JUNCTION CITY —&nbsp;Junction City High School classes for the 2021-22 school year will 
begin Aug. 25, two weeks later than originally planned. Teachers will 
report to school on Aug. 12 instead of Aug. 4 and students will 
begin on the 25.

The new schedule for JCHS was announced and approved by the USD 475 Board of Education Thursday evening.

Dr.
 Reginald Eggleston, Superintendent of Schools, noted that the change in
 the schedule is due to the construction on the new school and the pace 
of that work. "We will add 15 minutes to the day in order to be sure 
that we cover all of the minutes that we need for seniors as well for 
all of the students at the high school."

The last day of the school year will be May 17.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625843977399.jpeg" alt="New Junction City High School" />
 <figcaption>New Junction City High School</figcaption>
 </figure>JC PostJUNCTION CITY —&nbsp;Junction City High School classes for the 2021-22 school year will 
begin Aug. 25, two weeks later than originally planned. Teachers will 
report to school on Aug. 12 instead of Aug. 4 and students will 
begin on the 25.The new schedule for JCHS was announced and approved by the USD 475 Board of Education Thursday evening.Dr.
 Reginald Eggleston, Superintendent of Schools, noted that the change in
 the schedule is due to the construction on the new school and the pace 
of that work. "We will add 15 minutes to the day in order to be sure 
that we cover all of the minutes that we need for seniors as well for 
all of the students at the high school."The last day of the school year will be May 17.

School construction will delay opening of Junction City school year

By SCOTT CARLSON <a href="https://northplattepost.com">North Platte Post</a>

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. —&nbsp;A former deputy sheriff in Dodge County, Neb., who was convicted of running a
 Ponzi scheme has been found dead on the day he was supposed to be 
sentenced.

Former deputy Craig Harbaugh was set to be sentenced in federal court in Omaha on Friday.

Authorities said Harbaugh was found dead in his home Friday morning. Foul play is not suspected and an autopsy has been ordered.

Harbaugh
 was convicted of defrauding a bank and several individuals out of 
nearly $11 million but provided false purchase orders and service 
contracts for his business which sold tactical gear for law enforcement.

Harbaugh was facing up to 20 years in prison and hefty fines.

Authorities say Harbaugh was employed by the sheriff's office while he ran the Ponzi scheme.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625843549068.png" alt="Harbaugh" />
 <figcaption>Harbaugh</figcaption>
 </figure>By SCOTT CARLSON <a href="https://northplattepost.com">North Platte Post</a>NORTH PLATTE, Neb. —&nbsp;A former deputy sheriff in Dodge County, Neb., who was convicted of running a
 Ponzi scheme has been found dead on the day he was supposed to be 
sentenced.Former deputy Craig Harbaugh was set to be sentenced in federal court in Omaha on Friday.Authorities said Harbaugh was found dead in his home Friday morning. Foul play is not suspected and an autopsy has been ordered.Harbaugh
 was convicted of defrauding a bank and several individuals out of 
nearly $11 million but provided false purchase orders and service 
contracts for his business which sold tactical gear for law enforcement.Harbaugh was facing up to 20 years in prison and hefty fines.Authorities say Harbaugh was employed by the sheriff's office while he ran the Ponzi scheme.

Former Neb. deputy found dead on day of federal sentencing

POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a holiday weekend shooting and asking for help to locate suspects.

Just after midnight Sunday, the Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 phone call in reference to shots being fired into an occupied vehicle on Highway 24 near Bluebird Road, just west of Wamego, according to a media release.

Deputies arrived on scene and determined that several individuals were in a silver Dodge Ram pick-up truck when it was shot at by another vehicle. 

The occupants of the silver Dodge truck were not injured and the other vehicle was believed to have continued westbound on Highway 24.&nbsp;

investigation and detectives are asking for the public's help in locating the person or person(s) responsible for the shooting. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact Captain Darrin Stewart at the Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office at 785-457-3353.

POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a holiday weekend shooting and asking for help to locate suspects.Just after midnight Sunday, the Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 phone call in reference to shots being fired into an occupied vehicle on Highway 24 near Bluebird Road, just west of Wamego, according to a media release.Deputies arrived on scene and determined that several individuals were in a silver Dodge Ram pick-up truck when it was shot at by another vehicle. The occupants of the silver Dodge truck were not injured and the other vehicle was believed to have continued westbound on Highway 24.&nbsp;investigation and detectives are asking for the public's help in locating the person or person(s) responsible for the shooting. Anyone with information is asked to contact Captain Darrin Stewart at the Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office at 785-457-3353.

Sheriff asks for help to ID suspects in Kan. highway shooting

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

ABILENE - A Colorado man died after being struck twice on Interstate 70 (I-70) late Thursday night in Dickinson County.

According to information from Dickinson County Sheriff Jerry Davis, deputies responded at 11:49 p.m. Thursday to I-70 near mile marker 267 just east of Solomon.

Just prior to the arrival of deputies, Timothy S. Dalton, 34, of Peyton, Colo., was struck by two vehicles that were traveling east on I-70, Davis noted. Although life saving measures were attempted, Dalton was pronounced dead at the scene. Dalton’s vehicle was located at the scene, parked off of the roadway.

During the initial investigation last night, the eastbound lanes of I-70 were closed and traffic was diverted.

Occupants of the first vehicle that struck Dalton were not injured.

Melissa A. Wilson, 32, of Lenexa, and Amanda R. Coots, 34, of St. Joseph, Mo., were occupants of the second vehicle that struck Dalton and were transported to Abilene Memorial Hospital in stable condition, the sheriff reported.

According to Davis, the incident remains under investigation.

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostABILENE - A Colorado man died after being struck twice on Interstate 70 (I-70) late Thursday night in Dickinson County.According to information from Dickinson County Sheriff Jerry Davis, deputies responded at 11:49 p.m. Thursday to I-70 near mile marker 267 just east of Solomon.Just prior to the arrival of deputies, Timothy S. Dalton, 34, of Peyton, Colo., was struck by two vehicles that were traveling east on I-70, Davis noted. Although life saving measures were attempted, Dalton was pronounced dead at the scene. Dalton’s vehicle was located at the scene, parked off of the roadway.During the initial investigation last night, the eastbound lanes of I-70 were closed and traffic was diverted.Occupants of the first vehicle that struck Dalton were not injured.Melissa A. Wilson, 32, of Lenexa, and Amanda R. Coots, 34, of St. Joseph, Mo., were occupants of the second vehicle that struck Dalton and were transported to Abilene Memorial Hospital in stable condition, the sheriff reported.According to Davis, the incident remains under investigation.

Sheriff: Man dies after being struck twice on I-70

HUTCHINSON — The Reno County District Attorney's office dismissed&nbsp; charges of kidnapping and stalking against a Kansas man felon Thursday.

The kidnapping charge against 56-year-old Thomas Lee Boyd was dismissed without prejudice which means charges can be refiled at a later date.

Boyd was arrested May 9, following an incident involving a Hutchison woman after he allegedly followed her in her vehicle then confronted her. 

Andrew Davidson with the District Attorney’s office stated that after a second interview between law enforcement and the victim the charges were dismissed.

Boyd is still being held in the Reno County Correctional Facility on a bond of $125,000 for other pending cases against him.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625777001821.jpeg" alt="Boyd has previous convictions for indent liberties with a child, battery, aggravated battery, violation of a protection order of abuse, obstruction and drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections-photo Reno County" />
 <figcaption>Boyd has previous convictions for indent liberties with a child, battery, aggravated battery, violation of a protection order of abuse, obstruction and drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections-photo Reno County</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON — The Reno County District Attorney's office dismissed&nbsp; charges of kidnapping and stalking against a Kansas man felon Thursday.The kidnapping charge against 56-year-old Thomas Lee Boyd was dismissed without prejudice which means charges can be refiled at a later date.Boyd was arrested May 9, following an incident involving a Hutchison woman after he allegedly followed her in her vehicle then confronted her. Andrew Davidson with the District Attorney’s office stated that after a second interview between law enforcement and the victim the charges were dismissed.Boyd is still being held in the Reno County Correctional Facility on a bond of $125,000 for other pending cases against him.

