KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating a deadly crash involving a stolen vehicle that occurred just after 5p.m. August 13 in Kansas City have identified the victims.

A Kia Soul driven by&nbsp;16-year-old Donelle Morris of Kansas City was eastbound on 35th Street at a high rate of speed, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina. The Kia came upon an eastbound Chevy Tahoe. As the Chevy Tahoe approached Norton Street, the driver slowed to make the left turn to go North on Norton, according to Becchina.

The driver of the Kia had pulled over into the westbound lanes to pass the Chevy Tahoe just as the Chevy Tahoe was starting his turn. The vehicles collided in the westbound lanes of travel. The Chevy Tahoe was spun around and south on Norton.

The driver was transported to an area hospital, with non-life-threatening injuries. The Kia Soul crashed into a large wooden utility pole and then flipped onto the roof.

The Kia Soul had eight occupants in the vehicle. Morris was pronounced dead at the scene. The front seat passenger identified as 37-year-old Reginald K Smith of Kansas City, Missouri, was pronounced dead at the scene. 

EMS transported the second left front passenger&nbsp;identified as 32-year-old Myesha S. Gentry of Kansas City, Missouri,&nbsp;to an area hospital, where she was pronounced dead shortly after arriving, according to Becchina.

A 20-year-old man was sitting in the second right passenger seat, with a 4-year-old child sitting on his lap. In the middle second row seat was a 6-year-old child. In the rear cargo area were a 12-year-old and 13-year-old, not in any type of seat.&nbsp; All were transported to area hospitals with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

Prior to the crash, an officer had stopped the Kia at 31st and Cleveland, for a traffic violation.

The Kia driver pulled over, but after the officer exited his vehicle, the Kia driver took off at a high rate of speed. The officer did not follow. The Kia responded back as a stolen auto, taken August 2nd.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This were the 57th, 58th and 59th traffic fatalities in Kansas City, Missouri in 2024 total compared to 56 at this time last year, according to Becchina.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723594321991.png" alt="Photo courtesy KMBC" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KMBC</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating a deadly crash involving a stolen vehicle that occurred just after 5p.m. August 13 in Kansas City have identified the victims.A Kia Soul driven by&nbsp;16-year-old Donelle Morris of Kansas City was eastbound on 35th Street at a high rate of speed, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina. The Kia came upon an eastbound Chevy Tahoe. As the Chevy Tahoe approached Norton Street, the driver slowed to make the left turn to go North on Norton, according to Becchina.The driver of the Kia had pulled over into the westbound lanes to pass the Chevy Tahoe just as the Chevy Tahoe was starting his turn. The vehicles collided in the westbound lanes of travel. The Chevy Tahoe was spun around and south on Norton.The driver was transported to an area hospital, with non-life-threatening injuries. The Kia Soul crashed into a large wooden utility pole and then flipped onto the roof.The Kia Soul had eight occupants in the vehicle. Morris was pronounced dead at the scene. The front seat passenger identified as 37-year-old Reginald K Smith of Kansas City, Missouri, was pronounced dead at the scene. EMS transported the second left front passenger&nbsp;identified as 32-year-old Myesha S. Gentry of Kansas City, Missouri,&nbsp;to an area hospital, where she was pronounced dead shortly after arriving, according to Becchina.A 20-year-old man was sitting in the second right passenger seat, with a 4-year-old child sitting on his lap. In the middle second row seat was a 6-year-old child. In the rear cargo area were a 12-year-old and 13-year-old, not in any type of seat.&nbsp; All were transported to area hospitals with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.Prior to the crash, an officer had stopped the Kia at 31st and Cleveland, for a traffic violation.The Kia driver pulled over, but after the officer exited his vehicle, the Kia driver took off at a high rate of speed. The officer did not follow. The Kia responded back as a stolen auto, taken August 2nd.&nbsp;&nbsp;This were the 57th, 58th and 59th traffic fatalities in Kansas City, Missouri in 2024 total compared to 56 at this time last year, according to Becchina.

KCPD IDs 3 victims after crash in stolen car that injured 4 children

JOHNSON COUNTY —A former Kansas middle school teacher has reached a plea agreement for child sex crimes.

On August 14, Keil Hileman, 55, pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted unlawful sexual relations, according to the Johnson County District Attorney's office.

As part of the plea agreement, the State of Kansas will dismiss&nbsp; four additional sex crime charges against him, according to court documents.

In October of 2022, the Johnson County District Attorney’s office charged Hileman, at the time a Monticello Trails Middle School, USD 232 DeSoto teacher, alleging criminal conduct involving his role as an educator," the district said in the letter to families.

In 2004, Hileman was named Kansas Teacher of the Year and was a finalists for the National Teacher of the Year. He is scheduled for sentencing in November, according to the district attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723922874998.png" alt="Hileman-photo Johnson Co." />
 <figcaption>Hileman-photo Johnson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —A former Kansas middle school teacher has reached a plea agreement for child sex crimes.On August 14, Keil Hileman, 55, pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted unlawful sexual relations, according to the Johnson County District Attorney's office.As part of the plea agreement, the State of Kansas will dismiss&nbsp; four additional sex crime charges against him, according to court documents.In October of 2022, the Johnson County District Attorney’s office charged Hileman, at the time a Monticello Trails Middle School, USD 232 DeSoto teacher, alleging criminal conduct involving his role as an educator," the district said in the letter to families.In 2004, Hileman was named Kansas Teacher of the Year and was a finalists for the National Teacher of the Year. He is scheduled for sentencing in November, according to the district attorney's office.

Plea deal: Kan. middle school teacher accused of child sex crimes

SHERIDAN COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 10:30a.m. Monday in Sheridan County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Mazda passenger vehicle driven by Jacob E. Taggart, 30,&nbsp;Indianapolis, Indiana, was northbound on Kansas 23 twelve miles north of Interstate 70.

The Mazada traveled left of center and collided with a southbound 2012 Freightliner semi driven by Abel&nbsp;Sotelo, 58, Garden City, at the crest of a hill. After impact the Mazda came to rest in the east ditch.

Taggart was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Micky Lepold Funeral Home.&nbsp; Sotelo was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kansas 23 Highway between Hoxie and Interstate 70 was temporarily closed due to the crash.

SHERIDAN COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 10:30a.m. Monday in Sheridan County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Mazda passenger vehicle driven by Jacob E. Taggart, 30,&nbsp;Indianapolis, Indiana, was northbound on Kansas 23 twelve miles north of Interstate 70.The Mazada traveled left of center and collided with a southbound 2012 Freightliner semi driven by Abel&nbsp;Sotelo, 58, Garden City, at the crest of a hill. After impact the Mazda came to rest in the east ditch.Taggart was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Micky Lepold Funeral Home.&nbsp; Sotelo was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kansas 23 Highway between Hoxie and Interstate 70 was temporarily closed due to the crash.

Man dies after crash with a semi on Kansas highway

KANSAS CITY – An Akron, Ohio, man was sentenced in federal court last week for transporting more than 27 kilograms of methamphetamine through Kansas City, Mo., aboard a bus, according to the United State's Atorney.

Rogeric Romone Clark, 40, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to 12 years in federal prison without parole.

On April 11, 2024, Clark pleaded guilty to one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.

Members of the Missouri Western Interdiction and Narcotics Task Force (MoWIN) were conducting interdiction activities at a Kansas City, Mo., bus station on, Dec. 5, 2023. As passengers disembarked from a bus that originated in Los Angeles, California, officers used a police drug-sniffing dog, which alerted to a suitcase later identified as belonging to Clark. Investigators later identified another suitcase that belonged to Clark.

A detective contacted Clark, who confirmed a suitcase belonged to him and gave officers consent to open it. As the detective opened the suitcase, Clark fled on foot through the rear parking area. Clark fell during the chase and was taken into custody.

Officers searched both of the suitcases and found 30 one-pound bundles in each suitcase that contained a total of 27.2 kilograms of methamphetamine.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724015491937.png" alt="Photo U.S. Department of Justice" />
 <figcaption>Photo U.S. Department of Justice</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY – An Akron, Ohio, man was sentenced in federal court last week for transporting more than 27 kilograms of methamphetamine through Kansas City, Mo., aboard a bus, according to the United State's Atorney.Rogeric Romone Clark, 40, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to 12 years in federal prison without parole.On April 11, 2024, Clark pleaded guilty to one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.Members of the Missouri Western Interdiction and Narcotics Task Force (MoWIN) were conducting interdiction activities at a Kansas City, Mo., bus station on, Dec. 5, 2023. As passengers disembarked from a bus that originated in Los Angeles, California, officers used a police drug-sniffing dog, which alerted to a suitcase later identified as belonging to Clark. Investigators later identified another suitcase that belonged to Clark.A detective contacted Clark, who confirmed a suitcase belonged to him and gave officers consent to open it. As the detective opened the suitcase, Clark fled on foot through the rear parking area. Clark fell during the chase and was taken into custody.Officers searched both of the suitcases and found 30 one-pound bundles in each suitcase that contained a total of 27.2 kilograms of methamphetamine.

Man caught with 27 kilos of meth in suitcases at KC bus station

KANSAS&nbsp; CITY– The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) is advising recent resort guests of a potential health concern for individuals that may have been in contact with a water source within the Roaring River Lodge and RV Park in Cassville, Mo. The hotel is located at 23359 State Highway 112 in Cassville, according to a media release.

DHSS has determined that three unassociated individuals who stayed at the Cassville resort in July of this year were diagnosed with Legionnaires' disease within 14 days after their stay. People can get Legionnaires' disease, a serious type of pneumonia, by breathing in small water droplets containing Legionella bacteria. In general, people do not spread Legionnaires' disease to other people.

