Child advocacy group presses KDHE for details of application impediments

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/06/grieving-moms-plea-to-kansas-lawmakers-do-something-this-epidemic-is-killing-our-kids/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — A Kansas advocacy organization said state records indicated children comprised two-thirds of the 45,000 people who have lost Medicaid coverage for procedural reasons since the restart in April of eligibility assessments halted during the COVID-19 emergency.

Kansas Action for Children, a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization in Topeka, said Kansas Department of Health and Environment statistics showed 62.3% of Kansans dropped from KanCare because of application issues were children.

“As children’s coverage has been discontinued until their caregivers submit the renewal form or reapply, this will cause a significant disruption to kids receiving time-sensitive health services,” said Heather Braum, health policy Advisor of Kansas Action for Children. “Sadly, their caregivers might not even know coverage has been discontinued until trying to access services for their children.”

KAC said the exodus of children from Medicaid appeared most significant in the counties of Chautauqua, Clark, Decatur, Finney, Ford, Grant, Gray, Greeley, Hamilton, Rawlins, Seward, Stanton, Stevens, Thomas and Wyandotte.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government suspended eligibility reviews to allow families across the United States to remain on Medicaid. Nationally, Medicaid enrollment surged from 71 million in February 2020 to 93 million in February 2023.

In Kansas, nearly 130,000 Kansans were added to KanCare during the three-year suspension. That hiatus in annual eligibility evaluations was lifted in April, which launched a 12-month review cycle in the states and territories. That meant about one-fourth of 530,000 Kansans in KanCare would be drawn into the eligibility process. Magnitude of the assessment bottleneck in Kansas and other states has proven difficult for program administrators.

KFF News, formerly known as Kaiser Health News, reported 3.8 million Medicaid enrollees in 39 states and the District of Columbia had been disenrolled from Medicaid as of Monday. Across all states with available data, KFF said, 74% of people disenrolled had coverage terminated for procedural reasons.

The federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services previously said four of five people dropped from Medicaid lost those benefits due to procedural complications.

April Holman, executive director of Alliance for Healthy Kansans, said the inability of Kansas to approve eligibility expansion of Medicaid created a coverage gap for low-wage parents and their children who didn’t have alternatives for affordable health care coverage.

She said the ongoing Medicaid redetermination process, also referred to as “unwinding,” placed Kansas children at a disadvantage compared to youth in neighboring states.

“Though the data available for each state in the unwinding process varies, it is clear that Kansans are in a more precarious position with the Medicaid unwinding than working families in states that have moved forward to ensure access to affordable health care,” Holman said. “Unlike Kansans, individuals in Missouri, Oklahoma, Nebraska and Colorado, along with 36 other expansion states, don’t need to worry about falling in the coverage gap.”

She said the quickest and most effective way to protect Kansans from losing health coverage under Medicaid was to expand KanCare — the name of Kansas’ Medicaid program. She said the reform could lower rates of infant mortality and raise high school graduation rates. It would narrow racial disparities in health coverage and outcomes while enhancing services for mental and behavioral care, Holman said.

“By providing affordable health coverage to low-wage parents, we can protect Kansas children and ensure they have access to the health care they deserve.

Braum said information released by KDHE didn’t reveal precisely why individuals were dropped from Medicaid by the agency and placed in a pool of people given 90 days to reapply or otherwise complete applications. While families have the option of continuing the application process, concerns have been raised about individuals not fully understanding their responsibilities in the process.

“One thing is clear, though, greater outreach is needed for all KanCare members, especially to families whose children are likely still eligible for coverage even if adults in the household are not,” she said.

According to KDHE, at the end of June the agency had sent 275,647 Kansans renewal letters for KanCare. Overall, 29,012 individuals had been renewed and 7,432 were notified they weren’t eligible. At the same time, 45,837 individuals had their Medicaid coverage discontinued for procedural reasons. It’s unclear how many people had submitted renewal forms that had yet to be processed.

Kansas officials began by sending renewal notices 30 days before they were due from applicants, but other states granted applicants weeks longer to respond.

KDHE didn’t respond to a request Monday for comment about what steps might be taken by the agency to address the large number of discontinuations involving children. KDHE spokesperson Philip Harris said KDHE did temporarily pause procedural disenrollments until June 18 due to mail-service disruptions.

That grace period was designed to give the agency an opportunity to find the “permanent solution” to application challenges, said Christine Osterlund, deputy operations chief for the state’s Medicaid office.

Kelly said at that time the complexity of the Medicaid unwinding process affirmed the need to expand eligibility for the program in Kansas. The Kansas Legislature, which is led by Republicans in the House and Senate, has fought off attempts by Kelly to gain legislative approval of KanCare expansion.

“It will boost our economy, bring hard-earned tax dollars back to our state and, most importantly, save lives,” Kelly said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1690891865443.png" alt="Christine Osterlund, deputy chief of operations for Kansas’ Medicaid program, joined U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids and Gov. Laura Kelly at a news conference to raise awareness about a challenging application process for thousands of Kansans who might lose KanCare coverage. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Christine Osterlund, deputy chief of operations for Kansas’ Medicaid program, joined U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids and Gov. Laura Kelly at a news conference to raise awareness about a challenging application process for thousands of Kansans who might lose KanCare coverage. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Child advocacy group presses KDHE for details of application impediments</h2>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/06/grieving-moms-plea-to-kansas-lawmakers-do-something-this-epidemic-is-killing-our-kids/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — A Kansas advocacy organization said state records indicated children comprised two-thirds of the 45,000 people who have lost Medicaid coverage for procedural reasons since the restart in April of eligibility assessments halted during the COVID-19 emergency.Kansas Action for Children, a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization in Topeka, said Kansas Department of Health and Environment statistics showed 62.3% of Kansans dropped from KanCare because of application issues were children.“As children’s coverage has been discontinued until their caregivers submit the renewal form or reapply, this will cause a significant disruption to kids receiving time-sensitive health services,” said Heather Braum, health policy Advisor of Kansas Action for Children. “Sadly, their caregivers might not even know coverage has been discontinued until trying to access services for their children.”KAC said the exodus of children from Medicaid appeared most significant in the counties of Chautauqua, Clark, Decatur, Finney, Ford, Grant, Gray, Greeley, Hamilton, Rawlins, Seward, Stanton, Stevens, Thomas and Wyandotte.In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government suspended eligibility reviews to allow families across the United States to remain on Medicaid. Nationally, Medicaid enrollment surged from 71 million in February 2020 to 93 million in February 2023.In Kansas, nearly 130,000 Kansans were added to KanCare during the three-year suspension. That hiatus in annual eligibility evaluations was lifted in April, which launched a 12-month review cycle in the states and territories. That meant about one-fourth of 530,000 Kansans in KanCare would be drawn into the eligibility process. Magnitude of the assessment bottleneck in Kansas and other states has proven difficult for program administrators.KFF News, formerly known as Kaiser Health News, reported 3.8 million Medicaid enrollees in 39 states and the District of Columbia had been disenrolled from Medicaid as of Monday. Across all states with available data, KFF said, 74% of people disenrolled had coverage terminated for procedural reasons.The federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services previously said four of five people dropped from Medicaid lost those benefits due to procedural complications.<h2>The great unwinding</h2>April Holman, executive director of Alliance for Healthy Kansans, said the inability of Kansas to approve eligibility expansion of Medicaid created a coverage gap for low-wage parents and their children who didn’t have alternatives for affordable health care coverage.She said the ongoing Medicaid redetermination process, also referred to as “unwinding,” placed Kansas children at a disadvantage compared to youth in neighboring states.“Though the data available for each state in the unwinding process varies, it is clear that Kansans are in a more precarious position with the Medicaid unwinding than working families in states that have moved forward to ensure access to affordable health care,” Holman said. “Unlike Kansans, individuals in Missouri, Oklahoma, Nebraska and Colorado, along with 36 other expansion states, don’t need to worry about falling in the coverage gap.”She said the quickest and most effective way to protect Kansans from losing health coverage under Medicaid was to expand KanCare — the name of Kansas’ Medicaid program. She said the reform could lower rates of infant mortality and raise high school graduation rates. It would narrow racial disparities in health coverage and outcomes while enhancing services for mental and behavioral care, Holman said.“By providing affordable health coverage to low-wage parents, we can protect Kansas children and ensure they have access to the health care they deserve.Braum said information released by KDHE didn’t reveal precisely why individuals were dropped from Medicaid by the agency and placed in a pool of people given 90 days to reapply or otherwise complete applications. While families have the option of continuing the application process, concerns have been raised about individuals not fully understanding their responsibilities in the process.“One thing is clear, though, greater outreach is needed for all KanCare members, especially to families whose children are likely still eligible for coverage even if adults in the household are not,” she said.<h2>Inside the numbers</h2>According to KDHE, at the end of June the agency had sent 275,647 Kansans renewal letters for KanCare. Overall, 29,012 individuals had been renewed and 7,432 were notified they weren’t eligible. At the same time, 45,837 individuals had their Medicaid coverage discontinued for procedural reasons. It’s unclear how many people had submitted renewal forms that had yet to be processed.Kansas officials began by sending renewal notices 30 days before they were due from applicants, but other states granted applicants weeks longer to respond.KDHE didn’t respond to a request Monday for comment about what steps might be taken by the agency to address the large number of discontinuations involving children. KDHE spokesperson Philip Harris said KDHE did temporarily pause procedural disenrollments until June 18 due to mail-service disruptions.That grace period was designed to give the agency an opportunity to find the “permanent solution” to application challenges, said Christine Osterlund, deputy operations chief for the state’s Medicaid office.Kelly said at that time the complexity of the Medicaid unwinding process affirmed the need to expand eligibility for the program in Kansas. The Kansas Legislature, which is led by Republicans in the House and Senate, has fought off attempts by Kelly to gain legislative approval of KanCare expansion.“It will boost our economy, bring hard-earned tax dollars back to our state and, most importantly, save lives,” Kelly said.

