The Federal Trade Commission is sending payments totaling more than $1.9 million to 30,172 consumers nationwide who bought Hubble brand contact lenses from Vision Path, Inc. The FTC alleged that the company
 substituted its own brand of lenses for those prescribed by the 
consumers’ eye doctors in violation of the Contact Lens Rule and 
violated the FTC Act by deceiving consumers about whether their doctors 
had approved the substitution, among other things. The average refund 
amount is $63.

<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/now-leaving?external_url=https%3A%2F%2Fpublic.tableau.com%2Fapp%2Fprofile%2Ffederal.trade.commission%2Fviz%2FRefunds_15797958402020%2FRefundsbyCase&amp;back_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ftc.gov%2Fnews-events%2Fnews%2Fpress-releases%2F2022%2F09%2Fftc-returning-more-19-million-consumers-nationwide-who-purchased-hubble-contact-lenses-without"></a>Refund
 checks are being mailed to affected consumers starting today. The 
deadline for cashing the checks is 90 days from the date they are 
issued. Consumers 
who have questions about their refund or who did not get a refund but 
think they may be eligible, should contact the refund administrator, 
Epiq, at 1-855-914-4722. The Commission never requires consumers to pay 
money or provide account information to get a refund.

<a>The FTC’s </a><a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2022/01/vision-path-inc-online-seller-hubble-lenses-settles-charges-it-violated-contact-lens-rule-ftc-act">January 2022 complaint</a> against Vision Path alleged
 the company violated the Contact Lens Rule in several ways, including 
by failing to obtain prescriptions and to properly verify prescription 
information, and by substituting Hubble lenses for those actually 
prescribed to consumers. The FTC also alleged the company violated the 
FTC Act when it promised consumers it had properly verified their lenses
 with their eye doctors, and when it failed to disclose that many 
reviews of Hubble lenses were written by reviewers who were compensated 
for their reviews, and, in at least one instance, by one of its own 
executives.

&nbsp;The Commission’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/now-leaving?external_url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA2MTQuNTkzNjY4NjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3B1YmxpYy50YWJsZWF1LmNvbS9wcm9maWxlL2ZlZGVyYWwudHJhZGUuY29tbWlzc2lvbj91dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5IyEvdml6aG9tZS9SZWZ1bmRzXzE1Nzk3OTU4NDAyMDIwL1JlZnVuZHNieUNhc2UifQ.HXpVUsDYKKFWNwIvv6u4m3YhvMGo8liqbr6HWCxrQrA%2Fs%2F93858939%2Fbr%2F132927266844-l&amp;back_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ftc.gov%2Fnews-events%2Fnews%2Fpress-releases%2F2022%2F09%2Fftc-returning-more-19-million-consumers-nationwide-who-purchased-hubble-contact-lenses-without">interactive dashboards for refund data</a>

&nbsp;provide
 a state-by-state breakdown of refunds in FTC cases. In 2021, Commission
 actions led to more than $472 million in refunds to consumers across 
the country, but the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2021 that the 
Commission lacks authority under Section 13(b) to seek monetary relief 
in federal court going forward. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/now-leaving?external_url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDcsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA2MTQuNTkzNjY4NjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmZ0Yy5nb3YvbmV3cy1ldmVudHMvcHJlc3MtcmVsZWFzZXMvMjAyMS8wNC9mdGMtYXNrcy1jb25ncmVzcy1wYXNzLWxlZ2lzbGF0aW9uLXJldml2aW5nLWFnZW5jeXMtYXV0aG9yaXR5P3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.jgb4HZaiJ6-s-bHpvT-2Aih_KoMN1AQXaL6AigBXQfw%2Fs%2F93858939%2Fbr%2F132927266844-l&amp;back_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ftc.gov%2Fnews-events%2Fnews%2Fpress-releases%2F2022%2F09%2Fftc-returning-more-19-million-consumers-nationwide-who-purchased-hubble-contact-lenses-without">Commission has urged Congress</a>&nbsp;to restore the Commission’s ability to get money back for consumers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619632629588.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FTCThe Federal Trade Commission is sending payments totaling more than $1.9 million to 30,172 consumers nationwide who bought Hubble brand contact lenses from Vision Path, Inc. The FTC alleged that the company
 substituted its own brand of lenses for those prescribed by the 
consumers’ eye doctors in violation of the Contact Lens Rule and 
violated the FTC Act by deceiving consumers about whether their doctors 
had approved the substitution, among other things. The average refund 
amount is $63.<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/now-leaving?external_url=https%3A%2F%2Fpublic.tableau.com%2Fapp%2Fprofile%2Ffederal.trade.commission%2Fviz%2FRefunds_15797958402020%2FRefundsbyCase&amp;back_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ftc.gov%2Fnews-events%2Fnews%2Fpress-releases%2F2022%2F09%2Fftc-returning-more-19-million-consumers-nationwide-who-purchased-hubble-contact-lenses-without"></a>Refund
 checks are being mailed to affected consumers starting today. The 
deadline for cashing the checks is 90 days from the date they are 
issued. Consumers 
who have questions about their refund or who did not get a refund but 
think they may be eligible, should contact the refund administrator, 
Epiq, at 1-855-914-4722. The Commission never requires consumers to pay 
money or provide account information to get a refund.<a>The FTC’s </a><a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2022/01/vision-path-inc-online-seller-hubble-lenses-settles-charges-it-violated-contact-lens-rule-ftc-act">January 2022 complaint</a> against Vision Path alleged
 the company violated the Contact Lens Rule in several ways, including 
by failing to obtain prescriptions and to properly verify prescription 
information, and by substituting Hubble lenses for those actually 
prescribed to consumers. The FTC also alleged the company violated the 
FTC Act when it promised consumers it had properly verified their lenses
 with their eye doctors, and when it failed to disclose that many 
reviews of Hubble lenses were written by reviewers who were compensated 
for their reviews, and, in at least one instance, by one of its own 
executives.&nbsp;The Commission’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/now-leaving?external_url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA2MTQuNTkzNjY4NjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3B1YmxpYy50YWJsZWF1LmNvbS9wcm9maWxlL2ZlZGVyYWwudHJhZGUuY29tbWlzc2lvbj91dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5IyEvdml6aG9tZS9SZWZ1bmRzXzE1Nzk3OTU4NDAyMDIwL1JlZnVuZHNieUNhc2UifQ.HXpVUsDYKKFWNwIvv6u4m3YhvMGo8liqbr6HWCxrQrA%2Fs%2F93858939%2Fbr%2F132927266844-l&amp;back_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ftc.gov%2Fnews-events%2Fnews%2Fpress-releases%2F2022%2F09%2Fftc-returning-more-19-million-consumers-nationwide-who-purchased-hubble-contact-lenses-without">interactive dashboards for refund data</a>&nbsp;provide
 a state-by-state breakdown of refunds in FTC cases. In 2021, Commission
 actions led to more than $472 million in refunds to consumers across 
the country, but the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2021 that the 
Commission lacks authority under Section 13(b) to seek monetary relief 
in federal court going forward. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/now-leaving?external_url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDcsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA2MTQuNTkzNjY4NjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmZ0Yy5nb3YvbmV3cy1ldmVudHMvcHJlc3MtcmVsZWFzZXMvMjAyMS8wNC9mdGMtYXNrcy1jb25ncmVzcy1wYXNzLWxlZ2lzbGF0aW9uLXJldml2aW5nLWFnZW5jeXMtYXV0aG9yaXR5P3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.jgb4HZaiJ6-s-bHpvT-2Aih_KoMN1AQXaL6AigBXQfw%2Fs%2F93858939%2Fbr%2F132927266844-l&amp;back_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ftc.gov%2Fnews-events%2Fnews%2Fpress-releases%2F2022%2F09%2Fftc-returning-more-19-million-consumers-nationwide-who-purchased-hubble-contact-lenses-without">Commission has urged Congress</a>&nbsp;to restore the Commission’s ability to get money back for consumers.

FTC sending $1.9 million in refunds to contact lens buyers

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/post-news-network">Post News Network</a>

A decade-old Texas-based broadband company with operations across Kansas and Nebraska has been awarded nearly half a billion dollars to fund deployments across 11 states in the Midwest.

Nextlink Internet was awarded more than $25 million for projects in Kansas and Nebraska to bring fiber or wireless internet to rural areas through the Federal Communication Commission's Rural Digital Opportunity Fund.

Nearly 14,000 customers in Nebraska and more than 26,000 customers in Kansas could be the beneficiaries of the projects, according to the FCC announcement.

“This funding will connect more households throughout the country with high-speed broadband as part of our ongoing work to close the digital divide,” FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said in a news release. “We are confident these projects can bring quality service to currently unserved areas.” 

Nextlink currently offers service in Kansas, Nebraska, Illinois, Iowa, Oklahoma, South Dakota and Texas.

“We are excited to partner with the FCC to deploy gigabit connectivity to households across rural America," Bill Baker, co-founder and CEO of Nextlink said in a news release. "With significant licensed spectrum holdings to support gigabit wireless plus fiber projects ready to kick-off construction, we are well-positioned to move quickly to connect the unconnected.”

With the award, the news release said, Nextlink will expand beyond its existing seven-state footprint into Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Wyoming and Louisiana. 

To date, the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund has distributed more than $6 billion to broadband providers to increase high-speed access in rural areas.

In the Aug. 31 announcement, <a href="https://nextlinkinternet.com/">Nextlink</a> was awarded more than half — $429 million — of the nearly $800 million round of funding. Nextlink initially began operations in 2012 serving around the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area.

