WASHINGTON (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday kept on hold the latest multibillion-dollar plan from the Biden administration that would have lowered payments for millions of borrowers, while lawsuits make their way through lower courts.

The justices rejected an administration request to put most of it back into effect. It was blocked by 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

In an unsigned order, the court said it expects the appeals court to issue a fuller decision on the plan “with appropriate dispatch.”

The Education Department is seeking to provide a faster path to loan cancellation, and reduce monthly income-based repayments from 10% to 5% of a borrower’s discretionary income. The plan also wouldn’t require borrowers to make payments if they earn less than 225% of the federal poverty line — $32,800 a year for a single person.

Last year, the Supreme Court’s conservative majority&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-loan-forgiveness-supreme-court-653c2e9c085863bdbf81f125f87669fa">rejected</a>&nbsp;an earlier plan that would have wiped away more than $400 billion in student loan debt.

Cost estimates of the new&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-loans-forgiveness-save-plan-debt-borrowers-313afd73cadc3cfc8ab3a6ee684fc3e4">SAVE plan</a>&nbsp;vary. The Republican-led states challenging the plan peg the cost at $475 billion over 10 years. The administration cites a Congressional Budget Office estimate of $276 billion.

Two separate legal&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/politics/joe-biden-000001904d5edaf5afd4df5f13b00000">challenges</a>&nbsp;to the SAVE plan have been making their way through federal courts. In June, judges in Kansas and Missouri issued separate rulings that blocked much of the administration’s plan. Debt that already had been forgiven under the plan was unaffected.

The 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-loan-repayment-save-plan-b39342e0dce69dce2c5582ffba1cfcb7">ruling</a>&nbsp;that allowed the department to proceed with a provision allowing for lower monthly payments. Republican-led states had asked the high court to undo that ruling.

But after the 8th Circuit blocked the entire plan, the states had no need for the Supreme Court to intervene, the justices noted in a separate order issued Wednesday.

The Justice Department had suggested the Supreme Court could take up the legal fight over the new plan now, as it did with the earlier debt forgiveness plan. But the justices declined to do so.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721337854914.png" alt="File photo White House" />
 <figcaption>File photo White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday kept on hold the latest multibillion-dollar plan from the Biden administration that would have lowered payments for millions of borrowers, while lawsuits make their way through lower courts.The justices rejected an administration request to put most of it back into effect. It was blocked by 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.In an unsigned order, the court said it expects the appeals court to issue a fuller decision on the plan “with appropriate dispatch.”The Education Department is seeking to provide a faster path to loan cancellation, and reduce monthly income-based repayments from 10% to 5% of a borrower’s discretionary income. The plan also wouldn’t require borrowers to make payments if they earn less than 225% of the federal poverty line — $32,800 a year for a single person.Last year, the Supreme Court’s conservative majority&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-loan-forgiveness-supreme-court-653c2e9c085863bdbf81f125f87669fa">rejected</a>&nbsp;an earlier plan that would have wiped away more than $400 billion in student loan debt.Cost estimates of the new&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-loans-forgiveness-save-plan-debt-borrowers-313afd73cadc3cfc8ab3a6ee684fc3e4">SAVE plan</a>&nbsp;vary. The Republican-led states challenging the plan peg the cost at $475 billion over 10 years. The administration cites a Congressional Budget Office estimate of $276 billion.Two separate legal&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/politics/joe-biden-000001904d5edaf5afd4df5f13b00000">challenges</a>&nbsp;to the SAVE plan have been making their way through federal courts. In June, judges in Kansas and Missouri issued separate rulings that blocked much of the administration’s plan. Debt that already had been forgiven under the plan was unaffected.The 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-loan-repayment-save-plan-b39342e0dce69dce2c5582ffba1cfcb7">ruling</a>&nbsp;that allowed the department to proceed with a provision allowing for lower monthly payments. Republican-led states had asked the high court to undo that ruling.But after the 8th Circuit blocked the entire plan, the states had no need for the Supreme Court to intervene, the justices noted in a separate order issued Wednesday.The Justice Department had suggested the Supreme Court could take up the legal fight over the new plan now, as it did with the earlier debt forgiveness plan. But the justices declined to do so.

Supreme Court refuses to revive Biden's latest student loan debt relief plan

WASHINGTON (AP) — The gunman in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-vp-vance-rubio-7c7ba6b99b5f38d2d840ed95b2fdc3e5">assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;searched online for events of both Trump and President Joe Biden, repeatedly looked up information about explosives and saw the Pennsylvania campaign rally where he opened fire last month as a “target of opportunity,” a senior FBI official said Wednesday.

Investigators who have conducted nearly 1,000 interviews do not have a motive for why&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-assassination-attempt-thomas-matthew-crooks-shooter-881581c46c07025898027143fc9132e5">20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks</a>&nbsp;shot at Trump during a July 13 campaign rally but they believe that he conducted "extensive attack planning," including looking up campaign events involving both the current president and former president, particularly in western Pennsylvania.

The FBI analysis of his online search history reveals a “sustained, detailed effort to plan an attack on some event, meaning he looked at any number of events or targets,” Kevin Rojek, the special agent in charge of the FBI's Pittsburgh field office, told reporters Wednesday in the latest in a series of briefings on the investigation.

Once a Trump rally was announced for July 13 in Butler, Pennsylvania, “He became hyper-focused on that specific event and looked at it as a target of opportunity,” Rojek said. Crooks' internet searches in the days leading up to the rally included queries about the grounds where the rally was held, “Where will Trump speak from at Butler Farm Show?” “Butler Farm Show podium and ”Butler Farm Show photos."

In the 30 days before the attack, the FBI says, Crooks did more than 60 internet searches related to Biden and Trump, including seeking the dates of both the Democratic and Republican national conventions.&nbsp;<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/believed%20to%20have%20done%20a%20Google%20search%20one%20week%20before%20the%20shooting%20of%20%E2%80%9CHow%20far%20away%20was%20Oswald%20from%20Kennedy?">FBI Director Christopher Wray has previously revealed</a>&nbsp;that one week before the shooting, Crooks did a Google search for “How far away was Oswald from Kennedy?”

That's an apparent reference to Lee Harvey Oswald, the shooter who killed President John F. Kennedy on Nov. 22, 1963.

The new details add to an emerging portrait of Crooks as a highly intelligent and reclusive man who investigators say in the years before the shooting had taken an eerie interest in explosives and major events involving prominent public figures, but whose internet searches across major political parties have frustrated efforts to assign a simple motive or to establish why Trump himself would have been targeted.

“We have a clear idea of mindset, but we are not ready to make any conclusive statements regarding motive at this time,” Rojek said. The FBI has also not found that anyone else had advance knowledge of the shooting or that Crooks had conspired with anyone else.

The FBI found explosive devices in his car and home, and investigators say his internet searches revealed that since at least 2019 he had looked up information about bomb-making materials.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720953321409.png" alt="Image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The gunman in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-vp-vance-rubio-7c7ba6b99b5f38d2d840ed95b2fdc3e5">assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;searched online for events of both Trump and President Joe Biden, repeatedly looked up information about explosives and saw the Pennsylvania campaign rally where he opened fire last month as a “target of opportunity,” a senior FBI official said Wednesday.Investigators who have conducted nearly 1,000 interviews do not have a motive for why&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-assassination-attempt-thomas-matthew-crooks-shooter-881581c46c07025898027143fc9132e5">20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks</a>&nbsp;shot at Trump during a July 13 campaign rally but they believe that he conducted "extensive attack planning," including looking up campaign events involving both the current president and former president, particularly in western Pennsylvania.The FBI analysis of his online search history reveals a “sustained, detailed effort to plan an attack on some event, meaning he looked at any number of events or targets,” Kevin Rojek, the special agent in charge of the FBI's Pittsburgh field office, told reporters Wednesday in the latest in a series of briefings on the investigation.Once a Trump rally was announced for July 13 in Butler, Pennsylvania, “He became hyper-focused on that specific event and looked at it as a target of opportunity,” Rojek said. Crooks' internet searches in the days leading up to the rally included queries about the grounds where the rally was held, “Where will Trump speak from at Butler Farm Show?” “Butler Farm Show podium and ”Butler Farm Show photos."In the 30 days before the attack, the FBI says, Crooks did more than 60 internet searches related to Biden and Trump, including seeking the dates of both the Democratic and Republican national conventions.&nbsp;<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/believed%20to%20have%20done%20a%20Google%20search%20one%20week%20before%20the%20shooting%20of%20%E2%80%9CHow%20far%20away%20was%20Oswald%20from%20Kennedy?">FBI Director Christopher Wray has previously revealed</a>&nbsp;that one week before the shooting, Crooks did a Google search for “How far away was Oswald from Kennedy?”That's an apparent reference to Lee Harvey Oswald, the shooter who killed President John F. Kennedy on Nov. 22, 1963.The new details add to an emerging portrait of Crooks as a highly intelligent and reclusive man who investigators say in the years before the shooting had taken an eerie interest in explosives and major events involving prominent public figures, but whose internet searches across major political parties have frustrated efforts to assign a simple motive or to establish why Trump himself would have been targeted.“We have a clear idea of mindset, but we are not ready to make any conclusive statements regarding motive at this time,” Rojek said. The FBI has also not found that anyone else had advance knowledge of the shooting or that Crooks had conspired with anyone else.The FBI found explosive devices in his car and home, and investigators say his internet searches revealed that since at least 2019 he had looked up information about bomb-making materials.

FBI: Gunman in Trump assassination attempt saw rally as 'target of opportunity'

ATCHISON COUNTY—A child critically injured in an accident during a police pursuit just after 5:30p.m. Sunday in Atchison County has died.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Toyota Corolla driven by&nbsp; &nbsp;Maria&nbsp; Papalas, 28, Atchison, was southbound on Sherman Road at&nbsp; 244th Road five miles south of Atchison at a high rate of speed. 