Report: Children comprise two-thirds of Kansans removed from state’s Medicaid program

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a deadly shooting have identified the victim as 58-year-old Manuel E. Valentine-Ruperto, according to KCPD Sergeant Jake Becchina.

Just after 5 p.m. Friday, police were dispatched to report of a shooting in 3400 block of Roberts Street. First responders located an Valentine-Roberto on the side walk suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. EMS arrived on scene and declared him deceased. Police had no suspect in custody late Monday but are making progress identifying a person of interest in this case, according to Becchina. There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information provided to TIPS which leads to an arrest in the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1690892621909.png" alt="There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information provided to TIPS which leads to an arrest in the case.-photo courtesy KMBC" />
 <figcaption>There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information provided to TIPS which leads to an arrest in the case.-photo courtesy KMBC</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a deadly shooting have identified the victim as 58-year-old Manuel E. Valentine-Ruperto, according to KCPD Sergeant Jake Becchina. Just after 5 p.m. Friday, police were dispatched to report of a shooting in 3400 block of Roberts Street. First responders located an Valentine-Roberto on the side walk suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. EMS arrived on scene and declared him deceased. Police had no suspect in custody late Monday but are making progress identifying a person of interest in this case, according to Becchina. There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information provided to TIPS which leads to an arrest in the case.

Police ID shooting victim found dead on Kansas City sidewalk

ELLSWORTH COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a weekend drowning&nbsp; at Kanopolis State Lake.

Just before 4p.m. Saturday,&nbsp; the Ellsworth County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a possible drowning at the lake, according to a statement from the sheriff's office.

Deputies from the Ellsworth County Sheriff’s Office and partnering agencies from the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks &amp; Tourism; the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; Marquette EMS; McPherson Fire Department-Swift Water Rescue; the Saline County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Patrol &amp; Rescue Squad and the Kansas Highway Patrol responded to the area.

Just before 9 a.m. Sunday, a body identified as that of 27-year-old Gabriel Tristen Mora&nbsp; of Salina, Kansas, was recovered from the water and subsequently pronounced deceased by the Ellsworth County Coroner.

The sheriff's office released no additional details early Tuesday.

ELLSWORTH COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a weekend drowning&nbsp; at Kanopolis State Lake.Just before 4p.m. Saturday,&nbsp; the Ellsworth County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a possible drowning at the lake, according to a statement from the sheriff's office.Deputies from the Ellsworth County Sheriff’s Office and partnering agencies from the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks &amp; Tourism; the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; Marquette EMS; McPherson Fire Department-Swift Water Rescue; the Saline County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Patrol &amp; Rescue Squad and the Kansas Highway Patrol responded to the area.Just before 9 a.m. Sunday, a body identified as that of 27-year-old Gabriel Tristen Mora&nbsp; of Salina, Kansas, was recovered from the water and subsequently pronounced deceased by the Ellsworth County Coroner.The sheriff's office released no additional details early Tuesday.

Sheriff: Kansas man drowns at Kanopolis State Lake

BARTON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a near tragic accident in Barton County and praising the driver of a semi.

Just after 9:30 a.m. Monday, the Barton County Sheriff’s Office was notified of an injury accident involving a Polaris Ranger ATV and an International truck-tractor and semi-trailer the intersection of Northwest 130 Avenue and Northwest 20 Road, about four miles south of Albert, Kansas, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir.

A 2022 Polaris Ranger operated by an unaccompanied eight-year-old juvenile was westbound on 20 Road approaching the intersection of 130 Avenue when the juvenile failed to yield right-of-way at the intersection.

A southbound 1998 International semi driven by 68-year-old Steven Wissman of rural Albert was approaching the intersection, saw the ATV was not going to stop and applied heavy breaking as well as steering toward the west ditch.

Investigation at the scene indicates the ATV struck the truck on the driver side near the fuel tanks causing the ATV to spin away from the truck. 

The eight-year-old was ejected from the Polaris landing on the roadway. The truck continued south into the West ditch where it came to rest.

EMS transported the eight-year-old to the hospital in Great Bend for treatment of received abrasions and lacerations, according to Bellendir. Wissman was not injured.

&nbsp;Because Wissman was alert and observant of the situation he was able to take evasive action and tragedy was averted, according Sheriff Bellendir and officers investigating.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1690897149527.jpeg" alt="Photo Barton Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo Barton Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a near tragic accident in Barton County and praising the driver of a semi.Just after 9:30 a.m. Monday, the Barton County Sheriff’s Office was notified of an injury accident involving a Polaris Ranger ATV and an International truck-tractor and semi-trailer the intersection of Northwest 130 Avenue and Northwest 20 Road, about four miles south of Albert, Kansas, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir.A 2022 Polaris Ranger operated by an unaccompanied eight-year-old juvenile was westbound on 20 Road approaching the intersection of 130 Avenue when the juvenile failed to yield right-of-way at the intersection.A southbound 1998 International semi driven by 68-year-old Steven Wissman of rural Albert was approaching the intersection, saw the ATV was not going to stop and applied heavy breaking as well as steering toward the west ditch.Investigation at the scene indicates the ATV struck the truck on the driver side near the fuel tanks causing the ATV to spin away from the truck. The eight-year-old was ejected from the Polaris landing on the roadway. The truck continued south into the West ditch where it came to rest.EMS transported the eight-year-old to the hospital in Great Bend for treatment of received abrasions and lacerations, according to Bellendir. Wissman was not injured.&nbsp;Because Wissman was alert and observant of the situation he was able to take evasive action and tragedy was averted, according Sheriff Bellendir and officers investigating.

Alert Kan. semi driver praised after crash with juvenile driving ATV

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a house fire and have made an arrest..

Just before 10p.m. Sunday, crews responded to a reported house fire located at 507 SW Taylor Street in Topeka, according to spokesperson Rosie Nichols.

First responders found smoke coming from the single-story house consisting of two apartments.&nbsp;&nbsp; All occupants were able to exit the structure, prior to the arrival of fire crews.

After a preliminary investigation the fire cause is classified as intentionally set. As a result of the investigation, Linda Ritchey, 61, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of of Aggravated Arson.

The origin of the fire was determined to have been on the first floor of the home. The total loss was estimated at $11,000, with $10,000 associated with structural loss and $1,000 associated with content loss.

The home did not have working smoke detectors, according to the fire department.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690819669630.png" alt="Ritchey-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Ritchey-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a house fire and have made an arrest..Just before 10p.m. Sunday, crews responded to a reported house fire located at 507 SW Taylor Street in Topeka, according to spokesperson Rosie Nichols.First responders found smoke coming from the single-story house consisting of two apartments.&nbsp;&nbsp; All occupants were able to exit the structure, prior to the arrival of fire crews.After a preliminary investigation the fire cause is classified as intentionally set. As a result of the investigation, Linda Ritchey, 61, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of of Aggravated Arson.The origin of the fire was determined to have been on the first floor of the home. The total loss was estimated at $11,000, with $10,000 associated with structural loss and $1,000 associated with content loss.The home did not have working smoke detectors, according to the fire department.

Woman accused of setting Kansas house fire

By SAM BAILEY <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/06/grieving-moms-plea-to-kansas-lawmakers-do-something-this-epidemic-is-killing-our-kids/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Most Kansas hospitals are not complying with federal law requiring a publicly accessible online list of prices, according to a new report by Patient Rights Advocate.

The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.patientrightsadvocate.org/july-semi-annual-compliance-report-2023">July report</a>&nbsp;found only six of the 23 Kansas hospitals used in the study fully comply with the Hospital Price Transparency rule that went into effect Jan. 1, 2021. The rule requires all hospitals to provide clear pricing information on their website as both a comprehensive list that can be imported and read by a computer and a user-friendly display that includes a cost estimator for at least 300 of the most common services.

These regulations were put in place to allow patients to understand and compare medical costs.

“When hospitals hide behind estimates or don’t post all real prices, they are leaving consumers in the dark,” said Cynthia Fisher, founder and chairman of PRA in a news release. “Making all actual prices available upfront will empower patients, employers and unions to choose the best care at prices they know they can afford, and protect all Americans from overcharges, errors, and fraud.”