Check the Post for more as details become available. According to its website, Nextlink serves the following communities in Kansas and Nebraska.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662058808250.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/post-news-network">Post News Network</a>A decade-old Texas-based broadband company with operations across Kansas and Nebraska has been awarded nearly half a billion dollars to fund deployments across 11 states in the Midwest.Nextlink Internet was awarded more than $25 million for projects in Kansas and Nebraska to bring fiber or wireless internet to rural areas through the Federal Communication Commission's Rural Digital Opportunity Fund.Nearly 14,000 customers in Nebraska and more than 26,000 customers in Kansas could be the beneficiaries of the projects, according to the FCC announcement.“This funding will connect more households throughout the country with high-speed broadband as part of our ongoing work to close the digital divide,” FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said in a news release. “We are confident these projects can bring quality service to currently unserved areas.” Nextlink currently offers service in Kansas, Nebraska, Illinois, Iowa, Oklahoma, South Dakota and Texas.“We are excited to partner with the FCC to deploy gigabit connectivity to households across rural America," Bill Baker, co-founder and CEO of Nextlink said in a news release. "With significant licensed spectrum holdings to support gigabit wireless plus fiber projects ready to kick-off construction, we are well-positioned to move quickly to connect the unconnected.”With the award, the news release said, Nextlink will expand beyond its existing seven-state footprint into Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Wyoming and Louisiana. To date, the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund has distributed more than $6 billion to broadband providers to increase high-speed access in rural areas.In the Aug. 31 announcement, <a href="https://nextlinkinternet.com/">Nextlink</a> was awarded more than half — $429 million — of the nearly $800 million round of funding. Nextlink initially began operations in 2012 serving around the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area.Check the Post for more as details become available. According to its website, Nextlink serves the following communities in Kansas and Nebraska.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662058853859.png" alt="Kansas communities / screenshot" />
 <figcaption>Kansas communities / screenshot</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662058878898.png" alt="Nebraska communities&nbsp;/ screenshot" />
 <figcaption>Nebraska communities&nbsp;/ screenshot</figcaption>
 </figure>

Nextlink awarded $50M+ for broadband projects in Kan., Neb.

STEVENS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspect in connection with the alleged theft of 800 pounds of meat in Southwest Kansas.

The incident started in Morton County when a victim filed a police report regarding packages of processed meat being stolen from a meat locker, according to the Hugoton Police Department.

An investigator received information the stolen meat was at a residence in the 900 Block of South Madison in Hugoton.

Deputies search the residence, located the stolen meat, as well as over 100 grams of Methamphetamine, over 10 doses of controlled substances and drug sales paraphernalia.&nbsp;

At the time the search warrant was executed, two adults and one juvenile were at the residence.

Casey Agraz, 38, of Hugoton, is being held on requested charges of Distribute/possess w/ Intent to Distribute Drug Paraphernalia for illegal use. Distribute opiate narcotic certain stimulant; 100 grams &lt; 1 Kilogram Distribute opiate opium narcotic certain stimulant; 10-100 grams Endangering a child; aggravated endangering a child Possession of stolen property. She has a previous drug conviction in 2018 and had been on community corrections since August 2020, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Troy Johnson, 43, of Moscow, Kansas is being held on requested charges of&nbsp; Distribute/possess w/ Intent to Distribute Drug Paraphernalia for illegal use. Distribute opiate narcotic certain stimulant; 100 grams -&lt; 1 Kilogram.

The juvenile male was released to a family member. Authorities returned the stolen meat to the owner and continue to investigate the case for additional drug crimes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661869168506.png" alt="Agraz had a previous drug conviction in 2018, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections." />
 <figcaption>Agraz had a previous drug conviction in 2018, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.</figcaption>
 </figure>STEVENS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspect in connection with the alleged theft of 800 pounds of meat in Southwest Kansas.The incident started in Morton County when a victim filed a police report regarding packages of processed meat being stolen from a meat locker, according to the Hugoton Police Department.An investigator received information the stolen meat was at a residence in the 900 Block of South Madison in Hugoton.Deputies search the residence, located the stolen meat, as well as over 100 grams of Methamphetamine, over 10 doses of controlled substances and drug sales paraphernalia.&nbsp;At the time the search warrant was executed, two adults and one juvenile were at the residence.Casey Agraz, 38, of Hugoton, is being held on requested charges of Distribute/possess w/ Intent to Distribute Drug Paraphernalia for illegal use. Distribute opiate narcotic certain stimulant; 100 grams &lt; 1 Kilogram Distribute opiate opium narcotic certain stimulant; 10-100 grams Endangering a child; aggravated endangering a child Possession of stolen property. She has a previous drug conviction in 2018 and had been on community corrections since August 2020, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.Troy Johnson, 43, of Moscow, Kansas is being held on requested charges of&nbsp; Distribute/possess w/ Intent to Distribute Drug Paraphernalia for illegal use. Distribute opiate narcotic certain stimulant; 100 grams -&lt; 1 Kilogram.The juvenile male was released to a family member. Authorities returned the stolen meat to the owner and continue to investigate the case for additional drug crimes.

Police recover 800 pounds of meat stolen in SW Kansas

GEARY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on multiple requested charges after a stand-off in Junction City.

On Tuesday afternoon, the Junction City Police Department and Geary County Sheriff’s Office responded to a disturbance between neighbors on the 800 block of Skyline Drive, according to a media release.

Upon arrival, an individual, later identified as 35-year-old&nbsp;Curtis Manquil McDaniel&nbsp; barricaded himself within his residence and refused lawful orders given by officers on the scene. 

At this point, local S.W.A.T. teams were deployed. Following an almost 5-hour long standoff, McDaniel gave himself up to officers on the scene without further incident. 

There were no injuries resulting from this incident and police took McDaniell was taken into custody in requested charges of&nbsp;of Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Child Endangerment, Felony Interference with LEO, Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Criminal Threat, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661903170694.jpeg" alt="Officers on the scene of the standoff -photo Junction City Police" />
 <figcaption>Officers on the scene of the standoff -photo Junction City Police</figcaption>
 </figure>GEARY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on multiple requested charges after a stand-off in Junction City.On Tuesday afternoon, the Junction City Police Department and Geary County Sheriff’s Office responded to a disturbance between neighbors on the 800 block of Skyline Drive, according to a media release.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661955240463.jpeg" alt="McDaniel -photo Geary County" />
 <figcaption>McDaniel -photo Geary County</figcaption>
 </figure>Upon arrival, an individual, later identified as 35-year-old&nbsp;Curtis Manquil McDaniel&nbsp; barricaded himself within his residence and refused lawful orders given by officers on the scene. At this point, local S.W.A.T. teams were deployed. Following an almost 5-hour long standoff, McDaniel gave himself up to officers on the scene without further incident. There were no injuries resulting from this incident and police took McDaniell was taken into custody in requested charges of&nbsp;of Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Child Endangerment, Felony Interference with LEO, Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Criminal Threat, according to online jail records.

Kan. man jailed after disturbance between neighbors, standoff

YORK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating four suspects after locating more than 100 pounds of methamphetamine and 9 pounds of fentanyl during a traffic stop.

Just after 1p.m. Tuesday, a trooper observed a Nissan Rogue traveling with a license plate violation on Interstate 80 just before the Utica exit, according to a media release from the Nebraska State Patrol

 During the traffic stop, a Patrol K9 detected the odor of a controlled substance coming from inside the vehicle.

A search of the vehicle revealed 101 pounds of methamphetamine and 9 pounds of fentanyl. The substances were concealed in bags in the rear of the vehicle.

The occupants of the vehicle were identified as Jhonny Murillo Martinez, 38, of Hyattsville, Maryland, and passengers Tonny Guevara Chacon, 24, of Lorton, Virginia; Rene Rodriguez Morales, 27, of Falls Church, Virginia; and Marta Rodriguez, 38, of Falls Church, Virginia. 

All four were arrested on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver, and no drug tax stamp. All four were are being held in the York County Jail. Utica is approximately 150 north of Manhattan, Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661973739065.jpeg" alt="Photo Nebraska State Patrol" />
 <figcaption>Photo Nebraska State Patrol</figcaption>
 </figure>YORK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating four suspects after locating more than 100 pounds of methamphetamine and 9 pounds of fentanyl during a traffic stop.Just after 1p.m. Tuesday, a trooper observed a Nissan Rogue traveling with a license plate violation on Interstate 80 just before the Utica exit, according to a media release from the Nebraska State Patrol During the traffic stop, a Patrol K9 detected the odor of a controlled substance coming from inside the vehicle.A search of the vehicle revealed 101 pounds of methamphetamine and 9 pounds of fentanyl. The substances were concealed in bags in the rear of the vehicle.The occupants of the vehicle were identified as Jhonny Murillo Martinez, 38, of Hyattsville, Maryland, and passengers Tonny Guevara Chacon, 24, of Lorton, Virginia; Rene Rodriguez Morales, 27, of Falls Church, Virginia; and Marta Rodriguez, 38, of Falls Church, Virginia. All four were arrested on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver, and no drug tax stamp. All four were are being held in the York County Jail. Utica is approximately 150 north of Manhattan, Kansas.

Troopers seize 9 pounds of fentanyl, 100 pounds of meth

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal hit-and-run accident that left 34-year-old Corey Addis&nbsp; dead are asking the public to help identify a vehicle.

Just after 8:30 a.m. August 21, police were dispatched to the alley of the 1800 block of South Spruce in Wichita regarding a dead body found, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.

At the scene, officers located Addis who was pronounced deceased. The investigation revealed that Addis was possible run over by a vehicle.

Police would also like to speak to the driver of the white vehicle, seen following the red sedan in this video clip. If you have any information regarding the location of these vehicles or their drivers, pleases contact Detective Kempf at 316-250-3687 or rkempf@wichita.gov.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661873417798.png" alt="Image courtesy Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal hit-and-run accident that left 34-year-old Corey Addis&nbsp; dead are asking the public to help identify a vehicle.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWichitaPolice%2Fvideos%2F477616234377009%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=2" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Just after 8:30 a.m. August 21, police were dispatched to the alley of the 1800 block of South Spruce in Wichita regarding a dead body found, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.At the scene, officers located Addis who was pronounced deceased. The investigation revealed that Addis was possible run over by a vehicle.Police would also like to speak to the driver of the white vehicle, seen following the red sedan in this video clip. If you have any information regarding the location of these vehicles or their drivers, pleases contact Detective Kempf at 316-250-3687 or rkempf@wichita.gov.

