KANSAS CITY —Detectives are asking for assistance from the public in identifying an individual who police believe may have information regarding a homicide that occurred on on June 17, 2023 in the 6700 block of Richmond Avenue in Kansas City, according to a social media report from KCPD.

Please call the homicide/missing persons unit directly at 816-234-5043, or the TIPS hotline at 816-474-TIPS. There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information submitted anonymously to the TIPS hotline.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721338918107.png" alt="photo KCPD" />
 <figcaption>photo KCPD</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Detectives are asking for assistance from the public in identifying an individual who police believe may have information regarding a homicide that occurred on on June 17, 2023 in the 6700 block of Richmond Avenue in Kansas City, according to a social media report from KCPD.Please call the homicide/missing persons unit directly at 816-234-5043, or the TIPS hotline at 816-474-TIPS. There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information submitted anonymously to the TIPS hotline.

KCPD needs help to ID man who may have info about deadly shooting

WASHINGTON— President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 while traveling Wednesday in Las Vegas.&nbsp; Late Friday afternoon,&nbsp;Dr. Kevin O'Connor, the president's physician, provided an update on Biden's recovery.

The president's diagnosis comes amid intense scrutiny of his health and stamina after a disastrous debate with former President Donald Trump that sparked a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-trump-poll-drop-out-debate-democrats-59eebaca6989985c2bfbf4f72bdfa112">flurry of concern</a>&nbsp;among Democrats that Biden is not up to the rigors of winning another presidential term.

Biden gingerly boarded Air Force One and told reporters traveling with him, “I feel good.” The president was not wearing a mask as he walked onto Air Force One.

The president had previously been at the Original Lindo Michoacan restaurant in Las Vegas, where he was greeting diners and sat for an interview with Univision.

Biden has been vaccinated and is current on his recommended annual booster dose for COVID-19. The vaccines have proven highly effective at limiting serious illness and death from the virus, which killed more than 1 million people in the U.S. since the pandemic began in 2020. Paxlovid has been proven to curtail the chances of serious illness and death from COVID-19 when prescribed in the early days of an infection, but has also been associated with rebound infections, where the virus comes back a few days after clearing up.

Biden last tested positive for COVID-19 twice in the summer of 2022, when he had a primary case and a rebound case of the virus.

Health officials have reported recent upticks in emergency room visits and hospitalizations from COVID-19. There has also been a pronounced increase in positive test results in much of the country —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid19-vaccinations-cdc-coronavirus-a785acb4aca8e69f21b6f1a41c021e2c">particularly the southwestern U.S.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721330265336.png" alt="President Joe Biden preparing to board Air Force One on his way to Delaware Wednesday- image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>President Joe Biden preparing to board Air Force One on his way to Delaware Wednesday- image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON— President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 while traveling Wednesday in Las Vegas.&nbsp; Late Friday afternoon,&nbsp;Dr. Kevin O'Connor, the president's physician, provided an update on Biden's recovery.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721431566073.png" alt="" />
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 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721330819270.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The president's diagnosis comes amid intense scrutiny of his health and stamina after a disastrous debate with former President Donald Trump that sparked a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-trump-poll-drop-out-debate-democrats-59eebaca6989985c2bfbf4f72bdfa112">flurry of concern</a>&nbsp;among Democrats that Biden is not up to the rigors of winning another presidential term.Biden gingerly boarded Air Force One and told reporters traveling with him, “I feel good.” The president was not wearing a mask as he walked onto Air Force One.The president had previously been at the Original Lindo Michoacan restaurant in Las Vegas, where he was greeting diners and sat for an interview with Univision.Biden has been vaccinated and is current on his recommended annual booster dose for COVID-19. The vaccines have proven highly effective at limiting serious illness and death from the virus, which killed more than 1 million people in the U.S. since the pandemic began in 2020. Paxlovid has been proven to curtail the chances of serious illness and death from COVID-19 when prescribed in the early days of an infection, but has also been associated with rebound infections, where the virus comes back a few days after clearing up.Biden last tested positive for COVID-19 twice in the summer of 2022, when he had a primary case and a rebound case of the virus.Health officials have reported recent upticks in emergency room visits and hospitalizations from COVID-19. There has also been a pronounced increase in positive test results in much of the country —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid19-vaccinations-cdc-coronavirus-a785acb4aca8e69f21b6f1a41c021e2c">particularly the southwestern U.S.</a>

Read Friday update from Biden's doctor on the President's  COVID recovery

&nbsp;WASHINGTON —U.S. Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri wrote&nbsp;a letter to&nbsp;Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas,&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=14341QQQ9232312QQQ8086450QQQ8019990&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fx.com%2fHawleyMO%2fstatus%2f1814278991605350726&amp;redir_log=668494987763288" target="_blank">demanding</a>&nbsp;answers behind the U.S. Secret Service’s botched security rollout at President Donald Trump’s July 13 rally.

The letter comes after multiple whistleblowers contacted Senator Hawley’s office with disturbing new information behind the assassination attempt on the former president.

“Whistleblowers who have direct knowledge of the event have approached my office. According to the allegations, the July 13 rally was considered to be a ‘loose’ security event,”&nbsp;wrote Senator Hawley.

“For example, detection canines were not used to monitor entry and detect threats in the usual manner. Individuals without proper designations were able to gain access to backstage areas. Department personnel did not appropriately police the security buffer around the podium and were also not stationed at regular intervals around the event’s security perimeter,”&nbsp;Senator Hawley continued.

Senator Hawley is a member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee which&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=14341QQQ9232312QQQ8086450QQQ8019990&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2foutreach.senate.gov%2fiqextranet%2fiqClickTrk.aspx%3f%26cid%3dSenHawley%26crop%3d14515QQQ9232341QQQ8086479QQQ8019990%26report_id%3d%26redirect%3dhttps%253a%252f%252fwww.hawley.senate.gov%252fhawley-demands-full-scale-investigation-by-congress-into-attempted-assassination-of-president-trump%252f%26redir_log%3d794174422822921&amp;redir_log=832193208462131" target="_blank">conducts</a>&nbsp;oversight of Secretary Mayorkas’ DHS.

Immediately following the assassination attempt against President Trump, Senator Hawley&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=14341QQQ9232312QQQ8086450QQQ8019990&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2foutreach.senate.gov%2fiqextranet%2fiqClickTrk.aspx%3f%26cid%3dSenHawley%26crop%3d14392QQQ9230180QQQ8085138QQQ8019990%26report_id%3d%26redirect%3dhttps%253a%252f%252fwww.hawley.senate.gov%252fhawley-demands-full-scale-investigation-by-congress-into-attempted-assassination-of-president-trump%252f%26redir_log%3d794174422822921&amp;redir_log=646663966612131" target="_blank">demanded</a>&nbsp;that the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee launch a comprehensive, transparent investigation into the incident with sworn testimony from DHS and Secret Service officials.&nbsp;That investigation was&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=14341QQQ9232312QQQ8086450QQQ8019990&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2foutreach.senate.gov%2fiqextranet%2fiqClickTrk.aspx%3f%26cid%3dSenHawley%26crop%3d14392QQQ9230180QQQ8085138QQQ8019990%26report_id%3d%26redirect%3dhttps%253a%252f%252fwww.hsgac.senate.gov%252fmedia%252freps%252fpaul-and-peters-announce-bipartisan-homeland-security-and-governmental-affairs-committee-investigation-into-security-failures-and-the-assassination-attempt-on-former-president-donald-trump%252f%26redir_log%3d287783080511620&amp;redir_log=448394230822865" target="_blank">confirmed</a>&nbsp;this week along with plans to feature public testimony from agency leadership.

Senator Hawley then&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=14341QQQ9232312QQQ8086450QQQ8019990&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.hawley.senate.gov%2fhawley-requests-more-records-behind-assassination-attempt-on-president-trump-opens-office-whistleblower-tip-line%2f&amp;redir_log=745274266151011" target="_blank">opened</a>&nbsp;a whistleblower tip line within his office earlier this week, pledging to protect the anonymity of all who contact his staff in an effort to shed light on last Saturday’s disastrous security breach.&nbsp;

Senator Hawley has also written two additional oversight letters—<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=14341QQQ9232312QQQ8086450QQQ8019990&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2foutreach.senate.gov%2fiqextranet%2fiqClickTrk.aspx%3f%26cid%3dSenHawley%26crop%3d14392QQQ9230180QQQ8085138QQQ8019990%26report_id%3d%26redirect%3dhttps%253a%252f%252fwww.hawley.senate.gov%252fwp-content%252fuploads%252f2024%252f07%252fHawley-letter-to-DHS-IG-.pdf%26redir_log%3d536796294054560&amp;redir_log=088027971831792" target="_blank">one</a>&nbsp;to the DHS Inspector General and a&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=14341QQQ9232312QQQ8086450QQQ8019990&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2foutreach.senate.gov%2fiqextranet%2fiqClickTrk.aspx%3f%26cid%3dSenHawley%26crop%3d14392QQQ9230180QQQ8085138QQQ8019990%26report_id%3d%26redirect%3dhttps%253a%252f%252fwww.hawley.senate.gov%252fwp-content%252fuploads%252f2024%252f07%252fHawley-letter-to-BlackRock-re-Trump-investigation-.pdf%26redir_log%3d816819426384762&amp;redir_log=091259807621997" target="_blank">second</a>&nbsp;to&nbsp;BlackRock’s CEO—requesting all records related to the staggering security failures on July 13.&nbsp;