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.adventhealth.com/hospital/adventhealth-shawnee-mission">AdventHealth Shawnee Mission</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.centura.org/location/bob-wilson-memorial-hospital">Bob Wilson Memorial Grant County Hospital</a>, Saint Catherine Hospitals of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.centura.org/location/st-catherine-hospital-dodge-city">Dodge City</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.centura.org/location/st-catherine-hospital-garden-city">Garden City</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://stjohnleavenworth.com/">Saint John Hospital</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kansashealthsystem.com/locations/Main-Campus-Main-Hospital-Kansas-City-KS">The University of Kansas Hospital Main Campus</a>&nbsp;are the only hospitals in the study to fully comply with the transparency law.

Chad Austin, president and CEO of the Kansas Hospital Association, said Kansas hospitals are “committed to providing patients with the information they need for their healthiest lives,” and KHA continues to educate hospitals and consumers on how to access that information.&nbsp;

“We are reviewing their methodology to better understand how they arrived at their interpretation,” Austin said. “However, we fall back on the report that’s provided by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which oversees the hospital pricing transparency tool, which indicates hospitals are largely in compliance with the provisions of the hospital price transparency rule.”

The report also found only 36% of United States hospitals fully complied with the law. In July 2021, 5.6% of hospitals complied.&nbsp;

Fisher said while she is encouraged by the growth, she encourages Congress to pass increased legislation to strengthen price transparency rules for a more affordable healthcare system.

By SAM BAILEY <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/06/grieving-moms-plea-to-kansas-lawmakers-do-something-this-epidemic-is-killing-our-kids/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Most Kansas hospitals are not complying with federal law requiring a publicly accessible online list of prices, according to a new report by Patient Rights Advocate.The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.patientrightsadvocate.org/july-semi-annual-compliance-report-2023">July report</a>&nbsp;found only six of the 23 Kansas hospitals used in the study fully comply with the Hospital Price Transparency rule that went into effect Jan. 1, 2021. The rule requires all hospitals to provide clear pricing information on their website as both a comprehensive list that can be imported and read by a computer and a user-friendly display that includes a cost estimator for at least 300 of the most common services.These regulations were put in place to allow patients to understand and compare medical costs.“When hospitals hide behind estimates or don’t post all real prices, they are leaving consumers in the dark,” said Cynthia Fisher, founder and chairman of PRA in a news release. “Making all actual prices available upfront will empower patients, employers and unions to choose the best care at prices they know they can afford, and protect all Americans from overcharges, errors, and fraud.”<a target="_blank" href="https://www.adventhealth.com/hospital/adventhealth-shawnee-mission">AdventHealth Shawnee Mission</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.centura.org/location/bob-wilson-memorial-hospital">Bob Wilson Memorial Grant County Hospital</a>, Saint Catherine Hospitals of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.centura.org/location/st-catherine-hospital-dodge-city">Dodge City</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.centura.org/location/st-catherine-hospital-garden-city">Garden City</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://stjohnleavenworth.com/">Saint John Hospital</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kansashealthsystem.com/locations/Main-Campus-Main-Hospital-Kansas-City-KS">The University of Kansas Hospital Main Campus</a>&nbsp;are the only hospitals in the study to fully comply with the transparency law.Chad Austin, president and CEO of the Kansas Hospital Association, said Kansas hospitals are “committed to providing patients with the information they need for their healthiest lives,” and KHA continues to educate hospitals and consumers on how to access that information.&nbsp;“We are reviewing their methodology to better understand how they arrived at their interpretation,” Austin said. “However, we fall back on the report that’s provided by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which oversees the hospital pricing transparency tool, which indicates hospitals are largely in compliance with the provisions of the hospital price transparency rule.”The report also found only 36% of United States hospitals fully complied with the law. In July 2021, 5.6% of hospitals complied.&nbsp;Fisher said while she is encouraged by the growth, she encourages Congress to pass increased legislation to strengthen price transparency rules for a more affordable healthcare system.

Few Kan. hospitals comply with federal regulations requiring financial transparency

GRANT COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities investigating a double-fatal crash that occurred in southwest Kansas in 2019 captured a man accused of fleeing the accident scene, according to the United State's Marshals Service.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On July 28 , the Kansas Fugitive Apprehension Task Force and the Southeast Region Fugitive Task Force arrested 46-year-old Paulo I. Garcia in Douglas County, Georgia.&nbsp;Garcia was wanted out of Grant County Kansas, for "leaving the scene of an accident which involved great bodily injury/death, and felony theft."

In October of  2019, the Kansas Highway Patrol reported that just before 12:30 p.m. on that Saturday, a 2007 Kenworth truck was westbound on Grant County Road 10 three miles north of U.S. 160.

The driver, later identified as Garcia, failed to yield right of way to a 2012 Chevy Silverado that was southbound on County Road X and driven by Kevin Jay Coyle, 57, Turpin, Oklahoma. The Kenworth entered the uncontrolled intersection&nbsp;directly into the path of the Silverado.

Coyle and his father 81-year-old Gerald Lee Coyle also of Turpin, Oklahoma, who was a passenger, were pronounced dead at the scene.

While a witness to the crash was working to assist the victims, the driver of the Kenworth truck drove away in the witness’s pickup, according to KHP Trooper Michael Racy. Authorities located the stolen pickup in a Haskell County, Kansas field.&nbsp;

Garcia was also wanted for a federal supervised release violation in Wichita.&nbsp; &nbsp;He is being held without bond, according to online jail records.

“I am proud of the dedicated work of our Fugitive Task Force, and I hope this arrest will help the victim’s family get some sense of closure,” said Ronald Miller, US Marshal for the District of Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690834733508.png" alt="Garcia-photo KHP" />
 <figcaption>Garcia-photo KHP</figcaption>
 </figure>GRANT COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities investigating a double-fatal crash that occurred in southwest Kansas in 2019 captured a man accused of fleeing the accident scene, according to the United State's Marshals Service.&nbsp;&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">On 10/26/2019 KHP troopers worked a fatal in Grant County on U160 between East Rd 10-12. One of the drivers involved stole another vehicle and fled the scene. If you know who this person is or where he might be please contact TECHTRP Michael Racy at (620) 276-3201. <a href="https://t.co/d6CaBG3H7N">pic.twitter.com/d6CaBG3H7N</a>&mdash; Trooper Racy (@TrooperMikeKHP) <a href="https://twitter.com/TrooperMikeKHP/status/1189580318732406787?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>On July 28 , the Kansas Fugitive Apprehension Task Force and the Southeast Region Fugitive Task Force arrested 46-year-old Paulo I. Garcia in Douglas County, Georgia.&nbsp;Garcia was wanted out of Grant County Kansas, for "leaving the scene of an accident which involved great bodily injury/death, and felony theft."In October of 2019, the Kansas Highway Patrol reported that just before 12:30 p.m. on that Saturday, a 2007 Kenworth truck was westbound on Grant County Road 10 three miles north of U.S. 160.The driver, later identified as Garcia, failed to yield right of way to a 2012 Chevy Silverado that was southbound on County Road X and driven by Kevin Jay Coyle, 57, Turpin, Oklahoma. The Kenworth entered the uncontrolled intersection&nbsp;directly into the path of the Silverado.Coyle and his father 81-year-old Gerald Lee Coyle also of Turpin, Oklahoma, who was a passenger, were pronounced dead at the scene.While a witness to the crash was working to assist the victims, the driver of the Kenworth truck drove away in the witness’s pickup, according to KHP Trooper Michael Racy. Authorities located the stolen pickup in a Haskell County, Kansas field.&nbsp;Garcia was also wanted for a federal supervised release violation in Wichita.&nbsp; &nbsp;He is being held without bond, according to online jail records.“I am proud of the dedicated work of our Fugitive Task Force, and I hope this arrest will help the victim’s family get some sense of closure,” said Ronald Miller, US Marshal for the District of Kansas.

Driver captured 4-years after he fled fatal SW Kansas crash 

PHOENIX (AP) — A record string of daily highs over 110 degrees Fahrenheit in Phoenix ended Monday as the dangerous heat wave that suffocated the Southwest throughout July receded slightly with cooling monsoon rains.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/phoenix-heat-record-48e8d06cd7c103f6bfcc4c883efd6543">historic heat</a>&nbsp;began blasting the region in June, stretching from Texas across New Mexico and Arizona and into California’s desert. Phoenix and its suburbs sweltered more and longer than most, with several records including the 31 consecutive days of 110 degrees Fahrenheit-plus weather. The previous record was 18 straight days, set in 1974.

The streak was finally broken Monday, when the high topped out at 108 degrees Fahrenheit at 3:10 p.m.

“The high temperature for Phoenix today is 108 degrees,” Jessica Leffel, meteorologist for the National Weather Service, said at 5 p.m.

“The record streak of 31 straight days of 110+ degree temperatures has ended.,” the weather service said on social media. “The high temperature at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport reached 108 degrees this afternoon, which is only 2 degrees above normal.”

The reprieve was expected to be brief, with the forecast calling for highs again above 110 for several days later in the week. And National Weather Service meteorologist Matthew Hirsch said August could be even hotter than July.

But residents and visitors were taking what they could get.

“It’s not going to last more than a couple of days, but I’m enjoying this break,” said Christine Bertaux, 76, who was cooling off Monday at a downtown day center for older people who are homeless.

“It has been REALLY hot here!” said Jeffrey Sharpe, of Kenosha, Wisconsin, who was in town for a long weekend that on Monday included watching his son’s two poodles frolic in a grassy dog park. “But today it was about 85 degrees, more like Wisconsin.”

