansas Statehouse Saturday photo courtesy Steve Hageman, Black Lives Matter</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, KAN. (AP) —&nbsp;Several hundred protesters rallied at the&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;Statehouse on Saturday to protest George Floyd's death in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/minnesota">Minnesota</a>&nbsp;with T-shirts and chants that recalled the 2017 case of a black man fatally shot by two white police officers in Topeka.Organizers promised a peaceful protest and opened with prayer. The racially diverse crowd included children and older adults and held signs with slogans such as “I Can't Breathe" and “Stop Lynching Us.”Floyd's death in Minneapolis sparked looting there and protests across the United States. Floyd, who'd been handcuffed, died after a white police officer, Derek Chauvin, pressed his knee into Floyd's neck for several minutes even after he stopped moving and pleading for air. Chauvin now faces murder and manslaughter charges.Some protesters wore T-shirts saying, “Justice 4 Dominique White.” He was a 30-year-old Topeka resident fatally shot in September 2017 while running away from the two officers who'd stopped him to question him about shots being fired near a park. White had a gun in a pocket, and the local district attorney declared the officers' use of force justified, but White's family said video of the incident showed he wasn't a threat.“Say his name! Dominique White!” the crowd chanted.

Kansas rally over George Floyd's death recalls Topeka case

SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary and have a suspect in custody.

Just before 4:30a.m. Thursday, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office responded to an alarm at a building in the 6300 block of NW 17th Street, according to Deputy Shayna Anderson. 

At the scene, a deputy found evidence of forced entry and heard movement inside. 

The deputy located and arrested the suspect identified as&nbsp; Danny W. De La O, 27, of Topeka. He faces requested&nbsp;charges of burglary, theft and criminal damage to property.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590765591405.png" alt="De La O photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>De La O photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary and have a suspect in custody.Just before 4:30a.m. Thursday, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office responded to an alarm at a building in the 6300 block of NW 17th Street, according to Deputy Shayna Anderson. At the scene, a deputy found evidence of forced entry and heard movement inside. The deputy located and arrested the suspect identified as&nbsp; Danny W. De La O, 27, of Topeka. He faces requested&nbsp;charges of burglary, theft and criminal damage to property.

Kansas deputy finds suspect at scene of business burglary 

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A 7-year-old boy and and his 6-year-old brother died in an unincorporated area east of Kansas City Friday when the older brother got access to a car and drove it, eventually losing control and driving off the road.

Sgt. Andy Bell, spokesman for the Missouri Highway Patrol, said the boys left a residence in the car, drove through a field and then onto a county road. The patrol's report on the crash says the 2007 Buick Lacross became airborne more than once before eventually landing on its roof and catching fire. The boys were pronounced dead at the scene about 4:20 p.m. Friday.

The Highway Patrol and Jackson County Sheriff's Department are investigating. Bell said the sheriff's office was looking into how the boys came to have possession of the car. A sheriff's department spokesman didn't immediately return a call for comment.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A 7-year-old boy and and his 6-year-old brother died in an unincorporated area east of Kansas City Friday when the older brother got access to a car and drove it, eventually losing control and driving off the road.Sgt. Andy Bell, spokesman for the Missouri Highway Patrol, said the boys left a residence in the car, drove through a field and then onto a county road. The patrol's report on the crash says the 2007 Buick Lacross became airborne more than once before eventually landing on its roof and catching fire. The boys were pronounced dead at the scene about 4:20 p.m. Friday.The Highway Patrol and Jackson County Sheriff's Department are investigating. Bell said the sheriff's office was looking into how the boys came to have possession of the car. A sheriff's department spokesman didn't immediately return a call for comment.

7-year-old driver, younger brother die in KC crash

Image from Snap Chat of Memorial Day Weekend pool party

OSAGE BEACH, Mo. (AP) — Health officials said Friday that they were seeking to “inform mass numbers of unknown people” after a person who attended crowded pool parties over Memorial Day weekend at Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks tested positive for COVID-19.