Click here to read the full letter&nbsp;sent Friday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720911723876.png" alt="Image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;WASHINGTON —U.S. Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri wrote&nbsp;a letter to&nbsp;Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas,&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=14341QQQ9232312QQQ8086450QQQ8019990&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fx.com%2fHawleyMO%2fstatus%2f1814278991605350726&amp;redir_log=668494987763288" target="_blank">demanding</a>&nbsp;answers behind the U.S. Secret Service’s botched security rollout at President Donald Trump’s July 13 rally. The letter comes after multiple whistleblowers contacted Senator Hawley’s office with disturbing new information behind the assassination attempt on the former president.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721410507537.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“Whistleblowers who have direct knowledge of the event have approached my office. According to the allegations, the July 13 rally was considered to be a ‘loose’ security event,”&nbsp;wrote Senator Hawley.“For example, detection canines were not used to monitor entry and detect threats in the usual manner. Individuals without proper designations were able to gain access to backstage areas. Department personnel did not appropriately police the security buffer around the podium and were also not stationed at regular intervals around the event’s security perimeter,”&nbsp;Senator Hawley continued.Senator Hawley is a member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee which&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=14341QQQ9232312QQQ8086450QQQ8019990&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2foutreach.senate.gov%2fiqextranet%2fiqClickTrk.aspx%3f%26cid%3dSenHawley%26crop%3d14515QQQ9232341QQQ8086479QQQ8019990%26report_id%3d%26redirect%3dhttps%253a%252f%252fwww.hawley.senate.gov%252fhawley-demands-full-scale-investigation-by-congress-into-attempted-assassination-of-president-trump%252f%26redir_log%3d794174422822921&amp;redir_log=832193208462131" target="_blank">conducts</a>&nbsp;oversight of Secretary Mayorkas’ DHS.Immediately following the assassination attempt against President Trump, Senator Hawley&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=14341QQQ9232312QQQ8086450QQQ8019990&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2foutreach.senate.gov%2fiqextranet%2fiqClickTrk.aspx%3f%26cid%3dSenHawley%26crop%3d14392QQQ9230180QQQ8085138QQQ8019990%26report_id%3d%26redirect%3dhttps%253a%252f%252fwww.hawley.senate.gov%252fhawley-demands-full-scale-investigation-by-congress-into-attempted-assassination-of-president-trump%252f%26redir_log%3d794174422822921&amp;redir_log=646663966612131" target="_blank">demanded</a>&nbsp;that the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee launch a comprehensive, transparent investigation into the incident with sworn testimony from DHS and Secret Service officials.&nbsp;That investigation was&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=14341QQQ9232312QQQ8086450QQQ8019990&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2foutreach.senate.gov%2fiqextranet%2fiqClickTrk.aspx%3f%26cid%3dSenHawley%26crop%3d14392QQQ9230180QQQ8085138QQQ8019990%26report_id%3d%26redirect%3dhttps%253a%252f%252fwww.hsgac.senate.gov%252fmedia%252freps%252fpaul-and-peters-announce-bipartisan-homeland-security-and-governmental-affairs-committee-investigation-into-security-failures-and-the-assassination-attempt-on-former-president-donald-trump%252f%26redir_log%3d287783080511620&amp;redir_log=448394230822865" target="_blank">confirmed</a>&nbsp;this week along with plans to feature public testimony from agency leadership.Senator Hawley then&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=14341QQQ9232312QQQ8086450QQQ8019990&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.hawley.senate.gov%2fhawley-requests-more-records-behind-assassination-attempt-on-president-trump-opens-office-whistleblower-tip-line%2f&amp;redir_log=745274266151011" target="_blank">opened</a>&nbsp;a whistleblower tip line within his office earlier this week, pledging to protect the anonymity of all who contact his staff in an effort to shed light on last Saturday’s disastrous security breach.&nbsp;Senator Hawley has also written two additional oversight letters—<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=14341QQQ9232312QQQ8086450QQQ8019990&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2foutreach.senate.gov%2fiqextranet%2fiqClickTrk.aspx%3f%26cid%3dSenHawley%26crop%3d14392QQQ9230180QQQ8085138QQQ8019990%26report_id%3d%26redirect%3dhttps%253a%252f%252fwww.hawley.senate.gov%252fwp-content%252fuploads%252f2024%252f07%252fHawley-letter-to-DHS-IG-.pdf%26redir_log%3d536796294054560&amp;redir_log=088027971831792" target="_blank">one</a>&nbsp;to the DHS Inspector General and a&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=14341QQQ9232312QQQ8086450QQQ8019990&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2foutreach.senate.gov%2fiqextranet%2fiqClickTrk.aspx%3f%26cid%3dSenHawley%26crop%3d14392QQQ9230180QQQ8085138QQQ8019990%26report_id%3d%26redirect%3dhttps%253a%252f%252fwww.hawley.senate.gov%252fwp-content%252fuploads%252f2024%252f07%252fHawley-letter-to-BlackRock-re-Trump-investigation-.pdf%26redir_log%3d816819426384762&amp;redir_log=091259807621997" target="_blank">second</a>&nbsp;to&nbsp;BlackRock’s CEO—requesting all records related to the staggering security failures on July 13.&nbsp;Click here to read the full letter&nbsp;sent Friday.

Whistleblower: Most of Trump’s security detail last Saturday not Secret Service

BILLINGS, Montana — A Kansas man accused of devising a scheme to steal from Montana and Wyoming ranchers who were trying to find hay to feed their livestock during a drought admitted to a fraud charge Thursday, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

The defendant, Jory D. Parks, 43, of Logan, Kansas, was arraigned on and pleaded guilty to an information charging him with wire fraud. Parks faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. A sentencing date will be set before U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Parks was released pending further proceedings.

In court documents, the government alleged that a drought in the summer of 2021 created a hay shortage for ranchers in Montana and Wyoming, and ranchers were struggling to find enough hay to feed their livestock.

During this time, Parks intentionally devised a scheme to defraud these ranchers. Parks advertised on Facebook, claiming that he was selling large amounts of hay and was willing to deliver to Montana and Wyoming from out of state.

Parks, operating as Heart Cross Ranch, LLC, received money from customers in exchange for promises to deliver hay. Instead, Parks used the money for unrelated business and personal expenses and made false promises about what he would deliver and the scale and success of his business.

In September 2021, when Parks was trying to convince a prospective customer that he had a successful business selling high-quality hay, he told the victim that he had sold all his hay the previous year to a known horse racing facility in Nebraska to feed racehorses. After interviewing the CEO of the facility and analyzing Parks’ financials, the FBI determined that Parks’ statements were false.

In Montana, a ranching business owned by a couple in Ingomar responded to one of Parks’ Facebook ads in which he claimed to be selling hay cheaper than they had been able to find.

The couple signed a contract with Parks to buy 190 tons of hay from Parks for $43,300 and mailed half of the amount, $21,650, as a down payment to Heart Cross Ranch.

Parks deposited the check into his business account in a bank in Colorado. Three weeks later, Parks delivered the couple’s first shipment of 23 tons of the 190 tons they had purchased but never delivered the additional hay or repaid the remainder of the downpayment.

U.S. Attorney's Office-MontanaBILLINGS, Montana — A Kansas man accused of devising a scheme to steal from Montana and Wyoming ranchers who were trying to find hay to feed their livestock during a drought admitted to a fraud charge Thursday, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.The defendant, Jory D. Parks, 43, of Logan, Kansas, was arraigned on and pleaded guilty to an information charging him with wire fraud. Parks faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. A sentencing date will be set before U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Parks was released pending further proceedings.In court documents, the government alleged that a drought in the summer of 2021 created a hay shortage for ranchers in Montana and Wyoming, and ranchers were struggling to find enough hay to feed their livestock.During this time, Parks intentionally devised a scheme to defraud these ranchers. Parks advertised on Facebook, claiming that he was selling large amounts of hay and was willing to deliver to Montana and Wyoming from out of state.Parks, operating as Heart Cross Ranch, LLC, received money from customers in exchange for promises to deliver hay. Instead, Parks used the money for unrelated business and personal expenses and made false promises about what he would deliver and the scale and success of his business.In September 2021, when Parks was trying to convince a prospective customer that he had a successful business selling high-quality hay, he told the victim that he had sold all his hay the previous year to a known horse racing facility in Nebraska to feed racehorses. After interviewing the CEO of the facility and analyzing Parks’ financials, the FBI determined that Parks’ statements were false.In Montana, a ranching business owned by a couple in Ingomar responded to one of Parks’ Facebook ads in which he claimed to be selling hay cheaper than they had been able to find.The couple signed a contract with Parks to buy 190 tons of hay from Parks for $43,300 and mailed half of the amount, $21,650, as a down payment to Heart Cross Ranch.Parks deposited the check into his business account in a bank in Colorado. Three weeks later, Parks delivered the couple’s first shipment of 23 tons of the 190 tons they had purchased but never delivered the additional hay or repaid the remainder of the downpayment.

Kan. man admits defrauding rancher in hay scam during drought

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Kansas made its presence felt at the Republican National Convention, with Hays local and delegate Travis Couture-Lovelady representing the Sunflower State.

This marks Couture's fourth convention since 2012, held this week in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for Republican Party delegates to select their presidential nominees.

Couture attended the RNC&nbsp; from July 15 to 18 with other Kansans, saying it was a great privilege to make history.

"It's always an honor to do so. You're part of history every time, and I'm certainly humbled and honored to be representing Kansas," he said.

Couture previously served as a Kansas State Representative, first elected in 2012. During his tenure in the Legislature, he served as majority caucus chairman and vice-chairman of the Federal and State Affairs Committee.

