By PAUL WISEMAN Associated Press

WASHINGTON — U.S. employers added an astonishing 528,000 jobs last month 
despite flashing warning signs of an economic downturn, easing fears of a
 recession and handing President Joe Biden some good news heading into 
the midterm elections.

(Click below to watch the&nbsp; President's comments on the jobs report)

Unemployment dropped another notch, from 
3.6% to 3.5%, matching the more than 50-year low reached just before the
 pandemic took hold.

The economy has now recovered all 22 million jobs lost in March and April 2020 when COVID-19 slammed the U.S.

The
 red-hot numbers reported Friday by the Labor Department are certain to 
intensify the debate over whether the U.S. is in a recession.

“Recession
 — what recession?’’ wrote Brian Coulton, chief economist at Fitch 
Ratings. “The U.S. economy is creating new jobs at an annual rate of 6 
million — that’s three times faster than what we normally see 
historically in a good year."

Economists had expected only 250,000
 new jobs last month, in a drop-off from June’s revised 398,000. 
Instead, July proved to be the best month since February.

The 
strong figures are welcome news for the Biden administration and the 
Democrats at a time when many voters are worried about the economy.

Inflation
 is raging at its highest level in more than 40 years, and the economy 
has contracted for two quarters in a row, which is the common — but 
informal — definition of a recession and does not take into account a 
host of other factors economists consider, such as the job picture.

At
 the White House, Biden credited the job growth to his policies, even as
 he acknowledged the pain being inflicted by inflation. He emphasized 
the addition of 642,000 manufacturing jobs during his watch.

“Instead
 of workers begging employers for work, we’re seeing employers have to 
compete for American workers," the president said.

Biden has 
boosted job growth through his $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package 
and $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure law last year. Republican 
lawmakers and some leading economists, however, say the administration's
 spending has contributed to high inflation.

The president has 
received some other good economic news in recent weeks, as gasoline 
prices have steadily fallen after averaging slightly more than $5 a 
gallon in June.

On Wall Street, stocks dropped after the 
employment report came out. While a strong job market is a good thing, 
it also makes it more likely that the Federal Reserve will continue 
raising interest rates to cool the economy.

“The strength of the 
labor market in the face of ... rate-tightening from the Fed already 
this year clearly shows that the Fed has more work to do,” said Charlie 
Ripley, senior investment strategist at Allianz Investment Management. 
“Overall, today’s report should put the notion of a near-term recession 
on the back burner for now.″

The Labor Department also reported 
that hourly earnings posted a healthy 0.5% gain last month and are up 
5.2% over the past year. But that is not enough to keep up with 
inflation, and many Americans are having to scrimp to pay for groceries,
 gasoline, <a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-health-prices-shopping-f0b630ffa0143399181e518be521e9d5">even school supplies</a>.

Job growth was especially strong last month in the health care industry and at hotels and restaurants.

The
 number of Americans saying they had jobs rose by 179,000, while the 
number saying they were unemployed fell by 242,000. But 61,000 Americans
 dropped out of the labor force in July, trimming the share of those 
working or looking for work to 62.1% from 62.2% in June.

New Yorker Karen Smalls, 46, started looking for work three weeks ago as a member of the support staff for social workers.

“I
 didn’t realize how good the job market is right now,’’ she said after 
finishing her fifth interview this week. “You look at the news and see 
all these bad reports ... but the job market is amazing right now.’’

A
 single mother, she is weighing several offers, looking for one that is 
close to home and pays enough to let her take care of her two children.

Two
 years ago, the pandemic brought economic life to a near standstill as 
companies shut down and millions of people stayed home or were thrown 
out of work. The U.S. plunged into a deep, two-month recession.

But
 massive government aid — and the Fed's decision to slash interest rates
 and pour money into financial markets — fueled a surprisingly quick 
recovery. Caught off guard by the strength of the rebound, factories, 
shops, ports and freight yards were <a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-business-los-angeles-health-48ff262b882a37308e4a3f15934b2ee4">overwhelmed with orders</a> and scrambled to bring back the workers they furloughed when COVID-19 hit.

The
 result has been shortages of employees and supplies, delayed shipments 
and high inflation. In June, consumer prices were up 9.1% from a year 
earlier, the biggest increase since 1981.

The Fed has raised its 
benchmark short-term interest rate four times this year in a bid to tame
 inflation, with more increases ahead.

Labor Secretary Marty Walsh
 conceded that businesses and consumers are worried about inflation but 
added: “Companies are still growing, and they’re looking for employees. 
And that’s a good sign.’’

In a report filled with mostly good 
news, the Labor Department did note that 3.9 million people were working
 part time for economic reasons in July, up by 303,000 from June. 
Department economists said that reflected an increase in the number of 
people whose hours were cut because of slack business.

Some employers are also reporting signs of slack in the job market.

Aaron
 Sanandres, CEO and co-founder Untuckit, an online clothing company with
 nearly 90 stores, noticed that in the past few weeks that it has been a
 bit easier filling jobs at the corporate headquarters in New York and 
part-time roles at the stores.

“We have had a plethora of 
candidates,” Sanandres said. He also said the labor market has been 
loosening up for engineers, probably as a result of some layoffs at 
technology companies.

Simona Mocuta, chief economist at State 
Street Global Advisors, was among those stunned by the strong hiring 
numbers when other indicators show an economy losing momentum.

Mocuta
 said it is possible that hiring rose so sharply last month because job 
candidates, seeing signs of an impending slowdown, are now more willing 
to accept jobs they would have balked at earlier in the year. Conditions
 may now be “shifting in employers’ favor,’’ she said.

Whatever the reason for it, the employment data released Friday shows an astonishingly strong and resilient job market.

”Underestimate
 the U.S. labor market at your own peril,'' said Nick Bunker, head of 
economic research at the Indeed Hiring Lab. “Yes, output growth might be
 slowing and the economic outlook has some clouds on the horizon. But 
employers are still champing at the bit to hire more workers. That 
demand may fade, but it’s still red-hot right now.''