The driver was attempting to elude law enforcement. Due to the speed, the driver lost control on a curve. The car entered the west ditch and rolled multiple times before coming to rest on its top.

EMS transported a passenger identified as 1-year-old Mixalis&nbsp;Papalas-Schulpz of Atchison to Children's Mercy for treatment of critical injuries. He died on Tuesday, according to the KHP.

&nbsp;EMS transported Papalas to Stormont Vail for treatment of minor injuries.&nbsp; She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

ATCHISON COUNTY—A child critically injured in an accident during a police pursuit just after 5:30p.m. Sunday in Atchison County has died.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Toyota Corolla driven by&nbsp; &nbsp;Maria&nbsp; Papalas, 28, Atchison, was southbound on Sherman Road at&nbsp; 244th Road five miles south of Atchison at a high rate of speed. The driver was attempting to elude law enforcement. Due to the speed, the driver lost control on a curve. The car entered the west ditch and rolled multiple times before coming to rest on its top.EMS transported a passenger identified as 1-year-old Mixalis&nbsp;Papalas-Schulpz of Atchison to Children's Mercy for treatment of critical injuries. He died on Tuesday, according to the KHP.&nbsp;EMS transported Papalas to Stormont Vail for treatment of minor injuries.&nbsp; She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

1-year-old Kan. boy injured in crash during chase has died

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating the father of a Kansas teen for alleged child abuse.

On Monday evening, police were dispatched to a local hospital in response to a child abuse report involving a 13-year-old boy, according to Wichita Police Officer Kris Gupilan.&nbsp; The investigation revealed that the suspect involved was the boy's 39-year-old father Dallas L. Ellis, according to the Sedgwick County daily booking report.

Officers proceeded to the 11000 block of W. Jennie Circle in Wichita to apprehend the Ellis. He refused to cooperate and exit the residence. In response, police negotiators and SWAT were deployed to the scene. After several hours of negotiation, Ellis ultimately surrendered without incident and was taken into custody peacefully.

Just after 8a.m. Tuesday Ellis was booked into the Sedgwick County Jail&nbsp; on requested charges of abuse of a child; reckless great bodily harm/abuse head trauma/permanent disability/disfigurement, according to the jail arrest report. He bonded out of jail on Tuesday afternoon.

Police will present the case to the District Attorney’s Office.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724841201711.png" alt="Ellis-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Ellis-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating the father of a Kansas teen for alleged child abuse.On Monday evening, police were dispatched to a local hospital in response to a child abuse report involving a 13-year-old boy, according to Wichita Police Officer Kris Gupilan.&nbsp; The investigation revealed that the suspect involved was the boy's 39-year-old father Dallas L. Ellis, according to the Sedgwick County daily booking report.Officers proceeded to the 11000 block of W. Jennie Circle in Wichita to apprehend the Ellis. He refused to cooperate and exit the residence. In response, police negotiators and SWAT were deployed to the scene. After several hours of negotiation, Ellis ultimately surrendered without incident and was taken into custody peacefully.Just after 8a.m. Tuesday Ellis was booked into the Sedgwick County Jail&nbsp; on requested charges of abuse of a child; reckless great bodily harm/abuse head trauma/permanent disability/disfigurement, according to the jail arrest report. He bonded out of jail on Tuesday afternoon.Police will present the case to the District Attorney’s Office.&nbsp;

Kan. father arrested after 13-year-old hospitalized with injuries

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating after a group of possibly teenagers or individuals in their early twenties, were involved in a shooting incident near Exploration Place,&nbsp;300 N McLean Blvd. in Wichita. Police asked for help to identify suspects and released a security camera image.

&nbsp;The Sedgwick County District Attorney's office has charged 19-year-old D’Angelo Martinez for criminal discharge of a firearm in connection with the crime.

Just before 12:30a.m. August 4, there was an exchange of gunshots between the groups, and a bullet struck a glass window at Exploration Place.

Fortunately, no one was injured, including a group of children at a sleepover event at Exploration Place. Police believed that a confrontation occurred near the Keeper of the Plains Statue and the South Bridge prior to the shooting taking place.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722947154401.png" alt="Security camera image Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Security camera image Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating after a group of possibly teenagers or individuals in their early twenties, were involved in a shooting incident near Exploration Place,&nbsp;300 N McLean Blvd. in Wichita. Police asked for help to identify suspects and released a security camera image.&nbsp;The Sedgwick County District Attorney's office has charged 19-year-old D’Angelo Martinez for criminal discharge of a firearm in connection with the crime.Just before 12:30a.m. August 4, there was an exchange of gunshots between the groups, and a bullet struck a glass window at Exploration Place.Fortunately, no one was injured, including a group of children at a sleepover event at Exploration Place. Police believed that a confrontation occurred near the Keeper of the Plains Statue and the South Bridge prior to the shooting taking place.

Suspect charged for gunfire that damaged Kan. science museum

WASHINGTON (AP) — An&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pvt-travis-king-released-north-korea-746487710c11a812f33ad25d60861b1b">Army private who fled to North Korea</a>&nbsp;just over a year ago will plead guilty to desertion and four other charges and take responsibility for his conduct, his lawyer said Monday.

Travis King’s attorney, Franklin D. Rosenblatt, told The Associated Press that King intends to admit guilt to a total of five military offenses, including desertion and assaulting an officer. Nine other offenses, including possession of sexual images of a child, will be withdrawn and dismissed under the terms of the deal.

King will be given an opportunity at a Sept. 20 hearing at Fort Bliss, Texas, to discuss his actions and explain what he did.

“He wants to take responsibility for the things that he did,” Rosenblatt said.

In a separate statement, he added, “Travis is grateful to his friends and family who have supported him, and to all outside his circle who did not pre-judge his case based on the initial allegations.”

He declined to comment on a possible sentence that his client might face. Desertion is a serious charge and can result in imprisonment.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/travis-king-army-north-korea-court-martial-2e10b58801a89b8f180c0471a0626357">AP reported last month that the two sides were in plea talks.</a>

King bolted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-us-citizen-crossed-border-e4aaa883901052e65f5c400c8279438b">across the heavily fortified border</a>&nbsp;from South Korea in July 2023, and became the first American detained in North Korea in nearly five years.

His run into North Korea came soon after he was released from a South Korean prison where he had served nearly two months on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-us-citizen-crossed-border-e4aaa883901052e65f5c400c8279438b">assault charges</a>.

About a week after his release from the prison, military officers took him to the airport so he could return to Fort Bliss to face disciplinary action. He was escorted as far as customs, but instead of getting on the plane, he joined a civilian tour of the Korean border village of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/panmunjom">Panmunjom</a>. He then ran across the border, which is lined with guards and often crowded with tourists.

He was detained by North Korea, but after about two months, Pyongyang abruptly announced that it would expel him. On Sept. 28, he was flown to back to Texas, and has been in custody there.

The U.S. military in October filed a series of charges against King under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-travis-king-army-14794185ea3dfc197a86ba376b1626ea">desertion</a>, as well as kicking and punching other officers, unlawfully possessing alcohol, making a false statement and possessing a video of a child engaged in sexual activity. Those allegations date back to July 10, the same day he was released from the prison.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692140954260.png" alt="A TV screen shows a file image of American soldier Travis King during a news program at the Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, July 24, 2023. The deputy commander of the U.N. Command said Monday it has started conversations with North Korea over King who ran into the North last week across the Koreas' heavily armed border. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)" />
 <figcaption>A TV screen shows a file image of American soldier Travis King during a news program at the Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, July 24, 2023. The deputy commander of the U.N. Command said Monday it has started conversations with North Korea over King who ran into the North last week across the Koreas' heavily armed border. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — An&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pvt-travis-king-released-north-korea-746487710c11a812f33ad25d60861b1b">Army private who fled to North Korea</a>&nbsp;just over a year ago will plead guilty to desertion and four other charges and take responsibility for his conduct, his lawyer said Monday.Travis King’s attorney, Franklin D. Rosenblatt, told The Associated Press that King intends to admit guilt to a total of five military offenses, including desertion and assaulting an officer. Nine other offenses, including possession of sexual images of a child, will be withdrawn and dismissed under the terms of the deal.King will be given an opportunity at a Sept. 20 hearing at Fort Bliss, Texas, to discuss his actions and explain what he did.“He wants to take responsibility for the things that he did,” Rosenblatt said.In a separate statement, he added, “Travis is grateful to his friends and family who have supported him, and to all outside his circle who did not pre-judge his case based on the initial allegations.”He declined to comment on a possible sentence that his client might face. Desertion is a serious charge and can result in imprisonment.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/travis-king-army-north-korea-court-martial-2e10b58801a89b8f180c0471a0626357">AP reported last month that the two sides were in plea talks.</a>King bolted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-us-citizen-crossed-border-e4aaa883901052e65f5c400c8279438b">across the heavily fortified border</a>&nbsp;from South Korea in July 2023, and became the first American detained in North Korea in nearly five years.His run into North Korea came soon after he was released from a South Korean prison where he had served nearly two months on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-us-citizen-crossed-border-e4aaa883901052e65f5c400c8279438b">assault charges</a>.About a week after his release from the prison, military officers took him to the airport so he could return to Fort Bliss to face disciplinary action. He was escorted as far as customs, but instead of getting on the plane, he joined a civilian tour of the Korean border village of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/panmunjom">Panmunjom</a>. He then ran across the border, which is lined with guards and often crowded with tourists.He was detained by North Korea, but after about two months, Pyongyang abruptly announced that it would expel him. On Sept. 28, he was flown to back to Texas, and has been in custody there.The U.S. military in October filed a series of charges against King under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-travis-king-army-14794185ea3dfc197a86ba376b1626ea">desertion</a>, as well as kicking and punching other officers, unlawfully possessing alcohol, making a false statement and possessing a video of a child engaged in sexual activity. Those allegations date back to July 10, the same day he was released from the prison.