🎥 Police release video of vehicle in fatal Kan. hit-and-run

By SHERMAN SMITH <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/08/31/kansas-republican-jake-laturner-defends-40b-aid-package-for-ukraine/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — U.S. Rep. Jake LaTurner credits Russian President Vladimir 
Putin with accomplishing something nobody thought was possible.

“He brought the United States Congress together in a bipartisan way,”
 LaTurner said Tuesday during a panel discussion in Wichita organized by
 the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition.

The discussion was part of a summit featuring policymakers and 
community leaders in three states talking about the role of “America’s 
heartland” in economic prosperity and national security. Panel 
discussions were held in Minnetonka, Minnesota, in West Lafayette, 
Indiana, and at Cargill headquarters in Wichita.

LaTurner, a Kansas Republican, joined retired Air Force Gen. Victor 
Renuart at the Wichita panel, where they defended U.S. investments in 
diplomacy and humanitarian aid around the world.

That includes a $40 billion aid package for Ukraine, which Congress passed in May by <a target="_blank" href="https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/2022145">a 368-57 vote</a>.
 LaTurner was the lone Republican in the Kansas delegation to vote in 
favor of the package. Democratic Rep. Sharice Davids also supported the 
package, while Republican Reps. Ron Estes and Tracey Mann voted against 
it.

The aid was a response to Russia’s unprovoked invasion in March. On 
Tuesday, LaTurner said the war had affected global markets, jeopardizing
 the livelihoods of Kansas agriculture producers whose annual exports <a target="_blank" href="https://www.usglc.org/media/states/Kansas.pdf">bring $5.7 billion to the state’s economy</a>.

“It is without question in our national security interest to make sure that we are successful in Ukraine,” LaTurner said.

Renuart, who oversaw the planning of allied combat, humanitarian and 
reconstruction efforts in Iraq, said the invasion of Ukraine presented 
an opportunity for the U.S. to lead again on a global stage, and 
solidified relationships with NATO members. America’s friends and allies
 are “playing a more active role” now, the general said.

Investments in diplomacy and humanitarian aid, Renuart said, can help the U.S. avoid direct military combat.

“We’ve got to really be much more forward-leaning in our noncombat 
investments, our international aid and development, to preclude the cost
 of human treasure in the future,” Renuart said.

Tuesday’s summit began with opening remarks from former U.S. Rep. Dan
 Glickman, a Kansas Democrat who also served as agriculture secretary 
under President Bill Clinton, about the importance of a strong America.

“We are clearly at a crossroads,” Glickman said. “We all need to work
 together to make good things happen. These are not Democrat or 
Republican issues.”

Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly announced a proclamation declaring August to be “U.S. Heartland Global Leadership Month.”

State Sen. Brenda Dietrich, a Topeka Republican, introduced the panel.

“There’s no question that the world that we live in today is more 
complex, more interconnected, and more challenging than any time in 
recent history,” Dietrich said. “And you’ve heard, there’s no shortage 
of threats — from Russia to China to Afghanistan to the Horn of Africa. 
But there’s also an important economic link to consider.”

LaTurner said the money the U.S. spends on diplomacy and humanitarian
 aid around the world is a worthwhile investment that amounts to just 1%
 of the U.S. budget.

In exchange for the investment, LaTurner said, the U.S. expects countries to reform and hold free and fair elections.

“It is a lot cheaper than war,” LaTurner said. “And so I think it is 
important that we continue to do this. It’s important that we remain the
 global superpower.”

LaTurner said it is also important to create new markets for U.S. 
exports, especially since China is aggressively working to expand 
markets. He said he believes in free and fair trade, and that this 
should be a bipartisan issue.

“I think it’s really critical that at least on a couple of issues, we
 can put down our pitchforks and work together,” LaTurner said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661960824613.png" alt="U.S. Rep. Jake LaTurner participates in a panel discussion Tuesday in Wichita as part of a summit organized by the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition. (Kansas Reflector screen capture from USGLC video)" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Rep. Jake LaTurner participates in a panel discussion Tuesday in Wichita as part of a summit organized by the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition. (Kansas Reflector screen capture from USGLC video)</figcaption>
 </figure>By SHERMAN SMITH <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/08/31/kansas-republican-jake-laturner-defends-40b-aid-package-for-ukraine/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — U.S. Rep. Jake LaTurner credits Russian President Vladimir 
Putin with accomplishing something nobody thought was possible.“He brought the United States Congress together in a bipartisan way,”
 LaTurner said Tuesday during a panel discussion in Wichita organized by
 the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition.The discussion was part of a summit featuring policymakers and 
community leaders in three states talking about the role of “America’s 
heartland” in economic prosperity and national security. Panel 
discussions were held in Minnetonka, Minnesota, in West Lafayette, 
Indiana, and at Cargill headquarters in Wichita.LaTurner, a Kansas Republican, joined retired Air Force Gen. Victor 
Renuart at the Wichita panel, where they defended U.S. investments in 
diplomacy and humanitarian aid around the world.That includes a $40 billion aid package for Ukraine, which Congress passed in May by <a target="_blank" href="https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/2022145">a 368-57 vote</a>.
 LaTurner was the lone Republican in the Kansas delegation to vote in 
favor of the package. Democratic Rep. Sharice Davids also supported the 
package, while Republican Reps. Ron Estes and Tracey Mann voted against 
it.The aid was a response to Russia’s unprovoked invasion in March. On 
Tuesday, LaTurner said the war had affected global markets, jeopardizing
 the livelihoods of Kansas agriculture producers whose annual exports <a target="_blank" href="https://www.usglc.org/media/states/Kansas.pdf">bring $5.7 billion to the state’s economy</a>.“It is without question in our national security interest to make sure that we are successful in Ukraine,” LaTurner said.Renuart, who oversaw the planning of allied combat, humanitarian and 
reconstruction efforts in Iraq, said the invasion of Ukraine presented 
an opportunity for the U.S. to lead again on a global stage, and 
solidified relationships with NATO members. America’s friends and allies
 are “playing a more active role” now, the general said.Investments in diplomacy and humanitarian aid, Renuart said, can help the U.S. avoid direct military combat.“We’ve got to really be much more forward-leaning in our noncombat 
investments, our international aid and development, to preclude the cost
 of human treasure in the future,” Renuart said.Tuesday’s summit began with opening remarks from former U.S. Rep. Dan
 Glickman, a Kansas Democrat who also served as agriculture secretary 
under President Bill Clinton, about the importance of a strong America.“We are clearly at a crossroads,” Glickman said. “We all need to work
 together to make good things happen. These are not Democrat or 
Republican issues.”Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly announced a proclamation declaring August to be “U.S. Heartland Global Leadership Month.”State Sen. Brenda Dietrich, a Topeka Republican, introduced the panel.“There’s no question that the world that we live in today is more 
complex, more interconnected, and more challenging than any time in 
recent history,” Dietrich said. “And you’ve heard, there’s no shortage 
of threats — from Russia to China to Afghanistan to the Horn of Africa. 
But there’s also an important economic link to consider.”LaTurner said the money the U.S. spends on diplomacy and humanitarian
 aid around the world is a worthwhile investment that amounts to just 1%
 of the U.S. budget.In exchange for the investment, LaTurner said, the U.S. expects countries to reform and hold free and fair elections.“It is a lot cheaper than war,” LaTurner said. “And so I think it is 
important that we continue to do this. It’s important that we remain the
 global superpower.”LaTurner said it is also important to create new markets for U.S. 
exports, especially since China is aggressively working to expand 
markets. He said he believes in free and fair trade, and that this 
should be a bipartisan issue.“I think it’s really critical that at least on a couple of issues, we
 can put down our pitchforks and work together,” LaTurner said.

Kansas rep LaTurner defends $40B aid package for Ukraine

SUMNER COUNTY—Authorities investigating a fatal Kansas crash that occurred just before 5p.m. Tuesday have identified the victim as 61-year-old Carl David Oldridge, 61 of Enid Oklahoma.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Kenworth semi driven by&nbsp;Oldridge was southbound in the 1200 Block of South Caldwell Road.&nbsp;

The truck tractor left the roadway and entered the west ditch. Once the trailer entered the ditch, the vehicle rolled and came to rest after striking a utility pole.

Oldridge was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported Schaefer Mortuary. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

SUMNER COUNTY—The Kansas Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal crash that occurred just before 5p.m. Tuesday in Sumner County.

The agency reported a semi was southbound in 1200 block of South Caldwell Road. The truck tractor left the roadway and entered the west ditch.

Once the trailer entered the ditch, the vehicle rolled and came to rest after striking a utility pole.

The KHP released no additional details early Tuesday.

SUMNER COUNTY—Authorities investigating a fatal Kansas crash that occurred just before 5p.m. Tuesday have identified the victim as 61-year-old Carl David Oldridge, 61 of Enid Oklahoma.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Kenworth semi driven by&nbsp;Oldridge was southbound in the 1200 Block of South Caldwell Road.&nbsp;The truck tractor left the roadway and entered the west ditch. Once the trailer entered the ditch, the vehicle rolled and came to rest after striking a utility pole.Oldridge was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported Schaefer Mortuary. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.--------SUMNER COUNTY—The Kansas Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal crash that occurred just before 5p.m. Tuesday in Sumner County.The agency reported a semi was southbound in 1200 block of South Caldwell Road. The truck tractor left the roadway and entered the west ditch.Once the trailer entered the ditch, the vehicle rolled and came to rest after striking a utility pole.The KHP released no additional details early Tuesday.