Kidnapping charge dismissed against violent Kan. felon

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Health officials are investigating an outbreak of COVID-19 cases at a summer camp in Butler County, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment announced Thursday.

Thirteen cases were reported in the last two weeks and 23 cases have been reported overall at the AGK Ministries summer camp at the Wheat State Retreat Center near Maize held between June 21 and June 25, the KDHE reported.

State and Butler County health officials are investigating and are urging anyone who attended the camp to be tested for the virus.

The camp is one of four camps listed by the state on Thursday as a COVID cluster locations based on cases in the last 14 days.

The others are Christ the King Summer Camp and Early Education Center in Topeka, with nine cases; Moana Camp in Overland Park, with five cases; and West Central Christian Service Camp in the Johnson County town of Missouri, with seven cases.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Health officials are investigating an outbreak of COVID-19 cases at a summer camp in Butler County, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment announced Thursday.Thirteen cases were reported in the last two weeks and 23 cases have been reported overall at the AGK Ministries summer camp at the Wheat State Retreat Center near Maize held between June 21 and June 25, the KDHE reported.State and Butler County health officials are investigating and are urging anyone who attended the camp to be tested for the virus.The camp is one of four camps listed by the state on Thursday as a COVID cluster locations based on cases in the last 14 days.The others are Christ the King Summer Camp and Early Education Center in Topeka, with nine cases; Moana Camp in Overland Park, with five cases; and West Central Christian Service Camp in the Johnson County town of Missouri, with seven cases.

KDHE investigating COVID clusters at summer camps

DETROIT (AP) — General Motors is recalling more than 400,000 pickup trucks in the U.S. because the side air bags can explode without warning and spew parts into the cabin.

The recall covers certain 2015 and 2016 Chevrolet and GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks.

Documents posted Friday by U.S. safety regulators say the air bag inflator can rupture or the end cap can fly off on both sides of the trucks. Documents say three inflators ruptured in 2015 Silverados last month, one in Florida and two in Texas. All three trucks were unoccupied at the time, and GM says it has no reports of injuries..

The company says a manufacturing defect allowed moisture into the inflator while it was being manufactured, causing corrosion. The inflators were made in Mexico by Joyson Safety Systems.

Dealers will replace both side air bag modules. The company says it has a limited number of replacement parts available. Owners will be notified starting Aug. 16 and they’ll get a second letter when parts are widely available.

About 9,000 of the trucks were recalled last year for the same problem.

DETROIT (AP) — General Motors is recalling more than 400,000 pickup trucks in the U.S. because the side air bags can explode without warning and spew parts into the cabin.The recall covers certain 2015 and 2016 Chevrolet and GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks.Documents posted Friday by U.S. safety regulators say the air bag inflator can rupture or the end cap can fly off on both sides of the trucks. Documents say three inflators ruptured in 2015 Silverados last month, one in Florida and two in Texas. All three trucks were unoccupied at the time, and GM says it has no reports of injuries..The company says a manufacturing defect allowed moisture into the inflator while it was being manufactured, causing corrosion. The inflators were made in Mexico by Joyson Safety Systems.Dealers will replace both side air bag modules. The company says it has a limited number of replacement parts available. Owners will be notified starting Aug. 16 and they’ll get a second letter when parts are widely available.About 9,000 of the trucks were recalled last year for the same problem.

GM recall: Side air bags can explode in Chevy, GMC pickups

KENNESAW, Ga. (AP) — Authorities on Thursday afternoon arrested a man in the killing of three men found shot to death on the golf course of a suburban Atlanta country club.

Cobb County sheriff’s deputies and U.S. marshals arrested Bryan Rhoden in Chamblee, more than 25 miles southeast of where the slain men were discovered Saturday, Cobb County Police Chief Tim Cox said during a news conference Thursday evening.

Rhoden faces three counts of murder, three counts of aggravated assault and two counts of kidnapping, Cox said. The police chief described Rhoden as the “lone shooter” in the slayings but he declined to give further details about what prompted the violence.

“We literally had detectives that have worked around the clock and some have literally slept in their offices since July 3rd trying to clear this case,” Cox said.

Police say golf pro Eugene Siller was gunned down Saturday when he went to find out why a white pickup truck had driven onto the 10th green at Pinetree Country Club in Kennesaw, northwest of Atlanta.

Two other men were found dead from gunshot wounds in the bed of the pickup truck. Police identified them as 46-year-old Henry Valdez of California and 76-year-old Paul Pierson of Topeka.

Investigators believe that Siller, 46, was slain because he came upon a “crime in progress,” police have said. It doesn’t appear that he was targeted, and the other men appear to have “no relation to the location at all,” police had said in a statement. Pierson was the truck’s registered owner.

Police haven’t commented on any possible motive for the killings of the two men whose bodies were found in the pickup.

It wasn’t immediately known if Rhoden has an attorney who could speak on his behalf.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625690174997.png" alt="Cobb County police identified the victims as&nbsp;Golf pro Eugene Siller, 46-year-old Henry Valdez of California and 76-year-old Paul Pierson of Topeka -photo courtesy WGCL TV" />
 <figcaption>Cobb County police identified the victims as&nbsp;Golf pro Eugene Siller, 46-year-old Henry Valdez of California and 76-year-old Paul Pierson of Topeka -photo courtesy WGCL TV</figcaption>
 </figure>KENNESAW, Ga. (AP) — Authorities on Thursday afternoon arrested a man in the killing of three men found shot to death on the golf course of a suburban Atlanta country club.Cobb County sheriff’s deputies and U.S. marshals arrested Bryan Rhoden in Chamblee, more than 25 miles southeast of where the slain men were discovered Saturday, Cobb County Police Chief Tim Cox said during a news conference Thursday evening.Rhoden faces three counts of murder, three counts of aggravated assault and two counts of kidnapping, Cox said. The police chief described Rhoden as the “lone shooter” in the slayings but he declined to give further details about what prompted the violence.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625828048089.png" alt="Rhoden photo Cobb County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Rhoden photo Cobb County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>“We literally had detectives that have worked around the clock and some have literally slept in their offices since July 3rd trying to clear this case,” Cox said.Police say golf pro Eugene Siller was gunned down Saturday when he went to find out why a white pickup truck had driven onto the 10th green at Pinetree Country Club in Kennesaw, northwest of Atlanta.Two other men were found dead from gunshot wounds in the bed of the pickup truck. Police identified them as 46-year-old Henry Valdez of California and 76-year-old Paul Pierson of Topeka.Investigators believe that Siller, 46, was slain because he came upon a “crime in progress,” police have said. It doesn’t appear that he was targeted, and the other men appear to have “no relation to the location at all,” police had said in a statement. Pierson was the truck’s registered owner.Police haven’t commented on any possible motive for the killings of the two men whose bodies were found in the pickup.It wasn’t immediately known if Rhoden has an attorney who could speak on his behalf.

Police: Arrest in killing of Kan. man, 2 others at golf course

Pfizer is about to seek U.S. authorization for a third dose of its COVID-19 vaccine, saying Thursday that another shot within 12 months could dramatically boost immunity and maybe help ward off the latest worrisome coronavirus mutant.

Research from multiple countries shows the Pfizer shot and other widely used COVID-19 vaccines offer strong protection against the highly contagious delta variant, which is spreading rapidly around the world and now accounts for most new U.S. infections.

Two doses of most vaccines are critical to develop high levels of virus-fighting antibodies against all versions of the coronavirus, not just the delta variant -- and most of the world still is desperate to get those initial protective doses as the pandemic continues to rage.

But antibodies naturally wane over time, so studies also are underway to tell if and when boosters might be needed.

On Thursday, Pfizer’s Dr. Mikael Dolsten told The Associated Press that early data from the company’s booster study suggests people’s antibody levels jump five- to 10-fold after a third dose, compared to their second dose months earlier.

In August, Pfizer plans to ask the Food and Drug Administration for emergency authorization of a third dose, he said.

Why might that matter for fighting the delta variant? Dolsten pointed to data from Britain and Israel showing the Pfizer vaccine “neutralizes the delta variant very well.” The assumption, he said, is that when antibodies drop low enough, the delta virus eventually could cause a mild infection before the immune system kicks back in.