U.S. Army private who fled to North Korea will agree to plea deal

NEW YORK (AP) — Home improvement chain Lowe’s is scaling back its diversity, equity and inclusion policies, joining the ranks of several other companies that altered their programs since the U.S. Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dei-diversity-corporations-affirmative-action-309864f08e6ec63a45d18ca5f25d7540">outlawed affirmative action</a>&nbsp;in college admissions or after facing a conservative backlash online.

In an internal memo shared by Lowe's with The Associated Press, its executive leadership said the retailer began “reviewing” its programs following the court's July 2023 ruling and the company recently decided to combine its resource groups, which were for "individual groups representing diverse sections of our associate population," into one umbrella organization.

The retailer also will no longer participate in an annual survey by the Human Rights Campaign that measures workplace inclusion for LGBTQ+ employees, and will also stop sponsoring and participating in events, such as festivals and parades, that are outside of its business areas.

The changes were made to ensure Lowe’s policies are “lawful” and aligned with its commitment to “include everyone,” the memo states.

“We may make additional changes over time,” the company’s leadership team said in the memo. “What will not change, though, is our commitment to our people.”

Robby Starbuck, a conservative political commentator who has gone after companies like Tractor Supply and John Deere,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/robbystarbuck/status/1828124701689876947">took credit</a>&nbsp;for the changes Monday in a post&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/robbystarbuck/status/1828123733531468008">on X</a>, saying he had approached a Lowe’s executive online last week and detailed his plans to “expose” the company over its hiring policies and other topics, such as LGBTQ+ employee resource groups and funding for Pride events.

However, Lowe's spokesperson Steve Salazar pushed back on that claim in an email Tuesday, noting that Starbuck's outreach came after the company “already announced changes that had long been in process” internally. The company memo did not specify when exactly these changes were implemented but noted that they were discussed at an August 21 meeting.

Over the last week, Lowe’s has knocked down a different claim spreading on social media, in which a digitally-altered image quoted Lowe’s CEO Marvin Ellison as saying that conservatives who didn’t like the company’s values should instead shop at rival Home Depot.

“Lowe’s CEO did not make this comment,” the company&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Lowes/status/1828107612665114827">wrote on X in response</a>&nbsp;to several users who shared the image. “Everyone is welcome at Lowe’s.”

For his part, Ellison has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/death-of-george-floyd-health-business-marvin-ellison-race-and-ethnicity-a6ea211bc3871a51b0688e29c4f5fd2b">diversified the company’s ranks</a>, adding more women and ethnically diverse leaders since taking the helm in 2018. Ellison, who is Black and grew up in segregated rural Tennessee, has also been outspoken about racism since the police killing of George Floyd, which sparked major protests for racial justice in 2020.

Criticism of such DEI policies has extended well beyond Lowe’s to companies across all industries. They include boycott calls on social media as well as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dei-diversity-corporations-affirmative-action-309864f08e6ec63a45d18ca5f25d7540">legal attacks</a>&nbsp;following the Supreme Court’s affirmative action ruling, which many anti-DEI activists want to use to set a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/affirmative-action-employer-workforce-403882bbaf75b490cc878de591a73a63">similar precedent</a>&nbsp;in the working world.

Starbuck, who has a sizable following on X, has used the platform as a mega phone to target DEI policies at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tractor-supply-dei-black-farmers-bdd23385a21242cfcfcd4c3e0118c853">Tractor Supply</a>, farm equipment maker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/john-deere-tractor-supply-dei-backlash-21eb1ea49701d1fd7b0b59aeb48b480d">John Deere</a>, motorcycle manufacturer Harley-Davidson and whiskey maker Jack Daniels. During an interview with The AP last month, the 35-year-old Cuban American said he has a list of companies he is thinking of posting content about, but was starting with ones that have traditionally conservative customer bases.

Following an online pressure campaign earlier this summer, Tractor Supply and John Deere ended some diversity measures. Last week, Harley-Davidson backtracked on its DEI policies, though the company noted in its announcement that it has not “operated a DEI function since April 2024.”

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Jack Daniels' parent company Brown-Forman said last week that it had “adjusted” its diversity and inclusion strategy to “ensure it continues to drive our business results while appropriately recognizing the current environment in which we find ourselves.” Starbuck suggested on X that the company had reacted preemptively after his team looked at employee profiles on LinkedIn.

Though the changes are welcomed by conservative activists, DEI advocates say that, by conceding to Starbuck and other right-wing figures, corporations are essentially giving in to hate.

“Racial justice and LGBTQ inclusion are being, for lack of a better word, sort of scapegoated by a small, organized effort that’s really seeking to dictate how companies conduct their business," said Jen Stark, co-director of the Center for Business and Social Justice at BSR, a consulting network of more than 300 companies.

Stark said it's a challenging environment for companies today, but stressed that a majority are keeping diversity and inclusion programs in place because they make good business sense. However, following last year’s Supreme Court decision, she noted that businesses need to ensure their DEI programs are “on firm ground” — and avoid overcorrection when and if backlash arrives, which she noted can cause more harm.

“This isn’t just a step backward for workplaces,” she said. “It’s really a retreat from how we normalize practices that remove barriers and impediments for everyone.”

On Tuesday, the Human Rights Campaign, which Lowe's is no longer partnering with under its new policy, blasted such retreats from DEI and pointed to potential impacts on companies' bottom line by turning off LGBTQ+ and other consumers.

Orlando Gonzales, HRC’s senior vice president of programs, research and training, called the changes “shortsighted decisions contrary to safe and inclusive workplaces” that would create a “snowball effect of negative long-term consequences." Gonzales also took particular aim at Starbuck — arguing companies “should not cower to a random guy with zero business experience” and that the activist was removed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-donald-trump-tennessee-nashville-149f2c7badf25a43ddc6c0ee4019187c">from Tennessee Republican party</a>&nbsp;because he is “so extreme.”

Starbuck, who did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday, said last month that his list included companies perceived as mainstream or middle of the road politically, including Microsoft. For a company such as coffee chain Starbucks, on the other hand, it would be “hard to force boycott pressure on them,” he said.

Stark noted the outcome of the U.S. election “will also turn the thermostat, up or down” on the DEI conversation. A second term for former President Donald Trump would likely increase pressure against DEI policies — with many of Trump's supporters already signaling ways they’d like to see such practices dismantled — whereas his challenger Kamala Harris could have the opposite effect.

Some companies are bracing for the prospects of potential changes in terms of their federal contracts, for example, which have historically been a powerful way to promote equity in workplaces. And others may be looking to change language or find new workarounds to existing programs.