Camden County Health Department said in a release that the resident of Boone County in mid-Missouri tested positive on Sunday after arriving at the lake area a day earlier. Officials said there have been no reported cases of the virus linked to coronavirus in residents of Camden County, where the parties seen in videos and photos posted on social media took place.

Because “mass numbers of unknown people” need to be notified, the officials released a brief timeline of the person's whereabouts last weekend, including stops at a bar called Backwater Jacks, a bar and restaurant that has a pool, as well as a dining and pool venue called Shady Gators and Lazy Gators.

Backwater Jacks owner Gary Prewitt said previously in a statement that no laws were broken, though the images appeared to show people violating Republican Gov. Mike Parson’s state order requiring social distancing.

Parson allowed businesses and attractions to reopen May 4, but the state order requires 6-foot social distancing through at least the end of May.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590412088066.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Image from Snap Chat of Memorial Day Weekend pool partyOSAGE BEACH, Mo. (AP) — Health officials said Friday that they were seeking to “inform mass numbers of unknown people” after a person who attended crowded pool parties over Memorial Day weekend at Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks tested positive for COVID-19.Camden County Health Department said in a release that the resident of Boone County in mid-Missouri tested positive on Sunday after arriving at the lake area a day earlier. Officials said there have been no reported cases of the virus linked to coronavirus in residents of Camden County, where the parties seen in videos and photos posted on social media took place.Because “mass numbers of unknown people” need to be notified, the officials released a brief timeline of the person's whereabouts last weekend, including stops at a bar called Backwater Jacks, a bar and restaurant that has a pool, as well as a dining and pool venue called Shady Gators and Lazy Gators.Backwater Jacks owner Gary Prewitt said previously in a statement that no laws were broken, though the images appeared to show people violating Republican Gov. Mike Parson’s state order requiring social distancing.Parson allowed businesses and attractions to reopen May 4, but the state order requires 6-foot social distancing through at least the end of May.

Partygoer at Lake of Ozarks positive for COVID-19

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — A rocket ship designed and built by Elon Musk’s SpaceX company has lifted off with two Americans on a history-making flight to the International Space Station.

<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/index.html#public">Click here</a>&nbsp;to watch additional coverage of the flight from NASA

The spacecraft took off Saturday afternoon from the same launch pad at Cape Canaveral, Florida, that was used during the Apollo missions to the moon a half-century ago. The flight ushers in a new era in commercial space travel and marks the first time NASA has launched astronauts from U.S. soil in nearly a decade. Ever since the space shuttle was retired in 2011, NASA has relied on Russian rockets launched from Kazakhstan to take U.S. astronauts took and from the space station.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — Despite more storms in the forecast, two NASA astronauts climbed into their capsule Saturday for a second attempt at a history-making ride into orbit aboard a rocket ship designed and built by Elon Musk’s SpaceX company.

<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/index.html#public">Click here</a>&nbsp;to watch the launch&nbsp;

With the flight already delayed three days by bad weather, forecasters put the odds of acceptable conditions at 50-50 for the 2:22 p.m. CDT liftoff of the 270-foot Falcon 9 in what would be the first launch of astronauts into orbit by a private company.

Their destination: the International Space Station, 250 miles above Earth.

It would also be NASA’s first human spaceflight launched from U.S. soil in nearly a decade.

The mission unfolded amid the gloom of the coronavirus outbreak, which has killed over 100,000 Americans, and racial unrest across the U.S. over the death of George Floyd, a handcuffed black man, at the hands of Minneapolis police. NASA officials and others held out hope the flight would would lift American spirits.

“Maybe there’s an opportunity here for America to maybe pause and look up and see a bright, shining moment of hope at what the future looks like, that the United States of America can do extraordinary things even in difficult times,” NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine said.

Veteran astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken pulled on their angular, white-and-black spacesuits with help from technicians wearing masks, gloves and black hoods that made them look like ninjas.

Before setting out for the launch pad in a gull-wing Tesla SUV — another Musk product — Behnken pantomimed a hug of his 6-year-old son, Theo, and said: “Are you going to listen to Mommy and make her life easy?” Hurley blew kisses to his 10-year-old son and wife.