KHP IDs driver who died after semi rolled, struck utility pole

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/08/30/schmidt-challenges-kellys-disruption-of-in-person-instruction-early-in-covid-19-pandemic/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Republican governor 
candidate Derek Schmidt toured a Wichita high school degree completion 
program to place emphasis on ramifications of Gov. Laura Kelly’s 
decision in March 2020 to close Kansas public school buildings in 
response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Schmidt, who also met with parents Monday during the campaign swing, 
said it was “damaging” for the Democratic governor to have become the 
nation’s first chief executive to shift instruction to an online format 
in early stages of a pandemic. COVID-19 has contributed to the death of 
8,958 Kansans.

“It was an unnecessarily overaggressive approach,” Schmidt said. “In 
hindsight, it was not justified at the time and yet here we are all this
 time later trying to figure out how to remedy the damage.”

Schmidt said enrollment in Kansas public schools was down about 
14,000 students more than two years after COVID-19 swept the nation. He 
raised concern some of those students slipped through cracks in the 
education system. He said a portion were unaccounted for, but offered no
 insight into how private schools, homeschooling or movement to other 
states might explain absence of students from public schools.

Kansas public schools have returned to normal operations under 
direction of the Kansas Board of Education. The state Department of 
Education reported 518,800 students attended public schools in Kansas 
during 2019-2020. That dropped to 502,400 in 2020-2021, due to the 
pandemic. In 2021-2022, enrollment was 12,400 below the pre-pandemic 
level. The 2022-2023 enrollment reports have yet to be compiled by the 
state.

“As governor,” Schmidt said, “I pledge I will never again lock our 
children out of their schools, and I hope that Governor Kelly will take 
that same pledge. I think our families and our kids deserve to know they
 don’t need to worry about a repeat of this terrible error.”

Kelly was elected governor in 2018 based in part on her advocacy for 
K-12 public education, including the effort to restore full state 
funding of school districts.

During her term, the Legislature and Kelly increased the state’s 
financial investment in education to comply with constitutional 
requirements affirmed through protracted litigation. <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/08/29/kansas-educators-recall-pain-of-brownback-era-urge-support-for-gov-laura-kelly/">Supporters of Kelly’s reelection have expressed fear a Republican governor</a> could jeopardize financial gains by public schools.

“I ran for governor in 2018 because I knew that properly funding our 
schools was the first step to ensuring our kids receive the world-class 
education they deserve,” Kelly said.

Kelly issued an executive order March 17, 2020, that recognized the 
public health emergency of COVID-19. That followed by several days 
President Donald Trump’s declaration the pandemic was of “sufficient 
severity and magnitude to warrant” emergency action by all states, 
tribes, territories and the District of Columbia.

“Kansas’ K-12 schools are the backbone of our communities,” Kelly 
said at that time. “But they are also opportunities to significantly 
further the spread of COVID-19. Many schools have already temporarily 
closed, either voluntarily or as a result of local health departent 
orders or state-level recommendations.”

She said her executive order outlined a statewide approach offering 
students, parents, teachers, staff and administrators greater certainty 
and opportunity for the state and districts to implement alternative 
instructional programs that didn’t center on in-person teaching.

During the pandemic, Kelly and state lawmakers allocated $15 million 
for “remote learning” grants used to address needs of students not able 
to be part of in-person instruction. The state also approved $50 million
 for “learning recovery” grants, which supplemented other aid to 
students.

Kelly said during the campaign that Kansas’ world-class education 
system was part of what has propelled the state’s growing economy.

“I’m looking forward to continuing to uplift Kansas’ public education with the support of our world-class educators,” she said.

In Wichita, Schmidt said he appreciated work of the Acceleration 
Academy, which formed a partnership with Wichita public schools to 
provide one-on-one instruction to individuals 14 to 21 years of age who 
wanted to earn a high school diploma.

Schmidt, the state’s attorney general, also repeated a claim Kelly 
was to some degree responsible for rising mental health issues of Kansas
 youth and the exit of Kansas educators from the profession. Both are 
national trends.

Patty Bledsoe, a family practice physician in Wichita, said during a 
meeting with Schmidt the closure of school buildings and the disruption 
of classroom instruction had a negative impact on some students.

“I have seen in my patient population&nbsp;significant increase in anxiety and depression in very, very young students that I don’t think we’ll see the end results on for years to come,”
 Bledsoe said. “So, are we back to normal? We’re back to what appears to
 be normal. But I think it’s going to be 10 years before we see the 
truth of what happened.”

Natalie Ellis, who also spoke to Schmidt about repercussions of the 
governor’s response to COVID-19, said movement away from regular school 
classes was detrimental academically, socially and emotionally to 
students.

“As parents we spoke out for two years about the issues at hand in our school district, but no one listened,” she said. “The data is now proving that lockdowns did way more harm than good. Tests scores are down. Proficiency levels have tanked. And anxiety and depression are through the roof. Kansans need a governor who will listen to and protect parental rights. That’s why I’m voting for Derek Schmidt.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661892316630.png" alt="Republican governor candidate Derek Schmidt criticized Gov. Laura Kelly’s decision early in the COVID-19 pandemic to temporarily close public school buildings and shift to an online instructional format. Kelly is seeking re-election to a second term. (Submitted)" />
 <figcaption>Republican governor candidate Derek Schmidt criticized Gov. Laura Kelly’s decision early in the COVID-19 pandemic to temporarily close public school buildings and shift to an online instructional format. Kelly is seeking re-election to a second term. (Submitted)</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/08/30/schmidt-challenges-kellys-disruption-of-in-person-instruction-early-in-covid-19-pandemic/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Republican governor 
candidate Derek Schmidt toured a Wichita high school degree completion 
program to place emphasis on ramifications of Gov. Laura Kelly’s 
decision in March 2020 to close Kansas public school buildings in 
response to the COVID-19 pandemic.Schmidt, who also met with parents Monday during the campaign swing, 
said it was “damaging” for the Democratic governor to have become the 
nation’s first chief executive to shift instruction to an online format 
in early stages of a pandemic. COVID-19 has contributed to the death of 
8,958 Kansans.“It was an unnecessarily overaggressive approach,” Schmidt said. “In 
hindsight, it was not justified at the time and yet here we are all this
 time later trying to figure out how to remedy the damage.”Schmidt said enrollment in Kansas public schools was down about 
14,000 students more than two years after COVID-19 swept the nation. He 
raised concern some of those students slipped through cracks in the 
education system. He said a portion were unaccounted for, but offered no
 insight into how private schools, homeschooling or movement to other 
states might explain absence of students from public schools.Kansas public schools have returned to normal operations under 
direction of the Kansas Board of Education. The state Department of 
Education reported 518,800 students attended public schools in Kansas 
during 2019-2020. That dropped to 502,400 in 2020-2021, due to the 
pandemic. In 2021-2022, enrollment was 12,400 below the pre-pandemic 
level. The 2022-2023 enrollment reports have yet to be compiled by the 
state.“As governor,” Schmidt said, “I pledge I will never again lock our 
children out of their schools, and I hope that Governor Kelly will take 
that same pledge. I think our families and our kids deserve to know they
 don’t need to worry about a repeat of this terrible error.”<h2>‘World-class education’</h2>Kelly was elected governor in 2018 based in part on her advocacy for 
K-12 public education, including the effort to restore full state 
funding of school districts.During her term, the Legislature and Kelly increased the state’s 
financial investment in education to comply with constitutional 
requirements affirmed through protracted litigation. <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/08/29/kansas-educators-recall-pain-of-brownback-era-urge-support-for-gov-laura-kelly/">Supporters of Kelly’s reelection have expressed fear a Republican governor</a> could jeopardize financial gains by public schools.“I ran for governor in 2018 because I knew that properly funding our 
schools was the first step to ensuring our kids receive the world-class 
education they deserve,” Kelly said.Kelly issued an executive order March 17, 2020, that recognized the 
public health emergency of COVID-19. That followed by several days 
President Donald Trump’s declaration the pandemic was of “sufficient 
severity and magnitude to warrant” emergency action by all states, 
tribes, territories and the District of Columbia.“Kansas’ K-12 schools are the backbone of our communities,” Kelly 
said at that time. “But they are also opportunities to significantly 
further the spread of COVID-19. Many schools have already temporarily 
closed, either voluntarily or as a result of local health departent 
orders or state-level recommendations.”She said her executive order outlined a statewide approach offering 
students, parents, teachers, staff and administrators greater certainty 
and opportunity for the state and districts to implement alternative 
instructional programs that didn’t center on in-person teaching.During the pandemic, Kelly and state lawmakers allocated $15 million 
for “remote learning” grants used to address needs of students not able 
to be part of in-person instruction. The state also approved $50 million
 for “learning recovery” grants, which supplemented other aid to 
students.Kelly said during the campaign that Kansas’ world-class education 
system was part of what has propelled the state’s growing economy.“I’m looking forward to continuing to uplift Kansas’ public education with the support of our world-class educators,” she said.<h2>Wichita perspectives</h2>In Wichita, Schmidt said he appreciated work of the Acceleration 
Academy, which formed a partnership with Wichita public schools to 
provide one-on-one instruction to individuals 14 to 21 years of age who 
wanted to earn a high school diploma.Schmidt, the state’s attorney general, also repeated a claim Kelly 
was to some degree responsible for rising mental health issues of Kansas
 youth and the exit of Kansas educators from the profession. Both are 
national trends.Patty Bledsoe, a family practice physician in Wichita, said during a 
meeting with Schmidt the closure of school buildings and the disruption 
of classroom instruction had a negative impact on some students.“I have seen in my patient population&nbsp;significant increase in anxiety and depression in very, very young students that I don’t think we’ll see the end results on for years to come,”
 Bledsoe said. “So, are we back to normal? We’re back to what appears to
 be normal. But I think it’s going to be 10 years before we see the 
truth of what happened.”Natalie Ellis, who also spoke to Schmidt about repercussions of the 
governor’s response to COVID-19, said movement away from regular school 
classes was detrimental academically, socially and emotionally to 
students.“As parents we spoke out for two years about the issues at hand in our school district, but no one listened,” she said. “The data is now proving that lockdowns did way more harm than good. Tests scores are down. Proficiency levels have tanked. And anxiety and depression are through the roof. Kansans need a governor who will listen to and protect parental rights. That’s why I’m voting for Derek Schmidt.”