Josh Boak in Washington, Anne D'Innocenzio in New York and Courtney Bonnell in London contributed to this story.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659729356814.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy of Unsplash&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Unsplash&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By PAUL WISEMAN Associated PressWASHINGTON — U.S. employers added an astonishing 528,000 jobs last month 
despite flashing warning signs of an economic downturn, easing fears of a
 recession and handing President Joe Biden some good news heading into 
the midterm elections.(Click below to watch the&nbsp; President's comments on the jobs report)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F457415589324342%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=1" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Unemployment dropped another notch, from 
3.6% to 3.5%, matching the more than 50-year low reached just before the
 pandemic took hold.The economy has now recovered all 22 million jobs lost in March and April 2020 when COVID-19 slammed the U.S.The
 red-hot numbers reported Friday by the Labor Department are certain to 
intensify the debate over whether the U.S. is in a recession.“Recession
 — what recession?’’ wrote Brian Coulton, chief economist at Fitch 
Ratings. “The U.S. economy is creating new jobs at an annual rate of 6 
million — that’s three times faster than what we normally see 
historically in a good year."Economists had expected only 250,000
 new jobs last month, in a drop-off from June’s revised 398,000. 
Instead, July proved to be the best month since February.The 
strong figures are welcome news for the Biden administration and the 
Democrats at a time when many voters are worried about the economy.Inflation
 is raging at its highest level in more than 40 years, and the economy 
has contracted for two quarters in a row, which is the common — but 
informal — definition of a recession and does not take into account a 
host of other factors economists consider, such as the job picture.At
 the White House, Biden credited the job growth to his policies, even as
 he acknowledged the pain being inflicted by inflation. He emphasized 
the addition of 642,000 manufacturing jobs during his watch.“Instead
 of workers begging employers for work, we’re seeing employers have to 
compete for American workers," the president said.Biden has 
boosted job growth through his $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package 
and $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure law last year. Republican 
lawmakers and some leading economists, however, say the administration's
 spending has contributed to high inflation.The president has 
received some other good economic news in recent weeks, as gasoline 
prices have steadily fallen after averaging slightly more than $5 a 
gallon in June.On Wall Street, stocks dropped after the 
employment report came out. While a strong job market is a good thing, 
it also makes it more likely that the Federal Reserve will continue 
raising interest rates to cool the economy.“The strength of the 
labor market in the face of ... rate-tightening from the Fed already 
this year clearly shows that the Fed has more work to do,” said Charlie 
Ripley, senior investment strategist at Allianz Investment Management. 
“Overall, today’s report should put the notion of a near-term recession 
on the back burner for now.″The Labor Department also reported 
that hourly earnings posted a healthy 0.5% gain last month and are up 
5.2% over the past year. But that is not enough to keep up with 
inflation, and many Americans are having to scrimp to pay for groceries,
 gasoline, <a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-health-prices-shopping-f0b630ffa0143399181e518be521e9d5">even school supplies</a>.Job growth was especially strong last month in the health care industry and at hotels and restaurants.The
 number of Americans saying they had jobs rose by 179,000, while the 
number saying they were unemployed fell by 242,000. But 61,000 Americans
 dropped out of the labor force in July, trimming the share of those 
working or looking for work to 62.1% from 62.2% in June.New Yorker Karen Smalls, 46, started looking for work three weeks ago as a member of the support staff for social workers.“I
 didn’t realize how good the job market is right now,’’ she said after 
finishing her fifth interview this week. “You look at the news and see 
all these bad reports ... but the job market is amazing right now.’’A
 single mother, she is weighing several offers, looking for one that is 
close to home and pays enough to let her take care of her two children.Two
 years ago, the pandemic brought economic life to a near standstill as 
companies shut down and millions of people stayed home or were thrown 
out of work. The U.S. plunged into a deep, two-month recession.But
 massive government aid — and the Fed's decision to slash interest rates
 and pour money into financial markets — fueled a surprisingly quick 
recovery. Caught off guard by the strength of the rebound, factories, 
shops, ports and freight yards were <a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-business-los-angeles-health-48ff262b882a37308e4a3f15934b2ee4">overwhelmed with orders</a> and scrambled to bring back the workers they furloughed when COVID-19 hit.The
 result has been shortages of employees and supplies, delayed shipments 
and high inflation. In June, consumer prices were up 9.1% from a year 
earlier, the biggest increase since 1981.The Fed has raised its 
benchmark short-term interest rate four times this year in a bid to tame
 inflation, with more increases ahead.Labor Secretary Marty Walsh
 conceded that businesses and consumers are worried about inflation but 
added: “Companies are still growing, and they’re looking for employees. 
And that’s a good sign.’’In a report filled with mostly good 
news, the Labor Department did note that 3.9 million people were working
 part time for economic reasons in July, up by 303,000 from June. 
Department economists said that reflected an increase in the number of 
people whose hours were cut because of slack business.Some employers are also reporting signs of slack in the job market.Aaron
 Sanandres, CEO and co-founder Untuckit, an online clothing company with
 nearly 90 stores, noticed that in the past few weeks that it has been a
 bit easier filling jobs at the corporate headquarters in New York and 
part-time roles at the stores.“We have had a plethora of 
candidates,” Sanandres said. He also said the labor market has been 
loosening up for engineers, probably as a result of some layoffs at 
technology companies.Simona Mocuta, chief economist at State 
Street Global Advisors, was among those stunned by the strong hiring 
numbers when other indicators show an economy losing momentum.Mocuta
 said it is possible that hiring rose so sharply last month because job 
candidates, seeing signs of an impending slowdown, are now more willing 
to accept jobs they would have balked at earlier in the year. Conditions
 may now be “shifting in employers’ favor,’’ she said.Whatever the reason for it, the employment data released Friday shows an astonishingly strong and resilient job market.”Underestimate
 the U.S. labor market at your own peril,'' said Nick Bunker, head of 
economic research at the Indeed Hiring Lab. “Yes, output growth might be
 slowing and the economic outlook has some clouds on the horizon. But 
employers are still champing at the bit to hire more workers. That 
demand may fade, but it’s still red-hot right now.''Josh Boak in Washington, Anne D'Innocenzio in New York and Courtney Bonnell in London contributed to this story.

🎥'What recession?': US employers add 528,000 jobs in July

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 again Friday in his battle against a rare case of “rebound” following treatment with an anti-viral drug. The White House reported the rebound case on July 30.

White House physician Dr. Kevin O’Connor says in a letter Friday that the president “feels well and his cough has almost completely resolved."

Biden is working from the executive residence and&nbsp;signed two bills Friday that will hold those who commit fraud under COVID-19 small business relief programs accountable. After Biden tested positive on Saturday, he canceled plans to travel and hold in-person events.

&nbsp;The 79-year-old Biden originally tested positive on July 21. He was treated with the anti-viral drug Paxlovid and he had ended his isolation on July 27 before the rebound last Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659721899991.png" alt="President Biden spoke before signing two bills that will hold those who commit fraud under COVID-19 small business relief programs accountable.-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>President Biden spoke before signing two bills that will hold those who commit fraud under COVID-19 small business relief programs accountable.-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 again Friday in his battle against a rare case of “rebound” following treatment with an anti-viral drug. The White House reported the rebound case on July 30.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659721525511.png" alt="Biden " />
 <figcaption>Biden </figcaption>
 </figure>White House physician Dr. Kevin O’Connor says in a letter Friday that the president “feels well and his cough has almost completely resolved."Biden is working from the executive residence and&nbsp;signed two bills Friday that will hold those who commit fraud under COVID-19 small business relief programs accountable. After Biden tested positive on Saturday, he canceled plans to travel and hold in-person events.&nbsp;The 79-year-old Biden originally tested positive on July 21. He was treated with the anti-viral drug Paxlovid and he had ended his isolation on July 27 before the rebound last Saturday.

Doctor: Biden tests positive for COVID for 7th day in a row

By NICK GOSNELL Hutch Post

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — After the defeat of the abortion regulation amendment on Tuesday, it's important to note that there is an election for a majority of the justices that have been tasked by Kansas voters with interpreting the Kansas Constitution in this area. 

The terms of six of the seven Kansas Supreme Court justices will expire on January 9, 2023. The six seats are up for retention election on November 8, 2022.

The six justices that are up for a vote include Daniel Biles, Marla Luckert, Evelyn Z. Wilson, Caleb Stegall, Keynen Wall and Melissa Standridge. 

Five of the six, all but Stegall, voted in the majority in the Hodes &amp; Nauser v. Derek Schmidt case that established a right to bodily autonomy and therefore a right to abortion in the Kansas Constitution.

For the Kansans who created record primary turnout that voted to continue to give the decision making power to those justices, it is important to come out again to vote in November for two reasons. First, to decide if the justices that made that decision stay on and also to vote in the governor's race, because should they not be retained, it would be the next governor's job to nominate a slate of replacements.

Six years ago in 2016, the fight to retain four justices on the Kansas Supreme Court was contentious, with the Kansas Republican Party committing to an attempt to oust Carol Beier, Biles and Luckert, along with then Chief Justice Lawton Nuss.

Justices are not allowed to campaign for their own retention, so the question follows, will the same forces that assisted in get out the vote efforts for the amendment question continue to mobilize their volunteers and get them once again energized? 

Wilson, Wall and Standridge have all been appointed by current Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly. Biles and Luckert were appointed by Democrat Kathleen Sebelius. Stegall was appointed by Republican Gov. Sam Brownback.

For those who want to keep the status quo, it now changes from a No vote for the amendment to a Yes vote for the justices. For those who want to change abortion policy, it's now about changing the cast at the Kansas Supreme Court.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576879254086.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — After the defeat of the abortion regulation amendment on Tuesday, it's important to note that there is an election for a majority of the justices that have been tasked by Kansas voters with interpreting the Kansas Constitution in this area. The terms of six of the seven Kansas Supreme Court justices will expire on January 9, 2023. The six seats are up for retention election on November 8, 2022.The six justices that are up for a vote include Daniel Biles, Marla Luckert, Evelyn Z. Wilson, Caleb Stegall, Keynen Wall and Melissa Standridge. Five of the six, all but Stegall, voted in the majority in the Hodes &amp; Nauser v. Derek Schmidt case that established a right to bodily autonomy and therefore a right to abortion in the Kansas Constitution.For the Kansans who created record primary turnout that voted to continue to give the decision making power to those justices, it is important to come out again to vote in November for two reasons. First, to decide if the justices that made that decision stay on and also to vote in the governor's race, because should they not be retained, it would be the next governor's job to nominate a slate of replacements.Six years ago in 2016, the fight to retain four justices on the Kansas Supreme Court was contentious, with the Kansas Republican Party committing to an attempt to oust Carol Beier, Biles and Luckert, along with then Chief Justice Lawton Nuss.Justices are not allowed to campaign for their own retention, so the question follows, will the same forces that assisted in get out the vote efforts for the amendment question continue to mobilize their volunteers and get them once again energized? Wilson, Wall and Standridge have all been appointed by current Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly. Biles and Luckert were appointed by Democrat Kathleen Sebelius. Stegall was appointed by Republican Gov. Sam Brownback.For those who want to keep the status quo, it now changes from a No vote for the amendment to a Yes vote for the justices. For those who want to change abortion policy, it's now about changing the cast at the Kansas Supreme Court.