But FDA authorization would be just a first step -- it wouldn’t automatically mean Americans get offered boosters, cautioned Dr. William Schaffner, a vaccine expert at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Public health authorities would have to decide if they’re really needed, especially since millions of people have no protection.

“The vaccines were designed to keep us out of the hospital” and continue to do so despite the more contagious delta variant, he said. Giving another dose would be “a huge effort while we are at the moment striving to get people the first dose.”

Hours after Pfizer’s announcement, U.S. health officials issued a statement saying fully vaccinated Americans don’t need a booster yet.

U.S. health agencies “are engaged in a science-based, rigorous process to consider whether or when a booster might be necessary,” the FDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a joint statement. That work will include data from the drug companies, “but does not rely on those data exclusively,” and any decision on booster shots would happen only when “the science demonstrates that they are needed,” the agencies said.

Currently only about 48% of the U.S. population is fully vaccinated — and some parts of the country have far lower immunization rates, places where the delta variant is surging. On Thursday, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the CDC director, said that’s leading to “two truths” — highly immunized swaths of America are getting back to normal while hospitalizations are rising in other places.

“This rapid rise is troubling,” she said: A few weeks ago the delta variant accounted for just over a quarter of new U.S. cases, but it now accounts for just over 50% — and in some places, such as parts of the Midwest, as much as 80%.

Also Thursday, researchers from France’s Pasteur Institute reported new evidence that full vaccination is critical.

In laboratory tests, blood from several dozen people given their first dose of the Pfizer or AstraZeneca vaccines “barely inhibited” the delta variant, the team reported in the journal Nature. But weeks after getting their second dose, nearly all had what researchers deemed an immune boost strong enough to neutralize the delta variant — even if it was a little less potent than against earlier versions of the virus.

The French researchers also tested unvaccinated people who had survived a bout of the coronavirus, and found their antibodies were four-fold less potent against the new mutant. But a single vaccine dose dramatically boosted their antibody levels — sparking cross-protection against the delta variant and two other mutants, the study found. That supports public health recommendations that COVID-19 survivors get vaccinated rather than relying on natural immunity.

The lab experiments add to real-world data that the delta variant’s mutations aren’t evading the vaccines most widely used in Western countries, but underscore that it’s crucial to get more of the world immunized before the virus evolves even more.

Researchers in Britain found two doses of the Pfizer vaccine, for example, are 96% protective against hospitalization with the delta variant and 88% effective against symptomatic infection. That finding was echoed last weekend by Canadian researchers, while a report from Israel suggested protection against mild delta infection may have dipped lower, to 64%.

Whether the fully vaccinated still need to wear masks in places where the delta variant is surging is a growing question. In the U.S., the CDC maintains that fully vaccinated people don’t need to. Even before the delta variant came along, the vaccines weren’t perfect, but the best evidence suggests that if vaccinated people nonetheless get the coronavirus, they’ll have much milder cases.

“Let me emphasize, if you were vaccinated, you have a very high degree of protection,” Dr. Anthony Fauci, the U.S. government’s top infectious disease expert, said Thursday.

In the U.S., case rates have been rising for weeks and the rate of hospitalizations has started to tick up, rising 7% from the previous seven-day average, Walensky told reporters Thursday. However, deaths remain down on average, which some experts believe is at least partly due to high vaccination rates in people 65 and older — who are among the most susceptible to severe disease.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604926559777.png" alt="Hours after Pfizer’s announcement, U.S. health officials issued a statement saying fully vaccinated Americans don’t need a booster yet.-Photo courtesy Pfizer" />
 <figcaption>Hours after Pfizer’s announcement, U.S. health officials issued a statement saying fully vaccinated Americans don’t need a booster yet.-Photo courtesy Pfizer</figcaption>
 </figure>By LAURAN NEERGAARD, Associated PressPfizer is about to seek U.S. authorization for a third dose of its COVID-19 vaccine, saying Thursday that another shot within 12 months could dramatically boost immunity and maybe help ward off the latest worrisome coronavirus mutant.Research from multiple countries shows the Pfizer shot and other widely used COVID-19 vaccines offer strong protection against the highly contagious delta variant, which is spreading rapidly around the world and now accounts for most new U.S. infections.Two doses of most vaccines are critical to develop high levels of virus-fighting antibodies against all versions of the coronavirus, not just the delta variant -- and most of the world still is desperate to get those initial protective doses as the pandemic continues to rage.But antibodies naturally wane over time, so studies also are underway to tell if and when boosters might be needed.On Thursday, Pfizer’s Dr. Mikael Dolsten told The Associated Press that early data from the company’s booster study suggests people’s antibody levels jump five- to 10-fold after a third dose, compared to their second dose months earlier.In August, Pfizer plans to ask the Food and Drug Administration for emergency authorization of a third dose, he said.Why might that matter for fighting the delta variant? Dolsten pointed to data from Britain and Israel showing the Pfizer vaccine “neutralizes the delta variant very well.” The assumption, he said, is that when antibodies drop low enough, the delta virus eventually could cause a mild infection before the immune system kicks back in.But FDA authorization would be just a first step -- it wouldn’t automatically mean Americans get offered boosters, cautioned Dr. William Schaffner, a vaccine expert at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Public health authorities would have to decide if they’re really needed, especially since millions of people have no protection.“The vaccines were designed to keep us out of the hospital” and continue to do so despite the more contagious delta variant, he said. Giving another dose would be “a huge effort while we are at the moment striving to get people the first dose.”Hours after Pfizer’s announcement, U.S. health officials issued a statement saying fully vaccinated Americans don’t need a booster yet.U.S. health agencies “are engaged in a science-based, rigorous process to consider whether or when a booster might be necessary,” the FDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a joint statement. That work will include data from the drug companies, “but does not rely on those data exclusively,” and any decision on booster shots would happen only when “the science demonstrates that they are needed,” the agencies said.Currently only about 48% of the U.S. population is fully vaccinated — and some parts of the country have far lower immunization rates, places where the delta variant is surging. On Thursday, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the CDC director, said that’s leading to “two truths” — highly immunized swaths of America are getting back to normal while hospitalizations are rising in other places.“This rapid rise is troubling,” she said: A few weeks ago the delta variant accounted for just over a quarter of new U.S. cases, but it now accounts for just over 50% — and in some places, such as parts of the Midwest, as much as 80%.Also Thursday, researchers from France’s Pasteur Institute reported new evidence that full vaccination is critical.In laboratory tests, blood from several dozen people given their first dose of the Pfizer or AstraZeneca vaccines “barely inhibited” the delta variant, the team reported in the journal Nature. But weeks after getting their second dose, nearly all had what researchers deemed an immune boost strong enough to neutralize the delta variant — even if it was a little less potent than against earlier versions of the virus.The French researchers also tested unvaccinated people who had survived a bout of the coronavirus, and found their antibodies were four-fold less potent against the new mutant. But a single vaccine dose dramatically boosted their antibody levels — sparking cross-protection against the delta variant and two other mutants, the study found. That supports public health recommendations that COVID-19 survivors get vaccinated rather than relying on natural immunity.The lab experiments add to real-world data that the delta variant’s mutations aren’t evading the vaccines most widely used in Western countries, but underscore that it’s crucial to get more of the world immunized before the virus evolves even more.Researchers in Britain found two doses of the Pfizer vaccine, for example, are 96% protective against hospitalization with the delta variant and 88% effective against symptomatic infection. That finding was echoed last weekend by Canadian researchers, while a report from Israel suggested protection against mild delta infection may have dipped lower, to 64%.Whether the fully vaccinated still need to wear masks in places where the delta variant is surging is a growing question. In the U.S., the CDC maintains that fully vaccinated people don’t need to. Even before the delta variant came along, the vaccines weren’t perfect, but the best evidence suggests that if vaccinated people nonetheless get the coronavirus, they’ll have much milder cases.“Let me emphasize, if you were vaccinated, you have a very high degree of protection,” Dr. Anthony Fauci, the U.S. government’s top infectious disease expert, said Thursday.In the U.S., case rates have been rising for weeks and the rate of hospitalizations has started to tick up, rising 7% from the previous seven-day average, Walensky told reporters Thursday. However, deaths remain down on average, which some experts believe is at least partly due to high vaccination rates in people 65 and older — who are among the most susceptible to severe disease.

