NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Leaders of the Southern Baptist Convention said Friday that several of the denomination's major entities are under investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice in the wake of its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/baptist-religion-sexual-abuse-by-clergy-southern-convention-bfdbe64389790630488f854c3dae3fd5">multiple problems related to clergy sex abuse</a>.

The SBC's Executive Committee has received a subpoena, but no individuals have been subpoenaed at this point, according to the committee's lawyers.

“This is an ongoing investigation and we are not commenting on our discussions with DOJ,” they said.

The statement from SBC leaders — including Executive Committee members, seminary presidents and heads of mission organizations — gave few details about the investigation, but indicated it dealt with widespread sexual abuse problems that have rocked the largest Protestant denomination in the U.S.

“Individually and collectively each SBC entity is resolved to fully and completely cooperate with the investigation,” the statement said. “While we continue to grieve and lament past mistakes related to sexual abuse, current leaders across the SBC have demonstrated a firm conviction to address those issues of the past and are implementing measures to ensure they are never repeated in the future.”

There was no immediate comment from the Justice Department about the investigation.

Earlier this year, an SBC sex abuse task force released a blistering 288-page report from outside consultant, Guidepost Solutions. The firm’s seven-month independent investigation found disturbing details about how denominational leaders mishandled sex abuse claims and mistreated victims.

The report focused specifically on how the SBC’s Executive Committee responded to abuse cases, revealing that it had secretly maintained a list of clergy and other church workers accused of abuse. The committee later apologized and released the list, which had hundreds of accused workers on it.

A Guidepost spokesperson declined to comment on news of the DOJ probe.

Following the release of the Guidepost report, the SBC voted during its annual meeting in June to created&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-california-sexual-abuse-by-clergy-baptist-southern-convention-ba7ba613947cc893659b6e8e45ab4b73">a way to track pastors</a>&nbsp;and other church workers credibly accused of sex abuse and launch a new task force to oversee further reforms. Earlier this week, SBC President Bart Barber, who also signed Friday’s statement, announced the names of the Southern Baptist pastors and church members who will serve on the task force.

Southern Baptist sex abuse survivor Christa Brown, who has long called for the SBC to do more to address sex abuse across its churches, celebrated the news of the DOJ investigation.

“Hallelujah. It’s about time,” Brown said in a Friday post on Twitter. ”This is what’s needed.”

Another survivor, Jules Woodson, went public with her abuse story in 2018 and has been pushing for reforms in the SBC ever since. On Friday, she reacted to the investigation news by tweeting, “May justice roll down!!!"

Oklahoma pastor Mike Keahbone, who serves on the Executive Committee and is the vice chair of the new abuse task force, said on Twitter that the investigation "is not something to fear ... If there is more work to do, we will do it.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660444151062.png" alt="Photo courtesy Southern Baptist Convention" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Southern Baptist Convention</figcaption>
 </figure>By HOLLY MEYER and DAVID CRARY&nbsp;NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Leaders of the Southern Baptist Convention said Friday that several of the denomination's major entities are under investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice in the wake of its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/baptist-religion-sexual-abuse-by-clergy-southern-convention-bfdbe64389790630488f854c3dae3fd5">multiple problems related to clergy sex abuse</a>.The SBC's Executive Committee has received a subpoena, but no individuals have been subpoenaed at this point, according to the committee's lawyers.“This is an ongoing investigation and we are not commenting on our discussions with DOJ,” they said.The statement from SBC leaders — including Executive Committee members, seminary presidents and heads of mission organizations — gave few details about the investigation, but indicated it dealt with widespread sexual abuse problems that have rocked the largest Protestant denomination in the U.S.“Individually and collectively each SBC entity is resolved to fully and completely cooperate with the investigation,” the statement said. “While we continue to grieve and lament past mistakes related to sexual abuse, current leaders across the SBC have demonstrated a firm conviction to address those issues of the past and are implementing measures to ensure they are never repeated in the future.”There was no immediate comment from the Justice Department about the investigation.Earlier this year, an SBC sex abuse task force released a blistering 288-page report from outside consultant, Guidepost Solutions. The firm’s seven-month independent investigation found disturbing details about how denominational leaders mishandled sex abuse claims and mistreated victims.The report focused specifically on how the SBC’s Executive Committee responded to abuse cases, revealing that it had secretly maintained a list of clergy and other church workers accused of abuse. The committee later apologized and released the list, which had hundreds of accused workers on it.A Guidepost spokesperson declined to comment on news of the DOJ probe.Following the release of the Guidepost report, the SBC voted during its annual meeting in June to created&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-california-sexual-abuse-by-clergy-baptist-southern-convention-ba7ba613947cc893659b6e8e45ab4b73">a way to track pastors</a>&nbsp;and other church workers credibly accused of sex abuse and launch a new task force to oversee further reforms. Earlier this week, SBC President Bart Barber, who also signed Friday’s statement, announced the names of the Southern Baptist pastors and church members who will serve on the task force.Southern Baptist sex abuse survivor Christa Brown, who has long called for the SBC to do more to address sex abuse across its churches, celebrated the news of the DOJ investigation.“Hallelujah. It’s about time,” Brown said in a Friday post on Twitter. ”This is what’s needed.”Another survivor, Jules Woodson, went public with her abuse story in 2018 and has been pushing for reforms in the SBC ever since. On Friday, she reacted to the investigation news by tweeting, “May justice roll down!!!"Oklahoma pastor Mike Keahbone, who serves on the Executive Committee and is the vice chair of the new abuse task force, said on Twitter that the investigation "is not something to fear ... If there is more work to do, we will do it.”___

Clergy sex abuse: US investigating Southern Baptist Convention 

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/08/12/schmidt-campaign-kicks-hole-in-kellys-narrative-of-full-kansas-job-recovery-from-covid-19/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Republican gubernatorial
 nominee Derek Schmidt challenged Friday an assertion by Democratic Gov.
 Laura Kelly all 157,000 jobs lost in Kansas during the global economic 
tsunami created by the COVID-19 pandemic had been recovered.

Schmidt, who has attempted to counter Kelly’s campaign narrative of 
prosperity on the plains, said the governor’s performance on job 
creation was worse than advertised. Instead of surpassing the 
pre-pandemic nonfarm job total in Kansas, he said, the state had 
restored four of five — or 125,000 — of the jobs lost during that 
unprecedented period.

“The facts say one thing, but Governor Kelly keeps saying another and
 hoping nobody notices,” said Schmidt, who is the attorney general. 
“It’s an election year and the governor’s trying to make up lost ground 
because she has almost nothing to show for four years in office except 
budget-busting spending propped up — for now — by Joe Biden’s bailouts.”

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Kansas employed 
1,397,000 nonfarm workers in June. That was 32,000 less than the 
1,429,000 nonfarm employees in Kansas during February 2020 before 
COVID-19 carved a crevasse in the state’s economy during March and 
April.

Nonfarm employment figures tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics 
offer a state-by-state estimate of payroll additions and subtractions. 
However, the numbers don’t capture activity throughout the entire 
economy because they exclude farm workers and employees in private 
households, sole proprietorship businesses, nonprofit organizations and 
some government entities.

On Thursday during a stop in Kansas City, Kansas, Kelly was asked by a
 reporter about her past references to job growth and economic 
development in Kansas.

“I know that during the pandemic that everyplace lost jobs, but we have restored those jobs and more,” the governor said.

Brianna Johnson, spokeswoman for the governor, elaborated on that 
comment Friday. She said the governor understood many Kansans were still
 “getting back on their feet and are worried about rising costs.” She 
also said Kelly was making the point that Kansas recovered quickly from 
the pandemic and would benefit from economic expansion, including the $4
 billion Panasonic vehicle battery plant to be constructed near De Soto 
employing 4,000.

“Thanks to her laser focus on bringing jobs
 and businesses like Panasonic to the state, we are now in a position to
 grow faster than ever before,” Johnson said.

She said the Kelly administration 
collaborated with the private sector to deliver $13.6 billion in 
business investment. The state’s 2.4% unemployment rate stands at a 
record low, she said.

The Schmidt campaign emphasized reporting by the U.S. Bureau of Labor
 Statistics that ranked Kansas’ recovery from the pandemic at 44th in 
the nation.

Among the border states with Kansas, only Colorado has surpassed the 
full economic revitalization benchmark. Colorado is led by Democrat 
Jared Polis, who like Kelly has been in office since 2019. Colorado lost
 374,000 jobs as a consequence of the pandemic, but has rebuilt its 
economic standing through generation of 412,000 jobs. The state’s 110% 
growth figure ranks 12th nationally in terms of the recovery.

The state’s of Oklahoma, Missouri and Nebraska are led by Republican 
governors, but none has drawn even with pre-pandemic employment totals. 
Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts, in that office since 2015, has come the 
closest by reconstituting 97% of 98,000 jobs taken by COVID-19.

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson took office in 2018 and can take credit for
 bringing back 94% of 358,000 jobs consumed by the health crisis, which 
ranks that state 23rd nationally. Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Still, in that 
position since 2019, has presided while the state returned 91% of 
169,000 jobs taken by COVID-19.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660403498781.png" alt="Gov. Laura Kelly, a Democratic candidate for re-election in November, visited Sporting Kansas City’s soccer facility before answering questions Thursday about the state’s job recovery from COVID-19. Republican gubernatorial nominee Derek Schmidt took exception to Kelly’s claim the state restored 157,000 lost in the pandemic crash of March 2020. (Submitted)" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Laura Kelly, a Democratic candidate for re-election in November, visited Sporting Kansas City’s soccer facility before answering questions Thursday about the state’s job recovery from COVID-19. Republican gubernatorial nominee Derek Schmidt took exception to Kelly’s claim the state restored 157,000 lost in the pandemic crash of March 2020. (Submitted)</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/08/12/schmidt-campaign-kicks-hole-in-kellys-narrative-of-full-kansas-job-recovery-from-covid-19/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Republican gubernatorial
 nominee Derek Schmidt challenged Friday an assertion by Democratic Gov.
 Laura Kelly all 157,000 jobs lost in Kansas during the global economic 
tsunami created by the COVID-19 pandemic had been recovered.Schmidt, who has attempted to counter Kelly’s campaign narrative of 
prosperity on the plains, said the governor’s performance on job 
creation was worse than advertised. Instead of surpassing the 
pre-pandemic nonfarm job total in Kansas, he said, the state had 
restored four of five — or 125,000 — of the jobs lost during that 
unprecedented period.“The facts say one thing, but Governor Kelly keeps saying another and
 hoping nobody notices,” said Schmidt, who is the attorney general. 
“It’s an election year and the governor’s trying to make up lost ground 
because she has almost nothing to show for four years in office except 
budget-busting spending propped up — for now — by Joe Biden’s bailouts.”The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Kansas employed 
1,397,000 nonfarm workers in June. That was 32,000 less than the 
1,429,000 nonfarm employees in Kansas during February 2020 before 
COVID-19 carved a crevasse in the state’s economy during March and 
April.Nonfarm employment figures tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics 
offer a state-by-state estimate of payroll additions and subtractions. 
However, the numbers don’t capture activity throughout the entire 
economy because they exclude farm workers and employees in private 
households, sole proprietorship businesses, nonprofit organizations and 
some government entities.<h2>‘Restored’ jobs</h2>On Thursday during a stop in Kansas City, Kansas, Kelly was asked by a
 reporter about her past references to job growth and economic 
development in Kansas.“I know that during the pandemic that everyplace lost jobs, but we have restored those jobs and more,” the governor said.Brianna Johnson, spokeswoman for the governor, elaborated on that 
comment Friday. She said the governor understood many Kansans were still
 “getting back on their feet and are worried about rising costs.” She 
also said Kelly was making the point that Kansas recovered quickly from 
the pandemic and would benefit from economic expansion, including the $4
 billion Panasonic vehicle battery plant to be constructed near De Soto 
employing 4,000.“Thanks to her laser focus on bringing jobs
 and businesses like Panasonic to the state, we are now in a position to
 grow faster than ever before,” Johnson said.She said the Kelly administration 
collaborated with the private sector to deliver $13.6 billion in 
business investment. The state’s 2.4% unemployment rate stands at a 
record low, she said.<h2>More numbers</h2>The Schmidt campaign emphasized reporting by the U.S. Bureau of Labor
 Statistics that ranked Kansas’ recovery from the pandemic at 44th in 
the nation.Among the border states with Kansas, only Colorado has surpassed the 
full economic revitalization benchmark. Colorado is led by Democrat 
Jared Polis, who like Kelly has been in office since 2019. Colorado lost
 374,000 jobs as a consequence of the pandemic, but has rebuilt its 
economic standing through generation of 412,000 jobs. The state’s 110% 
growth figure ranks 12th nationally in terms of the recovery.The state’s of Oklahoma, Missouri and Nebraska are led by Republican 
governors, but none has drawn even with pre-pandemic employment totals. 
Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts, in that office since 2015, has come the 
closest by reconstituting 97% of 98,000 jobs taken by COVID-19.Missouri Gov. Mike Parson took office in 2018 and can take credit for
 bringing back 94% of 358,000 jobs consumed by the health crisis, which 
ranks that state 23rd nationally. Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Still, in that 
position since 2019, has presided while the state returned 91% of 
169,000 jobs taken by COVID-19.