He also managed Congressman Tim Huelskamp’s 2014 re-election campaign and worked for then-State Treasurer Ron Estes. Additionally, he spent two years on Capitol Hill with Senator Sam Brownback.&nbsp;

He graduated from Fort Hays State University in 2005 with a degree in political science and has served as the state director of the National Rifle Association since 2015.

On Monday, Couture and 38 other Kansas delegates cast their votes, officially nominating Donald Trump as the Republican presidential candidate.

"We all here understand the gravity of how big of a deal it is to be one of the delegates," Couture said. "The fact we get to cast those votes at the convention as part of the presidential nominating process is a pretty neat experience."

On Wednesday, Trump announced Senator JD Vance of Ohio as his running mate and delivered one of several speeches at the convention.

Couture said the pairing sends a clear message of supporting working-class Americans and energizes voters for the November election.

"It's been a focus for both of them in their political careers. Getting the working class people who felt the political class sold them out, get them back involved and engaged in believing in America again," he said.

Vance delivered an <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8TlBHRtrvM">acceptance speech</a> for the vice presidential nomination, sharing personal stories from his family. Additionally, families of the 13 U.S. service members who lost their lives during the Afghanistan withdrawal also spoke.

"There wasn't much of a dry eye in the place," Couture said. "The overall theme was making America strong again."

The convention covered topics such as inflation, crime, border security, and energy resources, including the use of American oil versus foreign oil.

Kansas Reps. Tracey Mann and Ron Estes, and Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach also attended the convention. Couture also reconnected with former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

Donald Trump delivered his acceptance speech on Thursday, five days after the assassination attempt on his life at a Pennsylvania rally on July 13, which resulted in the deaths of the shooter and one rallygoer.

Having attended several conventions, Couture said security is always of the utmost importance, and this year's convention safety measures were similar to previous years.

"They did a wonderful job of keeping all delegates and everyone else attending safe," he said. "As far as we saw, there were very strong security protocols."

You can follow Travis Couture-Lovelady on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tcouturelovelady">Facebook</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721326451989.jpeg" alt="Courtesy Photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy Photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostKansas made its presence felt at the Republican National Convention, with Hays local and delegate Travis Couture-Lovelady representing the Sunflower State.This marks Couture's fourth convention since 2012, held this week in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for Republican Party delegates to select their presidential nominees.Couture attended the RNC&nbsp; from July 15 to 18 with other Kansans, saying it was a great privilege to make history."It's always an honor to do so. You're part of history every time, and I'm certainly humbled and honored to be representing Kansas," he said.Couture previously served as a Kansas State Representative, first elected in 2012. During his tenure in the Legislature, he served as majority caucus chairman and vice-chairman of the Federal and State Affairs Committee.He also managed Congressman Tim Huelskamp’s 2014 re-election campaign and worked for then-State Treasurer Ron Estes. Additionally, he spent two years on Capitol Hill with Senator Sam Brownback.&nbsp;He graduated from Fort Hays State University in 2005 with a degree in political science and has served as the state director of the National Rifle Association since 2015.On Monday, Couture and 38 other Kansas delegates cast their votes, officially nominating Donald Trump as the Republican presidential candidate."We all here understand the gravity of how big of a deal it is to be one of the delegates," Couture said. "The fact we get to cast those votes at the convention as part of the presidential nominating process is a pretty neat experience."On Wednesday, Trump announced Senator JD Vance of Ohio as his running mate and delivered one of several speeches at the convention.Couture said the pairing sends a clear message of supporting working-class Americans and energizes voters for the November election."It's been a focus for both of them in their political careers. Getting the working class people who felt the political class sold them out, get them back involved and engaged in believing in America again," he said.Vance delivered an <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8TlBHRtrvM">acceptance speech</a> for the vice presidential nomination, sharing personal stories from his family. Additionally, families of the 13 U.S. service members who lost their lives during the Afghanistan withdrawal also spoke."There wasn't much of a dry eye in the place," Couture said. "The overall theme was making America strong again."The convention covered topics such as inflation, crime, border security, and energy resources, including the use of American oil versus foreign oil.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721330907320.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Reps. Tracey Mann and Ron Estes, and Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach also attended the convention. Couture also reconnected with former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.Donald Trump delivered his acceptance speech on Thursday, five days after the assassination attempt on his life at a Pennsylvania rally on July 13, which resulted in the deaths of the shooter and one rallygoer.Having attended several conventions, Couture said security is always of the utmost importance, and this year's convention safety measures were similar to previous years."They did a wonderful job of keeping all delegates and everyone else attending safe," he said. "As far as we saw, there were very strong security protocols."You can follow Travis Couture-Lovelady on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tcouturelovelady">Facebook</a>.

Delegate from NW Kansas attends Republican National Convention

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas isn't enforcing a new law requiring abortion providers to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-kansas-reporting-patients-data-3025f009a076868f7c31dc2cd67860fe">ask patients why</a>&nbsp;they want to terminate their pregnancies, as a legal challenge against that rule and other older requirements makes its way through the courts.

Attorneys for the state and for providers challenging the new law&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-kansas-waiting-period-medication-reversal-1f0f5fad64b4180997d0f32a32d047dd">along with other requirements</a>&nbsp;announced a deal Thursday. In return for not enforcing the law, the state will get another four months to develop its defense of the challenged restrictions ahead of a trial now delayed until late June 2025. The agreement was announced during a Zoom hearing in Johnson County District Court in the Kansas City area.

Kansas doesn’t ban most abortions until the 22nd week of pregnancy. Its clinics now see thousands of patients from other states with near bans on abortion, most notably Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas.

Last fall, District Judge K. Christopher Jayaram&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-medications-restrictions-kansas-f1435cc5538ae6e19cd481a58e82aa7f">blocked enforcement</a>&nbsp;of requirements that include rules spelling out what providers must tell their patients, and a longstanding requirement that patients wait 24 hours after consulting a provider to undergo a procedure. On July 1, he allowed the providers to add a challenge to the new reporting law to their existing lawsuit rather than making them file a separate case.

<a href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/documents/supp_note_hb2749_01_0000.pdf">The new law</a>&nbsp;was supposed to take effect July 1 and would require providers to ask patients questions from a state script about their reasons for an abortion, although patients wouldn't be forced to answer. Potential reasons include not being able to afford a child, not wanting a disabled child, not wanting to put schooling or a career on hold, and having an abusive spouse or partner. Clinics would be required to send data about patients' answers to the state health department for a public report every six months.

“We are relieved that this intrusive law will not take effect," the Center for Reproductive Rights, the national organization for abortion provider Planned Parenthood and the regional Planned Parenthood affiliate said in a joint statement. “This law would have forced abortion providers to collect deeply personal information — an unjustifiable invasion of patient privacy that has nothing to do with people’s health.”

Kansas already collects data about each abortion, such as the method and the week of pregnancy, but abortion opponents argue that having more information will aid in setting policies for helping pregnant women and new mothers. The Republican-controlled Legislature&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-ban-law-states-kansas-lousiana-81e9da53aaa0903fdd958421bd941a3a">enacted the law</a>&nbsp;over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-care-abortion-pornography-kansas-7b4141984334258017da842a3542570c">a veto</a>&nbsp;from Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly.

At least eight other states have such reporting requirements, but the Kansas Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-3f479b218a6140719e1694fcfcdb8036">declared in 2019</a>&nbsp;that the state constitution protects access to abortion as a part of a “fundamental" right to bodily autonomy. In August 2022, Kansas voters&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-primary-elections-kansas-abortion-b6d62a852c2ce4617f2c03589fbb523e">decisively rejected</a>&nbsp;a proposed amendment to say that the constitution doesn't grant any right to abortion access.

The trial of the providers' lawsuit had been set for late February 2025 before Jayaram delayed it in responded to the parties' deal.

“The state is prepared to accept an agreement not to enforce the new law until the final judgment, provided that we get a schedule that accommodates the record that we think we need to develop in this case,” said Lincoln Wilson, a senior counsel for the anti-abortion Alliance Defending Freedom, which is leading the state's defense of its laws.