Pfizer to seek OK for 3rd dose of COVID vaccine

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a wanted Kansas felon after a violent attack ona woman.

Just before 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, police responded to an assault call at a business in the 3000 block of East Douglas in Wichita, according to Office Charley Davidson.

At the scene, a 55-year-old woman reported going to her car after leaving the business when she was approached by&nbsp;64-year-old Veryl Crawford of Wichita. He pushed her and struck her multiple times with a rock causing serious injuries.&nbsp; Crawford then took the woman's cell phone and wallet and fled on foot.

With the help of an eyewitness, officers located Crawford in the 3200 block of East Chatfield as he was attempting to hide evidence.&nbsp; &nbsp;Police arrested Crawford without incident and booked into jail on requested charges of aggravated robbery, aggravated battery, interference with law enforcement, possession of drug paraphernalia, and a warrant through the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC), according to Davidson.

Crawford has multiple previous felony convictions and is currently on parolee through KDOC.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625770977245.png" alt="Crawford has previous convictions for rape, aggravated robbery and aggravated battery, according to the Kan. Dept. of Corrections-photo Sedgwick County Jail." />
 <figcaption>Crawford has previous convictions for rape, aggravated robbery and aggravated battery, according to the Kan. Dept. of Corrections-photo Sedgwick County Jail.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a wanted Kansas felon after a violent attack ona woman.Just before 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, police responded to an assault call at a business in the 3000 block of East Douglas in Wichita, according to Office Charley Davidson.At the scene, a 55-year-old woman reported going to her car after leaving the business when she was approached by&nbsp;64-year-old Veryl Crawford of Wichita. He pushed her and struck her multiple times with a rock causing serious injuries.&nbsp; Crawford then took the woman's cell phone and wallet and fled on foot.With the help of an eyewitness, officers located Crawford in the 3200 block of East Chatfield as he was attempting to hide evidence.&nbsp; &nbsp;Police arrested Crawford without incident and booked into jail on requested charges of aggravated robbery, aggravated battery, interference with law enforcement, possession of drug paraphernalia, and a warrant through the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC), according to Davidson.Crawford has multiple previous felony convictions and is currently on parolee through KDOC.

Police: Wanted Kan. felon attacked woman with a rock

DEXTER, Mo. (AP) — Tyson Foods is recalling almost 4,500 tons of ready-to-eat chicken products after finding the products may be tainted with listeria bacteria. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the recall Thursday after two consumers reported falling ill with listeriosis. Further investigation revealed one death besides the two listeriosis cases traced to pre-cooked chicken Tyson produced. Listeriosis is a serious infection that primarily affects older adults, those with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women and their newborns. It causes fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms.

Tyson Foods is voluntarily recalling approximately 8.5 million pounds of frozen, fully cooked chicken. Tyson has been working closely with the U.S. Department of Agriculture on this recall, and while there is no conclusive evidence that the products were contaminated at the time of shipment, the voluntary recall is being initiated out of an abundance of caution.

The affected products were produced at one plant located in Dexter, Missouri, between December 26 of 2020 and April 13 of 2021 and distributed to foodservice and retail customers nationwide and Puerto Rico. They are being recalled as a precaution due to possible exposure to&nbsp;&nbsp;Listeria monocytogenes, a harmful bacteria.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We’re committed to providing safe, healthy food that people rely on every day,” said Scott Brooks, senior vice president, food safety and quality assurance, Tyson Foods. “We are taking this precautionary step out of an abundance of caution and in keeping with our commitment to safety.”

Products Included in this Recall The recall includes&nbsp;Tyson&nbsp;® branded frozen, fully cooked products as well as private label products made for customers. These products were sold to foodservice and retail customers and distributed nationwide. Each package of the affected retail products has the establishment code P-7089.

Only those products listed are being recalled. No other Tyson products are impacted by the recall, including but not limited to any&nbsp;Tyson®&nbsp;brand fresh chicken; frozen, raw chicken products or chicken nuggets.

Consumers with questions should call or text 1-855-382-3101. Customer service representatives will be available beginning Sunday through Friday 8am – 5pm CDT.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625525876858.png" alt="The recall includes Tyson ® branded frozen, fully cooked products as well as private label products made for customers. These products were sold to foodservice and retail customers and distributed nationwide.Photo courtesy Tyson Foods" />
 <figcaption>The recall includes Tyson ® branded frozen, fully cooked products as well as private label products made for customers. These products were sold to foodservice and retail customers and distributed nationwide.Photo courtesy Tyson Foods</figcaption>
 </figure>DEXTER, Mo. (AP) — Tyson Foods is recalling almost 4,500 tons of ready-to-eat chicken products after finding the products may be tainted with listeria bacteria. The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the recall Thursday after two consumers reported falling ill with listeriosis. Further investigation revealed one death besides the two listeriosis cases traced to pre-cooked chicken Tyson produced. Listeriosis is a serious infection that primarily affects older adults, those with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women and their newborns. It causes fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms.--------Tyson Foods is voluntarily recalling approximately 8.5 million pounds of frozen, fully cooked chicken. Tyson has been working closely with the U.S. Department of Agriculture on this recall, and while there is no conclusive evidence that the products were contaminated at the time of shipment, the voluntary recall is being initiated out of an abundance of caution. The affected products were produced at one plant located in Dexter, Missouri, between December 26 of 2020 and April 13 of 2021 and distributed to foodservice and retail customers nationwide and Puerto Rico. They are being recalled as a precaution due to possible exposure to&nbsp;&nbsp;Listeria monocytogenes, a harmful bacteria.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We’re committed to providing safe, healthy food that people rely on every day,” said Scott Brooks, senior vice president, food safety and quality assurance, Tyson Foods. “We are taking this precautionary step out of an abundance of caution and in keeping with our commitment to safety.”Products Included in this Recall The recall includes&nbsp;Tyson&nbsp;® branded frozen, fully cooked products as well as private label products made for customers. These products were sold to foodservice and retail customers and distributed nationwide. Each package of the affected retail products has the establishment code P-7089.Only those products listed are being recalled. No other Tyson products are impacted by the recall, including but not limited to any&nbsp;Tyson®&nbsp;brand fresh chicken; frozen, raw chicken products or chicken nuggets.Consumers with questions should call or text 1-855-382-3101. Customer service representatives will be available beginning Sunday through Friday 8am – 5pm CDT.

Tyson Foods recalls almost 4,500 tons of chicken product

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that left two people with non-life threatening injuries.

Just after 10:15 a.m. Wednesday, police responded to the 2400 block of SW Buchanan Street in Topeka after a caller stated they had been shot at, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.

The caller left the scene prior to officer’s arrival. A short time later, two people arrived at a local hospital by private vehicle. Both had non-life threatening injuries believed to be consistent with the earlier shooting.

While investigating the shooting, officers located a 20-year-old later identified as Tyzale J. Banks-Hall, 20 of Topeka who was in possession of a stolen firearm.&nbsp;

After further investigation, police arrested Banks-Hall and booked him into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Possession of stolen Firearm with value less than $25,000.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625741227791.png" alt="Banks-Hall-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Banks-Hall-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that left two people with non-life threatening injuries.Just after 10:15 a.m. Wednesday, police responded to the 2400 block of SW Buchanan Street in Topeka after a caller stated they had been shot at, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.The caller left the scene prior to officer’s arrival. A short time later, two people arrived at a local hospital by private vehicle. Both had non-life threatening injuries believed to be consistent with the earlier shooting.While investigating the shooting, officers located a 20-year-old later identified as Tyzale J. Banks-Hall, 20 of Topeka who was in possession of a stolen firearm.&nbsp;After further investigation, police arrested Banks-Hall and booked him into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Possession of stolen Firearm with value less than $25,000.&nbsp;

Police: Kan. man used stolen firearm during shooting

DAWSON COUNTY, NE.—Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested one person after locating more than 260 pounds of marijuana during a traffic stop on Interstate 80 in Dawson County.