SpaceX and NASA monitored the weather not just at Kennedy Space Center, where rain, thick clouds and the chance of lightning threatened another postponement, but all the way up the Eastern Seaboard and across the North Atlantic to Ireland. Waves and wind need to be within certain limits in case the astronauts have to make an emergency splashdown on the way to orbit.

Wednesday’s countdown of the rocket and its bullet-shaped Dragon capsule was halted at just under 17 minutes because of the threat of lightning.

Ever since the space shuttle was retired in 2011, NASA has relied on Russian spaceships launched from Kazakhstan to take U.S. astronauts to and from the space station.

“I would be lying to you if I told you I wasn’t nervous,” Bridenstine said before the launch attempt. “We want to do everything we can to minimize the risk, minimize the uncertainty, so that Bob and Doug will be safe.”

President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence planned to return for the second launch attempt.

Because of the coronavirus, NASA severely limited the number of employees, visitors and journalists allowed deep inside Kennedy Space Center, and the crowd was relatively small, at a few thousand. At the center’s tourist complex, though, all 4,000 tickets were snapped up in a few hours.

The space agency urged people to stay safe and watch from home, and by NASA’s count, at least 1.14 million viewers followed the launch preparation online. But spectators also began lining the Cape Canaveral area’s beaches and roads. Signs along the main beach drag read, “Godspeed.”

Among the spectators was Neil Wight, a machinist from Buffalo, New York, who staked out a view of the launch pad from a park in Titusville.

“It’s pretty historically significant in my book and a lot of other people’s books. With everything that’s going on in this country right now, it’s important that we do things extraordinary in life,” Wight said. “We’ve been bombarded with doom and gloom for the last six, eight weeks, whatever it is, and this is awesome. It brings a lot of people together.”

NASA hired SpaceX and Boeing in 2014 to taxi astronauts to and from the space station, under contracts totaling $7 billion. Both companies launched their crew capsules last year with test dummies. SpaceX’s Dragon aced all of its objectives, while Boeing’s Starliner capsule ended up in the wrong orbit and was almost destroyed because of software errors.

As a result, the first Starliner flight carrying astronauts isn’t expected until next year.

NASA astronauts Douglas Hurley (left) and Robert Behnken (right) participate in a dress rehearsal for launch at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on May 23, 2020, ahead of NASA’s SpaceX Demo-2 mission to the International Space Station.&nbsp; The launch is now scheduled for 2:22 p.m. CDT Saturday Credits: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — SpaceX pressed ahead with its second attempt to launch astronauts for NASA — a historic first for a private company — but more stormy weather threatened more delays.

<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/index.html#public">Click here</a> to watch the launch

Elon Musk’s company came within 17 minutes Wednesday of launching a pair of NASA astronauts for the first time in nearly a decade from the U.S., before the threat of lightning forced a delay.

With more storms ahead, managers debated Friday whether to bump the next launch attempt from Saturday to Sunday to take advantage of slightly improved forecast at Kennedy Space Center.

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine tweeted that no decision was made, and they would reassess the situation Saturday morning.

At an earlier outdoor news conference, Bridenstine stressed the need for safety for astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken — no matter how many times it takes to launch them in a SpaceX Dragon capsule atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket to the International Space Station.

“We cannot forget this is a test flight. This — is — a — test — flight,” he repeated. “We will go when everything is as safe as we can possibly make it.”

Forecasters put the odds of acceptable weather conditions Saturday at 50-50, with the outlook improving to 60% favorable on Sunday. Rain and clouds were the main concerns for both days.

Bridenstine said back-to-back tries would be tough on the launch team — and the astronauts — given that this is a test flight.

Hurley and Behnken, veterans of two space shuttle flights, have both faced launch delays before. In a tweet Friday, Hurley said his first shuttle flight was scrubbed five times for weather and technical issues.

“We’re ready for the next launch opportunity!” Behnken tweeted.

