WASHINGTON (AP) — Former President Donald Trump has agreed to be interviewed by the FBI as part of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-vp-vance-rubio-7c7ba6b99b5f38d2d840ed95b2fdc3e5">an investigation into his attempted assassination</a>&nbsp;in Pennsylvania earlier this month, a special agent said on Monday in disclosing how the gunman prior to the shooting had researched mass attacks and explosive devices.

The expected interview with the 2024 Republican presidential nominee is part of the FBI’s standard protocol to speak with victims during the course of its criminal investigations. The FBI said on Friday that Trump was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-bullet-shrapnel-ronny-jackson-christopher-wray-cb780b9d1a078f0be4191682e75101cf">struck in the ear by a bullet or a fragment of one</a>&nbsp;during the July 13 assassination attempt at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

“We want to get his perspective on what he observed,” said Kevin Rojek, the special agent in charge of the FBI’s Pittsburgh field office. “It is a standard victim interview like we would do for any other victim of crime, under any other circumstance.”

Through more than 450 interviews, the FBI has fleshed out a portrait of the gunman,&nbsp;<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/Rojek%20disclosed%20the%20planned%20conversation%20with%20Trump%20as%20he%20revealed%20new%20details%20about%20the%20gunman,%20including%20internet%20searches%20that%20reveal%20an%20interest%20in%20mass%20shootings,%20power%20plants,%20improvised%20explosive%20devices%20and%20the%20ttempted%20assassination%20of%20Slovakia%E2%80%99s%20prime%20minister%20earlier%20this%20year.">Thomas Matthew Crooks</a>, that reveals him to be a “highly intelligent” but reclusive 20-year-old whose primary social circle was his family and who maintained few friends and acquaintances throughout his life, Rojek said. Even in online gaming platforms that Crooks visited, his interactions with peers appeared to have been minimal, the FBI said.

His parents have been “extremely cooperative,” with the investigation, Rojek said. They have said they had no advance knowledge of the shooting, a statement the FBI considers credible.

The FBI has not uncovered a motive as to why he chose to target Trump, but investigators believe the shooting was the result of extensive planning, including the purchase under an alias in recent months of chemical precursors that investigators believe were used to create the explosive devices found in his car and his home, and the deployment of a drone about 200 yards (180 meters) from the rally site in the hours before the event in an apparent act of surveillance.

The day before the shooting, the FBI says, Crooks visited a local shooting range and practiced with the gun that would be used in the attack.

After the shooting, authorities found two explosive devices in Crooks’ car and a third in his room at home. The devices recovered from the car — consisting of ammunition boxes filled with explosive material with wires, receivers and ignition devices — were capable of exploding but did not because the receivers were in the “off” position, Rojek said. How much damage they could have done is unclear.

The FBI has said that Crooks had shown an online interest in prominent public figures, searching online for information about individuals including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-assassination-attempt-shooting-federal-investigation-2a90bdfd23ba9c3569cb9c29a459e87b">President Joe Biden.</a>&nbsp;In addition, Rojek said, Crooks looked up information about mass shootings, improvised explosive devices, power plants and the attempted assassination in May of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/slovakia-assassination-fico-terror-charges-f36b861b4eaf0301e9e3d1b060ddb144">Slovakia's populist Prime Minister Robert Fico</a>.

FBI Director Christopher Wray told Congress last week that on July 6, the day Crooks registered to attend the Trump rally, he googled:&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fbi-trump-assassination-attempt-shooting-f1ff0a636f3e2e1a28762c400852167e">“How far away was Oswald from Kennedy?”</a>&nbsp;That's a reference to Lee Harvey Oswald, the shooter who killed President John F. Kennedy from a sniper’s perch in Dallas on Nov. 22, 1963.

New details, meanwhile, were emerging about law enforcement security lapses that preceded the shooting, with Sen. Chuck Grassley, a Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee, releasing text messages from members of the Beaver County Emergency Services Unit that showed how local officers had communicated with each other about a suspicious-looking man who turned out to be Crooks lurking around more than an hour before the shooting.

“Kid learning around building we are in. AGR I believe it is,” one officer wrote to other counter-snipers, including a photograph of Crooks. “I did see him with a range finder looking towards stage. FYI. If you wanna notify SS snipers to look out. I lost sight of him.”

AGR is a reference to a complex of buildings that form AGR International Inc, a supplier of automation equipment for the glass and plastic packaging industry. Crooks scaled the roof of one of the buildings of the compound and fired eight shots at the rally stage with an AR-style rifle and purchased legally by his father years earlier.

Trump said he was “shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear,” and he appeared in the days later with a bandage on the ear. One rallygoer,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-rally-fatal-shooting-corey-comperatore-2c4930b7749cab1c53fc006a58450ed4">Corey Comperatore</a>, was killed, and two others were injured. Crooks was shot dead by a Secret Service counter-sniper.

In an interview with ABC News, a Beaver County officer who sounded the alarm said that after sending the text, “I assumed that there would be somebody coming out to speak with this individual or find out what's going on.”

Another officer told ABC News that the group was supposed to get a face-to-face briefing with the Secret Service counter-snipers whenever they arrived but that never happened.

An email to the Secret Service seeking comment was not immediately returned Monday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720913971898.png" alt="Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is surrounded by U.S. Secret Service agents at a campaign rally, Saturday, July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)" />
 <figcaption>Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is surrounded by U.S. Secret Service agents at a campaign rally, Saturday, July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Former President Donald Trump has agreed to be interviewed by the FBI as part of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-vp-vance-rubio-7c7ba6b99b5f38d2d840ed95b2fdc3e5">an investigation into his attempted assassination</a>&nbsp;in Pennsylvania earlier this month, a special agent said on Monday in disclosing how the gunman prior to the shooting had researched mass attacks and explosive devices.The expected interview with the 2024 Republican presidential nominee is part of the FBI’s standard protocol to speak with victims during the course of its criminal investigations. The FBI said on Friday that Trump was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-bullet-shrapnel-ronny-jackson-christopher-wray-cb780b9d1a078f0be4191682e75101cf">struck in the ear by a bullet or a fragment of one</a>&nbsp;during the July 13 assassination attempt at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.“We want to get his perspective on what he observed,” said Kevin Rojek, the special agent in charge of the FBI’s Pittsburgh field office. “It is a standard victim interview like we would do for any other victim of crime, under any other circumstance.”Through more than 450 interviews, the FBI has fleshed out a portrait of the gunman,&nbsp;<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/Rojek%20disclosed%20the%20planned%20conversation%20with%20Trump%20as%20he%20revealed%20new%20details%20about%20the%20gunman,%20including%20internet%20searches%20that%20reveal%20an%20interest%20in%20mass%20shootings,%20power%20plants,%20improvised%20explosive%20devices%20and%20the%20ttempted%20assassination%20of%20Slovakia%E2%80%99s%20prime%20minister%20earlier%20this%20year.">Thomas Matthew Crooks</a>, that reveals him to be a “highly intelligent” but reclusive 20-year-old whose primary social circle was his family and who maintained few friends and acquaintances throughout his life, Rojek said. Even in online gaming platforms that Crooks visited, his interactions with peers appeared to have been minimal, the FBI said.His parents have been “extremely cooperative,” with the investigation, Rojek said. They have said they had no advance knowledge of the shooting, a statement the FBI considers credible.The FBI has not uncovered a motive as to why he chose to target Trump, but investigators believe the shooting was the result of extensive planning, including the purchase under an alias in recent months of chemical precursors that investigators believe were used to create the explosive devices found in his car and his home, and the deployment of a drone about 200 yards (180 meters) from the rally site in the hours before the event in an apparent act of surveillance.The day before the shooting, the FBI says, Crooks visited a local shooting range and practiced with the gun that would be used in the attack.After the shooting, authorities found two explosive devices in Crooks’ car and a third in his room at home. The devices recovered from the car — consisting of ammunition boxes filled with explosive material with wires, receivers and ignition devices — were capable of exploding but did not because the receivers were in the “off” position, Rojek said. How much damage they could have done is unclear.The FBI has said that Crooks had shown an online interest in prominent public figures, searching online for information about individuals including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-assassination-attempt-shooting-federal-investigation-2a90bdfd23ba9c3569cb9c29a459e87b">President Joe Biden.</a>&nbsp;In addition, Rojek said, Crooks looked up information about mass shootings, improvised explosive devices, power plants and the attempted assassination in May of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/slovakia-assassination-fico-terror-charges-f36b861b4eaf0301e9e3d1b060ddb144">Slovakia's populist Prime Minister Robert Fico</a>.FBI Director Christopher Wray told Congress last week that on July 6, the day Crooks registered to attend the Trump rally, he googled:&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fbi-trump-assassination-attempt-shooting-f1ff0a636f3e2e1a28762c400852167e">“How far away was Oswald from Kennedy?”</a>&nbsp;That's a reference to Lee Harvey Oswald, the shooter who killed President John F. Kennedy from a sniper’s perch in Dallas on Nov. 22, 1963.New details, meanwhile, were emerging about law enforcement security lapses that preceded the shooting, with Sen. Chuck Grassley, a Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee, releasing text messages from members of the Beaver County Emergency Services Unit that showed how local officers had communicated with each other about a suspicious-looking man who turned out to be Crooks lurking around more than an hour before the shooting.“Kid learning around building we are in. AGR I believe it is,” one officer wrote to other counter-snipers, including a photograph of Crooks. “I did see him with a range finder looking towards stage. FYI. If you wanna notify SS snipers to look out. I lost sight of him.”AGR is a reference to a complex of buildings that form AGR International Inc, a supplier of automation equipment for the glass and plastic packaging industry. Crooks scaled the roof of one of the buildings of the compound and fired eight shots at the rally stage with an AR-style rifle and purchased legally by his father years earlier.Trump said he was “shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear,” and he appeared in the days later with a bandage on the ear. One rallygoer,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-rally-fatal-shooting-corey-comperatore-2c4930b7749cab1c53fc006a58450ed4">Corey Comperatore</a>, was killed, and two others were injured. Crooks was shot dead by a Secret Service counter-sniper.In an interview with ABC News, a Beaver County officer who sounded the alarm said that after sending the text, “I assumed that there would be somebody coming out to speak with this individual or find out what's going on.”Another officer told ABC News that the group was supposed to get a face-to-face briefing with the Secret Service counter-snipers whenever they arrived but that never happened.An email to the Secret Service seeking comment was not immediately returned Monday.