“We could see potentially a resurgence of DEI related efforts or retrenchment," she said. “I think a through line will be that companies will continue again to do this work in practice or in name — (but) the degree to which they show up publicly will be dependent on the landscape."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724849481325.png" alt="Lowe's at 2626 N Maize Road in Wichita- Google image" />
 <figcaption>Lowe's at 2626 N Maize Road in Wichita- Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Home improvement chain Lowe’s is scaling back its diversity, equity and inclusion policies, joining the ranks of several other companies that altered their programs since the U.S. Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dei-diversity-corporations-affirmative-action-309864f08e6ec63a45d18ca5f25d7540">outlawed affirmative action</a>&nbsp;in college admissions or after facing a conservative backlash online.In an internal memo shared by Lowe's with The Associated Press, its executive leadership said the retailer began “reviewing” its programs following the court's July 2023 ruling and the company recently decided to combine its resource groups, which were for "individual groups representing diverse sections of our associate population," into one umbrella organization.The retailer also will no longer participate in an annual survey by the Human Rights Campaign that measures workplace inclusion for LGBTQ+ employees, and will also stop sponsoring and participating in events, such as festivals and parades, that are outside of its business areas.The changes were made to ensure Lowe’s policies are “lawful” and aligned with its commitment to “include everyone,” the memo states.“We may make additional changes over time,” the company’s leadership team said in the memo. “What will not change, though, is our commitment to our people.”Robby Starbuck, a conservative political commentator who has gone after companies like Tractor Supply and John Deere,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/robbystarbuck/status/1828124701689876947">took credit</a>&nbsp;for the changes Monday in a post&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/robbystarbuck/status/1828123733531468008">on X</a>, saying he had approached a Lowe’s executive online last week and detailed his plans to “expose” the company over its hiring policies and other topics, such as LGBTQ+ employee resource groups and funding for Pride events.However, Lowe's spokesperson Steve Salazar pushed back on that claim in an email Tuesday, noting that Starbuck's outreach came after the company “already announced changes that had long been in process” internally. The company memo did not specify when exactly these changes were implemented but noted that they were discussed at an August 21 meeting.Over the last week, Lowe’s has knocked down a different claim spreading on social media, in which a digitally-altered image quoted Lowe’s CEO Marvin Ellison as saying that conservatives who didn’t like the company’s values should instead shop at rival Home Depot.“Lowe’s CEO did not make this comment,” the company&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Lowes/status/1828107612665114827">wrote on X in response</a>&nbsp;to several users who shared the image. “Everyone is welcome at Lowe’s.”For his part, Ellison has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/death-of-george-floyd-health-business-marvin-ellison-race-and-ethnicity-a6ea211bc3871a51b0688e29c4f5fd2b">diversified the company’s ranks</a>, adding more women and ethnically diverse leaders since taking the helm in 2018. Ellison, who is Black and grew up in segregated rural Tennessee, has also been outspoken about racism since the police killing of George Floyd, which sparked major protests for racial justice in 2020.Criticism of such DEI policies has extended well beyond Lowe’s to companies across all industries. They include boycott calls on social media as well as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dei-diversity-corporations-affirmative-action-309864f08e6ec63a45d18ca5f25d7540">legal attacks</a>&nbsp;following the Supreme Court’s affirmative action ruling, which many anti-DEI activists want to use to set a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/affirmative-action-employer-workforce-403882bbaf75b490cc878de591a73a63">similar precedent</a>&nbsp;in the working world.Starbuck, who has a sizable following on X, has used the platform as a mega phone to target DEI policies at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tractor-supply-dei-black-farmers-bdd23385a21242cfcfcd4c3e0118c853">Tractor Supply</a>, farm equipment maker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/john-deere-tractor-supply-dei-backlash-21eb1ea49701d1fd7b0b59aeb48b480d">John Deere</a>, motorcycle manufacturer Harley-Davidson and whiskey maker Jack Daniels. During an interview with The AP last month, the 35-year-old Cuban American said he has a list of companies he is thinking of posting content about, but was starting with ones that have traditionally conservative customer bases.Following an online pressure campaign earlier this summer, Tractor Supply and John Deere ended some diversity measures. Last week, Harley-Davidson backtracked on its DEI policies, though the company noted in its announcement that it has not “operated a DEI function since April 2024.”Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Jack Daniels' parent company Brown-Forman said last week that it had “adjusted” its diversity and inclusion strategy to “ensure it continues to drive our business results while appropriately recognizing the current environment in which we find ourselves.” Starbuck suggested on X that the company had reacted preemptively after his team looked at employee profiles on LinkedIn.Though the changes are welcomed by conservative activists, DEI advocates say that, by conceding to Starbuck and other right-wing figures, corporations are essentially giving in to hate.“Racial justice and LGBTQ inclusion are being, for lack of a better word, sort of scapegoated by a small, organized effort that’s really seeking to dictate how companies conduct their business," said Jen Stark, co-director of the Center for Business and Social Justice at BSR, a consulting network of more than 300 companies.Stark said it's a challenging environment for companies today, but stressed that a majority are keeping diversity and inclusion programs in place because they make good business sense. However, following last year’s Supreme Court decision, she noted that businesses need to ensure their DEI programs are “on firm ground” — and avoid overcorrection when and if backlash arrives, which she noted can cause more harm.“This isn’t just a step backward for workplaces,” she said. “It’s really a retreat from how we normalize practices that remove barriers and impediments for everyone.”On Tuesday, the Human Rights Campaign, which Lowe's is no longer partnering with under its new policy, blasted such retreats from DEI and pointed to potential impacts on companies' bottom line by turning off LGBTQ+ and other consumers.Orlando Gonzales, HRC’s senior vice president of programs, research and training, called the changes “shortsighted decisions contrary to safe and inclusive workplaces” that would create a “snowball effect of negative long-term consequences." Gonzales also took particular aim at Starbuck — arguing companies “should not cower to a random guy with zero business experience” and that the activist was removed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-donald-trump-tennessee-nashville-149f2c7badf25a43ddc6c0ee4019187c">from Tennessee Republican party</a>&nbsp;because he is “so extreme.”Starbuck, who did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday, said last month that his list included companies perceived as mainstream or middle of the road politically, including Microsoft. For a company such as coffee chain Starbucks, on the other hand, it would be “hard to force boycott pressure on them,” he said.Stark noted the outcome of the U.S. election “will also turn the thermostat, up or down” on the DEI conversation. A second term for former President Donald Trump would likely increase pressure against DEI policies — with many of Trump's supporters already signaling ways they’d like to see such practices dismantled — whereas his challenger Kamala Harris could have the opposite effect.Some companies are bracing for the prospects of potential changes in terms of their federal contracts, for example, which have historically been a powerful way to promote equity in workplaces. And others may be looking to change language or find new workarounds to existing programs.“We could see potentially a resurgence of DEI related efforts or retrenchment," she said. “I think a through line will be that companies will continue again to do this work in practice or in name — (but) the degree to which they show up publicly will be dependent on the landscape."

Lowe's changes some DEI policies amid legal attacks on diversity programs

RENO COUNTY —Authorities are investigating the cause of a rural Kansas house fire.

Just after 4:30p.m. Tuesday, Reno County Fire units from Pretty Prairie, District 8, and District 9 were dispatched to a fire at a residence in the 26,000 block of South Sandcreek Road, according to a social media report from Reno County Emergency management.

Crews encountered an abandoned home that had smoke coming from the roof, as well as a grass fire on the east and west side of the home. There were also two small storage sheds that were fully involved in fire. 

 Crews made an aggressive interior attack on the home, but the fire was located in the attic space and was difficult to access. Due to the progression of the fire and partial collapse of a section of the roof, crews went to a defensive attack from the exterior. 

Due to the extreme heat and humidity, crews were rotated out to rehab often. Cheney Fire was also requested for extra manpower. The fire took 2 hours to control. The home is considered a total loss. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724845945318.png" alt="Photo Reno Co. Emergency Management" />
 <figcaption>Photo Reno Co. Emergency Management</figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY —Authorities are investigating the cause of a rural Kansas house fire.Just after 4:30p.m. Tuesday, Reno County Fire units from Pretty Prairie, District 8, and District 9 were dispatched to a fire at a residence in the 26,000 block of South Sandcreek Road, according to a social media report from Reno County Emergency management.Crews encountered an abandoned home that had smoke coming from the roof, as well as a grass fire on the east and west side of the home. There were also two small storage sheds that were fully involved in fire. Crews made an aggressive interior attack on the home, but the fire was located in the attic space and was difficult to access. Due to the progression of the fire and partial collapse of a section of the roof, crews went to a defensive attack from the exterior. Due to the extreme heat and humidity, crews were rotated out to rehab often. Cheney Fire was also requested for extra manpower. The fire took 2 hours to control. The home is considered a total loss.

Rural Kansas home a total loss after fire

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating a teens death just days after a violent attack in Kansas City.

Just after 6:30p.m. August 21, police responded to report of disturbance in the 5000 block of Swope Parkway, according to Sheriff Daryl Forte'.

First responders found 18-year-old Montague Ashline suffering from head trauma. EMS transported him Ashline to a local hospital

Preliminary investigation showed there was an argument between multiple people that led to Ashline being hit with an object.

On Monday, Ashline died from his injuries. Police have not reported an arrest.

If anyone has any information on Ashline’s death they are asked to call the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS. There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information submitted anonymously that leads to closure in the case.

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating a teens death just days after a violent attack in Kansas City.Just after 6:30p.m. August 21, police responded to report of disturbance in the 5000 block of Swope Parkway, according to Sheriff Daryl Forte'.First responders found 18-year-old Montague Ashline suffering from head trauma. EMS transported him Ashline to a local hospitalPreliminary investigation showed there was an argument between multiple people that led to Ashline being hit with an object.On Monday, Ashline died from his injuries. Police have not reported an arrest.If anyone has any information on Ashline’s death they are asked to call the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS. There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information submitted anonymously that leads to closure in the case.

18-year-old dies days after violent attack in Kansas City

NEW YORK (AP) —Donald Trump says he’s reached “an agreement” with Kamala Harris over rules for their debate next month, but Harris' campaign says that's not the case.

Trump said in a post on Truth Social on Tuesday that the parameters for the Sept. 10 presidential debate would be “the same as the last CNN Debate.” During that debate with Joe Biden, the candidates' microphones were muted except when it was their turn to speak.

But Harris’ campaign says Tuesday that specifics for the debate are still being worked with host ABC News. A Harris spokesperson noted: “Both candidates have publicly made clear their willingness to debate with unmuted mics for the duration of the debate to fully allow for substantive exchanges between the candidates - but it appears Donald Trump is letting his handlers overrule him. Sad!”

A spokesperson for the network did not immediately return a message seeking comment.

The back and forth over the debate has centered around the issue of microphone muting, which Biden’s campaign made a condition of his decision to accept any debates this year.

A Harris spokesperson said Monday that Harris wants microphones to be live all the time. Trump’s campaign alleged Harris’ representatives sought “a seated debate, with notes, and opening statements,” specifications the Harris campaign denied.

NEW YORK (AP) —Donald Trump says he’s reached “an agreement” with Kamala Harris over rules for their debate next month, but Harris' campaign says that's not the case.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724804155949.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Trump said in a post on Truth Social on Tuesday that the parameters for the Sept. 10 presidential debate would be “the same as the last CNN Debate.” During that debate with Joe Biden, the candidates' microphones were muted except when it was their turn to speak.But Harris’ campaign says Tuesday that specifics for the debate are still being worked with host ABC News. A Harris spokesperson noted: “Both candidates have publicly made clear their willingness to debate with unmuted mics for the duration of the debate to fully allow for substantive exchanges between the candidates - but it appears Donald Trump is letting his handlers overrule him. Sad!”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Former President Trump on Sept. 10 ABC News debate: &quot;We&#39;re thinking about it. They also want to change the rules. You know, the deal was we keep the same rules. Now, all of a sudden they want to make a change in the rules because she can&#39;t answer questions.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/YxaJE6kV3o">pic.twitter.com/YxaJE6kV3o</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1828168021283688868?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>A spokesperson for the network did not immediately return a message seeking comment.The back and forth over the debate has centered around the issue of microphone muting, which Biden’s campaign made a condition of his decision to accept any debates this year.A Harris spokesperson said Monday that Harris wants microphones to be live all the time. Trump’s campaign alleged Harris’ representatives sought “a seated debate, with notes, and opening statements,” specifications the Harris campaign denied.

Harris and Trump continue fight over rules for upcoming debate

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a. Kansas man on multiple allegations after an alleged violent domestic incident in July that led to a high speed chase and fire this week.

Just after 2a.m. August 26, police observed a passenger vehicle run a red light near SW 21st Street and South Kansas Avenue, according to Sheriff Brian Hill.