While NASA had urged spectators to stay home Wednesday because of the pandemic, prime viewing spots at area parks and beaches were packed. A weekend launch could draw even bigger crowds. The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex reopened Thursday, after a 2 1/2-month shutdown, and within a few hours, all 4,000 tickets were snapped up for Saturday’s launch attempt.

President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence were planning to return Saturday to watch from inside Kennedy. The number of employees, journalists and guests allowed at the space center remained extremely limited because of the coronavirus outbreak.

Whether an attempt is made Saturday or Sunday, “There will be no pressure. We will launch when we’re ready,” Bridenstine said.

Liftoff on Saturday would be 3:22 p.m. EDT.

The last time astronauts launched to orbit from the U.S. was in 2011 when Atlantis closed out the 30-year space shuttle program. Hurley was on that mission as well.

Full Coverage:&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/tag/SpaceX">Space Launch</a>

NASA hired SpaceX and Boeing in 2014 to get the ball rolling again — kicking off a commercial revolution for getting people to low-Earth orbit. In the meantime, NASA has spent billions of dollars to buy seats on Russian Soyuz capsules for U.S. astronauts, in order to keep the space station staffed.

Boeing’s first astronaut flight, on the company’s Starliner capsule, is not expected until next year.

Bridenstine offered high praise for Musk on Friday and all his personal touches:&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/025ee5177966af18ed0a9898fe3d6e13">spiffy spacesuits</a>, Tesla rides to the launch pad, a color-coordinated rocket and capsule — and more.

Musk has brought “vision and inspiration” to the American space program, Bridenstine said. While there’s occasionally a little tension between NASA and SpaceX, “he gives me a commitment and he delivers on that commitment. That has happened every single time.”

The California-based SpaceX is also developing a rocket and spaceship designed to go to the moon and Mars.

On Friday, a prototype of its Starship exploded while undergoing a routine engine test at the company’s Texas site. The ship vented large amount of gases and was engulfed in a tremendous fireball.

SpaceX did not respond immediately to a request for comment.

NASA, which has a contract with SpaceX to develop Starship for its lunar landing program, has no problems going ahead with this weekend’s unrelated launch of astronauts from Cape Canaveral, agency spokesman Bob Jacobs.

