By SARA WILSON <a href="https://coloradonewsline.com/briefs/lawsuit-filed-against-archdiocese-of-denver-in-child-sexual-abuse-case/">Colorado Newsline</a>

Leaders in the Archdiocese of Denver neglected to protect a young 
girl from sexual abuse in the 1980s, despite being warned of the 
priest’s predatory nature, a lawsuit filed last week in Denver District 
Court alleges.

Father Marshall Gourley sexually abused a girl when she was between 
the ages of 7 and 11 years old while she attended church programming, 
and it resulted in a lifetime of trauma and struggle, the lawsuit 
alleges.

“When Fr. Gourley was abusing Plaintiff, Defendants knew, or should 
have known, that Fr. Marshall Gourley was unfit for the priesthood, 
specifically unfit to engage minors with the authority, control, 
respect, and reverence of a priest and representative of Defendants 
because, in part, they had received notice Fr. Gourley had committed 
acts of sexual abuse on children,” the lawsuit reads.

A <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bishop-accountability.org/reports/2020_12_01_Colorado_Special_Masters_Supplemental_Report_Final.pdf#page=28">December 2020 report</a>
 led by the Colorado attorney general’s office documented systemic child
 sexual abuse by priests and named 52 priests who abused children in the
 state between 1951 and 1999. Gourley was not identified in that report.

Gourley was ordained in 1982 as a Theatine priest and was then assigned to Our Lady of Guadalupe.

He was first publicly accused of sexual abuse in 1997 when a man 
filed a lawsuit alleging that Gourley assaulted him repeatedly between 
1981 and 1984. That lawsuit ended up being dismissed because the 
survivor waited too long to file. The archdiocese removed Gourley from 
his position after the 1997 lawsuit.

The new lawsuit alleges, however, that a “concerned citizen” brought 
concerns to the archdiocese in the mid-1980s, well before that first 
lawsuit. The church did not take any actions to remove Gourley then.

“The Archdiocese accused the concerned citizen of a lack of faith and
 worked to prevent the public and parishioners, like Plaintiff’s 
grandmother, from learning of the allegations of abuse against Fr. 
Gourley,” the lawsuit reads.

It was around this time that the young girl’s alleged abuse began, 
described as “openly” caressing and fondling children on church property
 as he provided child care and Sunday school activities, the lawsuit 
alleges.

The church’s inaction to prevent the abuse even with knowledge of it 
shows “wanton and reckless disregard for the safety and welfare of 
parishioners and children in connection with members of the cloth,” the 
lawsuit reads.

This abuse set the survivor up for “a lifetime of struggle, severe 
mental health impairments, and future vulnerability,” including 
post-traumatic stress disorder, the inability to hold a job and 
difficulty participating in society, the lawsuit says.

She is “only now beginning to understand the psychological impact Fr.
 Gourley’s sexual abuse has had on her life, only now beginning to 
comprehend and to address the harm caused (her) by the actions of all 
Defendants in authorizing and permitting Fr. Gourley to be in a position
 of access to Plaintiff based on their authority, which resulted in the 
sexual abuse,” the lawsuit reads.

“Particularly within deeply devout communities like the Catholic 
Church, it’s really not that unusual for it to take decades (for 
survivors) to come forward,” Paul Linnenburger, a plaintiff’s attorney, 
told Colorado Newsline. “It’s the norm for all sorts of reasons. Part of
 it is holding priests in such high regard in the community and the fear
 that that instills. Part of it is the expected manifestations of 
childhood trauma in the psyche, like a heavy amount of self blame. It’s 
to be expected that it takes years and years, and decades even, to 
accept that this happened and this may have been wrong.”

Linnenburger said he expects the lawsuit to go differently than the dismissed 1997 one for a variety of reasons, including a <a target="_blank" href="https://coloradonewsline.com/2022/01/07/lawsuit-child-sexual-abuse-archdiocese-denver/">new law that took effect this year</a> that altered statutes of limitations for survivors of child sexual abuse.

“We’re fairly comfortable that this case will survive a motion to 
dismiss on statute of limitations grounds,” he said. “We’re comfortable 
that we’re on solid ground there.”

The Archdiocese of Denver did not respond to request for comment.

An attorney who has worked with church abuse victims <a target="_blank" href="https://adamhorowitzlaw.com/fr-marshall-gourley-archdiocese-of-denver/">says that Gourley’s whereabouts are unknown</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662129922345.png" alt="Christ the King Chapel, at the Archdiocese of Denver campus, is pictured April 1, 2021. (Faith Miller/Colorado Newsline)" />
 <figcaption>Christ the King Chapel, at the Archdiocese of Denver campus, is pictured April 1, 2021. (Faith Miller/Colorado Newsline)</figcaption>
 </figure>By SARA WILSON <a href="https://coloradonewsline.com/briefs/lawsuit-filed-against-archdiocese-of-denver-in-child-sexual-abuse-case/">Colorado Newsline</a>Leaders in the Archdiocese of Denver neglected to protect a young 
girl from sexual abuse in the 1980s, despite being warned of the 
priest’s predatory nature, a lawsuit filed last week in Denver District 
Court alleges.Father Marshall Gourley sexually abused a girl when she was between 
the ages of 7 and 11 years old while she attended church programming, 
and it resulted in a lifetime of trauma and struggle, the lawsuit 
alleges.“When Fr. Gourley was abusing Plaintiff, Defendants knew, or should 
have known, that Fr. Marshall Gourley was unfit for the priesthood, 
specifically unfit to engage minors with the authority, control, 
respect, and reverence of a priest and representative of Defendants 
because, in part, they had received notice Fr. Gourley had committed 
acts of sexual abuse on children,” the lawsuit reads.A <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bishop-accountability.org/reports/2020_12_01_Colorado_Special_Masters_Supplemental_Report_Final.pdf#page=28">December 2020 report</a>
 led by the Colorado attorney general’s office documented systemic child
 sexual abuse by priests and named 52 priests who abused children in the
 state between 1951 and 1999. Gourley was not identified in that report.Gourley was ordained in 1982 as a Theatine priest and was then assigned to Our Lady of Guadalupe.He was first publicly accused of sexual abuse in 1997 when a man 
filed a lawsuit alleging that Gourley assaulted him repeatedly between 
1981 and 1984. That lawsuit ended up being dismissed because the 
survivor waited too long to file. The archdiocese removed Gourley from 
his position after the 1997 lawsuit.The new lawsuit alleges, however, that a “concerned citizen” brought 
concerns to the archdiocese in the mid-1980s, well before that first 
lawsuit. The church did not take any actions to remove Gourley then.“The Archdiocese accused the concerned citizen of a lack of faith and
 worked to prevent the public and parishioners, like Plaintiff’s 
grandmother, from learning of the allegations of abuse against Fr. 
Gourley,” the lawsuit reads.It was around this time that the young girl’s alleged abuse began, 
described as “openly” caressing and fondling children on church property
 as he provided child care and Sunday school activities, the lawsuit 
alleges.The church’s inaction to prevent the abuse even with knowledge of it 
shows “wanton and reckless disregard for the safety and welfare of 
parishioners and children in connection with members of the cloth,” the 
lawsuit reads.This abuse set the survivor up for “a lifetime of struggle, severe 
mental health impairments, and future vulnerability,” including 
post-traumatic stress disorder, the inability to hold a job and 
difficulty participating in society, the lawsuit says.She is “only now beginning to understand the psychological impact Fr.
 Gourley’s sexual abuse has had on her life, only now beginning to 
comprehend and to address the harm caused (her) by the actions of all 
Defendants in authorizing and permitting Fr. Gourley to be in a position
 of access to Plaintiff based on their authority, which resulted in the 
sexual abuse,” the lawsuit reads.“Particularly within deeply devout communities like the Catholic 
Church, it’s really not that unusual for it to take decades (for 
survivors) to come forward,” Paul Linnenburger, a plaintiff’s attorney, 
told Colorado Newsline. “It’s the norm for all sorts of reasons. Part of
 it is holding priests in such high regard in the community and the fear
 that that instills. Part of it is the expected manifestations of 
childhood trauma in the psyche, like a heavy amount of self blame. It’s 
to be expected that it takes years and years, and decades even, to 
accept that this happened and this may have been wrong.”Linnenburger said he expects the lawsuit to go differently than the dismissed 1997 one for a variety of reasons, including a <a target="_blank" href="https://coloradonewsline.com/2022/01/07/lawsuit-child-sexual-abuse-archdiocese-denver/">new law that took effect this year</a> that altered statutes of limitations for survivors of child sexual abuse.“We’re fairly comfortable that this case will survive a motion to 
dismiss on statute of limitations grounds,” he said. “We’re comfortable 
that we’re on solid ground there.”The Archdiocese of Denver did not respond to request for comment.An attorney who has worked with church abuse victims <a target="_blank" href="https://adamhorowitzlaw.com/fr-marshall-gourley-archdiocese-of-denver/">says that Gourley’s whereabouts are unknown</a>.