The driver fled at a high rate of speed and initiated a pursuit. The suspect vehicle began driving erratically, swerving into both lanes of traffic and ignoring traffic control devices. Near SE 53rd Street and SE Adams Street, the driver left the roadway and officers discontinued the pursuit.

The Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office became aware of the pursuit and responded to the area to assist. Around 2:20am, a deputy observed the suspect vehicle driving through the Forbes Field Air National Guard Base, and attempted to stop the vehicle.

The suspect vehicle again failed to stop and initiated a second vehicle pursuit that ended in the 2800 block of South Kansas Avenue, where the driver later identified as 28-year-old&nbsp;Jose L. Escalante, 29, of Topeka was taken into custody.

The Topeka Fire Department responded to assist with a vehicle fire at the conclusion of the pursuit.

Escalante is being held on on requested charges that include&nbsp;Aggravated Kidnapping; Aggravated battery; Knowingly use weapon cause grt body harm/disfigure/death, Domestic battery; Knowing rude physical contact w/ family member or dating relationship, Agg Weapons Violation By Felon; Aggravated assault; Use of a deadly weapon, Aggravated intimidation of a witness/victim; Threat of force/violence, Fleeing or attempting to elude a LEO; Unknown felony; Flee or attempt to elude; Commission of any felony; Driving Wrong Direction On 1-Way Road/Highway, Disobeying Traffic Control Device, Failure to comply with construction zone restrictions, Driving Without Lights When Needed, Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license, Fail To Stop For A Red Traffic Control, Turn Signal Must Be Used At Least 100' Prior To Move, Driving Opposite Direction On Divided Highway, Headlamps On Vehicle Must Be Equip With Two; Reckless driving; 1st conviction; Speeding;maximum Limits, Fail To Stop At Stop Sign, Flee or attempt to elude; Commission of any felony, Interference with LEO; obstruct/resist/oppose felony warrant service or execution, Criminal trespass; Property as posted per KSA 32-1013, Criminal Damage To Property; Misdemeanor, Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license, Vehicle liability insurance; Liability coverage required, Vehicles; Operate vehicle without registration or w/ expired tag, Improper Driving On Laned Roadway, Improper Turn Or Approach, Yield emergency vehicle; approaching vehicle, Probation County On Felony and Driving while suspended; 2nd or subsequent conviction.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724810142476.png" alt="Escalante photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Escalante photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a. Kansas man on multiple allegations after an alleged violent domestic incident in July that led to a high speed chase and fire this week.Just after 2a.m. August 26, police observed a passenger vehicle run a red light near SW 21st Street and South Kansas Avenue, according to Sheriff Brian Hill.The driver fled at a high rate of speed and initiated a pursuit. The suspect vehicle began driving erratically, swerving into both lanes of traffic and ignoring traffic control devices. Near SE 53rd Street and SE Adams Street, the driver left the roadway and officers discontinued the pursuit.The Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office became aware of the pursuit and responded to the area to assist. Around 2:20am, a deputy observed the suspect vehicle driving through the Forbes Field Air National Guard Base, and attempted to stop the vehicle.The suspect vehicle again failed to stop and initiated a second vehicle pursuit that ended in the 2800 block of South Kansas Avenue, where the driver later identified as 28-year-old&nbsp;Jose L. Escalante, 29, of Topeka was taken into custody.

The Topeka Fire Department responded to assist with a vehicle fire at the conclusion of the pursuit.Escalante is being held on on requested charges that include&nbsp;Aggravated Kidnapping; Aggravated battery; Knowingly use weapon cause grt body harm/disfigure/death, Domestic battery; Knowing rude physical contact w/ family member or dating relationship, Agg Weapons Violation By Felon; Aggravated assault; Use of a deadly weapon, Aggravated intimidation of a witness/victim; Threat of force/violence, Fleeing or attempting to elude a LEO; Unknown felony; Flee or attempt to elude; Commission of any felony; Driving Wrong Direction On 1-Way Road/Highway, Disobeying Traffic Control Device, Failure to comply with construction zone restrictions, Driving Without Lights When Needed, Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license, Fail To Stop For A Red Traffic Control, Turn Signal Must Be Used At Least 100' Prior To Move, Driving Opposite Direction On Divided Highway, Headlamps On Vehicle Must Be Equip With Two; Reckless driving; 1st conviction; Speeding;maximum Limits, Fail To Stop At Stop Sign, Flee or attempt to elude; Commission of any felony, Interference with LEO; obstruct/resist/oppose felony warrant service or execution, Criminal trespass; Property as posted per KSA 32-1013, Criminal Damage To Property; Misdemeanor, Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license, Vehicle liability insurance; Liability coverage required, Vehicles; Operate vehicle without registration or w/ expired tag, Improper Driving On Laned Roadway, Improper Turn Or Approach, Yield emergency vehicle; approaching vehicle, Probation County On Felony and Driving while suspended; 2nd or subsequent conviction.

Wanted Kan. suspect captured after chase through Air National Guard base

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —A pedestrian suffered critical injuries just before 9p.m. Tuesday after being struck by a vehicle at the intersection of Village Parkway West and France Family Drive in Kansas City, Kansas.

The pedestrian, a 17 year-old girl was crossing Village Parkway West at the intersection with France Family Drive, when she was struck by a northbound vehicle, according to a media release.

EMS transported her to an area hospital with potentially life-threatening injuries. The driver of the vehicle remained on scene and cooperated with police. The preliminary investigation does not indicate weather, speed or driver impairment were contributing factors.

The accident occurred during the weather-delayed start of a U.S. Open Cup Match at Children’s Mercy Park.

This incident is under investigation by the KCKPD Traffic Division. Anyone with information on this case is urged to call the Crime Stoppers TIPS hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477). There is nothing further to report at this time.

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —A pedestrian suffered critical injuries just before 9p.m. Tuesday after being struck by a vehicle at the intersection of Village Parkway West and France Family Drive in Kansas City, Kansas.The pedestrian, a 17 year-old girl was crossing Village Parkway West at the intersection with France Family Drive, when she was struck by a northbound vehicle, according to a media release.EMS transported her to an area hospital with potentially life-threatening injuries. The driver of the vehicle remained on scene and cooperated with police. The preliminary investigation does not indicate weather, speed or driver impairment were contributing factors.The accident occurred during the weather-delayed start of a U.S. Open Cup Match at Children’s Mercy Park.This incident is under investigation by the KCKPD Traffic Division. Anyone with information on this case is urged to call the Crime Stoppers TIPS hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477). There is nothing further to report at this time.

17-year-old Kan. girl critically injured after struck by vehicle

KANSAS CITY — A woman serving a life prison sentence for&nbsp; killing a man who was trying to end an extra-marital affair with her has died in prison.

According to the Missouri Department of Corrections 74-year-old Connie Sanders-Ford, a resident of the Chillicothe women’s prison, was pronounced dead just before 5a.m. Monday of what appears to be natural causes.

In March of 2015, Sanders-Ford fatally shot John Jordon, 58, just inside the door of his home in Granby, Missouri.&nbsp; Jordan's wife, Patricia, and her two children testified at the trial about the victim's desire to end the affair and save his marriage.

Patricia Jordan testified that Sanders-Ford burst into her home a month before the murder and informed her of the affair in an effort to destroy the marriage. In 2016, Circuit Judge Tim Perigo sentenced&nbsp; Sanders-Ford after her conviction for first-degree murder.

-The Associated Press contributed to this story

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724794307736.png" alt="Sanders-Ford photo from her arrest in McDonald County" />
 <figcaption>Sanders-Ford photo from her arrest in McDonald County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY — A woman serving a life prison sentence for&nbsp; killing a man who was trying to end an extra-marital affair with her has died in prison.According to the Missouri Department of Corrections 74-year-old Connie Sanders-Ford, a resident of the Chillicothe women’s prison, was pronounced dead just before 5a.m. Monday of what appears to be natural causes.In March of 2015, Sanders-Ford fatally shot John Jordon, 58, just inside the door of his home in Granby, Missouri.&nbsp; Jordan's wife, Patricia, and her two children testified at the trial about the victim's desire to end the affair and save his marriage.Patricia Jordan testified that Sanders-Ford burst into her home a month before the murder and informed her of the affair in an effort to destroy the marriage. In 2016, Circuit Judge Tim Perigo sentenced&nbsp; Sanders-Ford after her conviction for first-degree murder.-The Associated Press contributed to this story

Woman serving time for killing her lover has died in prison

TYLER, Texas (AP) — The father of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes pleaded guilty Tuesday to a drunken driving charge in Texas, according to court records.

Smith County District Court records show that Patrick Mahomes Sr., 54, pleaded guilty in Tyler to the driving while intoxicated charge. The records do not provide details of the plea, but local media report a five-year suspended sentence was agreed upon.

A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Sept. 23.

Mahomes’ attorney and the county district attorney did not immediately return phone calls from The Associated Press seeking comment.

The elder Mahomes&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/cfcca2814d423c6411948c30e38d98cf">was arrested</a>&nbsp;on a felony DWI charge in February in Tyler about 90 miles southeast of Dallas a little more than a week before his son led the Chiefs to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/366151ee795360fbc8d3e4d029a394a6">second straight Super Bowl</a>&nbsp;championship with a win over San Francisco.

The charge was the third DWI charge against Mahomes Sr., and court records show he also was ticketed in July for driving with an invalid license.

