SEDGWICK COUNTY —Two suspects arrested in connection with a deadly apartment complex drug deal have made their first court appearances, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney.

Preston Reynolds, 18, and Missy Barber, 20, were charged Tuesday with first degree murder and both remain jailed on a $500,000 bond, according to online jail records.

Just after 5p.m. May 21, police responded to a shooting call at an apartment complex near N. West Street and W. 13th&nbsp;Street in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.

Upon arrival, officers located 21-year-old Earnest Jefferson with multiple gunshot wounds.&nbsp; Jefferson was pronounced dead on the scene.&nbsp;

Police also located&nbsp; 19-year-old Jahbreel Rounds in the parking lot with multiple gunshot wounds.&nbsp; He was transported to an area hospital for medical treatment and died on Monday, according to officer Kevin Wheeler.

At approximately 5:40 p.m. Thursday, 18-year-old Preston Reynolds arrived at a local hospital with a gunshot wound to his leg.&nbsp;&nbsp; Reynolds was treated and released from the hospital and booked into jail, according to Davidson.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The investigation revealed that 20-year-old Missy Barber and Reynolds drove to the apartment complex to conduct a drug transaction with Jefferson and Rounds.&nbsp;

While they were in a vehicle in the parking lot, a disturbance occurred, and shots were fired, injuring Jefferson,&nbsp; Rounds and Reynolds.&nbsp; Reynolds and Barber left the scene in the vehicle.

Investigators were able to learn of Barber’s involvement in the incident. She was located at an apartment complex in the 1700 block of South Glenn and arrested without incident.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590164086715.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Reynolds photo Sedgwick CountySEDGWICK COUNTY —Two suspects arrested in connection with a deadly apartment complex drug deal have made their first court appearances, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney.Preston Reynolds, 18, and Missy Barber, 20, were charged Tuesday with first degree murder and both remain jailed on a $500,000 bond, according to online jail records.Just after 5p.m. May 21, police responded to a shooting call at an apartment complex near N. West Street and W. 13th&nbsp;Street in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.Upon arrival, officers located 21-year-old Earnest Jefferson with multiple gunshot wounds.&nbsp; Jefferson was pronounced dead on the scene.&nbsp;Police also located&nbsp; 19-year-old Jahbreel Rounds in the parking lot with multiple gunshot wounds.&nbsp; He was transported to an area hospital for medical treatment and died on Monday, according to officer Kevin Wheeler.At approximately 5:40 p.m. Thursday, 18-year-old Preston Reynolds arrived at a local hospital with a gunshot wound to his leg.&nbsp;&nbsp; Reynolds was treated and released from the hospital and booked into jail, according to Davidson.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590164510351.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BarberThe investigation revealed that 20-year-old Missy Barber and Reynolds drove to the apartment complex to conduct a drug transaction with Jefferson and Rounds.&nbsp;While they were in a vehicle in the parking lot, a disturbance occurred, and shots were fired, injuring Jefferson,&nbsp; Rounds and Reynolds.&nbsp; Reynolds and Barber left the scene in the vehicle.Investigators were able to learn of Barber’s involvement in the incident. She was located at an apartment complex in the 1700 block of South Glenn and arrested without incident.

Kan. man wounded in drug deal shooting charged with murder

&nbsp;SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after a traffic stop.

Just after 2:30a.m. Tuesday, Sheriff's deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 2300 block of SE Cedarwood Drive for a traffic violation, according to Sgt. Todd Stallbaumer.

Through the investigation at the scene, the driver, Christopher T. Parkhurst, 31, of Topeka, was arrested and transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Felon in possession of a firearm, Possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, Possession of paraphernalia, Driving without a license and Driving without insurance, according to Stallbaumer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590512199589.png" alt="Parkhurst photo Shawnee County. He has previous convictions for theft, burglary and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections." />
 <figcaption>Parkhurst photo Shawnee County. He has previous convictions for theft, burglary and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after a traffic stop.Just after 2:30a.m. Tuesday, Sheriff's deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 2300 block of SE Cedarwood Drive for a traffic violation, according to Sgt. Todd Stallbaumer.Through the investigation at the scene, the driver, Christopher T. Parkhurst, 31, of Topeka, was arrested and transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Felon in possession of a firearm, Possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, Possession of paraphernalia, Driving without a license and Driving without insurance, according to Stallbaumer.

Kansas felon jailed for alleged marijuana distribution

Chlorine gas cloud over Atchison photo courtesy Corie Dunn

TOPEKA, KAN.&nbsp;– Harcros Chemicals, Inc., and MGP Ingredients, Inc., today were fined $1 million each for violating the federal Clean Air Act when a cloud of toxic chlorine gas was released over Atchison, Kan., in 2016, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister. Both companies have paid the fines.

U.S. District Court Judge Daniel Crabtree sentenced the companies during a hearing in federal court in Topeka today. Both companies pleaded guilty to negligently&nbsp;violating the Clean Air Act, which is a Class A misdemeanor.

In their pleas, they admitted that on Oct. 21, 2016, a greenish-yellow chlorine gas cloud formed at MGP Ingredients’ facility in Atchison when 4,000 gallons of sulfuric acid were mistakenly combined with 5,800 gallons of sodium hypochlorite. The Atchison County Department of Emergency Management ordered community members to shelter in place and to evacuate in some areas. Approximately 140 individuals including members of the public, first responders, employees of MGP Ingredients and Harcos Chemicals sought medical attention.

“The chemicals involved in this case posed serious public health and environmental dangers,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Cate Holston of EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division in Kansas.  “EPA and its law enforcement partners are committed to holding responsible parties accountable for actions that put an entire community at risk.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580513648407.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Chlorine gas cloud over Atchison photo courtesy Corie DunnTOPEKA, KAN.&nbsp;– Harcros Chemicals, Inc., and MGP Ingredients, Inc., today were fined $1 million each for violating the federal Clean Air Act when a cloud of toxic chlorine gas was released over Atchison, Kan., in 2016, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister. Both companies have paid the fines.U.S. District Court Judge Daniel Crabtree sentenced the companies during a hearing in federal court in Topeka today. Both companies pleaded guilty to negligently&nbsp;violating the Clean Air Act, which is a Class A misdemeanor.In their pleas, they admitted that on Oct. 21, 2016, a greenish-yellow chlorine gas cloud formed at MGP Ingredients’ facility in Atchison when 4,000 gallons of sulfuric acid were mistakenly combined with 5,800 gallons of sodium hypochlorite. The Atchison County Department of Emergency Management ordered community members to shelter in place and to evacuate in some areas. Approximately 140 individuals including members of the public, first responders, employees of MGP Ingredients and Harcos Chemicals sought medical attention.“The chemicals involved in this case posed serious public health and environmental dangers,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Cate Holston of EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division in Kansas.  “EPA and its law enforcement partners are committed to holding responsible parties accountable for actions that put an entire community at risk.”

Two Kan. companies fined $1 million in chlorine gas case

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) — A soldier stationed in Kansas saved “countless lives” Wednesday when he hit a man with his car as the man was shooting randomly at people on a bridge near an Army base, a police chief said.

One person was injured by the shooter, according to Leavenworth police Chief Patrick Kitchens. That person, also a soldier, was a random victim, Kitchens said.

Officers initially believed they were responding to <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/5eceab32ebfb13423b264776">a road rage incident on the Centennial Bridge</a> that connects Leavenworth, Kansas, and Platte City, Missouri, not far from Fort Leavenworth, Kitchens said. Instead, they discovered that a man had been using multiple weapons to fire randomly at vehicles. The suspect was trapped under a car, Kitchens said.