Lawsuit filed against Archdiocese of Denver in child sex abuse case

WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;and Commerce Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/gina-raimondo">Gina Raimondo</a>&nbsp;are announcing on Friday $1 billion worth of federal grants for manufacturing, clean energy, farming, biotech and other sectors that will go to 21 regional partnerships.

The winners were chosen from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-business-3ab9c95a1eca6b4dcd5b4154159baa59">529 initial applicants</a>&nbsp;vying for grants that were part of last year's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-vote-coronavirus-relief-package-33f4902ca9a2aed4e76274af6bb2ea5c">$1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package</a>. The Biden administration has repeatedly laid out a vision for the economy that is more self-sufficient and driven by high-tech manufacturing and the development of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-science-congress-climate-and-environment-f084d23d61ebb068068d4aa92c82fdbb">renewable energy</a>.

"The whole point of this is we’re not going to let you get left behind as we transition to a more digital economy, to a more technical economy, to a green economy,” Raimondo told The Associated Press. “People want to work where they live. People want to know there is a place for them in the changing economy.”

Unlike much of the pandemic aid that was meant to address immediate needs, the $1 billion in grants is part of a longer-term effort&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-government-and-politics-e1c90a44a45c77065109dc6787a63027">to revitalize parts of the country</a>&nbsp;that have needed an economic jolt for existing industries and capital for new ventures. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-technology-business-united-states-rhode-island-7dc6ee7312bf4653c16d873643b9ac90">mission is personal</a>&nbsp;for Raimondo, whose father lost his job at a watch factory in Rhode Island. She said the grants are the largest ever for local economic development provided by the Commerce Department.

The grants include $65.1 million in California to improve farm production and $25 million for a robotics cluster in Nebraska. Georgia gets $65 million for artificial intelligence. There is $63.7 million for lithium-based battery development in New York. Coal counties in West Virginia would receive $62.8 million to help with the shift to solar power and find new uses for abandoned mines.

Raimondo said the winners were chosen based on merit rather than politics. She estimated that the investments, which will be provided over five years as reimbursements, will result in at least 100,000 jobs.

Solidly Republican states such as Oklahoma and South Dakota received funding, and money also is going ahead of November's midterm elections toward political battlegrounds that could decide control of Congress. There is $44 million for regenerative medicine in New Hampshire, where Democrat Maggie Hassan is defending her U.S. Senate seat. Pennsylvania, which has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-pennsylvania-campaigns-mehmet-oz-c5c184110eb41b1f607bee62940490e4">an open Senate seat</a>, is set to receive $62.7 million for robotics and artificial intelligence.

The massive amount of coronavirus aid at the start of President Joe Biden’s tenure helped to accelerate job growth as the U.S. recovered from the pandemic. But accompanying the hiring was a burst of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/key-inflation-report-highest-level-in-four-decades-c0248c5b5705cd1523d3dab3771983b4">inflation that hit a 40-year peak</a>&nbsp;this summer, crushing consumer sentiment and putting the administration on the defensive to show how its policies are helping the economy.

Even as much of the coronavirus money has been disbursed, the administration has said it still needs more money to contain the disease and its variations. Biden unsuccessfully sought to get $22.5 billion from Congress to address and prevent outbreaks, a figure that lawmakers reduced to $10 billion in negotiations. But additional funding was never passed by Congress despite confirmed cases that are now averaging about 90,000 daily.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre tried to minimize the lack of funding after the Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday approved modified booster shots of the vaccines. Jean-Pierre said booster shots would be available after the Labor Day holiday as the administration has worked with local partners.

Still, the grants for economic development indicate that the relief package could have a multi-decade impact that goes beyond&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">the COVID-19 pandemic</a>. The New Orleans area will receive $50 million to use hydrogen produced by wind power that does not cause carbon emissions, a meaningful change in Louisiana, a state that has long depended on fossil fuels.