Schmidt condemns disruption of in-person class early in pandemic

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Health reported&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;5,748 new coronavirus cases in Kansas from Wednesday August 24, to Wednesday August 31, for a total of 864,631&nbsp; cases.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On Wednesday, th<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1529/June-15-Case-Summary-PDF?bidId=">e state reported&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;61 COVID-19 deaths since August 24, for a total of 9,019.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a>&nbsp;about the COVID-19 vaccine.

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

Kansas is providing fewer updates of its data about COVID-19 now that Gov. Laura Kelly formally declared that the state is moving toward treating COVID-19 as a disease like the flu that spreads regularly and isn't considered a pandemic.&nbsp;The health department plans to update data about cases and vaccinations each Wednesday.

The state continues to support access to free COVID-19 testing, works to ensure that vulnerable populations can get vaccinated, see that providers serve a broad population and give “comprehensive guidance” about the virus. She called the new phase “endemic normalcy.”

The health department plans to update data about cases and vaccinations each Wednesday.

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Health reported&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;5,748 new coronavirus cases in Kansas from Wednesday August 24, to Wednesday August 31, for a total of 864,631&nbsp; cases.&nbsp;&nbsp;On Wednesday, th<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1529/June-15-Case-Summary-PDF?bidId=">e state reported&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;61 COVID-19 deaths since August 24, for a total of 9,019.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661965647142.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a>&nbsp;about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.Kansas is providing fewer updates of its data about COVID-19 now that Gov. Laura Kelly formally declared that the state is moving toward treating COVID-19 as a disease like the flu that spreads regularly and isn't considered a pandemic.&nbsp;The health department plans to update data about cases and vaccinations each Wednesday.The state continues to support access to free COVID-19 testing, works to ensure that vulnerable populations can get vaccinated, see that providers serve a broad population and give “comprehensive guidance” about the virus. She called the new phase “endemic normalcy.”The health department plans to update data about cases and vaccinations each Wednesday.

KDHE: Statewide COVID death toll tops 9,000

BOURBON COUNTY —The Kansas Fire Marshal's office is working with local officials to determine the cause of a fire that caused significant damage to a<a href="https://www.mqaftscott.com/"> historic church</a> in southeast Kansas.

Just after 9p.m. Monday, crews responded to <a href="https://www.mqaftscott.com/">St Mary’s Catholic Church</a>, 714 South Eddy Street, in Fort Scott for a report of a fire, according to a media release.

Crews found the church on fire with heavy smoke and flames emitting from the SE corner of the structure.

Fort Scott Fire Department, with assistance from Nevada Fire Department, Scott Township Fire Department, Bourbon County Rural District 3 Fire Department, and Arma Fire Department battled the blaze until the early morning hours Tuesday. 

&nbsp;One Fort Scott Firefighter sustained a minor injury.  He was treated and released from the Via Christi Emergency Room.&nbsp; No other injuries are known.&nbsp; Officials have not released a damage estimate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661897236170.png" alt="Damage inside the historic church photo courtesy KOAM TV" />
 <figcaption>Damage inside the historic church photo courtesy KOAM TV</figcaption>
 </figure>BOURBON COUNTY —The Kansas Fire Marshal's office is working with local officials to determine the cause of a fire that caused significant damage to a<a href="https://www.mqaftscott.com/"> historic church</a> in southeast Kansas.Just after 9p.m. Monday, crews responded to <a href="https://www.mqaftscott.com/">St Mary’s Catholic Church</a>, 714 South Eddy Street, in Fort Scott for a report of a fire, according to a media release.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661897167092.png" alt="photo courtesy Nevada, Mo. fire department" />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy Nevada, Mo. fire department</figcaption>
 </figure>Crews found the church on fire with heavy smoke and flames emitting from the SE corner of the structure.Fort Scott Fire Department, with assistance from Nevada Fire Department, Scott Township Fire Department, Bourbon County Rural District 3 Fire Department, and Arma Fire Department battled the blaze until the early morning hours Tuesday. &nbsp;One Fort Scott Firefighter sustained a minor injury. He was treated and released from the Via Christi Emergency Room.&nbsp; No other injuries are known.&nbsp; Officials have not released a damage estimate.

Cause of fire at historic Kansas church under investigation

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. on Wednesday authorized its first update to COVID-19 vaccines, booster doses that target today’s most common omicron strain. Shots could begin within days.

The move by the Food and Drug Administration tweaks the recipe of shots made by Pfizer and rival Moderna that already have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-science-health-england-54d29ae3af5c700f15d704c14ee224b5">saved millions</a>&nbsp;of lives. The hope is that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-science-health-cd39872e31c490cb92c7678a8de83499">modified boosters</a>&nbsp;will blunt yet another winter surge.

“You’ll see me at the front of the line,” FDA vaccine chief Dr. Peter Marks told The Associated Press shortly before his agency cleared the new doses.

Until now, COVID-19 vaccines have targeted the original coronavirus strain, even as wildly different mutants emerged. The new U.S. boosters are combination, or “bivalent,” shots. They contain half that original vaccine recipe and half protection against the newest omicron versions, called BA.4 and BA.5, that are considered the most contagious yet.

The combination aims to increase cross-protection against multiple variants.

“It really provides the broadest opportunity for protection,” Pfizer vaccine chief Annaliesa Anderson told the AP.

The updated boosters are only for people who have already had their primary vaccinations, using the original vaccines. Doses made by Pfizer and its partner BioNTech are for anyone 12 and older while Moderna's updated shots are for adults — if it has been at least two months since their last primary vaccination or their latest booster. They're not to be used for initial vaccinations.

There’s one more step before a fall booster campaign begins: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention must recommend who should get the additional shot. An influential CDC advisory panel will debate the evidence Thursday — including whether people at high risk from COVID-19 should go first.

“As we head into fall and begin to spend more time indoors, we strongly encourage anyone who is eligible to consider receiving a booster dose with a bivalent COVID-19 vaccine to provide better protection against currently circulating variants," FDA Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf said in a statement.

The U.S. has purchased more than 170 million doses from the two companies. Pfizer said it could ship up to 15 million of those doses by the end of next week.

The big question is whether people weary of vaccinations will roll up their sleeves again. Just half of vaccinated Americans got the first recommended booster dose, and only a third of those 50 and older who were urged to get a second booster did so.

It’s time for U.S. authorities to better explain that the public should expect an updated COVID-19 vaccination every so often, just like getting a fall flu shot or a tetanus booster after stepping on a rusty nail, said University of Pennsylvania immunologist E. John Wherry.

“We need to rebrand it in a societally normal-looking way,” rather than a panicked response to new mutants, Wherry said. “Give a clear, forward-looking set of expectations.”

Here’s the rub: The original vaccines still offer strong protection against severe disease and death from COVID-19 for most generally healthy people, especially if they got that important first booster dose. It’s not clear just how much more benefit an updated booster will bring — beyond a temporary jump in antibodies capable of fending off an omicron infection.

One reason: The FDA cleared the modifications ahead of studies in people, a step toward eventually handling COVID-19 vaccine updates more like yearly flu shots.

First, FDA checked human studies of earlier Pfizer and Moderna attempts to update their vaccines — shots matching the omicron strain that struck last winter. That recipe change was safe, and substantially boosted antibodies targeting the earlier variant — better than another dose of the original vaccine — while adding a little protection against today's genetically distinct BA.4 and BA.5 omicron versions.

But FDA&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-science-health-3742cacfc9c102e9748cd8ff17036db6">ordered the companies</a>&nbsp;to brew even more up-to-date doses that target those newest omicron mutants instead, sparking a race to roll out shots in less than three months. Rather than waiting a few more months for additional human studies of that recipe tweak, Marks said animal tests showed the latest update spurs “a very good immune response.”

The hope, he said, is that a vaccine matched to currently spreading variants might do a better job fighting infection, not just serious illness, at least for a while.

What's next? Even as modified shots roll out, Moderna and Pfizer are conducting human studies to help assess their value, including how they hold up if a new mutant comes along.

And for children, Pfizer plans to ask FDA to allow updated boosters for 5- to 11-year-olds in early October.

It’s the first U.S. update to the COVID-19 vaccine recipe, an important but expected next step -- like how flu vaccines get updated every year.