“That’s a test program. That’s why they test,” Jacobs said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590867040021.png" alt="Moments after lift off of the SpaceX rocket with 2 Americans on board -image courtesy NASA" />
 <figcaption>Moments after lift off of the SpaceX rocket with 2 Americans on board -image courtesy NASA</figcaption>
 </figure>CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — A rocket ship designed and built by Elon Musk’s SpaceX company has lifted off with two Americans on a history-making flight to the International Space Station.<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/index.html#public">Click here</a>&nbsp;to watch additional coverage of the flight from NASAThe spacecraft took off Saturday afternoon from the same launch pad at Cape Canaveral, Florida, that was used during the Apollo missions to the moon a half-century ago. The flight ushers in a new era in commercial space travel and marks the first time NASA has launched astronauts from U.S. soil in nearly a decade. Ever since the space shuttle was retired in 2011, NASA has relied on Russian rockets launched from Kazakhstan to take U.S. astronauts took and from the space station.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590866998389.png" alt="Lift off at 2:22 p.m. CDT Saturday -image courtesy NASA" />
 <figcaption>Lift off at 2:22 p.m. CDT Saturday -image courtesy NASA</figcaption>
 </figure>------CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — Despite more storms in the forecast, two NASA astronauts climbed into their capsule Saturday for a second attempt at a history-making ride into orbit aboard a rocket ship designed and built by Elon Musk’s SpaceX company.<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/index.html#public">Click here</a>&nbsp;to watch the launch&nbsp;With the flight already delayed three days by bad weather, forecasters put the odds of acceptable conditions at 50-50 for the 2:22 p.m. CDT liftoff of the 270-foot Falcon 9 in what would be the first launch of astronauts into orbit by a private company.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590865987717.png" alt="Astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken just 10 minutes ahead of the launch on Saturday -image courtesy NASA" />
 <figcaption>Astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken just 10 minutes ahead of the launch on Saturday -image courtesy NASA</figcaption>
 </figure>Their destination: the International Space Station, 250 miles above Earth.It would also be NASA’s first human spaceflight launched from U.S. soil in nearly a decade.The mission unfolded amid the gloom of the coronavirus outbreak, which has killed over 100,000 Americans, and racial unrest across the U.S. over the death of George Floyd, a handcuffed black man, at the hands of Minneapolis police. NASA officials and others held out hope the flight would would lift American spirits.“Maybe there’s an opportunity here for America to maybe pause and look up and see a bright, shining moment of hope at what the future looks like, that the United States of America can do extraordinary things even in difficult times,” NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine said.Veteran astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken pulled on their angular, white-and-black spacesuits with help from technicians wearing masks, gloves and black hoods that made them look like ninjas.Before setting out for the launch pad in a gull-wing Tesla SUV — another Musk product — Behnken pantomimed a hug of his 6-year-old son, Theo, and said: “Are you going to listen to Mommy and make her life easy?” Hurley blew kisses to his 10-year-old son and wife.SpaceX and NASA monitored the weather not just at Kennedy Space Center, where rain, thick clouds and the chance of lightning threatened another postponement, but all the way up the Eastern Seaboard and across the North Atlantic to Ireland. Waves and wind need to be within certain limits in case the astronauts have to make an emergency splashdown on the way to orbit.Wednesday’s countdown of the rocket and its bullet-shaped Dragon capsule was halted at just under 17 minutes because of the threat of lightning.Ever since the space shuttle was retired in 2011, NASA has relied on Russian spaceships launched from Kazakhstan to take U.S. astronauts to and from the space station.“I would be lying to you if I told you I wasn’t nervous,” Bridenstine said before the launch attempt. “We want to do everything we can to minimize the risk, minimize the uncertainty, so that Bob and Doug will be safe.”President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence planned to return for the second launch attempt.Because of the coronavirus, NASA severely limited the number of employees, visitors and journalists allowed deep inside Kennedy Space Center, and the crowd was relatively small, at a few thousand. At the center’s tourist complex, though, all 4,000 tickets were snapped up in a few hours.The space agency urged people to stay safe and watch from home, and by NASA’s count, at least 1.14 million viewers followed the launch preparation online. But spectators also began lining the Cape Canaveral area’s beaches and roads. Signs along the main beach drag read, “Godspeed.”Among the spectators was Neil Wight, a machinist from Buffalo, New York, who staked out a view of the launch pad from a park in Titusville.