Phoenix also sweated through a record 16 consecutive days when overnight lows didn’t dip below 90 degrees, making it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/homeless-heat-phoenix-climate-a47f04ee21b96651585f3684ac35cb6e">hard for people to cool off</a>&nbsp;after the sun went down.

In California, Death Valley, long considered the hottest place on Earth,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/death-valley-heat-wave-california-hottest-record-c1b2d83dc384e46f133d460893787c52">flirted</a>&nbsp;in July with some of the hottest temperatures ever recorded, reaching 125.6 degrees Fahrenheit (52.5 Celsius) on July 16 at the aptly named Furnace Creek.

The planet’s hottest recorded temperature ever was&nbsp;<a href="https://wmo.asu.edu/content/world-highest-temperature">134 F (56.67 C)</a>&nbsp;in July 1913 at Furnace Creek, according to the World Meteorological Organization, the body recognized as keeper of world records.

And in Nevada, also on July 16, Las Vegas briefly reached 116 degrees&nbsp; to tie the record for that date set in 1998.

The heat in Phoenix began to ease slightly last week with the city’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/phoenix-heat-wave-monsoon-4b46022dbdf81f5f7d7fcc8a455c01a8">first major storm</a>&nbsp;since the monsoon season began June 15.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/phoenix-southwest-extreme-heat-wave-8a1608fef6be5194931e8e2ef07440f4">Southwest heat wave</a>&nbsp;was just one kind of extreme weather events that hit the U.S. in July. Fatal flash floods swept people and cars away in Pennsylvania, and days of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/vermont-floods-storms-weather-national-e97a63311f964f04bee13c22878c60e8">flooding</a>&nbsp;led to dangerous mudslides in the Northeast.

At several points during the month, as many as a third of Americans were under some type of heat advisory, watch or warning. While not as visually dramatic as other natural disasters, experts say heat waves are deadlier — heat in parts of the South and Midwest killed more than a dozen people in June.

Rudy Soliz, who manages the center where Bertaux was cooling off, said those who visit to get a meal and cool off out of the sun “have been having a very hard time this summer.”

“Older people have a harder time with the heat, there are a lot of diabetics, people who take medicines,” he said.

“The heat has been pretty bad this summer. We’ve made at least five 911 calls from here this July for people who got heat stroke,” said Soliz. “They’ve found a couple of bodies around here this month but it’s not clear yet if they died from the heat.”

Maricopa County, Arizona’s most populous and home to Phoenix,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.maricopa.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/5665">reported</a>&nbsp;25 heat-related deaths this year as of July 21. Another 249 deaths are listed as under investigation, and results from toxicological tests that can take weeks or months after an autopsy could lead to many being confirmed as heat-related.

Maricopa County reported 425 heat-associated deaths in all of 2022, with more than half in July.

R. Glenn Williamson, a businessman who was born in Canada but has lived in Phoenix for years, said he really noticed a temperature difference Monday morning as he washed his car in his driveway.

“Now we have to get rid of the humidity!” Williamson said. “But honestly, I’d rather have this heat than a Montreal winter.”

PHOENIX (AP) — A record string of daily highs over 110 degrees Fahrenheit in Phoenix ended Monday as the dangerous heat wave that suffocated the Southwest throughout July receded slightly with cooling monsoon rains.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The record streak of 31 straight days of 110+ degree temperatures has ended. The high temperature at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport reached 108 degrees this afternoon, which is only 2 degrees above normal. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/azwx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#azwx</a> <a href="https://t.co/qeuD2iFoLr">pic.twitter.com/qeuD2iFoLr</a>&mdash; NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSPhoenix/status/1686167833162760197?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/phoenix-heat-record-48e8d06cd7c103f6bfcc4c883efd6543">historic heat</a>&nbsp;began blasting the region in June, stretching from Texas across New Mexico and Arizona and into California’s desert. Phoenix and its suburbs sweltered more and longer than most, with several records including the 31 consecutive days of 110 degrees Fahrenheit-plus weather. The previous record was 18 straight days, set in 1974.The streak was finally broken Monday, when the high topped out at 108 degrees Fahrenheit at 3:10 p.m.“The high temperature for Phoenix today is 108 degrees,” Jessica Leffel, meteorologist for the National Weather Service, said at 5 p.m.“The record streak of 31 straight days of 110+ degree temperatures has ended.,” the weather service said on social media. “The high temperature at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport reached 108 degrees this afternoon, which is only 2 degrees above normal.”The reprieve was expected to be brief, with the forecast calling for highs again above 110 for several days later in the week. And National Weather Service meteorologist Matthew Hirsch said August could be even hotter than July.But residents and visitors were taking what they could get.“It’s not going to last more than a couple of days, but I’m enjoying this break,” said Christine Bertaux, 76, who was cooling off Monday at a downtown day center for older people who are homeless.“It has been REALLY hot here!” said Jeffrey Sharpe, of Kenosha, Wisconsin, who was in town for a long weekend that on Monday included watching his son’s two poodles frolic in a grassy dog park. “But today it was about 85 degrees, more like Wisconsin.”Phoenix also sweated through a record 16 consecutive days when overnight lows didn’t dip below 90 degrees, making it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/homeless-heat-phoenix-climate-a47f04ee21b96651585f3684ac35cb6e">hard for people to cool off</a>&nbsp;after the sun went down.In California, Death Valley, long considered the hottest place on Earth,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/death-valley-heat-wave-california-hottest-record-c1b2d83dc384e46f133d460893787c52">flirted</a>&nbsp;in July with some of the hottest temperatures ever recorded, reaching 125.6 degrees Fahrenheit (52.5 Celsius) on July 16 at the aptly named Furnace Creek.The planet’s hottest recorded temperature ever was&nbsp;<a href="https://wmo.asu.edu/content/world-highest-temperature">134 F (56.67 C)</a>&nbsp;in July 1913 at Furnace Creek, according to the World Meteorological Organization, the body recognized as keeper of world records.And in Nevada, also on July 16, Las Vegas briefly reached 116 degrees&nbsp; to tie the record for that date set in 1998.The heat in Phoenix began to ease slightly last week with the city’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/phoenix-heat-wave-monsoon-4b46022dbdf81f5f7d7fcc8a455c01a8">first major storm</a>&nbsp;since the monsoon season began June 15.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/phoenix-southwest-extreme-heat-wave-8a1608fef6be5194931e8e2ef07440f4">Southwest heat wave</a>&nbsp;was just one kind of extreme weather events that hit the U.S. in July. Fatal flash floods swept people and cars away in Pennsylvania, and days of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/vermont-floods-storms-weather-national-e97a63311f964f04bee13c22878c60e8">flooding</a>&nbsp;led to dangerous mudslides in the Northeast.At several points during the month, as many as a third of Americans were under some type of heat advisory, watch or warning. While not as visually dramatic as other natural disasters, experts say heat waves are deadlier — heat in parts of the South and Midwest killed more than a dozen people in June.Rudy Soliz, who manages the center where Bertaux was cooling off, said those who visit to get a meal and cool off out of the sun “have been having a very hard time this summer.”“Older people have a harder time with the heat, there are a lot of diabetics, people who take medicines,” he said.“The heat has been pretty bad this summer. We’ve made at least five 911 calls from here this July for people who got heat stroke,” said Soliz. “They’ve found a couple of bodies around here this month but it’s not clear yet if they died from the heat.”Maricopa County, Arizona’s most populous and home to Phoenix,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.maricopa.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/5665">reported</a>&nbsp;25 heat-related deaths this year as of July 21. Another 249 deaths are listed as under investigation, and results from toxicological tests that can take weeks or months after an autopsy could lead to many being confirmed as heat-related.Maricopa County reported 425 heat-associated deaths in all of 2022, with more than half in July.R. Glenn Williamson, a businessman who was born in Canada but has lived in Phoenix for years, said he really noticed a temperature difference Monday morning as he washed his car in his driveway.“Now we have to get rid of the humidity!” Williamson said. “But honestly, I’d rather have this heat than a Montreal winter.”___

Hottest month in history: Streak of 110 degrees ends in Phoenix

JACKSON COUNTY —Authorities are investigating the cause of a rural Kansas house fire. Just after 2:30a.m. Monday,&nbsp;&nbsp;the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a house fire in the 8000 block of 254th Road, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

  The Holton, Netawaka and Soldier Fire Departments and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene. 

The residence appeared to be a total loss. No injuries were reported. The Kansas Fire Marshal’s Office is assisting with the investigation as to the cause of the fire.

JACKSON COUNTY —Authorities are investigating the cause of a rural Kansas house fire. Just after 2:30a.m. Monday,&nbsp;&nbsp;the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a house fire in the 8000 block of 254th Road, according to Sheriff Tim Morse. The Holton, Netawaka and Soldier Fire Departments and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene. The residence appeared to be a total loss. No injuries were reported. The Kansas Fire Marshal’s Office is assisting with the investigation as to the cause of the fire.

Sheriff: Rural Kansas home destroyed in fire

WASHINGTON (AP) — Hunter Biden’s former business partner insisted in testimony to Congress Monday that President Joe Biden was never directly involved in their financial dealings, though Hunter would often put his famous father on speakerphone to impress clients and business associates.