“With clean hydrogen, we can remain an energy state — but become an energy state of the future that has less impact on the environment,” said Michael Hecht, president and CEO of Greater New Orleans Inc., an economic development nonprofit. “When money and morality come together, you get stuff done.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662121880544.jpeg" alt="President Joe Biden looks on as Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo speaks before the President signs the "CHIPS and Science Act of 2022" during a ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House, Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2022, in Washington. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)" />
 <figcaption>President Joe Biden looks on as Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo speaks before the President signs the "CHIPS and Science Act of 2022" during a ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House, Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2022, in Washington. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)</figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSWASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;and Commerce Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/gina-raimondo">Gina Raimondo</a>&nbsp;are announcing on Friday $1 billion worth of federal grants for manufacturing, clean energy, farming, biotech and other sectors that will go to 21 regional partnerships.The winners were chosen from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-business-3ab9c95a1eca6b4dcd5b4154159baa59">529 initial applicants</a>&nbsp;vying for grants that were part of last year's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-vote-coronavirus-relief-package-33f4902ca9a2aed4e76274af6bb2ea5c">$1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package</a>. The Biden administration has repeatedly laid out a vision for the economy that is more self-sufficient and driven by high-tech manufacturing and the development of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-science-congress-climate-and-environment-f084d23d61ebb068068d4aa92c82fdbb">renewable energy</a>."The whole point of this is we’re not going to let you get left behind as we transition to a more digital economy, to a more technical economy, to a green economy,” Raimondo told The Associated Press. “People want to work where they live. People want to know there is a place for them in the changing economy.”Unlike much of the pandemic aid that was meant to address immediate needs, the $1 billion in grants is part of a longer-term effort&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-government-and-politics-e1c90a44a45c77065109dc6787a63027">to revitalize parts of the country</a>&nbsp;that have needed an economic jolt for existing industries and capital for new ventures. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-technology-business-united-states-rhode-island-7dc6ee7312bf4653c16d873643b9ac90">mission is personal</a>&nbsp;for Raimondo, whose father lost his job at a watch factory in Rhode Island. She said the grants are the largest ever for local economic development provided by the Commerce Department.The grants include $65.1 million in California to improve farm production and $25 million for a robotics cluster in Nebraska. Georgia gets $65 million for artificial intelligence. There is $63.7 million for lithium-based battery development in New York. Coal counties in West Virginia would receive $62.8 million to help with the shift to solar power and find new uses for abandoned mines.Raimondo said the winners were chosen based on merit rather than politics. She estimated that the investments, which will be provided over five years as reimbursements, will result in at least 100,000 jobs.Solidly Republican states such as Oklahoma and South Dakota received funding, and money also is going ahead of November's midterm elections toward political battlegrounds that could decide control of Congress. There is $44 million for regenerative medicine in New Hampshire, where Democrat Maggie Hassan is defending her U.S. Senate seat. Pennsylvania, which has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-pennsylvania-campaigns-mehmet-oz-c5c184110eb41b1f607bee62940490e4">an open Senate seat</a>, is set to receive $62.7 million for robotics and artificial intelligence.The massive amount of coronavirus aid at the start of President Joe Biden’s tenure helped to accelerate job growth as the U.S. recovered from the pandemic. But accompanying the hiring was a burst of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/key-inflation-report-highest-level-in-four-decades-c0248c5b5705cd1523d3dab3771983b4">inflation that hit a 40-year peak</a>&nbsp;this summer, crushing consumer sentiment and putting the administration on the defensive to show how its policies are helping the economy.Even as much of the coronavirus money has been disbursed, the administration has said it still needs more money to contain the disease and its variations. Biden unsuccessfully sought to get $22.5 billion from Congress to address and prevent outbreaks, a figure that lawmakers reduced to $10 billion in negotiations. But additional funding was never passed by Congress despite confirmed cases that are now averaging about 90,000 daily.White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre tried to minimize the lack of funding after the Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday approved modified booster shots of the vaccines. Jean-Pierre said booster shots would be available after the Labor Day holiday as the administration has worked with local partners.Still, the grants for economic development indicate that the relief package could have a multi-decade impact that goes beyond&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">the COVID-19 pandemic</a>. The New Orleans area will receive $50 million to use hydrogen produced by wind power that does not cause carbon emissions, a meaningful change in Louisiana, a state that has long depended on fossil fuels.“With clean hydrogen, we can remain an energy state — but become an energy state of the future that has less impact on the environment,” said Michael Hecht, president and CEO of Greater New Orleans Inc., an economic development nonprofit. “When money and morality come together, you get stuff done.”

Biden administration awards $1 billion for economic projects

WASHINGTON (AP) —New COVID-19 boosters that target today's most common omicron strains are set to begin soon after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention endorsed the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-vaccine-omicron-booster-shot-227514678d25a99b65b7ee092735fb03">updated shots</a>&nbsp;Thursday.

The decision by CDC Director Rochelle Walensky came shortly after the agency's advisers said if enough people roll up their sleeves, the shots could blunt a winter surge.

“They can help restore protection that has waned since previous vaccination and were designed to provide broader protection,” she said in a statement.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-science-health-cd39872e31c490cb92c7678a8de83499">tweaked shots</a>&nbsp;made by Pfizer and rival Moderna offer Americans a chance to get the most up-to-date protection at yet another critical period in the pandemic. They’re combination or “bivalent” shots — half the original vaccine and half protection against the BA.4 and BA.5 omicron versions now causing nearly all COVID-19 infections.

The CDC's advisers struggled with who should get the new booster and when because only a similarly tweaked vaccine, not the exact recipe, has been studied in people so far.

But ultimately the panel deemed it the best option considering the U.S. still is experiencing tens of thousands of COVID-19 cases and about 500 deaths every day — even before an expected new winter wave.

“I think they’re going to be an effective tool for disease prevention this fall and into the winter,” said CDC adviser Dr. Matthew Daley of Kaiser Permanente Colorado.

Comparing the tweak that has been studied in people and the one the U.S. actually will use, "it is the same scaffolding, part of the same roof, we’re just putting in some dormers and windows,” said Dr. Sarah Long of Drexel University.

The CDC is expected to adopt that recommendation soon, the last step before shots can begin. Pfizer said it expected to deliver 3 million doses to vaccination sites around the country by Tuesday.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-science-health-england-54d29ae3af5c700f15d704c14ee224b5">The original COVID-19 vaccines</a>&nbsp;still offer strong protection against severe illness and death, especially among younger and healthier people who’ve gotten at least one booster.

But those vaccines were designed to target the virus strain that circulated in early 2020. Effectiveness drops as new mutants emerge and more time passes since someone’s last shot. Since April, hospitalization rates in people over age 65 have jumped, the CDC said.

The new updated shots are only for use as a booster, not for someone's first-ever vaccinations. The Food and Drug Administration cleared Pfizer's bivalent option for people 12 and older while Moderna's is for adults only.

A big unknown: exactly how much benefit people will get from one of those extra shots.

The CDC said more than 1,400 people have been included in several studies of a prior tweak to the vaccine recipe targeting an earlier omicron strain named BA.1. That omicron-targeting combo shot proved safe and able to rev up virus-fighting antibodies, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-health-moderna-inc-f7a22b7a7d50a45b294ee5af8b63c1d3">European</a>&nbsp;regulators on Thursday recommended using that type of booster.

In the U.S., the FDA wanted fall boosters to target the currently circulating omicron strains. Rather than waiting until possibly November for more human studies to be finished, the agency accepted mouse testing that showed the newer tweak sparked a similarly good immune response.

That’s how flu vaccines are updated every year, the CDC noted.

Dr. Pablo Sanchez of the Ohio State University was the only CDC adviser to vote against recommending the shots. He said he believes the bivalent vaccine is safe and that he likely will get it.

But “I just feel that this was a bit premature” given the absence of human data on how well it works, he said.

Several CDC advisers said that to get the maximum benefit, people will need to wait longer between their last vaccination and the new booster than the two-month minimum set by the FDA. Waiting at least three months would be better, they said.

One more change: The FDA no longer authorizes use of the original-recipe boosters for anyone 12 or older — a source of potential confusion for people who had planned on getting a regular booster this week and now may have to wait for the new kind to arrive at their local pharmacy or clinic.

It's not clear how many people will want an updated shot. Just half of vaccinated Americans got the first recommended booster dose, and only a third of those 50 and older who were urged to get a second booster did so.