 Trump agrees to give victim interview to the FBI after assassination attempt

SALINE COUNTY —A Kansas man was injured in an accident just after 10:30a.m. Monday in Saline County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Freightliner semi driven by&nbsp;Ronnie Lee Hamby, Jr., 46, Ellsworth, was westbound on Interstate 70 just west of Hedville Road. The sem rear-ended a 2022 Peterbilt semi driven by&nbsp;&nbsp;Yaotzhin Daniel&nbsp; Ramirez-Montante,&nbsp; 35, Temixco, Mexico.

EMS transported Hamby to Salina Regional Health Center.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ramirez-Montante was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

The crash temporarily closed westbound traffic on the Interstate for a couple of hours.

SALINE COUNTY —According to KanDrive, westbound lanes of Interstate 70 are now open. A two vehicle crash on Monday morning temporarily closed both lanes just west of the Hedville-Culver exit.

SALINE COUNTY —All westbound traffic on Interstate 70 in Saline County is currently shut down due to a two-vehicle semi crash just west of the Hedville-Culver exit 244, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol.

All westbound traffic will be required to exit at the 244 exit and will be guided north to an alternate route.

As always, please slow down and move over for first responders assisting those involved in this incident. Your cooperation ensures everyone’s safety.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722274140371.png" alt="Photos Kansas Highway Patrol" />
 <figcaption>Photos Kansas Highway Patrol</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —A Kansas man was injured in an accident just after 10:30a.m. Monday in Saline County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Freightliner semi driven by&nbsp;Ronnie Lee Hamby, Jr., 46, Ellsworth, was westbound on Interstate 70 just west of Hedville Road. The sem rear-ended a 2022 Peterbilt semi driven by&nbsp;&nbsp;Yaotzhin Daniel&nbsp; Ramirez-Montante,&nbsp; 35, Temixco, Mexico.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722274115008.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>EMS transported Hamby to Salina Regional Health Center.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ramirez-Montante was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722274179189.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The crash temporarily closed westbound traffic on the Interstate for a couple of hours.-----------------SALINE COUNTY —According to KanDrive, westbound lanes of Interstate 70 are now open. A two vehicle crash on Monday morning temporarily closed both lanes just west of the Hedville-Culver exit.----------------SALINE COUNTY —All westbound traffic on Interstate 70 in Saline County is currently shut down due to a two-vehicle semi crash just west of the Hedville-Culver exit 244, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol.All westbound traffic will be required to exit at the 244 exit and will be guided north to an alternate route.As always, please slow down and move over for first responders assisting those involved in this incident. Your cooperation ensures everyone’s safety.

Kan. man hospitalized after semi crash that closed portion of I-70

Sen. Jerry Moran also revealed $10 million allocation for cardiovascular labs

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran wrapped a tour Friday of the University of Kansas Health System campus by celebrating a federal appropriation of $10 million for the KU Cancer Center and $10 million earmark for acquisition of sophisticated cardiovascular equipment.

The Kansas senator made his way through research and direct-care facilities, mingled with faculty, physicians and students as well as people who survived cancer and family members of those who didn’t with Kimryn Rathmell, director of the National Cancer Institute. She was making her first official visit as NCI director to one of the nation’s elite cancer centers.

“What’s taking place at the KU Cancer Center is amazing,” Moran said. “The dollars that are being provided to the University of Kansas are dollars that are well spent. There’s still work to be done.”

Moran said half of U.S. men and one-third of U.S. women would at some point in their lives be diagnosed with cancer. Currently, he said, there was no known treatment for cancers afflicting three of 10 people.

“Really what I think the KU Cancer Center is about is providing hope to everyone,” Moran said.

Roy Jensen, a KU vice chancellor and director of the KU Cancer Center, said federal financial support from the National Institutes of Health and the National Cancer Institute was imperative to advancing research and treatment.

“Sustainable, predictable, ongoing funding from NIH and NCI is absolutely critical to everything we do,” Jensen said. “It is the lifeblood of the University of Kansas Cancer Center. There’s no question. We have an extraordinary opportunity. I’ve been at this business now for 40 years plus and I’ve never been more hopeful in terms of making progress against this disease. But, that progress needs fuel and that’s the NIH budget and the NCI budget.”

During a news conference, Jensen was asked whether federal investment in cancer research was sufficient to meet the medical challenge.

“One of the things I find most exciting is that, in large part, we’re no longer groping in the dark in terms of what direction our research should be focused,” he said. “Cancer and a lot of other biomedical research is becoming a little bit more like engineering, where we understand the problems we face, and there’s tough problems. We have the tools available to us to solve those problems if we are willing to commit the resources to make it happen.”

KU has raised more than $250 million for construction of a large cancer research and treatment facility on the Kansas City campus, said KU chancellor Doug Girod.

“It’s going to be a game-changer for generations to come, both from the research perspective but also from the patient-care perspective. It’s bringing those two things together under one vision that’s really going to move the needle for us,” Girod said.

In June 2023, the KU Cancer Center received a $100 million gift from the Sunderland Foundation to build the state-of-the-art cancer facility. One year ago, Moran announced a $43 million federal appropriation to the Kansas Center’s programs.

The 2024 Kansas Legislature approved and Gov. Laura Kelly signed into law a $75 million matching-grant appropriation for the project.

Bob Page, president and chief executive officer of KU Health System, said he personally appreciated federal support for the KU Cancer Center. He was diagnosed with an aggressive prostate cancer four years ago and was treated at KU Health System.

“I was able to have this amazingly talented team take care of me,” he said. “And now, four years later, I’m standing before you cancer-free.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722281301489.png" alt=" U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas, toured the KU Cancer Center facilities in Kansas City, Kansas, on Friday and announced a $10 million federal appropriation to cancer research and treatment and a $10 million earmark for cardiovascular laboratory equipment. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas, toured the KU Cancer Center facilities in Kansas City, Kansas, on Friday and announced a $10 million federal appropriation to cancer research and treatment and a $10 million earmark for cardiovascular laboratory equipment. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Sen. Jerry Moran also revealed $10 million allocation for cardiovascular labs</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>KANSAS CITY, Kan. — U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran wrapped a tour Friday of the University of Kansas Health System campus by celebrating a federal appropriation of $10 million for the KU Cancer Center and $10 million earmark for acquisition of sophisticated cardiovascular equipment.The Kansas senator made his way through research and direct-care facilities, mingled with faculty, physicians and students as well as people who survived cancer and family members of those who didn’t with Kimryn Rathmell, director of the National Cancer Institute. She was making her first official visit as NCI director to one of the nation’s elite cancer centers.“What’s taking place at the KU Cancer Center is amazing,” Moran said. “The dollars that are being provided to the University of Kansas are dollars that are well spent. There’s still work to be done.”Moran said half of U.S. men and one-third of U.S. women would at some point in their lives be diagnosed with cancer. Currently, he said, there was no known treatment for cancers afflicting three of 10 people.“Really what I think the KU Cancer Center is about is providing hope to everyone,” Moran said.Roy Jensen, a KU vice chancellor and director of the KU Cancer Center, said federal financial support from the National Institutes of Health and the National Cancer Institute was imperative to advancing research and treatment.“Sustainable, predictable, ongoing funding from NIH and NCI is absolutely critical to everything we do,” Jensen said. “It is the lifeblood of the University of Kansas Cancer Center. There’s no question. We have an extraordinary opportunity. I’ve been at this business now for 40 years plus and I’ve never been more hopeful in terms of making progress against this disease. But, that progress needs fuel and that’s the NIH budget and the NCI budget.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722281346784.png" alt="Roy Jensen, director of the University of Kansas Cancer Center, said he welcomed the new federal appropriation of $10 million to the cancer research and treatment program. He expressed optimism that scientists had a better idea of how to approach cancer research and was confident the yet-to-be build cancer facility in Kansas City, Kansas, would change the face of treatment in the region. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Roy Jensen, director of the University of Kansas Cancer Center, said he welcomed the new federal appropriation of $10 million to the cancer research and treatment program. He expressed optimism that scientists had a better idea of how to approach cancer research and was confident the yet-to-be build cancer facility in Kansas City, Kansas, would change the face of treatment in the region. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>During a news conference, Jensen was asked whether federal investment in cancer research was sufficient to meet the medical challenge.“One of the things I find most exciting is that, in large part, we’re no longer groping in the dark in terms of what direction our research should be focused,” he said. “Cancer and a lot of other biomedical research is becoming a little bit more like engineering, where we understand the problems we face, and there’s tough problems. We have the tools available to us to solve those problems if we are willing to commit the resources to make it happen.”KU has raised more than $250 million for construction of a large cancer research and treatment facility on the Kansas City campus, said KU chancellor Doug Girod.“It’s going to be a game-changer for generations to come, both from the research perspective but also from the patient-care perspective. It’s bringing those two things together under one vision that’s really going to move the needle for us,” Girod said.In June 2023, the KU Cancer Center received a $100 million gift from the Sunderland Foundation to build the state-of-the-art cancer facility. One year ago, Moran announced a $43 million federal appropriation to the Kansas Center’s programs.The 2024 Kansas Legislature approved and Gov. Laura Kelly signed into law a $75 million matching-grant appropriation for the project.Bob Page, president and chief executive officer of KU Health System, said he personally appreciated federal support for the KU Cancer Center. He was diagnosed with an aggressive prostate cancer four years ago and was treated at KU Health System.“I was able to have this amazingly talented team take care of me,” he said. “And now, four years later, I’m standing before you cancer-free.”