DHSS conducted a facility assessment and collected samples. Preliminary environmental sample results indicate the presence of Legionella bacteria in the water system, with confirmed results being available later this week. The investigation is still ongoing and DHSS is actively working with the Roaring River Lodge to make improvements to the facility’s water system that will kill off Legionella in the system.&nbsp;

The resort has indicated they will begin notifying all recent guests who stayed in the hotel portion of the facility.&nbsp;

Most healthy people exposed to Legionella do not get sick. However, an individual’s risk may increase if they are 50 years or older, smoke cigarettes, or have certain medical conditions, such as a weakened immune system.

Symptoms usually begin 2 to 10 days after being exposed to the bacteria, but it can take longer so people should watch for symptoms for about 2 weeks after exposure. If you develop symptoms of pneumonia within two weeks of staying, working at or visiting the Roaring River Lodge and RV Park in Cassville, seek medical attention right away. Pneumonia symptoms typically include cough, shortness of breath, fever, muscle aches and headaches. Additional symptoms may be present, such as confusion, nausea or diarrhea. Ask your doctor to test you with both a urine test and a respiratory culture. If you test positive, ask your doctor to report your illness to your local or state health department as soon as possible after your diagnosis.

DHSS will continue to work with facility and take proactive measures to minimize future risks and develop a water management plan to ensure protection of the health of guests and employees. Additional information on Legionella is available from the CDC website.

KANSAS&nbsp; CITY– The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) is advising recent resort guests of a potential health concern for individuals that may have been in contact with a water source within the Roaring River Lodge and RV Park in Cassville, Mo. The hotel is located at 23359 State Highway 112 in Cassville, according to a media release.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724101035366.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DHSS has determined that three unassociated individuals who stayed at the Cassville resort in July of this year were diagnosed with Legionnaires' disease within 14 days after their stay. People can get Legionnaires' disease, a serious type of pneumonia, by breathing in small water droplets containing Legionella bacteria. In general, people do not spread Legionnaires' disease to other people.DHSS conducted a facility assessment and collected samples. Preliminary environmental sample results indicate the presence of Legionella bacteria in the water system, with confirmed results being available later this week. The investigation is still ongoing and DHSS is actively working with the Roaring River Lodge to make improvements to the facility’s water system that will kill off Legionella in the system.&nbsp;The resort has indicated they will begin notifying all recent guests who stayed in the hotel portion of the facility.&nbsp;Most healthy people exposed to Legionella do not get sick. However, an individual’s risk may increase if they are 50 years or older, smoke cigarettes, or have certain medical conditions, such as a weakened immune system.Symptoms usually begin 2 to 10 days after being exposed to the bacteria, but it can take longer so people should watch for symptoms for about 2 weeks after exposure. If you develop symptoms of pneumonia within two weeks of staying, working at or visiting the Roaring River Lodge and RV Park in Cassville, seek medical attention right away. Pneumonia symptoms typically include cough, shortness of breath, fever, muscle aches and headaches. Additional symptoms may be present, such as confusion, nausea or diarrhea. Ask your doctor to test you with both a urine test and a respiratory culture. If you test positive, ask your doctor to report your illness to your local or state health department as soon as possible after your diagnosis.DHSS will continue to work with facility and take proactive measures to minimize future risks and develop a water management plan to ensure protection of the health of guests and employees. Additional information on Legionella is available from the CDC website.

Attention travelers: 3 cases of Legionnaires' disease in Missouri

SHAWNEE COUNTY —One person was injured in a fire at a business in Topeka.

Just after 1 p.m. Monday, crews responded to a reported fire in a furnace used in the manufacturing process at Mainline Printing. 3500 SW Topeka Boulevard in Topeka, according to spokesperson Rosie Nichols. 

As they arrived, firefighters found smoke coming from the building. They quickly located and extinguished the fire.&nbsp; All occupants were able to evacuate.

One person was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.&nbsp;&nbsp;

It was determined the fire did not originate in the furnace, but in an exhaust fan in the roof. The total estimated loss associated with the incident is approximately $252,500, with $2,500 associated with structural loss and approximately $250,000 associated with content loss.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724100619867.png" alt="Photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —One person was injured in a fire at a business in Topeka.Just after 1 p.m. Monday, crews responded to a reported fire in a furnace used in the manufacturing process at Mainline Printing. 3500 SW Topeka Boulevard in Topeka, according to spokesperson Rosie Nichols. As they arrived, firefighters found smoke coming from the building. They quickly located and extinguished the fire.&nbsp; All occupants were able to evacuate.One person was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.&nbsp;&nbsp;It was determined the fire did not originate in the furnace, but in an exhaust fan in the roof. The total estimated loss associated with the incident is approximately $252,500, with $2,500 associated with structural loss and approximately $250,000 associated with content loss.

One hospitalized after $250,000 fire at Kan. printing business

SHAWNEE COUNTY –Law enforcement authorities investigating a jewelry store theft asked the public for help to identify a suspect.

Just before 2 p.m. Monday, the suspect involved in this incident, identified as Javier Hernandez, 31, of Topeka, turned himself in to the Shawnee County Law Enforcement Center. 

He was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on a requested charge of Theft; Shoplifting.

Just after 4:30 p.m., August 9,&nbsp; police responded to a reported theft at Kay Jeweler’s at West Ridge Mall, 1801 SW Wanamaker Road in Topeka, according to a media release.&nbsp;

 The alleged suspect, as shown in security camera images, left the area in a light blue Chevrolet Malibu with front end damage. He was last seen wearing a purple t-shirt, faded jeans, white shoes and silver chains around his neck. He has a tattoo on the top of his right wrist and on his upper left arm.&nbsp; On August 14, police asked the public for help to identify him.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723667208542.png" alt="Photos Topeka Police" />
 <figcaption>Photos Topeka Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY –Law enforcement authorities investigating a jewelry store theft asked the public for help to identify a suspect.Just before 2 p.m. Monday, the suspect involved in this incident, identified as Javier Hernandez, 31, of Topeka, turned himself in to the Shawnee County Law Enforcement Center. He was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on a requested charge of Theft; Shoplifting.Just after 4:30 p.m., August 9,&nbsp; police responded to a reported theft at Kay Jeweler’s at West Ridge Mall, 1801 SW Wanamaker Road in Topeka, according to a media release.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723667318611.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure> The alleged suspect, as shown in security camera images, left the area in a light blue Chevrolet Malibu with front end damage. He was last seen wearing a purple t-shirt, faded jeans, white shoes and silver chains around his neck. He has a tattoo on the top of his right wrist and on his upper left arm.&nbsp; On August 14, police asked the public for help to identify him.

Police: Suspect wanted for Kan. jewelry store theft turns himself in

CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. (AP) — George Santos, the former New York congressman who spun lies into a brief political career, pleaded guilty Monday to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, acknowledging that he allowed his ambitions to cloud his judgment.

Santos, 36, is likely to spend at least six years in prison and owes hundreds of thousands of dollars in restitution. His federal fraud case, which led to his expulsion from Congress, was just weeks away from going to trial.

“I betrayed the trust of my constituents and supporters. I deeply regret my conduct,” the New York Republican said, his voice trembling as he entered the plea in a Long Island courtroom.

Santos, 36, said he accepted responsibility for his crimes and intends to make amends. He faces more than six years in prison under federal sentencing guidelines and owes at least $370,000 in restitution.

Senior Federal Judge Joanna Seybert scheduled sentencing for Feb. 7.

Santos was indicted on felony charges that he stole from political donors, used campaign contributions to pay for personal expenses, lied to Congress about his wealth and collected unemployment benefits while actually working.

Santos was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/george-santos-expulsion-vote-ethics-investigation-fd0f1524065883c6b2fe3e6f9afd84db">expelled from the U.S. House</a>&nbsp;after an ethics investigation found “overwhelming evidence” that he had broken the law and exploited his public position for his own profit.

The case&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/george-santos-fraud-case-hearing-e28226562b4bd71327415ba8e4f65b50">has been set to go to trial</a>&nbsp;in early September. If that had happened, federal prosecutors said Monday that they were prepared to call some 40 witnesses, including members of Santos' campaign, employers and family members.

Santos was once touted as a rising political star after he flipped the suburban district that covers the affluent North Shore of Long Island and a slice of the New York City borough of Queens in 2022.

But his life story began unraveling even before he was sworn into office. At the time, reports emerged that he had lied about having a career at top Wall Street firms and a college degree along with other questions swirling about his biography.

New&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-district-of-columbia-congress-george-santos-campaign-finance-f58dc7242796327d81738559885e9078">questions then emerged</a>&nbsp;about his campaign funds.

He was first indicted on federal charges in May 2023, but refused to resign from office.

Santos had previously maintained his innocence, though he said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/george-santos-fraud-trial-plea-new-york-6ecf3896ae1de466bef442dc0409fc15">in an interview</a>&nbsp;in December that a plea deal with prosecutors was “not off the table.”

Asked if he was afraid of going to prison, he told CBS 2 at the time: “I think everybody should be afraid of going to jail, it’s not a pretty place and uh, I definitely want to work very hard to avoid that as best as possible.”

Separately Monday, in Manhattan federal court, Judge Denise Cote tossed out&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/george-santos-jimmy-kimmel-copyright-lawsuit-41e1c2951945e11c069a41f9ea62281d">a lawsuit in which Santos claimed</a>&nbsp;that late-night host&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jimmy-kimmel">Jimmy Kimmel</a>, ABC and Disney committed copyright infringement and unjustly enriched themselves at his expense by using videos he made&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/george-santos-cameo-video-7aa0cf8ed6303a1e18da0b7a108e341c">on the Cameo app</a>&nbsp;for a “Jimmy Kimmel Live” segment. The judge said it was clear that Kimmel used the clips, which were also posted to YouTube, for the purposes of criticism and commentary, which is fair use.

Santos had begun selling personalized videos on Cameo in December shortly after his ouster from Congress. He subsequently launched,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/george-santos-congress-campaign-a4c4cc2ea7cb52a13ec9f8dfc5ede86c">then quickly abandoned</a>, a longshot bid to return to Congress as an independent earlier this year.