Kitchens said the soldier who ran over the gunman had been waiting in traffic when he saw what was happening.

“The soldier intervened by striking the shooter with his vehicle, causing him to be critically injured, but ending the encounter with the active shooter and likely saving countless lives,” Kitchens said.

Both the shooting victim and the suspect were in serious but stable condition in a Kansas City hospital, police said.

Kitchens said no motive for the shooting has been determined. The suspect is from Platte County, Missouri.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590616991045.png" alt="Law enforcement at the scene Wednesday afternoon -photo courtesy KMBC TV" />
 <figcaption>Law enforcement at the scene Wednesday afternoon -photo courtesy KMBC TV</figcaption>
 </figure>LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) — A soldier stationed in Kansas saved “countless lives” Wednesday when he hit a man with his car as the man was shooting randomly at people on a bridge near an Army base, a police chief said.One person was injured by the shooter, according to Leavenworth police Chief Patrick Kitchens. That person, also a soldier, was a random victim, Kitchens said.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fleavenworthpolice%2Fvideos%2F257642472152545%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>Officers initially believed they were responding to <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/5eceab32ebfb13423b264776">a road rage incident on the Centennial Bridge</a> that connects Leavenworth, Kansas, and Platte City, Missouri, not far from Fort Leavenworth, Kitchens said. Instead, they discovered that a man had been using multiple weapons to fire randomly at vehicles. The suspect was trapped under a car, Kitchens said.Kitchens said the soldier who ran over the gunman had been waiting in traffic when he saw what was happening.“The soldier intervened by striking the shooter with his vehicle, causing him to be critically injured, but ending the encounter with the active shooter and likely saving countless lives,” Kitchens said.Both the shooting victim and the suspect were in serious but stable condition in a Kansas City hospital, police said.Kitchens said no motive for the shooting has been determined. The suspect is from Platte County, Missouri.

Police: Kan. soldier saved lives by stopping shooter on bridge

Douglas County (AP) — Kansas county officials had various reactions on Wednesday to Gov. Laura Kelly’s decision to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a5e30a0ec7a5943ada9f03af22ee1970">give them the authority</a>&nbsp;to determine their own coronavirus restrictions, with some deciding to keep the current rules in place and others planning meetings to discuss how to proceed.

Wyandotte, Douglas and Lyon counties, in eastern Kansas, issued news releases saying they would continue to enforce restrictions Kelly imposed as part of a phased plan to reopen the state’s economy. Johnson County, the state’s most populous county, said restrictions on the size of gatherings and how businesses can operate would now be only guidelines.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3b5l0RLAD0">Officials in Sedgwick </a>and Ford counties met Wednesday to discuss their next steps.

Johnson County health officials said in a news release that they believe residents and businesses should continue to follow the safety guidance from Kelly’s reopening plan.

“It is crucial that we all continue to practice physical distancing, wear barrier masks where we cannot maintain social distancing, practice good hygiene and make decisions that protect the health of the community,” said Dr. John LeMaster, the county’s public health officer.

Wyandotte County health officials said they would impose Kelly’s original restrictions until at least June 8, in part because the county has many residents who are at high risk of contracting COVID-19. The county reported 1,268 confirmed cases and 72 deaths as of Wednesday.

The restrictions include banning gatherings of more than 15 people and the closing of bars and nightclubs, most swimming pools, large entertainment venues, events such as fairs and festivals, and overnight summer camps.

“No matter what political battles rage at the state level, our fight has been and will continue to be against the novel coronavirus,” Mayor David Alvey said in a news release. “We will restrict, or relax, as much as is necessary to prevent overwhelming first responders and our health care system, while simultaneously working to re-open our community at the appropriate time.”

Douglas County Health Officer Dr. Thomas Marcellino said the county wanted to stay with current restrictions because “we think it’s a good plan that is working in our area.” Through Tuesday, the county had had 63 confirmed COVID-19 cases.

Lyon County officials said the current restrictions will remain because the virus continues to “endanger the public health, safety and welfare of persons and property within the borders” of the county.

Ford County Administrator J.D. Gilbert said he spoke with county commissioners Tuesday night after Kelly issued her order and most said they wanted to “sleep on it” for a few hours before deciding how their counties should proceed.

Ahead of their meeting Wednesday, several Sedgwick County commissioners told The Wichita Eagle that they didn’t want to issue any new county orders to replace the statewide orders.

“We’ve done a very good job of not having a massive outbreak,” Commissioner Mike O’Donnell said. “We need to keep that in mind going forward — that we want to limit that — but we can do that without any mandates or orders. We can do that by suggestions and trusting businesses are going to do what’s best for their customers and employees.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590604695103.png" alt="Sedgwick County Commissioners met Wednesday afternoon" />
 <figcaption>Sedgwick County Commissioners met Wednesday afternoon</figcaption>
 </figure>Douglas County (AP) — Kansas county officials had various reactions on Wednesday to Gov. Laura Kelly’s decision to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a5e30a0ec7a5943ada9f03af22ee1970">give them the authority</a>&nbsp;to determine their own coronavirus restrictions, with some deciding to keep the current rules in place and others planning meetings to discuss how to proceed.Wyandotte, Douglas and Lyon counties, in eastern Kansas, issued news releases saying they would continue to enforce restrictions Kelly imposed as part of a phased plan to reopen the state’s economy. Johnson County, the state’s most populous county, said restrictions on the size of gatherings and how businesses can operate would now be only guidelines.<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3b5l0RLAD0">Officials in Sedgwick </a>and Ford counties met Wednesday to discuss their next steps.Johnson County health officials said in a news release that they believe residents and businesses should continue to follow the safety guidance from Kelly’s reopening plan.“It is crucial that we all continue to practice physical distancing, wear barrier masks where we cannot maintain social distancing, practice good hygiene and make decisions that protect the health of the community,” said Dr. John LeMaster, the county’s public health officer.Wyandotte County health officials said they would impose Kelly’s original restrictions until at least June 8, in part because the county has many residents who are at high risk of contracting COVID-19. The county reported 1,268 confirmed cases and 72 deaths as of Wednesday.The restrictions include banning gatherings of more than 15 people and the closing of bars and nightclubs, most swimming pools, large entertainment venues, events such as fairs and festivals, and overnight summer camps.“No matter what political battles rage at the state level, our fight has been and will continue to be against the novel coronavirus,” Mayor David Alvey said in a news release. “We will restrict, or relax, as much as is necessary to prevent overwhelming first responders and our health care system, while simultaneously working to re-open our community at the appropriate time.”Douglas County Health Officer Dr. Thomas Marcellino said the county wanted to stay with current restrictions because “we think it’s a good plan that is working in our area.” Through Tuesday, the county had had 63 confirmed COVID-19 cases.Lyon County officials said the current restrictions will remain because the virus continues to “endanger the public health, safety and welfare of persons and property within the borders” of the county.Ford County Administrator J.D. Gilbert said he spoke with county commissioners Tuesday night after Kelly issued her order and most said they wanted to “sleep on it” for a few hours before deciding how their counties should proceed.Ahead of their meeting Wednesday, several Sedgwick County commissioners told The Wichita Eagle that they didn’t want to issue any new county orders to replace the statewide orders.“We’ve done a very good job of not having a massive outbreak,” Commissioner Mike O’Donnell said. “We need to keep that in mind going forward — that we want to limit that — but we can do that without any mandates or orders. We can do that by suggestions and trusting businesses are going to do what’s best for their customers and employees.”