$10 million federal grant to KU Cancer Center like an injection of hope for researchers, patients

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Barely a week ago, a sense of inevitability hung over the U.S. presidential election.

<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump's</a>&nbsp;allies gleefully predicted a landslide victory during a Republican National Convention that felt more like a coronation for a nominee who had just survived an assassination attempt and was promising to unite the country. Democrats, desperate and listless, feared the worst as a diminished President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;clung to his party's nomination.

But over the last seven days, a week unlike any other in American history, the 2024 presidential contest has been transformed. And now, just 99 days before Election Day, a fundamentally new race is taking shape featuring new candidates, a new issue focus and a new outlook for both parties.

Vice President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kamala-harris">Kamala Harris</a>&nbsp;stepped in for Biden last Sunday and quickly smashed fundraising records, took over social media and generated levels of excitement that some Democrats said reminded them of the energy that surrounded&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/barack-obama">Barack Obama’s</a>&nbsp;historic candidacy nearly two decades ago.

“This is potentially Obama on steroids,” said Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, who was among 40,000 participants on a Black Women for Harris call last week.

On the other side, Republicans are suddenly fearful and frustrated as they begin to accept the new reality that Trump's victory is no sure thing. And as their mood sours, the finger pointing has begun. Some prominent conservatives are openly second-guessing Trump's vice presidential pick,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jd-vance">JD Vance</a>, a little-known Ohio senator with less than two years in office and a well-documented history of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jd-vance-kamala-harris-childless-trump-0a37e991097b66c52bff5bf7ecf8de7b">provocative statements</a>.

Just 12 days ago, Vance earned a huge ovation as he addressed the RNC in Milwaukee, where there was a strong belief that Trump could do no wrong in the wake of his near-death experience.

“We’re light years away from where we were in Milwaukee,” said Republican National Committee member Henry Barbour, who just a week ago predicted that the GOP might win the national popular vote this fall for the first time since 2004. He's not so sure anymore.

“The Democrats now have a candidate who can speak, who can attack. They have a weapon," Barbour said. “They have a path.”

The incredible speed with which the election was transformed is a stark reminder that, in the Trump era, little is certain, and the conventional wisdom is often wrong. Even now, the Democrats' newfound confidence may be premature. Early public polling suggests that Harris starts in a slightly better position against Trump than Biden was just before his withdrawal from the race. But the numbers also point to a very close race in a deeply divided nation.

Meanwhile, there are still more questions than answers about the 99-day sprint that lies ahead.

Harris has yet to select a running mate. Trump has introduced new uncertainty about the prospect of the next debate slated for Sept. 10 and hosted by ABC, arguing that was part of a deal arranged with Biden. Third-party candidates could still take the race in unexpected directions. And more than a billion dollars in political advertising has yet to be broadcast as both parties re-think their message, their policies and their path to 270 electoral votes.

But the shift over the last week is undeniable.

Harris raised a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harris-campaign-fundraising-200-million-5db5d7c5001c87377e4ba11250fff597">record-smashing $200 million</a>&nbsp;in the seven days since taking over Biden's campaign, with two-thirds of the haul coming from first-time contributors, her campaign said on Sunday. Over the same period, more than 170,000 volunteers have signed up to help the de facto Democratic nominee with phone banking, canvassing and other get-out-the-vote efforts.

Democrats up and down the ballot have benefited from the unprecedented surge.

John Anzalone, a former Biden pollster, described Harris’ candidacy as “a defibrillator” for Democrats and swing voters across the nation. “We’re back in the game, baby!”

Sen.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/tammy-baldwin">Tammy Baldwin</a>, a Wisconsin Democrat, did not attend Biden's four most recent visits to her state this year. But she was at Harris' side for the vice president's opening political rally last Wednesday.

Similarly in Michigan, Gov.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/gretchen-whitmer">Gretchen Whitmer</a>, who was Biden's national campaign co-chair, was unwilling to break away from her book tour to join the president in Michigan at a critical moment earlier in the month. Whitmer will co-headline an event for the Harris campaign in Pennsylvania on Monday, having already campaigned on her behalf in New Hampshire over the weekend.

And the conversation has been profoundly altered.

No longer are Democrats consumed by questions about their nominee's age and mental acuity. Instead, they're leaning into issues that allow them to go on offense. As a woman, Harris has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harris-abortion-biden-election-congress-0df7d4956b4323b77139f55f7fe22a75">focused on the GOP's fight against abortion rights</a>&nbsp;in a way that Biden could not. And as a former prosecutor, she has seized on Trump's criminal conviction in New York with confidence.

Harris has also leaned into a more folksy and emotional criticism of Trump and Vance; she and her allies have begun to describe the Republican presidential ticket as "just plain weird.”

Meanwhile, a frustrated Trump has abandoned the magnanimous tone he sought to project in the days after an assassin's bullet nearly ended his life.

“They all say, ‘I think he’s changed. I think he’s changed since two weeks ago. Something affected him,’” Trump told a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-vance-minnesota-harris-2024-presidential-election-22aee6ecb821032328c1e3d210b27733">massive crowd Saturday night</a>&nbsp;in Minnesota. “No, I haven’t changed. Maybe I’ve gotten worse, because I get angry at the incompetence that I witness every single day.”

For now, the Republican former president and his supporters have adopted a kitchen-sink strategy as they figure out which attacks are most effective against their new Democratic opponent.

Some conservatives, especially in the pro-Trump MAGA wing of the party, are calling Harris a “DEI candidate,” referencing “diversity, equity and inclusion” to suggest Democrats only embraced her as the likely nominee because of her gender and race. House leaders on Capitol Hill have discouraged such criticism, which is largely seen as racist and sexist, but the MAGA movement has not relented.

In Minnesota over the weekend, Trump and Vance described Harris as a “radical left lunatic,” who wants to de-fund the police, destroy the American dream, allow immigrants in the country illegally to vote and ban fracking. Harris' team pushed back against the attacks.

Trump also devoted a substantial amount of his remarks to Biden, seemingly struggling to move on from the opponent he has been fixated on since losing the 2020 election.

Voters who packed into the Minnesota rally were largely upbeat about Trump's chances this fall — even in their state, which Republicans have lost in every presidential election since 1976. Sensing a shift, however, some questioned whether Harris at the top of the ticket might make the race closer.

“That makes me a little nervous,” said Jim Caldwell, a 59-year-old truck driver who lives in a city about 40 minutes away from St. Cloud. He pointed to the historic nature of Harris' candidacy that “might bring out more people.”

“People are going to want the first woman,” he said. “I don’t think she’s the one.”

John Jose, a 56-year-old associate pastor from St. Cloud, said he was optimistic, especially because of the upheaval on the Democratic side. He also described the last week or two as “dramatic.”