The U.S. government has purchased 170 million doses from both companies —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-health-flu-government-and-politics-64173cef2985d9f8951e04812477248d">shots that will be free</a>&nbsp;— and the CDC said 200 million people could be eligible.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662076170437.png" alt="The U.S. government has purchased 170 million doses from both Moderna and Pfizer —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-health-flu-government-and-politics-64173cef2985d9f8951e04812477248d">shots that will be free</a>&nbsp;— and the CDC said 200 million people could be eligible." />
 <figcaption>The U.S. government has purchased 170 million doses from both Moderna and Pfizer —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-health-flu-government-and-politics-64173cef2985d9f8951e04812477248d">shots that will be free</a>&nbsp;— and the CDC said 200 million people could be eligible.</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —New COVID-19 boosters that target today's most common omicron strains are set to begin soon after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention endorsed the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-vaccine-omicron-booster-shot-227514678d25a99b65b7ee092735fb03">updated shots</a>&nbsp;Thursday.The decision by CDC Director Rochelle Walensky came shortly after the agency's advisers said if enough people roll up their sleeves, the shots could blunt a winter surge.“They can help restore protection that has waned since previous vaccination and were designed to provide broader protection,” she said in a statement.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-science-health-cd39872e31c490cb92c7678a8de83499">tweaked shots</a>&nbsp;made by Pfizer and rival Moderna offer Americans a chance to get the most up-to-date protection at yet another critical period in the pandemic. They’re combination or “bivalent” shots — half the original vaccine and half protection against the BA.4 and BA.5 omicron versions now causing nearly all COVID-19 infections.The CDC's advisers struggled with who should get the new booster and when because only a similarly tweaked vaccine, not the exact recipe, has been studied in people so far.But ultimately the panel deemed it the best option considering the U.S. still is experiencing tens of thousands of COVID-19 cases and about 500 deaths every day — even before an expected new winter wave.“I think they’re going to be an effective tool for disease prevention this fall and into the winter,” said CDC adviser Dr. Matthew Daley of Kaiser Permanente Colorado.Comparing the tweak that has been studied in people and the one the U.S. actually will use, "it is the same scaffolding, part of the same roof, we’re just putting in some dormers and windows,” said Dr. Sarah Long of Drexel University.The CDC is expected to adopt that recommendation soon, the last step before shots can begin. Pfizer said it expected to deliver 3 million doses to vaccination sites around the country by Tuesday.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-science-health-england-54d29ae3af5c700f15d704c14ee224b5">The original COVID-19 vaccines</a>&nbsp;still offer strong protection against severe illness and death, especially among younger and healthier people who’ve gotten at least one booster.But those vaccines were designed to target the virus strain that circulated in early 2020. Effectiveness drops as new mutants emerge and more time passes since someone’s last shot. Since April, hospitalization rates in people over age 65 have jumped, the CDC said.The new updated shots are only for use as a booster, not for someone's first-ever vaccinations. The Food and Drug Administration cleared Pfizer's bivalent option for people 12 and older while Moderna's is for adults only.A big unknown: exactly how much benefit people will get from one of those extra shots.The CDC said more than 1,400 people have been included in several studies of a prior tweak to the vaccine recipe targeting an earlier omicron strain named BA.1. That omicron-targeting combo shot proved safe and able to rev up virus-fighting antibodies, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-health-moderna-inc-f7a22b7a7d50a45b294ee5af8b63c1d3">European</a>&nbsp;regulators on Thursday recommended using that type of booster.In the U.S., the FDA wanted fall boosters to target the currently circulating omicron strains. Rather than waiting until possibly November for more human studies to be finished, the agency accepted mouse testing that showed the newer tweak sparked a similarly good immune response.That’s how flu vaccines are updated every year, the CDC noted.Dr. Pablo Sanchez of the Ohio State University was the only CDC adviser to vote against recommending the shots. He said he believes the bivalent vaccine is safe and that he likely will get it.But “I just feel that this was a bit premature” given the absence of human data on how well it works, he said.Several CDC advisers said that to get the maximum benefit, people will need to wait longer between their last vaccination and the new booster than the two-month minimum set by the FDA. Waiting at least three months would be better, they said.One more change: The FDA no longer authorizes use of the original-recipe boosters for anyone 12 or older — a source of potential confusion for people who had planned on getting a regular booster this week and now may have to wait for the new kind to arrive at their local pharmacy or clinic.It's not clear how many people will want an updated shot. Just half of vaccinated Americans got the first recommended booster dose, and only a third of those 50 and older who were urged to get a second booster did so.The U.S. government has purchased 170 million doses from both companies —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-health-flu-government-and-politics-64173cef2985d9f8951e04812477248d">shots that will be free</a>&nbsp;— and the CDC said 200 million people could be eligible.

CDC OKs updated COVID boosters: Free shots available soon

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — President Joe Biden warned Thursday night that “equality and democracy are under assault” in the U.S. as he sounded an alarm about his predecessor, Donald Trump, and “MAGA Republican” adherents, labeling them an extremist threat to the nation and its future.

Click below to watch a replay of the President's speech

Aiming to reframe the November elections as part of a battle for the nation's soul — “the work of my presidency," Biden used his prime-time speech at Independence Hall in Philadelphia to argue that Trump and “Make America Great Again” allies are a challenge to nation’s system of government, its standing abroad and its citizens’ way of life.

“Donald Trump and the MAGA Republicans represent an extremism that threatens the very foundations of our Republic," Biden declared. He said they “are determined to take this country backward’ they “promote authoritarian leaders and they fan the flames of political violence.”

The explicit effort by Biden to marginalize Trump and his adherents marks a sharp turn for the president, who preached his desire to bring about national unity in his Inaugural address. White House officials said it reflects his mounting concern about Trump allies' ideological proposals and relentless denial of the nation's 2020 election results.

“MAGA forces are determined to take this country backwards,” Biden is saying, according to prepared remarks released by the White House. “Backwards to an America where there is no right to choose, no right to privacy, no right to contraception, no right to marry who you love.”

“For a long time, we’ve reassured ourselves that American democracy is guaranteed. But it is not,” Biden says. “We have to defend it. Protect it. Stand up for it. Each and every one of us.”

Biden, who largely avoided even referring to “the former guy” by name during his first year in office, has grown&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-covid-health-social-media-donald-trump-fb978862035511b12bdf0b3cc5e5d644">increasingly vocal</a>&nbsp;in calling out Trump personally. Now, emboldened by his party's recent legislative wins and wary of Trump's return to the headlines, Biden is sharpening his attacks.

Trump plans a rally this weekend in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Biden’s birthplace.

At a Democratic fundraiser last week, Biden likened the “MAGA philosophy” to “semi-fascism.”

In Philadelphia, White House officials said, Biden intended to hark back to the 2017 white supremacist protest in Charlottesville, Virginia, which he says brought him out of political retirement to challenge Trump. Biden argues that the country faces a similar crossroads in the coming months.

Biden allies stress that he is not rejecting the entirety of the GOP and is calling on traditional Republicans to join him in condemning Trump and his followers. It's a balancing act, given that more than 74 million people voted for Trump in 2020.

“I respect conservative Republicans,” Biden said last week. “I don’t respect these MAGA Republicans.”

Delivering a preemptive rebuttal from Scranton Thursday evening, House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy accused Biden of trying to divide Americans, and blasted the Democrats' record in Washington, pointing to rising inflation, crime and government spending.