Kansas counties mull their approach to virus restrictions

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — The launch of a SpaceX rocket ship with two NASA astronauts on a history-making flight into orbit has been called off with 16 minutes to go in the countdown because of the danger of lightning. Liftoff is rescheduled for Saturday. 

The spacecraft was set to blast off Wednesday afternoon for the International Space Station, ushering in a new era in commercial spaceflight and putting NASA back in the business of launching astronauts from U.S. for the first time in nearly a decade. 

Ever since the space shuttle was retired in 2011, NASA has relied on Russian rockets to carry astronauts to and from the space station.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — With thunderstorms threatening a delay, two NASA astronauts climbed aboard a SpaceX rocket ship Wednesday for liftoff on a history-making flight that was seen as a giant leap forward for the booming business of commercial space travel.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?472395-1/coverage-spacex-crew-dragon-launch">Click here to watch the launch</a>&nbsp;just after 3:30p.m. CDT

Space veterans Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken were scheduled to ride into orbit aboard the brand-new Dragon capsule on top of a Falcon 9 rocket, taking off for the International Space Station at 3:33 p.m. CDT from the same launch pad used by the Apollo moon missions a half-century ago.

Smiling, waving and giving the traditional thumbs-up as Vice President Mike Pence looked on, the two men said farewell to their families — exchanging blown kisses and pantomiming hugs for their young sons from a coronavirus-safe distance — before setting out for the pad in a gull-wing Tesla SUV, another product from SpaceX’s visionary founder, Elon Musk.

Thunder could be heard rumbling as the convoy of vehicles made its way toward the rocket. And a tornado warning was issued moments after the astronauts climbed into their capsule.

The flight would mark the first time a private company sent humans into orbit.

It would also be the first time in nearly a decade that the United States launched astronauts into orbit from U.S. soil. 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.

With 2 1/2 hours to go before liftoff, controllers put the chances of launch at just 40 percent because of thunderstorms at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. In the event of a postponement, the next launch opportunity would be Saturday.

The preparations took place in the shadow of the coronavirus outbreak that has killed an estimated 100,000 Americans.

“We’re launching American astronauts on American rockets from American soil. We haven’t done this really since 2011, so this is a unique moment in time,” NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine said.

With this launch, he said, “everybody can look up and say, ’Look, the future is so much brighter than the present.′ And I really hope that this is an inspiration to the world.”

Musk, wearing a mask and keeping his distance, chatted with the two NASA astronauts just before they left for the launch pad. The mission would put Musk and SpaceX in the same league as only three countries — Russia, the U.S. and China, which sent astronauts into orbit in that order.

“What today is about is reigniting the dream of space and getting people fired up about the future,” he said in a NASA interview.

A solemn-sounding Musk said he felt his responsibilities most strongly when he saw the astronauts’ wives and sons just before launch. He said he told them: “We’ve done everything we can to make sure your dads come back OK.”

NASA pushed ahead with the launch despite the viral outbreak but kept the guest list at Kennedy extremely limited and asked spectators to stay at home. Still, beaches and parks along Florida’s Space Coast are open again, and hours before the launch, cars and RVs already were lining the causeway in Cape Canaveral.

The space agency also estimated 1 million people were watching the launch preparations online during the afternoon.

President Donald Trump also planned to fly in for the liftoff.

Among the sightseers was Erin Gatz, who came prepared for both rain and pandemic. Accompanied by her 14-year-old daughter and 12-year-old son, she brought face masks and a small tent to protect against the elements.

She said the children had faint memories of watching in person one of the last shuttle launches almost a decade ago when they were preschoolers.

“I wanted them to see the flip side and get to see the next era of space travel,” said Gatz, who lives in Deltona, Florida. “It’s exciting and hopeful.”

Hurley, 53, and Behnken, 49, are both&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/8918d6d1b5f147d96ac7ab51ed414554">two-time shuttle fliers</a>.

NASA hired SpaceX and Boeing in 2014 to transport astronauts to the space station in a new kind of public-private partnership.. Development of SpaceX’s Dragon and Boeing’s Starliner capsules took longer than expected, however. Boeing’s craft is not expected to fly astronauts into space until early 2021.

“We’re doing it differently than we’ve ever done it before,” Bridenstine said. “We’re transforming how we do spaceflight in the future.”

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — With the weather looking up, SpaceX and NASA officials vowed Tuesday to keep crew safety the top priority for the nation’s first astronaut launch to orbit in nearly a decade.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?472395-1/coverage-spacex-crew-dragon-launch">Click here</a> to watch the launch

Veteran NASA astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken were set to make history Wednesday afternoon, riding SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon capsule to the International Space Station on a test flight.

SpaceX was on the cusp of becoming the first private company to put astronauts in orbit, something achieved by just three countries — Russia, the U.S. and China.

On the eve of the launch, NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine said from Kennedy Space Center that both the space agency and SpaceX have been diligent about making sure everyone in the launch loop knows they’re free to halt the countdown if there’s a concern.

President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence are expected at Kennedy for the planned 4:33 p.m. liftoff, but “our highest priority” will remain the astronauts’ safety, according to Bridenstine.

Bridenstine said he texted the two astronauts Monday and told them, “`If you want me to stop this thing for any reason, say so. I will stop it in a heartbeat if you want me to.′ They both came back and they said, ‘We’re go for launch.’ ”

Hans Koenigsmann, a SpaceX vice president, said Monday evening that he and other company workers have imagined themselves in the astronauts’ shoes on launch day — “or their helmets.”

“That changes the equation pretty dramatically,” he said.

SpaceX has been launching cargo capsules to the space station since 2012.

“It’s a huge step, obviously, going from cargo ... to launching two people that are dads as we call them and have families, kids, wives.,” Koenigsmann added.

NASA will have input throughout the countdown, but in the end, it will be SpaceX giving the final go — with NASA’s concurrence.

“SpaceX is controlling the vehicle, there’s no fluff about that,” Norm Knight, a NASA flight operations manager, said Monday.

The odds of acceptable launch weather improved Tuesday to 60%. But that didn’t factor in conditions along the Dragon’s route to orbit.

SpaceX needs relatively calm waves and wind up the U.S. and Canadian seaboard and across the North Atlantic to Ireland, in case astronauts Hurley and Behnken need to make an emergency splashdown.

If SpaceX does not launch during Wednesday’s split-second window, the next try would be Saturday. Liftoff is set for 4:33 p.m. EDT.

The last time astronauts launched from Florida was on NASA’s final space shuttle flight in July 2011. Hurley was the pilot of that mission.