“I think we need stability right now," Jose said.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Barely a week ago, a sense of inevitability hung over the U.S. presidential election.<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump's</a>&nbsp;allies gleefully predicted a landslide victory during a Republican National Convention that felt more like a coronation for a nominee who had just survived an assassination attempt and was promising to unite the country. Democrats, desperate and listless, feared the worst as a diminished President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;clung to his party's nomination.But over the last seven days, a week unlike any other in American history, the 2024 presidential contest has been transformed. And now, just 99 days before Election Day, a fundamentally new race is taking shape featuring new candidates, a new issue focus and a new outlook for both parties.Vice President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kamala-harris">Kamala Harris</a>&nbsp;stepped in for Biden last Sunday and quickly smashed fundraising records, took over social media and generated levels of excitement that some Democrats said reminded them of the energy that surrounded&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/barack-obama">Barack Obama’s</a>&nbsp;historic candidacy nearly two decades ago.“This is potentially Obama on steroids,” said Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, who was among 40,000 participants on a Black Women for Harris call last week.On the other side, Republicans are suddenly fearful and frustrated as they begin to accept the new reality that Trump's victory is no sure thing. And as their mood sours, the finger pointing has begun. Some prominent conservatives are openly second-guessing Trump's vice presidential pick,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jd-vance">JD Vance</a>, a little-known Ohio senator with less than two years in office and a well-documented history of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jd-vance-kamala-harris-childless-trump-0a37e991097b66c52bff5bf7ecf8de7b">provocative statements</a>.Just 12 days ago, Vance earned a huge ovation as he addressed the RNC in Milwaukee, where there was a strong belief that Trump could do no wrong in the wake of his near-death experience.“We’re light years away from where we were in Milwaukee,” said Republican National Committee member Henry Barbour, who just a week ago predicted that the GOP might win the national popular vote this fall for the first time since 2004. He's not so sure anymore.“The Democrats now have a candidate who can speak, who can attack. They have a weapon," Barbour said. “They have a path.”<h2>Conventional wisdom is often wrong</h2>The incredible speed with which the election was transformed is a stark reminder that, in the Trump era, little is certain, and the conventional wisdom is often wrong. Even now, the Democrats' newfound confidence may be premature. Early public polling suggests that Harris starts in a slightly better position against Trump than Biden was just before his withdrawal from the race. But the numbers also point to a very close race in a deeply divided nation.Meanwhile, there are still more questions than answers about the 99-day sprint that lies ahead.Harris has yet to select a running mate. Trump has introduced new uncertainty about the prospect of the next debate slated for Sept. 10 and hosted by ABC, arguing that was part of a deal arranged with Biden. Third-party candidates could still take the race in unexpected directions. And more than a billion dollars in political advertising has yet to be broadcast as both parties re-think their message, their policies and their path to 270 electoral votes.But the shift over the last week is undeniable.Harris raised a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harris-campaign-fundraising-200-million-5db5d7c5001c87377e4ba11250fff597">record-smashing $200 million</a>&nbsp;in the seven days since taking over Biden's campaign, with two-thirds of the haul coming from first-time contributors, her campaign said on Sunday. Over the same period, more than 170,000 volunteers have signed up to help the de facto Democratic nominee with phone banking, canvassing and other get-out-the-vote efforts.Democrats up and down the ballot have benefited from the unprecedented surge.John Anzalone, a former Biden pollster, described Harris’ candidacy as “a defibrillator” for Democrats and swing voters across the nation. “We’re back in the game, baby!”Sen.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/tammy-baldwin">Tammy Baldwin</a>, a Wisconsin Democrat, did not attend Biden's four most recent visits to her state this year. But she was at Harris' side for the vice president's opening political rally last Wednesday.Similarly in Michigan, Gov.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/gretchen-whitmer">Gretchen Whitmer</a>, who was Biden's national campaign co-chair, was unwilling to break away from her book tour to join the president in Michigan at a critical moment earlier in the month. Whitmer will co-headline an event for the Harris campaign in Pennsylvania on Monday, having already campaigned on her behalf in New Hampshire over the weekend.And the conversation has been profoundly altered.No longer are Democrats consumed by questions about their nominee's age and mental acuity. Instead, they're leaning into issues that allow them to go on offense. As a woman, Harris has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harris-abortion-biden-election-congress-0df7d4956b4323b77139f55f7fe22a75">focused on the GOP's fight against abortion rights</a>&nbsp;in a way that Biden could not. And as a former prosecutor, she has seized on Trump's criminal conviction in New York with confidence.Harris has also leaned into a more folksy and emotional criticism of Trump and Vance; she and her allies have begun to describe the Republican presidential ticket as "just plain weird.”<h2>Trump has abandoned his magnanimous tone</h2>Meanwhile, a frustrated Trump has abandoned the magnanimous tone he sought to project in the days after an assassin's bullet nearly ended his life.“They all say, ‘I think he’s changed. I think he’s changed since two weeks ago. Something affected him,’” Trump told a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-vance-minnesota-harris-2024-presidential-election-22aee6ecb821032328c1e3d210b27733">massive crowd Saturday night</a>&nbsp;in Minnesota. “No, I haven’t changed. Maybe I’ve gotten worse, because I get angry at the incompetence that I witness every single day.”For now, the Republican former president and his supporters have adopted a kitchen-sink strategy as they figure out which attacks are most effective against their new Democratic opponent.Some conservatives, especially in the pro-Trump MAGA wing of the party, are calling Harris a “DEI candidate,” referencing “diversity, equity and inclusion” to suggest Democrats only embraced her as the likely nominee because of her gender and race. House leaders on Capitol Hill have discouraged such criticism, which is largely seen as racist and sexist, but the MAGA movement has not relented.In Minnesota over the weekend, Trump and Vance described Harris as a “radical left lunatic,” who wants to de-fund the police, destroy the American dream, allow immigrants in the country illegally to vote and ban fracking. Harris' team pushed back against the attacks.Trump also devoted a substantial amount of his remarks to Biden, seemingly struggling to move on from the opponent he has been fixated on since losing the 2020 election.Voters who packed into the Minnesota rally were largely upbeat about Trump's chances this fall — even in their state, which Republicans have lost in every presidential election since 1976. Sensing a shift, however, some questioned whether Harris at the top of the ticket might make the race closer.“That makes me a little nervous,” said Jim Caldwell, a 59-year-old truck driver who lives in a city about 40 minutes away from St. Cloud. He pointed to the historic nature of Harris' candidacy that “might bring out more people.”“People are going to want the first woman,” he said. “I don’t think she’s the one.”John Jose, a 56-year-old associate pastor from St. Cloud, said he was optimistic, especially because of the upheaval on the Democratic side. He also described the last week or two as “dramatic.”“I think we need stability right now," Jose said.

Trump and Harris enter 99-day sprint to decide election

KANSAS CITY —For those individuals who were at the Chief's Super Bowl parade and rally who received injuries that required medical treatment&nbsp; Jackson County prosecutor's office still wants to hear from you, according. You should call (816) 881-3513.

It's not necessary to report if you've already reported your injuries to the prosecutor's office.

One of the accused shooters in the Feb. 14, 2024, Super Bowl victory rally at Union Station was indicted by a Jackson County grand jury on a new Class A felony charge last week for his role in the incident, Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker announced.

Lyndell Mays was arraigned on on the new charge, Causing Catastrophe. A Jackson County grand jury added the charge, alleging the defendant knowingly caused a catastrophe by releasing a crowd surge or stampede of people that caused serious physical injury &nbsp;to 10 or more people.&nbsp; He is&nbsp;one of the&nbsp;three&nbsp;men facing a murder charge in the death of Lisa Lopez Galvan, and is accused of being the first person to start firing.

-The Associated Press contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722013030519.png" alt="Lyndell Mays,&nbsp;one of the&nbsp;three&nbsp;men facing a murder charge in the death of Lisa Lopez Galvan,. He is accused of being the first person to start firing." />
 <figcaption>Lyndell Mays,&nbsp;one of the&nbsp;three&nbsp;men facing a murder charge in the death of Lisa Lopez Galvan,. He is accused of being the first person to start firing.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —For those individuals who were at the Chief's Super Bowl parade and rally who received injuries that required medical treatment&nbsp; Jackson County prosecutor's office still wants to hear from you, according. You should call (816) 881-3513.It's not necessary to report if you've already reported your injuries to the prosecutor's office.One of the accused shooters in the Feb. 14, 2024, Super Bowl victory rally at Union Station was indicted by a Jackson County grand jury on a new Class A felony charge last week for his role in the incident, Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker announced.Lyndell Mays was arraigned on on the new charge, Causing Catastrophe. A Jackson County grand jury added the charge, alleging the defendant knowingly caused a catastrophe by releasing a crowd surge or stampede of people that caused serious physical injury &nbsp;to 10 or more people.&nbsp; He is&nbsp;one of the&nbsp;three&nbsp;men facing a murder charge in the death of Lisa Lopez Galvan, and is accused of being the first person to start firing.-The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Prosecutor still wants to hear from anyone injured at Chiefs rally

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating after a child was critically injured in a fall from an apartment window.

Just after 10a.m. Monday, police responded to the Independence Towers Apartments in the 700 block of North Jennings Road, according to a social media report. A boy fell from the 8th story window.&nbsp;

EMS transported the child to a local hospital and he was later transferred to Children's Mercy.&nbsp; Police released no additional details.&nbsp;&nbsp; Check the P ost for more information as it becomes available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722283328393.png" alt="Independence Towers -Google image" />
 <figcaption>Independence Towers -Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating after a child was critically injured in a fall from an apartment window.Just after 10a.m. Monday, police responded to the Independence Towers Apartments in the 700 block of North Jennings Road, according to a social media report. A boy fell from the 8th story window.&nbsp;EMS transported the child to a local hospital and he was later transferred to Children's Mercy.&nbsp; Police released no additional details.&nbsp;&nbsp; Check the P ost for more information as it becomes available.

Child injured in fall from 8th floor KC area apartment window 

RILEY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 1a.m. Saturday in Riley County.

A driver lost control of a vehicle in the 1100 Block of Yuma, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

The vehicle struck a house and continued into another house where it&nbsp; ran over a 23-year-old occupant of the residence who sleeping in his bed. The man was trapped and eventually&nbsp;extracted from under the vehicle.

EMS transported the victim to Via Christi for treatment of his non-life-threatening injuries. He was later transferred to Stormont-Vail for advanced treatment, according to the RCPD.&nbsp;&nbsp;Before he was transported the injured man was stable and was able to communicate with officers, according to the RCPD.&nbsp; Police had no additional information early Monday.

RILEY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 1a.m. Saturday in Riley County.A driver lost control of a vehicle in the 1100 Block of Yuma, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.The vehicle struck a house and continued into another house where it&nbsp; ran over a 23-year-old occupant of the residence who sleeping in his bed. The man was trapped and eventually&nbsp;extracted from under the vehicle.EMS transported the victim to Via Christi for treatment of his non-life-threatening injuries. He was later transferred to Stormont-Vail for advanced treatment, according to the RCPD.&nbsp;&nbsp;Before he was transported the injured man was stable and was able to communicate with officers, according to the RCPD.&nbsp; Police had no additional information early Monday.