And the U.S. isn’t alone.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-health-bbda6ba6107b3c839e42925136007fed">Britain</a>&nbsp;recently decided to offer adults over 50 a different booster option from Moderna, a combo shot targeting that initial BA.1 omicron strain. European regulators are considering whether to authorize one or both of the updated formulas.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. on Wednesday authorized its first update to COVID-19 vaccines, booster doses that target today’s most common omicron strain. Shots could begin within days.The move by the Food and Drug Administration tweaks the recipe of shots made by Pfizer and rival Moderna that already have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-science-health-england-54d29ae3af5c700f15d704c14ee224b5">saved millions</a>&nbsp;of lives. The hope is that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-science-health-cd39872e31c490cb92c7678a8de83499">modified boosters</a>&nbsp;will blunt yet another winter surge.“You’ll see me at the front of the line,” FDA vaccine chief Dr. Peter Marks told The Associated Press shortly before his agency cleared the new doses.Until now, COVID-19 vaccines have targeted the original coronavirus strain, even as wildly different mutants emerged. The new U.S. boosters are combination, or “bivalent,” shots. They contain half that original vaccine recipe and half protection against the newest omicron versions, called BA.4 and BA.5, that are considered the most contagious yet.The combination aims to increase cross-protection against multiple variants.“It really provides the broadest opportunity for protection,” Pfizer vaccine chief Annaliesa Anderson told the AP.The updated boosters are only for people who have already had their primary vaccinations, using the original vaccines. Doses made by Pfizer and its partner BioNTech are for anyone 12 and older while Moderna's updated shots are for adults — if it has been at least two months since their last primary vaccination or their latest booster. They're not to be used for initial vaccinations.There’s one more step before a fall booster campaign begins: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention must recommend who should get the additional shot. An influential CDC advisory panel will debate the evidence Thursday — including whether people at high risk from COVID-19 should go first.“As we head into fall and begin to spend more time indoors, we strongly encourage anyone who is eligible to consider receiving a booster dose with a bivalent COVID-19 vaccine to provide better protection against currently circulating variants," FDA Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf said in a statement.The U.S. has purchased more than 170 million doses from the two companies. Pfizer said it could ship up to 15 million of those doses by the end of next week.The big question is whether people weary of vaccinations will roll up their sleeves again. Just half of vaccinated Americans got the first recommended booster dose, and only a third of those 50 and older who were urged to get a second booster did so.It’s time for U.S. authorities to better explain that the public should expect an updated COVID-19 vaccination every so often, just like getting a fall flu shot or a tetanus booster after stepping on a rusty nail, said University of Pennsylvania immunologist E. John Wherry.“We need to rebrand it in a societally normal-looking way,” rather than a panicked response to new mutants, Wherry said. “Give a clear, forward-looking set of expectations.”Here’s the rub: The original vaccines still offer strong protection against severe disease and death from COVID-19 for most generally healthy people, especially if they got that important first booster dose. It’s not clear just how much more benefit an updated booster will bring — beyond a temporary jump in antibodies capable of fending off an omicron infection.One reason: The FDA cleared the modifications ahead of studies in people, a step toward eventually handling COVID-19 vaccine updates more like yearly flu shots.First, FDA checked human studies of earlier Pfizer and Moderna attempts to update their vaccines — shots matching the omicron strain that struck last winter. That recipe change was safe, and substantially boosted antibodies targeting the earlier variant — better than another dose of the original vaccine — while adding a little protection against today's genetically distinct BA.4 and BA.5 omicron versions.But FDA&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-science-health-3742cacfc9c102e9748cd8ff17036db6">ordered the companies</a>&nbsp;to brew even more up-to-date doses that target those newest omicron mutants instead, sparking a race to roll out shots in less than three months. Rather than waiting a few more months for additional human studies of that recipe tweak, Marks said animal tests showed the latest update spurs “a very good immune response.”The hope, he said, is that a vaccine matched to currently spreading variants might do a better job fighting infection, not just serious illness, at least for a while.What's next? Even as modified shots roll out, Moderna and Pfizer are conducting human studies to help assess their value, including how they hold up if a new mutant comes along.And for children, Pfizer plans to ask FDA to allow updated boosters for 5- to 11-year-olds in early October.It’s the first U.S. update to the COVID-19 vaccine recipe, an important but expected next step -- like how flu vaccines get updated every year.And the U.S. isn’t alone.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-health-bbda6ba6107b3c839e42925136007fed">Britain</a>&nbsp;recently decided to offer adults over 50 a different booster option from Moderna, a combo shot targeting that initial BA.1 omicron strain. European regulators are considering whether to authorize one or both of the updated formulas.___

US clears updated boosters targeting newest COVID variants

BUTLER COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a weekend murder at a rural Kansas home and have identified the victim as&nbsp; 51-year-old Christina Bingham.

Just before 7a.m. Saturday, Butler County deputies were dispatched to a third party report of a possible shooting in the 7900 block of SW 163rd Street, rural Augusta, an area commonly known as Gordon, according to&nbsp;Undersheriff Daimon Cundiff.

A person called 911 and told dispatchers that a family member had contacted them stating they had shot another individual in the home.

Upon arrival of patrol deputies a perimeter was established and deputies attempted to make contact without success. Based upon the nature of the report, the situation was treated as a barricaded subject and the Butler County Sheriff’s Office Tactical Team was deployed to the residence.

After numerous unsuccessful attempts to make contact with people inside the home the tactical team made entry and took a 56-year-old&nbsp; Robert Martindale II into custody. 

Deputies found Bingham  in the residence.&nbsp; She appeared to have a gunshot wound.&nbsp;

Martindale, who also lived at the residence, is being held in the Butler County Jail and has been charged with First Degree Murder, according to Cundiff.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661896099905.png" alt="Martindale-photo Butler Co." />
 <figcaption>Martindale-photo Butler Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BUTLER COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a weekend murder at a rural Kansas home and have identified the victim as&nbsp; 51-year-old Christina Bingham.Just before 7a.m. Saturday, Butler County deputies were dispatched to a third party report of a possible shooting in the 7900 block of SW 163rd Street, rural Augusta, an area commonly known as Gordon, according to&nbsp;Undersheriff Daimon Cundiff.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661798212258.png" alt="-The Butler County Tactical Team on the scene of the investigation Saturday-photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>-The Butler County Tactical Team on the scene of the investigation Saturday-photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>A person called 911 and told dispatchers that a family member had contacted them stating they had shot another individual in the home.Upon arrival of patrol deputies a perimeter was established and deputies attempted to make contact without success. Based upon the nature of the report, the situation was treated as a barricaded subject and the Butler County Sheriff’s Office Tactical Team was deployed to the residence.After numerous unsuccessful attempts to make contact with people inside the home the tactical team made entry and took a 56-year-old&nbsp; Robert Martindale II into custody. Deputies found Bingham in the residence.&nbsp; She appeared to have a gunshot wound.&nbsp;Martindale, who also lived at the residence, is being held in the Butler County Jail and has been charged with First Degree Murder, according to Cundiff.

Sheriff: Suspect charged for rural Kan. woman's murder

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department said Tuesday that classified documents were “likely concealed and removed” from former President Donald Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-mar-a-lago-government-and-politics-9e8d683afe87389407950af7ccfdbdd6">Mar-a-Lago estate</a>&nbsp;as part of an effort to obstruct the federal investigation into the discovery of the government records.

<a href="https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/22272789/doj-response-to-trump-special-master.pdf">CLICK HERE to read</a>&nbsp;the full response from the Department of Justice

The FBI also seized 33 boxes containing more than 100 classified records during its Aug. 8 search of Mar-a-Lago and found classified documents stashed in Trump’s office,&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.flsd.618763/gov.uscourts.flsd.618763.48.0_1.pdf" target="_blank">according to a filing</a>&nbsp;that lays out the most detailed chronology to date of months of strained interactions between Justice Department officials and Trump representatives over the discovery of government secrets.

The filing offers yet another indication of the sheer volume of classified records retrieved from Mar-a-Lago. It shows how investigators conducting a criminal probe have focused not just on why the records were improperly stored there, but also on the question of whether the Trump team intentionally misled them about the continued, and unlawful, presence of the top secret documents.

The timeline laid out by the Justice Department made clear that the extraordinary search of Mar-a-Lago came only after other efforts to retrieve the records had failed, and that it resulted from law enforcement suspicion that additional documents remained inside the property despite assurances by Trump representatives that a “diligent search” had accounted for all of the material.

It also included a picture of some of the seized documents bearing clear classification markings, perhaps as a way to rebut suggestions that whoever packed them or was handling them could have easily failed to appreciate their sensitive nature.

The photo shows the cover pages of a smattering of paperclip-bound classified documents — some marked as “TOP SECRET//SCI” with bright yellow borders, and one marked as “SECRET//SCI” with a rust-colored border — along with whited-out pages, splayed out on a carpet at Mar-a-Lago. Beside them sits a cardboard box filled with gold-framed pictures, including a Time magazine cover.

Though it contains significant new details on the investigation, the Justice Department filing does not resolve a core question that has driven public fascination with the investigation — why Trump held onto the documents after he left the White House and why he and his team resisted repeated efforts to give them back. In fact, it suggests officials may not have received an answer.

During a June 3 visit to Mar-a-Lago by FBI and Justice Department officials, the document states, “Counsel for the former President offered no explanation as to why boxes of government records, including 38 documents with classification markings, remained at the Premises nearly five months after the production of the Fifteen Boxes and nearly one-and-a-half years after the end of the Administration.”

That visit to Mar-a-Lago, which came weeks after the Justice Department issued a subpoena for the records, receives substantial attention in the document and appears to be a key investigative focus.

Though Trump has said he had declassified all of the documents at Mar-a-Lago, his lawyers did not suggest that during the visit and instead “handled them in a manner that suggested counsel believed that the documents were classified,” according to the document.

FBI agents who went there to receive additional materials were given “a single Redweld envelope, double-wrapped in tape, containing the documents,” the filing states.

That envelope, according to the FBI, contained 38 unique documents with classification markings, including five documents marked confidential, 16 marked secret and 17 marked top secret.

During that visit, the document says, Trump’s lawyers told investigators that all the records that had come from the White House were stored in one location — a Mar-a-Lago storage room — and that “there were no other records stored in any private office space or other location at the Premises and that all available boxes were searched.”

After that, though, the Justice Department, which had subpoenaed video footage for the property, “developed evidence that government records were likely concealed and removed from the Storage Room and that efforts were likely taken to obstruct the government’s investigation.” The filing does not identify the individuals who may have relocated the boxes.

In their August search, agents found classified documents both in the storage room as well as in the former president’s office — including three classified documents found not in boxes, but in office desks.

“That the FBI, in a matter of hours, recovered twice as many documents with classification markings as the ‘diligent search’ that the former President’s counsel and other representatives had weeks to perform calls into serious question the representations made in the June 3 certification and casts doubt on the extent of cooperation in this matter,” the document states.