The Republican-led House Oversight Committee conducted a more than-five hour interview with Devon Archer as part of its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-irs-whistleblowers-oversight-joe-biden-1db3aadcdf7f544c16df681a25853827" target="_blank">expanding congressional inquiry</a>&nbsp;into the Biden family businesses as the GOP explores a potential impeachment inquiry into the president.

Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers inside the closed-door interview said Archer testified that over the span of 10 years, Hunter Biden put his father on the phone around 20 times while in the company of associates but “never once spoke about any business dealings.”

New York Rep. Dan Goldman, who was representing Democrats inside the room, told reporters after the interview that Archer testified that Hunter sold the “illusion of access” to his father by taking credit for things his father did as vice president that he had no part in.

But Rep. Andy Biggs, a Republican member of the Oversight Committee, came out of the interview saying that testimony implicated the president directly. “I think we should do an impeachment inquiry,” the Arizona lawmaker told reporters.

Biggs, reading from his notes, said Archer testified that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-europe-business-c49555d51eb243e09a42f7577fc5937f" target="_blank">Ukrainian gas company “Burisma</a>&nbsp;would have gone out of business sooner if the Biden brand had not been invoked. People would be intimidated to legally mess with Burisma because of the Biden family brand.”

Focusing on that idea, Rep. James Comer, the GOP chairman of the Oversight Committee, said in a statement late Monday that “Joe Biden was ‘the brand’ that his son sold around the world to enrich the Biden family.”

“We are aware that all sides are claiming victory following Mr. Archer’s voluntary interview today,” Archer’s attorney, Matthew Schwartz, said in a statement. “But all Devon Archer did was exactly what we said he would: Show up and answer the questions put to him honestly and completely.”

He added, “Mr. Archer shared the truth with the committee, and we will leave to them and others to decide what to do with it.”

The White House saw the testimony as a falling short of House Republicans promise to deliver “bombshell evidence.”

“It appears that the House Republicans’ own much-hyped witness today testified that he never heard of President Biden discussing business with his son or his son’s associates, or doing anything wrong,” Ian Sams, a White House spokesperson, said in a statement.

Archer, who served with Hunter Biden on the board of Burisma, has long been seen by Republicans as a key witness in their search to directly connect the president to his son’s various international business transactions.

Comer had issued a subpoena to Archer in June, saying he “played a significant role in the Biden family’s business deals abroad, including but not limited to China, Russia, and Ukraine.” He said Archer’s testimony would be critical to the committee’s investigation.

Republicans have focused much attention on an unverified tip to the FBI that alleged a bribery scheme involving Joe Biden when he was vice president. The claim, which first emerged in 2019, was that Biden pressured Ukraine to fire its top prosecutor in order to stop an investigation into Burisma, the oil-and-gas company where Hunter Biden was on the board.

Democrats on the committee, including Maryland Rep. Jamie Raskin, the ranking minority member, have reiterated that the Justice Department investigated the Burisma claim when Donald Trump was president and closed the matter after eight months, finding “insufficient evidence” that it was true. Democrats have also highlighted&nbsp;<a href="https://oversightdemocrats.house.gov/sites/democrats.oversight.house.gov/files/VPanswersJuly7th2019.pdf" target="_blank">the transcript of an interview</a>&nbsp;with Mykola Zlochevsky, Burisma’s co-founder, in which he denied having any contact with Joe Biden while Hunter Biden worked for the company.

“Mr. Zlochevsky’s statements are just one of the many that have debunked the corruption allegations,” Raskin said.

On top of his relationship with Hunter Biden, who is currently&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-plea-deal-congress-republicans-investigation-ad80b195c8c0f48241740881cf9b9bce" target="_blank">facing federal tax charges</a>, Archer has his own legal troubles stemming from a 2018 felony conviction for his role in a conspiracy to defraud a Native American tribe. That conviction was overturned later that year, but the court of appeals in New York reinstated it in 2020. His sentencing in the case has been repeatedly delayed by appeals.

Archer’s appearance before lawmakers had been scheduled and canceled several times since June. Republicans suggested it was about to be delayed again after the Justice Department over the weekend asked a judge to schedule a date for Archer to surrender to prison and begin serving out his one-year sentence in the unrelated fraud case.

Republicans — led by Comer — criticized that delay, calling it an effort by the Justice Department to intimidate a witness. But the Justice Department in a follow-up memo to the court noted Archer’s surrender was not imminent and asked a judge to ensure that he testified to Congress before reporting to prison.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Hunter Biden’s former business partner insisted in testimony to Congress Monday that President Joe Biden was never directly involved in their financial dealings, though Hunter would often put his famous father on speakerphone to impress clients and business associates.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">From Sunday, President Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden at the beach. <a href="https://t.co/2RNK2fuTxJ">pic.twitter.com/2RNK2fuTxJ</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1686032175836086272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Republican-led House Oversight Committee conducted a more than-five hour interview with Devon Archer as part of its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-irs-whistleblowers-oversight-joe-biden-1db3aadcdf7f544c16df681a25853827" target="_blank">expanding congressional inquiry</a>&nbsp;into the Biden family businesses as the GOP explores a potential impeachment inquiry into the president.Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers inside the closed-door interview said Archer testified that over the span of 10 years, Hunter Biden put his father on the phone around 20 times while in the company of associates but “never once spoke about any business dealings.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/RepDanGoldman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RepDanGoldman</a>: &quot;There still is no connection of any of Hunter Biden&#39;s business dealings with President Biden...Hunter may have put his father on the phone with any number of different people. They never once spoke about any business dealings...It was all casual conversation.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/uzCKa8gPYM">pic.twitter.com/uzCKa8gPYM</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1686090564587106304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>New York Rep. Dan Goldman, who was representing Democrats inside the room, told reporters after the interview that Archer testified that Hunter sold the “illusion of access” to his father by taking credit for things his father did as vice president that he had no part in.But Rep. Andy Biggs, a Republican member of the Oversight Committee, came out of the interview saying that testimony implicated the president directly. “I think we should do an impeachment inquiry,” the Arizona lawmaker told reporters.Biggs, reading from his notes, said Archer testified that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-europe-business-c49555d51eb243e09a42f7577fc5937f" target="_blank">Ukrainian gas company “Burisma</a>&nbsp;would have gone out of business sooner if the Biden brand had not been invoked. People would be intimidated to legally mess with Burisma because of the Biden family brand.”Focusing on that idea, Rep. James Comer, the GOP chairman of the Oversight Committee, said in a statement late Monday that “Joe Biden was ‘the brand’ that his son sold around the world to enrich the Biden family.”“We are aware that all sides are claiming victory following Mr. Archer’s voluntary interview today,” Archer’s attorney, Matthew Schwartz, said in a statement. “But all Devon Archer did was exactly what we said he would: Show up and answer the questions put to him honestly and completely.”He added, “Mr. Archer shared the truth with the committee, and we will leave to them and others to decide what to do with it.”The White House saw the testimony as a falling short of House Republicans promise to deliver “bombshell evidence.”“It appears that the House Republicans’ own much-hyped witness today testified that he never heard of President Biden discussing business with his son or his son’s associates, or doing anything wrong,” Ian Sams, a White House spokesperson, said in a statement.Archer, who served with Hunter Biden on the board of Burisma, has long been seen by Republicans as a key witness in their search to directly connect the president to his son’s various international business transactions.Comer had issued a subpoena to Archer in June, saying he “played a significant role in the Biden family’s business deals abroad, including but not limited to China, Russia, and Ukraine.” He said Archer’s testimony would be critical to the committee’s investigation.ADVERTISEMENTRepublicans have focused much attention on an unverified tip to the FBI that alleged a bribery scheme involving Joe Biden when he was vice president. The claim, which first emerged in 2019, was that Biden pressured Ukraine to fire its top prosecutor in order to stop an investigation into Burisma, the oil-and-gas company where Hunter Biden was on the board.Democrats on the committee, including Maryland Rep. Jamie Raskin, the ranking minority member, have reiterated that the Justice Department investigated the Burisma claim when Donald Trump was president and closed the matter after eight months, finding “insufficient evidence” that it was true. Democrats have also highlighted&nbsp;<a href="https://oversightdemocrats.house.gov/sites/democrats.oversight.house.gov/files/VPanswersJuly7th2019.pdf" target="_blank">the transcript of an interview</a>&nbsp;with Mykola Zlochevsky, Burisma’s co-founder, in which he denied having any contact with Joe Biden while Hunter Biden worked for the company.“Mr. Zlochevsky’s statements are just one of the many that have debunked the corruption allegations,” Raskin said.On top of his relationship with Hunter Biden, who is currently&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-plea-deal-congress-republicans-investigation-ad80b195c8c0f48241740881cf9b9bce" target="_blank">facing federal tax charges</a>, Archer has his own legal troubles stemming from a 2018 felony conviction for his role in a conspiracy to defraud a Native American tribe. That conviction was overturned later that year, but the court of appeals in New York reinstated it in 2020. His sentencing in the case has been repeatedly delayed by appeals.Archer’s appearance before lawmakers had been scheduled and canceled several times since June. Republicans suggested it was about to be delayed again after the Justice Department over the weekend asked a judge to schedule a date for Archer to surrender to prison and begin serving out his one-year sentence in the unrelated fraud case.Republicans — led by Comer — criticized that delay, calling it an effort by the Justice Department to intimidate a witness. But the Justice Department in a follow-up memo to the court noted Archer’s surrender was not imminent and asked a judge to ensure that he testified to Congress before reporting to prison.