Abortion providers suggested July 1 that the state wouldn't enforce the new reporting requirement while the lawsuit proceeded, but the health department did not confirm that when reporters asked about it.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720190561143.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNA&nbsp;TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas isn't enforcing a new law requiring abortion providers to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-kansas-reporting-patients-data-3025f009a076868f7c31dc2cd67860fe">ask patients why</a>&nbsp;they want to terminate their pregnancies, as a legal challenge against that rule and other older requirements makes its way through the courts.Attorneys for the state and for providers challenging the new law&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-kansas-waiting-period-medication-reversal-1f0f5fad64b4180997d0f32a32d047dd">along with other requirements</a>&nbsp;announced a deal Thursday. In return for not enforcing the law, the state will get another four months to develop its defense of the challenged restrictions ahead of a trial now delayed until late June 2025. The agreement was announced during a Zoom hearing in Johnson County District Court in the Kansas City area.Kansas doesn’t ban most abortions until the 22nd week of pregnancy. Its clinics now see thousands of patients from other states with near bans on abortion, most notably Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas.Last fall, District Judge K. Christopher Jayaram&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-medications-restrictions-kansas-f1435cc5538ae6e19cd481a58e82aa7f">blocked enforcement</a>&nbsp;of requirements that include rules spelling out what providers must tell their patients, and a longstanding requirement that patients wait 24 hours after consulting a provider to undergo a procedure. On July 1, he allowed the providers to add a challenge to the new reporting law to their existing lawsuit rather than making them file a separate case.<a href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/documents/supp_note_hb2749_01_0000.pdf">The new law</a>&nbsp;was supposed to take effect July 1 and would require providers to ask patients questions from a state script about their reasons for an abortion, although patients wouldn't be forced to answer. Potential reasons include not being able to afford a child, not wanting a disabled child, not wanting to put schooling or a career on hold, and having an abusive spouse or partner. Clinics would be required to send data about patients' answers to the state health department for a public report every six months.“We are relieved that this intrusive law will not take effect," the Center for Reproductive Rights, the national organization for abortion provider Planned Parenthood and the regional Planned Parenthood affiliate said in a joint statement. “This law would have forced abortion providers to collect deeply personal information — an unjustifiable invasion of patient privacy that has nothing to do with people’s health.”Kansas already collects data about each abortion, such as the method and the week of pregnancy, but abortion opponents argue that having more information will aid in setting policies for helping pregnant women and new mothers. The Republican-controlled Legislature&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-ban-law-states-kansas-lousiana-81e9da53aaa0903fdd958421bd941a3a">enacted the law</a>&nbsp;over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-care-abortion-pornography-kansas-7b4141984334258017da842a3542570c">a veto</a>&nbsp;from Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly.At least eight other states have such reporting requirements, but the Kansas Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-3f479b218a6140719e1694fcfcdb8036">declared in 2019</a>&nbsp;that the state constitution protects access to abortion as a part of a “fundamental" right to bodily autonomy. In August 2022, Kansas voters&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-primary-elections-kansas-abortion-b6d62a852c2ce4617f2c03589fbb523e">decisively rejected</a>&nbsp;a proposed amendment to say that the constitution doesn't grant any right to abortion access.The trial of the providers' lawsuit had been set for late February 2025 before Jayaram delayed it in responded to the parties' deal.“The state is prepared to accept an agreement not to enforce the new law until the final judgment, provided that we get a schedule that accommodates the record that we think we need to develop in this case,” said Lincoln Wilson, a senior counsel for the anti-abortion Alliance Defending Freedom, which is leading the state's defense of its laws.Abortion providers suggested July 1 that the state wouldn't enforce the new reporting requirement while the lawsuit proceeded, but the health department did not confirm that when reporters asked about it.

Kan. won't force providers to ask patients why they want abortions while lawsuit proceeds

&nbsp;KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City.

Just after 4:30a.m. police responded on a shots fired call at 54th and Prospect, according to Sheriff Daryl Forte'.

First responders located a man identified as 45-year-old&nbsp;Ernest J. Scott suffering from gunshot wounds in a grassy area. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police say they are interviewing witnesses and checking for surveillance video in an effort to identify the suspect.

This is 80th homicide of 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri, according to KCPD.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS. There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information submitted anonymously that leads to an arrest in the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721406797743.png" alt="Photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City.Just after 4:30a.m. police responded on a shots fired call at 54th and Prospect, according to Sheriff Daryl Forte'.First responders located a man identified as 45-year-old&nbsp;Ernest J. Scott suffering from gunshot wounds in a grassy area. He was pronounced dead at the scene.Police say they are interviewing witnesses and checking for surveillance video in an effort to identify the suspect.This is 80th homicide of 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri, according to KCPD.Anyone with information is asked to contact the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS. There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information submitted anonymously that leads to an arrest in the case.

Homicide: KCPD IDs victim found in grassy area

WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal appeals court blocked the implementation of the Biden administration’s student debt relief plan, which would have lowered monthly payments for millions of borrowers.

In a ruling Thursday, the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals granted a motion for an administrative stay filed by a group of Republican-led states seeking to invalidate the administration’s entire student loan forgiveness program. The court’s order prohibits the administration from implementing the parts of the SAVE plan that were not already blocked by lower court rulings.

The ruling comes the same day that the Biden administration announced another&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-loan-cancelation-public-service-c9f196555407e536c7945c60c6c55f3c">round</a>&nbsp;of student loan forgiveness, this time totaling $1.2 billion in forgiveness for roughly 35,000 borrowers who are eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

The PSLF program, which provides relief for teachers, nurses, firefighters and other public servants who make 120 qualifying monthly payments, was originally passed in 2007. But for years, borrowers ran into strict rules and servicer errors that prevented them from having their debt cancelled. The Biden administration adjusted some of the programs rules and retroactively gave many borrowers credits towards their required payments.

Two separate legal&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/politics/joe-biden-000001904d5edaf5afd4df5f13b00000">challenges</a>&nbsp;to Biden’s SAVE plan have worked their way through the courts. In June, federal judges in Kansas and Missouri issued separate rulings that blocked much of the administration’s plan to provide a faster path towards loan cancellation and reduce monthly income-based repayment from 10% to 5% of a borrower’s discretionary income. Those injunctions did not affect debt that had already been forgiven.

The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals issued a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-loan-repayment-save-plan-b39342e0dce69dce2c5582ffba1cfcb7">ruling</a>&nbsp;that allowed the department to proceed with the lowered monthly payments. Thursday’s order from the 8th circuit blocks all aspects of the SAVE plan.

The Education Department said it was reviewing the ruling. “Our Administration will continue to aggressively defend the SAVE Plan — which has been helping over 8 million borrowers access lower monthly payments, including 4.5 million borrowers who have had a zero dollar payment each month,” the administration said. “And, we won’t stop fighting against Republican elected officials’ efforts to raise costs on millions of their own constituents’ student loan payments.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721337854914.png" alt="File photo courtesy White House- President Biden in Madison, Wisconsin in April" />
 <figcaption>File photo courtesy White House- President Biden in Madison, Wisconsin in April</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal appeals court blocked the implementation of the Biden administration’s student debt relief plan, which would have lowered monthly payments for millions of borrowers.In a ruling Thursday, the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals granted a motion for an administrative stay filed by a group of Republican-led states seeking to invalidate the administration’s entire student loan forgiveness program. The court’s order prohibits the administration from implementing the parts of the SAVE plan that were not already blocked by lower court rulings.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721393286455.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The ruling comes the same day that the Biden administration announced another&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-loan-cancelation-public-service-c9f196555407e536c7945c60c6c55f3c">round</a>&nbsp;of student loan forgiveness, this time totaling $1.2 billion in forgiveness for roughly 35,000 borrowers who are eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.The PSLF program, which provides relief for teachers, nurses, firefighters and other public servants who make 120 qualifying monthly payments, was originally passed in 2007. But for years, borrowers ran into strict rules and servicer errors that prevented them from having their debt cancelled. The Biden administration adjusted some of the programs rules and retroactively gave many borrowers credits towards their required payments.Two separate legal&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/politics/joe-biden-000001904d5edaf5afd4df5f13b00000">challenges</a>&nbsp;to Biden’s SAVE plan have worked their way through the courts. In June, federal judges in Kansas and Missouri issued separate rulings that blocked much of the administration’s plan to provide a faster path towards loan cancellation and reduce monthly income-based repayment from 10% to 5% of a borrower’s discretionary income. Those injunctions did not affect debt that had already been forgiven.The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals issued a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-loan-repayment-save-plan-b39342e0dce69dce2c5582ffba1cfcb7">ruling</a>&nbsp;that allowed the department to proceed with the lowered monthly payments. Thursday’s order from the 8th circuit blocks all aspects of the SAVE plan.The Education Department said it was reviewing the ruling. “Our Administration will continue to aggressively defend the SAVE Plan — which has been helping over 8 million borrowers access lower monthly payments, including 4.5 million borrowers who have had a zero dollar payment each month,” the administration said. “And, we won’t stop fighting against Republican elected officials’ efforts to raise costs on millions of their own constituents’ student loan payments.”—

Appeals court blocks remainder of Biden’s student debt relief plan

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a homicide&nbsp; continue asking for the public’s help in locating 19-year-old Nassir Gill of Topeka, according to a media release from police.

 Gill is a person of interest in the homicide of Brian M. Wright Jr., 23, that occurred on June 21, in the 3100 block of SW Westover Road in Topeka.

Gill is described as 5-foot-6 and weighs approximately 160 pounds. He may no longer have blue/green hair, as seen in the photo released by police.

If you see or know where Gill may be, please call or email investigators at 785-368-9551 and telltpd@topeka.org. You can also report anonymously to Shawnee County Crime Stoppers at 785-234-0007 or online at www.p3tips.com/128.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719693545861.png" alt="Gill is described as 5-foot-6 and weighs approximately 160 pounds. He may no longer have blue/green hair, as seen in the photo released by police." />
 <figcaption>Gill is described as 5-foot-6 and weighs approximately 160 pounds. He may no longer have blue/green hair, as seen in the photo released by police.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a homicide&nbsp; continue asking for the public’s help in locating 19-year-old Nassir Gill of Topeka, according to a media release from police. Gill is a person of interest in the homicide of Brian M. Wright Jr., 23, that occurred on June 21, in the 3100 block of SW Westover Road in Topeka.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719001082126.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>Gill is described as 5-foot-6 and weighs approximately 160 pounds. He may no longer have blue/green hair, as seen in the photo released by police.If you see or know where Gill may be, please call or email investigators at 785-368-9551 and telltpd@topeka.org. You can also report anonymously to Shawnee County Crime Stoppers at 785-234-0007 or online at www.p3tips.com/128.

Search continues for Kansas teen homicide suspect

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal carjacking in Kansas City reported early Friday they located the vehicle, according to&nbsp;KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.&nbsp; Police have not reported an arrest.