Police: Vehicle ran over man asleep in his bed at Kansas home

ATCHISON COUNTY–Law enforcement authorities are investigating a knife attack and have made an arrest.

Shortly before 9p.m. Friday night police officers responded to the 800 block Atchison Street in the cit of Atchison to investigate a stabbing that had just occurred, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. A 50-year-old man was found at the scene suffering from a stab wound to the chest. 

Officers immediately located Morrio T. Moore, 40, Atchison, in an alley in the 800 block Santa Fe. The investigation at the scene determined that Moore had stabbed the victim during a disturbance at a residence in the 800 block Atchison Street where both the victim and the suspect live together. 

EMS transported the victim to Amberwell Hospital and later transported him to Mosaic Hospital in St. Joseph Missouri.

Morrio Moore is being held on a requested charge of aggravated battery.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722253513996.png" alt="Moore photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Moore photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY–Law enforcement authorities are investigating a knife attack and have made an arrest.Shortly before 9p.m. Friday night police officers responded to the 800 block Atchison Street in the cit of Atchison to investigate a stabbing that had just occurred, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. A 50-year-old man was found at the scene suffering from a stab wound to the chest. Officers immediately located Morrio T. Moore, 40, Atchison, in an alley in the 800 block Santa Fe. The investigation at the scene determined that Moore had stabbed the victim during a disturbance at a residence in the 800 block Atchison Street where both the victim and the suspect live together. EMS transported the victim to Amberwell Hospital and later transported him to Mosaic Hospital in St. Joseph Missouri.Morrio Moore is being held on a requested charge of aggravated battery.

Kansas man accused of stabbing his roommate

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Police investigating a Kansas bank robbery have a suspect in custody.

Just before 10:30 a.m., June 23, police responded to a reported robbery at US Bank, 719 S Kansas Avenue in Topeka, according to a media release. It was reported that a man entered the bank, indicated he had a weapon, demanded money and then fled on foot.&nbsp; On Saturday, police reported the FBI arrested the suspect in Texas, according to Topeka Police.

The suspect was described as having light-colored facial hair, wearing a multi-color ball cap backwards, a red football jersey with the number “7” on it, red athletic shorts and brown boots.&nbsp; Police have not released his name or additional details.

Anyone with information on the robbery is encouraged to report it to law enforcement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721756581031.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Police investigating a Kansas bank robbery have a suspect in custody.Just before 10:30 a.m., June 23, police responded to a reported robbery at US Bank, 719 S Kansas Avenue in Topeka, according to a media release. It was reported that a man entered the bank, indicated he had a weapon, demanded money and then fled on foot.&nbsp; On Saturday, police reported the FBI arrested the suspect in Texas, according to Topeka Police.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721756581031.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The suspect was described as having light-colored facial hair, wearing a multi-color ball cap backwards, a red football jersey with the number “7” on it, red athletic shorts and brown boots.&nbsp; Police have not released his name or additional details.Anyone with information on the robbery is encouraged to report it to law enforcement.

Police capture suspect in Kansas bank robbery

KANSAS CITY —A man injured in a shooting in Kansas City has died five days after the crime.

Just before 8p.m. July 21, police responded to a shooting in the area of 13th and The Paseo. First responders found a victim later identified as 19-year-old Xavier Williams on the ground, according to Sheriff Daryl Forte'.

EMS transported&nbsp; Williams to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. He died on Friday, according to Forte'.

Investigators learned Williams had an interaction with an unknown suspect at the scene of the shooting. An altercation escalated to shots fired which led to Williams’ injuries.

Police have not reported an arrest or released details on a suspect.

KANSAS CITY —A man injured in a shooting in Kansas City has died five days after the crime.Just before 8p.m. July 21, police responded to a shooting in the area of 13th and The Paseo. First responders found a victim later identified as 19-year-old Xavier Williams on the ground, according to Sheriff Daryl Forte'.EMS transported&nbsp; Williams to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. He died on Friday, according to Forte'.Investigators learned Williams had an interaction with an unknown suspect at the scene of the shooting. An altercation escalated to shots fired which led to Williams’ injuries.Police have not reported an arrest or released details on a suspect.

Teen dies five days after Kansas City shooting

JERUSALEM — U.S. forces continue to face daily threats in the Red Sea and the surrounding area.

Over the past week U.S. forces successfully destroyed 11 Iranian-backed Houthi drones including six on Friday in the Red Sea, according to the U.S. Central Command.

They also destroyed two surface-to-air missiles and five missile launchers and on Thursday destoyed a drone launcher. All of these were in a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen.


It was determined these weapons presented an imminent threat to U.S., coalition forces, and merchant vessels in the region. These actions were taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure.

JERUSALEM — U.S. forces continue to face daily threats in the Red Sea and the surrounding area.Over the past week U.S. forces successfully destroyed 11 Iranian-backed Houthi drones including six on Friday in the Red Sea, according to the U.S. Central Command.They also destroyed two surface-to-air missiles and five missile launchers and on Thursday destoyed a drone launcher. All of these were in a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen.
It was determined these weapons presented an imminent threat to U.S., coalition forces, and merchant vessels in the region. These actions were taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure.

U.S. forces continue to face daily threats in the Red Sea

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating a deadly 2-vehicle crash that occurred just before noon Saturday identified the motorcyclist and passenger who died as 19-year-old Noah T. Lawler and 20-year-old Ava R. Jordan both of Topeka, according to Shawnee County Sheriff's deputy Abigail Christian.

The sheriff's office investigators reported a Chrysler Voyager was southbound and a motorcycle driven by Lawler was northbound on SW Fairlawn Road at SW 10th Street.

The Chrysler was turning east on SW 10th Street when the vehicles collided in the intersection.Lawler and Jordan both died at the scene.&nbsp; American Medical Response transported three juveniles from the Chrysler to a local hospital. The accident remains under investigation. Topeka Police and Fire Department assisted at the scene.

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating a deadly 2-vehicle crash that occurred just before noon Saturday identified the motorcyclist and passenger who died as 19-year-old Noah T. Lawler and 20-year-old Ava R. Jordan both of Topeka, according to Shawnee County Sheriff's deputy Abigail Christian.The sheriff's office investigators reported a Chrysler Voyager was southbound and a motorcycle driven by Lawler was northbound on SW Fairlawn Road at SW 10th Street.The Chrysler was turning east on SW 10th Street when the vehicles collided in the intersection.Lawler and Jordan both died at the scene.&nbsp; American Medical Response transported three juveniles from the Chrysler to a local hospital. The accident remains under investigation. Topeka Police and Fire Department assisted at the scene.

Sheriff IDs Kan. man, woman who died in motorcycle, van crash

MARSHALL COUNTY —A Kansas man transferred to the Marshall County jail on July 6 has been charged in the death of a man whose remains were found on July 10 in rural Marshall County.

 James Dean Winkenwader, 31, Waterville, was charged with first-degree murder for the death of Camoran Shoptese, 36, of Blue Rapids, according to the Marshall County Attorney's office.

On July 10,&nbsp; sheriff's deputies found human remains in rural Marshall County, according to a media release from the KBI.

The KBI Crime Scene Response Team responded to the area, which was northwest of Waterville, Kansas, near Sunflower Road and 2nd Road. The remains were identified as Shoptese.

Agents found evidence indicating that Shoptese was murdered. Investigators do not believed a threat to the community exists related to this case.&nbsp;

On Saturday, the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office requested KBI assistance in the disappearance of Shoptese who was last seen around 10:30 p.m. on July 4 at 709 Chestnut Street in Blue Rapids.

According to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksnt.com/news/local-news/search-underway-for-blue-rapids-ks-man/">Shoptese last seen</a>&nbsp;the night of July 4, in Blue Rapids. On July 10, KBI agents and Marshall County deputies&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksnt.com/news/crime/human-remains-found-during-search-for-missing-kansas-man-murder-suspected-kbi/">found human remains</a>&nbsp;believed to be those of Shoptese and evidence he was murdered.

KSNT 27 News&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksnt.com/news/crime/family-speaks-out-after-kbi-finds-remains-of-missing-kansas-man/" target="_blank">spoke to Shoptese’s family</a>, who said he while his outward appearance may have been scary, he had a big heart and “would do anything for anyone in a heartbeat”.

Winkenwader was already jailed in the Marshall County on a bond violation following a previous arrest for unrelated crimes. His bond is now set at $1 million.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722091681268.png" alt="Winkenwader-photo Marshall Co." />
 <figcaption>Winkenwader-photo Marshall Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>MARSHALL COUNTY —A Kansas man transferred to the Marshall County jail on July 6 has been charged in the death of a man whose remains were found on July 10 in rural Marshall County. James Dean Winkenwader, 31, Waterville, was charged with first-degree murder for the death of Camoran Shoptese, 36, of Blue Rapids, according to the Marshall County Attorney's office.On July 10,&nbsp; sheriff's deputies found human remains in rural Marshall County, according to a media release from the KBI.The KBI Crime Scene Response Team responded to the area, which was northwest of Waterville, Kansas, near Sunflower Road and 2nd Road. The remains were identified as Shoptese.Agents found evidence indicating that Shoptese was murdered. Investigators do not believed a threat to the community exists related to this case.&nbsp;On Saturday, the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office requested KBI assistance in the disappearance of Shoptese who was last seen around 10:30 p.m. on July 4 at 709 Chestnut Street in Blue Rapids.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720385898695.png" alt="Camoran Shoptese-photo KBI" />
 <figcaption>Camoran Shoptese-photo KBI</figcaption>
 </figure>According to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksnt.com/news/local-news/search-underway-for-blue-rapids-ks-man/">Shoptese last seen</a>&nbsp;the night of July 4, in Blue Rapids. On July 10, KBI agents and Marshall County deputies&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksnt.com/news/crime/human-remains-found-during-search-for-missing-kansas-man-murder-suspected-kbi/">found human remains</a>&nbsp;believed to be those of Shoptese and evidence he was murdered.KSNT 27 News&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksnt.com/news/crime/family-speaks-out-after-kbi-finds-remains-of-missing-kansas-man/" target="_blank">spoke to Shoptese’s family</a>, who said he while his outward appearance may have been scary, he had a big heart and “would do anything for anyone in a heartbeat”.Winkenwader was already jailed in the Marshall County on a bond violation following a previous arrest for unrelated crimes. His bond is now set at $1 million.