At approximately 9:45 a.m. Wednesday, a trooper performed a traffic stop on an eastbound Ford Transit Van for driving on the shoulder of I-80 near Lexington at mile marker 238. During the traffic stop, an NSP K9 detected the odor of a controlled substance coming from inside the vehicle.

Troopers searched the vehicle and located 262 pounds of marijuana contained in large boxes in the cargo area of the van. The driver, David Hernandez Fuentes, 24, of Ceres, California, was arrested for possession of marijuana with intent to deliver and no drug tax stamp. He was lodged in Dawson County Jail.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625777603233.png" alt="Photo courtesy Nebraska State Patrol" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Nebraska State Patrol</figcaption>
 </figure>DAWSON COUNTY, NE.—Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested one person after locating more than 260 pounds of marijuana during a traffic stop on Interstate 80 in Dawson County.At approximately 9:45 a.m. Wednesday, a trooper performed a traffic stop on an eastbound Ford Transit Van for driving on the shoulder of I-80 near Lexington at mile marker 238. During the traffic stop, an NSP K9 detected the odor of a controlled substance coming from inside the vehicle.Troopers searched the vehicle and located 262 pounds of marijuana contained in large boxes in the cargo area of the van. The driver, David Hernandez Fuentes, 24, of Ceres, California, was arrested for possession of marijuana with intent to deliver and no drug tax stamp. He was lodged in Dawson County Jail.

State troopers find 260 pounds of marijuana in traffic stop

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A federal judge issued an arrest warrant Thursday for a&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;man who skipped his sentencing for a debt selling scam that involved millions of dollars.

Joel Tucker, of Prairie Village, pleaded guilty last year to criminal counts of transporting stolen money, bankruptcy fraud and tax evasion.

His attorneys said Thursday that Tucker was in&nbsp;Colorado&nbsp;dealing with a critical family situation, The Kansas City Star reported.

U.S. District Court Judge Roseann Ketchmark issued the arrest warrant and set a new sentencing hearing for Tuesday.

Most of Tucker’s charges stem from his selling phony consumer information to debt collectors, who then tried to get consumers to pay debts they didn't owe. In 2017, the Federal Trade Commission obtained a $4 million judgment against Tucker for the same scam.

Tucker's brother, former professional race car driver Scott Tucker, is serving a nearly 17-year sentence in federal prison for running an illegal payday loan operation in Overland Park that federal authorities said exploited more than 2 million borrowers.

KANSAS CITY– A Kansas man pleaded guilty in federal court Thursday to engaging in two separate fraud schemes related to millions of dollars in false payday loan debt and to tax evasion totaling more than $8 million, according to the United States Attorney's office.

“This well-dressed thief victimized millions of Americans whose personal information was fraudulently sold to debt collectors,” Garrison said. “Some of those victims, in their fear and confusion, actually paid debts they didn’t owe. And by hiding his income and assets then lying about it to federal agents, he victimized every honest citizen who obeys the law and pays their income taxes. His thievery allowed him to enjoy a luxurious lifestyle for a short time, but he won’t be entitled to such luxuries in federal prison.”

“Today, Mr. Tucker admitted he evaded the payment of taxes assessed against him. Despite receiving millions of dollars, Mr. Tucker used such funds to sustain a lavish lifestyle and not fulfill his civic duty,” said Adam Steiner, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the St. Louis Field Office. “We are determined at the IRS and Department of Justice to halt tax evasion, and the facts outlined in today’s plea are strong indicators that we can and will find this fraudulent activity.”

Joel Jerome Tucker, 51, Prairie Village, Kansas, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark to one count of transporting stolen money across state lines, one count of bankruptcy fraud, and one count of tax evasion.

Tucker, working through various companies, serviced payday loan businesses. Tucker’s company names changed over the years; the primary company was eData Solutions, LLC. eData, formally registered on July 29, 2009, did not make loans directly to borrowers; it collected loan application information, referred to as leads, and sold those leads to its approximately 70 payday lender clients. As a loan servicer, eData also provided software for payday lenders.&nbsp;

Tucker and the other owners of eData sold the company to the Wyandotte Indian tribe in 2012. However, despite selling his interest in eData, Tucker maintained a file of 7.8 million leads he had acquired through eData, containing detailed customer information (including names, addresses, bank accounts, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, etc.). eData had collected the detailed customer information from online payday loan applications or inquiries to its payday lender clients; the file did not represent loans that were made. In addition, Tucker obtained and retained data regarding defaulted payday loans eData had acquired from a number of different payday lender clients. Tucker used these files to create falsified debt portfolios.

By pleading guilty today, Tucker admitted that he engaged in a fraudulent debt scheme from 2014 to 2016. This scheme involved marketing, distributing, and selling false debt portfolios. Tucker defrauded third party debt collectors and millions of individuals listed as debtors through the sale of falsified debt portfolios. Tucker sold supposed debts which: 1) he didn’t personally own; 2) were not true debts; 3) had already been sold to other buyers; and 4) contained false lenders, false loan dates, false loan amounts, and false payment status. Tucker received as much as $7.3 million from the sale of false debt portfolios.&nbsp;

As part of his fraud scheme, Tucker transferred the proceeds of the fraud scheme across state lines.

Tucker also admitted that he executed a related bankruptcy fraud scheme in 2015. In his bankruptcy fraud scheme, Tucker also sold fraudulent debt, which entered the United States Bankruptcy Courts nationwide. When the United States Bankruptcy Court investigated these purported debts which were presented as claims in bankruptcy cases, Tucker provided false information and testimony to the Bankruptcy Court in order to conceal his scheme.

For tax years 2014 - 2016, neither Tucker personally nor any of his companies filed federal tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service. Tucker told IRS agents that he had no income and was living on borrowed money, including a lot of borrowed money from his mother. In reality, Tucker used nominee bank accounts to conceal income and assets and spent hundreds of thousands of dollars in personal living expenses such as vehicles, chartered jets, travel and entertainment, and a personal residence. Tucker also submitted a form to the IRS in which he omitted listing as an asset his membership in the Vail Mountain Club, for which he received $275,000 in 2016.

Under the terms of today’s plea agreement, Tucker must pay $8,057,079.95 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service. Tucker also must forfeit to the government $5,000, which is the amount of stolen proceeds transferred across state lines as referenced in the specific count to which he pleaded guilty.&nbsp;