Patrick Mahomes Sr. is a former Major League Baseball pitcher, playing for six teams during an 11 year major league career that ended in 2003, according to Baseball Reference.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707097553263.png" alt="Mahomes photo Smith County, Texas Jail" />
 <figcaption>Mahomes photo Smith County, Texas Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>TYLER, Texas (AP) — The father of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes pleaded guilty Tuesday to a drunken driving charge in Texas, according to court records.Smith County District Court records show that Patrick Mahomes Sr., 54, pleaded guilty in Tyler to the driving while intoxicated charge. The records do not provide details of the plea, but local media report a five-year suspended sentence was agreed upon.A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Sept. 23.Mahomes’ attorney and the county district attorney did not immediately return phone calls from The Associated Press seeking comment.The elder Mahomes&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/cfcca2814d423c6411948c30e38d98cf">was arrested</a>&nbsp;on a felony DWI charge in February in Tyler about 90 miles southeast of Dallas a little more than a week before his son led the Chiefs to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/366151ee795360fbc8d3e4d029a394a6">second straight Super Bowl</a>&nbsp;championship with a win over San Francisco.The charge was the third DWI charge against Mahomes Sr., and court records show he also was ticketed in July for driving with an invalid license.Patrick Mahomes Sr. is a former Major League Baseball pitcher, playing for six teams during an 11 year major league career that ended in 2003, according to Baseball Reference.

Patrick Mahomes' father enters plea to third DWI charge in Texas

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

Just before 10p.m. Monday, police responded to a shooting at a residence in the&nbsp;in the 8400 Block of Drury Circle in Kansas City, according to Sheriff Daryl Forte'&nbsp;

First responders found a man injured outside a home. Inside, officers found another man who had been shot. Emergency crews pronounced the man inside the home dead.&nbsp; EMS transported the man outside the home to a local hospital in critical condition, according to KDPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino

Detectives are talking to witnesses. Police have not reported an arrest or released additional details.

Police ask anyone with information to call homicide detectives at (816) 234-5043 or call the TIPS Hotline anonymously at (816) 474-TIPS.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724776852665.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation photo courtesy KMBC" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation photo courtesy KMBC</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Police are investigating another homicide in Kansas City.&nbsp;Just before 10p.m. Monday, police responded to a shooting at a residence in the&nbsp;in the 8400 Block of Drury Circle in Kansas City, according to Sheriff Daryl Forte'&nbsp;First responders found a man injured outside a home. Inside, officers found another man who had been shot. Emergency crews pronounced the man inside the home dead.&nbsp; EMS transported the man outside the home to a local hospital in critical condition, according to KDPD Sergeant Phil DiMartinoDetectives are talking to witnesses. Police have not reported an arrest or released additional details.Police ask anyone with information to call homicide detectives at (816) 234-5043 or call the TIPS Hotline anonymously at (816) 474-TIPS.

Police: 1 dead, 1 hospitalized after gunfight at Kansas City home

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. – Five of the aircraft that visited McConnell Air Force Base for the 2024 Frontiers in Flight airshow are remaining at McConnell.

Each aircraft received varying degrees of damage from a wet microburst that lingered over the base Sunday morning, delivering recorded wind gusts of up to 54mph. That weather event forced the cancellation of the airshow.

The privately-owned Cessna 150, seen in many photos for being flipped upside-down by the winds, was righted Monday by Airmen from the 22nd&nbsp;Maintenance Group.

That Cessna 150 is painted to resemble a Civil Air Patrol aircraft from an earlier era, and has been misidentified as a current Civil Air Patrol aircraft. The Civil Air Patrol is the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary.

That Cessna 150 left McConnell Tuesday on a flatbed truck, to return to its home airfield to begin repairs.

In the meantime, the McConnell flightline has been returned to normal military operations, after the return of most McConnell aircraft not currently engaged in other missions off-station.

As part of that procedure, Airmen from across base conducted a 'Foreign Object Damage' walk on Monday morning and again Tuesday morning. An&nbsp; FOD Walk is a safety procedure, when Airmen line up in a side-by-side formation to walk a flightline and remove any potential loose items. This is to prevent any FOD from being accidentally ingested by a jet engine and damaging that engine.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724783548738.png" alt="Airmen from the 22nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Crash Damage or Disabled Aircraft Recovery team used airbags, forklifts and cranes to raise, pull and stabilize a flipped aircraft Aug. 26, 2024, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. The aircraft was flipped during a thunderstorm with wind gusts of up to 54 mph Aug. 25, 2024. The storm caused damage to several visiting aircraft and vendor stands leading to the cancelation of the second day of the Frontiers in Flight Airshow. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Gavin Hameed)" />
 <figcaption>Airmen from the 22nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Crash Damage or Disabled Aircraft Recovery team used airbags, forklifts and cranes to raise, pull and stabilize a flipped aircraft Aug. 26, 2024, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. The aircraft was flipped during a thunderstorm with wind gusts of up to 54 mph Aug. 25, 2024. The storm caused damage to several visiting aircraft and vendor stands leading to the cancelation of the second day of the Frontiers in Flight Airshow. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Gavin Hameed)</figcaption>
 </figure>MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. – Five of the aircraft that visited McConnell Air Force Base for the 2024 Frontiers in Flight airshow are remaining at McConnell.Each aircraft received varying degrees of damage from a wet microburst that lingered over the base Sunday morning, delivering recorded wind gusts of up to 54mph. That weather event forced the cancellation of the airshow.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724615907118.png" alt="Image of the storm damage Sunday-courtesy McConnell Air Force base video" />
 <figcaption>Image of the storm damage Sunday-courtesy McConnell Air Force base video</figcaption>
 </figure>The aircraft that are remaining include:<ul>
 <li>One Civil Air Patrol Cessna 182</li><li>One Kansas Highway Patrol Cessna 206</li><li>One Commemorative Air Force Cessna UC-78 Bobcat</li><li>And two Stearman Biplanes</li>
 </ul><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724783735321.png" alt="Airmen from the 22nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Crash Damage or Disabled Aircraft Recovery team hoist up a flipped aircraft with airbags and a crane lift Aug. 26, 2024, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. The aircraft was flipped during a thunderstorm with wind gusts of up to 54 mph Aug. 25, 2024. The storm caused damage to several visiting aircraft and vendor stands leading to the cancelation of the second day of the Frontiers in Flight Airshow. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Gavin Hameed)" />
 <figcaption>Airmen from the 22nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Crash Damage or Disabled Aircraft Recovery team hoist up a flipped aircraft with airbags and a crane lift Aug. 26, 2024, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. The aircraft was flipped during a thunderstorm with wind gusts of up to 54 mph Aug. 25, 2024. The storm caused damage to several visiting aircraft and vendor stands leading to the cancelation of the second day of the Frontiers in Flight Airshow. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Gavin Hameed)</figcaption>
 </figure>The privately-owned Cessna 150, seen in many photos for being flipped upside-down by the winds, was righted Monday by Airmen from the 22nd&nbsp;Maintenance Group.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724616021735.png" alt="Photo Kansas Highway Patrol" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas Highway Patrol</figcaption>
 </figure>That Cessna 150 is painted to resemble a Civil Air Patrol aircraft from an earlier era, and has been misidentified as a current Civil Air Patrol aircraft. The Civil Air Patrol is the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary.That Cessna 150 left McConnell Tuesday on a flatbed truck, to return to its home airfield to begin repairs.In the meantime, the McConnell flightline has been returned to normal military operations, after the return of most McConnell aircraft not currently engaged in other missions off-station.As part of that procedure, Airmen from across base conducted a 'Foreign Object Damage' walk on Monday morning and again Tuesday morning. An&nbsp; FOD Walk is a safety procedure, when Airmen line up in a side-by-side formation to walk a flightline and remove any potential loose items. This is to prevent any FOD from being accidentally ingested by a jet engine and damaging that engine.&nbsp;

Cleanup continues after microburst ended airshow at Kan. Air Force base 

WASHINGTON (AP) — Special counsel Jack Smith on Tuesday filed a new indictment against Donald Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-indicted-jan-6-investigation-special-counsel-debb59bb7a4d9f93f7e2dace01feccdc">over his efforts to undo the 2020 presidential election</a>&nbsp;that keeps the same criminal charges but narrows the allegations against him following a Supreme Court opinion conferring broad immunity on former presidents.

The new indictment removes a section of the indictment that dealt with Trump’s interactions with the Justice Department,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-trump-capitol-riot-immunity-2dc0d1c2368d404adc0054151490f542">an area of conduct for which the Supreme Court in a 6-3 opinion</a>&nbsp;last month said Trump was entitled to immunity from prosecution.

The updated criminal case no longer lists as a co-conspirator Jeffrey Clark, a Justice Department official who championed Trump’s false claims of election fraud. Trump’s co-conspirators were not named in either indictment, but they have been identified through public records and other means.

The special counsel’s office said the updated indictment, filed in federal court in Washington, was issued by a grand jury that had not previously heard evidence in the case.

The indictment retained the allegations that Trump attempted to pressure then-Vice President Mike Pence to refuse to certify the electoral vote count. Chief Justice John Roberts wrote for the court that the interactions between Trump and Pence amounted to official conduct for which “Trump is at least presumptively immune from prosecution.”

The question, Roberts wrote, is whether the government can rebut “that presumption of immunity.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1614042711157.png" alt="Photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Special counsel Jack Smith on Tuesday filed a new indictment against Donald Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-indicted-jan-6-investigation-special-counsel-debb59bb7a4d9f93f7e2dace01feccdc">over his efforts to undo the 2020 presidential election</a>&nbsp;that keeps the same criminal charges but narrows the allegations against him following a Supreme Court opinion conferring broad immunity on former presidents.The new indictment removes a section of the indictment that dealt with Trump’s interactions with the Justice Department,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-trump-capitol-riot-immunity-2dc0d1c2368d404adc0054151490f542">an area of conduct for which the Supreme Court in a 6-3 opinion</a>&nbsp;last month said Trump was entitled to immunity from prosecution.The updated criminal case no longer lists as a co-conspirator Jeffrey Clark, a Justice Department official who championed Trump’s false claims of election fraud. Trump’s co-conspirators were not named in either indictment, but they have been identified through public records and other means.The special counsel’s office said the updated indictment, filed in federal court in Washington, was issued by a grand jury that had not previously heard evidence in the case.The indictment retained the allegations that Trump attempted to pressure then-Vice President Mike Pence to refuse to certify the electoral vote count. Chief Justice John Roberts wrote for the court that the interactions between Trump and Pence amounted to official conduct for which “Trump is at least presumptively immune from prosecution.”The question, Roberts wrote, is whether the government can rebut “that presumption of immunity.”