It says, “In some instances, even the FBI counterintelligence personnel and DOJ attorneys conducting the review required additional clearances before they were permitted to review certain documents.”

The investigation began from a referral from the National Archives and Records Administration,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-mar-a-lago-criminal-investigations-government-and-politics-4ee554f467252929f96c70d42a93a05d">which recovered 15 boxes from Mar-a-Lago in January</a>&nbsp;that were found to contain 184 documents with classified markings, including top secret information.

The purpose of the Tuesday night filing was to oppose a request from the Trump legal team for a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-mar-a-lago-government-and-politics-d99f53f65920b6d6dce16f8b02aabd13">special master</a>&nbsp;to review the documents seized during this month’s search and set aside those protected by claims of legal privilege. U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon is set to hear arguments on the matter on Thursday.

Cannon on Saturday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/florida-government-and-politics-1cc6c63010da10a19fb8cfc8595ffe38">said it was her “preliminary intent”</a>&nbsp;to appoint such a person but also gave the Justice Department an opportunity to respond.

On Monday, the department said it had already completed its review of potentially privileged documents and identified a “limited set of materials that potentially contain attorney-client privileged information.” It said Tuesday that a special master was therefore “unnecessary.”

In a separate development, the Trump legal team has grown with the addition of another attorney. Chris Kise, Florida’s former solicitor general, has joined the team of lawyers representing Trump, according to two people familiar with the matter who were not authorized to discuss the move by name and spoke on condition of anonymity. Kise did not return messages seeking comment.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661941600753.jpeg" alt="This image contained in a court filing by the Department of Justice on Aug. 30, 2022, and redacted by in part by the FBI, shows a photo of documents seized during the Aug. 8 search by the FBI of former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. The Justice Department says it has uncovered efforts to obstruct its investigation into the discovery of classified records at former President Donald Trump's Florida estate. (Department of Justice via AP)" />
 <figcaption>This image contained in a court filing by the Department of Justice on Aug. 30, 2022, and redacted by in part by the FBI, shows a photo of documents seized during the Aug. 8 search by the FBI of former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. The Justice Department says it has uncovered efforts to obstruct its investigation into the discovery of classified records at former President Donald Trump's Florida estate. (Department of Justice via AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department said Tuesday that classified documents were “likely concealed and removed” from former President Donald Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-mar-a-lago-government-and-politics-9e8d683afe87389407950af7ccfdbdd6">Mar-a-Lago estate</a>&nbsp;as part of an effort to obstruct the federal investigation into the discovery of the government records.<a href="https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/22272789/doj-response-to-trump-special-master.pdf">CLICK HERE to read</a>&nbsp;the full response from the Department of JusticeThe FBI also seized 33 boxes containing more than 100 classified records during its Aug. 8 search of Mar-a-Lago and found classified documents stashed in Trump’s office,&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.flsd.618763/gov.uscourts.flsd.618763.48.0_1.pdf" target="_blank">according to a filing</a>&nbsp;that lays out the most detailed chronology to date of months of strained interactions between Justice Department officials and Trump representatives over the discovery of government secrets.The filing offers yet another indication of the sheer volume of classified records retrieved from Mar-a-Lago. It shows how investigators conducting a criminal probe have focused not just on why the records were improperly stored there, but also on the question of whether the Trump team intentionally misled them about the continued, and unlawful, presence of the top secret documents.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661953153908.png" alt="Trump statement on his social media Wednesday." />
 <figcaption>Trump statement on his social media Wednesday.</figcaption>
 </figure>The timeline laid out by the Justice Department made clear that the extraordinary search of Mar-a-Lago came only after other efforts to retrieve the records had failed, and that it resulted from law enforcement suspicion that additional documents remained inside the property despite assurances by Trump representatives that a “diligent search” had accounted for all of the material.It also included a picture of some of the seized documents bearing clear classification markings, perhaps as a way to rebut suggestions that whoever packed them or was handling them could have easily failed to appreciate their sensitive nature.The photo shows the cover pages of a smattering of paperclip-bound classified documents — some marked as “TOP SECRET//SCI” with bright yellow borders, and one marked as “SECRET//SCI” with a rust-colored border — along with whited-out pages, splayed out on a carpet at Mar-a-Lago. Beside them sits a cardboard box filled with gold-framed pictures, including a Time magazine cover.Though it contains significant new details on the investigation, the Justice Department filing does not resolve a core question that has driven public fascination with the investigation — why Trump held onto the documents after he left the White House and why he and his team resisted repeated efforts to give them back. In fact, it suggests officials may not have received an answer.During a June 3 visit to Mar-a-Lago by FBI and Justice Department officials, the document states, “Counsel for the former President offered no explanation as to why boxes of government records, including 38 documents with classification markings, remained at the Premises nearly five months after the production of the Fifteen Boxes and nearly one-and-a-half years after the end of the Administration.”That visit to Mar-a-Lago, which came weeks after the Justice Department issued a subpoena for the records, receives substantial attention in the document and appears to be a key investigative focus.Though Trump has said he had declassified all of the documents at Mar-a-Lago, his lawyers did not suggest that during the visit and instead “handled them in a manner that suggested counsel believed that the documents were classified,” according to the document.FBI agents who went there to receive additional materials were given “a single Redweld envelope, double-wrapped in tape, containing the documents,” the filing states.That envelope, according to the FBI, contained 38 unique documents with classification markings, including five documents marked confidential, 16 marked secret and 17 marked top secret.During that visit, the document says, Trump’s lawyers told investigators that all the records that had come from the White House were stored in one location — a Mar-a-Lago storage room — and that “there were no other records stored in any private office space or other location at the Premises and that all available boxes were searched.”After that, though, the Justice Department, which had subpoenaed video footage for the property, “developed evidence that government records were likely concealed and removed from the Storage Room and that efforts were likely taken to obstruct the government’s investigation.” The filing does not identify the individuals who may have relocated the boxes.In their August search, agents found classified documents both in the storage room as well as in the former president’s office — including three classified documents found not in boxes, but in office desks.“That the FBI, in a matter of hours, recovered twice as many documents with classification markings as the ‘diligent search’ that the former President’s counsel and other representatives had weeks to perform calls into serious question the representations made in the June 3 certification and casts doubt on the extent of cooperation in this matter,” the document states.It says, “In some instances, even the FBI counterintelligence personnel and DOJ attorneys conducting the review required additional clearances before they were permitted to review certain documents.”The investigation began from a referral from the National Archives and Records Administration,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-mar-a-lago-criminal-investigations-government-and-politics-4ee554f467252929f96c70d42a93a05d">which recovered 15 boxes from Mar-a-Lago in January</a>&nbsp;that were found to contain 184 documents with classified markings, including top secret information.The purpose of the Tuesday night filing was to oppose a request from the Trump legal team for a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-mar-a-lago-government-and-politics-d99f53f65920b6d6dce16f8b02aabd13">special master</a>&nbsp;to review the documents seized during this month’s search and set aside those protected by claims of legal privilege. U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon is set to hear arguments on the matter on Thursday.Cannon on Saturday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/florida-government-and-politics-1cc6c63010da10a19fb8cfc8595ffe38">said it was her “preliminary intent”</a>&nbsp;to appoint such a person but also gave the Justice Department an opportunity to respond.On Monday, the department said it had already completed its review of potentially privileged documents and identified a “limited set of materials that potentially contain attorney-client privileged information.” It said Tuesday that a special master was therefore “unnecessary.”In a separate development, the Trump legal team has grown with the addition of another attorney. Chris Kise, Florida’s former solicitor general, has joined the team of lawyers representing Trump, according to two people familiar with the matter who were not authorized to discuss the move by name and spoke on condition of anonymity. Kise did not return messages seeking comment.

Read Justice Dept. response to Trump request for a special master

WILKES-BARRE, Pa. (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday railed against the “MAGA Republicans in Congress” who have refused to condemn the Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the U.S. Capitol and now are targeting the FBI as he tried to portray Democrats as the true pro-law enforcement party ahead of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections">November midterms</a>.

(click below to watch the President's speech)

In remarks initially billed as a crime-prevention speech, Biden seized on comments from allies of former President Donald Trump who have called for stripping funding from the FBI since it executed a search warrant at Trump’s Florida residence. Biden’s remarks were the first substantive defense he has made of the FBI since the Aug. 8&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-mar-a-lago-government-and-politics-9e8d683afe87389407950af7ccfdbdd6">search at Mar-a-Lago</a>, which triggered not just withering criticism of the agency but threats of violence against its employees.

“It’s sickening to see the new attacks on the FBI, threatening the life of law enforcement and their families, for simply carrying out the law and doing their job,” Biden said before a crowd of more than 500 at Wilkes University in Pennsylvania. “I’m opposed to defunding the police; I’m also opposed to defunding the FBI.”

It was a notably different tack for Biden, who has steered clear of extensively commenting on any element of the Justice Department’s investigation since federal agents conducted the search at Trump’s estate. Biden also appeared to call out — without naming him — recent comments from Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., who warned of “riots in the streets” should Trump ultimately face prosecution.

“The idea you turn on a television and see senior senators and congressmen saying, ‘If such and such happens there’ll be blood on the street’?” Biden said. “Where the hell are we?”

The speech Tuesday continued Biden’s aggressive rhetoric against the GOP ahead of the midterms, as Democrats enjoy a slightly brighter political environment buoyed by significant legislative accomplishments and a presidential approval rating that has trended slightly upward. During a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-inflation-maryland-congress-f72f8363b9344a7cb2dd871409d77dba">political rally in the Washington suburbs</a>&nbsp;last week, Biden likened Republican ideology to “semi-fascism.” He is set to deliver a democracy-focused speech on Thursday in Philadelphia that the White House has said “will make clear” who is fighting for democratic values.