Under federal statutes, Tucker is subject to a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625777725263.png" alt="Tucker photo Johnson County" />
 <figcaption>Tucker photo Johnson County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A federal judge issued an arrest warrant Thursday for a&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;man who skipped his sentencing for a debt selling scam that involved millions of dollars.Joel Tucker, of Prairie Village, pleaded guilty last year to criminal counts of transporting stolen money, bankruptcy fraud and tax evasion.His attorneys said Thursday that Tucker was in&nbsp;Colorado&nbsp;dealing with a critical family situation, The Kansas City Star reported.U.S. District Court Judge Roseann Ketchmark issued the arrest warrant and set a new sentencing hearing for Tuesday.Most of Tucker’s charges stem from his selling phony consumer information to debt collectors, who then tried to get consumers to pay debts they didn't owe. In 2017, the Federal Trade Commission obtained a $4 million judgment against Tucker for the same scam.Tucker's brother, former professional race car driver Scott Tucker, is serving a nearly 17-year sentence in federal prison for running an illegal payday loan operation in Overland Park that federal authorities said exploited more than 2 million borrowers.-----KANSAS CITY– A Kansas man pleaded guilty in federal court Thursday to engaging in two separate fraud schemes related to millions of dollars in false payday loan debt and to tax evasion totaling more than $8 million, according to the United States Attorney's office.“This well-dressed thief victimized millions of Americans whose personal information was fraudulently sold to debt collectors,” Garrison said. “Some of those victims, in their fear and confusion, actually paid debts they didn’t owe. And by hiding his income and assets then lying about it to federal agents, he victimized every honest citizen who obeys the law and pays their income taxes. His thievery allowed him to enjoy a luxurious lifestyle for a short time, but he won’t be entitled to such luxuries in federal prison.”“Today, Mr. Tucker admitted he evaded the payment of taxes assessed against him. Despite receiving millions of dollars, Mr. Tucker used such funds to sustain a lavish lifestyle and not fulfill his civic duty,” said Adam Steiner, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the St. Louis Field Office. “We are determined at the IRS and Department of Justice to halt tax evasion, and the facts outlined in today’s plea are strong indicators that we can and will find this fraudulent activity.”Joel Jerome Tucker, 51, Prairie Village, Kansas, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark to one count of transporting stolen money across state lines, one count of bankruptcy fraud, and one count of tax evasion.Tucker, working through various companies, serviced payday loan businesses. Tucker’s company names changed over the years; the primary company was eData Solutions, LLC. eData, formally registered on July 29, 2009, did not make loans directly to borrowers; it collected loan application information, referred to as leads, and sold those leads to its approximately 70 payday lender clients. As a loan servicer, eData also provided software for payday lenders.&nbsp;Tucker and the other owners of eData sold the company to the Wyandotte Indian tribe in 2012. However, despite selling his interest in eData, Tucker maintained a file of 7.8 million leads he had acquired through eData, containing detailed customer information (including names, addresses, bank accounts, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, etc.). eData had collected the detailed customer information from online payday loan applications or inquiries to its payday lender clients; the file did not represent loans that were made. In addition, Tucker obtained and retained data regarding defaulted payday loans eData had acquired from a number of different payday lender clients. Tucker used these files to create falsified debt portfolios.By pleading guilty today, Tucker admitted that he engaged in a fraudulent debt scheme from 2014 to 2016. This scheme involved marketing, distributing, and selling false debt portfolios. Tucker defrauded third party debt collectors and millions of individuals listed as debtors through the sale of falsified debt portfolios. Tucker sold supposed debts which: 1) he didn’t personally own; 2) were not true debts; 3) had already been sold to other buyers; and 4) contained false lenders, false loan dates, false loan amounts, and false payment status. Tucker received as much as $7.3 million from the sale of false debt portfolios.&nbsp;As part of his fraud scheme, Tucker transferred the proceeds of the fraud scheme across state lines.Tucker also admitted that he executed a related bankruptcy fraud scheme in 2015. In his bankruptcy fraud scheme, Tucker also sold fraudulent debt, which entered the United States Bankruptcy Courts nationwide. When the United States Bankruptcy Court investigated these purported debts which were presented as claims in bankruptcy cases, Tucker provided false information and testimony to the Bankruptcy Court in order to conceal his scheme.For tax years 2014 - 2016, neither Tucker personally nor any of his companies filed federal tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service. Tucker told IRS agents that he had no income and was living on borrowed money, including a lot of borrowed money from his mother. In reality, Tucker used nominee bank accounts to conceal income and assets and spent hundreds of thousands of dollars in personal living expenses such as vehicles, chartered jets, travel and entertainment, and a personal residence. Tucker also submitted a form to the IRS in which he omitted listing as an asset his membership in the Vail Mountain Club, for which he received $275,000 in 2016.Under the terms of today’s plea agreement, Tucker must pay $8,057,079.95 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service. Tucker also must forfeit to the government $5,000, which is the amount of stolen proceeds transferred across state lines as referenced in the specific count to which he pleaded guilty.&nbsp;Under federal statutes, Tucker is subject to a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

Kansas man skips sentencing for debt selling scam

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just before 7:30a.m. Thursday in Leavenworth County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2013 GMC Sierra driven by Heath L. Moore, 27, Leavenworth, was eastbound on U.S. 24 in Basehor.

The pickup rear-ended a 2002 Chevy Tracker driven by Marvin&nbsp;Giron-Ardon, 48, Kansas City, Kansas, who was slowing to make a left turn on 174th Street.

Giron-Ardon was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Frontier Forensics. EMS transported a passenger in the Chevy identified as Marco&nbsp;Tulio, 40, Kansas City, Kansas, to KU Medical Center. Moore was not wearing a seat belt, complained of pain but was not transported for treatment, according to the KHP.

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just before 7:30a.m. Thursday in Leavenworth County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2013 GMC Sierra driven by Heath L. Moore, 27, Leavenworth, was eastbound on U.S. 24 in Basehor.The pickup rear-ended a 2002 Chevy Tracker driven by Marvin&nbsp;Giron-Ardon, 48, Kansas City, Kansas, who was slowing to make a left turn on 174th Street.Giron-Ardon was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Frontier Forensics. EMS transported a passenger in the Chevy identified as Marco&nbsp;Tulio, 40, Kansas City, Kansas, to KU Medical Center. Moore was not wearing a seat belt, complained of pain but was not transported for treatment, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dead, 1 injured after rear-end crash

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Thursday said the U.S. military mission in Afghanistan will conclude on Aug. 31, saying “speed is safety” as the United States seeks to end the nearly 20-year war.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?513249-1/president-biden-us-military-operations-afghanistan-end-september">Click here to </a>watch the President's comments

“We did not go to Afghanistan to nation build,” Biden said in a speech to update his administration’s ongoing efforts to wind down the U.S. war in Afghanistan. “Afghan leaders have to come together and drive toward a future.”

Biden also amplified the justification of his decision to end U.S. military operations even as the Taliban make rapid advances in significant swaths of the country.

The effort to further explain his thinking on Afghanistan comes as the administration in recent days has repeatedly sought to frame ending the conflict as a decision that Biden made after concluding it’s an “unwinnable war” and one that “does not have a military solution.”

“How many more, how many more thousands of American daughters and sons are you willing to risk?” Biden said to those calling for the U.S. to extend the military operation. He added, “I will not send another generation of Americans to war in Afghanistan, with no reasonable expectation of achieving a different outcome.”

Biden said he didn’t trust the Taliban but trusted the capacity of the Afghan military to defend the government.

Before his speech, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Biden administration officials always anticipated an “uptick” in violence and greater turmoil as the U.S. withdrawal moved forward. She added that prolonging U.S. military involvement, considering former President Donald Trump had already agreed to withdraw U.S. troops from Afghanistan by May 2021, would have led to an escalation of attacks on American troops.

“The question fundamentally facing him was after 20 years was he going to commit more American troops to a civil war in Afghanistan,” Psaki said.

Biden said it was “highly unlikely” that one government will control Afghanistan after the U.S. pullout, and urged the Afghan government to reach a deal with the Taliban.

The president added that there is no “mission accomplished” moment as the U.S. war comes to an end.

“The mission was accomplished in that we got Osama bin Laden and terrorism is not emanating from that part of the world,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625770012997.png" alt="Biden said he didn’t trust the Taliban but trusted the capacity of the Afghan military to defend the government-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Biden said he didn’t trust the Taliban but trusted the capacity of the Afghan military to defend the government-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Thursday said the U.S. military mission in Afghanistan will conclude on Aug. 31, saying “speed is safety” as the United States seeks to end the nearly 20-year war.<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?513249-1/president-biden-us-military-operations-afghanistan-end-september">Click here to </a>watch the President's comments“We did not go to Afghanistan to nation build,” Biden said in a speech to update his administration’s ongoing efforts to wind down the U.S. war in Afghanistan. “Afghan leaders have to come together and drive toward a future.”Biden also amplified the justification of his decision to end U.S. military operations even as the Taliban make rapid advances in significant swaths of the country.The effort to further explain his thinking on Afghanistan comes as the administration in recent days has repeatedly sought to frame ending the conflict as a decision that Biden made after concluding it’s an “unwinnable war” and one that “does not have a military solution.”“How many more, how many more thousands of American daughters and sons are you willing to risk?” Biden said to those calling for the U.S. to extend the military operation. He added, “I will not send another generation of Americans to war in Afghanistan, with no reasonable expectation of achieving a different outcome.”Biden said he didn’t trust the Taliban but trusted the capacity of the Afghan military to defend the government.Before his speech, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Biden administration officials always anticipated an “uptick” in violence and greater turmoil as the U.S. withdrawal moved forward. She added that prolonging U.S. military involvement, considering former President Donald Trump had already agreed to withdraw U.S. troops from Afghanistan by May 2021, would have led to an escalation of attacks on American troops.“The question fundamentally facing him was after 20 years was he going to commit more American troops to a civil war in Afghanistan,” Psaki said.Biden said it was “highly unlikely” that one government will control Afghanistan after the U.S. pullout, and urged the Afghan government to reach a deal with the Taliban.The president added that there is no “mission accomplished” moment as the U.S. war comes to an end.“The mission was accomplished in that we got Osama bin Laden and terrorism is not emanating from that part of the world,” he said.