Donald Trump faces new indictment in Jan. 6 Capitol riot case

By Lindley Lund &nbsp; K-State&nbsp;News and Communications Services

&nbsp; MANHATTAN — Kansas State University and U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran announced on Monday a $7 million federal investment to support the university's Biomanufacturing Training and Education Initiative, a comprehensive program designed to position Kansas as a national leader in biomanufacturing and biosecurity.

The funding will be directed toward the construction of the new Biomanufacturing Core and Training Facility, which will accelerate the university's ability to lead cutting-edge research and workforce development in the expanding field of biomanufacturing. K-State's innovative ecosystem fosters collaboration between academia, industry and research to make significant strides in animal health, food security and public safety. Through the initiative, the university is establishing itself as a hub for industry partnerships and workforce development, which are critical to solving challenges in both human and animal health.

"As Kansas continues to grow its animal health corridor, Kansas State University is uniquely equipped to train the workforce needed for this industry," Moran said. "I worked to secure federal resources to bolster&nbsp;K-State's efforts to build Manhattan into a premier location for biotechnology and biodefense companies looking to expand."

The Biomanufacturing Core and Training Facility is one of four state-of-the-art facilities integral to the initiative. It will advance vaccine production by adhering to the highest safety standards set by regulatory agencies while producing critical biologics to combat zoonotic diseases and other health threats. It will also provide hands-on training for the next generation of biosecurity researchers to ensure that Kansas remains at the forefront of biomanufacturing expertise. As&nbsp;K-State&nbsp;leads advancements in biomanufacturing, it is also strengthening the state's economy by attracting jobs and top-tier industry partners to Kansas. This initiative enhances both the agricultural and public health sectors.

"We are incredibly grateful to Senator Moran for supporting us to receive this federal funding. With it,&nbsp;K-State&nbsp;is positioned to have a lasting impact on both the health of Kansans and the health of the economy," President Richard Linton said. "Our work in biomanufacturing not only addresses current health challenges but will also pave the way for future innovation as the next-generation land-grant university."

Along with the Biomanufacturing Core and Training Facility, the initiative features three additional cutting-edge facilities that will help&nbsp;K-State&nbsp;tackle critical public health issues:• Biosecurity Research Institute Biologics Development Module — Focusing on zoonotic and foreign animal diseases, this facility develops diagnostics, vaccines and therapeutics to safeguard food security and public health.• College of Veterinary Medicine Biologics Development Module — Specializing in large-scale biologics production, this facility enhances vaccine efficacy through advanced protein purification techniques, ensuring that life-saving biologics can be produced efficiently.• Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center — Currently under construction in Seaton Hall, this center will provide students with hands-on biomanufacturing experience, creating a highly skilled talent pipeline that supports the state's growing biomanufacturing industry.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724706380485.png" alt="-K-State announces $7 million in federal funding for the Biomanufacturing Core and Training Facility, a state-of-the-art facility that will advance vaccine production in Kansas.&nbsp;A rendering of the new facility is pictured above." />
 <figcaption>-K-State announces $7 million in federal funding for the Biomanufacturing Core and Training Facility, a state-of-the-art facility that will advance vaccine production in Kansas.&nbsp;A rendering of the new facility is pictured above.</figcaption>
 </figure>By Lindley Lund &nbsp; K-State&nbsp;News and Communications Services&nbsp; MANHATTAN — Kansas State University and U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran announced on Monday a $7 million federal investment to support the university's Biomanufacturing Training and Education Initiative, a comprehensive program designed to position Kansas as a national leader in biomanufacturing and biosecurity.The funding will be directed toward the construction of the new Biomanufacturing Core and Training Facility, which will accelerate the university's ability to lead cutting-edge research and workforce development in the expanding field of biomanufacturing. K-State's innovative ecosystem fosters collaboration between academia, industry and research to make significant strides in animal health, food security and public safety. Through the initiative, the university is establishing itself as a hub for industry partnerships and workforce development, which are critical to solving challenges in both human and animal health."As Kansas continues to grow its animal health corridor, Kansas State University is uniquely equipped to train the workforce needed for this industry," Moran said. "I worked to secure federal resources to bolster&nbsp;K-State's efforts to build Manhattan into a premier location for biotechnology and biodefense companies looking to expand."The Biomanufacturing Core and Training Facility is one of four state-of-the-art facilities integral to the initiative. It will advance vaccine production by adhering to the highest safety standards set by regulatory agencies while producing critical biologics to combat zoonotic diseases and other health threats. It will also provide hands-on training for the next generation of biosecurity researchers to ensure that Kansas remains at the forefront of biomanufacturing expertise. As&nbsp;K-State&nbsp;leads advancements in biomanufacturing, it is also strengthening the state's economy by attracting jobs and top-tier industry partners to Kansas. This initiative enhances both the agricultural and public health sectors."We are incredibly grateful to Senator Moran for supporting us to receive this federal funding. With it,&nbsp;K-State&nbsp;is positioned to have a lasting impact on both the health of Kansans and the health of the economy," President Richard Linton said. "Our work in biomanufacturing not only addresses current health challenges but will also pave the way for future innovation as the next-generation land-grant university."Along with the Biomanufacturing Core and Training Facility, the initiative features three additional cutting-edge facilities that will help&nbsp;K-State&nbsp;tackle critical public health issues:• Biosecurity Research Institute Biologics Development Module — Focusing on zoonotic and foreign animal diseases, this facility develops diagnostics, vaccines and therapeutics to safeguard food security and public health.• College of Veterinary Medicine Biologics Development Module — Specializing in large-scale biologics production, this facility enhances vaccine efficacy through advanced protein purification techniques, ensuring that life-saving biologics can be produced efficiently.• Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center — Currently under construction in Seaton Hall, this center will provide students with hands-on biomanufacturing experience, creating a highly skilled talent pipeline that supports the state's growing biomanufacturing industry.

K-State receives $7 million to support biomanufacturing training 

WASHINGTON (AP) — Meta CEO&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mark-zuckerberg">Mark Zuckerberg</a>&nbsp;says senior Biden administration officials pressured Facebook to “censor” some COVID-19 content during the pandemic and vowed that the social media giant would push back if it faced such demands again.

In a letter to Rep. Jim Jordan, the Republican chair of the House Judiciary Committee, Zuckerberg alleges that the officials, including those from the White House, “repeatedly pressured” Facebook for months to take down “certain COVID-19 content including humor and satire.”

The officials “expressed a lot of frustration” when the company didn't agree, he said in the letter.

“I believe the government pressure was wrong and I regret that we were not more outspoken about it,” Zuckerberg wrote in the letter dated Aug. 26 and posted on the committee's Facebook page and to its account on X.

The letter is the latest repudiation by Zuckerberg of efforts to target misinformation around the coronavirus pandemic during and after the 2020 presidential election, particularly as allegations have emerged that some posts were deleted or restricted wrongly.

“I also think we made some choices that, with the benefit of hindsight and new information, we wouldn’t make today,” he said, without elaborating. “We’re ready to push back if something like this happens again.”

In response, the White House said in a statement that, “When confronted with a deadly pandemic, this Administration encouraged responsible actions to protect public health and safety. Our position has been clear and consistent: we believe tech companies and other private actors should take into account the effects their actions have on the American people, while making independent choices about the information they present.”

Experts warn this year's U.S. election&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2024-misinformation-ai-social-media-trump-6119ee6f498db10603b3664e9ad3e87e">could be swamped by misinformation</a>&nbsp;on social media with the proliferation of artificial intelligence and other tools to produce false news stories and content that could mislead voters.

Facebook in early 2021&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-misinformation-coronavirus-pandemic-mark-zuckerberg-55583cb7cee4e6966f49f8604d76a081">appended</a>&nbsp;what Zuckerberg called labels with “credible information” to posts about COVID-19 vaccines. That’s after it moved in April 2020 — just as the virus had led to global shutdowns and radical changes in everyday life — to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-348d772c8a5e305fb8006aae0a8cab84">warn users</a>&nbsp;who shared misinformation about COVID-19.

Conservatives have long derided Facebook and other major tech companies as favoring liberal priorities and accused them of censorship.

Zuckerberg has tried to change the company’s perception on the right, going on podcaster Joe Rogan’s show in 2022 and complimenting Republican nominee Donald Trump’s response to an assassination attempt as “badass.” He sent Monday’s letter to the House Judiciary Committee, whose chairman, Jordan, is a longtime Trump ally.

Zuckerberg also said he would no longer donate money to widen election access for voters through the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, the company that runs the philanthropy for him and his wife, Priscilla Chan.

The couple previously&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-election-2020-technology-local-elections-elections-c2dcfde7fc750b7dd64243b0cf7fbb69">donated $400 million</a>&nbsp;to help local election offices prepare for voters in the 2020 presidential election, with funds used for protective equipment to prevent the spread of the coronavirus at polling sites, drive-thru voting locations and equipment to process mail ballots.