In&nbsp;<a href="https://wabcradio.com/show/cindy-adams/">a radio interview</a>&nbsp;that aired Sunday, Santos said he has taken comfort in being a “somewhat private civilian” again.

“I really don’t miss the rubber chicken dinners and the rah-rah-rah parties and fundraisers," he said of his former life.

With his criminal trial looming, he had said in the WABC interview that he was “terrified.”

“This is not absolutely an easy process to go through. It really hurts and it really messes with your psychological health,” he told host Cindy Adams.

As the trial date neared in recent weeks, Santos&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/george-santos-fraud-case-charges-8f869a6afbd97be3bed20db0be523809">had sought</a>&nbsp;to have a partially anonymous jury, with his lawyers arguing in court papers that "the mere risk of public ridicule could influence the individual jurors ability to decide Santos’ case solely on the facts and law as presented in Court.”

He also wanted potential jurors to fill out a written questionnaire gauging their opinions of him. His lawyers argued the survey was needed because “for all intents and purposes, Santos has already been found guilty in the court of public opinion.”

Judge Joanna Seybert agreed to keep jurors’ identities public but said no to the questionnaire.

Prosecutors, meanwhile, had been seeking to admit as evidence some of the financial falsehoods Santos told during his campaign, including that he’d worked at Citigroup and Goldman Sachs and that he had operated a family-run firm with approximately $80 million in assets,

Two Santos campaign aides previously pleaded guilty to crimes related to the former congressman’s campaign.

His ex-treasurer, Nancy Marks,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/george-santos-nancy-marks-4d249e9d5e83fd25ed1a19a9e13d3246">pleaded guilty</a>&nbsp;in October to a fraud conspiracy charge, implicating Santos in an alleged scheme to embellish his campaign finance reports with a fake loan and fake donors. A lawyer for Marks said at the time his client would be willing to testify against Santos if asked.

Sam Miele, a former fundraiser for Santos,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/george-santos-campaign-fundraiser-guilty-plea-c89ec5a84d7965e82946b10c24312275">pleaded guilty a month later</a>&nbsp;to a federal wire fraud charge, admitting he impersonated a high-ranking congressional aide while raising money for Santos’ campaign.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701436899802.png" alt="Image from the day Santos left office -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Image from the day Santos left office -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. (AP) — George Santos, the former New York congressman who spun lies into a brief political career, pleaded guilty Monday to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, acknowledging that he allowed his ambitions to cloud his judgment.Santos, 36, is likely to spend at least six years in prison and owes hundreds of thousands of dollars in restitution. His federal fraud case, which led to his expulsion from Congress, was just weeks away from going to trial.“I betrayed the trust of my constituents and supporters. I deeply regret my conduct,” the New York Republican said, his voice trembling as he entered the plea in a Long Island courtroom.Santos, 36, said he accepted responsibility for his crimes and intends to make amends. He faces more than six years in prison under federal sentencing guidelines and owes at least $370,000 in restitution.Senior Federal Judge Joanna Seybert scheduled sentencing for Feb. 7.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701465529625.png" alt="On Dec. 1,&nbsp; the House voted on to expel Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/george-santos.">George Santos</a>&nbsp;of New York after a critical ethics report on his conduct that accused him of converting campaign donations for his own use. He was just the&nbsp;<a href="https://history.house.gov/Institution/Discipline/Expulsion-Censure-Reprimand/">sixth member</a>&nbsp;in the chamber's history to be ousted by colleagues.&nbsp; The sign on his office was immediately removed." />
 <figcaption>On Dec. 1,&nbsp; the House voted on to expel Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/george-santos.">George Santos</a>&nbsp;of New York after a critical ethics report on his conduct that accused him of converting campaign donations for his own use. He was just the&nbsp;<a href="https://history.house.gov/Institution/Discipline/Expulsion-Censure-Reprimand/">sixth member</a>&nbsp;in the chamber's history to be ousted by colleagues.&nbsp; The sign on his office was immediately removed.</figcaption>
 </figure>Santos was indicted on felony charges that he stole from political donors, used campaign contributions to pay for personal expenses, lied to Congress about his wealth and collected unemployment benefits while actually working.Santos was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/george-santos-expulsion-vote-ethics-investigation-fd0f1524065883c6b2fe3e6f9afd84db">expelled from the U.S. House</a>&nbsp;after an ethics investigation found “overwhelming evidence” that he had broken the law and exploited his public position for his own profit.The case&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/george-santos-fraud-case-hearing-e28226562b4bd71327415ba8e4f65b50">has been set to go to trial</a>&nbsp;in early September. If that had happened, federal prosecutors said Monday that they were prepared to call some 40 witnesses, including members of Santos' campaign, employers and family members.Santos was once touted as a rising political star after he flipped the suburban district that covers the affluent North Shore of Long Island and a slice of the New York City borough of Queens in 2022.But his life story began unraveling even before he was sworn into office. At the time, reports emerged that he had lied about having a career at top Wall Street firms and a college degree along with other questions swirling about his biography.New&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-district-of-columbia-congress-george-santos-campaign-finance-f58dc7242796327d81738559885e9078">questions then emerged</a>&nbsp;about his campaign funds.He was first indicted on federal charges in May 2023, but refused to resign from office.Santos had previously maintained his innocence, though he said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/george-santos-fraud-trial-plea-new-york-6ecf3896ae1de466bef442dc0409fc15">in an interview</a>&nbsp;in December that a plea deal with prosecutors was “not off the table.”Asked if he was afraid of going to prison, he told CBS 2 at the time: “I think everybody should be afraid of going to jail, it’s not a pretty place and uh, I definitely want to work very hard to avoid that as best as possible.”Separately Monday, in Manhattan federal court, Judge Denise Cote tossed out&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/george-santos-jimmy-kimmel-copyright-lawsuit-41e1c2951945e11c069a41f9ea62281d">a lawsuit in which Santos claimed</a>&nbsp;that late-night host&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jimmy-kimmel">Jimmy Kimmel</a>, ABC and Disney committed copyright infringement and unjustly enriched themselves at his expense by using videos he made&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/george-santos-cameo-video-7aa0cf8ed6303a1e18da0b7a108e341c">on the Cameo app</a>&nbsp;for a “Jimmy Kimmel Live” segment. The judge said it was clear that Kimmel used the clips, which were also posted to YouTube, for the purposes of criticism and commentary, which is fair use.Santos had begun selling personalized videos on Cameo in December shortly after his ouster from Congress. He subsequently launched,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/george-santos-congress-campaign-a4c4cc2ea7cb52a13ec9f8dfc5ede86c">then quickly abandoned</a>, a longshot bid to return to Congress as an independent earlier this year.In&nbsp;<a href="https://wabcradio.com/show/cindy-adams/">a radio interview</a>&nbsp;that aired Sunday, Santos said he has taken comfort in being a “somewhat private civilian” again.“I really don’t miss the rubber chicken dinners and the rah-rah-rah parties and fundraisers," he said of his former life.With his criminal trial looming, he had said in the WABC interview that he was “terrified.”“This is not absolutely an easy process to go through. It really hurts and it really messes with your psychological health,” he told host Cindy Adams.As the trial date neared in recent weeks, Santos&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/george-santos-fraud-case-charges-8f869a6afbd97be3bed20db0be523809">had sought</a>&nbsp;to have a partially anonymous jury, with his lawyers arguing in court papers that "the mere risk of public ridicule could influence the individual jurors ability to decide Santos’ case solely on the facts and law as presented in Court.”He also wanted potential jurors to fill out a written questionnaire gauging their opinions of him. His lawyers argued the survey was needed because “for all intents and purposes, Santos has already been found guilty in the court of public opinion.”Judge Joanna Seybert agreed to keep jurors’ identities public but said no to the questionnaire.Prosecutors, meanwhile, had been seeking to admit as evidence some of the financial falsehoods Santos told during his campaign, including that he’d worked at Citigroup and Goldman Sachs and that he had operated a family-run firm with approximately $80 million in assets,Two Santos campaign aides previously pleaded guilty to crimes related to the former congressman’s campaign.His ex-treasurer, Nancy Marks,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/george-santos-nancy-marks-4d249e9d5e83fd25ed1a19a9e13d3246">pleaded guilty</a>&nbsp;in October to a fraud conspiracy charge, implicating Santos in an alleged scheme to embellish his campaign finance reports with a fake loan and fake donors. A lawyer for Marks said at the time his client would be willing to testify against Santos if asked.Sam Miele, a former fundraiser for Santos,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/george-santos-campaign-fundraiser-guilty-plea-c89ec5a84d7965e82946b10c24312275">pleaded guilty a month later</a>&nbsp;to a federal wire fraud charge, admitting he impersonated a high-ranking congressional aide while raising money for Santos’ campaign.

Disgraced former Congressman offers apology, reaches plea deal

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Republicans have released their initial&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/impeachment">impeachment inquiry</a>&nbsp;report on President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>, alleging an abuse of power and obstruction of justice in the financial dealings of his son&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hunter-biden">Hunter Biden</a>&nbsp;and family associates.

<a href="https://justthenews.com/sites/default/files/2024-08/2024.08.19%20Report%20of%20the%20Impeachment%20Inquiry%20of%20Joseph%20R.%20Biden%20Jr.%20President%20of%20the%20United%20States.pdf">Click here to read the full</a> impeachment report

The nearly yearlong investigation by Republicans stops short of alleging any criminal wrongdoing by the president. Instead, the almost 300-page report out Monday, the opening day of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/democratic-national-convention">Democratic National Convention</a>, covers familiar ground, asserting the Biden family traded on its “brand” in business ventures in corrupt ways that rise to the Constitution’s high bar for impeachment.

With Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-drops-out-2024-election-ddffde72838370032bdcff946cfc2ce6">no longer running for reelection</a>, next steps are highly uncertain. House Republicans have not had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-impeachment-hunter-biden-comer-f09ba1ae3b7bda703a5a84530f56d70f">support from their own ranks</a>&nbsp;to actually impeach the president, and removal by the Senate is even further afield. Many Republicans prefer to focus attention on the Democratic Party’s presumptive presidential nominee Vice President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kamala-harris">Kamala Harris</a>, with some probes getting underway.

The White House has dismissed the House impeachment inquiry as a “stunt” and encouraged House Republicans to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-white-house-impeachment-congress-acc6ff096fdecee70e2729426d8bdd3d">“move on.”</a>

“The totality of the corrupt conduct uncovered by the Committees is egregious,” wrote the House Oversight and Accountability, Judiciary and Ways &amp; Means panels&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-kentucky-state-government-us-republican-party-united-states-house-of-representatives-d68267048aa4f42d244130e81d3e9c30">leading the inquiry</a>.

The report said the Constitution’s “remedy for a President’s flagrant abuse of office is clear: impeachment by the House of Representatives and removal by the Senate.”

Republicans have spent the better part of their time in the House majority with a hyper focus on Biden and his family’s businesses, encouraged by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;as the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-impeachment-vote-capitol-siege-0a6f2a348a6e43f27d5e1dc486027860">twice impeached</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-indictments-election-january-6-classified-documents-5cb04868bb1cdf91c19eafdb882af8c0">indicted former president</a>&nbsp;makes a comeback bid for the White House.

The impeachment inquiry has been a cornerstone of the House GOP's effort,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mccarthy-biden-impeachment-shutdown-house-republicans-b187202be8814f7acbdd6e2e937e23d4">launched</a>&nbsp;by former Speaker Kevin McCarthy shortly before he was booted from leadership and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-impeachment-inquiry-mike-johnson-94884b322da40ca9315ac5f4e73a3e86">formalized in December</a>&nbsp;under new Speaker Mike Johnson. Republicans are investigating many aspects of Biden family finances going back to 2009 when he was vice president to Barack Obama.

In a statement Monday, Johnson was non-committal on what the House will do with the findings. “We encourage all Americans to read this report,” he said.

Through bank records, interviews from some 30 witnesses, whistleblower accounts and millions of documents, House Republicans allege a years-long practice by Hunter Biden and his associates to solicit foreign business deals using the family’s proximity to power in Washington.

Much of the focus of the report is not on Biden's time as president, but on the years when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-impeachment-investigation-congress-testimony-republicans-3b5573341b260713c2a637df24edf5fc">the Biden family was in turmoil</a>&nbsp;after the 2015 death of his oldest son, Beau, and as the vice president was bowing out of elected office, declining to run for president in 2016.

Hunter Biden has acknowledged a serious addiction to crack in these years. He was convicted in June of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-gun-trial-family-first-lady-a385e245fb4a0f06ad6ee73d38fcd374">felony gun charges</a>&nbsp;and is set to stand trial next month on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-federal-tax-case-california-bb2e2eb41eb2cd30206a47c40ba6044e">federal tax charges</a>.

Former Hunter Biden associate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-congress-oversight-republicans-devon-archer-16bab963461fe48ee3baccc51e693c9c">Devon Archer</a>, who was sentenced to a year in prison in 2022 in another matter, told the committee, “At the end of the day, part of what was delivered is the brand."

To tie the elder Biden to his son’s actions, the Republicans rely on a series of phone calls and pop-by dinner meeting visits Joe Biden made while Hunter was conducting business. At times, Hunter would put his dad&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-congress-oversight-republicans-devon-archer-4b706443a04e0c40a80c65e24d7d69dc">on speakerphone</a>&nbsp;for his guests as the father and son exchanged pleasantries.

The Bidens are a famously tight-knit family and acknowledge they speak almost daily, including during this time, with the father checking on his son’s well-being.

In his own defiant closed-door deposition to House investigators, Hunter Biden insisted he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-congress-subpoena-impeachment-joe-biden-f91915376997b5327eb2e747816690b5">did not involve his father</a>&nbsp;in his business.

All told, the House Republicans allege the Biden family and its associates received some $27 million in business payments from partners or clients in Russia, China and other countries. They allege an additional $8 million in loans, including some from Hunter Biden benefactor Kevin Morris, a Hollywood attorney, and question the purchases of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-lifestyle-government-and-politics-arts-and-entertainment-9a91a8b87dadac7ef7f04743b41fdcbb">the son’s artwork</a>.

The report said it is “inconceivable” that President Biden did not understand what was going on.

“President Biden participated in a conspiracy to monetize his office of public trust to enrich his family,” the report claims.

Biden himself&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/president-joe-biden-james-comer-impeachment-congress-17a52c24f2da5927e0665657848a1231">declined a request</a>&nbsp;to testify before the House.

Touchbacks to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-ap-top-news-elections-international-news-politics-0756fda2b5143891c5da1c6897001cee">Trump’s impeachments</a>&nbsp;at the hands of Democrats run throughout the report’s pages as Republicans work to contrast his grounds for removal to Biden family’s dealings and “grift.”

But the difference are stark, as the indicted Trump faces actual criminal charges, including in the conspiracy to overturn Biden’s 2020 election and draw supporters to Washington on the day of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack.</a>

The report also accuses Biden of obstructing justice in the probe, revisiting previously aired complaints about the Justice Department’s handling of the investigation into Hunter Biden. Attorney General Merrick Garland has forcefully denied those accusations, defending the department against claims of political influence.

The report focuses heavily on what Republicans have long alleged was a pattern of “slow-walking” investigative steps and delaying enforcement actions to the benefit of the president’s son.

But the report provides no evidence that Biden had any involvement in his son’s investigation, which was launched under Trump’s presidency and has been led by a Delaware U.S. attorney appointed by Trump. The U.S. attorney, David Weiss, was kept on by Garland to insulate the probe from claims of political interference.

Garland has insisted that no one at the White House gave him or other senior officials at the Justice Department direction about the handling of the Hunter Biden investigation.

Beyond Hunter Biden, the report includes details of the involvement of Joe Biden’s brother, James, in the various family businesses.

Republicans have pointed to a series of payments that they claim show the president benefited from his brother’s work. They point to a $200,000 personal check from James Biden to Joe Biden on the same day in 2018 that James Biden received an equal amount from Americore, a healthcare company.

House Democrats have defended the transaction, pointing to bank records they say indicate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jim-biden-business-congress-impeachment-president-gop-7a64c5e577787308090f9503ec80adb0">James Biden</a>&nbsp;was repaying a loan provided by his brother, who had wire transferred $200,000 to him about six weeks earlier. The money changed hands while Joe Biden was a private citizen.

Short of impeaching Biden, the House Republicans have issued&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-impeachment-house-republicans-hunter-james-e310269a42abd4a28a7e105b43f9c05a">criminal referrals</a>&nbsp;recommending the Justice Department prosecute Hunter Biden and James Biden, accusing them of making false statements to Congress as part of the GOP investigation. Attorneys for those men have argued those claims are baseless or a distraction.

Until recently, the president had been a focal point for Republicans in Congress, but his decision last month to drop out of the presidential race and Harris’ ascent to the top of the ticket have forced GOP leaders to reevaluate their marquee investigation.

A year ago, GOP lawmakers had hoped the Biden inquiry would build a strong enough case for impeachment’s “high crimes and misdemeanors.” But the longer the inquiry dragged and the little direct evidence against Biden investigators were able to produce in public hearings or even in closed-door sessions, the more concerns grew from moderate Republicans wary of a vote on the matter.

The report released Monday makes more than 20 mentions of the “Biden-Harris administration,” while previous releases from the committees investigating Biden typically only made direct references to him.

And while Harris is not mentioned on her own in the report, the same committees leading the inquiry have begun to open new probes into her and her vice presidential pick, Tim Walz.