Business partner to Congress: Hunter Biden sold ‘illusion of access’ to his father

KANSAS CITY —A Jackson County judge sentenced a Kansas City woman to 20 years in prison after she was convicted for severely beating two children while the children were in her care in a Kansas City home, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

In March, a Jackson County jury convicted 41-year-old&nbsp; Nancy Russell of four Class B felonies of Domestic Assault 1st Degree and four counts of Armed Criminal Action.&nbsp;

According to court records, in October 2017, police in Kansas City were alerted by Arkansas police of possible child abuse. A family member had come forward to say that one of the children had been abused at a home in Kansas City in the area of 53rd and Hardesty.

 The child was reportedly walking with a limp and had gashes on the head. Forensic interviews in Arkansas disclosed the defendant struck the child with a cord and metal pipe.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678322605798.png" alt="Russell-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Russell-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A Jackson County judge sentenced a Kansas City woman to 20 years in prison after she was convicted for severely beating two children while the children were in her care in a Kansas City home, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.In March, a Jackson County jury convicted 41-year-old&nbsp; Nancy Russell of four Class B felonies of Domestic Assault 1st Degree and four counts of Armed Criminal Action.&nbsp;According to court records, in October 2017, police in Kansas City were alerted by Arkansas police of possible child abuse. A family member had come forward to say that one of the children had been abused at a home in Kansas City in the area of 53rd and Hardesty. The child was reportedly walking with a limp and had gashes on the head. Forensic interviews in Arkansas disclosed the defendant struck the child with a cord and metal pipe.&nbsp;

Kansas City woman sentenced for beating child with a metal pipe 

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities in Kansas are alerting parents to a dangerous game with possible unintended consequences.

According to police in Abilene and Salina, for several years now, local high school students have been engaging in a hide and seek style game referred to as "Fugitive."

The "Fugitive" game is played after dark and requires one group of players to reach a pre-determined location before being located by another group of players. 

Individuals playing "Fugitive" commonly run down alleyways and through privately owned property as a means of reaching the pre-determined location.

It has been brought to our attention that activities related to "Fugitive" have now escalated to violence, to include organized fighting. These fights have already resulted in injuries and will likely result in criminal charges for involved parties. 

Police&nbsp; encouraged parents to speak with your kids about the potential dangers involved in participating in the "Fugitive" game.

 While participating may appear harmless, the game can have unintended consequences.For further information one can do an internet search for the "Fugitive" game, and parents can learn additional facts.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690830914962.png" alt="Individuals playing "Fugitive" commonly run down alleyways and through privately owned property as a means of reaching the pre-determined location.-Google image" />
 <figcaption>Individuals playing "Fugitive" commonly run down alleyways and through privately owned property as a means of reaching the pre-determined location.-Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities in Kansas are alerting parents to a dangerous game with possible unintended consequences.According to police in Abilene and Salina, for several years now, local high school students have been engaging in a hide and seek style game referred to as "Fugitive."The "Fugitive" game is played after dark and requires one group of players to reach a pre-determined location before being located by another group of players. Individuals playing "Fugitive" commonly run down alleyways and through privately owned property as a means of reaching the pre-determined location.It has been brought to our attention that activities related to "Fugitive" have now escalated to violence, to include organized fighting. These fights have already resulted in injuries and will likely result in criminal charges for involved parties. Police&nbsp; encouraged parents to speak with your kids about the potential dangers involved in participating in the "Fugitive" game. While participating may appear harmless, the game can have unintended consequences.For further information one can do an internet search for the "Fugitive" game, and parents can learn additional facts.

Police in Kansas alert parents to dangers of "Fugitive" game

KANSAS CITY Mo. (AP) — Missouri Gov. Mike Parson said Monday that the state will proceed with this week's planned execution of a man who abducted and killed a 6-year-old girl nearly two decades ago, though the man's attorneys are still pressing claims he is mentally incompetent.

Johnny Johnson, 45, is scheduled to receive a lethal injection Tuesday evening for the July 26, 2022, fatal beating of Casey Williamson in her St. Louis County hometown of Valley Park.

Johnson's attorneys have asked the U.S. Supreme Court to halt the execution. They also asked that Parson grant clemency — reducing Johnson's sentence to life in prison — while asserting that Johnson's mental illness has left him incapable of understanding the connection between his actions and his execution.

Parson denied the clemency request. He noted that a variety of courts — including the original trial judge and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/execution-schizophrenia-missouri-johnson-a86269e6868acc0618ac1bb73ff794a6">8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals</a>&nbsp;just days ago — have thus far rejected Johnson's incompetency claims.

“Johnny Johnson’s crime is one of the most horrific murders that has come across my desk,” Parson said in a statement. “Casey was an innocent young girl who bravely fought Johnson until he took her life."

Parson, a former sheriff, said he received “countless letters in the last few weeks seeking justice for Casey” and hopes that carrying out the execution “may provide some closure for Casey's loved ones.”

In a clemency petition, Johnson's attorneys said that Casey's father, Ernie Williamson, opposes the death penalty.

But other relatives urged the governor to let the execution go forward.

Casey's great aunt, Della Steele, sent a message to Parson emphasizing that Johnson could have turned back at any point but instead chose to abduct, assault and kill Casey and then literally covered up his crime. The grief from Casey's death led to destructive events in the lives of other family members, she wrote in the message, which she shared with The Associated Press.

“Please stand strong beside Casey,” Steele wrote. “Remove this threat from our presence. Send the message that it is not okay to terrorize and murder a child.”

Casey's mother had been best friends in childhood with Johnson's older sister and had even helped babysit him. When Johnson showed up at a barbecue, Casey's family let him sleep on a couch in the same house where they were spending the night.

In the morning, however, Johnson lured the girl out of the home to an abandoned glass factory, even carrying her on his shoulders on the walk. When he tried to sexually assault her, Casey screamed and tried to break free, according to court documents. He killed her with a brick and a large rock, then washed off in the nearby Meramec River. Johnson confessed to the crimes that same day.

After a search involving first responders and volunteers, Casey’s body was found in a pit not too far from her home, buried beneath rocks and debris.

At Johnson’s trial, defense lawyers presented testimony showing that he had stopped taking his schizophrenia medication and was acting strangely in the days before the slaying.

Johnson would be the fourth person executed this year in Missouri, and the 16th nationally.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690408112630.png" alt="Johnson-photo MODOC" />
 <figcaption>Johnson-photo MODOC</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY Mo. (AP) — Missouri Gov. Mike Parson said Monday that the state will proceed with this week's planned execution of a man who abducted and killed a 6-year-old girl nearly two decades ago, though the man's attorneys are still pressing claims he is mentally incompetent.Johnny Johnson, 45, is scheduled to receive a lethal injection Tuesday evening for the July 26, 2022, fatal beating of Casey Williamson in her St. Louis County hometown of Valley Park.Johnson's attorneys have asked the U.S. Supreme Court to halt the execution. They also asked that Parson grant clemency — reducing Johnson's sentence to life in prison — while asserting that Johnson's mental illness has left him incapable of understanding the connection between his actions and his execution.Parson denied the clemency request. He noted that a variety of courts — including the original trial judge and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/execution-schizophrenia-missouri-johnson-a86269e6868acc0618ac1bb73ff794a6">8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals</a>&nbsp;just days ago — have thus far rejected Johnson's incompetency claims.“Johnny Johnson’s crime is one of the most horrific murders that has come across my desk,” Parson said in a statement. “Casey was an innocent young girl who bravely fought Johnson until he took her life."Parson, a former sheriff, said he received “countless letters in the last few weeks seeking justice for Casey” and hopes that carrying out the execution “may provide some closure for Casey's loved ones.”In a clemency petition, Johnson's attorneys said that Casey's father, Ernie Williamson, opposes the death penalty.But other relatives urged the governor to let the execution go forward.Casey's great aunt, Della Steele, sent a message to Parson emphasizing that Johnson could have turned back at any point but instead chose to abduct, assault and kill Casey and then literally covered up his crime. The grief from Casey's death led to destructive events in the lives of other family members, she wrote in the message, which she shared with The Associated Press.“Please stand strong beside Casey,” Steele wrote. “Remove this threat from our presence. Send the message that it is not okay to terrorize and murder a child.”Casey's mother had been best friends in childhood with Johnson's older sister and had even helped babysit him. When Johnson showed up at a barbecue, Casey's family let him sleep on a couch in the same house where they were spending the night.In the morning, however, Johnson lured the girl out of the home to an abandoned glass factory, even carrying her on his shoulders on the walk. When he tried to sexually assault her, Casey screamed and tried to break free, according to court documents. He killed her with a brick and a large rock, then washed off in the nearby Meramec River. Johnson confessed to the crimes that same day.After a search involving first responders and volunteers, Casey’s body was found in a pit not too far from her home, buried beneath rocks and debris.At Johnson’s trial, defense lawyers presented testimony showing that he had stopped taking his schizophrenia medication and was acting strangely in the days before the slaying.Johnson would be the fourth person executed this year in Missouri, and the 16th nationally.