“I know that some people believe this work benefited one party over the other” despite analyses showing otherwise, he said. “My goal is to be neutral and not play a role one way or another - or to even appear to be playing a role. So I don’t plan on making a similar contribution this cycle.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706714628260.png" alt="Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg testified before Congress in January-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg testified before Congress in January-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Meta CEO&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mark-zuckerberg">Mark Zuckerberg</a>&nbsp;says senior Biden administration officials pressured Facebook to “censor” some COVID-19 content during the pandemic and vowed that the social media giant would push back if it faced such demands again.In a letter to Rep. Jim Jordan, the Republican chair of the House Judiciary Committee, Zuckerberg alleges that the officials, including those from the White House, “repeatedly pressured” Facebook for months to take down “certain COVID-19 content including humor and satire.”The officials “expressed a lot of frustration” when the company didn't agree, he said in the letter.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724719285559.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724719317083.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“I believe the government pressure was wrong and I regret that we were not more outspoken about it,” Zuckerberg wrote in the letter dated Aug. 26 and posted on the committee's Facebook page and to its account on X.The letter is the latest repudiation by Zuckerberg of efforts to target misinformation around the coronavirus pandemic during and after the 2020 presidential election, particularly as allegations have emerged that some posts were deleted or restricted wrongly.“I also think we made some choices that, with the benefit of hindsight and new information, we wouldn’t make today,” he said, without elaborating. “We’re ready to push back if something like this happens again.”In response, the White House said in a statement that, “When confronted with a deadly pandemic, this Administration encouraged responsible actions to protect public health and safety. Our position has been clear and consistent: we believe tech companies and other private actors should take into account the effects their actions have on the American people, while making independent choices about the information they present.”Experts warn this year's U.S. election&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2024-misinformation-ai-social-media-trump-6119ee6f498db10603b3664e9ad3e87e">could be swamped by misinformation</a>&nbsp;on social media with the proliferation of artificial intelligence and other tools to produce false news stories and content that could mislead voters.Facebook in early 2021&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-misinformation-coronavirus-pandemic-mark-zuckerberg-55583cb7cee4e6966f49f8604d76a081">appended</a>&nbsp;what Zuckerberg called labels with “credible information” to posts about COVID-19 vaccines. That’s after it moved in April 2020 — just as the virus had led to global shutdowns and radical changes in everyday life — to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-348d772c8a5e305fb8006aae0a8cab84">warn users</a>&nbsp;who shared misinformation about COVID-19.Conservatives have long derided Facebook and other major tech companies as favoring liberal priorities and accused them of censorship.Zuckerberg has tried to change the company’s perception on the right, going on podcaster Joe Rogan’s show in 2022 and complimenting Republican nominee Donald Trump’s response to an assassination attempt as “badass.” He sent Monday’s letter to the House Judiciary Committee, whose chairman, Jordan, is a longtime Trump ally.Zuckerberg also said he would no longer donate money to widen election access for voters through the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, the company that runs the philanthropy for him and his wife, Priscilla Chan.The couple previously&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-election-2020-technology-local-elections-elections-c2dcfde7fc750b7dd64243b0cf7fbb69">donated $400 million</a>&nbsp;to help local election offices prepare for voters in the 2020 presidential election, with funds used for protective equipment to prevent the spread of the coronavirus at polling sites, drive-thru voting locations and equipment to process mail ballots.“I know that some people believe this work benefited one party over the other” despite analyses showing otherwise, he said. “My goal is to be neutral and not play a role one way or another - or to even appear to be playing a role. So I don’t plan on making a similar contribution this cycle.”

Read Zuckerberg's letter: White House pressured Facebook to 'censor' content

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Federal appellate judges overturned&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-and-politics-joe-biden-mo-state-wire-michael-brown-gun-politics-1a08383c079dda0f9e837a05451f2acd">a Missouri law</a>&nbsp;Monday that banned police from enforcing some federal gun laws.

The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals found the Missouri law violated a section of the U.S. Constitution known as the supremacy clause, which asserts that federal law takes precedence over state laws.

“A State cannot invalidate federal law to itself,” 8th Circuit Chief Judge Steven Colloton wrote in&nbsp;<a href="https://ecf.ca8.uscourts.gov/opndir/24/08/231457P.pdf">the ruling</a>.

Missouri’s Republican Attorney General Andrew Bailey said in a statement that his office was reviewing the decision. “I will always fight for Missourians’ Second Amendment rights,” he said.

The U.S. Justice Department, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gun-politics-missouri-merrick-garland-6c77cc39796eb1e95641c4c53eaeaf40">filed the lawsuit against Missouri</a>, declined to comment.

The Missouri law forbade police from enforcing federal gun laws that don’t have an equivalent state law. Law enforcement agencies with officers who knowingly enforced federal gun laws without equivalent state laws faced a fine of $50,000 per violating officer.

Federal laws without similar Missouri laws include statutes covering weapons registration and tracking, and possession of firearms by some domestic violence offenders.

Missouri's law has been on hold since 2023, when the U.S. Supreme Court temporarily blocked it as the legal challenge played out in lower courts.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-michael-brown-gun-politics-laws-government-and-politics-6b8d2b283a6ac997262104899a3b0715">Conflict over Missouri’s law</a>&nbsp;wrecked a crime-fighting partnership with U.S. attorneys that Missouri’s former Republican attorney general — Eric Schmitt, now a U.S. senator — touted for years. Under Schmitt’s Safer Streets Initiative, attorneys from his office were deputized as assistant U.S. attorneys to help prosecute violent crimes.

The Justice Department had said the Missouri state crime lab, operated by the Highway Patrol, refused to process evidence that would help federal firearms prosecutions after the law took effect.

Republican lawmakers who helped pass the bill said they were motivated by the potential for new gun restrictions under Democratic President Joe Biden, who had signed the most sweeping gun violence bill in decades.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-signs-gun-violence-bill-c21249287f976c2c164d8753205c2e6d">federal legislation</a>&nbsp;toughened background checks for the youngest gun buyers, keeps firearms from more domestic violence offenders, and helps states put in place red flag laws that make it easier for authorities to take weapons from people judged to be dangerous.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681466878038.png" alt="Missouri’s Republican Attorney General Andrew Bailey said in a statement that his office was reviewing the decision. “I will always fight for Missourians’ Second Amendment rights,” he said.&nbsp; file photo" />
 <figcaption>Missouri’s Republican Attorney General Andrew Bailey said in a statement that his office was reviewing the decision. “I will always fight for Missourians’ Second Amendment rights,” he said.&nbsp; file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By SUMMER BALLENTINEKANSAS CITY (AP) — Federal appellate judges overturned&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-and-politics-joe-biden-mo-state-wire-michael-brown-gun-politics-1a08383c079dda0f9e837a05451f2acd">a Missouri law</a>&nbsp;Monday that banned police from enforcing some federal gun laws.The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals found the Missouri law violated a section of the U.S. Constitution known as the supremacy clause, which asserts that federal law takes precedence over state laws.“A State cannot invalidate federal law to itself,” 8th Circuit Chief Judge Steven Colloton wrote in&nbsp;<a href="https://ecf.ca8.uscourts.gov/opndir/24/08/231457P.pdf">the ruling</a>.Missouri’s Republican Attorney General Andrew Bailey said in a statement that his office was reviewing the decision. “I will always fight for Missourians’ Second Amendment rights,” he said.The U.S. Justice Department, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gun-politics-missouri-merrick-garland-6c77cc39796eb1e95641c4c53eaeaf40">filed the lawsuit against Missouri</a>, declined to comment.The Missouri law forbade police from enforcing federal gun laws that don’t have an equivalent state law. Law enforcement agencies with officers who knowingly enforced federal gun laws without equivalent state laws faced a fine of $50,000 per violating officer.Federal laws without similar Missouri laws include statutes covering weapons registration and tracking, and possession of firearms by some domestic violence offenders.Missouri's law has been on hold since 2023, when the U.S. Supreme Court temporarily blocked it as the legal challenge played out in lower courts.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-michael-brown-gun-politics-laws-government-and-politics-6b8d2b283a6ac997262104899a3b0715">Conflict over Missouri’s law</a>&nbsp;wrecked a crime-fighting partnership with U.S. attorneys that Missouri’s former Republican attorney general — Eric Schmitt, now a U.S. senator — touted for years. Under Schmitt’s Safer Streets Initiative, attorneys from his office were deputized as assistant U.S. attorneys to help prosecute violent crimes.The Justice Department had said the Missouri state crime lab, operated by the Highway Patrol, refused to process evidence that would help federal firearms prosecutions after the law took effect.Republican lawmakers who helped pass the bill said they were motivated by the potential for new gun restrictions under Democratic President Joe Biden, who had signed the most sweeping gun violence bill in decades.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-signs-gun-violence-bill-c21249287f976c2c164d8753205c2e6d">federal legislation</a>&nbsp;toughened background checks for the youngest gun buyers, keeps firearms from more domestic violence offenders, and helps states put in place red flag laws that make it easier for authorities to take weapons from people judged to be dangerous.

Court tosses Mo. law that barred police from enforcing federal gun laws

KANSAS CITY —An off-duty Kansas City firefighter was in the right place at the right time to save a child's life.

KANSAS CITY —An off-duty Kansas City firefighter was in the right place at the right time to save a child's life.Just before 5:30p.m. Monday Kansas City fire and emergency crews&nbsp;responded to a reported drowning/medical emergency for a seven-year-old child at a neighborhood pool in 8200 block of N. Overland, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.According to bystanders the child was in the water and under for an undetermined amount of time. An off duty member of the Kansas City Fire Department, identified as&nbsp;Fire Apparatus Operator Brandon Hullinger, happened to be on scene and heard the commotion. He immediately sprang into action and assessed the situation and began CPR.&nbsp; 9-1-1 was notified and the Kansas City Fire Department was dispatched. Emergency crews found the child and the off-duty firefighter. The child was breathing and had a pulse. Kansas City Fire Department crews stabilized the child and transported them to Children's Mercy Hospital for further evaluation and care. While it is unknown if there is any long term effects, the child&nbsp; was stable and expected to make a recovery, according to Hopkins.This was outstanding work by the bystanders and the Kansas City Fire Department's own off-duty firefighter. Immediate CPR was crucial in saving the child's life.