Schmidt challenges Kelly’s narrative of Kan. job recovery

BARTON COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just after 9p.m. Saturday on south side of Great Bend.&nbsp;

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2022 Polaris UTV driven by Bryan A. Kramer, 42, Great Bend, was eastbound in the 3000 Block of Dike Road and struck a tree.

Kramer was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Bryant Funeral Home.&nbsp; 

EMS transported passengers 58-year-old Carl D.&nbsp;Andrasek and a 14-year-old boy both of Great Bend to the KU Medical Center campus in Great Bend for treatment of serious injuries. The KHP had incomplete seat belt usage information.

BARTON COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just after 9p.m. Saturday on south side of Great Bend.&nbsp;The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2022 Polaris UTV driven by Bryan A. Kramer, 42, Great Bend, was eastbound in the 3000 Block of Dike Road and struck a tree.Kramer was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Bryant Funeral Home.&nbsp; EMS transported passengers 58-year-old Carl D.&nbsp;Andrasek and a 14-year-old boy both of Great Bend to the KU Medical Center campus in Great Bend for treatment of serious injuries. The KHP had incomplete seat belt usage information.

Kansas man dead, 2 hospitalized after UTV strikes a tree

KANSAS CITY – A Shawnee, Kansas, attorney was sentenced in federal court this week for smuggling heroin to an inmate at the Western Missouri Correctional Center in Cameron, Mo., with whom she had a romantic relationship, according to the United State's Attorney.

Juliane L. Colby, 44, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to one year and one month in federal prison without parole.

On Feb. 8, 2022, Colby pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin. Colby admitted that she conspired with others to smuggle heroin to an inmate at the Western Missouri Correctional Center, identified, according to the Associated Press as&nbsp;Ce-Antonyo Kennedy from Aug. 1 to Aug. 10, 2019.

Colby hid the heroin in an envelope marked as “Legal Mail” that also contained numerous pleadings and documents from an inactive criminal court case along with photos of herself. Eight small baggies that contained a total of 3.25 grams of black tar heroin were taped behind the flap of the envelope. The envelope was labeled with a fictitious return address for a law firm and addressed to another inmate, identified in court documents as Conspirator 2, who was housed in the same unit as Kennedy.

According to court documents, Colby began a romantic relationship with Conspirator 1 while she was working as an attorney on his defense team with the state public defender’s office in 2017. Kennedy was represented by a public defender at that time and was an inmate at the Jackson County Detention Center facing a charge of first-degree murder. While the murder case was pending, Kennedy was found to have illegally possessed a cell phone that had been smuggled into the jail. Colby and Kennedy communicated with each other using the contraband cell phone. As a result, Colby faced criminal charges for acting in concert in possession of a cell phone in a correctional facility. She entered a diversion agreement, which she successfully completed on May 14, 2019, and the charges were dismissed.

In August 2019, Colby regularly visited Kennedy at the Cameron correctional center, where he was serving a sentence for his murder conviction. Colby and Kennedy had a series of phone conversations during which they used a variety of code words to discuss the plan to mail heroin and contraband into the center. During these calls, Colby and Kennedy also discussed a previous successful delivery of heroin. These calls were monitored and recorded by the correctional center.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1617028444632.png" alt="Ce-Antonyo Kennedy is serving a 15 year sentence-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Ce-Antonyo Kennedy is serving a 15 year sentence-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY – A Shawnee, Kansas, attorney was sentenced in federal court this week for smuggling heroin to an inmate at the Western Missouri Correctional Center in Cameron, Mo., with whom she had a romantic relationship, according to the United State's Attorney.Juliane L. Colby, 44, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to one year and one month in federal prison without parole.On Feb. 8, 2022, Colby pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin. Colby admitted that she conspired with others to smuggle heroin to an inmate at the Western Missouri Correctional Center, identified, according to the Associated Press as&nbsp;Ce-Antonyo Kennedy from Aug. 1 to Aug. 10, 2019.Colby hid the heroin in an envelope marked as “Legal Mail” that also contained numerous pleadings and documents from an inactive criminal court case along with photos of herself. Eight small baggies that contained a total of 3.25 grams of black tar heroin were taped behind the flap of the envelope. The envelope was labeled with a fictitious return address for a law firm and addressed to another inmate, identified in court documents as Conspirator 2, who was housed in the same unit as Kennedy.According to court documents, Colby began a romantic relationship with Conspirator 1 while she was working as an attorney on his defense team with the state public defender’s office in 2017. Kennedy was represented by a public defender at that time and was an inmate at the Jackson County Detention Center facing a charge of first-degree murder. While the murder case was pending, Kennedy was found to have illegally possessed a cell phone that had been smuggled into the jail. Colby and Kennedy communicated with each other using the contraband cell phone. As a result, Colby faced criminal charges for acting in concert in possession of a cell phone in a correctional facility. She entered a diversion agreement, which she successfully completed on May 14, 2019, and the charges were dismissed.In August 2019, Colby regularly visited Kennedy at the Cameron correctional center, where he was serving a sentence for his murder conviction. Colby and Kennedy had a series of phone conversations during which they used a variety of code words to discuss the plan to mail heroin and contraband into the center. During these calls, Colby and Kennedy also discussed a previous successful delivery of heroin. These calls were monitored and recorded by the correctional center.

Kansas attorney smuggled heroin to an inmate lover 

JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas on multiple charges after an arrest.

Just after 9p.m. August 10, sheriff's deputies were dispatched to a home in the City of Netawaka, according to Sheriff Tim Morse. 

Following an investigation, deputies arrested William Norman Honig, 32, of Netawaka, on requested charges of aggravated domestic battery, aggravated endangering of a child, possession of opiate, opium narcotic or certain stimulant, possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

He remains jailed without bond, according to online jail records

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660251280520.png" alt="Honig-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Honig-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas on multiple charges after an arrest.Just after 9p.m. August 10, sheriff's deputies were dispatched to a home in the City of Netawaka, according to Sheriff Tim Morse. Following an investigation, deputies arrested William Norman Honig, 32, of Netawaka, on requested charges of aggravated domestic battery, aggravated endangering of a child, possession of opiate, opium narcotic or certain stimulant, possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.He remains jailed without bond, according to online jail records

Kansas man accused of child endangerment, drug possession

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A Wichita police officer who shot and killed a man during a domestic violence incident will not be charged, Sedgwick County District Attorney Mark Bennett said.

The officer, who was a member of the department's SWAT team, shot Jason Williams, 37, in December 2020 in Riverside after Williams had shot his estranged wife and killed his mother-in-law, 52-year-old Michelle Barr, at a Wichita home.

During the confrontation, Williams fired several shots and had threatened to kill himself. Two children and his brother-in-law were also inside the house. Williams' wife had filed for divorce a month before the confrontation.

Williams' wife was shot in the shoulder. The brother-in-law escaped and the two children were released.

Bennett said the officer shot Williams after the children were released because he believed Williams was preventing his wife from leaving the house and intended to kill her.

Bennett said two months after the shooting, the officer was part of a text message thread where SWAT team officers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/police-kansas-wichita-edb0ad9b15123f0ec1b077079b3d63bd">talked casually about shooting and killing people</a>. Bennett said the texts “may well fall below the public’s expectation of the professionalism to which officers should hold themselves” but did not affect the legality of the officer's decision to shoot Williams.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609345043413.png" alt="SWAT Team on the scene of the 2-hour standoff early in Dec. of 2020 at a home in Wichita -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>SWAT Team on the scene of the 2-hour standoff early in Dec. of 2020 at a home in Wichita -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A Wichita police officer who shot and killed a man during a domestic violence incident will not be charged, Sedgwick County District Attorney Mark Bennett said.The officer, who was a member of the department's SWAT team, shot Jason Williams, 37, in December 2020 in Riverside after Williams had shot his estranged wife and killed his mother-in-law, 52-year-old Michelle Barr, at a Wichita home.During the confrontation, Williams fired several shots and had threatened to kill himself. Two children and his brother-in-law were also inside the house. Williams' wife had filed for divorce a month before the confrontation.Williams' wife was shot in the shoulder. The brother-in-law escaped and the two children were released.Bennett said the officer shot Williams after the children were released because he believed Williams was preventing his wife from leaving the house and intended to kill her.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660421516028.png" alt="Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett during Friday's zoom news conference" />
 <figcaption>Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett during Friday's zoom news conference</figcaption>
 </figure>Bennett said two months after the shooting, the officer was part of a text message thread where SWAT team officers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/police-kansas-wichita-edb0ad9b15123f0ec1b077079b3d63bd">talked casually about shooting and killing people</a>. Bennett said the texts “may well fall below the public’s expectation of the professionalism to which officers should hold themselves” but did not affect the legality of the officer's decision to shoot Williams.

Kan. officer won't be charged in man's fatal shooting

DERBY, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas school district's board rejected a proposed strategic plan after some members questioned its emphasis on diversity and students' mental health.

The Derby Board of Education voted 4-3 this week to reject a plan presented after months of work by parents, students, employees and community members, the Kansas News Service&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-08-12/a-wichita-area-school-board-rejected-a-strategic-plan-because-it-called-for-diversity-and-inclusion">reported</a>.

Board President Michael Blankenship said focusing on diversity would not help students academically. He proposed replacing the word “diversity” in one part of the plan with the word “unity.”

“If we keep going down the road of focusing on everything that makes us different, how are we ever going to unite?” Blankenship said.

But board member Pam Doyle said diversity should be part of the district’s mission.

“Diversity is something to be celebrated,” Doyle said. “The more diverse (the) administration, teachers, and staff that we have, the more we’re going to learn from each other.”