NASA hired SpaceX and Boeing in 2014 to transport astronauts to the space station, after commercial cargo shipments had taken off. Development of SpaceX’s Dragon and Boeing’s Starliner capsules took longer than expected, however, and the U.S. has been paying Russia to launch NASA astronauts in the interim.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590607352992.png" alt="Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken in the Dragon capsule Wednesday afternoon -image courtesy CSPAN via NASA TV" />
 <figcaption>Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken in the Dragon capsule Wednesday afternoon -image courtesy CSPAN via NASA TV</figcaption>
 </figure>CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — The launch of a SpaceX rocket ship with two NASA astronauts on a history-making flight into orbit has been called off with 16 minutes to go in the countdown because of the danger of lightning. Liftoff is rescheduled for Saturday. The spacecraft was set to blast off Wednesday afternoon for the International Space Station, ushering in a new era in commercial spaceflight and putting NASA back in the business of launching astronauts from U.S. for the first time in nearly a decade. Ever since the space shuttle was retired in 2011, NASA has relied on Russian rockets to carry astronauts to and from the space station.----------CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — With thunderstorms threatening a delay, two NASA astronauts climbed aboard a SpaceX rocket ship Wednesday for liftoff on a history-making flight that was seen as a giant leap forward for the booming business of commercial space travel.<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?472395-1/coverage-spacex-crew-dragon-launch">Click here to watch the launch</a>&nbsp;just after 3:30p.m. CDTSpace veterans Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken were scheduled to ride into orbit aboard the brand-new Dragon capsule on top of a Falcon 9 rocket, taking off for the International Space Station at 3:33 p.m. CDT from the same launch pad used by the Apollo moon missions a half-century ago.Smiling, waving and giving the traditional thumbs-up as Vice President Mike Pence looked on, the two men said farewell to their families — exchanging blown kisses and pantomiming hugs for their young sons from a coronavirus-safe distance — before setting out for the pad in a gull-wing Tesla SUV, another product from SpaceX’s visionary founder, Elon Musk.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590609143930.png" alt="Image courtesy CSPAN via NASA TV" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy CSPAN via NASA TV</figcaption>
 </figure>Thunder could be heard rumbling as the convoy of vehicles made its way toward the rocket. And a tornado warning was issued moments after the astronauts climbed into their capsule.The flight would mark the first time a private company sent humans into orbit.It would also be the first time in nearly a decade that the United States launched astronauts into orbit from U.S. soil. 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.With 2 1/2 hours to go before liftoff, controllers put the chances of launch at just 40 percent because of thunderstorms at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. In the event of a postponement, the next launch opportunity would be Saturday.The preparations took place in the shadow of the coronavirus outbreak that has killed an estimated 100,000 Americans.“We’re launching American astronauts on American rockets from American soil. We haven’t done this really since 2011, so this is a unique moment in time,” NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine said.With this launch, he said, “everybody can look up and say, ’Look, the future is so much brighter than the present.′ And I really hope that this is an inspiration to the world.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@elonmusk</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NASA</a> Administrator <a href="https://twitter.com/JimBridenstine?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JimBridenstine</a> talks to <a href="https://twitter.com/AstroBehnken?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AstroBehnken</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/Astro_Doug?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Astro_Doug</a> prior to <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpaceX</a> Crew Dragon Launch - LIVE on C-SPAN2 <a href="https://t.co/lwK99EafFC">https://t.co/lwK99EafFC</a> <a href="https://t.co/KNcyTJvfy1">pic.twitter.com/KNcyTJvfy1</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1265687988715098112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Musk, wearing a mask and keeping his distance, chatted with the two NASA astronauts just before they left for the launch pad. The mission would put Musk and SpaceX in the same league as only three countries — Russia, the U.S. and China, which sent astronauts into orbit in that order.“What today is about is reigniting the dream of space and getting people fired up about the future,” he said in a NASA interview.A solemn-sounding Musk said he felt his responsibilities most strongly when he saw the astronauts’ wives and sons just before launch. He said he told them: “We’ve done everything we can to make sure your dads come back OK.”NASA pushed ahead with the launch despite the viral outbreak but kept the guest list at Kennedy extremely limited and asked spectators to stay at home. Still, beaches and parks along Florida’s Space Coast are open again, and hours before the launch, cars and RVs already were lining the causeway in Cape Canaveral.The space agency also estimated 1 million people were watching the launch preparations online during the afternoon.President Donald Trump also planned to fly in for the liftoff.Among the sightseers was Erin Gatz, who came prepared for both rain and pandemic. Accompanied by her 14-year-old daughter and 12-year-old son, she brought face masks and a small tent to protect against the elements.She said the children had faint memories of watching in person one of the last shuttle launches almost a decade ago when they were preschoolers.“I wanted them to see the flip side and get to see the next era of space travel,” said Gatz, who lives in Deltona, Florida. “It’s exciting and hopeful.”Hurley, 53, and Behnken, 49, are both&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/8918d6d1b5f147d96ac7ab51ed414554">two-time shuttle fliers</a>.NASA hired SpaceX and Boeing in 2014 to transport astronauts to the space station in a new kind of public-private partnership.. Development of SpaceX’s Dragon and Boeing’s Starliner capsules took longer than expected, however. Boeing’s craft is not expected to fly astronauts into space until early 2021.“We’re doing it differently than we’ve ever done it before,” Bridenstine said. “We’re transforming how we do spaceflight in the future.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590575652116.png" alt="NASA astronauts Douglas Hurley, left, and Robert Behnken, wearing SpaceX spacesuits, are seen as they depart the Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building for Launch Complex 39A during a dress rehearsal prior to the Demo-2 mission launch, Saturday. Credits: NASA/ Bill Ingalls" />
 <figcaption>NASA astronauts Douglas Hurley, left, and Robert Behnken, wearing SpaceX spacesuits, are seen as they depart the Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building for Launch Complex 39A during a dress rehearsal prior to the Demo-2 mission launch, Saturday. Credits: NASA/ Bill Ingalls</figcaption>
 </figure>CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — With the weather looking up, SpaceX and NASA officials vowed Tuesday to keep crew safety the top priority for the nation’s first astronaut launch to orbit in nearly a decade.<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?472395-1/coverage-spacex-crew-dragon-launch">Click here</a> to watch the launchVeteran NASA astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken were set to make history Wednesday afternoon, riding SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon capsule to the International Space Station on a test flight.SpaceX was on the cusp of becoming the first private company to put astronauts in orbit, something achieved by just three countries — Russia, the U.S. and China.On the eve of the launch, NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine said from Kennedy Space Center that both the space agency and SpaceX have been diligent about making sure everyone in the launch loop knows they’re free to halt the countdown if there’s a concern.President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence are expected at Kennedy for the planned 4:33 p.m. liftoff, but “our highest priority” will remain the astronauts’ safety, according to Bridenstine.Bridenstine said he texted the two astronauts Monday and told them, “`If you want me to stop this thing for any reason, say so. I will stop it in a heartbeat if you want me to.′ They both came back and they said, ‘We’re go for launch.’ ”Hans Koenigsmann, a SpaceX vice president, said Monday evening that he and other company workers have imagined themselves in the astronauts’ shoes on launch day — “or their helmets.”“That changes the equation pretty dramatically,” he said.SpaceX has been launching cargo capsules to the space station since 2012.“It’s a huge step, obviously, going from cargo ... to launching two people that are dads as we call them and have families, kids, wives.,” Koenigsmann added.NASA will have input throughout the countdown, but in the end, it will be SpaceX giving the final go — with NASA’s concurrence.“SpaceX is controlling the vehicle, there’s no fluff about that,” Norm Knight, a NASA flight operations manager, said Monday.The odds of acceptable launch weather improved Tuesday to 60%. But that didn’t factor in conditions along the Dragon’s route to orbit.SpaceX needs relatively calm waves and wind up the U.S. and Canadian seaboard and across the North Atlantic to Ireland, in case astronauts Hurley and Behnken need to make an emergency splashdown.If SpaceX does not launch during Wednesday’s split-second window, the next try would be Saturday. Liftoff is set for 4:33 p.m. EDT.The last time astronauts launched from Florida was on NASA’s final space shuttle flight in July 2011. Hurley was the pilot of that mission.NASA hired SpaceX and Boeing in 2014 to transport astronauts to the space station, after commercial cargo shipments had taken off. Development of SpaceX’s Dragon and Boeing’s Starliner capsules took longer than expected, however, and the U.S. has been paying Russia to launch NASA astronauts in the interim.