Associated Press writers Alanna Durkin Richer, Gary Fields, Fatima Hussein and Nicholas Riccardi contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724066875833.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — House Republicans have released their initial&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/impeachment">impeachment inquiry</a>&nbsp;report on President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>, alleging an abuse of power and obstruction of justice in the financial dealings of his son&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hunter-biden">Hunter Biden</a>&nbsp;and family associates.<a href="https://justthenews.com/sites/default/files/2024-08/2024.08.19%20Report%20of%20the%20Impeachment%20Inquiry%20of%20Joseph%20R.%20Biden%20Jr.%20President%20of%20the%20United%20States.pdf">Click here to read the full</a> impeachment reportThe nearly yearlong investigation by Republicans stops short of alleging any criminal wrongdoing by the president. Instead, the almost 300-page report out Monday, the opening day of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/democratic-national-convention">Democratic National Convention</a>, covers familiar ground, asserting the Biden family traded on its “brand” in business ventures in corrupt ways that rise to the Constitution’s high bar for impeachment.With Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-drops-out-2024-election-ddffde72838370032bdcff946cfc2ce6">no longer running for reelection</a>, next steps are highly uncertain. House Republicans have not had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-impeachment-hunter-biden-comer-f09ba1ae3b7bda703a5a84530f56d70f">support from their own ranks</a>&nbsp;to actually impeach the president, and removal by the Senate is even further afield. Many Republicans prefer to focus attention on the Democratic Party’s presumptive presidential nominee Vice President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kamala-harris">Kamala Harris</a>, with some probes getting underway.The White House has dismissed the House impeachment inquiry as a “stunt” and encouraged House Republicans to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-white-house-impeachment-congress-acc6ff096fdecee70e2729426d8bdd3d">“move on.”</a>“The totality of the corrupt conduct uncovered by the Committees is egregious,” wrote the House Oversight and Accountability, Judiciary and Ways &amp; Means panels&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-kentucky-state-government-us-republican-party-united-states-house-of-representatives-d68267048aa4f42d244130e81d3e9c30">leading the inquiry</a>.The report said the Constitution’s “remedy for a President’s flagrant abuse of office is clear: impeachment by the House of Representatives and removal by the Senate.”Republicans have spent the better part of their time in the House majority with a hyper focus on Biden and his family’s businesses, encouraged by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;as the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-impeachment-vote-capitol-siege-0a6f2a348a6e43f27d5e1dc486027860">twice impeached</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-indictments-election-january-6-classified-documents-5cb04868bb1cdf91c19eafdb882af8c0">indicted former president</a>&nbsp;makes a comeback bid for the White House.The impeachment inquiry has been a cornerstone of the House GOP's effort,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mccarthy-biden-impeachment-shutdown-house-republicans-b187202be8814f7acbdd6e2e937e23d4">launched</a>&nbsp;by former Speaker Kevin McCarthy shortly before he was booted from leadership and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-impeachment-inquiry-mike-johnson-94884b322da40ca9315ac5f4e73a3e86">formalized in December</a>&nbsp;under new Speaker Mike Johnson. Republicans are investigating many aspects of Biden family finances going back to 2009 when he was vice president to Barack Obama.In a statement Monday, Johnson was non-committal on what the House will do with the findings. “We encourage all Americans to read this report,” he said.Through bank records, interviews from some 30 witnesses, whistleblower accounts and millions of documents, House Republicans allege a years-long practice by Hunter Biden and his associates to solicit foreign business deals using the family’s proximity to power in Washington.Much of the focus of the report is not on Biden's time as president, but on the years when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-impeachment-investigation-congress-testimony-republicans-3b5573341b260713c2a637df24edf5fc">the Biden family was in turmoil</a>&nbsp;after the 2015 death of his oldest son, Beau, and as the vice president was bowing out of elected office, declining to run for president in 2016.Hunter Biden has acknowledged a serious addiction to crack in these years. He was convicted in June of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-gun-trial-family-first-lady-a385e245fb4a0f06ad6ee73d38fcd374">felony gun charges</a>&nbsp;and is set to stand trial next month on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-federal-tax-case-california-bb2e2eb41eb2cd30206a47c40ba6044e">federal tax charges</a>.Former Hunter Biden associate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-congress-oversight-republicans-devon-archer-16bab963461fe48ee3baccc51e693c9c">Devon Archer</a>, who was sentenced to a year in prison in 2022 in another matter, told the committee, “At the end of the day, part of what was delivered is the brand."To tie the elder Biden to his son’s actions, the Republicans rely on a series of phone calls and pop-by dinner meeting visits Joe Biden made while Hunter was conducting business. At times, Hunter would put his dad&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-congress-oversight-republicans-devon-archer-4b706443a04e0c40a80c65e24d7d69dc">on speakerphone</a>&nbsp;for his guests as the father and son exchanged pleasantries.The Bidens are a famously tight-knit family and acknowledge they speak almost daily, including during this time, with the father checking on his son’s well-being.In his own defiant closed-door deposition to House investigators, Hunter Biden insisted he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-congress-subpoena-impeachment-joe-biden-f91915376997b5327eb2e747816690b5">did not involve his father</a>&nbsp;in his business.All told, the House Republicans allege the Biden family and its associates received some $27 million in business payments from partners or clients in Russia, China and other countries. They allege an additional $8 million in loans, including some from Hunter Biden benefactor Kevin Morris, a Hollywood attorney, and question the purchases of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-lifestyle-government-and-politics-arts-and-entertainment-9a91a8b87dadac7ef7f04743b41fdcbb">the son’s artwork</a>.The report said it is “inconceivable” that President Biden did not understand what was going on.“President Biden participated in a conspiracy to monetize his office of public trust to enrich his family,” the report claims.Biden himself&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/president-joe-biden-james-comer-impeachment-congress-17a52c24f2da5927e0665657848a1231">declined a request</a>&nbsp;to testify before the House.Touchbacks to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-ap-top-news-elections-international-news-politics-0756fda2b5143891c5da1c6897001cee">Trump’s impeachments</a>&nbsp;at the hands of Democrats run throughout the report’s pages as Republicans work to contrast his grounds for removal to Biden family’s dealings and “grift.”But the difference are stark, as the indicted Trump faces actual criminal charges, including in the conspiracy to overturn Biden’s 2020 election and draw supporters to Washington on the day of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack.</a>The report also accuses Biden of obstructing justice in the probe, revisiting previously aired complaints about the Justice Department’s handling of the investigation into Hunter Biden. Attorney General Merrick Garland has forcefully denied those accusations, defending the department against claims of political influence.The report focuses heavily on what Republicans have long alleged was a pattern of “slow-walking” investigative steps and delaying enforcement actions to the benefit of the president’s son.But the report provides no evidence that Biden had any involvement in his son’s investigation, which was launched under Trump’s presidency and has been led by a Delaware U.S. attorney appointed by Trump. The U.S. attorney, David Weiss, was kept on by Garland to insulate the probe from claims of political interference.Garland has insisted that no one at the White House gave him or other senior officials at the Justice Department direction about the handling of the Hunter Biden investigation.Beyond Hunter Biden, the report includes details of the involvement of Joe Biden’s brother, James, in the various family businesses.Republicans have pointed to a series of payments that they claim show the president benefited from his brother’s work. They point to a $200,000 personal check from James Biden to Joe Biden on the same day in 2018 that James Biden received an equal amount from Americore, a healthcare company.House Democrats have defended the transaction, pointing to bank records they say indicate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jim-biden-business-congress-impeachment-president-gop-7a64c5e577787308090f9503ec80adb0">James Biden</a>&nbsp;was repaying a loan provided by his brother, who had wire transferred $200,000 to him about six weeks earlier. The money changed hands while Joe Biden was a private citizen.Short of impeaching Biden, the House Republicans have issued&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-impeachment-house-republicans-hunter-james-e310269a42abd4a28a7e105b43f9c05a">criminal referrals</a>&nbsp;recommending the Justice Department prosecute Hunter Biden and James Biden, accusing them of making false statements to Congress as part of the GOP investigation. Attorneys for those men have argued those claims are baseless or a distraction.Until recently, the president had been a focal point for Republicans in Congress, but his decision last month to drop out of the presidential race and Harris’ ascent to the top of the ticket have forced GOP leaders to reevaluate their marquee investigation.A year ago, GOP lawmakers had hoped the Biden inquiry would build a strong enough case for impeachment’s “high crimes and misdemeanors.” But the longer the inquiry dragged and the little direct evidence against Biden investigators were able to produce in public hearings or even in closed-door sessions, the more concerns grew from moderate Republicans wary of a vote on the matter.The report released Monday makes more than 20 mentions of the “Biden-Harris administration,” while previous releases from the committees investigating Biden typically only made direct references to him.And while Harris is not mentioned on her own in the report, the same committees leading the inquiry have begun to open new probes into her and her vice presidential pick, Tim Walz.___Associated Press writers Alanna Durkin Richer, Gary Fields, Fatima Hussein and Nicholas Riccardi contributed to this report.

Read the shocking House impeachment report on President Biden

ATCHINSON—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged violent crime that sent a victim to the hospital.

Just after 9:30a.m. August 16,&nbsp; police responded to a disturbance at a residence in the 1000 block Kansas Avenue in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

 A 59-year-old woman reported being pushed down a stairway by 37-year-old Bryan Harris causing injuries. EMS transported the victim to Amberwell Hospital for treatment of her injuries.

Police arrested Harris for aggravated battery and domestic battery. He remains in custody, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724081860741.png" alt="Harris photo Atchison County" />
 <figcaption>Harris photo Atchison County</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHINSON—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged violent crime that sent a victim to the hospital.Just after 9:30a.m. August 16,&nbsp; police responded to a disturbance at a residence in the 1000 block Kansas Avenue in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. A 59-year-old woman reported being pushed down a stairway by 37-year-old Bryan Harris causing injuries. EMS transported the victim to Amberwell Hospital for treatment of her injuries.Police arrested Harris for aggravated battery and domestic battery. He remains in custody, according to online jail records.

Kansas man accused of pushing woman down stairway

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a deadly hit-and-run crash in Sedgwick County.

Just after&nbsp;2 a.m. Sunday, police responded to a traffic crash involving a vehicle and a motorized bicycle at 2400 N. Hoover, according to Wichita. Police spokesman Andrew Ford.

First responders found the man who was riding the bicycle unresponsive. He was later pronounced deceased at the scene by Sedgwick County EMS. 

The victim was driving north on Hoover when he was struck by an unknown vehicle that then continued driving north.&nbsp; Police have not released the name of the victim or additional details.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a deadly hit-and-run crash in Sedgwick County.Just after&nbsp;2 a.m. Sunday, police responded to a traffic crash involving a vehicle and a motorized bicycle at 2400 N. Hoover, according to Wichita. Police spokesman Andrew Ford. First responders found the man who was riding the bicycle unresponsive. He was later pronounced deceased at the scene by Sedgwick County EMS. The victim was driving north on Hoover when he was struck by an unknown vehicle that then continued driving north.&nbsp; Police have not released the name of the victim or additional details.

Bicyclist dead after Kansas hit-and run-crash

TOPEKA —A Salina man is accused of numerous crimes involving online child pornography.

According to an indictment from the United State's District Court, on Christmas Day 2021; April 2; August 13; August 22 and August 27 of 2022, Douglas Harpster, 45, Salina, "did and attempted to knowingly receive one (1) or more visual depictions of a minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, as defined in Title 18, United States Code, Section 2256, and said visual depictions were of such conduct."

On or before February 9, 2023, Harpster "did knowingly possess and access with intent to view one (1) or more matters which contained any visual depiction of a minor, that involved prepubescent minors and minors who had not attained 12 years of age engaging in sexually explicit conduct."

Just before 6p.m. July 17, Harper was booked into the Shawnee County jail in Topeka. He is now being held without bond in federal custody, according to online jail records.