ANALYSIS: Justice retention is next abortion fight in Kansas

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man for alleged sex crimes.

According to the Riley County Police Department activity report, a suspect identified as&nbsp;Luis Martinez, 31, of Topeka, allegedly battered a 37-year-old woman and forced her to stay in a room for an extended period of time.

Police located him already in custody in Pottawatomie County, arrested him on a warrant and transported him to the Riley County jail. 

Martinez is being held on requested charges of aggravated domestic battery, aggravated criminal sodomy, and aggravated kidnapping on a $75,000 bond, according to the RCPD.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659710997182.png" alt="Martinez-photo Pottawatomie County" />
 <figcaption>Martinez-photo Pottawatomie County</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man for alleged sex crimes.According to the Riley County Police Department activity report, a suspect identified as&nbsp;Luis Martinez, 31, of Topeka, allegedly battered a 37-year-old woman and forced her to stay in a room for an extended period of time.Police located him already in custody in Pottawatomie County, arrested him on a warrant and transported him to the Riley County jail. Martinez is being held on requested charges of aggravated domestic battery, aggravated criminal sodomy, and aggravated kidnapping on a $75,000 bond, according to the RCPD.

Police: Kan. man jailed for alleged violent attack on a woman

CEDAR COUNTY, NE —The Nebraska State Patrol has arrested a suspect in connection with four homicides that occurred in Laurel early Thursday morning. The investigation included two scenes on Elm Street in Laurel. Each scene included a residence with a fire, according to a media release from the patrol.

Once fire suppression efforts were complete at a residence at 503 Elm Street, NSP Crime Scene Investigators were able to examine the scene. Investigators located three deceased victims at that location, each with suspected gunshot wounds. The victims have been identified as Gene Twiford, 86, Janet Twiford, 85, and Dana Twiford, 55. All three were residents of the home.

One deceased victim was located at 209 Elm Street, also with suspected gunshot wounds. That victim has been identified as Michele Ebeling, 53. She was a resident at that home.

Physical evidence located at both scenes led investigators to identify a suspect as Jason Jones, 42, who is a resident of Laurel. Investigators developed information to believe that Jones was inside his home at 206 Elm Street in Laurel. The NSP SWAT Team was activated, and an arrest warrant was obtained for Jones. Following repeated attempts to have Jones exit the home voluntarily, the SWAT Team made entry into the home and located Jones in a bedroom, with severe burns.

Jones was flown to St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Lincoln for treatment of his burn injuries. He is in custody at the hospital.

The investigation remains ongoing. Several agencies have been involved in the response and investigation, including the volunteer fire departments of Laurel, Wayne, and Beldon, the State Fire Marshal’s Office, the Cedar County Attorney, the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office, as well as the Laurel Police Department, Cedar County Sheriff’s Office, and the Nebraska State Patrol.

CEDAR COUNTY, NE —The Nebraska State Patrol, working with several public safety partners, is investigating the deaths of four people, at two different scenes in Laurel, Nebraska, according to a release from the patrol.

The first incident occurred shortly after 3:00 a.m. Thursday, when an explosion was reported at a residence in the 200 block of&nbsp;Elm Street in Laurel. Local volunteer firefighters responded and located an individual inside the home. That victim was found to be deceased. At that point, the Laurel Police Department and Cedar County Sheriff’s Office responded and requested assistance from the Nebraska State Patrol.

As investigators were on scene at the first residence, a second fire was reported a few blocks away, at a residence in the 500 block of Elm Street.&nbsp;Fire crews and law enforcement responded immediately. Three individuals were located deceased inside the residence.

At this time there are no identified suspects, however, NSP is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a vehicle that was seen leaving Laurel shortly after the second fire. That vehicle is described as a silver sedan that was seen traveling westbound out of Laurel on Highway 20. According to a witness report, the vehicle was driven by a black male, and may have picked up a passenger before leaving Laurel. Fire investigators believe that anyone inside either residence at the time of the fires may have suffered burns.

Anyone with information about either incident, or about the vehicle, is urged to contact the Nebraska State Patrol at 402-479-4921. This is an active investigation. Additional details will be released when possible.

CEDAR COUNTY, NE —The Nebraska State Patrol is able to release new information and urges public vigilance as the investigation into four deaths in Laurel continues, according to a media release from the patrol.

After fire suppression efforts were successful this afternoon at the scene in the 500 block of Elm Street in Laurel, investigators have been able to examine the crime scene and now identify that gunfire is suspected to have played a part in the incidents at both homes. Fire investigators also believe that the fire in the 500 block of Elm Street may have started around the same time as the reported explosion in the 200 block of Elm Street. However, indications of that fire weren’t visible outside the home for hours. Both incidents are now believed to have occurred shortly after 3:00 a.m. Thursday.

Based on that time frame, NSP is requesting anyone that may have seen anything out-of-the-ordinary in Laurel between midnight and 4:00 a.m. to report it immediately. Tips can be reported to 402-479-4921.

Additionally, based on this focused time frame of the fires, investigators now believe the previously sought silver sedan reported by a member of the public may have left Laurel much later after the incidents than previously thought.

LAUREL, Neb. (AP) — An unknown number of people were found dead Thursday in two homes in a small community in northeastern Nebraska, and schools and most businesses went on lockdown as a precaution at the recommendation of police, officials said.

Cody Thomas, a spokesman for the Nebraska State Patrol, said he didn't know how many people were found dead or how anyone died, but that fire “was involved” at both houses. He said state investigators were headed to Laurel and would likely take the lead in investigating what happened.

Most businesses, a senior center and schools voluntarily went on lockdown at the recommendation of police, said Lori Hansen, a clerical assistant at the Laurel City Hall. She said she had no other information about what was happening at the police scenes.

“We've been listening to TV to try to find out what's going on," she said.

A woman who answered the phone at the Cedar County Sheriff’s Office said she had no information about the deaths and that she was the only person in the office.

Laurel is home to fewer than 1,000 people and is located about 100 miles northwest of Omaha.