Diversity and inclusion have caused disputes before in the district near Wichita.

In February, a high school principal&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-business-education-race-and-ethnicity-school-boards-e7ff999585ba4b18fcf88d626094954b">issued an apology</a>&nbsp;after some board members objected to him showing a video about white privilege during an employee meeting.

And in April, some board members criticized textbook publisher Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for supporting Black Lives Matter and other anti-racism efforts. The comments came before the board approved a contract with the publisher for a new social studies curriculum for elementary students.

The plan that was before the board this week is a normally routine document that outlines priorities and goals.

The Derby district adopted its last strategic plan in 2017. Superintendent Heather Bohaty will now work with the board to determine the next step in developing the next five-year plan, district spokeswoman Katie Carlson said in an email.

The disputed proposal included several mentions of diversity, equity and inclusion, and suggested forming an advisory committee to report on student and staff diversity.

Jennifer Neel, the board’s vice president, said she opposed auditing the district’s discipline data or hiring practices related to race.

Becky Moeder, Derby’s assistant superintendent for human resources, said the state requires collecting some data related to race and other factors. The plan is intended to encourage a broader pool of applicants and increase recruitment of people of color, she said.

Other objections were raised over parts of the plan focused on mental health and social/emotional well-being.

Candace Landers, a Derby teacher who served on the committee, told board members that's part of the state’s vision for education.

“As a classroom teacher, I cannot recall a single day or scenario when my students’ mental health has not been a consideration,” Landers said. “I am hard-pressed to fathom how I would begin to separate school and mental health and still be a good teacher.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660397861038.png" alt="Board President Michael Blankenship-photo courtesy USD 260" />
 <figcaption>Board President Michael Blankenship-photo courtesy USD 260</figcaption>
 </figure>DERBY, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas school district's board rejected a proposed strategic plan after some members questioned its emphasis on diversity and students' mental health.The Derby Board of Education voted 4-3 this week to reject a plan presented after months of work by parents, students, employees and community members, the Kansas News Service&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-08-12/a-wichita-area-school-board-rejected-a-strategic-plan-because-it-called-for-diversity-and-inclusion">reported</a>.Board President Michael Blankenship said focusing on diversity would not help students academically. He proposed replacing the word “diversity” in one part of the plan with the word “unity.”“If we keep going down the road of focusing on everything that makes us different, how are we ever going to unite?” Blankenship said.But board member Pam Doyle said diversity should be part of the district’s mission.“Diversity is something to be celebrated,” Doyle said. “The more diverse (the) administration, teachers, and staff that we have, the more we’re going to learn from each other.”Diversity and inclusion have caused disputes before in the district near Wichita.In February, a high school principal&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-business-education-race-and-ethnicity-school-boards-e7ff999585ba4b18fcf88d626094954b">issued an apology</a>&nbsp;after some board members objected to him showing a video about white privilege during an employee meeting.And in April, some board members criticized textbook publisher Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for supporting Black Lives Matter and other anti-racism efforts. The comments came before the board approved a contract with the publisher for a new social studies curriculum for elementary students.The plan that was before the board this week is a normally routine document that outlines priorities and goals.The Derby district adopted its last strategic plan in 2017. Superintendent Heather Bohaty will now work with the board to determine the next step in developing the next five-year plan, district spokeswoman Katie Carlson said in an email.The disputed proposal included several mentions of diversity, equity and inclusion, and suggested forming an advisory committee to report on student and staff diversity.Jennifer Neel, the board’s vice president, said she opposed auditing the district’s discipline data or hiring practices related to race.Becky Moeder, Derby’s assistant superintendent for human resources, said the state requires collecting some data related to race and other factors. The plan is intended to encourage a broader pool of applicants and increase recruitment of people of color, she said.Other objections were raised over parts of the plan focused on mental health and social/emotional well-being.Candace Landers, a Derby teacher who served on the committee, told board members that's part of the state’s vision for education.“As a classroom teacher, I cannot recall a single day or scenario when my students’ mental health has not been a consideration,” Landers said. “I am hard-pressed to fathom how I would begin to separate school and mental health and still be a good teacher.”

Kansas school district rejects strategic plan urging diversity

MEXICO CITY (AP) — The Mexican border cities of Tijuana, Mexicali, Rosarito and Ensenada were hit by gang violence that included vehicles being set ablaze and road blockades.

The<a href="https://mx.usembassy.gov/alert-fires-roadblocks-and-police-activity-in-tijuana-mexicali-rosarito-ensenada-and-tecate/"> U.S. Consulate in Tijuana instructed its employees</a> “to shelter in place until further notice” around midnight because of the violence.

It was the third time this week Mexican cities have seen widespread arson and shootings by drug cartels. The gangs appear to be targeting stores, vehicles and innocent bystanders in response to disputes or attempts to capture gang members.

Tijuana officials said vehicles had been burned at about 10 points around the city, and Mayor Montserrat Caballero blamed it on disputes between drug gangs.

Caballero issued a public appeal to “organized crime,” the term used in Mexico for drug cartels, to stop the growing trend of targeting innocent civilians.

“Today we are saying to the organized crime groups that are committing these crimes, that Tijuana is going to remain open and take care of its citizens, and we also ask them to settle their debts with those who didn’t pay what they owe, not with families and hard-working citizens.”

The extent of the violence was still unclear Saturday. Late Friday, the U.S. Consulate General in Tijuana said in a statement that it “is aware of reports of multiple vehicle fires, roadblocks, and heavy police activity in Tijuana, Mexicali, Rosarito, Ensenada, and Tecate.”

The mayor’s comment about remaining open was an apparent reference to the border city of Ciudad Juarez, across from El Paso, Texas, where some classes and public events were cancelled after similar violence on Thursday.

Alleged gang members went on a shooting spree in Ciudad Juarez, killing nine people, including four employees of a radio station, after a fight between rival gangs at a local prison left two inmates dead.

On Tuesday, drug cartel gunmen burned vehicles and businesses in the western states of Jalisco and Guanajuato in response to an attempt to arrest a high-ranking cartel leader of the Jalisco cartel.

The area around Tijuana, which borders southern California, is a lucrative drug-trafficking corridor long dominated by the Arellano Felix cartel but which has since become a battle ground between various gangs, including the Jalisco and Sinaloa cartels.

Speaking about the Ciudad Juarez violence Thursday, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador said: “They attacked the civilian, innocent population like a sort of revenge. It wasn’t just a clash between two groups, but it got to the point where they began to shoot civilians, innocent people. That is the most unfortunate thing in this affair.”

Four employees of the MegaRadio station who were broadcasting a live promotional event outside a pizza store in Ciudad Juarez were killed in the shootings.

Such random violence is not without precedent in Mexico.

In June of last year, a rival faction of the Gulf cartel entered the border city of Reynosa and killed 14 people the governor identified as “innocent citizens.” The military responded and killed four suspected gunmen.

And cartels in Mexico frequently hijack vehicles and burn them to distract police or prevent them from pursuing gunmen.

MEXICO CITY (AP) — The Mexican border cities of Tijuana, Mexicali, Rosarito and Ensenada were hit by gang violence that included vehicles being set ablaze and road blockades.The<a href="https://mx.usembassy.gov/alert-fires-roadblocks-and-police-activity-in-tijuana-mexicali-rosarito-ensenada-and-tecate/"> U.S. Consulate in Tijuana instructed its employees</a> “to shelter in place until further notice” around midnight because of the violence.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fphoto%2F%3Ffbid%3D434786292017760%26set%3Da.227341039428954&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="426" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>It was the third time this week Mexican cities have seen widespread arson and shootings by drug cartels. The gangs appear to be targeting stores, vehicles and innocent bystanders in response to disputes or attempts to capture gang members.Tijuana officials said vehicles had been burned at about 10 points around the city, and Mayor Montserrat Caballero blamed it on disputes between drug gangs.Caballero issued a public appeal to “organized crime,” the term used in Mexico for drug cartels, to stop the growing trend of targeting innocent civilians.“Today we are saying to the organized crime groups that are committing these crimes, that Tijuana is going to remain open and take care of its citizens, and we also ask them to settle their debts with those who didn’t pay what they owe, not with families and hard-working citizens.”The extent of the violence was still unclear Saturday. Late Friday, the U.S. Consulate General in Tijuana said in a statement that it “is aware of reports of multiple vehicle fires, roadblocks, and heavy police activity in Tijuana, Mexicali, Rosarito, Ensenada, and Tecate.”The mayor’s comment about remaining open was an apparent reference to the border city of Ciudad Juarez, across from El Paso, Texas, where some classes and public events were cancelled after similar violence on Thursday.Alleged gang members went on a shooting spree in Ciudad Juarez, killing nine people, including four employees of a radio station, after a fight between rival gangs at a local prison left two inmates dead.On Tuesday, drug cartel gunmen burned vehicles and businesses in the western states of Jalisco and Guanajuato in response to an attempt to arrest a high-ranking cartel leader of the Jalisco cartel.The area around Tijuana, which borders southern California, is a lucrative drug-trafficking corridor long dominated by the Arellano Felix cartel but which has since become a battle ground between various gangs, including the Jalisco and Sinaloa cartels.Speaking about the Ciudad Juarez violence Thursday, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador said: “They attacked the civilian, innocent population like a sort of revenge. It wasn’t just a clash between two groups, but it got to the point where they began to shoot civilians, innocent people. That is the most unfortunate thing in this affair.”Four employees of the MegaRadio station who were broadcasting a live promotional event outside a pizza store in Ciudad Juarez were killed in the shootings.Such random violence is not without precedent in Mexico.In June of last year, a rival faction of the Gulf cartel entered the border city of Reynosa and killed 14 people the governor identified as “innocent citizens.” The military responded and killed four suspected gunmen.And cartels in Mexico frequently hijack vehicles and burn them to distract police or prevent them from pursuing gunmen.

US issues travel alert as wave of violence plagues Mexico

By REBECCA S.B. FISCHER <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-does-monkeypox-spread-an-epidemiologist-explains-why-it-isnt-an-sti-and-what-counts-as-close-contact-188130">The Conversation</a>

Monkeypox is caused by a virus that, despite periodic outbreaks, is <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080%2F14787210.2019.1567330">not thought to spread easily from person to person</a> and historically <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/monkeypox">has not spurred long chains of transmission within communities</a>.
 Now, many researchers are left scratching their heads as to why 
monkeypox seems to be propagating so readily and unconventionally in the
 current global outbreak.

The monkeypox virus typically spreads through <a href="https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2022-DON381">direct contact with respiratory secretions, such as mucus or saliva</a>, or <a href="https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/07/1123212">skin lesions</a>.
 Skin lesions traditionally appear soon after infection as a rash – 
small pimples or round papules on the face, hands or genitalia. These 
lesions may also appear inside the mouth, eyes and other parts of the 
body that produce mucus. They can last for several weeks and be a source
 of virus before they are fully healed. <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/monkeypox">Other symptoms</a> usually include fever, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue and headache.

I am an <a href="https://public-health.tamu.edu/directory/fischer.html">epidemiologist</a> who studies emerging infectious diseases that cause <a href="https://theconversation.com/whats-the-difference-between-pandemic-epidemic-and-outbreak-133048">outbreaks, epidemics and pandemics</a>.
 Understanding what’s currently known about how monkeypox is transmitted
 and ways to protect yourself and others from infection can help reduce 
the spread of the virus.