For counts 1-4, Harpster faces five to twenty years in prison and a fine&nbsp; not to exceed $250,000, according to the indictment. For count 5, he faces ten years in prison and a fine not exceed $250,000. 

Upon conviction, Harpster is required to forfeit any and all property used or intended to be used in any manner or part to commit or to promote the commission of such offenses or any property traceable to such property, including but not limited to: a Black Samsung S10 cell phone; Cooler Master Desktop compute and drives; Black MSI MS-1607 laptop computer and drive; a Silver Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 13 laptop computer and drive; a&nbsp;Supermicro 24-bay server&nbsp; and drives and a&nbsp;Silver Apple MacBook Pro.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724072117714.png" alt="Harpster photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Harpster photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA —A Salina man is accused of numerous crimes involving online child pornography.According to an indictment from the United State's District Court, on Christmas Day 2021; April 2; August 13; August 22 and August 27 of 2022, Douglas Harpster, 45, Salina, "did and attempted to knowingly receive one (1) or more visual depictions of a minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, as defined in Title 18, United States Code, Section 2256, and said visual depictions were of such conduct."On or before February 9, 2023, Harpster "did knowingly possess and access with intent to view one (1) or more matters which contained any visual depiction of a minor, that involved prepubescent minors and minors who had not attained 12 years of age engaging in sexually explicit conduct."Just before 6p.m. July 17, Harper was booked into the Shawnee County jail in Topeka. He is now being held without bond in federal custody, according to online jail records.For counts 1-4, Harpster faces five to twenty years in prison and a fine&nbsp; not to exceed $250,000, according to the indictment. For count 5, he faces ten years in prison and a fine not exceed $250,000. Upon conviction, Harpster is required to forfeit any and all property used or intended to be used in any manner or part to commit or to promote the commission of such offenses or any property traceable to such property, including but not limited to: a Black Samsung S10 cell phone; Cooler Master Desktop compute and drives; Black MSI MS-1607 laptop computer and drive; a Silver Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 13 laptop computer and drive; a&nbsp;Supermicro 24-bay server&nbsp; and drives and a&nbsp;Silver Apple MacBook Pro.

Kansas man accused of multiple crimes involving child porn

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22JULIE%20CARR%20SMYTH%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By JULIE CARR SMYTH&nbsp;</a>

NEW YORK (AP) —Phil Donahue, whose pioneering daytime talk show launched an indelible television genre that brought success to Oprah Winfrey, Montel Williams, Ellen DeGeneres and many others, has died. He was 88.

NBC's “Today” show, citing family members, said Donahue died Sunday after a long illness.

Dubbed “the king of daytime talk,” Donahue was the first to incorporate audience participation in a talk show, typically during a full hour with a single guest.

“Just one guest per show? No band?” he remembered being routinely asked in his 1979 memoir, “Donahue, my own story.”

The format set “The Phil Donahue Show” apart from other interview shows of the 1960s and made it a trendsetter in daytime television, where it was particularly popular with female audiences.

Later renamed “Donahue,” the program launched in Dayton, Ohio, in 1967. Donahue’s willingness to explore the hot-button social issues of the day emerged immediately, when he featured atheist Madalyn Murray O’Hair as his first guest. He would later air shows on feminism, homosexuality, consumer protection and civil rights, among hundreds of other topics.

The show was syndicated in 1970 and ran on national television for the next 26 years, racking up 20 Emmy Awards for the show and for Donahue as host, as well as a Peabody for Donahue in 1980. In May, President Joe Biden awarded a Medal of Freedom to Donahue, who was cited as a pioneer of the daytime talk show.

The show included radio-style call-ins, which Donahue greeted with his signature, “Is the caller there?”

The show’s last episode aired in 1996 in New York, where Donahue was living with his wife, actress Marlo Thomas. He met Thomas, the “That Girl” star of the 1960s who was a household name at the time and would later become a regular on “Friends,” when she appeared on his show in 1977.

He later said it was love at first sight, and they did a poor job of hiding it on the air.

“You are really fascinating,” Donahue told Thomas, grasping her hand. “You are wonderful,” Thomas said back. “You are loving and generous, and you like women and it’s a pleasure, and whoever the woman in your life is, is very lucky.”

The two had been married since 1980. Donahue had five children, four sons and a daughter, from a previous marriage.

Donahue returned briefly to television in 2002, hosting another “Donahue” show on MSNBC. The station canceled it after six months, citing low ratings.

He was born Phillip John Donahue on Dec. 21, 1935, part of a middle-class Irish Catholic family in Cleveland. They moved to Centerville, Ohio, when Donahue was a child, where he lived across the street from Erma Bombeck, the future humorist and syndicated columnist.

Donahue was in the first graduating class of St. Edward High School, a Catholic all-boys preparatory school in Lakewood, in 1953 and graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a degree in business administration in 1957. He later rebelled against, and left, the church, though he poignantly recalled in his book that “a little piece” of his faith would always be with him.

After a series of early jobs in radio and TV, Donahue was invited to move an earlier radio talk show to Dayton’s WLWD television station in 1967. It moved in 1974 to Chicago, where it stayed for years, then ended its run in New York.

The show featured discussions with spiritual leaders, doctors, homemakers, activists and entertainers or politicians who might be passing through town. He said striking upon the show’s winning formula was a happy accident.

“It may have been a full three years before any of us began to understand that our program was something special,” Donahue wrote. “The show’s style had developed not by genius but by necessity. The familiar talk-show heads were not available to us in Dayton, Ohio. ...The result was improvisation.”

That lent a freedom to the show that persisted as it grew to No. 1 status in its class.

With an amiable style and a head of salt-and-pepper hair, Donahue boxed with Muhammed Ali. He played football with Alice Cooper. His guests gave cooking lessons, taught break dancing and, more controversially, described “mansharing,” being a mistress, lesbian motherhood or — with the help of gathered video that got shows banned in certain cities — how natural childbirth, abortion or reverse vasectomies worked.

A stop on “Donahue” became a must for important politicians, activists, athletes, business leaders and entertainers, from Hubert Humphrey to Ronald Reagan, Gloria Steinem to Anita Bryant, Lee Iacocca to Ray Kroc, John Wayne to Farrah Fawcett.

Outside of his famous talk show, Donahue pursued several other projects.

He partnered with Soviet journalist Vladimir Posner for a groundbreaking television discussion series during the Cold War in the 1980s. The U.S.-Soviet Bridge featured simultaneous broadcasts from the United States and the Soviet Union, where studio audiences could ask questions of one another. Donahue and Posner also co-hosted a weekly issues roundtable, Posner/Donahue, on CNBC in the 1990s.

Donahue also co-directed the 2006 documentary “Body of War,” which was nominated for an Oscar.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724075467839.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22JULIE%20CARR%20SMYTH%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By JULIE CARR SMYTH&nbsp;</a>NEW YORK (AP) —Phil Donahue, whose pioneering daytime talk show launched an indelible television genre that brought success to Oprah Winfrey, Montel Williams, Ellen DeGeneres and many others, has died. He was 88.NBC's “Today” show, citing family members, said Donahue died Sunday after a long illness.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Phil Donahue has died. Learn more about his life and career by searching his 22 C-SPAN appearances: <a href="https://t.co/3WPp9Y3ySL">https://t.co/3WPp9Y3ySL</a> RIP. <a href="https://t.co/cK1mzaXxHB">pic.twitter.com/cK1mzaXxHB</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1825535226853851609?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Dubbed “the king of daytime talk,” Donahue was the first to incorporate audience participation in a talk show, typically during a full hour with a single guest.“Just one guest per show? No band?” he remembered being routinely asked in his 1979 memoir, “Donahue, my own story.”The format set “The Phil Donahue Show” apart from other interview shows of the 1960s and made it a trendsetter in daytime television, where it was particularly popular with female audiences.Later renamed “Donahue,” the program launched in Dayton, Ohio, in 1967. Donahue’s willingness to explore the hot-button social issues of the day emerged immediately, when he featured atheist Madalyn Murray O’Hair as his first guest. He would later air shows on feminism, homosexuality, consumer protection and civil rights, among hundreds of other topics.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">In Phil Donahue, our nation has lost a trailblazing television icon who held up a mirror to America and united us around the toughest issues of our time. Jill and I send our deepest condolences to the Donahue family and keep them close in our hearts. <a href="https://t.co/NzQPgbi6cP">pic.twitter.com/NzQPgbi6cP</a>&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1825638361178021956?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The show was syndicated in 1970 and ran on national television for the next 26 years, racking up 20 Emmy Awards for the show and for Donahue as host, as well as a Peabody for Donahue in 1980. In May, President Joe Biden awarded a Medal of Freedom to Donahue, who was cited as a pioneer of the daytime talk show.The show included radio-style call-ins, which Donahue greeted with his signature, “Is the caller there?”The show’s last episode aired in 1996 in New York, where Donahue was living with his wife, actress Marlo Thomas. He met Thomas, the “That Girl” star of the 1960s who was a household name at the time and would later become a regular on “Friends,” when she appeared on his show in 1977.He later said it was love at first sight, and they did a poor job of hiding it on the air.“You are really fascinating,” Donahue told Thomas, grasping her hand. “You are wonderful,” Thomas said back. “You are loving and generous, and you like women and it’s a pleasure, and whoever the woman in your life is, is very lucky.”The two had been married since 1980. Donahue had five children, four sons and a daughter, from a previous marriage.Donahue returned briefly to television in 2002, hosting another “Donahue” show on MSNBC. The station canceled it after six months, citing low ratings.He was born Phillip John Donahue on Dec. 21, 1935, part of a middle-class Irish Catholic family in Cleveland. They moved to Centerville, Ohio, when Donahue was a child, where he lived across the street from Erma Bombeck, the future humorist and syndicated columnist.Donahue was in the first graduating class of St. Edward High School, a Catholic all-boys preparatory school in Lakewood, in 1953 and graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a degree in business administration in 1957. He later rebelled against, and left, the church, though he poignantly recalled in his book that “a little piece” of his faith would always be with him.After a series of early jobs in radio and TV, Donahue was invited to move an earlier radio talk show to Dayton’s WLWD television station in 1967. It moved in 1974 to Chicago, where it stayed for years, then ended its run in New York.The show featured discussions with spiritual leaders, doctors, homemakers, activists and entertainers or politicians who might be passing through town. He said striking upon the show’s winning formula was a happy accident.“It may have been a full three years before any of us began to understand that our program was something special,” Donahue wrote. “The show’s style had developed not by genius but by necessity. The familiar talk-show heads were not available to us in Dayton, Ohio. ...The result was improvisation.”That lent a freedom to the show that persisted as it grew to No. 1 status in its class.With an amiable style and a head of salt-and-pepper hair, Donahue boxed with Muhammed Ali. He played football with Alice Cooper. His guests gave cooking lessons, taught break dancing and, more controversially, described “mansharing,” being a mistress, lesbian motherhood or — with the help of gathered video that got shows banned in certain cities — how natural childbirth, abortion or reverse vasectomies worked.A stop on “Donahue” became a must for important politicians, activists, athletes, business leaders and entertainers, from Hubert Humphrey to Ronald Reagan, Gloria Steinem to Anita Bryant, Lee Iacocca to Ray Kroc, John Wayne to Farrah Fawcett.Outside of his famous talk show, Donahue pursued several other projects.He partnered with Soviet journalist Vladimir Posner for a groundbreaking television discussion series during the Cold War in the 1980s. The U.S.-Soviet Bridge featured simultaneous broadcasts from the United States and the Soviet Union, where studio audiences could ask questions of one another. Donahue and Posner also co-hosted a weekly issues roundtable, Posner/Donahue, on CNBC in the 1990s.Donahue also co-directed the 2006 documentary “Body of War,” which was nominated for an Oscar.