The patrol plans to hold a news conference later Thursday to discuss its findings.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659643660427.png" alt="Investigators on the scene Thursday photo courtesy KCAU TV" />
 <figcaption>Investigators on the scene Thursday photo courtesy KCAU TV</figcaption>
 </figure>CEDAR COUNTY, NE —The Nebraska State Patrol has arrested a suspect in connection with four homicides that occurred in Laurel early Thursday morning. The investigation included two scenes on Elm Street in Laurel. Each scene included a residence with a fire, according to a media release from the patrol.Once fire suppression efforts were complete at a residence at 503 Elm Street, NSP Crime Scene Investigators were able to examine the scene. Investigators located three deceased victims at that location, each with suspected gunshot wounds. The victims have been identified as Gene Twiford, 86, Janet Twiford, 85, and Dana Twiford, 55. All three were residents of the home.One deceased victim was located at 209 Elm Street, also with suspected gunshot wounds. That victim has been identified as Michele Ebeling, 53. She was a resident at that home.Physical evidence located at both scenes led investigators to identify a suspect as Jason Jones, 42, who is a resident of Laurel. Investigators developed information to believe that Jones was inside his home at 206 Elm Street in Laurel. The NSP SWAT Team was activated, and an arrest warrant was obtained for Jones. Following repeated attempts to have Jones exit the home voluntarily, the SWAT Team made entry into the home and located Jones in a bedroom, with severe burns.Jones was flown to St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Lincoln for treatment of his burn injuries. He is in custody at the hospital.The investigation remains ongoing. Several agencies have been involved in the response and investigation, including the volunteer fire departments of Laurel, Wayne, and Beldon, the State Fire Marshal’s Office, the Cedar County Attorney, the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office, as well as the Laurel Police Department, Cedar County Sheriff’s Office, and the Nebraska State Patrol.----------CEDAR COUNTY, NE —The Nebraska State Patrol, working with several public safety partners, is investigating the deaths of four people, at two different scenes in Laurel, Nebraska, according to a release from the patrol.The first incident occurred shortly after 3:00 a.m. Thursday, when an explosion was reported at a residence in the 200 block of&nbsp;Elm Street in Laurel. Local volunteer firefighters responded and located an individual inside the home. That victim was found to be deceased. At that point, the Laurel Police Department and Cedar County Sheriff’s Office responded and requested assistance from the Nebraska State Patrol.As investigators were on scene at the first residence, a second fire was reported a few blocks away, at a residence in the 500 block of Elm Street.&nbsp;Fire crews and law enforcement responded immediately. Three individuals were located deceased inside the residence.At this time there are no identified suspects, however, NSP is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a vehicle that was seen leaving Laurel shortly after the second fire. That vehicle is described as a silver sedan that was seen traveling westbound out of Laurel on Highway 20. According to a witness report, the vehicle was driven by a black male, and may have picked up a passenger before leaving Laurel. Fire investigators believe that anyone inside either residence at the time of the fires may have suffered burns.Anyone with information about either incident, or about the vehicle, is urged to contact the Nebraska State Patrol at 402-479-4921. This is an active investigation. Additional details will be released when possible.------CEDAR COUNTY, NE —The Nebraska State Patrol is able to release new information and urges public vigilance as the investigation into four deaths in Laurel continues, according to a media release from the patrol.After fire suppression efforts were successful this afternoon at the scene in the 500 block of Elm Street in Laurel, investigators have been able to examine the crime scene and now identify that gunfire is suspected to have played a part in the incidents at both homes. Fire investigators also believe that the fire in the 500 block of Elm Street may have started around the same time as the reported explosion in the 200 block of Elm Street. However, indications of that fire weren’t visible outside the home for hours. Both incidents are now believed to have occurred shortly after 3:00 a.m. Thursday.Based on that time frame, NSP is requesting anyone that may have seen anything out-of-the-ordinary in Laurel between midnight and 4:00 a.m. to report it immediately. Tips can be reported to 402-479-4921.Additionally, based on this focused time frame of the fires, investigators now believe the previously sought silver sedan reported by a member of the public may have left Laurel much later after the incidents than previously thought.---------LAUREL, Neb. (AP) — An unknown number of people were found dead Thursday in two homes in a small community in northeastern Nebraska, and schools and most businesses went on lockdown as a precaution at the recommendation of police, officials said.Cody Thomas, a spokesman for the Nebraska State Patrol, said he didn't know how many people were found dead or how anyone died, but that fire “was involved” at both houses. He said state investigators were headed to Laurel and would likely take the lead in investigating what happened.Most businesses, a senior center and schools voluntarily went on lockdown at the recommendation of police, said Lori Hansen, a clerical assistant at the Laurel City Hall. She said she had no other information about what was happening at the police scenes.“We've been listening to TV to try to find out what's going on," she said.A woman who answered the phone at the Cedar County Sheriff’s Office said she had no information about the deaths and that she was the only person in the office.Laurel is home to fewer than 1,000 people and is located about 100 miles northwest of Omaha.The patrol plans to hold a news conference later Thursday to discuss its findings.

Patrol: Suspect arrested after multiple deaths in small Nebraska city

RENO COUNTY — A&nbsp; Kansas man riding a bicycle died in an accident just after 8p.m. Thursday in Hutchinson.

A Hyundai Tucson driven by 56-year-old Laurie Hinderliter of Hutchinson was northbound on Severance Street and struck 46-year-old Heath Volkman of Hutchinson on his bicycle at the 10th Street intersection, according to Hutchinson Police Capt. Michael Collins, 

Volkman was pronounced dead at the scene. Hinderliter was taken to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center to be checked out and was later released.

The Hutchinson Police traffic unit continues to investigate the accident.

RENO COUNTY — A&nbsp; Kansas man riding a bicycle died in an accident just after 8p.m. Thursday in Hutchinson.A Hyundai Tucson driven by 56-year-old Laurie Hinderliter of Hutchinson was northbound on Severance Street and struck 46-year-old Heath Volkman of Hutchinson on his bicycle at the 10th Street intersection, according to Hutchinson Police Capt. Michael Collins, Volkman was pronounced dead at the scene. Hinderliter was taken to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center to be checked out and was later released.The Hutchinson Police traffic unit continues to investigate the accident.

Kansas bicyclist killed after struck by SUV in Hutchinson

FINNEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a man for an alleged altercation with a family member.

Just after 9p.m. Wednesday, police were dispatched to the north part of Garden City for a reported battery, according to a media release.

Investigators learned that a suspect identified as21-year-old Joshua Russell of Garden City was at home with a family member when he suddenly became angry and began pushing the family member and damaging property.

 In an attempt to calm him down, the family member drove Russell around town. While driving around town, Russell allegedly punched the family member several times. The family member attempted to get out of the vehicle, but Russell allegedly threatened harm against them if they did not stay. That is when police became involved. 

After arriving back at the residence, Russell exited the vehicle, and the family member was able to drive away and notify police.

Officers searched the area and located Russell hiding outside of his residence and took him Russell into custody without incident.&nbsp;

He is being held on requested charges of Aggravated Kidnapping, Domestic Battery, Criminal Threat and Criminal Damage, according to police.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659631330324.png" alt="Russell-photo Finney County" />
 <figcaption>Russell-photo Finney County</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a man for an alleged altercation with a family member.Just after 9p.m. Wednesday, police were dispatched to the north part of Garden City for a reported battery, according to a media release.Investigators learned that a suspect identified as21-year-old Joshua Russell of Garden City was at home with a family member when he suddenly became angry and began pushing the family member and damaging property. In an attempt to calm him down, the family member drove Russell around town. While driving around town, Russell allegedly punched the family member several times. The family member attempted to get out of the vehicle, but Russell allegedly threatened harm against them if they did not stay. That is when police became involved. After arriving back at the residence, Russell exited the vehicle, and the family member was able to drive away and notify police.Officers searched the area and located Russell hiding outside of his residence and took him Russell into custody without incident.&nbsp;He is being held on requested charges of Aggravated Kidnapping, Domestic Battery, Criminal Threat and Criminal Damage, according to police.

SW Kan. man jailed for allegedly kidnapping family member

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — A Florida woman has sued Equifax claiming she was denied a car loan because of a 130-point mistake in her credit report that she says was part of a larger group of credit score errors the ratings agency made this spring due to a coding problem.

The class action lawsuit was filed in federal court in Atlanta on behalf of Nydia Jenkins and potentially millions of others who applied for credit during a three-week period earlier this year. The Jacksonville, Florida woman was forced to accept another, less favorable loan that was $150 per month more than the one she was turned down for because of the error, according to the lawsuit.

Credit scores provide lenders with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.finra.org/investors/personal-finance/how-your-credit-score-impacts-your-financial-future#:~:text=A%20credit%20score%20is%20usually,the%20time%20of%20your%20application.">a picture</a>&nbsp;of how a big a risk a borrower is, and they typically range from 300 to 850 points, with a higher score usually resulting in better terms for people applying for mortgages, auto loans or mortgages. The lawsuit says the errors violated federal law that governs credit reporting agencies.

“In the modern economy, millions of Americans rely on credit to make the most important purchases of their lives, from homes to cars to appliances and everything in between," John Morgan and John Yanchunis, the attorneys representing Jenkins, said in a statement. “We believe that many of the people impacted – some of whom may still be unaware of what happened – suffered severe financial consequences."

The errors occurred over three weeks from mid-March to early April. An analysis Equifax conducted shows that there was no shift in a majority of credit scores, and for those who did experience a change, only a small number would have received a different credit decision, Equifax said in an emailed statement on Thursday.

“While the score may have shifted, a score shift does not necessarily mean that a consumer’s credit decision was negatively impacted," the Equifax statement said.

Equifax said in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.equifax.com/newsroom/all-news/-/story/equifax-statement-on-recent-coding-issue/">another statement</a>&nbsp;earlier this week that the problems stemmed from a coding issue that “resulted in the potential miscalculation of certain attributes used in model calculations." In that statement, the firm said less than 300,000 consumers had a score shift of 25 points or more.

“Again, we do not take this issue lightly," Equifax said.

Besides seeking an undisclosed amount of damages “to the fullest extent allowable by law," the lawsuit is asking for an audit to identify which customers' credit scores were affected; money for credit repair services; and the establishment of a fund to reimburse customers for any out-of-pocket expenses they incurred from the errors.