On Thursday, police released images of the truck involved in the fatality

&nbsp;The victim is the registered owner of the vehicle.

Just after 1p.m. Wednesday,&nbsp;a suspect was attempting to steal a white Ford F350 in the&nbsp;2900 Block of Paseo in Kansas City, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

The owner attempted to stop the suspect from stealing the truck.&nbsp; The suspect drove away while dragging the owner with the vehicle. The victim was dislodged from the vehicle. and thrown to the pavement. The suspect left the scene in the stolen Ford without stopping. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene, according to DiMaratino.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721341702302.png" alt="Photos KCPD" />
 <figcaption>Photos KCPD</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal carjacking in Kansas City reported early Friday they located the vehicle, according to&nbsp;KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.&nbsp; Police have not reported an arrest.On Thursday, police released images of the truck involved in the fatality&nbsp;The victim is the registered owner of the vehicle.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721341746351.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 1p.m. Wednesday,&nbsp;a suspect was attempting to steal a white Ford F350 in the&nbsp;2900 Block of Paseo in Kansas City, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.The owner attempted to stop the suspect from stealing the truck.&nbsp; The suspect drove away while dragging the owner with the vehicle. The victim was dislodged from the vehicle. and thrown to the pavement. The suspect left the scene in the stolen Ford without stopping. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene, according to DiMaratino.

KCPD: Vehicle in deadly carjacking located 

MILWAUKEE (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>, somber and bandaged, accepted the GOP presidential nomination on Thursday at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/republican-national-convention">the Republican National Convention</a>&nbsp;in a speech that described in detail the assassination attempt that could have ended his life just five days earlier before laying out a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-policies-agenda-election-2024-second-term-d656d8f08629a8da14a65c4075545e0f">sweeping populist agenda</a>, particularly on immigration.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?c5124681/presidential-nominee-donald-trump">Click here to watch</a> Trump's full acceptance speech

The 78-year-old former president, known best for his bombast and aggressive rhetoric, began his acceptance speech with a softer and deeply personal message that drew directly from his brush with death. Moment by moment, the crowd listening in silence, Trump described standing onstage in Butler, Pennsylvania, with his head turned to look at a chart on display when he felt something hit his ear. He raised his hand to his head and saw immediately that it was covered in blood.

“If I had not moved my head at that very last instant, the assassin’s bullet would have perfectly hit its mark,” Trump said. “And I would not be here tonight. We would not be together.”

Trump’s address, the longest convention speech in modern history at just under 93 minutes, marked the climax and conclusion of a massive four-day Republican pep rally that drew thousands of conservative activists and elected officials to swing-state Wisconsin as voters weigh an election that currently features&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-trump-2024-campaign-democrats-republicans-440088966619e68dbf89f745788bb372">two deeply unpopular candidates</a>. Sensing political opportunity in the wake of his near-death experience, the often bombastic Republican leader embraced a new tone he hopes will help generate even more momentum in an election that appears to be shifting in his favor.

“The discord and division in our society must be healed. We must heal it quickly. As Americans, we are bound together by a single fate and a shared destiny. We rise together. Or we fall apart,” Trump said, wearing a large white bandage on his right ear, as he has all week, to cover a wound he sustained in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/election-biden-trump-campaign-updates-07-13-2024">the Saturday shooting</a>. “I am running to be president for all of America, not half of America, because there is no victory in winning for half of America.”

While he spoke in a gentler tone than at his usual rallies, Trump also outlined an agenda led by what he promises would be the largest deportation operation in U.S. history. He repeatedly accused people crossing the U.S.-Mexico border illegally of staging an “invasion.” Additionally, he teased new tariffs on trade and an “America first” foreign policy.

Trump also falsely suggested Democrats had cheated during the 2020 election he lost — despite a raft of federal and state investigations proving there was no systemic fraud — and suggested “we must not criminalize dissent or demonize political disagreement,” even as he has long called for prosecutions of his opponents.

He did not mention abortion rights, an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-bans-exceptions-doctors-lawmakers-7cefca4a248076268c789ea05b367f1a">issue that has bedeviled Republicans</a>&nbsp;ever since the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a federally guaranteed right to abortion two years ago. Trump nominated three of the six justices who overturned Roe v. Wade. Trump at his rallies&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-ban-trump-criminalize-mifepristone-election-7f43c7e9ab192ebe874a1f0b1b7ba60b">often takes credit for Roe being overturned</a>&nbsp;and argues states should have the right to institute their own abortion laws.

Nor did he mention the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-panel-hearing-3e3dc618ed8cee37147cf6a792c0c0fa">insurrection at the U.S. Capitol</a>&nbsp;on Jan. 6, 2021, in which Trump supporters tried to stop the certification of his loss to Democrat Joe Biden. Trump has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/judge-tanya-chutkan-trump-capitol-riot-93b33b1f1774e4e5c430f1598c7115a3">long referred to the people jailed for the riot</a>&nbsp;as “hostages.”

Indeed, Trump barely mentioned Biden, often referring only to the “current administration.”

“It was Donald Trump who destroyed our economy, ripped away rights, and failed middle class families,” said Jen O'Malley Dillon, the Biden campaign chair, in a statement after the speech. “Now he pursues the presidency with an even more extreme vision for where he wants to take this country.”

The RNC ends at an uncertain moment in the race

With less than four months to go in the contest, major changes in the race are possible, if not likely.

Trump's appearance came as Biden, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-democrats-drop-out-election-2024-3f9e3d15431fd4974771a54e1d0e4ea7">81-year-old Democratic incumbent</a>, clings to his party’s presumptive nomination in the face of unrelenting pressure from key congressional allies, donors and even former President Barack Obama, who fear he may be unable to win reelection after his disastrous debate.

Long pressed by allies to campaign more vigorously, Biden is instead in isolation at his beach home in Delaware after having been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-covid-mask-cdc-d83080168855702bca0e4e7119f03454">diagnosed with COVID-19</a>.

Hours before the balloons were scheduled to rain down on Trump and his family inside the convention hall, Biden deputy campaign manager Quentin Fulks appeared nearby in Milwaukee and insisted over and over that Biden would not step aside.

“I do not want to be rude, but I don’t know how many more times I can answer that,” Fulks told reporters. “There are no plans being made to replace Biden on the ballot.”

Thursday's RNC program seemed designed to project strength and masculinity in an implicit rebuke of Biden.

Ultimate Fighting Championship President Dana White called Trump “a real American bad ass.” Kid Rock performed a song with the chorus, “Fight, fight!,"&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-assassination-attempt-image-photo-fight-5ede33e665f2af78de737084b37adcf9">echoing the word Trump mouthed on stage</a>&nbsp;in Pennsylvania as Secret Service agents surrounded him. And wrestling icon Hulk Hogan described the former president as “an American hero.”

Hogan drew a raucous response when, standing on the main stage, he ripped off his shirt to reveal a red “Make America Great Again” shirt.

“As an entertainer, I try to stay out of politics,” Hogan said as he briefly broke character. “I can no longer stay silent."

Like many speakers during the convention, former Fox News host Tucker Carlson suggested that recent events were divinely inspired and that he wondered “if something bigger is going on.”

“I think it changed him,” Carlson said of the shooting, praising Trump for not lashing out in anger afterward.

“He did his best to bring the country together,” Carlson added. “This is the most responsible, unifying behavior from a leader I’ve ever seen.”

Former first lady Melania Trump and Ivanka Trump, the president’s elder daughter and former senior adviser, joined Trump in the convention hall ahead of his speech, making their first appearances there. Neither woman spoke.

At nearly 93 minutes, the former president's speech eclipsed the 74 minutes for which he spoke eight years ago, according to the American Presidency Project at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Republicans leave their convention united

The convention has showcased a Republican Party reshaped by Trump since he shocked the GOP establishment and won over the party’s grassroots on his way to the party’s 2016 nomination. Rivals Trump has vanquished — including Sens. Ted Cruz of Texas and Marco Rubio of Florida, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis — put aside their past criticisms and gave him their unqualified support.

Even his vice presidential pick, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, Trump’s choice to carry his movement into the next generation,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-rubio-vance-burgum-scott-stefanik-vp-11ec39b0da11152ad110ff987d4eaeee">was once a fierce critic</a>&nbsp;who suggested in a private message since made public that Trump could be “America’s Hitler.”

Security was a major focus in Milwaukee in the wake of Trump’s near-assassination. But after nearly four full days, there were no serious incidents inside the convention hall or the large security perimeter that surrounded it.

The Secret Service, backed by hundreds of law enforcement officers from across the nation, had a large and visible presence. And during Trump’s appearances each night, he was surrounded by a wall of protective agents wherever he went.

Meanwhile, Trump and his campaign have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-shooting-transparency-db2f4437237ad03d3b04b0b5f1573977">not released information</a>&nbsp;about his injury or the treatment he received. The former president on Thursday described his story of surviving the attack — and vowed he would not talk about it again.