Phil Donahue, talk show host pioneer and husband of Marlo Thomas, dies at 88

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">ARIANA FIGUEROA</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jacob-fischler/">JACOB FISCHLER</a>

WASHINGTON — Just a little over a month after she became a candidate for president in the biggest shakeup in generations of presidential politics, Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday will deliver a widely anticipated speech accepting the Democratic nomination at the party’s convention in Chicago.

Harris’ ascent to the top of the ticket after President Joe Biden changed course and said he would not seek reelection has breathed new life into the Democratic bid, with polls showing Harris — who is already&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/kamala-harris-will-be-democratic-presidential-nominee-dnc-announces" target="_blank">the party’s official nominee</a>&nbsp;after a virtual roll call earlier this month — faring much better than Biden was against Republican rival Donald Trump.

Over the course of four days, Democrats will look to capitalize on their base’s newfound enthusiasm for the campaign, with leading speakers aiming to rally the faithful around the party’s positions on reproductive rights, gun safety and voting rights, while<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/harris-ballot-democrats-work-build-momentum-bigger-youth-vote" target="_blank">&nbsp;making a strong pitch to young voters</a>. Harris will also be expected to further lay out her policy positions.

Harris’ nomination is historic. The daughter of immigrants, Harris is the first Black and South Asian woman selected to lead a major party ticket. She would be the first woman of any race to guide the nation as chief executive.

The party has not released an official detailed schedule of speakers, but a convention official confirmed that “current and past presidents are expected to participate in convention programming.” Biden and two former presidents, Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, as well as former nominee Hillary Clinton, will all speak,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/12/us/politics/dnc-speakers-biden-obama-clinton.html" target="_blank">according to the New York Times.</a>

Vice presidential candidate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is expected to address the convention Wednesday evening, with Harris’ acceptance speech closing out the convention Thursday, the convention official said.

The evening programming block will run from 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern Time on Monday and 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. the rest of the week.

In addition to the usual television broadcasts, the convention will livestream on several social media platforms, including YouTube, X, Instagram and TikTok. The official live stream will be available on&nbsp;<a href="https://demconvention.us9.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d68a84b1a4b0303a9452770cd&amp;id=e86e03e670&amp;e=a21b6b7198" target="_blank">DemConvention.com</a>.

Scores of Democratic caucus and council meetings, as well as state delegation breakfasts and gatherings, are also scheduled throughout the week’s daytime hours. Media organizations and outside groups are also holding daytime events that will feature Democratic officeholders and candidates.

Protests are also expected over the Biden administration’s handling of the Israel-Hamas war, with the backdrop of a&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/2024/04/08/israel-hamas-war-sets-progressive-and-young-voters-on-collision-course-with-white-house/" target="_blank">delegation of uncommitted voters</a>&nbsp;who oppose the war.

As many as 25,000 protestors are expected over the course of the convention, according to DemList, a newsletter for Democratic officials and allies.

Harris’ entry into the race, nearly immediately after Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/president-joe-biden-bows-out-reelection-campaign-harris-vows-win-nomination-8" target="_blank">announced on July 21</a>&nbsp;he would no longer seek reelection, energized Democrats distressed over Biden’s poor showings in polls against Trump, whose reelection bid Biden turned back in 2020.

A Monmouth University&nbsp;<a href="https://www.monmouth.edu/polling-institute/reports/monmouthpoll_US_081424/" target="_blank">poll published Aug. 14</a>&nbsp;showed a huge jump in enthusiasm for Democrats. The survey found 85% of Democratic respondents were excited about the Harris-Trump race. By comparison, only 46% of Democratic respondents said in June they were excited about a Biden-Trump race.

Harris is also seeing better polling numbers in matchups against Trump, with battleground-state and national surveys consistently shifting toward the Democratic ticket since Biden left the race.

Polls of seven battleground states&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cookpolitical.com/survey-research/2024-swing-state-project/fight-redefine-2024-race-president" target="_blank">published</a>&nbsp;by The Cook Political Report With Amy Walter on Aug. 14 showed Harris narrowly leading in five states —&nbsp;Arizona, Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin — and&nbsp;tied in Georgia and trailing in Nevada. All were improvements from Biden’s standing in the same poll in May.

<a href="https://poll.qu.edu/poll-release?releaseid=3902" target="_blank">An Aug. 14 survey from Quinnipiac University</a>&nbsp;showed Harris with a 48%-45% edge in Pennsylvania. The 3-point advantage for Harris was within the poll’s margin of error.

Democrats hope to carry the momentum through the convention. Polls typically favor a party during and immediately after its national party gathering.

Despite the recent polling, Harris and Walz continue to describe themselves&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkwZ_A49hb8" target="_blank">as underdogs in the race</a>.

In her short time on the campaign trail, Harris has emphasized a few core messages.

She’s made reproductive rights a central focus, including the slogan “We are not going back” in her stump speech after describing Republicans’ position on abortion. Additionally, a Texas woman who had to leave the state for an emergency abortion will speak at the DNC,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/us/texas-woman-who-left-state-abortion-back-harris-convention-2024-08-15/" target="_blank">according to Reuters.</a>

Harris has also played up her background as a prosecutor, drawing a contrast with Trump’s legal troubles.

Walz has highlighted his working-class background and military service, while attacking Republican positions to restrict reproductive rights and ban certain books in schools.

Walz’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/walz-first-solo-speech-vp-candidate-touts-dem-tickets-labor-union-ties" target="_blank">first solo campaign stop</a>&nbsp;since Harris selected him as her running mate was at a union convention, where he emphasized his union background as a high school teacher.

Walz was not initially considered the favorite to be Harris’ running mate, but his appeal as a Midwesterner with a record of winning tough elections and enacting progressive policies&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/minnesota-gov-tim-walz-picked-harris-her-running-mate-democratic-ticket" target="_blank">led to his selection</a>&nbsp;Aug. 6.

Harris has faced criticism for not sitting down for a formal media interview or holding a press conference since she became a candidate.

Democrats have not finalized their platform for 2024. Adopting a party platform is generally among the official items at a convention.

The party set&nbsp;<a href="https://democrats.org/news/dnc-releases-2024-party-platform-draft-outlining-historic-record-and-bold-agenda-for-president-biden-and-vice-president-harris-to-finish-the-job/" target="_blank">a draft platform</a>&nbsp;in July just eight days before Biden dropped his reelection bid. The document centered on the theme of “finishing the job” and mentioned Biden, then the presumptive nominee, 50 times and Harris 12.

Party spokespeople did not respond to an inquiry this week about plans for an update to the platform.

Reproductive rights will likely be a focus point of any policy wishlist.