In 2017, hackers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-business-3e135a3f5b1941a48a9cb9692950d11e">broke into</a>&nbsp;Equifax in a breach that exposed the financial information of 147 million Americans. A federal court in 2020 approved&nbsp;<a href="https://www.equifaxbreachsettlement.com/admin/services/connectedapps.cms.extensions/1.0.0.0/927686a8-4491-4976-bc7b-83cccaa34de0_1033_EFX_Final_Approval_Order_(1.13.2020).pdf">a $380 million settlement</a>&nbsp;of class actions lawsuits, with no finding or judgment of wrongdoing made. The settlement required Equifax to invest a minimum $1 billion over five years on data security.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617904996533.jpeg" alt="Image FTC" />
 <figcaption>Image FTC</figcaption>
 </figure>ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — A Florida woman has sued Equifax claiming she was denied a car loan because of a 130-point mistake in her credit report that she says was part of a larger group of credit score errors the ratings agency made this spring due to a coding problem.The class action lawsuit was filed in federal court in Atlanta on behalf of Nydia Jenkins and potentially millions of others who applied for credit during a three-week period earlier this year. The Jacksonville, Florida woman was forced to accept another, less favorable loan that was $150 per month more than the one she was turned down for because of the error, according to the lawsuit.Credit scores provide lenders with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.finra.org/investors/personal-finance/how-your-credit-score-impacts-your-financial-future#:~:text=A%20credit%20score%20is%20usually,the%20time%20of%20your%20application.">a picture</a>&nbsp;of how a big a risk a borrower is, and they typically range from 300 to 850 points, with a higher score usually resulting in better terms for people applying for mortgages, auto loans or mortgages. The lawsuit says the errors violated federal law that governs credit reporting agencies.“In the modern economy, millions of Americans rely on credit to make the most important purchases of their lives, from homes to cars to appliances and everything in between," John Morgan and John Yanchunis, the attorneys representing Jenkins, said in a statement. “We believe that many of the people impacted – some of whom may still be unaware of what happened – suffered severe financial consequences."The errors occurred over three weeks from mid-March to early April. An analysis Equifax conducted shows that there was no shift in a majority of credit scores, and for those who did experience a change, only a small number would have received a different credit decision, Equifax said in an emailed statement on Thursday.“While the score may have shifted, a score shift does not necessarily mean that a consumer’s credit decision was negatively impacted," the Equifax statement said.Equifax said in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.equifax.com/newsroom/all-news/-/story/equifax-statement-on-recent-coding-issue/">another statement</a>&nbsp;earlier this week that the problems stemmed from a coding issue that “resulted in the potential miscalculation of certain attributes used in model calculations." In that statement, the firm said less than 300,000 consumers had a score shift of 25 points or more.“Again, we do not take this issue lightly," Equifax said.Besides seeking an undisclosed amount of damages “to the fullest extent allowable by law," the lawsuit is asking for an audit to identify which customers' credit scores were affected; money for credit repair services; and the establishment of a fund to reimburse customers for any out-of-pocket expenses they incurred from the errors.In 2017, hackers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-business-3e135a3f5b1941a48a9cb9692950d11e">broke into</a>&nbsp;Equifax in a breach that exposed the financial information of 147 million Americans. A federal court in 2020 approved&nbsp;<a href="https://www.equifaxbreachsettlement.com/admin/services/connectedapps.cms.extensions/1.0.0.0/927686a8-4491-4976-bc7b-83cccaa34de0_1033_EFX_Final_Approval_Order_(1.13.2020).pdf">a $380 million settlement</a>&nbsp;of class actions lawsuits, with no finding or judgment of wrongdoing made. The settlement required Equifax to invest a minimum $1 billion over five years on data security.___

Equifax issued wrong credit scores for millions of consumers

MIAMI COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities issued a public safety bulletin after a police officer was hospitalized following a traffic stop.

Just after 4 p.m. Tuesday, police in Osawatomie conducted a traffic stop in the 800 Block of First Street, according to Police Chief David Stuteville.

During the encounter with suspects an officer became ill and disoriented, exhibiting symptoms consistent with high level opioid exposure.&nbsp; EMS transported the officer to Olathe Medical Center for treatment of potential opioid poisoning.&nbsp;

As of Thursday afternoon, the officer was still receiving treatment and recovering, according to Stuteville.

Police arrested one suspect on requested charges of possession of controlled substances, certain stimulants, DUI and possession of drug paraphernalia.&nbsp;

Upon further investigation, the unknown substance was field tested with a positive result for fentanyl, according to Stuteville. A small dose of only 2 milligrams of fentanyl can be life threatening and require immediate medical care. Fentanyl may commonly occur through skin contact, inhalation or ingestion. Symptoms of exposure include shallow breathing, confusion, lessened alertness and loss of consciousness, according to the police department. Contact emergency services immediately if you suspect an exposure.

MIAMI COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities issued a public safety bulletin after a police officer was hospitalized following a traffic stop.Just after 4 p.m. Tuesday, police in Osawatomie conducted a traffic stop in the 800 Block of First Street, according to Police Chief David Stuteville.During the encounter with suspects an officer became ill and disoriented, exhibiting symptoms consistent with high level opioid exposure.&nbsp; EMS transported the officer to Olathe Medical Center for treatment of potential opioid poisoning.&nbsp;As of Thursday afternoon, the officer was still receiving treatment and recovering, according to Stuteville.Police arrested one suspect on requested charges of possession of controlled substances, certain stimulants, DUI and possession of drug paraphernalia.&nbsp;Upon further investigation, the unknown substance was field tested with a positive result for fentanyl, according to Stuteville. A small dose of only 2 milligrams of fentanyl can be life threatening and require immediate medical care. Fentanyl may commonly occur through skin contact, inhalation or ingestion. Symptoms of exposure include shallow breathing, confusion, lessened alertness and loss of consciousness, according to the police department. Contact emergency services immediately if you suspect an exposure.

Kansas officer exposed to fentanyl during traffic stop

Washington, D.C.—&nbsp;U.S. Senator Roger Marshall went to the Senate floor Thursday and asked for unanimous consent to pass two of bills aimed at halting risky gain-of-function (GoF) research sponsored by the U.S. federal government.

The first bill, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sen-marshall-legislation-to-halt-viral-gain-of-function-research/" target="_blank">Viral Gain of Function Research Moratorium Act</a>, would place a moratorium on all federal research grants to universities and other organizations conducting GoF research and risky research on potential pandemic pathogens.

The second bill, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/TAM22E15.pdf" target="_blank">SAFE Risky Research Act</a>, would target GoF research taking place in countries of concern. Both pieces of Senator Marshall’s legislation were blocked by Senate Democrats.&nbsp;

While speaking about the Viral Gain of Function Research Moratorium Act, Senator Marshall said in part,

“It is disturbing that one of our top public health agencies directed this risky research to be offshored while encouraging the pause in that exact same research in the U.S…&nbsp;Despite warnings and past lab accidents, our public health agencies like NIH continue to fund the WMD research, often in China nonetheless…&nbsp;Shockingly, Congress has minimal insight into the amount of this research at NIH. There is no transparency into their risk evaluation process… This is a national security issue… We must pause this research until national security experts can help create appropriate risk metrics, guardrails and processes for this research…”

While speaking about the SAFE Risky Research Act, Senator Marshall said in part,

“If my colleagues do not agree with placing a full moratorium on gain of function research, I ask for unanimous consent to adopt the SAFE Risky Research Act, which stops federal funds from being used to conduct risky research with countries that threaten our democracy and public health…&nbsp;This legislation is commonsense. We shouldn’t be collaborating on dangerous research with our adversaries… Given the inherent risk, NIH’s unwillingness to fully cooperate with congressional oversight, and Senate Democrats objection to taking the needed step of placing a complete moratorium on gain of function research, we must at least pass this narrow approach today.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659695496456.png" alt="Senator Marshall showing how the COVID virus evolved through Gain of Function" />
 <figcaption>Senator Marshall showing how the COVID virus evolved through Gain of Function</figcaption>
 </figure>Washington, D.C.—&nbsp;U.S. Senator Roger Marshall went to the Senate floor Thursday and asked for unanimous consent to pass two of bills aimed at halting risky gain-of-function (GoF) research sponsored by the U.S. federal government. The first bill, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sen-marshall-legislation-to-halt-viral-gain-of-function-research/" target="_blank">Viral Gain of Function Research Moratorium Act</a>, would place a moratorium on all federal research grants to universities and other organizations conducting GoF research and risky research on potential pandemic pathogens. The second bill, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/TAM22E15.pdf" target="_blank">SAFE Risky Research Act</a>, would target GoF research taking place in countries of concern. Both pieces of Senator Marshall’s legislation were blocked by Senate Democrats.&nbsp;While speaking about the Viral Gain of Function Research Moratorium Act, Senator Marshall said in part,“It is disturbing that one of our top public health agencies directed this risky research to be offshored while encouraging the pause in that exact same research in the U.S…&nbsp;Despite warnings and past lab accidents, our public health agencies like NIH continue to fund the WMD research, often in China nonetheless…&nbsp;Shockingly, Congress has minimal insight into the amount of this research at NIH. There is no transparency into their risk evaluation process… This is a national security issue… We must pause this research until national security experts can help create appropriate risk metrics, guardrails and processes for this research…”While speaking about the SAFE Risky Research Act, Senator Marshall said in part,“If my colleagues do not agree with placing a full moratorium on gain of function research, I ask for unanimous consent to adopt the SAFE Risky Research Act, which stops federal funds from being used to conduct risky research with countries that threaten our democracy and public health…&nbsp;This legislation is commonsense. We shouldn’t be collaborating on dangerous research with our adversaries… Given the inherent risk, NIH’s unwillingness to fully cooperate with congressional oversight, and Senate Democrats objection to taking the needed step of placing a complete moratorium on gain of function research, we must at least pass this narrow approach today.”