How is this outbreak different from prior ones?

The current monkeypox epidemic is a bit unusual in a few ways. 

First, the sheer scope of the current epidemic, with <a href="https://worldhealthorg.shinyapps.io/mpx_global/">over 25,000 cases worldwide as of early August</a> and in countries where the virus has never appeared, sets it apart from previous outbreaks. Monkeypox is <a href="https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2022-DON390">endemic to specific areas in central and western Africa</a>,
 where cases occur sporadically and outbreaks are usually contained and 
quickly burn out. In the current outbreak, global spread has been rapid.
 Young men, mostly ages 18 to 44, account for the majority of cases, and
 over 97% identify as men who have sex with men (MSM). <a href="https://doi.org/10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2022.27.22.2200422">Some superspreading events</a>
 associated with air travel, international gatherings and 
multiple-partner sexual encounters contributed to early transmission of 
the virus.

Second, <a href="https://worldhealthorg.shinyapps.io/mpx_global/">the way symptoms are appearing</a> may facilitate spread among people who don’t yet know they are infected. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/bjd.21790">Most</a> <a href="https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj-2022-072410">patients</a>
 reported mild symptoms without fever or swollen lymph nodes, symptoms 
that typically appear before a skin rash is visible. While most people 
do develop skin lesions, many reported having only a single papule that 
was often obscured inside a mucosal area, such as inside the mouth, 
throat or rectum, making it easier to miss.

A number of people reported no symptoms at all. Asymptomatic 
infections are more likely to go undiagnosed and unreported than those 
with symptoms. But it is not yet known how asymptomatic individuals may 
be contributing to spread or how many asymptomatic cases may be 
undetected so far.

For <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/03/well/live/monkeypox-risk.html">most people</a>,
 the risk of getting monkeypox is currently low. Anyone who has 
prolonged, close contact with an infected person is at risk, including 
partners, parents, children or siblings, among others. The most common 
settings for transmission are <a href="https://worldhealthorg.shinyapps.io/mpx_global/">within households or health care settings</a>.

Because of sustained transmission within the community of men who have sex with men, they are considered an <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2022/07/27/monkeypox-gay-men-vaccine-treatment/">at-risk group</a>, and targeted recommendations can help allocate resources and limit transmission. While monkeypox is <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2022/07/28/who-monkeypox-advice-men-sex/">spreading primarily among MSM</a>,
 this does not mean that the virus will remain confined to this group or
 that it won’t jump to other social networks. The virus itself has no 
regard for age, gender, ethnicity or sexual orientation.

<a href="https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/monkeypox-public-health-advice-for-men-who-have-sex-with-men">Anyone</a> who comes into direct contact with the monkeypox virus is at risk of being infected. <a href="https://worldhealthorg.shinyapps.io/mpx_global/">New cases</a>
 are recorded daily, with additional countries and regions reporting 
their first cases and already affected countries observing a continued 
rise in infections.

As with most infections, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/03/well/live/monkeypox-risk.html">other factors</a>,
 such as the amount of viral exposure, type of contact and individual 
immune response, play a role in whether an infection takes hold.

While sexual encounters are currently the predominant mode of transmission among reported cases, monkeypox is <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health-news/monkeypox-is-not-a-sexually-transmitted-infection-what-experts-want-you-to-know">not a sexually transmitted infection</a>. STIs are spread primarily through sexual contact, while monkeypox can spread through any form of prolonged, close contact.

Close contact that transmits the monkeypox virus involves encounters 
that are typically more intimate or involved than having a casual 
conversation or standing next to someone in an elevator. Transmission 
requires exchange of mucosal fluids or direct contact with the virus in 
sufficient quantity to seed an infection. This could occur through 
physical contact during kissing or cuddling.

Because sexual encounters involve direct skin-to-skin physical 
contact where bodily fluids may be exchanged, these close encounters can
 transmit viruses more easily. Recently, monkeypox DNA has been detected
 in feces and <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/S1473-3099(22)00513-8">various body fluids</a>,
 including saliva, blood, semen and urine. But the presence of viral DNA
 does not necessarily mean that the virus can infect someone else. 
Transmission from these sources is still under investigation.

As the virus moves through populations, <a href="https://www.who.int/director-general/speeches/detail/who-director-general-s-opening-remarks-at-the-covid-19-media-briefing--27-july-2022">public health officials</a>
 focus on getting the message out to the most at-risk and hardest hit 
communities about how to stay safe. Currently, breaking the transmission
 chain among sexual contacts is a priority, including but not limited to
 <a href="https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/monkeypox-public-health-advice-for-men-who-have-sex-with-men">MSM communities</a>. Targeted messaging is meant to protect the health of a specific group, <a href="https://www.npr.org/2022/07/26/1113713684/monkeypox-stigma-gay-community">not to stigmatize</a> the intended audience.

Other modes of transmission may play a greater role outside the MSM community. <a href="https://worldhealthorg.shinyapps.io/mpx_global/">Household transmission</a>,
 where individuals may come into close contact with infected people or 
contaminated items, is one of the most common types of exposure. 
Research is ongoing into the potential <a href="https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.07.21.22277864">airborne and respiratory droplet</a> spread of monkeypox in the current situation.

Outbreaks are <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/S2589-7500(20)30268-5">dynamic situations that evolve over time</a>,
 which is why public health messages may change as the epidemic 
progresses. Not every outbreak looks or behaves the same way – even 
pathogens seen in previous outbreaks can be different the next time 
around. As researchers learn more about how the disease is transmitted 
and identify changes in patterns of spread, public health officials will
 provide updates about specific forms of contact, behaviors or other 
factors that could increase infection risk. While changing guidelines 
can be frustrating or confusing, keeping up to date with the latest 
recommendations can help you protect yourself and stay safe.

What do I do if I’ve been exposed to monkeypox?

Anyone who has been infected can help contain spread by isolating 
from others, including pets. Covering skin lesions, wearing a mask in 
shared spaces and decontaminating shared surfaces or items, such as bed 
linens, dishes, clothes or towels, can also reduce spread. 

You can also help interrupt the transmission chain by participating in <a href="https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHO-MPX-Surveillance-2022.2">contact tracing</a>,
 notifying public health officials of others who may have been exposed 
through you, which is a basic tenet and common practice of disease 
control.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has further guidance on how to control monkeypox spread in both <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/clinicians/infection-control-home.html">household settings</a> and <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/specific-settings/congregate.html">shared living facilities</a>.

Lastly, <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/considerations-for-monkeypox-vaccination.html">getting vaccinated</a> as soon as possible can still protect you from severe illness even if you’ve already been infected.

Rebecca S.B. Fischer is an Assistant Professor of Epidemiology at Texas A&amp;M University.

By REBECCA S.B. FISCHER <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-does-monkeypox-spread-an-epidemiologist-explains-why-it-isnt-an-sti-and-what-counts-as-close-contact-188130">The Conversation</a>Monkeypox is caused by a virus that, despite periodic outbreaks, is <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080%2F14787210.2019.1567330">not thought to spread easily from person to person</a> and historically <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/monkeypox">has not spurred long chains of transmission within communities</a>.
 Now, many researchers are left scratching their heads as to why 
monkeypox seems to be propagating so readily and unconventionally in the
 current global outbreak.The monkeypox virus typically spreads through <a href="https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2022-DON381">direct contact with respiratory secretions, such as mucus or saliva</a>, or <a href="https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/07/1123212">skin lesions</a>.
 Skin lesions traditionally appear soon after infection as a rash – 
small pimples or round papules on the face, hands or genitalia. These 
lesions may also appear inside the mouth, eyes and other parts of the 
body that produce mucus. They can last for several weeks and be a source
 of virus before they are fully healed. <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/monkeypox">Other symptoms</a> usually include fever, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue and headache.I am an <a href="https://public-health.tamu.edu/directory/fischer.html">epidemiologist</a> who studies emerging infectious diseases that cause <a href="https://theconversation.com/whats-the-difference-between-pandemic-epidemic-and-outbreak-133048">outbreaks, epidemics and pandemics</a>.
 Understanding what’s currently known about how monkeypox is transmitted
 and ways to protect yourself and others from infection can help reduce 
the spread of the virus.<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/v2J7rXuOiuw"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>How is this outbreak different from prior ones?</h2>The current monkeypox epidemic is a bit unusual in a few ways. First, the sheer scope of the current epidemic, with <a href="https://worldhealthorg.shinyapps.io/mpx_global/">over 25,000 cases worldwide as of early August</a> and in countries where the virus has never appeared, sets it apart from previous outbreaks. Monkeypox is <a href="https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2022-DON390">endemic to specific areas in central and western Africa</a>,
 where cases occur sporadically and outbreaks are usually contained and 
quickly burn out. In the current outbreak, global spread has been rapid.
 Young men, mostly ages 18 to 44, account for the majority of cases, and
 over 97% identify as men who have sex with men (MSM). <a href="https://doi.org/10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2022.27.22.2200422">Some superspreading events</a>
 associated with air travel, international gatherings and 
multiple-partner sexual encounters contributed to early transmission of 
the virus.Second, <a href="https://worldhealthorg.shinyapps.io/mpx_global/">the way symptoms are appearing</a> may facilitate spread among people who don’t yet know they are infected. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/bjd.21790">Most</a> <a href="https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj-2022-072410">patients</a>
 reported mild symptoms without fever or swollen lymph nodes, symptoms 
that typically appear before a skin rash is visible. While most people 
do develop skin lesions, many reported having only a single papule that 
was often obscured inside a mucosal area, such as inside the mouth, 
throat or rectum, making it easier to miss.<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Y9bjHNpqOro"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A number of people reported no symptoms at all. Asymptomatic 
infections are more likely to go undiagnosed and unreported than those 
with symptoms. But it is not yet known how asymptomatic individuals may 
be contributing to spread or how many asymptomatic cases may be 
undetected so far.<h2>Who is at risk of getting monkeypox?</h2>For <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/03/well/live/monkeypox-risk.html">most people</a>,
 the risk of getting monkeypox is currently low. Anyone who has 
prolonged, close contact with an infected person is at risk, including 
partners, parents, children or siblings, among others. The most common 
settings for transmission are <a href="https://worldhealthorg.shinyapps.io/mpx_global/">within households or health care settings</a>.Because of sustained transmission within the community of men who have sex with men, they are considered an <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2022/07/27/monkeypox-gay-men-vaccine-treatment/">at-risk group</a>, and targeted recommendations can help allocate resources and limit transmission. While monkeypox is <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2022/07/28/who-monkeypox-advice-men-sex/">spreading primarily among MSM</a>,
 this does not mean that the virus will remain confined to this group or
 that it won’t jump to other social networks. The virus itself has no 
regard for age, gender, ethnicity or sexual orientation. <a href="https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/monkeypox-public-health-advice-for-men-who-have-sex-with-men">Anyone</a> who comes into direct contact with the monkeypox virus is at risk of being infected. <a href="https://worldhealthorg.shinyapps.io/mpx_global/">New cases</a>
 are recorded daily, with additional countries and regions reporting 
their first cases and already affected countries observing a continued 
rise in infections. As with most infections, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/03/well/live/monkeypox-risk.html">other factors</a>,
 such as the amount of viral exposure, type of contact and individual 
immune response, play a role in whether an infection takes hold.<h2>Is monkeypox an STI?</h2>While sexual encounters are currently the predominant mode of transmission among reported cases, monkeypox is <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health-news/monkeypox-is-not-a-sexually-transmitted-infection-what-experts-want-you-to-know">not a sexually transmitted infection</a>. STIs are spread primarily through sexual contact, while monkeypox can spread through any form of prolonged, close contact.Close contact that transmits the monkeypox virus involves encounters 
that are typically more intimate or involved than having a casual 
conversation or standing next to someone in an elevator. Transmission 
requires exchange of mucosal fluids or direct contact with the virus in 
sufficient quantity to seed an infection. This could occur through 
physical contact during kissing or cuddling.Because sexual encounters involve direct skin-to-skin physical 
contact where bodily fluids may be exchanged, these close encounters can
 transmit viruses more easily. Recently, monkeypox DNA has been detected
 in feces and <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/S1473-3099(22)00513-8">various body fluids</a>,
 including saliva, blood, semen and urine. But the presence of viral DNA
 does not necessarily mean that the virus can infect someone else. 
Transmission from these sources is still under investigation.As the virus moves through populations, <a href="https://www.who.int/director-general/speeches/detail/who-director-general-s-opening-remarks-at-the-covid-19-media-briefing--27-july-2022">public health officials</a>
 focus on getting the message out to the most at-risk and hardest hit 
communities about how to stay safe. Currently, breaking the transmission
 chain among sexual contacts is a priority, including but not limited to
 <a href="https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/monkeypox-public-health-advice-for-men-who-have-sex-with-men">MSM communities</a>. Targeted messaging is meant to protect the health of a specific group, <a href="https://www.npr.org/2022/07/26/1113713684/monkeypox-stigma-gay-community">not to stigmatize</a> the intended audience. Other modes of transmission may play a greater role outside the MSM community. <a href="https://worldhealthorg.shinyapps.io/mpx_global/">Household transmission</a>,
 where individuals may come into close contact with infected people or 
contaminated items, is one of the most common types of exposure. 
Research is ongoing into the potential <a href="https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.07.21.22277864">airborne and respiratory droplet</a> spread of monkeypox in the current situation. Outbreaks are <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/S2589-7500(20)30268-5">dynamic situations that evolve over time</a>,
 which is why public health messages may change as the epidemic 
progresses. Not every outbreak looks or behaves the same way – even 
pathogens seen in previous outbreaks can be different the next time 
around. As researchers learn more about how the disease is transmitted 
and identify changes in patterns of spread, public health officials will
 provide updates about specific forms of contact, behaviors or other 
factors that could increase infection risk. While changing guidelines 
can be frustrating or confusing, keeping up to date with the latest 
recommendations can help you protect yourself and stay safe. <h2>What do I do if I’ve been exposed to monkeypox?</h2>Anyone who has been infected can help contain spread by isolating 
from others, including pets. Covering skin lesions, wearing a mask in 
shared spaces and decontaminating shared surfaces or items, such as bed 
linens, dishes, clothes or towels, can also reduce spread. You can also help interrupt the transmission chain by participating in <a href="https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHO-MPX-Surveillance-2022.2">contact tracing</a>,
 notifying public health officials of others who may have been exposed 
through you, which is a basic tenet and common practice of disease 
control.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has further guidance on how to control monkeypox spread in both <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/clinicians/infection-control-home.html">household settings</a> and <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/specific-settings/congregate.html">shared living facilities</a>.Lastly, <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/considerations-for-monkeypox-vaccination.html">getting vaccinated</a> as soon as possible can still protect you from severe illness even if you’ve already been infected.Rebecca S.B. Fischer is an Assistant Professor of Epidemiology at Texas A&amp;M University.<div><iframe src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/188130/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-advanced" width="1" height="1"></iframe></div>