Man charged with murder after body of victim found in rural Kansas

HUTCHINSON, Kansas. –&nbsp;Hutchinson Correctional Facility (HCF) resident Matthew Dean Warren, 36, died Sunday, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Corrections&nbsp;

Warren was found unresponsive in his cell Sunday afternoon. Staff began life-saving measures immediately and continued after emergency medical services arrived but were unsuccessful. The cause of death is pending the results of an independent autopsy.

Warren was serving a 130-month sentence for several convictions of aggravated assault, aggravated burglary, theft, and criminal damage to stolen property in Reno County, Kansas.

Per protocol, when a resident dies in the custody of the KDOC, the death is under investigation by the KDOC and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. The investigation is ongoing.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722207715150.png" alt="Matthew Warren photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Matthew Warren photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kansas. –&nbsp;Hutchinson Correctional Facility (HCF) resident Matthew Dean Warren, 36, died Sunday, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Corrections&nbsp;Warren was found unresponsive in his cell Sunday afternoon. Staff began life-saving measures immediately and continued after emergency medical services arrived but were unsuccessful. The cause of death is pending the results of an independent autopsy.Warren was serving a 130-month sentence for several convictions of aggravated assault, aggravated burglary, theft, and criminal damage to stolen property in Reno County, Kansas.Per protocol, when a resident dies in the custody of the KDOC, the death is under investigation by the KDOC and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. The investigation is ongoing.

Kansas Inmate serving time for burglary, theft found dead in cell

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man who sold and delivered drugs to a woman who died soon after she ingested them faces felony charges in connection with her death, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

Vincent Scarcello, 27, faces Murder in the 2nd Degree and Delivery of a Controlled Substance.&nbsp;

The Murder in the 2nd Degree charge, often known as Felony Murder, is based on the fact that the victim died of a fentanyl overdose that resulted from defendant's perpetration of the Class C felony of Delivery of a Controlled Substance.

According to court records, on May 3, Kansas City police were dispatched to a residence in the area of 53rd and Park Avenue. Emergency responders found the victim deceased inside. She was discovered by a witness who arrived home from work later that evening. The Jackson County Medical Examiner ruled the cause of death to be Fentanyl, Fluorofentanyl and Ethanol intoxication.

Next to the deceased victim detectives found a half-opened box of Narcan in a failed attempt to save her own life, according to court records. 

Pills found inside the residence tested positive for fentanyl. The investigation found the victim had been in communication with "Vince Scarcello" on May 3, 2024. They made agreement for him to deliver "blues" to her residence, "Blues" are a common name for blue M-30 pills containing fentanyl. Video surveillance from the residence where the victim was found deceased showed the victim walking to a distinctive black sedan on May 3, 2024. She gets into the vehicle, which matched the description of the defendant's vehicle. A short time later, the victim dies from an overdose of fentanyl.

Further surveillance of the defendant appears to show multiple hand-to-hand drug transactions with cars near his Raytown home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722199052633.png" alt="Scarcello-photo Jackson o." />
 <figcaption>Scarcello-photo Jackson o.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man who sold and delivered drugs to a woman who died soon after she ingested them faces felony charges in connection with her death, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.Vincent Scarcello, 27, faces Murder in the 2nd Degree and Delivery of a Controlled Substance.&nbsp;The Murder in the 2nd Degree charge, often known as Felony Murder, is based on the fact that the victim died of a fentanyl overdose that resulted from defendant's perpetration of the Class C felony of Delivery of a Controlled Substance.According to court records, on May 3, Kansas City police were dispatched to a residence in the area of 53rd and Park Avenue. Emergency responders found the victim deceased inside. She was discovered by a witness who arrived home from work later that evening. The Jackson County Medical Examiner ruled the cause of death to be Fentanyl, Fluorofentanyl and Ethanol intoxication.Next to the deceased victim detectives found a half-opened box of Narcan in a failed attempt to save her own life, according to court records. Pills found inside the residence tested positive for fentanyl. The investigation found the victim had been in communication with "Vince Scarcello" on May 3, 2024. They made agreement for him to deliver "blues" to her residence, "Blues" are a common name for blue M-30 pills containing fentanyl. Video surveillance from the residence where the victim was found deceased showed the victim walking to a distinctive black sedan on May 3, 2024. She gets into the vehicle, which matched the description of the defendant's vehicle. A short time later, the victim dies from an overdose of fentanyl.Further surveillance of the defendant appears to show multiple hand-to-hand drug transactions with cars near his Raytown home.

Drug dealer accused of selling fentanyl to KC woman who died

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/caseyquinlan/">CASEY QUINLAN</a>&nbsp; <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/02/19/rural-hospitals-gird-for-unwinding-of-pandemic-medicaid-coverage/">States Newsroom</a>

U.S. median home prices hit a record high for the second month in a row as sales continued to fall, according to a report released this week, as potential buyers continue to lie in wait for lower mortgage rates.

Existing home sales fell 5.4% in June and median home sales reached its highest level on record since prices were first tracked by the National Association of Realtors in 1999. The median price rose the most in the northeast region at 9.7%. In June, existing home sales plummeted 8% in the Midwest, the greatest fall among the regions,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nar.realtor/newsroom/existing-home-sales-slipped-5-4-in-june-median-sales-price-jumps-to-record-high-of-426900" target="_blank">according to</a>&nbsp;the report released on Tuesday.

New home sales,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.census.gov/construction/nrs/pdf/newressales.pdf" target="_blank">released</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday by the U.S. Census Bureau, fell 0.6% in June and is 7.4% lower than new home sales a year ago. The median sales price of a new home was $417,300, lower than the existing home sales median price of $426,900. Housing experts say that this closeness in price is unusual, since new homes have usually sold for much more in the past 10 years and may be reflective of changing demands for smaller and more affordable homes.

Despite that change, these two measures have shown that home prices still remain out of reach for many and that in response, sales have been slow. What is driving these prices and when will they abate? Housing economists say there are many factors at play, including Fed policy and an aging population.

Why are home sales low and home prices high?

High demand for homes and lower inventory levels have contributed to higher home prices in recent years. These expensive home prices and high mortgage rates have resulted in this housing market shift.

Matthew Walsh, economist at Moody’s Analytics, said low housing affordability and the “persistently high” mortgage rate is contributing to cooling housing activity. Unless housing becomes more affordable soon, he said he expects to continue to see lower existing home sales. The 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.78% as of July 25,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.freddiemac.com/?gad_source=1&amp;gbraid=0AAAAAC-2BuhLU-a1GBcy8DJWMM3or13Ye&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwzIK1BhAuEiwAHQmU3qjHufAfDjdczZrYqFAv10PYk67LRMDASSjtafgA0lUfDZLu84IenRoCU6sQAvD_BwE" target="_blank">according to</a>&nbsp;Freddie Mac.

“Buyers are very responsive to mortgage rates and with the information being so readily available and the anticipation that mortgage rates are going to come down, I think that’s keeping people on the sidelines,” said Selma Hepp, chief economist at CoreLogic.

But she said homebuyers face a double-edged sword. When mortgage rates do come down, there will be a lot of pent-up demand that will also put pressure on home prices. A rise in cash buyers could also be pushing prices higher, Hepp said. All cash buyers were 28% of home transactions in June.

“A lot of these cash buyers are actually baby boomers who maybe cashed out on their existing home. We do know that home equity is at an all-time high and if you’re moving from a very expensive home price area to a lower-priced area, you obviously will have a lot of cash,” she added.

Housing inventory is changing but is it enough?

One bright spot for homebuyers is that total housing inventory has been rising. Inventory increased 3.1% from May and was up 23.4% from a year ago according to the June existing home sales report. Walsh said some households may be deciding they can’t wait to make a life change and are moving out of homes for larger or smaller options.

“It’s a lot of households that can no longer postpone plans to sell, whether that’s because their household is expanding because they’re having children or it’s shrinking and they need to sell their larger home in the Northeast and move to a smaller home to retire in the South,” Walsh&nbsp; said. “They can no longer put up with the homes that they’re in and sacrifice their low mortgage rate for a higher rate.”

Still, Hepp said the inventory is far lower than pre-pandemic levels and where demand has picked up — in Boston, New York, and Chicago, for example — there’s not a proportionate increase in the supply of housing.