Bad weather delays historic SpaceX launch of NASA astronauts

TOPEKA — Kansas Department of Health Secretary Dr. Lee Norman will update the state's battle against coronavirus during a Wednesday news conference.

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 119 to a total of 9337, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp; The state also reported 17 additional virus deaths since Monday for a total of 205.

TOPEKA — Kansas Department of Health Secretary Dr. Lee Norman will update the state's battle against coronavirus during a Wednesday news conference.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovLauraKelly%2Fvideos%2F675391013312264%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 number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 119 to a total of 9337, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp; The state also reported 17 additional virus deaths since Monday for a total of 205.

🎥  KDHE Secretary on latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

TOPEKA (AP) — Drowned out by the coronavirus and national politics, Republican and Democratic operatives are quietly preparing for a battle of state legislative supremacy later this year that could have a profound effect on political power for the next decade.

The November ballot will feature more than 5,000 elections for state House and Senate members in 35 states who will play a significant role in crafting or passing new voting districts for Congress and state legislative chambers based on census results.

Republicans, who currently control a majority of state legislative chambers, generally will be on defense against a well-funded Democratic effort. But Republicans are trying to change that narrative.

The national Republican State Leadership Committee on Tuesday rolled out a target list focused on a dozen states where it hopes to strengthen Republican redistricting power or dent that of Democrats. The targets include 115 state legislative seats held by Democrats in districts won by Republican President Donald Trump in 2016.

"The best way for us to play defense is to go on offense and flip these seats,” said Austin Chambers, president of the GOP legislative organization.

Trump could be a big factor in the down-ballot races. National surveys of voters from 2006-2018 have shown that presidential approval carries nearly three times as much impact in determining voters' choices for state legislative candidates as their approval of the legislature itself, said Steven Rogers, a political scientist at Saint Louis University who studies elections with a focus on state legislatures.

That's likely to remain the case this year, Rogers said, though there's a chance that voters could be more attuned to state elections because of the attention given to governors who have been leading their states' coronavirus response.

National Democratic groups have compiled similar target lists focused on Republican-held seats, with a goal of flipping control of several closely divided chambers to their favor. Democrats are focusing not only on districts that Hillary Clinton carried in the 2016 presidential election, but also on some Trump-won districts where they think likely Democratic nominee Joe Biden may fare better.

“After the coronavirus and with Biden at the top of the ticket, our map now expands back out to districts that had Democratic DNA, that have voters that thought Trump might turn around the economy in working-class Rust Belt towns across the Midwest," said Jessica Post, president of the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee.

In 2010, the first midterm election of Democrat Barack Obama's presidency, Republicans scored big victories in state legislatures across the country as the Republican State Leadership Committee outspent its Democratic rival by a 3-to-1 ratio. The next year, Republicans used their enhanced power in some states to draw voting districts that have benefited their legislative and congressional candidates for much of the past decade.

“Democrats have been paying the price since 2010 for their lack of success that year," Rogers said.

Democrats have since ratcheted up their state legislative efforts. Obama and his former attorney general, Eric Holder, have spearheaded a new Democratic group focused solely on state redistricting. Various Democratic-aligned interest groups also have begun pouring money into state legislative contests.

Democrats and Republicans have set their sights on some of the same places.

Republican-led legislatures in Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wisconsin appear on both of their redistricting target lists. So does Minnesota, the only state where Republicans control one legislative chamber and Democrats the other.

Some North Carolina state legislative candidates are running in newly redrawn districts this year after a state court tossed out the old ones drawn by the GOP-led Legislature as illegal partisan gerrymanders. But Democrats could face an uphill climb in states such as Texas and Wisconsin, where they will be running in the same districts that have favored Republicans.

Nationwide, 2020 may be "a more pro-Democratic year, but the payoff in redistricting may be a little bit less, just due to what they can probably actually pick up,” Rogers said.

Texas looms especially large because Democrats have made gains in recent legislative elections. Continued Republican control of both chambers and the governor's office would give the GOP great sway in shaping a large number of congressional districts.

Texas ranks second to California with 36 U.S. House seats and is likely to gain more following the census because of its population growth. Democrats hold full control in California, but an independent citizens commission is responsible for redistricting.

Some of the most hotly contested legislative elections are likely to occur in the Dallas and Houston suburbs.

“It would be a huge blow for the Republican Party if we lost Texas,” Chambers said. "We’re going to make sure that never happens.”

North Carolina is another big target. It's expected to be a battleground for president, U.S. Senate, U.S. House and the governorship. The state legislative elections also matter more than in most states, because the North Carolina governor has no veto power over the voting districts that lawmakers will draw. Republicans currently hold modest majorities in both the state House and Senate.

Kansas may appear to be one of the most surprising states on the target lists because of its solidly Republican legislative majorities. But Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly will have veto power over any redistricting plans passed by the Legislature. The battle focuses on whether Republicans will have the two-thirds majority needed to override a veto.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590523973873.png" alt="Kansas Senate district map image courtesy Kansas Bar Association" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Senate district map image courtesy Kansas Bar Association</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA (AP) — Drowned out by the coronavirus and national politics, Republican and Democratic operatives are quietly preparing for a battle of state legislative supremacy later this year that could have a profound effect on political power for the next decade.The November ballot will feature more than 5,000 elections for state House and Senate members in 35 states who will play a significant role in crafting or passing new voting districts for Congress and state legislative chambers based on census results.Republicans, who currently control a majority of state legislative chambers, generally will be on defense against a well-funded Democratic effort. But Republicans are trying to change that narrative.The national Republican State Leadership Committee on Tuesday rolled out a target list focused on a dozen states where it hopes to strengthen Republican redistricting power or dent that of Democrats. The targets include 115 state legislative seats held by Democrats in districts won by Republican President Donald Trump in 2016."The best way for us to play defense is to go on offense and flip these seats,” said Austin Chambers, president of the GOP legislative organization.Trump could be a big factor in the down-ballot races. National surveys of voters from 2006-2018 have shown that presidential approval carries nearly three times as much impact in determining voters' choices for state legislative candidates as their approval of the legislature itself, said Steven Rogers, a political scientist at Saint Louis University who studies elections with a focus on state legislatures.That's likely to remain the case this year, Rogers said, though there's a chance that voters could be more attuned to state elections because of the attention given to governors who have been leading their states' coronavirus response.National Democratic groups have compiled similar target lists focused on Republican-held seats, with a goal of flipping control of several closely divided chambers to their favor. Democrats are focusing not only on districts that Hillary Clinton carried in the 2016 presidential election, but also on some Trump-won districts where they think likely Democratic nominee Joe Biden may fare better.“After the coronavirus and with Biden at the top of the ticket, our map now expands back out to districts that had Democratic DNA, that have voters that thought Trump might turn around the economy in working-class Rust Belt towns across the Midwest," said Jessica Post, president of the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee.In 2010, the first midterm election of Democrat Barack Obama's presidency, Republicans scored big victories in state legislatures across the country as the Republican State Leadership Committee outspent its Democratic rival by a 3-to-1 ratio. The next year, Republicans used their enhanced power in some states to draw voting districts that have benefited their legislative and congressional candidates for much of the past decade.“Democrats have been paying the price since 2010 for their lack of success that year," Rogers said.Democrats have since ratcheted up their state legislative efforts. Obama and his former attorney general, Eric Holder, have spearheaded a new Democratic group focused solely on state redistricting. Various Democratic-aligned interest groups also have begun pouring money into state legislative contests.Democrats and Republicans have set their sights on some of the same places.Republican-led legislatures in Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wisconsin appear on both of their redistricting target lists. So does Minnesota, the only state where Republicans control one legislative chamber and Democrats the other.Some North Carolina state legislative candidates are running in newly redrawn districts this year after a state court tossed out the old ones drawn by the GOP-led Legislature as illegal partisan gerrymanders. But Democrats could face an uphill climb in states such as Texas and Wisconsin, where they will be running in the same districts that have favored Republicans.Nationwide, 2020 may be "a more pro-Democratic year, but the payoff in redistricting may be a little bit less, just due to what they can probably actually pick up,” Rogers said.Texas looms especially large because Democrats have made gains in recent legislative elections. Continued Republican control of both chambers and the governor's office would give the GOP great sway in shaping a large number of congressional districts.Texas ranks second to California with 36 U.S. House seats and is likely to gain more following the census because of its population growth. Democrats hold full control in California, but an independent citizens commission is responsible for redistricting.Some of the most hotly contested legislative elections are likely to occur in the Dallas and Houston suburbs.“It would be a huge blow for the Republican Party if we lost Texas,” Chambers said. "We’re going to make sure that never happens.”North Carolina is another big target. It's expected to be a battleground for president, U.S. Senate, U.S. House and the governorship. The state legislative elections also matter more than in most states, because the North Carolina governor has no veto power over the voting districts that lawmakers will draw. Republicans currently hold modest majorities in both the state House and Senate.Kansas may appear to be one of the most surprising states on the target lists because of its solidly Republican legislative majorities. But Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly will have veto power over any redistricting plans passed by the Legislature. The battle focuses on whether Republicans will have the two-thirds majority needed to override a veto.