🎥 Epidemiologist: How monkeypox spreads and why it isn’t an STI 

JOHNSON COUNTY —Discarded smoking materials are believed responsible for a Kansas house fire.

Just after 12:30a.m. crews from Overland Park and Leawood responded to a house fire in the 5300 Block of W. 158th&nbsp; Place, according to a media release.

First arriving units found heavy smoke and fire coming from the two-story, single family home.&nbsp; Firefighters focused on the fire in the exterior then entered the home to confirm the residents were out safely out. They rescued a dog and cat.

It took crews over an hour to bring the fire under control. One firefighter was treated at the scene for heat related stress. There were no other injuries.

Residents said smoke alarms woke them and they were able to escape and call 911.&nbsp; Fire investigators believe careless discard of smoking materials may be to blame for the fire. The home sustained significant damage to the first and second floors and the attic. The entire home also suffered significant smoke damage.&nbsp; Officials have not released an estimate of damage.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660330093130.png" alt="Photo courtesy Overland Park Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Overland Park Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —Discarded smoking materials are believed responsible for a Kansas house fire.Just after 12:30a.m. crews from Overland Park and Leawood responded to a house fire in the 5300 Block of W. 158th&nbsp; Place, according to a media release.First arriving units found heavy smoke and fire coming from the two-story, single family home.&nbsp; Firefighters focused on the fire in the exterior then entered the home to confirm the residents were out safely out. They rescued a dog and cat.It took crews over an hour to bring the fire under control. One firefighter was treated at the scene for heat related stress. There were no other injuries.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660330616044.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Residents said smoke alarms woke them and they were able to escape and call 911.&nbsp; Fire investigators believe careless discard of smoking materials may be to blame for the fire. The home sustained significant damage to the first and second floors and the attic. The entire home also suffered significant smoke damage.&nbsp; Officials have not released an estimate of damage.

Dog rescued while Kansas home damaged in fire

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas’ elections director says the state will go along with a request for a hand recount of votes from every county after last week’s decisive statewide vote affirming abortion rights, even though there was a 165,000-vote difference and a recount won’t change the result.

Melissa Leavitt, of Colby in far western Kansas, requested the recount and declined to comment to reporters Friday evening, citing work obligations. But she said on an online site raising funds for a recount that she had “seen data” about the election. Her post was not more specific, and there is no evidence of significant problems with the election.

Baseless election conspiracies have circulated widely in the U.S., particularly among supporters of former President Donald Trump, who has repeated false claims that he lost the 2020 election through fraud.

Kansas law requires Leavitt to post a bond to cover the entire cost of the recount. Bryan Caskey, state elections director for the Kansas secretary of state’s office, said it would be the first recount of the votes on a statewide ballot question in at least 30 years.

Caskey said the work won’t begin without a guarantee that Leavitt can cover the cost.

“Normally, they reinforce the Election Day results,” Caskey said about recounts. “We stand by the results and will do the recount.”

Also seeking a recount is state Sen. Caryn Tyson, who is trailing state Rep. Steven Johnson in the Republican primary for state treasurer by about 400 votes out of nearly 434,000 cast. She is asking for a hand recount in about half the state’s 105 counties.

Voters last week&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-primary-elections-kansas-abortion-b6d62a852c2ce4617f2c03589fbb523e">rejected a proposed amendment</a>&nbsp;to the Kansas Constitution that would have allowed the conservative, Republican-controlled Legislature to further restrict or ban abortion. It failed by 18 percentage points.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659494980922.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNA&nbsp;TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas’ elections director says the state will go along with a request for a hand recount of votes from every county after last week’s decisive statewide vote affirming abortion rights, even though there was a 165,000-vote difference and a recount won’t change the result.Melissa Leavitt, of Colby in far western Kansas, requested the recount and declined to comment to reporters Friday evening, citing work obligations. But she said on an online site raising funds for a recount that she had “seen data” about the election. Her post was not more specific, and there is no evidence of significant problems with the election.Baseless election conspiracies have circulated widely in the U.S., particularly among supporters of former President Donald Trump, who has repeated false claims that he lost the 2020 election through fraud.Kansas law requires Leavitt to post a bond to cover the entire cost of the recount. Bryan Caskey, state elections director for the Kansas secretary of state’s office, said it would be the first recount of the votes on a statewide ballot question in at least 30 years.Caskey said the work won’t begin without a guarantee that Leavitt can cover the cost.“Normally, they reinforce the Election Day results,” Caskey said about recounts. “We stand by the results and will do the recount.”Also seeking a recount is state Sen. Caryn Tyson, who is trailing state Rep. Steven Johnson in the Republican primary for state treasurer by about 400 votes out of nearly 434,000 cast. She is asking for a hand recount in about half the state’s 105 counties.Voters last week&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-primary-elections-kansas-abortion-b6d62a852c2ce4617f2c03589fbb523e">rejected a proposed amendment</a>&nbsp;to the Kansas Constitution that would have allowed the conservative, Republican-controlled Legislature to further restrict or ban abortion. It failed by 18 percentage points.___

Kansas to recount abortion vote by hand, despite big margin

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating an attempted ATM theft have made one arrest and are asking the public for help to locate a second suspect identified as 43-year-old Michael Frink.

Just after 5a.m. Thursday, the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center received a burglary alarm at a bank in the 1700 block of North Washington Street in Auburn, Kansas, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

Deputies learned there was an attempted theft of an ATM. A K9 Unit located the suspect vehicle that refused to stop and a pursuit was initiated. The vehicle pursuit ended in the 5700 block of Southwest Urish Road and suspects fled.

The Shawnee County Sheriff's office asked residents from SW Fairlawn Road to Southwest Urish Road and Southwest 41st Street to Southwest 77th street, to be aware of any suspicious activity or individuals.

Just after 6p.m. Thursday , the sheriff's office reported they had arrested one suspect.&nbsp; Trimaine Munroe Baker, 35, is being held on requested charges of&nbsp;Agg criminal damage &gt;$5K; intent to obtain currency from automated cash dispenser/ATM, theft, burglary and&nbsp; Criminal damage to property; Without consent value $1000 to $25,000, according to online jail records.

"Thanks to assistance from citizens reporting timely information to deputies, the suspect was apprehended near Southwest&nbsp; 53rd Street and Southwest Wanamaker Road, " according to Christian.&nbsp; The sheriff's&nbsp; office K9 units and drone operators assisted in this search, along with the Kansas Highway Patrol’s Aircraft Unit and the Topeka Police Department.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660265229824.png" alt="The damaged ATM at Landmark Bank 1741 N. Washington in Auburn, Kansas --photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>The damaged ATM at Landmark Bank 1741 N. Washington in Auburn, Kansas --photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating an attempted ATM theft have made one arrest and are asking the public for help to locate a second suspect identified as 43-year-old Michael Frink.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660335348360.png" alt="Frink-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Frink-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 5a.m. Thursday, the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center received a burglary alarm at a bank in the 1700 block of North Washington Street in Auburn, Kansas, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.Deputies learned there was an attempted theft of an ATM. A K9 Unit located the suspect vehicle that refused to stop and a pursuit was initiated. The vehicle pursuit ended in the 5700 block of Southwest Urish Road and suspects fled.The Shawnee County Sheriff's office asked residents from SW Fairlawn Road to Southwest Urish Road and Southwest 41st Street to Southwest 77th street, to be aware of any suspicious activity or individuals.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660304454814.png" alt="Baker-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Baker-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 6p.m. Thursday , the sheriff's office reported they had arrested one suspect.&nbsp; Trimaine Munroe Baker, 35, is being held on requested charges of&nbsp;Agg criminal damage &gt;$5K; intent to obtain currency from automated cash dispenser/ATM, theft, burglary and&nbsp; Criminal damage to property; Without consent value $1000 to $25,000, according to online jail records."Thanks to assistance from citizens reporting timely information to deputies, the suspect was apprehended near Southwest&nbsp; 53rd Street and Southwest Wanamaker Road, " according to Christian.&nbsp; The sheriff's&nbsp; office K9 units and drone operators assisted in this search, along with the Kansas Highway Patrol’s Aircraft Unit and the Topeka Police Department.