Some homebuyers may be watching the Fed’s plans to cut interest rates, which affect mortgage rates, for some financial relief. A majority of economists say they believe the Fed will cut rates in September and December,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/markets/us/fed-cut-rates-twice-this-year-with-first-move-september-economists-say-2024-07-23/" target="_blank">according to</a>&nbsp;a recent Reuters poll. Cutting rates may help bring some buyers back into the market and pump up inventory, but the effect will likely not be strong enough to bring home sales back to where they were before the pandemic, Walsh added.

The Biden administration announced a flurry of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/07/16/fact-sheet-president-biden-announces-major-new-actions-to-lower-housing-costs-by-limiting-rent-increases-and-building-more-homes/#:~:text=The%20Biden%2DHarris%20Administration%20is,for%20tens%20of%20millions%20of" target="_blank">proposals</a>&nbsp;this month to make housing more affordable, some of which would impact homebuyers as well as the&nbsp;<a href="https://nevadacurrent.com/2024/07/17/biden-proposes-5-rent-increase-cap-for-corporate-owned-apartments/" target="_blank">repurposing</a>&nbsp;of public lands in Nevada to bring at least 15,000 affordable rental and homeownership units to the area. In February, the White House also&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/02/29/fact-sheet-biden-harris-administration-announces-new-actions-to-boost-housing-supply-and-lower-housing-costs/" target="_blank">announced</a>&nbsp;the opening of grant applications for assistance to homeowners to replace dilapidated homes.

Donald Trump, the Republican nominee for president,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsweek.com/how-donald-trump-plans-fix-housing-market-1811663" target="_blank">said</a>&nbsp;at a July rally in Iowa that he would address problems in the housing market through cutting interest rates, according to Newsweek. Although presidents nominate the chair of the Fed for a four-year term, they do not have power over whether the Fed cuts rates.

States have been pursuing their own policies to improve housing inventory and affordability, including&nbsp;<a href="https://utahnewsdispatch.com/2024/03/19/utah-housing-market-experiment-legislature-2024/" target="_blank">Utah</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2024/03/04/oregon-house-passes-gov-tina-koteks-housing-bill-approves-369-million/" target="_blank">Oregon</a>, which passed legislation to use funds for loans to developers who plan to build more affordable homes. A Maryland bill&nbsp;<a href="https://marylandmatters.org/2024/05/02/moores-signature-on-bill-will-enable-local-governments-to-impose-higher-taxes-on-vacant-properties/" target="_blank">signed</a>&nbsp;into law by Democratic Gov. Wes Moore in May would push property owners to make plans for vacant properties by letting cities raise taxes on those properties.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659001075252.jpeg" alt="A sign advertising a home for sale is displayed outside of a Brooklyn brownstone on April 11, 2024, in New York City. U.S. house sales continued to fall in June as median home prices hit a record high for the second month&nbsp; photo AP" />
 <figcaption>A sign advertising a home for sale is displayed outside of a Brooklyn brownstone on April 11, 2024, in New York City. U.S. house sales continued to fall in June as median home prices hit a record high for the second month&nbsp; photo AP</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/caseyquinlan/">CASEY QUINLAN</a>&nbsp; <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/02/19/rural-hospitals-gird-for-unwinding-of-pandemic-medicaid-coverage/">States Newsroom</a>U.S. median home prices hit a record high for the second month in a row as sales continued to fall, according to a report released this week, as potential buyers continue to lie in wait for lower mortgage rates.Existing home sales fell 5.4% in June and median home sales reached its highest level on record since prices were first tracked by the National Association of Realtors in 1999. The median price rose the most in the northeast region at 9.7%. In June, existing home sales plummeted 8% in the Midwest, the greatest fall among the regions,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nar.realtor/newsroom/existing-home-sales-slipped-5-4-in-june-median-sales-price-jumps-to-record-high-of-426900" target="_blank">according to</a>&nbsp;the report released on Tuesday.New home sales,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.census.gov/construction/nrs/pdf/newressales.pdf" target="_blank">released</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday by the U.S. Census Bureau, fell 0.6% in June and is 7.4% lower than new home sales a year ago. The median sales price of a new home was $417,300, lower than the existing home sales median price of $426,900. Housing experts say that this closeness in price is unusual, since new homes have usually sold for much more in the past 10 years and may be reflective of changing demands for smaller and more affordable homes.Despite that change, these two measures have shown that home prices still remain out of reach for many and that in response, sales have been slow. What is driving these prices and when will they abate? Housing economists say there are many factors at play, including Fed policy and an aging population.<h2>Why are home sales low and home prices high?</h2>High demand for homes and lower inventory levels have contributed to higher home prices in recent years. These expensive home prices and high mortgage rates have resulted in this housing market shift.Matthew Walsh, economist at Moody’s Analytics, said low housing affordability and the “persistently high” mortgage rate is contributing to cooling housing activity. Unless housing becomes more affordable soon, he said he expects to continue to see lower existing home sales. The 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.78% as of July 25,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.freddiemac.com/?gad_source=1&amp;gbraid=0AAAAAC-2BuhLU-a1GBcy8DJWMM3or13Ye&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwzIK1BhAuEiwAHQmU3qjHufAfDjdczZrYqFAv10PYk67LRMDASSjtafgA0lUfDZLu84IenRoCU6sQAvD_BwE" target="_blank">according to</a>&nbsp;Freddie Mac.“Buyers are very responsive to mortgage rates and with the information being so readily available and the anticipation that mortgage rates are going to come down, I think that’s keeping people on the sidelines,” said Selma Hepp, chief economist at CoreLogic.But she said homebuyers face a double-edged sword. When mortgage rates do come down, there will be a lot of pent-up demand that will also put pressure on home prices. A rise in cash buyers could also be pushing prices higher, Hepp said. All cash buyers were 28% of home transactions in June.“A lot of these cash buyers are actually baby boomers who maybe cashed out on their existing home. We do know that home equity is at an all-time high and if you’re moving from a very expensive home price area to a lower-priced area, you obviously will have a lot of cash,” she added.<h2>Housing inventory is changing but is it enough?</h2>One bright spot for homebuyers is that total housing inventory has been rising. Inventory increased 3.1% from May and was up 23.4% from a year ago according to the June existing home sales report. Walsh said some households may be deciding they can’t wait to make a life change and are moving out of homes for larger or smaller options.“It’s a lot of households that can no longer postpone plans to sell, whether that’s because their household is expanding because they’re having children or it’s shrinking and they need to sell their larger home in the Northeast and move to a smaller home to retire in the South,” Walsh&nbsp; said. “They can no longer put up with the homes that they’re in and sacrifice their low mortgage rate for a higher rate.”Still, Hepp said the inventory is far lower than pre-pandemic levels and where demand has picked up — in Boston, New York, and Chicago, for example — there’s not a proportionate increase in the supply of housing.Some homebuyers may be watching the Fed’s plans to cut interest rates, which affect mortgage rates, for some financial relief. A majority of economists say they believe the Fed will cut rates in September and December,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/markets/us/fed-cut-rates-twice-this-year-with-first-move-september-economists-say-2024-07-23/" target="_blank">according to</a>&nbsp;a recent Reuters poll. Cutting rates may help bring some buyers back into the market and pump up inventory, but the effect will likely not be strong enough to bring home sales back to where they were before the pandemic, Walsh added.<h2>What is the government doing?</h2>The Biden administration announced a flurry of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/07/16/fact-sheet-president-biden-announces-major-new-actions-to-lower-housing-costs-by-limiting-rent-increases-and-building-more-homes/#:~:text=The%20Biden%2DHarris%20Administration%20is,for%20tens%20of%20millions%20of" target="_blank">proposals</a>&nbsp;this month to make housing more affordable, some of which would impact homebuyers as well as the&nbsp;<a href="https://nevadacurrent.com/2024/07/17/biden-proposes-5-rent-increase-cap-for-corporate-owned-apartments/" target="_blank">repurposing</a>&nbsp;of public lands in Nevada to bring at least 15,000 affordable rental and homeownership units to the area. In February, the White House also&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/02/29/fact-sheet-biden-harris-administration-announces-new-actions-to-boost-housing-supply-and-lower-housing-costs/" target="_blank">announced</a>&nbsp;the opening of grant applications for assistance to homeowners to replace dilapidated homes.Donald Trump, the Republican nominee for president,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsweek.com/how-donald-trump-plans-fix-housing-market-1811663" target="_blank">said</a>&nbsp;at a July rally in Iowa that he would address problems in the housing market through cutting interest rates, according to Newsweek. Although presidents nominate the chair of the Fed for a four-year term, they do not have power over whether the Fed cuts rates.States have been pursuing their own policies to improve housing inventory and affordability, including&nbsp;<a href="https://utahnewsdispatch.com/2024/03/19/utah-housing-market-experiment-legislature-2024/" target="_blank">Utah</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2024/03/04/oregon-house-passes-gov-tina-koteks-housing-bill-approves-369-million/" target="_blank">Oregon</a>, which passed legislation to use funds for loans to developers who plan to build more affordable homes. A Maryland bill&nbsp;<a href="https://marylandmatters.org/2024/05/02/moores-signature-on-bill-will-enable-local-governments-to-impose-higher-taxes-on-vacant-properties/" target="_blank">signed</a>&nbsp;into law by Democratic Gov. Wes Moore in May would push property owners to make plans for vacant properties by letting cities raise taxes on those properties.

U.S. home prices hit a record high as sales fell. Here’s how housing experts explain the trends

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/author/schatlani/">SHALINA CHATLANI</a>&nbsp; <a href="https://stateline.org/">Stateline</a>

The majority of residents in this coverage gap are people of color, an analysis found.