“In the past two years, Joe Biden has launched an assault on the soul of America, on its people, on its laws, on its most sacred values," he said. "He has launched an assault on our democracy. His policies have severely wounded America’s soul, diminished America’s spirit and betrayed America’s trust.”

Asked about McCarthy's criticism, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said “we understand we hit a nerve” with the GOP leader, and quoted the Republican's prior statements saying Trump bore responsibility for the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Larry Diamond, an expert on democracy and senior fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University, said calling Trump out for attacks on democracy "can be manipulated or framed as being partisan. And if you don’t call it out, you are shrinking from an important challenge in the defense of democracy.”

Even this week, Trump was posting on his beleaguered social media platform about overturning the 2020 election results and holding a new presidential election, which would violate the Constitution.

Timothy Naftali, a presidential historian at New York University, said it’s not unusual for there to be tension between a president and his successor, but it’s “unprecedented for a former president to be actively trying to undermine the U.S. Constitution.”

“The challenge that President Biden faces is to get on with his agenda while still doing what he needs to uphold the Constitution,” Naftali said. “That’s not easy.”

The White House has tried to keep Biden removed from the legal and political maelstrom surrounding the Department of Justice’s discovery of classified documents in Trump's Florida home. Still, Biden has taken advantage of some Republicans’ quick condemnation of federal law enforcement.

“You can’t be pro-law enforcement and pro-insurrection,” Biden said Tuesday in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania.

Biden's appearance Thursday night was promoted as an official, taxpayer-funded event, a mark of how the president views defeating the Trump agenda as much as a policy aim as a political one. The major broadcast television networks were not expected to carry the address live.

Biden's trip to Philadelphia is just one of his three to the state within a week, a sign of Pennsylvania's importance in the midterms, with competitive Senate and governor's races. However, neither Lt. Gov. John Fetterman, the Democrats' Senate nominee, nor Attorney General Josh Shapiro, their pick for governor, was expected to attend Thursday night.

The White House intended the speech to unite familiar themes: holding out bipartisan legislative wins on guns and infrastructure as evidence that democracies “can deliver,” pushing back on GOP policies on guns and abortion that Biden says are out of step with most people's views, and rejecting efforts to undermine confidence in the nation’s election or diminish its standing abroad.

The challenges have only increased since the tumult surrounding the 2020 election and the Capitol attack.

Lies surrounding that presidential race have triggered harassment and death threats against state and local election officials and new restrictions on mail voting in Republican-dominated states. County election officials have faced pressure to ban the use of voting equipment, efforts generated by conspiracy theories that voting machines were somehow manipulated to steal the election.

Candidates who dispute Trump’s loss have been inspired to run for state and local election posts, promising to restore integrity to a system that has been undermined by false claims.

There is no evidence of any widespread fraud or manipulation of voting machines. Judges, including ones appointed by Trump, dismissed dozens of lawsuits filed after the election, and Trump’s own attorney general called the claims bogus. Yet Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research polling has shown about two-thirds of Republicans say they do not think Biden was legitimately elected president.

This year, election officials face not only the continuing threat of foreign interference but also ransomware, politically motivated hackers and insider threats. Over the past year, security breaches have been reported at a small number of local election offices in which authorities are investigating whether office staff improperly accessed or provided improper access to sensitive voting technology.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden will sound an alarm Thursday night about what he views as “extremist” threats to American democracy from the restive forces of Trumpism, aiming to reframe the November elections as part of an unceasing battle for the “soul of the nation.”

Nearly two years after he defeated Donald Trump, it's a reprise of Biden's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-pa-state-wire-joe-biden-ap-top-news-donald-trump-d5c415b99a6945dbbecf60d57bcf68cb">2020 campaign theme,</a>&nbsp;casting the midterm election stakes in as dire terms as those that sent him to the Oval Office. His prime-time speech at Independence Hall in Philadelphia will lay out what he sees as the risks from those he has dubbed “ultra-MAGA Republicans” to the nation's system of government, its standing abroad and its citizens' way of life.

The explicit effort by Biden to marginalize Trump and and his “Make America Great Again” adherents marks a sharp turn for the president, who preached his desire to bring about national unity in his Inaugural address. White House officials said it reflects his mounting concern about Trump conservatives' ideological proposals and 2020 election denialism.

Biden, who had largely avoided even referring to “the former guy” by name during his first year in office, has grown&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-covid-health-social-media-donald-trump-fb978862035511b12bdf0b3cc5e5d644">increasingly vocal</a>&nbsp;in calling out Trump personally. Now, emboldened by his party's recent legislative wins and wary of Trump's return to the headlines, Biden is sharpening his attacks.

In Philadelphia, White House officials said, Biden intends to hark back to the 2017 white supremacist protest in Charlottesville, Virginia, which he says brought him out of political retirement to challenge Trump. Biden plans to argue that the country faces a similar crossroads in the coming months.

“The president thinks that there is an extremist threat to our democracy,” press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Wednesday. “It's not stopping. It's continuing.”

Biden allies stress that he is not rejecting the entirety of the GOP and would use his remarks to call on traditional Republicans to join him in condemning Trump and his followers. It's a balancing act, given that more than 74 million people voted for Trump in 2020.

House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy dismissed any such distinction, accusing the president of trying to "disparage hard-working Americans.” He planned to deliver a preemptive rebuttal to Biden from Scranton, Pennsylvania, where the president was born.

In remarks earlier Thursday on Fox News, McCarthy said Biden was “trying to distract from the disaster that he’s created in this country.”

A senior White House official, speaking on the condition of anonymity to preview Biden's remarks, said the president's speech wasn't aimed at one politician or the GOP as a whole, but rather the Trump supporters who have denied the 2020 election results and sow doubt about future contests. The official said that Biden would acknowledge the importance of political disagreements in a country as diverse as the U.S., but aim to draw a line at rhetoric and actions that call into question the health of the country's democracy.

The official said Biden aimed to speak “not as a Democratic president, but as a president of a democracy.”

Trump plans a rally this weekend in Scranton, Biden's birthplace.