Gov. rejects mercy plea from man to be executed for killing 6-year-old 

KANSAS CITY (AP) —Troubled trucking company Yellow Corp. is shutting down and filing for bankruptcy, the Teamsters said Monday.

An official backruptcy filing is expected any day for Yellow, after years of financial struggles and growing debt. Its impending liquidation marks a significant shift for the U.S. transportation industry and shippers nationwide.

“Today’s news is unfortunate but not surprising. Yellow has historically proven that it could not manage itself despite billions of dollars in worker concessions and hundreds of millions in bailout funding from the federal government. This is a sad day for workers and the American freight industry,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien.

The company's collapse arrives just three years after Yellow, formerly known as YRC Worldwide, Inc., received $700 million in pandemic-era loans from the federal government. But the company was in financial trouble long before that — with industry analysts pointing to poor management and strategic decisions dating back decades.

Former Yellow customers and shippers will face higher prices as they take their business to competitors, including FedEx or ABF Freight, experts say — noting that Yellow historically offered the cheapest price points in the industry.

Yellow is one of the nation’s largest less-than-truckload carriers. The Nashville, Tennessee-based company had 30,000 employees across the country as of earlier this year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690827382488.jpeg" alt="Yellow Corp. trucks are seen at a YRC Freight terminal Friday, July 28, 2023, in Kansas City. After years of financial struggles, Yellow is reportedly preparing for bankruptcy and seeing customers leave in large numbers — heightening risk for future liquidation. While no official decision has been announced by the company, the prospect of bankruptcy has renewed attention around Yellow's ongoing negotiations with unionized workers, a $700 million pandemic-era loan from the government and other bills the trucker has racked up over time. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Yellow Corp. trucks are seen at a YRC Freight terminal Friday, July 28, 2023, in Kansas City. After years of financial struggles, Yellow is reportedly preparing for bankruptcy and seeing customers leave in large numbers — heightening risk for future liquidation. While no official decision has been announced by the company, the prospect of bankruptcy has renewed attention around Yellow's ongoing negotiations with unionized workers, a $700 million pandemic-era loan from the government and other bills the trucker has racked up over time. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) —Troubled trucking company Yellow Corp. is shutting down and filing for bankruptcy, the Teamsters said Monday.An official backruptcy filing is expected any day for Yellow, after years of financial struggles and growing debt. Its impending liquidation marks a significant shift for the U.S. transportation industry and shippers nationwide.“Today’s news is unfortunate but not surprising. Yellow has historically proven that it could not manage itself despite billions of dollars in worker concessions and hundreds of millions in bailout funding from the federal government. This is a sad day for workers and the American freight industry,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien.The company's collapse arrives just three years after Yellow, formerly known as YRC Worldwide, Inc., received $700 million in pandemic-era loans from the federal government. But the company was in financial trouble long before that — with industry analysts pointing to poor management and strategic decisions dating back decades.Former Yellow customers and shippers will face higher prices as they take their business to competitors, including FedEx or ABF Freight, experts say — noting that Yellow historically offered the cheapest price points in the industry.Yellow is one of the nation’s largest less-than-truckload carriers. The Nashville, Tennessee-based company had 30,000 employees across the country as of earlier this year.

U.S. trucking giant shuts down putting 30,000 out of work

KANSAS CITY (AP) — The nation's top health official implored states to do more to keep lower-income residents enrolled in Medicaid, as the Biden administration released figures Friday confirming that many who had health coverage during the coronavirus pandemic are now losing it.

Though a decline in Medicaid coverage was expected, health officials are raising concerns about the large numbers of people being dropped from the rolls for failing to return forms or follow procedures.

In 18 states that began a post-pandemic review of their Medicaid rolls in April, health coverage was continued for about 1 million recipients and terminated for 715,000. Of those dropped, 4 in 5 were for procedural reasons, according to newly released data from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra sent a letter Friday to all governors encouraging them to bolster efforts to retain people on Medicaid. He particularly encouraged them to use electronic information from other federal programs, such as food stamps, to automatically confirm people's eligibility for Medicaid. That would avert the need to mail and return documents.

“I am deeply concerned about high rates of procedural terminations due to ‘red tape’ and other paperwork issues,” Becerra told governors.

During the pandemic, states were prohibited from ending people’s Medicaid coverage. As a result, Medicaid enrollment swelled by nearly one-third, from 71 million people in February 2020 to 93 million in February 2023. The prohibition on trimming rolls ended in April, and states now have resumed annual eligibility redeterminations that had been required before the pandemic.

The new federal data captures only the first month of state Medicaid reviews from states that acted the most expeditiously. Since then, additional states also have submitted reports on those renewed and dropped from Medicaid in May and June.

Though the federal government hasn't released data from the most recent reports, information gathered by The Associated Press and health care advocacy groups show that about 3.7 million people already have lost Medicaid coverage. That includes about 500,000 in Texas, around 400,000 in Florida and 225,000 in California. Of those who lost coverage, 89% were for procedural reasons in California, 81% in Texas and 59% in Florida, according to the AP's data.

Many of those people may have still been eligible for Medicaid, “but they’re caught in a bureaucratic nightmare of confusing forms, notices sent to wrong addresses and other errors,” said Michelle Levander, founding director of the Center for Health Journalism at the University of Southern California,

Top CMS officials said they have worked with several states to pause Medicaid removals and improve procedures for determining eligibility.

South Carolina is one state that voluntarily slowed down. It reported renewing Medicaid coverage for about 27,000 people in May while removing 118,000. Of those dropped, 95% were for procedural reasons. In a recent report to the federal government, South Carolina said it removed no one from Medicaid in June because it extended the eligibility renewal deadline from 60 days to 90 days.

Michigan reported renewing more than 103,000 Medicaid recipients in June and removing just 12,000. It told the federal government that the state opted to delay terminations for those who failed to respond to renewal requests while instead making additional outreach attempts. As a result, the state reported more than 100,000 people whose June eligibility cases remained incomplete.

People who are dropped from Medicaid can regain coverage retroactively if they submit information within 90 days proving their eligibility. But some advocacy groups say that still poses a challenge.

“State government is not necessarily nimble,” said Keesa Smith, executive director of Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families. "When individuals are being disenrolled, the biggest concern ... is that there is not a fast track to get those individuals back on the rolls.”

Arkansas officials have been at the forefront of defending Medicaid cuts. They contend that many people likely don't return forms because they no longer need Medicaid.

People are “transitioning off of Medicaid” because "they are working, making more money, and have access to health care through their employers or the federal marketplace,” Arkansas Medicaid Director Janet Mann said earlier this month. “This should be celebrated, not criticized.”

Insurance companies that run Medicaid programs for states said they are trying to reduce procedural terminations and enroll people in new plans.

The Blue Cross-Blue Shield insurer Elevance Health lost 130,000 Medicaid customers during the recently completed second quarter, as Medicaid eligibility redeterminations began. Chief Financial Officer John Gallina said earlier this month that many people lost Medicaid coverage for administrative reasons but are likely to reenroll in the near future.

Leaders of the insurer Molina Healthcare told analysts Thursday that the company lost about 93,000 Medicaid customers in the recently completed second quarter, mostly due to eligibility redeterminations. Molina officials said they are trying to switch people who no longer qualify for Medicaid to one of the individual insurance plans they sell through state-based marketplaces.

Federal data for April indicates that some states did a better job than others at handling a crush of questions from people about their Medicaid coverage.