Suspect wanted for attempted Kansas bank ATM theft

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Len Dawson, the 87-year-old Hall of Fame quarterback who led the Kansas City Chiefs to their first Super Bowl title, has entered hospice care in Kansas City.

KMBC-TV, the Kansas City station where Dawson began his broadcasting career in 1966,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/kmbc-confirms-hall-of-fame-chiefs-quarterback-len-dawson-in-hospice/ar-AA10BTg2">confirmed Dawson is in hospice care</a>&nbsp;through his wife, Linda.

The MVP of the Chiefs’ 23-7 Super Bowl victory over Minnesota in January 1970, Dawson was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1987 and received the Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award in 2012.

From Alliance, Ohio, Dawson starred at Purdue and was selected fifth overall by Pittsburgh in the 1957 NFL draft. After seeing limited time in the NFL in three seasons with the Steelers and two with Cleveland, he joined the Dallas Texans in the American Football League in 1962, reuniting with former Purdue assistant coach Hank Stram.

Dawson moved with the team to Kansas City the following season and remained the Chiefs' starting quarterback until retiring in 1975.

In addition to his work at KMBC where he was the station's first sports anchor, Dawson was a game analyst for NBC and the Chiefs' radio network and hosted HBO's “Inside the NFL” show.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660354181481.jpeg" alt="Len Dawson U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joel Pfiester/Released, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Len Dawson U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joel Pfiester/Released, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Len Dawson, the 87-year-old Hall of Fame quarterback who led the Kansas City Chiefs to their first Super Bowl title, has entered hospice care in Kansas City.KMBC-TV, the Kansas City station where Dawson began his broadcasting career in 1966,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/kmbc-confirms-hall-of-fame-chiefs-quarterback-len-dawson-in-hospice/ar-AA10BTg2">confirmed Dawson is in hospice care</a>&nbsp;through his wife, Linda.The MVP of the Chiefs’ 23-7 Super Bowl victory over Minnesota in January 1970, Dawson was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1987 and received the Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award in 2012.From Alliance, Ohio, Dawson starred at Purdue and was selected fifth overall by Pittsburgh in the 1957 NFL draft. After seeing limited time in the NFL in three seasons with the Steelers and two with Cleveland, he joined the Dallas Texans in the American Football League in 1962, reuniting with former Purdue assistant coach Hank Stram.Dawson moved with the team to Kansas City the following season and remained the Chiefs' starting quarterback until retiring in 1975.In addition to his work at KMBC where he was the station's first sports anchor, Dawson was a game analyst for NBC and the Chiefs' radio network and hosted HBO's “Inside the NFL” show.

Len Dawson, MVP of Chiefs' first Super Bowl win, in hospice

SEDGWICK COUNTY— Two suspects accused in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/kansas/name/german-clerici-obituary?id=14196667">the death</a> of a Kansas man whose body was found in a culvert in 2010 made their first court appearance Thursday.

&nbsp;Kristopher Valadez, 32,&nbsp; Simpsonville, South Carolina is charged with 2nd degree murder, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney. Candace Valadez, 32 of Simpsonville, S. Carolina, is charged with aiding a felon. 

Both are former Wichita residents and are free on bond, according to the district attorney.&nbsp; Their next court hearing is August 22.&nbsp;

The couple were extradited from South Carolina to Kansas on Tuesday and booked into the Sedgwick County Jail.

In February of 2010, 19-year-old&nbsp;<a href="https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/kansas/name/german-clerici-obituary?id=14196667">German Clerici's </a>mother reported him missing after she had not heard from him since late January, according to a statement from the Butler County Sheriff's office.&nbsp; Clerici's car was also missing.

Several days later, investigators found <a href="https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/kansas/name/german-clerici-obituary?id=14196667">Clerici </a>shot to death in a culvert east of Augusta. Four months later, deputies found his car in the 3000 Block of East 21st North in Wichita.

In 2021, Butler County Sheriff Monty Hughey had investigators take a fresh look at the case.&nbsp; They discovered information that prompted investigators to conduct follow-up interviews and learned more information and new evidence in the case.&nbsp;

&nbsp;In July,&nbsp; investigators from the Butler County Sheriff's officials traveled to South Carolina. With the assistance of the Greenville South Carolina County Sheriff's Office and Wichita police, deputies arrested the couple. Both are former Wichita residents.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660137633434.png" alt="Kristopher Valadez-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Kristopher Valadez-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY— Two suspects accused in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/kansas/name/german-clerici-obituary?id=14196667">the death</a> of a Kansas man whose body was found in a culvert in 2010 made their first court appearance Thursday.&nbsp;Kristopher Valadez, 32,&nbsp; Simpsonville, South Carolina is charged with 2nd degree murder, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney. Candace Valadez, 32 of Simpsonville, S. Carolina, is charged with aiding a felon. Both are former Wichita residents and are free on bond, according to the district attorney.&nbsp; Their next court hearing is August 22.&nbsp;The couple were extradited from South Carolina to Kansas on Tuesday and booked into the Sedgwick County Jail.In February of 2010, 19-year-old&nbsp;<a href="https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/kansas/name/german-clerici-obituary?id=14196667">German Clerici's </a>mother reported him missing after she had not heard from him since late January, according to a statement from the Butler County Sheriff's office.&nbsp; Clerici's car was also missing.Several days later, investigators found <a href="https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/kansas/name/german-clerici-obituary?id=14196667">Clerici </a>shot to death in a culvert east of Augusta. Four months later, deputies found his car in the 3000 Block of East 21st North in Wichita.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660137611719.png" alt="Candace Valadez-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Candace Valadez-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>In 2021, Butler County Sheriff Monty Hughey had investigators take a fresh look at the case.&nbsp; They discovered information that prompted investigators to conduct follow-up interviews and learned more information and new evidence in the case.&nbsp;&nbsp;In July,&nbsp; investigators from the Butler County Sheriff's officials traveled to South Carolina. With the assistance of the Greenville South Carolina County Sheriff's Office and Wichita police, deputies arrested the couple. Both are former Wichita residents.

Kan. murder suspects who fled to South Carolina remain free on bond

WASHINGTON (AP) — The FBI recovered documents that were labeled “top secret” from former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, according to court papers released Friday after a federal judge unsealed the warrant that authorized&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump?utm_source=apnewsnav&amp;utm_medium=featured">the unprecedented search this week</a>.

A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/22131425-mar-a-lago-search-documents">property receipt unsealed by the court</a>&nbsp;shows FBI agents took&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/22131425-mar-a-lago-search-documents">11 sets of classified records</a>&nbsp;from the estate during a search on Monday.

The seized records include some marked not only top secret but also “sensitive compartmented information,” a special category meant to protect the nation's most important secrets that if revealed publicly could cause “exceptionally grave” damage to U.S. interests. The court records did not provide specific details about information the documents might contain.

The warrant says federal agents were investigating potential violations of three different federal laws, including one that governs gathering, transmitting or losing defense information under the Espionage Act. The other statutes address the concealment, mutilation or removal of records and the destruction, alteration or falsification of records in federal investigations.

The property receipt also shows federal agents collected other potential presidential records, including the order pardoning Trump ally Roger Stone, a “leatherbound box of documents,” and information about the “President of France.” A binder of photos, a handwritten note, “miscellaneous secret documents” and “miscellaneous confidential documents” were also seized in the search.

Trump’s attorney, Christina Bobb, who was present at Mar-a-Lago when the agents conducted the search, signed two property receipts — one that was two pages long and another that is a single page.

In a statement earlier Friday, Trump claimed that the documents seized by agents were “all declassified,” and argued that he would have turned them over if the Justice Department had asked.

While incumbent presidents generally have the power to declassify information, that authority lapses as soon as they leave office and it was not clear if the documents in question have ever been declassified. And even an incumbent's powers to declassify may be limited regarding secrets dealing with nuclear weapons programs, covert operations and operatives, and some data shared with allies.

Trump kept possession of the documents despite multiple requests from agencies, including the National Archives, to turn over presidential records in accordance with federal law.

The Mar-a-Lago search warrant served Monday was part of an ongoing Justice Department investigation into the discovery of classified White House records recovered from Trump’s home earlier this year. The Archives had asked the department to investigate after saying 15 boxes of records it retrieved from the estate included classified records.

It remains unclear whether the Justice Department moved forward with the warrant simply as a means to retrieve the records or as part of a wider criminal investigation. Multiple federal laws govern the handling of classified information, with both criminal and civil penalties, as well as presidential records.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Bruce Reinhart, the same judge who signed off on the search warrant, unsealed the warrant and property receipt Friday at the request of the Justice Department after Attorney General Merrick Garland declared there was “substantial public interest in this matter,” and Trump said he backed the warrant’s “immediate” release. The Justice Department told the judge Friday afternoon that Trump’s lawyers did not object to the proposal to make it public.

In messages posted on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote, “Not only will I not oppose the release of documents ... I am going a step further by ENCOURAGING the immediate release of those documents.”

The Justice Department's request was striking because such warrants traditionally remain sealed during a pending investigation. But the department appeared to recognize that its silence since the search had created a vacuum for bitter verbal attacks by Trump and his allies, and felt that the public was entitled to the FBI’s side about what prompted Monday’s action at the former president’s home.

“The public’s clear and powerful interest in understanding what occurred under these circumstances weighs heavily in favor of unsealing,” said a motion filed in federal court in Florida on Thursday.

The information was released as( Trump prepares for another run for the White House. During his 2016 campaign, he pointed frequently to an FBI investigation into his Democratic opponent, Hillary Clinton,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/b1f8075d21964477b9deae6134f8d022">over whether she mishandled classified information</a>.

To obtain a search warrant, federal authorities must prove to a judge that probable cause exists to believe that a crime was committed. Garland said he personally approved the warrant, a decision he said the department did not take lightly given that standard practice where possible is to select less intrusive tactics than a search of one's home.

In this case, according to a person familiar with the matter, there was substantial engagement with Trump and his representatives prior to the search warrant, including a subpoena for records and a visit to Mar-a-Lago a couple of months ago by FBI and Justice Department officials to assess how the documents were stored. The person was not authorized to discuss the matter by name and spoke on condition of anonymity.

FBI and Justice Department policy cautions against discussing ongoing investigations, both to protect the integrity of the inquiries and to avoid unfairly maligning someone who is being scrutinized but winds up ultimately not being charged. That’s especially true in the case of search warrants, where supporting court papers are routinely kept secret as the investigation proceeds.

In this case, though, Garland cited the fact that Trump himself had provided the first public confirmation of the FBI search, “as is his right." The Justice Department, in its new filing, also said that disclosing information about it now would not harm the court's functions.

The Justice Department under Garland has been leery of public statements about politically charged investigations, or of confirming to what extent it might be investigating Trump as part of a broader probe into the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol and efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election.

The department has tried to avoid being seen as injecting itself into presidential politics, as happened in 2016 when then-FBI Director James Comey made an unusual public statement announcing that the FBI would not be recommending criminal charges against Clinton regarding her handling of email — and when he spoke up again just over a week before the election to notify Congress that the probe was being effectively reopened because of the discovery of new emails.