Harris, during her time as vice president, has led the administration’s messaging on reproductive rights after the Supreme Court overturned the constitutional right to an abortion in the summer of 2022.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724014226536.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">ARIANA FIGUEROA</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jacob-fischler/">JACOB FISCHLER</a>WASHINGTON — Just a little over a month after she became a candidate for president in the biggest shakeup in generations of presidential politics, Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday will deliver a widely anticipated speech accepting the Democratic nomination at the party’s convention in Chicago.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724014466626.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Harris’ ascent to the top of the ticket after President Joe Biden changed course and said he would not seek reelection has breathed new life into the Democratic bid, with polls showing Harris — who is already&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/kamala-harris-will-be-democratic-presidential-nominee-dnc-announces" target="_blank">the party’s official nominee</a>&nbsp;after a virtual roll call earlier this month — faring much better than Biden was against Republican rival Donald Trump.Over the course of four days, Democrats will look to capitalize on their base’s newfound enthusiasm for the campaign, with leading speakers aiming to rally the faithful around the party’s positions on reproductive rights, gun safety and voting rights, while<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/harris-ballot-democrats-work-build-momentum-bigger-youth-vote" target="_blank">&nbsp;making a strong pitch to young voters</a>. Harris will also be expected to further lay out her policy positions.Harris’ nomination is historic. The daughter of immigrants, Harris is the first Black and South Asian woman selected to lead a major party ticket. She would be the first woman of any race to guide the nation as chief executive.The party has not released an official detailed schedule of speakers, but a convention official confirmed that “current and past presidents are expected to participate in convention programming.” Biden and two former presidents, Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, as well as former nominee Hillary Clinton, will all speak,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/12/us/politics/dnc-speakers-biden-obama-clinton.html" target="_blank">according to the New York Times.</a>Vice presidential candidate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is expected to address the convention Wednesday evening, with Harris’ acceptance speech closing out the convention Thursday, the convention official said.The evening programming block will run from 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern Time on Monday and 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. the rest of the week.In addition to the usual television broadcasts, the convention will livestream on several social media platforms, including YouTube, X, Instagram and TikTok. The official live stream will be available on&nbsp;<a href="https://demconvention.us9.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d68a84b1a4b0303a9452770cd&amp;id=e86e03e670&amp;e=a21b6b7198" target="_blank">DemConvention.com</a>.Scores of Democratic caucus and council meetings, as well as state delegation breakfasts and gatherings, are also scheduled throughout the week’s daytime hours. Media organizations and outside groups are also holding daytime events that will feature Democratic officeholders and candidates.Protests are also expected over the Biden administration’s handling of the Israel-Hamas war, with the backdrop of a&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/2024/04/08/israel-hamas-war-sets-progressive-and-young-voters-on-collision-course-with-white-house/" target="_blank">delegation of uncommitted voters</a>&nbsp;who oppose the war.As many as 25,000 protestors are expected over the course of the convention, according to DemList, a newsletter for Democratic officials and allies.<h2>A contest transformed</h2>Harris’ entry into the race, nearly immediately after Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/president-joe-biden-bows-out-reelection-campaign-harris-vows-win-nomination-8" target="_blank">announced on July 21</a>&nbsp;he would no longer seek reelection, energized Democrats distressed over Biden’s poor showings in polls against Trump, whose reelection bid Biden turned back in 2020.A Monmouth University&nbsp;<a href="https://www.monmouth.edu/polling-institute/reports/monmouthpoll_US_081424/" target="_blank">poll published Aug. 14</a>&nbsp;showed a huge jump in enthusiasm for Democrats. The survey found 85% of Democratic respondents were excited about the Harris-Trump race. By comparison, only 46% of Democratic respondents said in June they were excited about a Biden-Trump race.Harris is also seeing better polling numbers in matchups against Trump, with battleground-state and national surveys consistently shifting toward the Democratic ticket since Biden left the race.Polls of seven battleground states&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cookpolitical.com/survey-research/2024-swing-state-project/fight-redefine-2024-race-president" target="_blank">published</a>&nbsp;by The Cook Political Report With Amy Walter on Aug. 14 showed Harris narrowly leading in five states —&nbsp;Arizona, Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin — and&nbsp;tied in Georgia and trailing in Nevada. All were improvements from Biden’s standing in the same poll in May.<a href="https://poll.qu.edu/poll-release?releaseid=3902" target="_blank">An Aug. 14 survey from Quinnipiac University</a>&nbsp;showed Harris with a 48%-45% edge in Pennsylvania. The 3-point advantage for Harris was within the poll’s margin of error.Democrats hope to carry the momentum through the convention. Polls typically favor a party during and immediately after its national party gathering.Despite the recent polling, Harris and Walz continue to describe themselves&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkwZ_A49hb8" target="_blank">as underdogs in the race</a>.<h2>Campaign themes</h2>In her short time on the campaign trail, Harris has emphasized a few core messages.She’s made reproductive rights a central focus, including the slogan “We are not going back” in her stump speech after describing Republicans’ position on abortion. Additionally, a Texas woman who had to leave the state for an emergency abortion will speak at the DNC,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/us/texas-woman-who-left-state-abortion-back-harris-convention-2024-08-15/" target="_blank">according to Reuters.</a>Harris has also played up her background as a prosecutor, drawing a contrast with Trump’s legal troubles.Walz has highlighted his working-class background and military service, while attacking Republican positions to restrict reproductive rights and ban certain books in schools.Walz’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/walz-first-solo-speech-vp-candidate-touts-dem-tickets-labor-union-ties" target="_blank">first solo campaign stop</a>&nbsp;since Harris selected him as her running mate was at a union convention, where he emphasized his union background as a high school teacher.Walz was not initially considered the favorite to be Harris’ running mate, but his appeal as a Midwesterner with a record of winning tough elections and enacting progressive policies&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/minnesota-gov-tim-walz-picked-harris-her-running-mate-democratic-ticket" target="_blank">led to his selection</a>&nbsp;Aug. 6.Harris has faced criticism for not sitting down for a formal media interview or holding a press conference since she became a candidate.<h2>Platform in flux</h2>Democrats have not finalized their platform for 2024. Adopting a party platform is generally among the official items at a convention.The party set&nbsp;<a href="https://democrats.org/news/dnc-releases-2024-party-platform-draft-outlining-historic-record-and-bold-agenda-for-president-biden-and-vice-president-harris-to-finish-the-job/" target="_blank">a draft platform</a>&nbsp;in July just eight days before Biden dropped his reelection bid. The document centered on the theme of “finishing the job” and mentioned Biden, then the presumptive nominee, 50 times and Harris 12.Party spokespeople did not respond to an inquiry this week about plans for an update to the platform.Reproductive rights will likely be a focus point of any policy wishlist.Harris, during her time as vice president, has led the administration’s messaging on reproductive rights after the Supreme Court overturned the constitutional right to an abortion in the summer of 2022.In her campaign speeches, she has often stressed the need to “trust women” and that the government should not be deciding reproductive health.Harris has often promised that if she is elected, she will restore those reproductive rights, but unless Democrats control a majority in the U.S. House and 60 Senate votes, it’s unlikely she would be able to achieve that promise.Since&nbsp;<a href="https://tennesseelookout.com/2022/06/24/updated-u-s-supreme-court-overturns-right-to-abortion-in-landmark-decision/" target="_blank">Roe v. Wade was overturned</a>&nbsp;in that Supreme Court decision, Democrats have campaigned on reproductive rights that expand beyond abortion and include protections for in vitro fertilization.<a href="https://democrats.org/where-we-stand/party-platform/" target="_blank">The 2020 party platform</a>&nbsp;focused on recovering from the coronavirus pandemic, the economy, quality health care, investing in education, protecting democracy and combating climate change.Democrats are likely to continue to criticize the Project 2025 playbook — a blueprint by the Heritage Foundation, a think tank, to implement conservative policies across the federal government should Trump win in November.Trump has disavowed the document, but has not detailed his own policy plans.<h2>Chicago conventions</h2>The Democratic National Convention will take place in Chicago, a city with a long history of hosting the event. Democrats have held their convention in Chicago 11 times, first in 1864 and most recently in 1996.This year’s will be the first in-person Democratic National Convention since 2016. It was upended due to the coronavirus pandemic and held virtually in 2020.Throughout the four-day convention, there will be speeches and side events hosted by state Democratic party leaders.The ceremonial roll call vote with delegates on the convention floor will take place Tuesday. The vice presidential nomination speech by Walz will be Wednesday night and on Thursday night, Harris will give her nomination acceptance speech.The city is also preparing for massive protests from several groups on reproductive rights, LGBTQ protections, housing and an immediate ceasefire in Gaza,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wbez.org/government-politics/dnc-2024/2024/08/12/dnc-democratic-national-convention-protests-kamala-harris-israel-gaza-lgbtq-reproductive-rights-cpd-police" target="_blank">according to WBEZ News.&nbsp;</a>The City Council of Chicago in January approved a ceasefire resolution, with Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson the tiebreaker, making it the largest city to call for an end to the Israel-Hamas war, in which<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-war-hamas-dead-graves-40000-988d16b648e06e222f04964dc9440da0?taid=66bdedd74b96700001cc25c8&amp;utm_campaign=TrueAnthem&amp;utm_medium=AP&amp;utm_source=Twitter" target="_blank">&nbsp;more than 40,000 Palestinians have died</a>.The war followed an Oct. 7 attack from Hamas, in which&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/longform/2023/10/9/israel-hamas-war-in-maps-and-charts-live-tracker" target="_blank">nearly 1,200 people</a>&nbsp;were killed in Israel and hundreds taken hostage.<h2>Road to nomination</h2>Harris’ acceptance speech will cap a five-year journey to her party’s nomination.In 2019, the California senator announced a bid for president in the next year’s election, but&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2019/12/03/784443227/kamala-harris-drops-out-of-presidential-race" target="_blank">dropped out</a>&nbsp;before the first primary or caucus votes were cast after she failed to catch on with Democratic voters.Biden later picked her as a running mate, and the two defeated Trump and then-Vice President Mike Pence in the 2020 election.Biden launched a reelection campaign for 2024, but stepped aside after a disastrous debate performance in June spurred questions about his ability to campaign and serve for another four-year term.After Biden bowed out, Harris&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/democratic-delegates-swiftly-give-harris-enough-support-clinch-presidential-nomination" target="_blank">quickly secured 99%</a>&nbsp;of delegates&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/kamala-harris-officially-becomes-democratic-presidential-nominee" target="_blank">to become the party’s likely nominee</a>. The virtual five-day vote secured her official nomination.With less than three months until Election Day, Harris and Walz already have sprinted through battleground states including Arizona, Pennsylvania and North Carolina.Their campaign has also pulled in more than $300 million, according to the campaign. Official Federal Election Commission records will be released in mid-October.Harris and Trump have&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/08/trump-agrees-to-sept-10-debate-with-harris-claims-two-more-upcoming/" target="_blank">agreed to a Sept. 10&nbsp;</a>debate hosted by ABC News in Philadelphia. Trump proposed two more debates, and Harris has said she would be open to another one between the first debate and Election Day.Walz and Republican vice presidential candidate Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio have&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/mark-your-calendar-vp-candidates-walz-and-vance-debate-oct-1" target="_blank">agreed to an Oct. 1</a>&nbsp;debate on CBS News, in New York City.