In 19 states and the District of Columbia, the average Medicaid call center wait time was one minute or less in April. But in Idaho, the average caller to the state's Medicaid help line waited 51 minutes. In Missouri, the average wait was 44 minutes, and in Florida 40 minutes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681122121502.png" alt="Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra sent a letter Friday to all governors encouraging them to bolster efforts to retain people on Medicaid.-file photo" />
 <figcaption>Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra sent a letter Friday to all governors encouraging them to bolster efforts to retain people on Medicaid.-file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — The nation's top health official implored states to do more to keep lower-income residents enrolled in Medicaid, as the Biden administration released figures Friday confirming that many who had health coverage during the coronavirus pandemic are now losing it.Though a decline in Medicaid coverage was expected, health officials are raising concerns about the large numbers of people being dropped from the rolls for failing to return forms or follow procedures.In 18 states that began a post-pandemic review of their Medicaid rolls in April, health coverage was continued for about 1 million recipients and terminated for 715,000. Of those dropped, 4 in 5 were for procedural reasons, according to newly released data from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra sent a letter Friday to all governors encouraging them to bolster efforts to retain people on Medicaid. He particularly encouraged them to use electronic information from other federal programs, such as food stamps, to automatically confirm people's eligibility for Medicaid. That would avert the need to mail and return documents.“I am deeply concerned about high rates of procedural terminations due to ‘red tape’ and other paperwork issues,” Becerra told governors.During the pandemic, states were prohibited from ending people’s Medicaid coverage. As a result, Medicaid enrollment swelled by nearly one-third, from 71 million people in February 2020 to 93 million in February 2023. The prohibition on trimming rolls ended in April, and states now have resumed annual eligibility redeterminations that had been required before the pandemic.The new federal data captures only the first month of state Medicaid reviews from states that acted the most expeditiously. Since then, additional states also have submitted reports on those renewed and dropped from Medicaid in May and June.Though the federal government hasn't released data from the most recent reports, information gathered by The Associated Press and health care advocacy groups show that about 3.7 million people already have lost Medicaid coverage. That includes about 500,000 in Texas, around 400,000 in Florida and 225,000 in California. Of those who lost coverage, 89% were for procedural reasons in California, 81% in Texas and 59% in Florida, according to the AP's data.Many of those people may have still been eligible for Medicaid, “but they’re caught in a bureaucratic nightmare of confusing forms, notices sent to wrong addresses and other errors,” said Michelle Levander, founding director of the Center for Health Journalism at the University of Southern California,Top CMS officials said they have worked with several states to pause Medicaid removals and improve procedures for determining eligibility.South Carolina is one state that voluntarily slowed down. It reported renewing Medicaid coverage for about 27,000 people in May while removing 118,000. Of those dropped, 95% were for procedural reasons. In a recent report to the federal government, South Carolina said it removed no one from Medicaid in June because it extended the eligibility renewal deadline from 60 days to 90 days.Michigan reported renewing more than 103,000 Medicaid recipients in June and removing just 12,000. It told the federal government that the state opted to delay terminations for those who failed to respond to renewal requests while instead making additional outreach attempts. As a result, the state reported more than 100,000 people whose June eligibility cases remained incomplete.People who are dropped from Medicaid can regain coverage retroactively if they submit information within 90 days proving their eligibility. But some advocacy groups say that still poses a challenge.“State government is not necessarily nimble,” said Keesa Smith, executive director of Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families. "When individuals are being disenrolled, the biggest concern ... is that there is not a fast track to get those individuals back on the rolls.”Arkansas officials have been at the forefront of defending Medicaid cuts. They contend that many people likely don't return forms because they no longer need Medicaid.People are “transitioning off of Medicaid” because "they are working, making more money, and have access to health care through their employers or the federal marketplace,” Arkansas Medicaid Director Janet Mann said earlier this month. “This should be celebrated, not criticized.”Insurance companies that run Medicaid programs for states said they are trying to reduce procedural terminations and enroll people in new plans.The Blue Cross-Blue Shield insurer Elevance Health lost 130,000 Medicaid customers during the recently completed second quarter, as Medicaid eligibility redeterminations began. Chief Financial Officer John Gallina said earlier this month that many people lost Medicaid coverage for administrative reasons but are likely to reenroll in the near future.Leaders of the insurer Molina Healthcare told analysts Thursday that the company lost about 93,000 Medicaid customers in the recently completed second quarter, mostly due to eligibility redeterminations. Molina officials said they are trying to switch people who no longer qualify for Medicaid to one of the individual insurance plans they sell through state-based marketplaces.Federal data for April indicates that some states did a better job than others at handling a crush of questions from people about their Medicaid coverage.In 19 states and the District of Columbia, the average Medicaid call center wait time was one minute or less in April. But in Idaho, the average caller to the state's Medicaid help line waited 51 minutes. In Missouri, the average wait was 44 minutes, and in Florida 40 minutes.

Simple paperwork problems drive surge in people losing Medicaid coverage

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Paul Reubens, the actor and comedian whose character Pee-wee Herman became a cultural phenomenon through films and TV shows, has died.

Reubens died Sunday night after a six-year struggle with cancer that he did not make public, his publicist said in a statement.

“Please accept my apology for not going public with what I’ve been facing the last six years,” Reubens said in a statement released with the announcement of his death. “I have always felt a huge amount of love and respect from my friends, fans and supporters. I have loved you all so much and enjoyed making art for you.”

The character with his too-tight gray suit, white chunky loafers and red bow tie was best known for the film “Pee-wee's Big Adventure” and the TV series “Pee-wee's Playhouse.”

Herman created Pee-wee when he was part of the Los Angeles improv group The Groundlings in the late 1970s. The live “Pee-wee Herman Show” debuted at a Los Angeles theater in 1981 and was a success with both kids during matinees and adults at a midnight show. HBO would air the show as a special.

Reubens took Pee-wee to the big screen in 1985’s “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure.” The film, in which Pee-wee’s cherished bike is stolen, was said to be loosely based on Vittorio De Sica’s Italian neo-realist classic, “The Bicycle Thief.” The film, directed by Tim Burton and co-written by Phil Hartman of “Saturday Night Live,” sent Pee-wee on a nationwide escapade. The movie was a success, grossing $40 million, and continued to spawn a cult following for its oddball whimsy.

A sequel followed three years later in the less well-received “Big Top Pee-wee,” in which Pee-wee seeks to join a circus. Reubens’ character wouldn’t get another movie starring role until 2016’s Pee-wee’s Big Holiday,” for Netflix. Judd Apatow produced Pee-wee’s big-screen revival.

His television series, “Pee-wee’s Playhouse,” ran for five seasons, earned 22 Emmys and attracted not only children but adults to Saturday-morning TV.

Both silly and subversive and championing nonconformity, the Pee-wee universe was a trippy place, populated by things such as a talking armchair and a friendly pterodactyl. The host, who is fond of secret words and loves fruit salad so much he once married it, is prone to lines like, “I know you are, but what am I?” and “Why don’t you take a picture; it’ll last longer?” The act was a hit because it worked on multiple levels, even though Reubens insists that wasn’t the plan.

“It’s for kids,” Reubens told The Associated Press in 2010. “People have tried to get me for years to go, ‘It wasn’t really for kids, right?’ Even the original show was for kids. I always censored myself to have it be kid-friendly.

“The whole thing has been just a gut feeling from the beginning," Reubens told the AP. "That’s all it ever is and I think always ever be. Much as people want me to dissect it and explain it, I can’t. One, I don’t know, and two, I don’t want to know, and three, I feel like I’ll hex myself if I know.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690827482075.jpeg" alt="Actor Paul Reubens portraying Pee-wee Herman poses for a portrait while promoting "The Pee-wee Herman Show" live stage play, Monday, Dec. 7, 2009, in Los Angeles. Reubens died Sunday night after a six-year struggle with cancer that he did not make public, his publicist said in a statement. (AP Photo/Danny Moloshok, File)" />
 <figcaption>Actor Paul Reubens portraying Pee-wee Herman poses for a portrait while promoting "The Pee-wee Herman Show" live stage play, Monday, Dec. 7, 2009, in Los Angeles. Reubens died Sunday night after a six-year struggle with cancer that he did not make public, his publicist said in a statement. (AP Photo/Danny Moloshok, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>LOS ANGELES (AP) — Paul Reubens, the actor and comedian whose character Pee-wee Herman became a cultural phenomenon through films and TV shows, has died.Reubens died Sunday night after a six-year struggle with cancer that he did not make public, his publicist said in a statement.“Please accept my apology for not going public with what I’ve been facing the last six years,” Reubens said in a statement released with the announcement of his death. “I have always felt a huge amount of love and respect from my friends, fans and supporters. I have loved you all so much and enjoyed making art for you.”The character with his too-tight gray suit, white chunky loafers and red bow tie was best known for the film “Pee-wee's Big Adventure” and the TV series “Pee-wee's Playhouse.”Herman created Pee-wee when he was part of the Los Angeles improv group The Groundlings in the late 1970s. The live “Pee-wee Herman Show” debuted at a Los Angeles theater in 1981 and was a success with both kids during matinees and adults at a midnight show. HBO would air the show as a special.Reubens took Pee-wee to the big screen in 1985’s “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure.” The film, in which Pee-wee’s cherished bike is stolen, was said to be loosely based on Vittorio De Sica’s Italian neo-realist classic, “The Bicycle Thief.” The film, directed by Tim Burton and co-written by Phil Hartman of “Saturday Night Live,” sent Pee-wee on a nationwide escapade. The movie was a success, grossing $40 million, and continued to spawn a cult following for its oddball whimsy.A sequel followed three years later in the less well-received “Big Top Pee-wee,” in which Pee-wee seeks to join a circus. Reubens’ character wouldn’t get another movie starring role until 2016’s Pee-wee’s Big Holiday,” for Netflix. Judd Apatow produced Pee-wee’s big-screen revival.His television series, “Pee-wee’s Playhouse,” ran for five seasons, earned 22 Emmys and attracted not only children but adults to Saturday-morning TV.Both silly and subversive and championing nonconformity, the Pee-wee universe was a trippy place, populated by things such as a talking armchair and a friendly pterodactyl. The host, who is fond of secret words and loves fruit salad so much he once married it, is prone to lines like, “I know you are, but what am I?” and “Why don’t you take a picture; it’ll last longer?” The act was a hit because it worked on multiple levels, even though Reubens insists that wasn’t the plan.“It’s for kids,” Reubens told The Associated Press in 2010. “People have tried to get me for years to go, ‘It wasn’t really for kids, right?’ Even the original show was for kids. I always censored myself to have it be kid-friendly.“The whole thing has been just a gut feeling from the beginning," Reubens told the AP. "That’s all it ever is and I think always ever be. Much as people want me to dissect it and explain it, I can’t. One, I don’t know, and two, I don’t want to know, and three, I feel like I’ll hex myself if I know.”