Nearly 1 of every 5 uninsured working-age adults across the 10 states that have not expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act are, according to a new&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbpp.org/research/health/closing-medicaid-coverage-gap-would-help-diverse-groups-and-reduce-inequities" target="_blank">analysis</a>, stuck in a health care limbo known as a “coverage gap.” That means they earn too much money to receive Medicaid but not enough to qualify for financial help to purchase their own plan on the marketplace.

In Alabama and Mississippi, more than a quarter of uninsured working-age adults are left with no affordable pathways to health coverage, according to the analysis from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a progressive think tank that researches federal and state budget policies. Overall, 1.6 million adults between the ages of 19 and 64 face the situation in the non-expansion states.

“They are all people with incomes below the federal poverty level, and yet they have no financial assistance or coverage,” said Gideon Lukens, senior fellow and director of research and data analysis with the organization’s health policy team.

The analysis also found that more than 60% of those who fall into this gap are people of color: Latino people account for 35%, Black residents account for 24%, and Asian people account for 2%.

Mississippi state Rep. Robert Johnson, a Democrat, said the lack of insurance coverage contributes to other problems — such as the closures of hospitals that have to cover the cost of treating uninsured patients — in all types of communities.

“This is not a conservative or liberal issue. This is about the people that we represent in the state of Mississippi, whether they be Black or white,” Johnson said in an interview. “This is a life-or-death issue for not just individuals, but the whole communities.”

The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, was enacted in 2010, but 10 states have not expanded Medicaid, the federal-state program that provides health care for low-income people. They are Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

The Affordable Care Act allowed states to expand Medicaid to cover people up to 138% of the federal poverty line. The costs of insuring more people would be paid for primarily with federal funds and a smaller state match. People who earned more than that could receive tax credits to subsidize health insurance costs.

But in the states that didn’t expand, many people with low incomes were left without affordable options.

Jennifer Tolbert, deputy director of the Program on Medicaid and the Uninsured at the nonprofit health research organization KFF, told Stateline most people in the coverage gap have jobs but may work in industries and for employers that are much less likely to provide health insurance coverage, such as in the service industry or construction.

“They simply don’t have access to affordable health insurance coverage, and therefore fall into what we call the coverage gap,” Tolbert said.

In Alabama, for example, people are&nbsp;<a href="https://alabamareflector.com/2024/04/25/alabama-lawmakers-weigh-medicaid-expansion-approaches-in-southern-states/#:~:text=Medicaid%20in%20Alabama%20is%20limited,for%20Affordable%20Care%20Act%20plans" target="_blank">only eligible</a>&nbsp;for Medicaid if they earn at or below 18% of the federal poverty line, about $4,678 a year for a three-person household. But health insurance cost subsidies would only kick in for people earning at 100% of the federal poverty line, which means those in the coverage gap may be stuck with premiums at upward of hundreds of dollars a month if they got a marketplace plan.

Some analysts say that, despite misgivings about the Affordable Care Act, holdout states will need to reconsider expansion to bring in federal matching funds and help their residents.

“There is no real solution to ensuring some level of health insurance coverage for this population, absent a Medicaid expansion,” said James C. Capretta, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, a center-right public policy think tank.

“If you’re going to have a safety net insurance system in this country, which we should have, it absolutely has to be reliably there for people in this kind of income with these kinds of income levels,” Capretta said. “There needs to be some push and movement to see if there is a way forward to get the coverage gap fully closed.”

In Mississippi, where Republican Gov. Tate Reeves has said he would veto any bill on Medicaid expansion, there has still been some movement. Both chambers of the Mississippi legislature earlier this year approved versions of bipartisan legislation that would have expanded Medicaid with work requirements. But the measure failed after legislators were unable to settle on a final version.

“My argument to my Republicans has been, ‘The ACA is with us. With 40 states now enacting it, it’s going to be with us,’” White told Stateline. “‘And if you can’t get there for the compassion and the health care coverage for these low-income working Mississippians, get yourself there because of the savings and the cost benefits it is for our health care industry and for our state economy as a whole.’”

White said the Republican caucus has been seeing a change in temperature, with more support for expansion. He added that for the first time, the Mississippi business community supports a pathway to Medicaid coverage, which could help get a veto-proof bill through the legislature.

“We have finally seen the thawing of the ice here,” White said. “Now, where that leads to the next session in the coming years, I don’t know. But I’m encouraged.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721756279101.png" alt=" A Medicaid office employee works on reports at Montefiore Medical Center in New York. Nearly 1 of every 5 uninsured working-age adults across the 10 states that have not expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act are stuck in a health care insurance limbo known as a “coverage gap.” Julie Jacobson/The Associated Press" />
 <figcaption> A Medicaid office employee works on reports at Montefiore Medical Center in New York. Nearly 1 of every 5 uninsured working-age adults across the 10 states that have not expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act are stuck in a health care insurance limbo known as a “coverage gap.” Julie Jacobson/The Associated Press</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/author/schatlani/">SHALINA CHATLANI</a>&nbsp; <a href="https://stateline.org/">Stateline</a><h2>The majority of residents in this coverage gap are people of color, an analysis found.</h2>Nearly 1 of every 5 uninsured working-age adults across the 10 states that have not expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act are, according to a new&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbpp.org/research/health/closing-medicaid-coverage-gap-would-help-diverse-groups-and-reduce-inequities" target="_blank">analysis</a>, stuck in a health care limbo known as a “coverage gap.” That means they earn too much money to receive Medicaid but not enough to qualify for financial help to purchase their own plan on the marketplace.In Alabama and Mississippi, more than a quarter of uninsured working-age adults are left with no affordable pathways to health coverage, according to the analysis from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a progressive think tank that researches federal and state budget policies. Overall, 1.6 million adults between the ages of 19 and 64 face the situation in the non-expansion states.“They are all people with incomes below the federal poverty level, and yet they have no financial assistance or coverage,” said Gideon Lukens, senior fellow and director of research and data analysis with the organization’s health policy team.The analysis also found that more than 60% of those who fall into this gap are people of color: Latino people account for 35%, Black residents account for 24%, and Asian people account for 2%.Mississippi state Rep. Robert Johnson, a Democrat, said the lack of insurance coverage contributes to other problems — such as the closures of hospitals that have to cover the cost of treating uninsured patients — in all types of communities.“This is not a conservative or liberal issue. This is about the people that we represent in the state of Mississippi, whether they be Black or white,” Johnson said in an interview. “This is a life-or-death issue for not just individuals, but the whole communities.”<h2>What’s the coverage gap?</h2>The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, was enacted in 2010, but 10 states have not expanded Medicaid, the federal-state program that provides health care for low-income people. They are Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin and Wyoming.The Affordable Care Act allowed states to expand Medicaid to cover people up to 138% of the federal poverty line. The costs of insuring more people would be paid for primarily with federal funds and a smaller state match. People who earned more than that could receive tax credits to subsidize health insurance costs.But in the states that didn’t expand, many people with low incomes were left without affordable options.Jennifer Tolbert, deputy director of the Program on Medicaid and the Uninsured at the nonprofit health research organization KFF, told Stateline most people in the coverage gap have jobs but may work in industries and for employers that are much less likely to provide health insurance coverage, such as in the service industry or construction.“They simply don’t have access to affordable health insurance coverage, and therefore fall into what we call the coverage gap,” Tolbert said.In Alabama, for example, people are&nbsp;<a href="https://alabamareflector.com/2024/04/25/alabama-lawmakers-weigh-medicaid-expansion-approaches-in-southern-states/#:~:text=Medicaid%20in%20Alabama%20is%20limited,for%20Affordable%20Care%20Act%20plans" target="_blank">only eligible</a>&nbsp;for Medicaid if they earn at or below 18% of the federal poverty line, about $4,678 a year for a three-person household. But health insurance cost subsidies would only kick in for people earning at 100% of the federal poverty line, which means those in the coverage gap may be stuck with premiums at upward of hundreds of dollars a month if they got a marketplace plan.<h2>Considering expansion</h2>Some analysts say that, despite misgivings about the Affordable Care Act, holdout states will need to reconsider expansion to bring in federal matching funds and help their residents.“There is no real solution to ensuring some level of health insurance coverage for this population, absent a Medicaid expansion,” said James C. Capretta, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, a center-right public policy think tank.“If you’re going to have a safety net insurance system in this country, which we should have, it absolutely has to be reliably there for people in this kind of income with these kinds of income levels,” Capretta said. “There needs to be some push and movement to see if there is a way forward to get the coverage gap fully closed.”In Mississippi, where Republican Gov. Tate Reeves has said he would veto any bill on Medicaid expansion, there has still been some movement. Both chambers of the Mississippi legislature earlier this year approved versions of bipartisan legislation that would have expanded Medicaid with work requirements. But the measure failed after legislators were unable to settle on a final version.“My argument to my Republicans has been, ‘The ACA is with us. With 40 states now enacting it, it’s going to be with us,’” White told Stateline. “‘And if you can’t get there for the compassion and the health care coverage for these low-income working Mississippians, get yourself there because of the savings and the cost benefits it is for our health care industry and for our state economy as a whole.’”White said the Republican caucus has been seeing a change in temperature, with more support for expansion. He added that for the first time, the Mississippi business community supports a pathway to Medicaid coverage, which could help get a veto-proof bill through the legislature.“We have finally seen the thawing of the ice here,” White said. “Now, where that leads to the next session in the coming years, I don’t know. But I’m encouraged.”