🎥Dems block Marshall’s bills to stop risky gain-of-function research 

GREENWOOD COUNTY—The Kansas Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal accident that occurred just after 10p.m. Thursday in Greenwood County.

The patrol reported a vehicle was westbound on U.S 54 twenty miles east of U.S. 77. The vehicle crossed the center line and struck an eastbound vehicle head-on.&nbsp; Check the Post for additional details as they become available

GREENWOOD COUNTY—The Kansas Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal accident that occurred just after 10p.m. Thursday in Greenwood County.The patrol reported a vehicle was westbound on U.S 54 twenty miles east of U.S. 77. The vehicle crossed the center line and struck an eastbound vehicle head-on.&nbsp; Check the Post for additional details as they become available

KHP investigating fatal head-on crash

HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
If you're headed to Wichita on Monday, here's a chance to save some money at the pump.

"Americans for Prosperity is working along with JumpStart stores, because we do want to bring relief to high gas prices," said economist Michael Austin. "For 90 minutes at the JumpStart at 790 North Broadway, this Monday at 2 p.m., we will lower unleaded gas price to $2.38 a gallon. We want to show that Washington and coastal elites can't solve the problems we face. We the people are the solution."

"That was the national average of unleaded gasoline when President Joe Biden took office," Austin said. "Though, of course in recent weeks, we've been seeing that number trend down, it is still roughly twice as high as where it was 18 months ago, depending on where you look. That means, it's still difficult for families to make ends meet."

There are just a couple of restrictions on the event.

"That's from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.," Austin said. "We will lower the price of unleaded gasoline to $2.38 a gallon. The only rule that we have is no RVs and no gas cans. Just come to fill up your tank."

The JumpStart location was just purchased earlier this year. Before that, it was a QuikTrip.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659633687960.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
If you're headed to Wichita on Monday, here's a chance to save some money at the pump."Americans for Prosperity is working along with JumpStart stores, because we do want to bring relief to high gas prices," said economist Michael Austin. "For 90 minutes at the JumpStart at 790 North Broadway, this Monday at 2 p.m., we will lower unleaded gas price to $2.38 a gallon. We want to show that Washington and coastal elites can't solve the problems we face. We the people are the solution."Why $2.38? They're making a point."That was the national average of unleaded gasoline when President Joe Biden took office," Austin said. "Though, of course in recent weeks, we've been seeing that number trend down, it is still roughly twice as high as where it was 18 months ago, depending on where you look. That means, it's still difficult for families to make ends meet."There are just a couple of restrictions on the event."That's from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.," Austin said. "We will lower the price of unleaded gasoline to $2.38 a gallon. The only rule that we have is no RVs and no gas cans. Just come to fill up your tank."The JumpStart location was just purchased earlier this year. Before that, it was a QuikTrip.

Gas discount event Monday in Wichita

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Authorities are investigating vandalism at Evergreen Park, 2700 Woodland N, in Wichita.

Just after 12:30a.m. Wednesday,&nbsp;a black car drove through the park and a passenger in the vehicle threw a mortar shell out the window starting a grass fire on the west side of the park, according to a social media report Wichita Parks and Recreation.

The Fire Department put out the fire. If you recognize this vehicle or have any information about this crime, call Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111 or online at <a href="https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=217&amp;fbclid=IwAR1wwB7lWDpP5WkQvZLOXpbdDEIiU13jeZdA5XXUmUauBldGkTCXKkiMl74" target="_blank">https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=217</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659651026658.png" alt="Photos Wichita Parks and Rec" />
 <figcaption>Photos Wichita Parks and Rec</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Authorities are investigating vandalism at Evergreen Park, 2700 Woodland N, in Wichita.Just after 12:30a.m. Wednesday,&nbsp;a black car drove through the park and a passenger in the vehicle threw a mortar shell out the window starting a grass fire on the west side of the park, according to a social media report Wichita Parks and Recreation.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659650995987.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Fire Department put out the fire. If you recognize this vehicle or have any information about this crime, call Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111 or online at <a href="https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=217&amp;fbclid=IwAR1wwB7lWDpP5WkQvZLOXpbdDEIiU13jeZdA5XXUmUauBldGkTCXKkiMl74" target="_blank">https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=217</a>.&nbsp;

Police: Mortar shell started grass fire at Kansas park

SALINE COUNTY —Less than nine months since breaking ground, Rolling Hills Zoo (RHZ) is thrilled to announce the opening their new exhibit, Pride of the Prairie, on Friday, according to a media release from the park.

Mimicking the savanna grasslands of Africa, the native tall grass prairies of Kansas served as the inspiration for Rolling Hills Zoo’s new African lion experience which encompasses nearly 20,000 sq. ft. This new exhibit doubles the size of the lions’ original outdoor yard and includes a massive visitors’ cave, a new indoor habitat and additional off-exhibit housing.

From inside the immersive rocky cave guests will experience face-to-face encounters with the lion pride from the safety of the cave’s viewing area. A special training window inside the cave will allow guests to be just feet away as animal care staff safely perform daily husbandry with the lions, all part of the exemplary care given to each animal at the zoo.

Another exciting feature of The Pride of the Prairie will be additional housing to introduce a male to the zoo’s pride. This building has four giant viewing windows where guests can observe the lion as it is safely introduced to the pride. In the future this space will serve as a den for a lioness and her cubs during their first few months of life, offering guests a “first look” of the new offspring.

Unlike any other lion habitats in Kansas, The Pride of the Prairie provides a high “cliff like” vantage point for the lions to ascend as they keep a watchful eye on their domain, mimicking behaviors in their native savanna.

The new Pride of the Prairie habitat ensures that Rolling Hills Zoo continues to exceed the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ high standard of care for African lions by doubling their outdoor space.

“The support for this project is nothing short of amazing, and I’m really excited to see the Pride of the Prairie enjoyed by zoo visitors and our lions for years to come,” shared Ryan VanZant, RHZ executive director, on the opening of the new lion experience.

The lead gift for the new Pride of the Prairie exhibit was donated by Bill Graves and Martha Graves Reese of the William H. Graves Family Foundation. This gift provided a one-to-one challenge to fully fund the project. Thanks to contributions of literally hundreds of donors, businesses and foundations who stepped up to the challenge, Rolling Hills Zoo’s new Pride of the Prairie exhibit will open to the public in August.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659558468950.jpeg" alt="Experience a different way to view the lions at Rolling Hills Zoo when Pride of the Prairie opens Friday. Photo Rolling Hills Zoo" />
 <figcaption>Experience a different way to view the lions at Rolling Hills Zoo when Pride of the Prairie opens Friday. Photo Rolling Hills Zoo</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —Less than nine months since breaking ground, Rolling Hills Zoo (RHZ) is thrilled to announce the opening their new exhibit, Pride of the Prairie, on Friday, according to a media release from the park.Mimicking the savanna grasslands of Africa, the native tall grass prairies of Kansas served as the inspiration for Rolling Hills Zoo’s new African lion experience which encompasses nearly 20,000 sq. ft. This new exhibit doubles the size of the lions’ original outdoor yard and includes a massive visitors’ cave, a new indoor habitat and additional off-exhibit housing.From inside the immersive rocky cave guests will experience face-to-face encounters with the lion pride from the safety of the cave’s viewing area. A special training window inside the cave will allow guests to be just feet away as animal care staff safely perform daily husbandry with the lions, all part of the exemplary care given to each animal at the zoo.Another exciting feature of The Pride of the Prairie will be additional housing to introduce a male to the zoo’s pride. This building has four giant viewing windows where guests can observe the lion as it is safely introduced to the pride. In the future this space will serve as a den for a lioness and her cubs during their first few months of life, offering guests a “first look” of the new offspring.Unlike any other lion habitats in Kansas, The Pride of the Prairie provides a high “cliff like” vantage point for the lions to ascend as they keep a watchful eye on their domain, mimicking behaviors in their native savanna.The new Pride of the Prairie habitat ensures that Rolling Hills Zoo continues to exceed the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ high standard of care for African lions by doubling their outdoor space.“The support for this project is nothing short of amazing, and I’m really excited to see the Pride of the Prairie enjoyed by zoo visitors and our lions for years to come,” shared Ryan VanZant, RHZ executive director, on the opening of the new lion experience.The lead gift for the new Pride of the Prairie exhibit was donated by Bill Graves and Martha Graves Reese of the William H. Graves Family Foundation. This gift provided a one-to-one challenge to fully fund the project. Thanks to contributions of literally hundreds of donors, businesses and foundations who stepped up to the challenge, Rolling Hills Zoo’s new Pride of the Prairie exhibit will open to the public in August.