Parties target control of state legislatures, redistricting

O'FALLON, Mo. (AP) — The owner of a business that hosted crowded pool parties over the Memorial Day weekend at Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks says no laws were broken and safety measures were in place to protect against the spread of the coronavirus.

Social media postings over the weekend showed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a7d5e0a595343857caa5bb903e9598a8">large crowds&nbsp;</a>of mostly young people without masks and not adhering to social distancing guidelines at pools along the central Missouri lake that is a popular weekend getaway for people in the state and the surrounding region. Many of photos and videos showed people in an area of the lake nicknamed “Party Cove.”

Political leaders in St. Louis, St. Louis County and Kansas City, along with Kansas’ health secretary,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/b33fcbffc2f47541d60004eabd4bbbdc">encouraged 14-day self-quarantines</a>&nbsp;for anyone involved in the parties. Some labeled the gatherings “reckless” and worried that revelers would return home after becoming unwittingly exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19 and potentially spread it to others.

St. Louis County Executive Sam Page, a Democrat and a medical doctor, noted studies suggest people can be infected with the virus without feeling sick. Those people can then spread the virus to older adults and people with existing health problems who are more vulnerable to more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.

“The pictures that emerged from Lake of the Ozarks over the weekend were an international example of bad behavior,” Page said Wednesday.

Backwater Jacks, a bar and restaurant that has a pool, was among the places with big crowds. Owner Gary Prewitt said 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.

Prewitt's statement said temperatures were checked at the pool entrance by medical staff hired for the event and free bottles of hand sanitizer were distributed. Staff members were given the option not to work.

The statement noted that the business is seasonal and about one-third of its busy season has already been lost due to coronavirus-related closures.

“We stand by our decision to move forward with Memorial Day Weekend plans,” Prewitt’s statement said.

Although Missouri’s social distancing order gives enforcement authority to both the state and local health departments, Parson has said enforcement responsibility lies with local health departments.

The health director in one lake-area county, Osage, said he had no enforcement authority. The health director in Camden County, where Backwater Jacks is located, did not respond to email messages seeking comment.

Parson allowed businesses and attractions to reopen May 4, but the state order requires 6-foot (2-meter) social distancing through at least the end of May. St. Louis and St. Louis County are just now phasing in reopening because COVID-19, the illness caused by the virus, was so devastating there. More than half of Missouri’s 12,291 confirmed cases have occurred in those locations, along with more than two-thirds of the state’s 686 deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590412088066.png" alt="Snap Chat image of the crowded pool party" />
 <figcaption>Snap Chat image of the crowded pool party</figcaption>
 </figure>O'FALLON, Mo. (AP) — The owner of a business that hosted crowded pool parties over the Memorial Day weekend at Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks says no laws were broken and safety measures were in place to protect against the spread of the coronavirus.Social media postings over the weekend showed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a7d5e0a595343857caa5bb903e9598a8">large crowds&nbsp;</a>of mostly young people without masks and not adhering to social distancing guidelines at pools along the central Missouri lake that is a popular weekend getaway for people in the state and the surrounding region. Many of photos and videos showed people in an area of the lake nicknamed “Party Cove.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589570075818.png" alt="“The reckless behavior displayed during this weekend risks setting our community back substantially for the progress we’ve already made in slowing the spread of COVID-19,” Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, said." />
 <figcaption>“The reckless behavior displayed during this weekend risks setting our community back substantially for the progress we’ve already made in slowing the spread of COVID-19,” Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, said.</figcaption>
 </figure>Political leaders in St. Louis, St. Louis County and Kansas City, along with Kansas’ health secretary,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/b33fcbffc2f47541d60004eabd4bbbdc">encouraged 14-day self-quarantines</a>&nbsp;for anyone involved in the parties. Some labeled the gatherings “reckless” and worried that revelers would return home after becoming unwittingly exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19 and potentially spread it to others.St. Louis County Executive Sam Page, a Democrat and a medical doctor, noted studies suggest people can be infected with the virus without feeling sick. Those people can then spread the virus to older adults and people with existing health problems who are more vulnerable to more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.“The pictures that emerged from Lake of the Ozarks over the weekend were an international example of bad behavior,” Page said Wednesday.Backwater Jacks, a bar and restaurant that has a pool, was among the places with big crowds. Owner Gary Prewitt said 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.Prewitt's statement said temperatures were checked at the pool entrance by medical staff hired for the event and free bottles of hand sanitizer were distributed. Staff members were given the option not to work.The statement noted that the business is seasonal and about one-third of its busy season has already been lost due to coronavirus-related closures.“We stand by our decision to move forward with Memorial Day Weekend plans,” Prewitt’s statement said.Although Missouri’s social distancing order gives enforcement authority to both the state and local health departments, Parson has said enforcement responsibility lies with local health departments.The health director in one lake-area county, Osage, said he had no enforcement authority. The health director in Camden County, where Backwater Jacks is located, did not respond to email messages seeking comment.Parson allowed businesses and attractions to reopen May 4, but the state order requires 6-foot (2-meter) social distancing through at least the end of May. St. Louis and St. Louis County are just now phasing in reopening because COVID-19, the illness caused by the virus, was so devastating there. More than half of Missouri’s 12,291 confirmed cases have occurred in those locations, along with more than two-thirds of the state’s 686 deaths.___

Lake of the Ozarks business owner defends pool parties

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 119 to a total of 9337, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

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

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 119 to a total of 9337, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 205<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional numbers from the KDHE.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590599390124.png" alt="May 27, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>May 27, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

Three U.S. Army Medical Evacuation Blackhawk helicopters flew over Geary Community Hospital and Junction City as part of a flight over the region Wednesday morning to thank healthcare workers for their continued support of Irwin Army Community Hospital and the Fort Riley community.