The challenges have only increased since the tumult surrounding the 2020 election and the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — President Joe Biden warned Thursday night that “equality and democracy are under assault” in the U.S. as he sounded an alarm about his predecessor, Donald Trump, and “MAGA Republican” adherents, labeling them an extremist threat to the nation and its future.Click below to watch a replay of the President's speech<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3qSmRoVo5AA?start=1004" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Aiming to reframe the November elections as part of a battle for the nation's soul — “the work of my presidency," Biden used his prime-time speech at Independence Hall in Philadelphia to argue that Trump and “Make America Great Again” allies are a challenge to nation’s system of government, its standing abroad and its citizens’ way of life.“Donald Trump and the MAGA Republicans represent an extremism that threatens the very foundations of our Republic," Biden declared. He said they “are determined to take this country backward’ they “promote authoritarian leaders and they fan the flames of political violence.”The explicit effort by Biden to marginalize Trump and his adherents marks a sharp turn for the president, who preached his desire to bring about national unity in his Inaugural address. White House officials said it reflects his mounting concern about Trump allies' ideological proposals and relentless denial of the nation's 2020 election results.“MAGA forces are determined to take this country backwards,” Biden is saying, according to prepared remarks released by the White House. “Backwards to an America where there is no right to choose, no right to privacy, no right to contraception, no right to marry who you love.”“For a long time, we’ve reassured ourselves that American democracy is guaranteed. But it is not,” Biden says. “We have to defend it. Protect it. Stand up for it. Each and every one of us.”Biden, who largely avoided even referring to “the former guy” by name during his first year in office, has grown&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-covid-health-social-media-donald-trump-fb978862035511b12bdf0b3cc5e5d644">increasingly vocal</a>&nbsp;in calling out Trump personally. Now, emboldened by his party's recent legislative wins and wary of Trump's return to the headlines, Biden is sharpening his attacks.Trump plans a rally this weekend in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Biden’s birthplace.At a Democratic fundraiser last week, Biden likened the “MAGA philosophy” to “semi-fascism.”In Philadelphia, White House officials said, Biden intended to hark back to the 2017 white supremacist protest in Charlottesville, Virginia, which he says brought him out of political retirement to challenge Trump. Biden argues that the country faces a similar crossroads in the coming months.Biden allies stress that he is not rejecting the entirety of the GOP and is calling on traditional Republicans to join him in condemning Trump and his followers. It's a balancing act, given that more than 74 million people voted for Trump in 2020.“I respect conservative Republicans,” Biden said last week. “I don’t respect these MAGA Republicans.”Delivering a preemptive rebuttal from Scranton Thursday evening, House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy accused Biden of trying to divide Americans, and blasted the Democrats' record in Washington, pointing to rising inflation, crime and government spending.“In the past two years, Joe Biden has launched an assault on the soul of America, on its people, on its laws, on its most sacred values," he said. "He has launched an assault on our democracy. His policies have severely wounded America’s soul, diminished America’s spirit and betrayed America’s trust.”Asked about McCarthy's criticism, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said “we understand we hit a nerve” with the GOP leader, and quoted the Republican's prior statements saying Trump bore responsibility for the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.Larry Diamond, an expert on democracy and senior fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University, said calling Trump out for attacks on democracy "can be manipulated or framed as being partisan. And if you don’t call it out, you are shrinking from an important challenge in the defense of democracy.”Even this week, Trump was posting on his beleaguered social media platform about overturning the 2020 election results and holding a new presidential election, which would violate the Constitution.Timothy Naftali, a presidential historian at New York University, said it’s not unusual for there to be tension between a president and his successor, but it’s “unprecedented for a former president to be actively trying to undermine the U.S. Constitution.”“The challenge that President Biden faces is to get on with his agenda while still doing what he needs to uphold the Constitution,” Naftali said. “That’s not easy.”The White House has tried to keep Biden removed from the legal and political maelstrom surrounding the Department of Justice’s discovery of classified documents in Trump's Florida home. Still, Biden has taken advantage of some Republicans’ quick condemnation of federal law enforcement.“You can’t be pro-law enforcement and pro-insurrection,” Biden said Tuesday in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania.Biden's appearance Thursday night was promoted as an official, taxpayer-funded event, a mark of how the president views defeating the Trump agenda as much as a policy aim as a political one. The major broadcast television networks were not expected to carry the address live.Biden's trip to Philadelphia is just one of his three to the state within a week, a sign of Pennsylvania's importance in the midterms, with competitive Senate and governor's races. However, neither Lt. Gov. John Fetterman, the Democrats' Senate nominee, nor Attorney General Josh Shapiro, their pick for governor, was expected to attend Thursday night.The White House intended the speech to unite familiar themes: holding out bipartisan legislative wins on guns and infrastructure as evidence that democracies “can deliver,” pushing back on GOP policies on guns and abortion that Biden says are out of step with most people's views, and rejecting efforts to undermine confidence in the nation’s election or diminish its standing abroad.The challenges have only increased since the tumult surrounding the 2020 election and the Capitol attack.Lies surrounding that presidential race have triggered harassment and death threats against state and local election officials and new restrictions on mail voting in Republican-dominated states. County election officials have faced pressure to ban the use of voting equipment, efforts generated by conspiracy theories that voting machines were somehow manipulated to steal the election.Candidates who dispute Trump’s loss have been inspired to run for state and local election posts, promising to restore integrity to a system that has been undermined by false claims.There is no evidence of any widespread fraud or manipulation of voting machines. Judges, including ones appointed by Trump, dismissed dozens of lawsuits filed after the election, and Trump’s own attorney general called the claims bogus. Yet Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research polling has shown about two-thirds of Republicans say they do not think Biden was legitimately elected president.This year, election officials face not only the continuing threat of foreign interference but also ransomware, politically motivated hackers and insider threats. Over the past year, security breaches have been reported at a small number of local election offices in which authorities are investigating whether office staff improperly accessed or provided improper access to sensitive voting technology.-----WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden will sound an alarm Thursday night about what he views as “extremist” threats to American democracy from the restive forces of Trumpism, aiming to reframe the November elections as part of an unceasing battle for the “soul of the nation.”Nearly two years after he defeated Donald Trump, it's a reprise of Biden's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-pa-state-wire-joe-biden-ap-top-news-donald-trump-d5c415b99a6945dbbecf60d57bcf68cb">2020 campaign theme,</a>&nbsp;casting the midterm election stakes in as dire terms as those that sent him to the Oval Office. His prime-time speech at Independence Hall in Philadelphia will lay out what he sees as the risks from those he has dubbed “ultra-MAGA Republicans” to the nation's system of government, its standing abroad and its citizens' way of life.The explicit effort by Biden to marginalize Trump and and his “Make America Great Again” adherents marks a sharp turn for the president, who preached his desire to bring about national unity in his Inaugural address. White House officials said it reflects his mounting concern about Trump conservatives' ideological proposals and 2020 election denialism.Biden, who had largely avoided even referring to “the former guy” by name during his first year in office, has grown&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-covid-health-social-media-donald-trump-fb978862035511b12bdf0b3cc5e5d644">increasingly vocal</a>&nbsp;in calling out Trump personally. Now, emboldened by his party's recent legislative wins and wary of Trump's return to the headlines, Biden is sharpening his attacks.At a Democratic fundraiser last week, Biden likened the “MAGA philosophy” to “semi-fascism.”In Philadelphia, White House officials said, Biden intends to hark back to the 2017 white supremacist protest in Charlottesville, Virginia, which he says brought him out of political retirement to challenge Trump. Biden plans to argue that the country faces a similar crossroads in the coming months.“The president thinks that there is an extremist threat to our democracy,” press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Wednesday. “It's not stopping. It's continuing.”Biden allies stress that he is not rejecting the entirety of the GOP and would use his remarks to call on traditional Republicans to join him in condemning Trump and his followers. It's a balancing act, given that more than 74 million people voted for Trump in 2020.“I respect conservative Republicans,” Biden said last week. “I don’t respect these MAGA Republicans.”House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy dismissed any such distinction, accusing the president of trying to "disparage hard-working Americans.” He planned to deliver a preemptive rebuttal to Biden from Scranton, Pennsylvania, where the president was born.In remarks earlier Thursday on Fox News, McCarthy said Biden was “trying to distract from the disaster that he’s created in this country.”A senior White House official, speaking on the condition of anonymity to preview Biden's remarks, said the president's speech wasn't aimed at one politician or the GOP as a whole, but rather the Trump supporters who have denied the 2020 election results and sow doubt about future contests. The official said that Biden would acknowledge the importance of political disagreements in a country as diverse as the U.S., but aim to draw a line at rhetoric and actions that call into question the health of the country's democracy.The official said Biden aimed to speak “not as a Democratic president, but as a president of a democracy.”Larry Diamond, an expert on democracy and senior fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University, said calling Trump out for attacks on democracy "can be manipulated or framed as being partisan. And if you don’t call it out, you are shrinking from an important challenge in the defense of democracy.”Even this week, Trump was posting on his beleaguered social media platform about overturning the 2020 election results and holding a new presidential election, which would violate the Constitution.Timothy Naftali, a presidential historian at New York University, said it’s not unusual for there to be tension between a president and his successor, but it’s “unprecedented for a former president to be actively trying to undermine the U.S. Constitution.”“The challenge that President Biden faces is to get on with his agenda while still doing what he needs to uphold the Constitution,” Naftali said. “That’s not easy.”The White House has tried to keep Biden removed from the legal and political maelstrom surrounding the Department of Justice’s discovery of classified documents in Trump's Florida home. Still, Biden has taken advantage of some Republicans’ quick condemnation of federal law enforcement.“You can’t be pro-law enforcement and pro-insurrection,” Biden said Tuesday in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania.Biden's appearance Thursday night was promoted as an official, taxpayer-funded event, a mark of how the president views defeating the Trump agenda as much as a policy aim as a political one. The major broadcast television networks were not expected to carry the address live.Biden's trip to Philadelphia is just one of his three to the state within a week, a sign of Pennsylvania's importance in the midterms, with competitive Senate and governor's races. However, neither Lt. Gov. John Fetterman, the Democrats' Senate nominee, nor Attorney General Josh Shapiro, their pick for governor, was expected to attend Thursday night.Trump plans a rally this weekend in Scranton, Biden's birthplace.The White House intended the speech to unite familiar themes: holding out bipartisan legislative wins on guns and infrastructure as evidence that democracies “can deliver,” pushing back on GOP policies on guns and abortion that Biden says are out of step with most people's views, and rejecting efforts to undermine confidence in the nation’s election or diminish its standing abroad.The challenges have only increased since the tumult surrounding the 2020 election and the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.Lies surrounding that presidential race have triggered harassment and death threats against state and local election officials and new restrictions on mail voting in Republican-dominated states. County election officials have faced pressure to ban the use of voting equipment, efforts generated by conspiracy theories that voting machines were somehow manipulated to steal the election.Candidates who dispute Trump’s loss have been inspired to run for state and local election posts, promising to restore integrity to a system that has been undermined by false claims.There is no evidence of any widespread fraud or manipulation of voting machines. Judges, including ones appointed by Trump, dismissed dozens of lawsuits filed after the election, and Trump’s own attorney general called the claims bogus. Yet Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research polling has shown about two-thirds of Republicans say they do not think Biden was legitimately elected president.This year, election officials face not only the continuing threat of foreign interference but also ransomware, politically motivated hackers and insider threats. Over the past year, security breaches have been reported at a small number of local election offices in which authorities are investigating whether office staff improperly accessed or provided improper access to sensitive voting technology.