🎥 Pres. Biden: U.S. war in Afghanistan will end in August 

By DAVID CONDOS <a href="https://www.hppr.org/hppr-news/2021-07-08/covids-delta-comeback-in-southeast-kansas-has-health-officials-pleading-people-to-get-vaccinated">Kansas News Service</a>

Just a few weeks before COVID-19 vaccines became available, Teddi Van Kam got sick from the virus.

The
 director of the Crawford County health department, in far southeast 
Kansas, was laid out for four weeks. As the pandemic became increasingly
 dire in her community, she was too sick to work.

“I was scared,” Van Kam said. “I couldn’t breathe.”

By the time she recovered, the vaccines were available. She got her shot and went back to tackling the pandemic.

And she became a vaccine evangelist. But lately, converts have become hard to find. A year and a half into the outbreak, <a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data" target="_blank">less than half</a> of Crawford County residents are fully inoculated with a potentially life-saving vaccine.

“You wish you could convey to them how bad this could be,” Van Kam said, “but you have to be careful how you do those things.”

Now,
 she faces a new challenge: convincing vaccine-hesitant, pandemic-weary 
people in her community that the danger remains, that things are getting
 scarier.

“It’s hard,” Van Kam said, “to protect people that don’t want to be protected.”

The more contagious Delta variant is already fueling outbreaks among unvaccinated people in southwest Missouri that are <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-06-30/delta-variant-fuels-missouri-coronavirus-outbreaks-rise-in-cases" target="_blank">filling up</a> hospital wards, <a href="https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/local/ozarks/2021/07/02/missouri-requests-federal-aid-delta-variant-vaccine-struggles-grow-springfield-covid-coxhealth-mercy/7831239002/" target="_blank">straining resources</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/SDECoxHealth/status/1412748655644213249?s=20" target="_blank">claiming lives</a>.

As
 cases begin to spike in neighboring parts of Kansas, Van Kam and other 
public health officials are trying to find ways to reinvigorate 
vaccination campaigns before the new variant overwhelms local health 
care systems.

The Delta variant has quickly become the dominant strain of the coronavirus in Kansas.

In
 early May, the state department of health reported that it found this 
new variant in 3% of all the positive COVID tests that it analyzed. One 
month later, Delta appeared in roughly half of those tests.

The latest figures now show the Delta variant is responsible for <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas" target="_blank">92%</a> of all positive COVID tests being sequenced by the state department of health in Kansas.

Scientists believe this variant is roughly <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-01696-3" target="_blank">60% more contagious</a> than the Alpha variant — the previously dominant version, which was already more infectious than the original strain. <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/coronavirus-live-updates/2021/06/30/1011684609/moderna-says-studies-show-its-vaccine-is-effective-against-the-delta-variant" target="_blank">Recent studies</a>
 have shown that both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are highly 
effective at protecting people from the Delta variant and other variants
 of concern.

But <a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data" target="_blank">fewer than 40%</a>
 of Kansans have received their full dose of any vaccine, according to 
state data. And vaccinations have slowed to a crawl statewide.

Since peaking <a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data" target="_blank">near 40,000</a> daily doses in the early spring, the state is now giving out less than 5,000 vaccinations per day.

In
 rural areas, part of the challenge is refocusing community attention on
 the dangers of the pandemic after weeks of low COVID case numbers 
prompted people to lower their guard.

For example, Neosho County in southeast Kansas reported <a href="https://scontent.fmci1-4.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/195313919_3996095033772825_4303522014862979114_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&amp;ccb=1-3&amp;_nc_sid=730e14&amp;_nc_ohc=ZqQxN_dnQIsAX8pL1Vf&amp;_nc_ht=scontent.fmci1-4.fna&amp;oh=384289d9547009d213d4314a1b18bc9b&amp;oe=60EB3399" target="_blank">zero</a>
 active COVID-19 cases early last month for the first time in more than a
 year. Christy Hoerle, an epidemiology nurse with the county health 
department in Chanute, said that understandably led to a shift in how 
closely some people in the community were paying attention to the need 
for vaccinations.

“When the (COVID case) numbers went down,” Hoerle said, “it’s kind of like it’s up and gone.”

Hoerle
 said the county of roughly 16,000 people went two or three weeks 
without administering hardly any first-dose vaccination shots. This 
week, Neosho County reported 17 active cases, and the Delta variant is 
the most common strain.

But Hoerle said many people still don’t realize the new risks the strain brings.

“I
 don't think in our small little rural area...that people totally 
understand the difference in the variants,” she said. “So education is 
going to be key.”

In addition to posting county COVID case 
updates every few days on social media, the Neosho health department 
recently put a release in the local newspaper explaining how the Delta 
variant’s high rate of transmission endangers the community and how 
increasing the vaccination rate could limit that spread.

“I
 want people to understand that we can stop this,” Hoerle said. “Let's 
get it stopped before we get back to where we were at a year ago.”

Next door in Crawford County, the Delta 
variant has gained a similar foothold. In mid-May, the county of nearly 
40,000 people reported only three new COVID cases.

“We were thrilled,” Van Kam said. “That entire month, we were in single digits.”

Soon after, the Delta variant began to fuel <a href="https://www.stltoday.com/lifestyles/health-med-fit/coronavirus/as-covid-19-cases-spike-in-southwestern-missouri-officials-are-urging-vaccinations-before-july-4/article_90a7064a-eda0-53da-aabb-210bfc9fd516.html" target="_blank">new outbreaks</a>
 in nearby Joplin, Missouri, where Van Kam said many Crawford County 
residents commute for work. Last week, the southeast Kansas county 
recorded 51 new COVID cases, most of them infected with the Delta 
strain.

Crawford County has seen a handful of cases among 
people who were vaccinated. But those people had only mild symptoms. Van
 Kam said all of the recent COVID hospitalizations have been 
unvaccinated people.

“The vaccine works because it keeps you out of the hospital,” she said. “It keeps you from dying.”

She said the county has seen interest in vaccinations start to inch up as the Delta variant grabs more headlines.

For
 most of the people who are choosing to get their first shot now, Van 
Kam said the tipping point came down to one of three things: learning 
how contagious the Delta variant is; being pushed by family members to 
get vaccinated; or finally feeling confident in the safety of the 
vaccine after months of widespread inoculations.

To build 
on that momentum, the county began promoting a new video message on area
 television stations that features a local emergency physician 
explaining how the Delta variant is different from previous strains. Van
 Kam’s team developed new social media campaigns urging residents to get
 vaccinated and plans to offer COVID shots at the upcoming county fair.

But
 even with the more contagious variant spreading, Van Kam said she still
 sees vaccine resistance in her community, particularly among people 
ages 25 to 45.

Her advice for other rural counties who haven’t seen a rise in Delta variant cases in their backyards yet? Get ready now.

“It’s out there,” Van Kam said. “And it's probably not going to miss anybody.”