“It’s pretty historically significant in my book and a lot of other people’s books. With everything that’s going on in this country right now, it’s important that we do things extraordinary in life,” Wight said. “We’ve been bombarded with doom and gloom for the last six, eight weeks, whatever it is, and this is awesome. It brings a lot of people together.”NASA hired SpaceX and Boeing in 2014 to taxi astronauts to and from the space station, under contracts totaling $7 billion. Both companies launched their crew capsules last year with test dummies. SpaceX’s Dragon aced all of its objectives, while Boeing’s Starliner capsule ended up in the wrong orbit and was almost destroyed because of software errors.As a result, the first Starliner flight carrying astronauts isn’t expected until next year.___<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590841343573.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NASA astronauts Douglas Hurley (left) and Robert Behnken (right) participate in a dress rehearsal for launch at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on May 23, 2020, ahead of NASA’s SpaceX Demo-2 mission to the International Space Station.&nbsp; The launch is now scheduled for 2:22 p.m. CDT Saturday Credits: NASA/Kim ShiflettCAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — SpaceX pressed ahead with its second attempt to launch astronauts for NASA — a historic first for a private company — but more stormy weather threatened more delays.<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/index.html#public">Click here</a> to watch the launchElon Musk’s company came within 17 minutes Wednesday of launching a pair of NASA astronauts for the first time in nearly a decade from the U.S., before the threat of lightning forced a delay.With more storms ahead, managers debated Friday whether to bump the next launch attempt from Saturday to Sunday to take advantage of slightly improved forecast at Kennedy Space Center.NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine tweeted that no decision was made, and they would reassess the situation Saturday morning.At an earlier outdoor news conference, Bridenstine stressed the need for safety for astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken — no matter how many times it takes to launch them in a SpaceX Dragon capsule atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket to the International Space Station.“We cannot forget this is a test flight. This — is — a — test — flight,” he repeated. “We will go when everything is as safe as we can possibly make it.”Forecasters put the odds of acceptable weather conditions Saturday at 50-50, with the outlook improving to 60% favorable on Sunday. Rain and clouds were the main concerns for both days.Bridenstine said back-to-back tries would be tough on the launch team — and the astronauts — given that this is a test flight.Hurley and Behnken, veterans of two space shuttle flights, have both faced launch delays before. In a tweet Friday, Hurley said his first shuttle flight was scrubbed five times for weather and technical issues.“We’re ready for the next launch opportunity!” Behnken tweeted.While NASA had urged spectators to stay home Wednesday because of the pandemic, prime viewing spots at area parks and beaches were packed. A weekend launch could draw even bigger crowds. The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex reopened Thursday, after a 2 1/2-month shutdown, and within a few hours, all 4,000 tickets were snapped up for Saturday’s launch attempt.President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence were planning to return Saturday to watch from inside Kennedy. The number of employees, journalists and guests allowed at the space center remained extremely limited because of the coronavirus outbreak.Whether an attempt is made Saturday or Sunday, “There will be no pressure. We will launch when we’re ready,” Bridenstine said.Liftoff on Saturday would be 3:22 p.m. EDT.The last time astronauts launched to orbit from the U.S. was in 2011 when Atlantis closed out the 30-year space shuttle program. Hurley was on that mission as well.Full Coverage:&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/tag/SpaceX">Space Launch</a>NASA hired SpaceX and Boeing in 2014 to get the ball rolling again — kicking off a commercial revolution for getting people to low-Earth orbit. In the meantime, NASA has spent billions of dollars to buy seats on Russian Soyuz capsules for U.S. astronauts, in order to keep the space station staffed.Boeing’s first astronaut flight, on the company’s Starliner capsule, is not expected until next year.Bridenstine offered high praise for Musk on Friday and all his personal touches:&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/025ee5177966af18ed0a9898fe3d6e13">spiffy spacesuits</a>, Tesla rides to the launch pad, a color-coordinated rocket and capsule — and more.Musk has brought “vision and inspiration” to the American space program, Bridenstine said. While there’s occasionally a little tension between NASA and SpaceX, “he gives me a commitment and he delivers on that commitment. That has happened every single time.”The California-based SpaceX is also developing a rocket and spaceship designed to go to the moon and Mars.On Friday, a prototype of its Starship exploded while undergoing a routine engine test at the company’s Texas site. The ship vented large amount of gases and was engulfed in a tremendous fireball.SpaceX did not respond immediately to a request for comment.NASA, which has a contract with SpaceX to develop Starship for its lunar landing program, has no problems going ahead with this weekend’s unrelated launch of astronauts from Cape Canaveral, agency spokesman Bob Jacobs.“That’s a test program. That’s why they test,” Jacobs said.___