“I’m not supposed to be here tonight,” Trump told the packed convention hall. The crowd of thousands, which was listening in silence, shouted back, “Yes, you are.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721382561480.png" alt="Image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>MILWAUKEE (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>, somber and bandaged, accepted the GOP presidential nomination on Thursday at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/republican-national-convention">the Republican National Convention</a>&nbsp;in a speech that described in detail the assassination attempt that could have ended his life just five days earlier before laying out a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-policies-agenda-election-2024-second-term-d656d8f08629a8da14a65c4075545e0f">sweeping populist agenda</a>, particularly on immigration.<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?c5124681/presidential-nominee-donald-trump">Click here to watch</a> Trump's full acceptance speech<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Balloon drop <a href="https://twitter.com/GOPconvention?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GOPconvention</a>. <a href="https://t.co/FebXGCL3nk">pic.twitter.com/FebXGCL3nk</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1814153606767210595?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 19, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Donald Trump kisses the helmet of firefighter Corey Comperatore, who was killed during Saturday&#39;s rally. <a href="https://t.co/qdGdcwr9G9">pic.twitter.com/qdGdcwr9G9</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1814133511626031333?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 19, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Donald Trump: “I am running to be president for all America, not half of America because there is no victory in winning for half of America. So, tonight with faith and devotion I proudly accept your nomination for president of the United States.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/HuspXIyYGL">pic.twitter.com/HuspXIyYGL</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1814128352028205504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 19, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The 78-year-old former president, known best for his bombast and aggressive rhetoric, began his acceptance speech with a softer and deeply personal message that drew directly from his brush with death. Moment by moment, the crowd listening in silence, Trump described standing onstage in Butler, Pennsylvania, with his head turned to look at a chart on display when he felt something hit his ear. He raised his hand to his head and saw immediately that it was covered in blood.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/MELANIATRUMP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MELANIATRUMP</a> enters the Republican National Convention. <a href="https://t.co/h2GI4sZggJ">pic.twitter.com/h2GI4sZggJ</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1814122476194156875?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 19, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Trump Dance Cam at <a href="https://twitter.com/GOPconvention?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GOPConvention</a> <a href="https://t.co/NcHThSRH84">pic.twitter.com/NcHThSRH84</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1814101438294839807?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 19, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“If I had not moved my head at that very last instant, the assassin’s bullet would have perfectly hit its mark,” Trump said. “And I would not be here tonight. We would not be together.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/HulkHogan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HulkHogan</a>: &quot;As an entertainer I try to stay out of politics, but after everything that&#39;s happened to our country over the past four years and after everything that happened last weekend I can no longer stay silent...Donald Trump is a real American hero!&quot; <a href="https://t.co/UxM0ZieYfM">pic.twitter.com/UxM0ZieYfM</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1814113807662567834?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 19, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Trump’s address, the longest convention speech in modern history at just under 93 minutes, marked the climax and conclusion of a massive four-day Republican pep rally that drew thousands of conservative activists and elected officials to swing-state Wisconsin as voters weigh an election that currently features&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-trump-2024-campaign-democrats-republicans-440088966619e68dbf89f745788bb372">two deeply unpopular candidates</a>. Sensing political opportunity in the wake of his near-death experience, the often bombastic Republican leader embraced a new tone he hopes will help generate even more momentum in an election that appears to be shifting in his favor.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721353012709.png" alt="Image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>“The discord and division in our society must be healed. We must heal it quickly. As Americans, we are bound together by a single fate and a shared destiny. We rise together. Or we fall apart,” Trump said, wearing a large white bandage on his right ear, as he has all week, to cover a wound he sustained in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/election-biden-trump-campaign-updates-07-13-2024">the Saturday shooting</a>. “I am running to be president for all of America, not half of America, because there is no victory in winning for half of America.”While he spoke in a gentler tone than at his usual rallies, Trump also outlined an agenda led by what he promises would be the largest deportation operation in U.S. history. He repeatedly accused people crossing the U.S.-Mexico border illegally of staging an “invasion.” Additionally, he teased new tariffs on trade and an “America first” foreign policy.Trump also falsely suggested Democrats had cheated during the 2020 election he lost — despite a raft of federal and state investigations proving there was no systemic fraud — and suggested “we must not criminalize dissent or demonize political disagreement,” even as he has long called for prosecutions of his opponents.He did not mention abortion rights, an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-bans-exceptions-doctors-lawmakers-7cefca4a248076268c789ea05b367f1a">issue that has bedeviled Republicans</a>&nbsp;ever since the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a federally guaranteed right to abortion two years ago. Trump nominated three of the six justices who overturned Roe v. Wade. Trump at his rallies&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-ban-trump-criminalize-mifepristone-election-7f43c7e9ab192ebe874a1f0b1b7ba60b">often takes credit for Roe being overturned</a>&nbsp;and argues states should have the right to institute their own abortion laws.Nor did he mention the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-panel-hearing-3e3dc618ed8cee37147cf6a792c0c0fa">insurrection at the U.S. Capitol</a>&nbsp;on Jan. 6, 2021, in which Trump supporters tried to stop the certification of his loss to Democrat Joe Biden. Trump has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/judge-tanya-chutkan-trump-capitol-riot-93b33b1f1774e4e5c430f1598c7115a3">long referred to the people jailed for the riot</a>&nbsp;as “hostages.”Indeed, Trump barely mentioned Biden, often referring only to the “current administration.”“It was Donald Trump who destroyed our economy, ripped away rights, and failed middle class families,” said Jen O'Malley Dillon, the Biden campaign chair, in a statement after the speech. “Now he pursues the presidency with an even more extreme vision for where he wants to take this country.”<h2>The RNC ends at an uncertain moment in the race</h2>With less than four months to go in the contest, major changes in the race are possible, if not likely.Trump's appearance came as Biden, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-democrats-drop-out-election-2024-3f9e3d15431fd4974771a54e1d0e4ea7">81-year-old Democratic incumbent</a>, clings to his party’s presumptive nomination in the face of unrelenting pressure from key congressional allies, donors and even former President Barack Obama, who fear he may be unable to win reelection after his disastrous debate.Long pressed by allies to campaign more vigorously, Biden is instead in isolation at his beach home in Delaware after having been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-covid-mask-cdc-d83080168855702bca0e4e7119f03454">diagnosed with COVID-19</a>.Hours before the balloons were scheduled to rain down on Trump and his family inside the convention hall, Biden deputy campaign manager Quentin Fulks appeared nearby in Milwaukee and insisted over and over that Biden would not step aside.“I do not want to be rude, but I don’t know how many more times I can answer that,” Fulks told reporters. “There are no plans being made to replace Biden on the ballot.”<h2>Strength on the program</h2>Thursday's RNC program seemed designed to project strength and masculinity in an implicit rebuke of Biden.Ultimate Fighting Championship President Dana White called Trump “a real American bad ass.” Kid Rock performed a song with the chorus, “Fight, fight!,"&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-assassination-attempt-image-photo-fight-5ede33e665f2af78de737084b37adcf9">echoing the word Trump mouthed on stage</a>&nbsp;in Pennsylvania as Secret Service agents surrounded him. And wrestling icon Hulk Hogan described the former president as “an American hero.”Hogan drew a raucous response when, standing on the main stage, he ripped off his shirt to reveal a red “Make America Great Again” shirt.“As an entertainer, I try to stay out of politics,” Hogan said as he briefly broke character. “I can no longer stay silent."Like many speakers during the convention, former Fox News host Tucker Carlson suggested that recent events were divinely inspired and that he wondered “if something bigger is going on.”“I think it changed him,” Carlson said of the shooting, praising Trump for not lashing out in anger afterward.“He did his best to bring the country together,” Carlson added. “This is the most responsible, unifying behavior from a leader I’ve ever seen.”Former first lady Melania Trump and Ivanka Trump, the president’s elder daughter and former senior adviser, joined Trump in the convention hall ahead of his speech, making their first appearances there. Neither woman spoke.At nearly 93 minutes, the former president's speech eclipsed the 74 minutes for which he spoke eight years ago, according to the American Presidency Project at the University of California, Santa Barbara.<h2>Republicans leave their convention united</h2>The convention has showcased a Republican Party reshaped by Trump since he shocked the GOP establishment and won over the party’s grassroots on his way to the party’s 2016 nomination. Rivals Trump has vanquished — including Sens. Ted Cruz of Texas and Marco Rubio of Florida, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis — put aside their past criticisms and gave him their unqualified support.Even his vice presidential pick, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, Trump’s choice to carry his movement into the next generation,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-rubio-vance-burgum-scott-stefanik-vp-11ec39b0da11152ad110ff987d4eaeee">was once a fierce critic</a>&nbsp;who suggested in a private message since made public that Trump could be “America’s Hitler.”Security was a major focus in Milwaukee in the wake of Trump’s near-assassination. But after nearly four full days, there were no serious incidents inside the convention hall or the large security perimeter that surrounded it.The Secret Service, backed by hundreds of law enforcement officers from across the nation, had a large and visible presence. And during Trump’s appearances each night, he was surrounded by a wall of protective agents wherever he went.Meanwhile, Trump and his campaign have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-shooting-transparency-db2f4437237ad03d3b04b0b5f1573977">not released information</a>&nbsp;about his injury or the treatment he received. The former president on Thursday described his story of surviving the attack — and vowed he would not talk about it again.“I’m not supposed to be here tonight,” Trump told the packed convention hall. The crowd of thousands, which was listening in silence, shouted back, “Yes, you are.”

🎥Trump urges unity after assassination attempt during RNC finale

KANSAS CITY— A Mexican national residing in Kansas City was indicted by a federal grand jury this week after law enforcement officers seized more than 54 kilograms of methamphetamine and a large amount of fentanyl from his residence, according to the United State's Attorney.

Jose Feliciano Cordova Rodriguez, 36, was charged in a three-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City.&nbsp; The indictment replaces a federal criminal complaint that was filed against Rodriguez on June 24, 2024, and includes additional charges.

The indictment alleges that Cordova Rodriguez participated in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine from Jan. 1 to June 22, 2024. The indictment also charges Cordova Rodriguez with one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and one count of possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute.