As he has done before, Biden on Tuesday criticized GOP officials who have refused to denounce the pro-Trump rioters who breached the U.S. Capitol nearly 20 months ago. Referencing Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan, Biden said, “Let me say this to my MAGA Republican friends in Congress: Don’t tell me you support the law enforcement if you won’t condemn what happened on the 6th.”

The campaign-style speech near Biden’s birthplace was the first of three visits by the president in less than a week to the state that is home to a competitive governor’s race and a U.S. Senate contest that could help determine whether Democrats will keep their majority in the chamber. Trump is hosting his own rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday.

Democrats believe Pennsylvania is their strongest opportunity to flip a Senate seat currently held by Republicans. Meanwhile, the open race for governor will give the winner power over how 2024’s presidential election is run in a battleground state that is still buffeted by Trump’s baseless claims that Democrats fraudulently stole the 2020 election from him.

Biden’s comments on the FBI come as his son Hunter faces a federal investigation for tax evasion. He has not faced any charges, and he’s previously denied wrongdoing.

The president also used his remarks Tuesday to promote his administration’s crime-prevention efforts and to continue to pressure Congress to revive a long-expired federal ban on assault-style weapons. Democrats and Republicans worked together in a rare effort to pass&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-signs-gun-violence-bill-c21249287f976c2c164d8753205c2e6d">gun safety legislation</a>&nbsp;earlier this year after massacres in Buffalo, New York, and Uvalde, Texas. They were the first significant firearm restrictions approved by Congress in nearly three decades, but Biden has repeatedly said more needs to be done.

“We beat the NRA. We took them on and beat the NRA straight up. You have no idea how intimidating they are to elected officials,” an animated Biden said. “We’re not stopping here. I’m determined to ban assault weapons in this country! Determined. I did it once before. And I’ll do it again.”

As a U.S. senator, Biden played a leading role in temporarily banning assault-style weapons, including firearms similar to the AR-15 that have exploded in popularity in recent years, and he wants to put the law back into place. Biden argued that there was no rationale for such weapons “outside of a war zone” and noted that parents of the young victims at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde had to supply DNA because the weapon used in the massacre rendered the bodies unidentifiable.

“DNA, to say that’s my baby!” Biden said. “What the hell is the matter with us?”

Democrats are trying to blunt Republican efforts to use concern about crime to their advantage in the midterms. It’s a particularly fraught issue in Pennsylvania, a key swing state.

The Republican candidate for governor,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-abortion-campaigns-presidential-election-2020-b261a2e8a1689f13c3c4ab756423da95">Doug Mastriano</a>, accuses Democrat&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-covid-health-campaigns-pennsylvania-a07131f0300273976ee3247da0b81e95">Josh Shapiro</a>&nbsp;of being soft on crime as the state’s twice-elected attorney general, saying Shapiro “stands aside” as homicides rise across Pennsylvania.

Homicides have been increasing in Pennsylvania, but overall crime seems to have fallen over the last year, according to state statistics.

“The real heroes here are the people who put on the uniform every single day,” said Shapiro, who spoke shortly before Biden’s remarks at Wilkes University. “We know that policing is a noble profession, and we know that we need to stand with law enforcement.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661905826981.png" alt="“The idea you turn on a television and see senior senators and congressmen saying, ‘If such and such happens there’ll be blood on the street’?” Biden said. “Where the hell are we?” White House photo" />
 <figcaption>“The idea you turn on a television and see senior senators and congressmen saying, ‘If such and such happens there’ll be blood on the street’?” Biden said. “Where the hell are we?” White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WILKES-BARRE, Pa. (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday railed against the “MAGA Republicans in Congress” who have refused to condemn the Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the U.S. Capitol and now are targeting the FBI as he tried to portray Democrats as the true pro-law enforcement party ahead of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections">November midterms</a>.(click below to watch the President's speech)<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OJCyEehQIWQ?start=641" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>In remarks initially billed as a crime-prevention speech, Biden seized on comments from allies of former President Donald Trump who have called for stripping funding from the FBI since it executed a search warrant at Trump’s Florida residence. Biden’s remarks were the first substantive defense he has made of the FBI since the Aug. 8&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-mar-a-lago-government-and-politics-9e8d683afe87389407950af7ccfdbdd6">search at Mar-a-Lago</a>, which triggered not just withering criticism of the agency but threats of violence against its employees.“It’s sickening to see the new attacks on the FBI, threatening the life of law enforcement and their families, for simply carrying out the law and doing their job,” Biden said before a crowd of more than 500 at Wilkes University in Pennsylvania. “I’m opposed to defunding the police; I’m also opposed to defunding the FBI.”It was a notably different tack for Biden, who has steered clear of extensively commenting on any element of the Justice Department’s investigation since federal agents conducted the search at Trump’s estate. Biden also appeared to call out — without naming him — recent comments from Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., who warned of “riots in the streets” should Trump ultimately face prosecution.“The idea you turn on a television and see senior senators and congressmen saying, ‘If such and such happens there’ll be blood on the street’?” Biden said. “Where the hell are we?”The speech Tuesday continued Biden’s aggressive rhetoric against the GOP ahead of the midterms, as Democrats enjoy a slightly brighter political environment buoyed by significant legislative accomplishments and a presidential approval rating that has trended slightly upward. During a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-inflation-maryland-congress-f72f8363b9344a7cb2dd871409d77dba">political rally in the Washington suburbs</a>&nbsp;last week, Biden likened Republican ideology to “semi-fascism.” He is set to deliver a democracy-focused speech on Thursday in Philadelphia that the White House has said “will make clear” who is fighting for democratic values.As he has done before, Biden on Tuesday criticized GOP officials who have refused to denounce the pro-Trump rioters who breached the U.S. Capitol nearly 20 months ago. Referencing Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan, Biden said, “Let me say this to my MAGA Republican friends in Congress: Don’t tell me you support the law enforcement if you won’t condemn what happened on the 6th.”The campaign-style speech near Biden’s birthplace was the first of three visits by the president in less than a week to the state that is home to a competitive governor’s race and a U.S. Senate contest that could help determine whether Democrats will keep their majority in the chamber. Trump is hosting his own rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday.Democrats believe Pennsylvania is their strongest opportunity to flip a Senate seat currently held by Republicans. Meanwhile, the open race for governor will give the winner power over how 2024’s presidential election is run in a battleground state that is still buffeted by Trump’s baseless claims that Democrats fraudulently stole the 2020 election from him.Biden’s comments on the FBI come as his son Hunter faces a federal investigation for tax evasion. He has not faced any charges, and he’s previously denied wrongdoing.The president also used his remarks Tuesday to promote his administration’s crime-prevention efforts and to continue to pressure Congress to revive a long-expired federal ban on assault-style weapons. Democrats and Republicans worked together in a rare effort to pass&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-signs-gun-violence-bill-c21249287f976c2c164d8753205c2e6d">gun safety legislation</a>&nbsp;earlier this year after massacres in Buffalo, New York, and Uvalde, Texas. They were the first significant firearm restrictions approved by Congress in nearly three decades, but Biden has repeatedly said more needs to be done.“We beat the NRA. We took them on and beat the NRA straight up. You have no idea how intimidating they are to elected officials,” an animated Biden said. “We’re not stopping here. I’m determined to ban assault weapons in this country! Determined. I did it once before. And I’ll do it again.”As a U.S. senator, Biden played a leading role in temporarily banning assault-style weapons, including firearms similar to the AR-15 that have exploded in popularity in recent years, and he wants to put the law back into place. Biden argued that there was no rationale for such weapons “outside of a war zone” and noted that parents of the young victims at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde had to supply DNA because the weapon used in the massacre rendered the bodies unidentifiable.“DNA, to say that’s my baby!” Biden said. “What the hell is the matter with us?”Democrats are trying to blunt Republican efforts to use concern about crime to their advantage in the midterms. It’s a particularly fraught issue in Pennsylvania, a key swing state.The Republican candidate for governor,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-abortion-campaigns-presidential-election-2020-b261a2e8a1689f13c3c4ab756423da95">Doug Mastriano</a>, accuses Democrat&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-covid-health-campaigns-pennsylvania-a07131f0300273976ee3247da0b81e95">Josh Shapiro</a>&nbsp;of being soft on crime as the state’s twice-elected attorney general, saying Shapiro “stands aside” as homicides rise across Pennsylvania.Homicides have been increasing in Pennsylvania, but overall crime seems to have fallen over the last year, according to state statistics.“The real heroes here are the people who put on the uniform every single day,” said Shapiro, who spoke shortly before Biden’s remarks at Wilkes University. “We know that policing is a noble profession, and we know that we need to stand with law enforcement.”In the U.S. Senate race, heart surgeon turned television celebrity Dr.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-pennsylvania-campaigns-mehmet-oz-c5c184110eb41b1f607bee62940490e4">Mehmet Oz</a>, the Republican nominee, has tried to portray the Democratic candidate, Lt. Gov.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-pennsylvania-mehmet-oz-0bfe47345d93ff1c73a5801d8527427f">John Fetterman</a>, as extreme and reckless on crime policy.Fetterman has endorsed recommendations that more geriatric and rehabilitated prisoners can be released from state prisons without harming public safety. Oz and Republicans have distorted that into the claim that Fetterman wants to release “dangerous criminals” from prisons or that he’s in favor of “emptying prisons.”Fetterman’s campaign on Tuesday released a new 30-second ad emphasizing that Fetterman — as mayor of the tiny, impoverished western Pennsylvania steel town of Braddock from 2006 through 2018 — has dealt with street-level crime, and Oz hasn’t. In the ad, Fetterman said he ran for mayor “to stop the violence” after two of his students in an afterschool program were murdered and “I worked side by side with police.”Fetterman was not in Wilkes-Barre with Biden on Tuesday, but he’s expected to march in Pittsburgh’s Labor Day parade when the president visits Sept. 5. Biden also will be in Pennsylvania on Thursday for a prime-time speech that the White House said will address “the continued battle for the soul of the nation” and defending democracy.___