🎥 History: SpaceX rocket lifts off with 2 Americans

SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on multiple charges after a traffic stop.

Just after 5p.m. Thursday, a Shawnee County deputy stopped a vehicle in the 4300 block of NW Button Road for a registration violation, according to Deputy Shayna Anderson. 

Through investigation at the scene, the driver and passenger&nbsp; identified as Nicole M. Langdon, 32, and&nbsp;Jessie L. Forgy, 36, both of Topeka were placed into custody and transported to the Law Enforcement Center for questioning. 

They were later booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of&nbsp;Identity theft, Forgery, Possession of stolen property, Possession of marijuana, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Making false information, No vehicle registration and No vehicle insurance.&nbsp;&nbsp;Forgy was also not wearing a seat belt.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590764351527.png" alt="Langdon- photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Langdon- photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on multiple charges after a traffic stop.Just after 5p.m. Thursday, a Shawnee County deputy stopped a vehicle in the 4300 block of NW Button Road for a registration violation, according to Deputy Shayna Anderson. Through investigation at the scene, the driver and passenger&nbsp; identified as Nicole M. Langdon, 32, and&nbsp;Jessie L. Forgy, 36, both of Topeka were placed into custody and transported to the Law Enforcement Center for questioning. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590764450847.png" alt="Forgy photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Forgy photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>They were later booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of&nbsp;Identity theft, Forgery, Possession of stolen property, Possession of marijuana, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Making false information, No vehicle registration and No vehicle insurance.&nbsp;&nbsp;Forgy was also not wearing a seat belt.

Sheriff: 2 arrested in Kan. for alleged forgery, ID theft

By CORINNE BOYER <a href="https://www.hppr.org/post/garden-citys-big-pool-wont-open-its-final-season-something-splashy-coming">Kansas News Service</a>

GARDEN CITY — Garden City’s hand-dug swimming pool will not be filled for its 98th, and final summer season. The coronavirus is to blame.

However,
 the western Kansas town won’t be without a pool for long, as city 
commissioners approved up to $14 million on a new facility at the Big 
Pool site. It’s still not clear how the new pool will be financed.

Had <a href="https://www.hppr.org/post/might-be-last-summer-garden-city-swimmers-enjoy-their-enormous-pool">the Big Pool</a>
 opened this year, the city would have needed to make significant 
changes, said Assistant City Manager Jennifer Cunningham — things like 
hiring nine additional employees to keep up with COVID-19 sanitation 
protocols.

“We would have lifeguards and other staff enforce 
social distancing on the pool deck and in all of the pool areas other 
than when in the water,” Cunningham said. “Masks would be required by 
employees and patrons unless they were in the water.”

This was supposed to be the pool’s last year,&nbsp; despite the fact it loses 200,000 gallons of water per day.

In
 1921, then-Garden City Mayor&nbsp; H.O. Trinkle asked the people to help dig
 the pool, Finney County Historical Society Executive Director Steve 
Quakenbush said.

“The mayor recruited help from all over — contractors, individual 
people, families,” Quakenbush said. Trinkle asked people to loan 
equipment and come with shovels.

Since opening in 1922, Quakenbush said records show the pool never missed a summer season.

“There
 were some times when they tried to even use it during the winter 
because they attempted ice skating on it a few times,” Quakenbush said, 
“until they found out that tended to crack the concrete.”

For decades, people of color couldn’t use the pool, though that changed in the 1950s.

Over
 the years, attempts were made to patch the Big Pool’s leak. But Garden 
City Mayor Troy Unruh said the commission made the decision not to 
repair the decaying structure.

“We knew that there was no way to 
fix that short of $3 to $5 million and you get nothing extra but the 
same structure,” Unruh said.

Construction
 crews will demolish the Big Pool in August and build a new pool complex
 — with a lazy river, slides, obstacle course and competition pool — in 
its place.

Unruh said the public will have a chance to weigh in on the funding process during the next few commission meetings.

“There
 will be some decisions that will be made ... financing and then how 
that’s going to look and where we’re going to get the dollars from,” 
Unruh said. “We already know we have the Big Pool in our line-item 
budget.”

But the shutdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic could 
impact city revenue. According to the Garden City’s financial report for
 the first four months of 2020, city sales tax revenue was up by almost 
$51,000 compared to the same time period in 2019. But revenues from gas,
 telephone, cable and municipal court fees were all down.

“We’re not going to put our city or anybody at risk if it's not affordable,” Unruh said.