New lion exhibit opens Friday at Kansas zoo

WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal authorities have charged a man accused of taking a weapon with him to the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol.

Jerod Thomas Bargar, 36, of Centralia, Missouri, was arrested Wednesday in Osage Beach, Missouri, the U.S. Justice Department said. He was charged with entering a restricted building or grounds with a weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm on Capitol grounds or buildings, along with related misdemeanors.

Bargar is the 23rd Missourian charged in connection to the Jan. 6 insurrection, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article264157891.html">reported</a>. He is not accused of entering the Capitol building.

Federal documents allege Bargar took a 9 mm semi-automatic pistol with him to a rally and then to the Capitol. Bargar did not have a license to carry a weapon in the District of Columbia.

A police officer found the weapon on the ground a few minutes after protesters broke through police lines on the west side of the Capitol, according to court documents.

Authorities traced the pistol to Bargar, who said he lost it after protesters were sprayed with tear gas and he tried to help a woman who had fallen.

It was not immediately clear if Bargar has an attorney.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659648140354.png" alt="Bargar photo Dept. of Justice" />
 <figcaption>Bargar photo Dept. of Justice</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal authorities have charged a man accused of taking a weapon with him to the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol.Jerod Thomas Bargar, 36, of Centralia, Missouri, was arrested Wednesday in Osage Beach, Missouri, the U.S. Justice Department said. He was charged with entering a restricted building or grounds with a weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm on Capitol grounds or buildings, along with related misdemeanors.Bargar is the 23rd Missourian charged in connection to the Jan. 6 insurrection, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article264157891.html">reported</a>. He is not accused of entering the Capitol building.Federal documents allege Bargar took a 9 mm semi-automatic pistol with him to a rally and then to the Capitol. Bargar did not have a license to carry a weapon in the District of Columbia.A police officer found the weapon on the ground a few minutes after protesters broke through police lines on the west side of the Capitol, according to court documents.Authorities traced the pistol to Bargar, who said he lost it after protesters were sprayed with tear gas and he tried to help a woman who had fallen.It was not immediately clear if Bargar has an attorney.

Man charged with bringing gun to the Capitol on Jan. 6

ANKENY, Iowa (AP)-Three family members killed during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/79dc29d592802e9f3cade5c093aa4559">a shooting last month</a>&nbsp;at an eastern Iowa state park were shot, stabbed and/or strangled, according to autopsy results released Thursday.

Tyler Schmidt, 42, died from a gunshot wound and “multiple sharp force injuries,” while his wife, 42-year-old Sarah Schmidt, died from multiple sharp force injuries, the Iowa Department of Public Safety said in a news release. Their 6-year-old daughter, Lula Schmidt, died from a gunshot wound and strangulation, officials said.

All three family members’ deaths have been ruled homicides. The Schmidts’ 9-year-old son, who was with his family on the camping trip, survived the attack without physical injuries, but investigators have not said whether he was in the tent when the attack happened.

The department confirmed Thursday that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shootings-iowa-42188f51e0f9ee5fc2ab3512d9949b37">the killer was Anthony Sherwin</a>, 23, of LaVista, Nebraska, who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after the family was attacked early on the morning of July 22 in their tent at the Maquoketa Caves State Park campground. Sherwin was at the park camping with his parents at the time of the attack, according to police and Sherwin's mother.

Investigators said all evidence collected substantiates that Sherwin acted alone, but police have not indicated a motive in the killings. The release said no further information would be released Thursday. Mitch Mortvedt, assistant director of the Department of Public Safety’s division of criminal investigation, did not immediately return a message seeking comment.

Police who swarmed the park about 180 miles (290 kilometers) east of Des Moines in the wake of the shooting found Sherwin’s body outside the campground but within a wooded area of the park.

Sherwin’s mother, Cecilia Sherwin, told The Associated Press in the days after the shooting that she and her husband were devastated by attack on the Schmidts and by the loss of their son, whom she described as kind, sensitive, an exceptional student and an aspiring businessman.

Cecilia Sherwin said in an email Sunday to the AP that her family had recently made the decision to become gun owners only after a number of recent crimes and disturbances while camping previously.

“Neither I, my husband, nor Anthony had any experience with handguns before this year,” she said. “We took classes and joined a range. Anthony was very responsible and showed no interest in hurting anyone and never hurt an animal in his life.”

A memorial to celebrate the lives of the Schmidts was held Tuesday in their hometown of Cedar Falls, Iowa, drawing about 200 people.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658666100699.png" alt="Tyler and Sarah Schmidt lived in Lawrence, Kansas, for a time, where Sarah worked at the University of Kansas. Tyler was an IT software engineer.-Photo GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>Tyler and Sarah Schmidt lived in Lawrence, Kansas, for a time, where Sarah worked at the University of Kansas. Tyler was an IT software engineer.-Photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>ANKENY, Iowa (AP)-Three family members killed during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/79dc29d592802e9f3cade5c093aa4559">a shooting last month</a>&nbsp;at an eastern Iowa state park were shot, stabbed and/or strangled, according to autopsy results released Thursday.Tyler Schmidt, 42, died from a gunshot wound and “multiple sharp force injuries,” while his wife, 42-year-old Sarah Schmidt, died from multiple sharp force injuries, the Iowa Department of Public Safety said in a news release. Their 6-year-old daughter, Lula Schmidt, died from a gunshot wound and strangulation, officials said.All three family members’ deaths have been ruled homicides. The Schmidts’ 9-year-old son, who was with his family on the camping trip, survived the attack without physical injuries, but investigators have not said whether he was in the tent when the attack happened.The department confirmed Thursday that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shootings-iowa-42188f51e0f9ee5fc2ab3512d9949b37">the killer was Anthony Sherwin</a>, 23, of LaVista, Nebraska, who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after the family was attacked early on the morning of July 22 in their tent at the Maquoketa Caves State Park campground. Sherwin was at the park camping with his parents at the time of the attack, according to police and Sherwin's mother.Investigators said all evidence collected substantiates that Sherwin acted alone, but police have not indicated a motive in the killings. The release said no further information would be released Thursday. Mitch Mortvedt, assistant director of the Department of Public Safety’s division of criminal investigation, did not immediately return a message seeking comment.Police who swarmed the park about 180 miles (290 kilometers) east of Des Moines in the wake of the shooting found Sherwin’s body outside the campground but within a wooded area of the park.Sherwin’s mother, Cecilia Sherwin, told The Associated Press in the days after the shooting that she and her husband were devastated by attack on the Schmidts and by the loss of their son, whom she described as kind, sensitive, an exceptional student and an aspiring businessman.Cecilia Sherwin said in an email Sunday to the AP that her family had recently made the decision to become gun owners only after a number of recent crimes and disturbances while camping previously.“Neither I, my husband, nor Anthony had any experience with handguns before this year,” she said. “We took classes and joined a range. Anthony was very responsible and showed no interest in hurting anyone and never hurt an animal in his life.”A memorial to celebrate the lives of the Schmidts was held Tuesday in their hometown of Cedar Falls, Iowa, drawing about 200 people.

Autopsy: Former Kan. family killed at Iowa park shot, stabbed, strangled

OSAGE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects after a domestic incident that injured a police officer.

On August 1, police responded with Osage County EMS to the 500 block of North 4th street in Carbondale due to reports of a domestic battery, according to a media release.

 Upon arriving to the residence officers made contact with the victim who reported the female suspect had left the scene. During the investigation the woman returned to, and attempted to enter, the residence. When an officer attempted to stop her from entering, she assaulted the officer.