The attorney general also condemned verbal attacks on FBI and Justice Department personnel over the search. Some Republican allies of Trump have called for the FBI to be defunded. Large numbers of Trump supporters have called for the warrant to be released hoping they it will show that Trump was unfairly targeted.

“I will not stand by silently when their integrity is unfairly attacked,” Garland said of federal law enforcement agents, calling them “dedicated, patriotic public servants.”

Earlier Thursday, an armed man wearing body armor&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fbi-cincinnati-armed-man-b4701596a0eb9770e3b29e95328f5704">tried to breach a security screening area</a>&nbsp;at an FBI field office in Ohio, then fled and was later killed after a standoff with law enforcement. A law enforcement official briefed on the matter identified the man as Ricky Shiffer and said he is believed to have been in Washington in the days leading up to the attack on the Capitol and may have been there on the day it took place.

Associated Press writers Lindsay Whitehurst and Meg Kinnard contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660337904040.jpeg" alt="The receipt for property that was seized during the execution of a search warrant by the FBI at former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Fla., is photographed Friday, Aug. 12, 2022. (AP Photo/Jon Elswick)" />
 <figcaption>The receipt for property that was seized during the execution of a search warrant by the FBI at former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Fla., is photographed Friday, Aug. 12, 2022. (AP Photo/Jon Elswick)</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The FBI recovered documents that were labeled “top secret” from former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, according to court papers released Friday after a federal judge unsealed the warrant that authorized&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump?utm_source=apnewsnav&amp;utm_medium=featured">the unprecedented search this week</a>.A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/22131425-mar-a-lago-search-documents">property receipt unsealed by the court</a>&nbsp;shows FBI agents took&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/22131425-mar-a-lago-search-documents">11 sets of classified records</a>&nbsp;from the estate during a search on Monday.The seized records include some marked not only top secret but also “sensitive compartmented information,” a special category meant to protect the nation's most important secrets that if revealed publicly could cause “exceptionally grave” damage to U.S. interests. The court records did not provide specific details about information the documents might contain.The warrant says federal agents were investigating potential violations of three different federal laws, including one that governs gathering, transmitting or losing defense information under the Espionage Act. The other statutes address the concealment, mutilation or removal of records and the destruction, alteration or falsification of records in federal investigations.The property receipt also shows federal agents collected other potential presidential records, including the order pardoning Trump ally Roger Stone, a “leatherbound box of documents,” and information about the “President of France.” A binder of photos, a handwritten note, “miscellaneous secret documents” and “miscellaneous confidential documents” were also seized in the search.Trump’s attorney, Christina Bobb, who was present at Mar-a-Lago when the agents conducted the search, signed two property receipts — one that was two pages long and another that is a single page.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660334468726.jpeg" alt="The notice filed by the Justice Department to the U.S. District Court South District of Florida informing the judge that lawyers for former President Donald Trump did not object to the government's motion to unseal the search warrant for Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate, is photographed Friday, Aug. 12, 2022. (AP Photo/Jon Elswick)" />
 <figcaption>The notice filed by the Justice Department to the U.S. District Court South District of Florida informing the judge that lawyers for former President Donald Trump did not object to the government's motion to unseal the search warrant for Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate, is photographed Friday, Aug. 12, 2022. (AP Photo/Jon Elswick)</figcaption>
 </figure>In a statement earlier Friday, Trump claimed that the documents seized by agents were “all declassified,” and argued that he would have turned them over if the Justice Department had asked.While incumbent presidents generally have the power to declassify information, that authority lapses as soon as they leave office and it was not clear if the documents in question have ever been declassified. And even an incumbent's powers to declassify may be limited regarding secrets dealing with nuclear weapons programs, covert operations and operatives, and some data shared with allies.Trump kept possession of the documents despite multiple requests from agencies, including the National Archives, to turn over presidential records in accordance with federal law.The Mar-a-Lago search warrant served Monday was part of an ongoing Justice Department investigation into the discovery of classified White House records recovered from Trump’s home earlier this year. The Archives had asked the department to investigate after saying 15 boxes of records it retrieved from the estate included classified records.It remains unclear whether the Justice Department moved forward with the warrant simply as a means to retrieve the records or as part of a wider criminal investigation. Multiple federal laws govern the handling of classified information, with both criminal and civil penalties, as well as presidential records.U.S. Magistrate Judge Bruce Reinhart, the same judge who signed off on the search warrant, unsealed the warrant and property receipt Friday at the request of the Justice Department after Attorney General Merrick Garland declared there was “substantial public interest in this matter,” and Trump said he backed the warrant’s “immediate” release. The Justice Department told the judge Friday afternoon that Trump’s lawyers did not object to the proposal to make it public.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660299491275.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>In messages posted on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote, “Not only will I not oppose the release of documents ... I am going a step further by ENCOURAGING the immediate release of those documents.”The Justice Department's request was striking because such warrants traditionally remain sealed during a pending investigation. But the department appeared to recognize that its silence since the search had created a vacuum for bitter verbal attacks by Trump and his allies, and felt that the public was entitled to the FBI’s side about what prompted Monday’s action at the former president’s home.“The public’s clear and powerful interest in understanding what occurred under these circumstances weighs heavily in favor of unsealing,” said a motion filed in federal court in Florida on Thursday.The information was released as( Trump prepares for another run for the White House. During his 2016 campaign, he pointed frequently to an FBI investigation into his Democratic opponent, Hillary Clinton,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/b1f8075d21964477b9deae6134f8d022">over whether she mishandled classified information</a>.To obtain a search warrant, federal authorities must prove to a judge that probable cause exists to believe that a crime was committed. Garland said he personally approved the warrant, a decision he said the department did not take lightly given that standard practice where possible is to select less intrusive tactics than a search of one's home.In this case, according to a person familiar with the matter, there was substantial engagement with Trump and his representatives prior to the search warrant, including a subpoena for records and a visit to Mar-a-Lago a couple of months ago by FBI and Justice Department officials to assess how the documents were stored. The person was not authorized to discuss the matter by name and spoke on condition of anonymity.FBI and Justice Department policy cautions against discussing ongoing investigations, both to protect the integrity of the inquiries and to avoid unfairly maligning someone who is being scrutinized but winds up ultimately not being charged. That’s especially true in the case of search warrants, where supporting court papers are routinely kept secret as the investigation proceeds.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/I2w26ecbq-Q?start=3" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>In this case, though, Garland cited the fact that Trump himself had provided the first public confirmation of the FBI search, “as is his right." The Justice Department, in its new filing, also said that disclosing information about it now would not harm the court's functions.The Justice Department under Garland has been leery of public statements about politically charged investigations, or of confirming to what extent it might be investigating Trump as part of a broader probe into the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol and efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election.The department has tried to avoid being seen as injecting itself into presidential politics, as happened in 2016 when then-FBI Director James Comey made an unusual public statement announcing that the FBI would not be recommending criminal charges against Clinton regarding her handling of email — and when he spoke up again just over a week before the election to notify Congress that the probe was being effectively reopened because of the discovery of new emails.The attorney general also condemned verbal attacks on FBI and Justice Department personnel over the search. Some Republican allies of Trump have called for the FBI to be defunded. Large numbers of Trump supporters have called for the warrant to be released hoping they it will show that Trump was unfairly targeted.“I will not stand by silently when their integrity is unfairly attacked,” Garland said of federal law enforcement agents, calling them “dedicated, patriotic public servants.”Earlier Thursday, an armed man wearing body armor&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fbi-cincinnati-armed-man-b4701596a0eb9770e3b29e95328f5704">tried to breach a security screening area</a>&nbsp;at an FBI field office in Ohio, then fled and was later killed after a standoff with law enforcement. A law enforcement official briefed on the matter identified the man as Ricky Shiffer and said he is believed to have been in Washington in the days leading up to the attack on the Capitol and may have been there on the day it took place._____Associated Press writers Lindsay Whitehurst and Meg Kinnard contributed to this report.

🎥 Warrant: FBI seized 'top secret' documents from Trump home

WASHINGTON (AP) — A divided Congress gave final approval Friday to Democrats'&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-health-seniors-medicare-economy-68f2df858de98487e82e236ab31fab7e">flagship climate and health care bill</a>, handing President Joe Biden a back-from-the-dead triumph on coveted priorities that the party hopes will bolster their prospects for keeping their hold on Congress in November's elections.

The House used a party-line 220-207 vote to pass the legislation, which is but a shadow of the larger, more ambitious plan to supercharge environment and social programs that Biden and his party envisioned early last year. Even so, Democrats happily declared victory on top-tier goals like providing Congress’ largest ever investment in curbing carbon emissions, reining in pharmaceutical costs and taxing large companies, a vote they believe will show they can wring accomplishments from a routinely gridlocked Washington that often disillusions voters.

“Today is a day of celebration, a day we take another giant step in our momentous agenda," said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. She said the measure “meets the moment, ensuring that our families thrive and that our planet survives.”

Republicans solidly opposed the legislation, calling it a cornucopia of wasteful liberal daydreams that would raise taxes and families' living costs. They did the same Sunday but Senate Democrats banded together and used Vice President Kamala Harris’ tiebreaking vote t&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/senate-climate-tax-deal-vote-dbdb3107c4c5e3e0e5af8a58d56c7bc1">o power the measure</a>&nbsp;through that 50-50 chamber.