Flights over Stormont Vail Hospital and the St. Francis campus in Topeka, Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan and over Irwin Army Community Hospital were also scheduled as part of the activity. ( Photos of Blackhawks over Geary Community Hospital courtesy of Craig Bender, Military Affairs Council ).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590604853848.png" alt="&nbsp;Photos of Blackhawks over Geary Community Hospital courtesy of Craig Bender, Military Affairs Council&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Photos of Blackhawks over Geary Community Hospital courtesy of Craig Bender, Military Affairs Council&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Three U.S. Army Medical Evacuation Blackhawk helicopters flew over Geary Community Hospital and Junction City as part of a flight over the region Wednesday morning to thank healthcare workers for their continued support of Irwin Army Community Hospital and the Fort Riley community.Flights over Stormont Vail Hospital and the St. Francis campus in Topeka, Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan and over Irwin Army Community Hospital were also scheduled as part of the activity. ( Photos of Blackhawks over Geary Community Hospital courtesy of Craig Bender, Military Affairs Council ).<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590595409533.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

U.S. Army salutes Flint Hills frontline COVID-19 responders

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A suspect wanted in connection with the fatal 2018 shooting of a woman in Kansas has been arrested.

On May 9, authorities in El Paso, Texas located and arrested&nbsp;27-year-old Juan Carlos Caballeros-Yescas in connection with the&nbsp;shooting that fatally injured <a href="https://www.guerragutierrez.com/obituary/6651664">41-year-old Lucy Mojica,</a> according to Wichita Police officer Charley Davidson. He has been charged with first-degree murder and aggravated burglary.

On July 7, 2018, officers responded to a shooting call at 531 W. 17th&nbsp;Street North in Wichita/ Upon arrival, officers located Mojica with multiple gunshot wounds.&nbsp; She was transported to an area hospital where she died.

The investigation revealed that Caballeros-Yescas and Mojica were in a dating relationship and that he arrived at her home, pulled out a handgun, and fired multiple times, striking her.&nbsp; Caballeros-Yescas then fled the scene.

Through the investigation, investigators developed Caballeros-Yescas as the suspect and had been working to find him.&nbsp; On Tuesday, he was extradited to Sedgwick County and booked into the jail.

The case has been presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590589482248.png" alt="Caballeros-Yescas- photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Caballeros-Yescas- photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A suspect wanted in connection with the fatal 2018 shooting of a woman in Kansas has been arrested.On May 9, authorities in El Paso, Texas located and arrested&nbsp;27-year-old Juan Carlos Caballeros-Yescas in connection with the&nbsp;shooting that fatally injured <a href="https://www.guerragutierrez.com/obituary/6651664">41-year-old Lucy Mojica,</a> according to Wichita Police officer Charley Davidson. He has been charged with first-degree murder and aggravated burglary.On July 7, 2018, officers responded to a shooting call at 531 W. 17th&nbsp;Street North in Wichita/ Upon arrival, officers located Mojica with multiple gunshot wounds.&nbsp; She was transported to an area hospital where she died.The investigation revealed that Caballeros-Yescas and Mojica were in a dating relationship and that he arrived at her home, pulled out a handgun, and fired multiple times, striking her.&nbsp; Caballeros-Yescas then fled the scene.Through the investigation, investigators developed Caballeros-Yescas as the suspect and had been working to find him.&nbsp; On Tuesday, he was extradited to Sedgwick County and booked into the jail.The case has been presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.

Kan. man wanted for girlfriend's murder captured in Texas

SEDGWICK COUNTY — A suspect identified on security cameras as involved in a fatal shooting made his first court appearance Tuesday, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Malcom Ganther, 22, is charged with first-degree murder and remains jailed on a $500,000 bond, according to online jail records.

Just before 3p.m. May 21, police responded to a shooting call at an apartment complex in the 1100 block of South Webb Road in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp;

Upon arrival, police located 17-year-old Marcus Sain in a parking lot with critical injuries.&nbsp; He was transported to an area hospital for medical treatment and died, according to Davidson.

Several minutes later, officers responded to an area hospital regarding an 18-year-old male walk-in shooting victim with a gunshot wound to his body.&nbsp; He was treated for a non-life-threatening injury and released.

Malcom Ganther as seen on security camera images from Wichita Police

The investigation revealed Ganther, a second suspect, Sain, and an 18-year-old male had arranged to meet in the apartment complex parking lot regarding a drug transaction.

A suspect arrived at the apartment complex parking lot driving a newer-model white mustang, and Ganther arrived at the same time driving a grey Buick.&nbsp; Sain and the 18-year-old walked up and got into the Buick, occupied by Ganther.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

During the transaction inside the Buick, a disturbance ensued, and the suspect seated in the Mustang exited the car and fired multiple shots at Sain and the 18-year-old, striking them and causing their injuries.&nbsp; Ganther then fled in the Buick, and the second suspect fled in the Mustang.

Through the community’s help and the investigation, Ganther was identified and arrested at his home on Thursday in the 300 block of North Edgemoor in Wichita. Investigators also have located the Buick vehicle involved.&nbsp;

Police are still working to identify and locate the suspect that arrived in the white Mustang, according to Davidson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590157799937.png" alt="Ganther" />
 <figcaption>Ganther</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — A suspect identified on security cameras as involved in a fatal shooting made his first court appearance Tuesday, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Malcom Ganther, 22, is charged with first-degree murder and remains jailed on a $500,000 bond, according to online jail records.Just before 3p.m. May 21, police responded to a shooting call at an apartment complex in the 1100 block of South Webb Road in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp;Upon arrival, police located 17-year-old Marcus Sain in a parking lot with critical injuries.&nbsp; He was transported to an area hospital for medical treatment and died, according to Davidson.Several minutes later, officers responded to an area hospital regarding an 18-year-old male walk-in shooting victim with a gunshot wound to his body.&nbsp; He was treated for a non-life-threatening injury and released.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590090874405.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Malcom Ganther as seen on security camera images from Wichita PoliceThe investigation revealed Ganther, a second suspect, Sain, and an 18-year-old male had arranged to meet in the apartment complex parking lot regarding a drug transaction.A suspect arrived at the apartment complex parking lot driving a newer-model white mustang, and Ganther arrived at the same time driving a grey Buick.&nbsp; Sain and the 18-year-old walked up and got into the Buick, occupied by Ganther.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;During the transaction inside the Buick, a disturbance ensued, and the suspect seated in the Mustang exited the car and fired multiple shots at Sain and the 18-year-old, striking them and causing their injuries.&nbsp; Ganther then fled in the Buick, and the second suspect fled in the Mustang.Through the community’s help and the investigation, Ganther was identified and arrested at his home on Thursday in the 300 block of North Edgemoor in Wichita. Investigators also have located the Buick vehicle involved.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590090818345.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Security camera photo Wichita PolicePolice are still working to identify and locate the suspect that arrived in the white Mustang, according to Davidson.-------

Kan. man captured on security camera charged with murder

By CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-05-26/a-kansans-50k-medical-bill-shows-that-you-dont-always-owe-what-youre-charged">Kansas News Service</a>

PITTSBURG — Alvin Letner doesn’t remember signing the form where he promises to pay a medical bill of nearly $50,000 he hadn’t yet seen.