Despite closures caused by the coronavirus, Cunningham doesn’t suspect it will impact construction on the new pool.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590674948988.png" alt=" Garden City's Big Pool will not open for its 98th and final season. Corinne Boyer / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> Garden City's Big Pool will not open for its 98th and final season. Corinne Boyer / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By CORINNE BOYER <a href="https://www.hppr.org/post/garden-citys-big-pool-wont-open-its-final-season-something-splashy-coming">Kansas News Service</a>GARDEN CITY — Garden City’s hand-dug swimming pool will not be filled for its 98th, and final summer season. The coronavirus is to blame.However,
 the western Kansas town won’t be without a pool for long, as city 
commissioners approved up to $14 million on a new facility at the Big 
Pool site. It’s still not clear how the new pool will be financed.Had <a href="https://www.hppr.org/post/might-be-last-summer-garden-city-swimmers-enjoy-their-enormous-pool">the Big Pool</a>
 opened this year, the city would have needed to make significant 
changes, said Assistant City Manager Jennifer Cunningham — things like 
hiring nine additional employees to keep up with COVID-19 sanitation 
protocols.“We would have lifeguards and other staff enforce 
social distancing on the pool deck and in all of the pool areas other 
than when in the water,” Cunningham said. “Masks would be required by 
employees and patrons unless they were in the water.”This was supposed to be the pool’s last year,&nbsp; despite the fact it loses 200,000 gallons of water per day.In
 1921, then-Garden City Mayor&nbsp; H.O. Trinkle asked the people to help dig
 the pool, Finney County Historical Society Executive Director Steve 
Quakenbush said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590675020032.png" alt=" Summer 2019 was the last time the Big Pool was filled with water. Credit Corinne Boyer / Kansas News Service file photo" />
 <figcaption> Summer 2019 was the last time the Big Pool was filled with water. Credit Corinne Boyer / Kansas News Service file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>“The mayor recruited help from all over — contractors, individual 
people, families,” Quakenbush said. Trinkle asked people to loan 
equipment and come with shovels.Since opening in 1922, Quakenbush said records show the pool never missed a summer season.“There
 were some times when they tried to even use it during the winter 
because they attempted ice skating on it a few times,” Quakenbush said, 
“until they found out that tended to crack the concrete.”For decades, people of color couldn’t use the pool, though that changed in the 1950s.Over
 the years, attempts were made to patch the Big Pool’s leak. But Garden 
City Mayor Troy Unruh said the commission made the decision not to 
repair the decaying structure.“We knew that there was no way to 
fix that short of $3 to $5 million and you get nothing extra but the 
same structure,” Unruh said.A new place to swimConstruction
 crews will demolish the Big Pool in August and build a new pool complex
 — with a lazy river, slides, obstacle course and competition pool — in 
its place.Unruh said the public will have a chance to weigh in on the funding process during the next few commission meetings.“There
 will be some decisions that will be made ... financing and then how 
that’s going to look and where we’re going to get the dollars from,” 
Unruh said. “We already know we have the Big Pool in our line-item 
budget.”But the shutdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic could 
impact city revenue. According to the Garden City’s financial report for
 the first four months of 2020, city sales tax revenue was up by almost 
$51,000 compared to the same time period in 2019. But revenues from gas,
 telephone, cable and municipal court fees were all down.“We’re not going to put our city or anybody at risk if it's not affordable,” Unruh said.Despite closures caused by the coronavirus, Cunningham doesn’t suspect it will impact construction on the new pool.“We
 have a couple other projects going,” Cunningham said. She brought up a 
voter-approved&nbsp; 30-cent county sales tax increase that will fund new 
exhibits at the Lee Richardson Zoo and for road and shooting range 
improvements and construction of a new fire station.“It hasn’t been delayed or had any issues so far that I’m aware of related to COVID-19,” she said.But
 if the city is still dealing with coronavirus next year, Cunningham 
said commissioners will have the same conversation before opening the 
new pool.“I don’t think anybody knows if COVID-19 is going to 
have an impact (next year),” she said. “If it’s going to go away and 
come back, if it’s going to have the same impact when it comes back.”Corinne Boyer covers western Kansas for High Plains Public Radio and the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Corinne_Boyer">@corinne_boyer</a> or email cboyer@hppr.org. The
 Kansas News Service is a collaboration of KCUR, Kansas Public Radio, 
KMUW and High Plains Public Radio focused on health, the social 
determinants of health and their connection to public policy.