“Democrats, more than any other majority in history, are addicted to spending other people’s money, regardless of what we as a country can afford,” said House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif. “I can almost see glee in their eyes.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660327472444.png" alt=""By reducing the cost of prescription drugs and health care, while taking bold action on climate, House Democrats passing this bill today puts people over politics," said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>"By reducing the cost of prescription drugs and health care, while taking bold action on climate, House Democrats passing this bill today puts people over politics," said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — A divided Congress gave final approval Friday to Democrats'&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-health-seniors-medicare-economy-68f2df858de98487e82e236ab31fab7e">flagship climate and health care bill</a>, handing President Joe Biden a back-from-the-dead triumph on coveted priorities that the party hopes will bolster their prospects for keeping their hold on Congress in November's elections.The House used a party-line 220-207 vote to pass the legislation, which is but a shadow of the larger, more ambitious plan to supercharge environment and social programs that Biden and his party envisioned early last year. Even so, Democrats happily declared victory on top-tier goals like providing Congress’ largest ever investment in curbing carbon emissions, reining in pharmaceutical costs and taxing large companies, a vote they believe will show they can wring accomplishments from a routinely gridlocked Washington that often disillusions voters.“Today is a day of celebration, a day we take another giant step in our momentous agenda," said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. She said the measure “meets the moment, ensuring that our families thrive and that our planet survives.”Republicans solidly opposed the legislation, calling it a cornucopia of wasteful liberal daydreams that would raise taxes and families' living costs. They did the same Sunday but Senate Democrats banded together and used Vice President Kamala Harris’ tiebreaking vote t&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/senate-climate-tax-deal-vote-dbdb3107c4c5e3e0e5af8a58d56c7bc1">o power the measure</a>&nbsp;through that 50-50 chamber.“Democrats, more than any other majority in history, are addicted to spending other people’s money, regardless of what we as a country can afford,” said House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif. “I can almost see glee in their eyes.”Biden's initial 10-year, $3.5 trillion proposal also envisioned free prekindergarten, paid family and medical leave, expanded Medicare benefits and eased immigration restrictions.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/manchin-rejects-biden-spending-bill-democrats-election-e7a0ca4c25c686e91cb21e166c44821b">That crashed</a>&nbsp;after centrist Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., said it was too costly, using the leverage every Democrat has in the evenly-divided Senate.Still, the final legislation remained substantive. Its pillar is about $375 billion over 10 years to encourage industry and consumers to shift from carbon-emitting to cleaner forms of energy. That includes $4 billion to cope with the West's catastrophic drought.Spending, tax credits and loans would bolster technology like solar panels, consumer efforts to improve home energy efficiency, emission-reducing equipment for coal- and gas-powered power plants and air pollution controls for farms, ports and low-income communities.Another $64 billion would help 13 million people pay premiums over the next three years for privately bought health insurance. Medicare would gain the power to negotiate its costs for pharmaceuticals, initially in 2026 for only 10 drugs. Medicare beneficiaries' out-of-pocket prescription costs would be limited to $2,000 starting in 2025, and beginning next year would pay no more than $35 monthly for insulin, the costly diabetes drug.The bill would raise around $740 billion in revenue over the decade, over a third from government savings from lower drug prices. More would flow from higher taxes on some $1 billion corporations, levies on companies that repurchase their own stock and stronger IRS tax collections. About $300 billion would remain to defray budget deficits, a sliver of the period's projected $16 trillion total.Against the backdrop of GOP attacks on the FBI for its court-empowered search of former President Donald Trump's Florida estate for sensitive documents, Republicans repeatedly savaged the bill's boost to the IRS budget. That is aimed at collecting an estimated $120 billion in unpaid taxes over the coming decade, and Republicans have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-ap-fact-check-congress-government-and-politics-11eae023a3dc3a04584371843234cab7">misleadingly claimed</a>&nbsp;that the IRS will hire 87,000 agents to target average families.Rep. Andrew Clyde, R-Ga., said Democrats would also “weaponize” the IRS with agents, “many of whom will be trained in the use of deadly force, to go after any American citizen.” Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, asked Thursday on “Fox and Friends" if there would be an IRS “strike force that goes in with AK-15s already loaded, ready to shoot some small business person."Few IRS personnel are armed, and Democrats say the bill's $80 billion, 10-year budget increase would be to replace waves of retirees, not just agents, and modernize equipment. They have said typical families and small businesses would not be targeted, with Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen directing the IRS this week to not “increase the share of small business or households below the $400,000 threshold" that would be audited.Republicans say the legislation’s new business taxes will increase prices, worsening the nation’s bout with its worst inflation since 1981. Though Democrats have labeled the measure the Inflation Reduction Act, nonpartisan analysts say it will have a barely perceptible impact on prices.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-ap-fact-check-congress-government-and-politics-11eae023a3dc3a04584371843234cab7">GOP also says the bill would raise taxes on lower- and middle-income families</a>. An analysis by Congress' nonpartisan Joint Committee on Taxation, which didn't include the bill's tax breaks for health care and energy, estimated that the corporate tax boosts would marginally affect those taxpayers but indirectly, partly due to lower stock prices and wages.The bill caps three months in which Congress has approved legislation on veterans' benefits, the semiconductor industry, gun checks for young buyers and Ukraine's invasion by Russia and adding Sweden and Finland to NATO. All passed with bipartisan support, suggesting Republicans also want to display their productive side.It's unclear whether voters will reward Democrats for the legislation after months of painfully high inflation dominating voters' attention and Biden's dangerously low popularity with the public and a steady history of midterm elections that batter the party holding the White House.The bill had its roots in early 2021, after Congress approved a $1.9 trillion measure over GOP opposition to combat the pandemic-induced economic downturn. Emboldened, the new president and his party reached further.They called their $3.5 trillion plan Build Back Better. Besides social and environment initiatives, it proposed rolling back Trump-era tax breaks for the rich and corporations and $555 billion for climate efforts, well above the resources in Friday's legislation.With Manchin opposing those amounts, it was sliced to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-immigration-joe-biden-health-lifestyle-bff841da156cb12cd47a564f9e0267eb">a roughly $2 trillion measure that Democrats moved through the House in November</a>. He unexpectedly sank that bill too, earning scorn from exasperated fellow Democrats from Capitol Hill and the White House.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-joe-manchin-congress-government-and-politics-29a6a2cca519d402a54652d12881787f">Last gasp talks between Manchin and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.,</a>&nbsp;seemed fruitless until&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-biden-sports-congress-e499871130fa9881beb0618ebddfe88c">the two unexpectedly</a>&nbsp;announced agreement last month on the new package.Manchin won billions for carbon capture technology for the fossil fuel industries he champions, plus procedures for more oil drilling on federal lands and promises for faster energy project permitting.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-politics-kyrsten-sinema-joe-manchin-congress-c0d40a6f2490b2613a690995daca7e11">Centrist Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz.,</a>&nbsp;also won concessions, eliminating planned higher taxes on hedge fund managers and helping win the drought funds.-----WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-health-seniors-medicare-economy-68f2df858de98487e82e236ab31fab7e">A flagship Democratic economic bill</a>&nbsp;perched on the edge of House passage Friday, placing President Joe Biden on the brink of a back-from-the-dead triumph on goals for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-science-congress-climate-and-environment-f084d23d61ebb068068d4aa92c82fdbb?taid=62f52f2bdcbb3b0001bb2286&amp;utm_campaign=TrueAnthem&amp;utm_medium=AP&amp;utm_source=Twitter">the climate</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-seniors-medicare-prescription-drug-costs-drugs-8aaa8fd3959c1da5fba5b5a352b6afb0">health care</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-manchin-congress-internal-revenue-service-government-and-politics-dd2e6eaeb914eea553615e231332f3fb">taxes</a>&nbsp;that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-united-states-trending-news-climate-and-environment-385328acb81f3bd07f225b73db748cab">could energize his party</a>&nbsp;ahead of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-abortion-biden-us-supreme-court-health-dc870c873aec72e5c266133a01694aa3">November’s elections</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660308855735.png" alt="House Speaker Nancy Pelosi enters her news conference on Capitol Hill, Thursday-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>House Speaker Nancy Pelosi enters her news conference on Capitol Hill, Thursday-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>Democrats were poised to muscle the measure through the narrowly divided House Friday over solid Republican opposition. They employed similar party unity and Vice President Kamala Harris' tiebreaking vote Sunday to power the measure through the 50-50 Senate.The package is but a shadow of Biden's initial vision and was produced only after a year of often bitter infighting between party leaders, progressives and centrists led by Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., empowered by that chamber's even split. Ultimately, Democrats thirsty to declare victory forged a compromise on abiding goals like reining in pharmaceutical costs,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-biden-kyrsten-sinema-congress-399fcec95d37d5b0b9a197ed4c8d33fa">taxing large companies</a>&nbsp;and, especially, curbing carbon emissions. They are hoping to show they can wring accomplishments from an often fractiously gridlocked Washington that alienates many voters.“Climate is a health issue. It’s a jobs issue. It’s a security issue. And it’s a values issue for us," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., told reporters this week. “I want more, of course, we always want more, but this is a great deal.”The bill's pillar is about $375 billion over 10 years to encourage industry and consumers to shift from carbon-emitting to cleaner forms of energy, hailed by experts as Congress' biggest climate investment ever. That includes $4 billion added to cope with the West's catastrophic drought.Spending, tax credits and loans would bolster technology like solar panels, consumer efforts to improve home energy efficiency, emission-reducing equipment for coal- and gas-powered power plants and air pollution controls for farms, ports and low-income communities.In a pair of top Democratic health priorities, another $64 billion would help 13 million people pay premiums over the next three years for privately bought health insurance. Medicare would gain the power to negotiate its costs for pharmaceuticals, initially in 2026 for only 10 drugs. Medicare beneficiaries' out-of-pocket prescription costs would be limited to $2,000 starting in 2025, and starting next year they would pay no more than $35 monthly for insulin, the costly diabetes drug.The bill would raise around $740 billion in revenue over the decade, over a third from government savings from lower drug prices. More would flow from higher taxes on some $1 billion corporations, levies on companies that repurchase their own stock and stronger IRS tax collections. About $300 billion would remain to defray budget deficits, a fraction of the period's projected total of $16 trillion.Republicans say the legislation's tax increases will force companies to raise prices, worsening the nation's bout with its worst inflation since 1981 that is wounding Democrats' election prospects. Nonpartisan analysts say the measure will have negligible inflation impact one way or the other.Echoing other culture war themes, the GOP has criticized initiatives like tax breaks for clean energy and electric vehicles as wasteful liberal daydreams. “If the Green New Deal and corporate welfare had a baby, it would look like this,” said Rep. Kevin Brady of Texas, the House Ways and Means Committee's top Republican.Republicans say Democrats' plan to expand the IRS budget, aimed at collecting about $120 billion in unpaid taxes, envisions 87,000 agents who'd be coming after families. Democrats called foul, saying their $80 billion IRS budget boost would be to replace waves of retirees, not just agents, and to modernize equipment, and say families and small businesses earning below $400,000 annually would not be targeted.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-ap-fact-check-congress-government-and-politics-11eae023a3dc3a04584371843234cab7">GOP also says the bill would raise taxes on lower- and middle-income families</a>. An analysis by Congress' nonpartisan Joint Committee on Taxation, which didn't include the bill's tax breaks for health care and energy, estimated that the corporate tax boosts would marginally affect those taxpayers, partly due to lower stock prices and wages.The bill caps a fertile three months in which Congress has voted to improve veterans’ health benefits, gird the semiconductor industry, moderately strengthen gun restrictions for younger buyers, finance Ukraine's war with Russia and add Finland and Sweden to NATO. All passed with bipartisan support, suggesting Republicans also want to display their productive side.It's unclear voters will reward Democrats for the legislation after months of painfully high inflation dominating voters' attention. Though record gasoline prices have dipped, Biden's popularity dangles damagingly low and midterm elections have a consistent history of ending careers of lawmakers from the party that holds the White House.Democrats' economic bill had its roots in early 2021, after Congress approved a $1.9 trillion measure over GOP opposition to combat the pandemic-induced economic downturn. Emboldened, the new president and his party reached further.They initially produced an ambitious 10-year, $3.5 trillion environment and social plan they called Build Back Better. It featured free prekindergarten, paid family and medical leave, expanded Medicare benefits, increases for education and housing and an easing of immigration restrictions. It sought to roll back Trump-era tax breaks for the rich and corporations and proposed $555 billion for climate efforts, well above the resources in Friday's legislation.With Manchin opposing those amounts, it was sliced to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-immigration-joe-biden-health-lifestyle-bff841da156cb12cd47a564f9e0267eb">a roughly $2 trillion measure that Democrats moved through the House in November</a>. Just before Christmas, Manchin unexpectedly sank that bill, citing fears of inflation and international uncertainty and earning brickbats from exasperated fellow Democrats from Capitol Hill and the White House.With&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-joe-manchin-congress-government-and-politics-29a6a2cca519d402a54652d12881787f">on-and-off closed-door talks between Manchin and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.,</a>&nbsp;seemingly dying, the two lawmakers shocked Washington and announced agreement last month on the new, pared-down package.Manchin won billions for carbon capture technology for the fossil fuel industries he champions, plus procedures for more oil drilling on federal lands and promises for faster energy project permitting.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-politics-kyrsten-sinema-joe-manchin-congress-c0d40a6f2490b2613a690995daca7e11">Centrist Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz.,</a>&nbsp;also used her leverage for late concessions, eliminating planned higher taxes on hedge fund managers and helping win the drought funds.