🎥 Biden at Independence Hall: Trump, allies threaten democracy

SHAWNEE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 1:30p.m. Thursday in Topeka.

According to Police Lt. Edward Stanley, a commercial truck and a bicyclist were involved in the accident at 4th Street and Kansas Avenue.

First responders found one victim in the roadway who&nbsp; was pronounced deceased at the scene. The Topeka Police Department Accident Reconstruction Team is on scene investigating.

Northbound Kansas Ave. at 5th street were closed as well as Monroe Street east and westbound at 4th street.&nbsp; Police released no additional details.&nbsp; Check the Post for more information as it becomes available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662065354078.png" alt="The Topeka Police Department Accident Reconstruction Team is on scene investigating-photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>The Topeka Police Department Accident Reconstruction Team is on scene investigating-photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 1:30p.m. Thursday in Topeka.According to Police Lt. Edward Stanley, a commercial truck and a bicyclist were involved in the accident at 4th Street and Kansas Avenue.First responders found one victim in the roadway who&nbsp; was pronounced deceased at the scene. The Topeka Police Department Accident Reconstruction Team is on scene investigating.Northbound Kansas Ave. at 5th street were closed as well as Monroe Street east and westbound at 4th street.&nbsp; Police released no additional details.&nbsp; Check the Post for more information as it becomes available.

Police: Kansas bicyclist struck, killed by commercial truck

By SHERMAN SMITH <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/09/01/kansas-foster-care-provider-criticizes-coverage-while-nebraska-lawmaker-asks-for-fraud-inquiry/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Kansas’ largest foster care contractor responded to Kansas 
Reflector reporting on the organization’s finances and litigation by 
pointing to a turnaround under current leadership and a willingness to 
cooperate with investigators.

Saint Francis Ministries said statements published in an <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/08/12/kansas-foster-care-provider-suing-former-leaders-for-alleged-financial-misconduct/">Aug. 12 story</a>
 are “inaccurate” and “false,” but wouldn’t identify specific statements
 in question. The nonprofit also wouldn’t answer questions for this 
story.

And Saint Francis provided an alternate description of its departure 
from Nebraska, where multiple investigations sounded alarms about the 
organization’s ability to comply with state law while providing foster 
care services for the Omaha area.

On Thursday, based in part on reporting by Kansas Reflector, a 
Nebraska state senator asked her attorney general to conduct an 
investigation into the possibility that Saint Francis defrauded the 
state.

The Aug. 12 story examined a lawsuit filed by Saint Francis to 
recover millions of dollars from its former CEO, chief counsel and IT 
director, who are accused of misusing company credit cards and excessive
 billing.

Alison Kossover, chief administration office for Saint Francis, said 
in a 300-word response that the story leads readers to “an inaccurate 
understanding of the situation.”

“Over the past twenty-two months, the Saint Francis Ministries team 
has cooperated with investigators, auditors, and state partners to 
ensure accurate accounting and complete transparency,” Kossover said. 
“In summary, there are no unaccounted dollars as we continue to openly 
assist and support government organizations with their inquiries.”

In the lawsuit, filed in January in Saline County District Court, 
Saint Francis accuses its former leaders of misleading board members to 
hide the misspending of millions of dollars. Kansas Reflector reported 
that Teresa Woody, litigation director for Kansas Appleseed, said it was
 appalling that millions of dollars meant to provide foster care were 
not accounted for.

Kansas Appleseed <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/08/20/judge-orders-kansas-to-pay-nearly-2-3-million-in-legal-fees-and-expenses-in-child-welfare-lawsuit/">settled a lawsuit last year</a> to require improvements in the foster care system.&nbsp;Woody clarified her remarks for this story.

“Millions of dollars were transferred — Saint Francis now alleges 
fraudulently — for IT services it did not receive instead of going 
toward Saint Francis’s obligation to protect children in foster care, 
money that St. Francis is now trying to recoup through a lawsuit,” Woody
 said. “The Kansas Legislature must demand financial transparency from 
Saint Francis and hold it accountable for any harm suffered by children 
in Kansas foster care due to financial or other improprieties. This 
situation continues to demonstrate the need for enhanced and continued 
oversight and reform of Kansas’ foster care system.”