The suspect identified as 27-year-old Ashley RaeAnn Morris was taken into custody on requested charges of Domestic Battery and Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer

A second individual at the residence, Aaron Michael Lewis, 29, was also taken into custody on an outstanding Osage County warrant.

EMS checked Morris and the officer. Both suspects are being held in the Osage County Jail.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659638328771.png" alt="Lewis-photo Osage Co." />
 <figcaption>Lewis-photo Osage Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>OSAGE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects after a domestic incident that injured a police officer.On August 1, police responded with Osage County EMS to the 500 block of North 4th street in Carbondale due to reports of a domestic battery, according to a media release. Upon arriving to the residence officers made contact with the victim who reported the female suspect had left the scene. During the investigation the woman returned to, and attempted to enter, the residence. When an officer attempted to stop her from entering, she assaulted the officer.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659638227291.png" alt="Morris photo Osage Co." />
 <figcaption>Morris photo Osage Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The suspect identified as 27-year-old Ashley RaeAnn Morris was taken into custody on requested charges of Domestic Battery and Battery on a Law Enforcement OfficerA second individual at the residence, Aaron Michael Lewis, 29, was also taken into custody on an outstanding Osage County warrant.EMS checked Morris and the officer. Both suspects are being held in the Osage County Jail.

Kansas battery suspect accused of attacking police officer

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged aggravated battery and have a suspect in custody.

Just after 2:30a.m. Thursday, police filed a report for aggravated battery in the 500 block of Leavenworth Street in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity rep ort.

A 42-year-old woman reported a 41-year-old male suspect later identified as Nicholas Mainville of Manhattan hit her in the face with a baseball bat. 

EMS transported the victim to Via Christi for treatment of her injuries. Police arrested Mainville on a requested charge of aggravated battery. He is no longer in custody, according to online jail records.

Mainville has previous convictions for making a false writing, attempted trafficking contraband into a correctional facility and for unlawful manufacture of a controlled substance, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659537643478.jpeg" alt="Mainville has previous convictions for making a false writing, attempted trafficking contraband into a correctional facility and for unlawful manufacture of a controlled substance, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Mainville has previous convictions for making a false writing, attempted trafficking contraband into a correctional facility and for unlawful manufacture of a controlled substance, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged aggravated battery and have a suspect in custody.Just after 2:30a.m. Thursday, police filed a report for aggravated battery in the 500 block of Leavenworth Street in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity rep ort.A 42-year-old woman reported a 41-year-old male suspect later identified as Nicholas Mainville of Manhattan hit her in the face with a baseball bat. EMS transported the victim to Via Christi for treatment of her injuries. Police arrested Mainville on a requested charge of aggravated battery. He is no longer in custody, according to online jail records.Mainville has previous convictions for making a false writing, attempted trafficking contraband into a correctional facility and for unlawful manufacture of a controlled substance, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.&nbsp;

Police: Man allegedly struck woman in face with baseball bat

WASHINGTON (AP) — The federal government declared a public health emergency Thursday to bolster the response to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/monkeypox">monkeypox</a><a href="https://apnews.com/hub/monkeypox">outbreak</a>&nbsp;that has infected more <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/response/2022/us-map.html">than 6,600 Americans.</a>

The announcement will free up money and other resources to fight the virus, which may cause fever, body aches, chills, fatigue and pimple-like bumps on many parts of the body.

“We are prepared to take our response to the next level in addressing this virus, and we urge every American to take monkeypox seriously,” said Xavier Becerra, head of the Department of Health and Human Services.

The declaration by HHS comes as the Biden administration has faced criticism over monkeypox vaccine availability. Clinics in major cities such as New York and San Francisco say they haven’t received enough of the two-shot vaccine to meet demand, and some have had to stop offering the second dose to ensure supply of first doses.

The White House said it has made more than 1.1 million doses available and has helped to boost domestic diagnostic capacity to 80,000 tests per week.

The monkeypox virus spreads through prolonged skin-to-skin contact, including hugging, cuddling and kissing, as well as sharing bedding, towels and clothing. The people who have gotten sick so far have been primarily men who have sex with men. But health officials emphasize that the virus can infect anyone.

Earlier this week, the Biden administration named top officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to serve as the White House coordinators to combat monkeypox.

Thursday's declaration is an important — and overdue — step, said Lawrence Gostin, a public health law expert at Georgetown University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655678482994.png" alt="Monkeypox Photo Credit: NHS England High Consequence Infectious Diseases Network-CDC" />
 <figcaption>Monkeypox Photo Credit: NHS England High Consequence Infectious Diseases Network-CDC</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The federal government declared a public health emergency Thursday to bolster the response to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/monkeypox">monkeypox</a><a href="https://apnews.com/hub/monkeypox">outbreak</a>&nbsp;that has infected more <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/response/2022/us-map.html">than 6,600 Americans.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659646384899.png" alt="Monkeypox cases by state-August 3, 2022 CDC image" />
 <figcaption>Monkeypox cases by state-August 3, 2022 CDC image</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659646434549.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The announcement will free up money and other resources to fight the virus, which may cause fever, body aches, chills, fatigue and pimple-like bumps on many parts of the body.“We are prepared to take our response to the next level in addressing this virus, and we urge every American to take monkeypox seriously,” said Xavier Becerra, head of the Department of Health and Human Services.The declaration by HHS comes as the Biden administration has faced criticism over monkeypox vaccine availability. Clinics in major cities such as New York and San Francisco say they haven’t received enough of the two-shot vaccine to meet demand, and some have had to stop offering the second dose to ensure supply of first doses.The White House said it has made more than 1.1 million doses available and has helped to boost domestic diagnostic capacity to 80,000 tests per week.The monkeypox virus spreads through prolonged skin-to-skin contact, including hugging, cuddling and kissing, as well as sharing bedding, towels and clothing. The people who have gotten sick so far have been primarily men who have sex with men. But health officials emphasize that the virus can infect anyone.Earlier this week, the Biden administration named top officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to serve as the White House coordinators to combat monkeypox.Thursday's declaration is an important — and overdue — step, said Lawrence Gostin, a public health law expert at Georgetown University.“It signals the U.S. government’s seriousness and purpose, and sounds a global alarm,” he said.Under the declaration, HHS can draw from emergency funds, hire or reassign staff to deal with the outbreak and take other steps to control the virus.For example, the announcement should help the federal government to seek more information from state and local health officials about who is becoming infected and who is being vaccinated. That information can be used to better understand how the outbreak is unfolding and how well the vaccine works.Gostin said the U.S. government has been too cautious and should have declared a nationwide emergency earlier. Public health measures to control outbreaks have increasingly faced legal challenges in recent years, but Gostin didn’t expect that to happen with monkeypox.“It is a textbook case of a public health emergency,” Gostin said. “It’s not a red or a blue state issue. There is no political opposition to fighting monkeypox.”A public health emergency can be extended, similar to what happened during the COVID-19 pandemic, he noted.The urgency in the current response stems from the rapid spread of the virus coupled with the limited availability of the two-dose vaccine called Jynneos, which is considered the main medical weapon against the disease.The doses, given 28 days apart, are currently being given to people soon after they think they were exposed, as a measure to prevent symptoms.Becerra announced the emergency declaration during a call with reporters. During the call, Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Robert Califf said regulators are reviewing an approach that would stretch supplies by allowing health professionals to vaccinate up to five people — instead of one — with each vial of Jynneos.Under this so-called “dose-sparing” approach, physicians and others would use a shallower injection under the skin, instead of the subcutaneous injection currently recommended in the vaccine’s labeling.Califf said a decision authorizing that approach could come “within days.”That would require another declaration, to allow the government to alter its guidelines on how to administer the vaccine, officials said.Health officials pointed to a study published in 2015 that found that Jynneos vaccine administered that way was as effective at stimulating the immune system as when the needle plunger deeper into other tissue.But experts also have acknowledged they are still gathering information on how well the conventional administration of one or two full doses works against the outbreak.Others health organizations have made similar declarations.Last week, the World Health Organization called monkeypox a public health emergency, with cases in more than 70 countries. A global emergency is WHO’s highest level of alert, but the designation does not necessarily mean a disease is particularly transmissible or lethal.California, Illinois and New York have all made declarations in the last week, as have New York City, San Francisco and San Diego County.The declaration of a national public health emergency and the naming of a monkeypox czar are “symbolic actions,” said Gregg Gonsalves, a Yale University infectious diseases expert.What’s important is that the government is taking the necessary steps to control the outbreak and — if it comes to that — to have a plan for how to deal with monkeypox if it becomes endemic, he said.