David Condos covers western Kansas for High Plains Public Radio and the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/davidcondos" target="_blank">@davidcondos</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625757172719.png" alt="A drive-thru COVID vaccination site in March. David Condos / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>A drive-thru COVID vaccination site in March. David Condos / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVID CONDOS <a href="https://www.hppr.org/hppr-news/2021-07-08/covids-delta-comeback-in-southeast-kansas-has-health-officials-pleading-people-to-get-vaccinated">Kansas News Service</a>Just a few weeks before COVID-19 vaccines became available, Teddi Van Kam got sick from the virus.The
 director of the Crawford County health department, in far southeast 
Kansas, was laid out for four weeks. As the pandemic became increasingly
 dire in her community, she was too sick to work.“I was scared,” Van Kam said. “I couldn’t breathe.”By the time she recovered, the vaccines were available. She got her shot and went back to tackling the pandemic.And she became a vaccine evangelist. But lately, converts have become hard to find. A year and a half into the outbreak, <a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data" target="_blank">less than half</a> of Crawford County residents are fully inoculated with a potentially life-saving vaccine.“You wish you could convey to them how bad this could be,” Van Kam said, “but you have to be careful how you do those things.”Now,
 she faces a new challenge: convincing vaccine-hesitant, pandemic-weary 
people in her community that the danger remains, that things are getting
 scarier.“It’s hard,” Van Kam said, “to protect people that don’t want to be protected.”The more contagious Delta variant is already fueling outbreaks among unvaccinated people in southwest Missouri that are <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-06-30/delta-variant-fuels-missouri-coronavirus-outbreaks-rise-in-cases" target="_blank">filling up</a> hospital wards, <a href="https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/local/ozarks/2021/07/02/missouri-requests-federal-aid-delta-variant-vaccine-struggles-grow-springfield-covid-coxhealth-mercy/7831239002/" target="_blank">straining resources</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/SDECoxHealth/status/1412748655644213249?s=20" target="_blank">claiming lives</a>. As
 cases begin to spike in neighboring parts of Kansas, Van Kam and other 
public health officials are trying to find ways to reinvigorate 
vaccination campaigns before the new variant overwhelms local health 
care systems.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625757238664.png" alt="The Delta variant, represented by the pink bars in this graph, became the dominant COVID variant found in Kansas in June. KDHE" />
 <figcaption>The Delta variant, represented by the pink bars in this graph, became the dominant COVID variant found in Kansas in June. KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>A new threatThe Delta variant has quickly become the dominant strain of the coronavirus in Kansas.In
 early May, the state department of health reported that it found this 
new variant in 3% of all the positive COVID tests that it analyzed. One 
month later, Delta appeared in roughly half of those tests.The latest figures now show the Delta variant is responsible for <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas" target="_blank">92%</a> of all positive COVID tests being sequenced by the state department of health in Kansas.Scientists believe this variant is roughly <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-01696-3" target="_blank">60% more contagious</a> than the Alpha variant — the previously dominant version, which was already more infectious than the original strain. <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/coronavirus-live-updates/2021/06/30/1011684609/moderna-says-studies-show-its-vaccine-is-effective-against-the-delta-variant" target="_blank">Recent studies</a>
 have shown that both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are highly 
effective at protecting people from the Delta variant and other variants
 of concern.But <a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data" target="_blank">fewer than 40%</a>
 of Kansans have received their full dose of any vaccine, according to 
state data. And vaccinations have slowed to a crawl statewide.Since peaking <a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data" target="_blank">near 40,000</a> daily doses in the early spring, the state is now giving out less than 5,000 vaccinations per day.In
 rural areas, part of the challenge is refocusing community attention on
 the dangers of the pandemic after weeks of low COVID case numbers 
prompted people to lower their guard.For example, Neosho County in southeast Kansas reported <a href="https://scontent.fmci1-4.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/195313919_3996095033772825_4303522014862979114_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&amp;ccb=1-3&amp;_nc_sid=730e14&amp;_nc_ohc=ZqQxN_dnQIsAX8pL1Vf&amp;_nc_ht=scontent.fmci1-4.fna&amp;oh=384289d9547009d213d4314a1b18bc9b&amp;oe=60EB3399" target="_blank">zero</a>
 active COVID-19 cases early last month for the first time in more than a
 year. Christy Hoerle, an epidemiology nurse with the county health 
department in Chanute, said that understandably led to a shift in how 
closely some people in the community were paying attention to the need 
for vaccinations.“When the (COVID case) numbers went down,” Hoerle said, “it’s kind of like it’s up and gone.”Hoerle
 said the county of roughly 16,000 people went two or three weeks 
without administering hardly any first-dose vaccination shots. This 
week, Neosho County reported 17 active cases, and the Delta variant is 
the most common strain.But Hoerle said many people still don’t realize the new risks the strain brings.“I
 don't think in our small little rural area...that people totally 
understand the difference in the variants,” she said. “So education is 
going to be key.”In addition to posting county COVID case 
updates every few days on social media, the Neosho health department 
recently put a release in the local newspaper explaining how the Delta 
variant’s high rate of transmission endangers the community and how 
increasing the vaccination rate could limit that spread.“I
 want people to understand that we can stop this,” Hoerle said. “Let's 
get it stopped before we get back to where we were at a year ago.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625757274671.png" alt="Since peaking near 40,000 daily doses in the early spring, Kansas is now giving out less than 5,000 vaccinations per day. Roughly 60% of the state's population remains unvaccinated. KDHE" />
 <figcaption>Since peaking near 40,000 daily doses in the early spring, Kansas is now giving out less than 5,000 vaccinations per day. Roughly 60% of the state's population remains unvaccinated. KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>Not overNext door in Crawford County, the Delta 
variant has gained a similar foothold. In mid-May, the county of nearly 
40,000 people reported only three new COVID cases.“We were thrilled,” Van Kam said. “That entire month, we were in single digits.”Soon after, the Delta variant began to fuel <a href="https://www.stltoday.com/lifestyles/health-med-fit/coronavirus/as-covid-19-cases-spike-in-southwestern-missouri-officials-are-urging-vaccinations-before-july-4/article_90a7064a-eda0-53da-aabb-210bfc9fd516.html" target="_blank">new outbreaks</a>
 in nearby Joplin, Missouri, where Van Kam said many Crawford County 
residents commute for work. Last week, the southeast Kansas county 
recorded 51 new COVID cases, most of them infected with the Delta 
strain.Crawford County has seen a handful of cases among 
people who were vaccinated. But those people had only mild symptoms. Van
 Kam said all of the recent COVID hospitalizations have been 
unvaccinated people.“The vaccine works because it keeps you out of the hospital,” she said. “It keeps you from dying.”She said the county has seen interest in vaccinations start to inch up as the Delta variant grabs more headlines.For
 most of the people who are choosing to get their first shot now, Van 
Kam said the tipping point came down to one of three things: learning 
how contagious the Delta variant is; being pushed by family members to 
get vaccinated; or finally feeling confident in the safety of the 
vaccine after months of widespread inoculations.To build 
on that momentum, the county began promoting a new video message on area
 television stations that features a local emergency physician 
explaining how the Delta variant is different from previous strains. Van
 Kam’s team developed new social media campaigns urging residents to get
 vaccinated and plans to offer COVID shots at the upcoming county fair.But
 even with the more contagious variant spreading, Van Kam said she still
 sees vaccine resistance in her community, particularly among people 
ages 25 to 45.Her advice for other rural counties who haven’t seen a rise in Delta variant cases in their backyards yet? Get ready now.“It’s out there,” Van Kam said. “And it's probably not going to miss anybody.”David Condos covers western Kansas for High Plains Public Radio and the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/davidcondos" target="_blank">@davidcondos</a>.

COVID's delta comeback in Kan. has officials pleading for vaccinations

By BRENT MARTIN <a href="https://stjosephpost.com">St. Joseph Post</a>

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — A 24-year-old man accused of assaulting his mother has now
been charged in the shooting death of a St. Joseph police dog.

Valdez McDonald has been charged with armed criminal action, accused
of shooting and killing K-9 Max while fleeing from police June 30.

McDonald already faces a third-degree assault charge. Authorities
accuse him of beating his mother, smashing her head against a wall and hitting
her in the back of the head with a 2-by-4.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625766338329.jpeg" alt="K9 Max/St. Joseph Police Dept. photo" />
 <figcaption>K9 Max/St. Joseph Police Dept. photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTIN <a href="https://stjosephpost.com">St. Joseph Post</a>ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — A 24-year-old man accused of assaulting his mother has now
been charged in the shooting death of a St. Joseph police dog.Valdez McDonald has been charged with armed criminal action, accused
of shooting and killing K-9 Max while fleeing from police June 30.McDonald already faces a third-degree assault charge. Authorities
accuse him of beating his mother, smashing her head against a wall and hitting
her in the back of the head with a 2-by-4.Buchanan County Prosecutor Ron Holliday says the maximum
sentence for the combined charges would be 19 years in prison.The St. Joseph Police Department reports the Special Response
Team along with several other officers, including K-9 Max, arrived at 5108
Barbra Street late in the evening on June 30th, a residence in which an armed
subject had barricaded himself.During negotiations, authorities say McDonald fled out of the
back of the residence, armed. He shot K-9 Max during the pursuit. Max was
transported to Kansas City for emergency care, but died of his wounds.