Much
 of that day in July 2019 is a blank for him. A dog ran onto the highway
 as he and other motorcyclists on a veterans fundraiser rode by. It 
knocked him off his antique BMW, breaking his neck, three ribs and an 
elbow.

The air ambulance charge came later by mail: $48,934.27 for
 the 20-minute, 30-mile flight that whisked the retired high school 
teacher from the accident scene in southeast Kansas to Freeman Hospital 
West in Joplin, Missouri.

Legal experts say patients often get sky-high bills for <a href="https://www.vox.com/2018/5/23/17353284/emergency-room-doctor-out-of-network" target="_blank">emergency health care</a>, even though they are only obligated to pay <a href="https://www.ajmc.com/journals/issue/2017/2017-vol23-n4/battling-the-chargemaster-a-simple-remedy-to-balance-billing-for-unavoidable-out-of-network-care" target="_blank">market value</a>.
 Moreover, they say, financial paperwork handed to patients for their 
signature while they’re traumatized, drugged or confused wouldn’t hold 
up in a court of law.

Yet, they concede, making a potentially <a href="https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2017/10/16/16357790/health-care-prices-problem" target="_blank">financially devastating</a> medical bill go away can be tricky, even if you suspect it’s excessive.

Letner
 and his wife, Diane, have health insurance, but the air ambulance 
company and insurer disagreed dramatically on the flight’s value. 
Current federal law lets the out-of-network biller pursue the Letners 
directly to make up the difference: in this case, more than $40,000.

“When
 I came home from the hospital, I was instantly old,” said Letner, whose
 recovery has been slow. “I don’t want the instant debt.”

This
 story is part of the Kansas News Service series, Bills of Health. Do you have a medical 
bill from Kansas that you want to share with a reporter? Email celia@kcur.org.

After much worrying, the Letners appear 
to be in the clear. In an interview with the Kansas News Service, an 
executive at the national, private-equity owned <a href="https://www.airmethods.com/newsroom/2017/04/21/american-securities-completes-acquisition-of-air-methods" target="_blank">air ambulance</a> firm said his company never planned to collect so much from the Letners.

“The
 idea of trying to collect tens of thousands of dollars from individuals
 is really stupid,” said Chris Myers, vice president of reimbursement 
for Air Methods. “Because they don’t have the money to pay it.”

However,
 the company gave the Letners paperwork at least twice indicating 
patients are on the hook for what their insurance won’t pay.

“At no time,” Diane Letner said, “did they ever indicate that we would not be liable for the remaining bills.”

In February, seven months 
after the accident, Alvin Letner could finally lift enough weight to 
return to his love of pottery making — an outlet that helps clear his 
mind.

“You wake up in the middle of the night thinking about 
this,” he said recently, sitting in the house he built mostly himself 
over the decades he’s lived there. “We’ve been paying all this insurance
 money all these years. We trust in the system.”

Air ambulance 
companies face growing scrutiny and political pressure over their 
prices, which have risen sharply in recent years.

The average charge for an Air Methods ride, for example, jumped from $13,000 to $49,800 within a decade, <a href="https://www.gao.gov/assets/690/686167.pdf" target="_blank">federal auditors</a> wrote in a 2017 report. That’s 283%.

Congress has created a <a href="https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/AAPB" target="_blank">panel</a>
 to find solutions. States sick of waiting have passed their own 
measures, only to be rebuffed by courts that conclude federal law blocks
 states from regulating the rates that aircraft charge.

“We have 
literally tried everything,” said Jon Godfread, insurance commissioner 
for North Dakota and a member of the new panel. His state lost in court 
over its law to steer business toward air ambulances that contract with 
more insurers to keep prices down. “There is no overarching authority 
(to) prevent these kinds of egregious bills.”

Air Methods, which 
also has a seat on the panel, says it bills privately insured patients 
more to make up for Medicare, Medicaid and uninsured patients. It says 
those three groups comprise most of its business, and that it loses 
money on them.

Still, experts in health law say the principles of <a href="https://ideas.dickinsonlaw.psu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1080&amp;context=dlr" target="_blank">contract law</a>
 obligate patients like Letner only to pay the market value of health 
care. That’s because they haven’t signed a contract to buy a specific 
treatment or procedure for a specific price.

Bills that exceed market value for a medical service are common, 
experts say. Patients who receive them land in a legal maze without a 
guaranteed exit, or any paperwork making clear what amount they really 
need to pay.

Patients owe something for the care they received, 
Lehigh University law and business professor George Nation says. But 
that “something” is what buyers and sellers willingly agree upon in 
informed situations.

“Look at what they get paid for (care), not 
what they charge for it,” Nation said. “That’s the big game that 
hospitals and doctors like to play with the word ‘charges.’ They’re just
 numbers. … No insurance company pays those.”

What matters is what
 health care providers accept from insurers, he says. In-network prices 
represent deals negotiated by two willing parties. A unilateral, 
non-contracted bill for nearly $50,000 mailed to the victim of a traffic
 accident does not.

The difficulty, though, is getting billers to 
stop pressing patients for more. Health care providers and collections 
agencies, armed with those forms from patients promising to pay all 
charges, can sue. They can hurt patients’ credit scores, put liens on 
their homes and <a href="https://www.propublica.org/article/methodist-le-bonheur-healthcare-sues-poor-medical-debt" target="_blank">garnish their wages</a>.

Read a list of expert tips <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-05-26/expert-tip-sheet-for-pushing-back-against-your-medical-bills" target="_blank">here</a> for dealing with medical bills that seem too high.

Patients
 routinely don’t know their rights, or have an attorney. And if a bill 
goes to court instead of collections, judges may not have the price 
information they need to spot price-gouging.

“So what’s been 
happening is that (health care providers) have been suing individuals 
who are poorly represented, maybe not represented at all,” Duke 
University professor of law and business administration Barak Richman 
said. “They’ve been getting default judgments.”

Richman argues 
state attorneys general have the authority to go after companies for 
charging excessive prices, and to help patients recoup excessive 
payments. State courts, meanwhile, could <a href="https://www.ajmc.com/journals/issue/2017/2017-vol23-n4/battling-the-chargemaster-a-simple-remedy-to-balance-billing-for-unavoidable-out-of-network-care" target="_blank">train their judges</a> to figure out appropriate health prices using publicly available <a href="https://www.guroo.com/#!" target="_blank">databases</a> and other sources.

“When
 hospitals or providers or air ambulances go after patients and claim to
 be owed chargemaster prices — these extraordinary prices that nobody 
would ever agree to — it really is akin to theft,” he said. “They are 
not entitled to that.”

Others want Congress to rein in medical bills with legislation to curb a practice called “<a href="http://www.kcur.org/post/getting-health-care-kansas-your-odds-may-be-worse-here-youll-get-surprise-bill#stream/0" target="_blank">surprise billing</a>,” or to let states regulate air ambulance prices so state efforts no longer get blocked in court.

Market value for that trip to Joplin

So what about the 
$48,934.27 bill Letner received for the helicopter ride that got him to 
Joplin an estimated half an hour faster than a ground ambulance would 
have?

No patient advocacy 
groups, health care price experts or law professors we spoke to put a 
definitive price on it. The question might only be settled if it went to
 court.

Air Methods says its average flight cost is $12,000, but 
that it bills more to privately insured people like Letner to make up 
for money lost on other patients.

The privately held company won’t disclose its profit margins.