According to an affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, law enforcement officers searched Cordova Rodriguez’s residence on June 22, 2024, after surveillance indicated he was involved in a large drug shipment. Officers found five brown boxes that each contained 10 bundles with a total of 54.6 kilograms of methamphetamine. Officers also found a heat-sealed bag in a hole in the wall in the basement that contained 431.1 grams of fentanyl. Officers also found $12,800 in cash in the basement.

The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Q. McCarther. It was investigated by the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

KANSAS CITY— A Mexican national residing in Kansas City was indicted by a federal grand jury this week after law enforcement officers seized more than 54 kilograms of methamphetamine and a large amount of fentanyl from his residence, according to the United State's Attorney.Jose Feliciano Cordova Rodriguez, 36, was charged in a three-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City.&nbsp; The indictment replaces a federal criminal complaint that was filed against Rodriguez on June 24, 2024, and includes additional charges.The indictment alleges that Cordova Rodriguez participated in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine from Jan. 1 to June 22, 2024. The indictment also charges Cordova Rodriguez with one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and one count of possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute.According to an affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, law enforcement officers searched Cordova Rodriguez’s residence on June 22, 2024, after surveillance indicated he was involved in a large drug shipment. Officers found five brown boxes that each contained 10 bundles with a total of 54.6 kilograms of methamphetamine. Officers also found a heat-sealed bag in a hole in the wall in the basement that contained 431.1 grams of fentanyl. Officers also found $12,800 in cash in the basement.The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Q. McCarther. It was investigated by the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Officers in KC seize fentanyl, meth from home of Mexican national 

FREEPORT, Pa. (AP) — Thousands of mourners filed into a Pennsylvania banquet hall Thursday to remember the former fire chief who was fatally shot during the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, who sent a note of condolence hailing him as a hero.

The crowd paying their respects to Corey Comperatore and his family appeared to be a mix of friends, neighbors and strangers who wanted to show their appreciation for the man who officials said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-rally-victim-fire-chief-11e1aa65e6e45584f49577686d38766e">spent his final moments</a>&nbsp;shielding his wife and daughter from gunfire at the campaign rally.

Fire trucks and police vehicles filled the parking lot outside the building. Sharpshooters were positioned on top of the event hall and on nearby buildings as dozens of people waited in line to enter. Among the mourners were firefighters in dress uniforms.

Comperatore, 50, worked as a project and tooling engineer, was an Army reservist and spent many years as a volunteer firefighter after serving as chief, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.redmondfuneralhomeinc.com/obituary/Corey-Comperatore">his obituary</a>.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-rally-assassination-attempt-db24c5bfbbe7d09fa2437c3c836bb434">Trump suffered an ear injury</a>&nbsp;but was not seriously hurt and has been participating this week in the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.

Mourners filled Laube Hall, a space with white brick walls, white linens, white curtains and exposed wooden beams that’s normally used for weddings and other celebratory occasions.

Guests walked past a large framed photo of Comperatore holding a fish, while a slideshow of photos from his life was projected on a screen — his wedding, a recent 50th birthday party, time with his daughters, firefighting, fishing on a lake and palling around with his beloved Dobermans.

The gathering included firefighters from other nearby communities and people involved in local and state Republican politics.

Rich Tallis, a Penn Hills volunteer firefighter who attended the visitation, did not know Comperatore personally but felt a need to honor his memory.

“Any first responder, it’s a brotherhood – police, EMS fire, military. We’re technically all one,” he said. “When one goes, we all go.”

Tables inside the hall were lined with flowers — some sent by fire departments in New York and West Virginia, an auto racing circuit and the mayor of a nearby community. Others came from people in faraway places such as Connecticut and Florida who knew of Comperatore only because of his death.

The messages on the cards accompanying the arrangements praised his selflessness and dedication to his family. One said his name would be “written in the history books.”

Several hundred people were inside the space at any given time, and the overall attendance was sure to climb into the thousands. Mourners took turns pausing in front of Comperatore’s open casket, which was adorned with flower arrangements and ribbons with words such as “dad” and “husband.”

In a corner was a framed copy of a note to Comperatore’s wife signed by Trump and former first lady Melania Trump. "Corey will forever be remembered as a True American Hero,” they wrote.

A box truck parked on a route to the banquet hall displayed video screens showing slides, including a photograph of Trump raising his fist after Saturday's shooting. It had the slogan “never surrender” and a message expressing prayers for Trump and Comperatore.

The visitation, which was broken into a pair of two-hour blocks, was the second of two public events memorializing and celebrating Comperatore’s life. Hundreds of people gathered Wednesday at a vigil for him at an auto racing track.

A private funeral is scheduled for Friday.

A statement issued Thursday by Comperatore's family described him as a “beloved father and husband, and a friend to so many throughout the Butler region.”

"Our family is finding comfort and peace through the heartfelt messages of encouragement from people around the world, through the support of our church and community, and most of all through the strength of God," the statement said.

Dan Ritter, who gave a eulogy at Wednesday's vigil, said he bought Comperatore’s childhood home in 1993, sparking a friendship that grew with their shared values of family, Christian faith and politics.

“Corey loved his family and was always spending time with them,” Ritter said. “This past Saturday was supposed to be one of those days for him. He did what a good father would do. He protected those he loved. He’s a true hero for us all.”

Comperatore’s pastor, Jonathan Fehl of Cabot Methodist Church in Cabot, said the family “has been humbled by the way this community has rallied around them” and by the support they have received from people around the world.

The vigil concluded with people in the crowd lighting candles and raising cellphones, glow sticks and lighters as Comperatore’s favorite song — “I Can Only Imagine,” by Christian rock band MercyMe — played while pictures of him and his family were shown on a screen.

Two other people were wounded at the rally: David Dutch, 57, of New Kensington, and James Copenhaver, 74, of Moon Township. As of Wednesday night, both had been upgraded to serious but stable condition, according to a spokesperson with Allegheny Health Network.

Joseph Feldman, an attorney for Copenhaver, said Wednesday that he had spoken with his client by phone.

“He seems to be in good spirits, but he also understands the gravity of the situation,” Feldman said. "And he’s deeply saddened about what has occurred, and he’s deeply sympathetic” to the other victims and their families.

Feldman said Copenhaver suffered “life-altering injuries,” declining to go into detail. He said Copenhaver’s priority is to “keep up with the medical treatment he’s receiving and hopefully be released at some point.”

In a statement, Dutch's family thanked the “greater western Pennsylvania community and countless others across the country and world” for the incredible outpouring of prayers and well wishes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720987221196.png" alt="Comperatore photo GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>Comperatore photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>FREEPORT, Pa. (AP) — Thousands of mourners filed into a Pennsylvania banquet hall Thursday to remember the former fire chief who was fatally shot during the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, who sent a note of condolence hailing him as a hero.The crowd paying their respects to Corey Comperatore and his family appeared to be a mix of friends, neighbors and strangers who wanted to show their appreciation for the man who officials said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-rally-victim-fire-chief-11e1aa65e6e45584f49577686d38766e">spent his final moments</a>&nbsp;shielding his wife and daughter from gunfire at the campaign rally.Fire trucks and police vehicles filled the parking lot outside the building. Sharpshooters were positioned on top of the event hall and on nearby buildings as dozens of people waited in line to enter. Among the mourners were firefighters in dress uniforms.Comperatore, 50, worked as a project and tooling engineer, was an Army reservist and spent many years as a volunteer firefighter after serving as chief, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.redmondfuneralhomeinc.com/obituary/Corey-Comperatore">his obituary</a>.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-rally-assassination-attempt-db24c5bfbbe7d09fa2437c3c836bb434">Trump suffered an ear injury</a>&nbsp;but was not seriously hurt and has been participating this week in the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.Mourners filled Laube Hall, a space with white brick walls, white linens, white curtains and exposed wooden beams that’s normally used for weddings and other celebratory occasions.Guests walked past a large framed photo of Comperatore holding a fish, while a slideshow of photos from his life was projected on a screen — his wedding, a recent 50th birthday party, time with his daughters, firefighting, fishing on a lake and palling around with his beloved Dobermans.The gathering included firefighters from other nearby communities and people involved in local and state Republican politics.Rich Tallis, a Penn Hills volunteer firefighter who attended the visitation, did not know Comperatore personally but felt a need to honor his memory.“Any first responder, it’s a brotherhood – police, EMS fire, military. We’re technically all one,” he said. “When one goes, we all go.”Tables inside the hall were lined with flowers — some sent by fire departments in New York and West Virginia, an auto racing circuit and the mayor of a nearby community. Others came from people in faraway places such as Connecticut and Florida who knew of Comperatore only because of his death.The messages on the cards accompanying the arrangements praised his selflessness and dedication to his family. One said his name would be “written in the history books.”Several hundred people were inside the space at any given time, and the overall attendance was sure to climb into the thousands. Mourners took turns pausing in front of Comperatore’s open casket, which was adorned with flower arrangements and ribbons with words such as “dad” and “husband.”In a corner was a framed copy of a note to Comperatore’s wife signed by Trump and former first lady Melania Trump. "Corey will forever be remembered as a True American Hero,” they wrote.A box truck parked on a route to the banquet hall displayed video screens showing slides, including a photograph of Trump raising his fist after Saturday's shooting. It had the slogan “never surrender” and a message expressing prayers for Trump and Comperatore.The visitation, which was broken into a pair of two-hour blocks, was the second of two public events memorializing and celebrating Comperatore’s life. Hundreds of people gathered Wednesday at a vigil for him at an auto racing track.A private funeral is scheduled for Friday.A statement issued Thursday by Comperatore's family described him as a “beloved father and husband, and a friend to so many throughout the Butler region.”"Our family is finding comfort and peace through the heartfelt messages of encouragement from people around the world, through the support of our church and community, and most of all through the strength of God," the statement said.Dan Ritter, who gave a eulogy at Wednesday's vigil, said he bought Comperatore’s childhood home in 1993, sparking a friendship that grew with their shared values of family, Christian faith and politics.“Corey loved his family and was always spending time with them,” Ritter said. “This past Saturday was supposed to be one of those days for him. He did what a good father would do. He protected those he loved. He’s a true hero for us all.”Comperatore’s pastor, Jonathan Fehl of Cabot Methodist Church in Cabot, said the family “has been humbled by the way this community has rallied around them” and by the support they have received from people around the world.The vigil concluded with people in the crowd lighting candles and raising cellphones, glow sticks and lighters as Comperatore’s favorite song — “I Can Only Imagine,” by Christian rock band MercyMe — played while pictures of him and his family were shown on a screen.Two other people were wounded at the rally: David Dutch, 57, of New Kensington, and James Copenhaver, 74, of Moon Township. As of Wednesday night, both had been upgraded to serious but stable condition, according to a spokesperson with Allegheny Health Network.Joseph Feldman, an attorney for Copenhaver, said Wednesday that he had spoken with his client by phone.“He seems to be in good spirits, but he also understands the gravity of the situation,” Feldman said. "And he’s deeply saddened about what has occurred, and he’s deeply sympathetic” to the other victims and their families.Feldman said Copenhaver suffered “life-altering injuries,” declining to go into detail. He said Copenhaver’s priority is to “keep up with the medical treatment he’s receiving and hopefully be released at some point.”In a statement, Dutch's family thanked the “greater western Pennsylvania community and countless others across the country and world” for the incredible outpouring of prayers and well wishes.___

Thousands gather to celebrate life of man killed at Trump rally

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT&nbsp;Hays Post

Law enforcement across the country will be on the lookout for a man from Mexico who skipped out on a sentencing hearing in a sex crimes case this week in Ellis County.

Fabiel Perez Zavala, 30, was scheduled for sentencing Thursday afternoon in Ellis County District Court but failed to show up.

He also failed to show up to a Zoom hearing on Wednesday.

Zavala pleaded no contest via Zoom on March 6 to two counts of aggravated sexual battery.

As a result of the plea agreement, the Ellis County Attorney’s office agreed to drop one count rape, two counts of aggravated criminal sodomy and one count of unlawfully hosting minors consuming alcohol charges against Zavala.

According to court documents, Zavala was arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting two women who were incapable of giving consent on May 7, 2022, in Ellis County.

Under Kansas sentencing guidelines, with Zavala’s criminal history, he is facing between 67 and 72 months in prison.

Zavala also failed to attend a psychosexual exam in Wichita in June, and as a result, a prior sentencing hearing was postponed.

Zavala’s defense attorney had scheduled the exam to use in support of a motion to have his sentence reduced to probation instead of prison time.

His attorney said Zavala had been good about staying in touch with her until recent months.

As the result of his absence District Judge Tom Drees ordered a bench warrant for Zavala’s arrest. It is a nation-wide warrant extraditable back to Ellis County.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721342930715.png" alt="Zavala photo Ellis Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>Zavala photo Ellis Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT&nbsp;Hays PostLaw enforcement across the country will be on the lookout for a man from Mexico who skipped out on a sentencing hearing in a sex crimes case this week in Ellis County.Fabiel Perez Zavala, 30, was scheduled for sentencing Thursday afternoon in Ellis County District Court but failed to show up.He also failed to show up to a Zoom hearing on Wednesday.Zavala pleaded no contest via Zoom on March 6 to two counts of aggravated sexual battery.As a result of the plea agreement, the Ellis County Attorney’s office agreed to drop one count rape, two counts of aggravated criminal sodomy and one count of unlawfully hosting minors consuming alcohol charges against Zavala.According to court documents, Zavala was arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting two women who were incapable of giving consent on May 7, 2022, in Ellis County.Under Kansas sentencing guidelines, with Zavala’s criminal history, he is facing between 67 and 72 months in prison.Zavala also failed to attend a psychosexual exam in Wichita in June, and as a result, a prior sentencing hearing was postponed.Zavala’s defense attorney had scheduled the exam to use in support of a motion to have his sentence reduced to probation instead of prison time.His attorney said Zavala had been good about staying in touch with her until recent months.As the result of his absence District Judge Tom Drees ordered a bench warrant for Zavala’s arrest. It is a nation-wide warrant extraditable back to Ellis County.

Warrant issued: Sex offender skipped sentencing in Kansas

NEW YORK (AP) — Lou Dobbs, the conservative political pundit and TV host who was a nightly presence on Fox Business Network for more than a decade, has died. He was 78.

His death was announced Thursday in a post on his official X account, which called him a “fighter till the very end – fighting for what mattered to him the most, God, his family and the country.”

“Lou’s legacy will forever live on as a patriot and a great American. We ask for your prayers for Lou’s wonderful wife Debi, children and grandchildren,” the post said.

He hosted “Lou Dobbs Tonight” on FOX Business from 2011 to 2021, following two separate stints at CNN.

Fox News Media said in a statement that the network was saddened by Dobbs’ passing.

“An incredible business mind with a gift for broadcasting, Lou helped pioneer cable news into a successful and influential industry,” the statement said. “We are immensely grateful for his many contributions and send our heartfelt condolences to his family.”

Dobbs was named in a lawsuit against Fox News by Dominion Voting systems over lies told on the network about the 2020 presidential election. A mediator in 2023 pushed the two sides toward a $787 million settlement, averting a trial. A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/united-states-government-news-media-donald-trump-fraud-b52914ec21a97dec8b5d878a908d566f">mountain of evidence</a>&nbsp;— some damning, some merely embarrassing — showed many Fox executives and on-air talent didn’t believe allegations aired mostly on shows hosted by Dobbs, Maria Bartiromo and Jeanine Pirro. At the time,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-television-donald-trump-business-1a4337a89c8abd952a814c60fa269b3c">they feared angering Trump fans</a>&nbsp;in the audience with the truth.

When he joined Fox Business, he said he considered himself the underdog. A few years later his show was highly rated and he was a key figure on the right-leaning network.

“We’ll focus on the American people, their standard of living ... the American nation,” he said about his show in 2011. “Those are always my starting points.”

Dobbs’ Fox show was titled “Lou Dobbs Tonight,” the same as the one he left in 2009 after an awkward last few years at CNN. Once the most visible television business journalist with his “Moneyline” show in the 1990s, Dobbs made CNN management uneasy as he grew more opinionated and drew angry protests from Latinos for his emphasis on curbing illegal immigration.

Dobbs dove into the complex public policy and economic issues that drive society.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721338593178.png" alt="Lou Dobbs&nbsp; courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Lou Dobbs&nbsp; courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Lou Dobbs, the conservative political pundit and TV host who was a nightly presence on Fox Business Network for more than a decade, has died. He was 78.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/0Lr29t1twO">pic.twitter.com/0Lr29t1twO</a>&mdash; Lou Dobbs (@LouDobbs) <a href="https://twitter.com/LouDobbs/status/1814037403465625995?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 18, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>His death was announced Thursday in a post on his official X account, which called him a “fighter till the very end – fighting for what mattered to him the most, God, his family and the country.”“Lou’s legacy will forever live on as a patriot and a great American. We ask for your prayers for Lou’s wonderful wife Debi, children and grandchildren,” the post said.He hosted “Lou Dobbs Tonight” on FOX Business from 2011 to 2021, following two separate stints at CNN.Fox News Media said in a statement that the network was saddened by Dobbs’ passing.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721338795111.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“An incredible business mind with a gift for broadcasting, Lou helped pioneer cable news into a successful and influential industry,” the statement said. “We are immensely grateful for his many contributions and send our heartfelt condolences to his family.”Dobbs was named in a lawsuit against Fox News by Dominion Voting systems over lies told on the network about the 2020 presidential election. A mediator in 2023 pushed the two sides toward a $787 million settlement, averting a trial. A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/united-states-government-news-media-donald-trump-fraud-b52914ec21a97dec8b5d878a908d566f">mountain of evidence</a>&nbsp;— some damning, some merely embarrassing — showed many Fox executives and on-air talent didn’t believe allegations aired mostly on shows hosted by Dobbs, Maria Bartiromo and Jeanine Pirro. At the time,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-television-donald-trump-business-1a4337a89c8abd952a814c60fa269b3c">they feared angering Trump fans</a>&nbsp;in the audience with the truth.When he joined Fox Business, he said he considered himself the underdog. A few years later his show was highly rated and he was a key figure on the right-leaning network.“We’ll focus on the American people, their standard of living ... the American nation,” he said about his show in 2011. “Those are always my starting points.”Dobbs’ Fox show was titled “Lou Dobbs Tonight,” the same as the one he left in 2009 after an awkward last few years at CNN. Once the most visible television business journalist with his “Moneyline” show in the 1990s, Dobbs made CNN management uneasy as he grew more opinionated and drew angry protests from Latinos for his emphasis on curbing illegal immigration.Dobbs dove into the complex public policy and economic issues that drive society.Dobbs said he always wanted to be straight with his viewers about his own views on issues.“My audience has always expected me to tell them where I’m coming from, and I don’t see any reason to disappoint them,” he said in 2011.