Saint Francis enlisted the services of Parris Communications, based 
in Kansas City, Missouri, to distribute Kossover’s response to news 
outlets that published the Kansas Reflector story.

Kansas Reflector sent a list of seven questions seeking clarification about Kossover’s response.

“Saint Francis Ministries stands by their previous statement and has 
no further comment at this time,” said Laurie Roberts, president of 
Parris Communications.

Nebraska Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh sent a letter Thursday to Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson in response to an <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/08/11/fbi-seizing-bank-deposits-in-alleged-10-million-fraud-of-kansas-foster-care-provider-saint-francis-ministries/">Aug. 11 story</a> by Kansas Reflector about federal authorizes moving to seize $10 million from the former Saint Francis IT director.

The letter asks the attorney general to launch an investigation into 
Nebraska’s dealings with Saint Francis and its former leaders, and to 
compel the parties to preserve any evidence relating to the contract 
with Nebraska.

The request is a reflection of ongoing concerns about the contract 
Nebraska awarded Saint Francis in 2019. The former CEO knowingly 
underbid the contract, and the state had to infuse an additional $110 
million into the deal in January 2021. But the organization continued to
 struggle with its obligations to care for foster children in Nebraska.

The organization <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/12/14/kansas-foster-care-provider-agrees-to-leave-nebraska-after-months-of-scrutiny/">announced in December it would leave Nebraska</a>
 after investigations from the state’s inspector general and an 
oversight committee both concluded the state should end its relationship
 with Saint Francis.

Kossover’s response to Reflector’s reporting said state regulators 
and Saint Francis “agreed to mutually terminate the contract.”

“Nebraska ended privatization in the state, and did not replace Saint Francis with another contractor,” Kossover said.

In an interview for this story, Cavanaugh said the poor performance 
by Saint Francis played an “enormous part” in the decision to terminate 
the contract. The investigations, <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/12/23/audit-of-kansas-foster-care-provider-scrutinizes-financial-controls-it-costs-ceo-travel-ppp-loan/">a Kanas auditor’s report</a> and depositions from a lawsuit in Nebraska all raised concerns, Cavanaugh said.

“There was this picture of systematic failure on the part of Saint 
Francis Ministries to do what was statutorily required in child welfare 
in Nebraska,” Cavanaugh said.

Before Saint Francis announced the decision to terminate the 
contract, Cavanaugh had already filed legislation that would have forced
 the state to sever ties with the organization.

Cavanaugh said the attempt to characterize the departure as a 
“mutual” agreement was an attempt to avoid responsibility “for this 
atrocious contract.”

“Is ‘atrocious’ too mild of a word?” Cavanaugh said.

In an interview for this story, Cavanaugh questioned the organization’s decision to complain about Kansas Reflector’s reporting.

Any organization that deals in child welfare should welcome public scrutiny, Cavanaugh said.

“Things happen within the child welfare system,” Cavanaugh said. 
“It’s never going to be perfect, but we need to know about them. We need
 to document them, and we need to be able to fix them. So reacting so 
viscerally to people wanting to make sure that high-quality child 
welfare exists in Kansas and Nebraska is very concerning and a big red 
flag. Especially after you have lost millions of dollars.”

Kansas Rep. Jarrod Ousley, a Merriam Democrat who serves on the 
foster care oversight committee, said he has had concerns with every 
foster care provider in Kansas, and “Saint Francis stands out” because 
of the financial mismanagement “by a few bad players.”

There are still “too many headlines,” Ousley said, about tragedies 
involving foster children, kids sleeping in offices, and delays in 
finding permanent placements.

“The facts are the facts,” Ousley said. “I’d like to think that Saint
 Francis as an organization, once they discovered it, made changes. It 
is what it is, and I don’t see any reason to be sensitive.”

Kossover’s response said Saint Francis is financially sound and proud of its work.

“This outcome is due to hard work, sacrifice, and dedication of the 
entire Saint Francis Ministries team,” Kossover said. “What has 
transpired in the past will not define our legacy. Saint Francis 
Ministries has faithfully transformed lives for over 75 years and 
remains committed to our mission of providing healing and hope to 
children and families.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660235188905.png" alt="Saint Francis Ministries, a Salina-based foster care provider, accused its former leaders of misspending millions of dollars and is suing to recover the money. But in response to reporting by Kansas Reflector, the organization says "there are no unaccounted dollars." (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Saint Francis Ministries, a Salina-based foster care provider, accused its former leaders of misspending millions of dollars and is suing to recover the money. But in response to reporting by Kansas Reflector, the organization says "there are no unaccounted dollars." (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By SHERMAN SMITH <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/09/01/kansas-foster-care-provider-criticizes-coverage-while-nebraska-lawmaker-asks-for-fraud-inquiry/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Kansas’ largest foster care contractor responded to Kansas 
Reflector reporting on the organization’s finances and litigation by 
pointing to a turnaround under current leadership and a willingness to 
cooperate with investigators.Saint Francis Ministries said statements published in an <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/08/12/kansas-foster-care-provider-suing-former-leaders-for-alleged-financial-misconduct/">Aug. 12 story</a>
 are “inaccurate” and “false,” but wouldn’t identify specific statements
 in question. The nonprofit also wouldn’t answer questions for this 
story.And Saint Francis provided an alternate description of its departure 
from Nebraska, where multiple investigations sounded alarms about the 
organization’s ability to comply with state law while providing foster 
care services for the Omaha area.On Thursday, based in part on reporting by Kansas Reflector, a 
Nebraska state senator asked her attorney general to conduct an 
investigation into the possibility that Saint Francis defrauded the 
state.The Aug. 12 story examined a lawsuit filed by Saint Francis to 
recover millions of dollars from its former CEO, chief counsel and IT 
director, who are accused of misusing company credit cards and excessive
 billing.Alison Kossover, chief administration office for Saint Francis, said 
in a 300-word response that the story leads readers to “an inaccurate 
understanding of the situation.”“Over the past twenty-two months, the Saint Francis Ministries team 
has cooperated with investigators, auditors, and state partners to 
ensure accurate accounting and complete transparency,” Kossover said. 
“In summary, there are no unaccounted dollars as we continue to openly 
assist and support government organizations with their inquiries.”In the lawsuit, filed in January in Saline County District Court, 
Saint Francis accuses its former leaders of misleading board members to 
hide the misspending of millions of dollars. Kansas Reflector reported 
that Teresa Woody, litigation director for Kansas Appleseed, said it was
 appalling that millions of dollars meant to provide foster care were 
not accounted for.Kansas Appleseed <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/08/20/judge-orders-kansas-to-pay-nearly-2-3-million-in-legal-fees-and-expenses-in-child-welfare-lawsuit/">settled a lawsuit last year</a> to require improvements in the foster care system.&nbsp;Woody clarified her remarks for this story.“Millions of dollars were transferred — Saint Francis now alleges 
fraudulently — for IT services it did not receive instead of going 
toward Saint Francis’s obligation to protect children in foster care, 
money that St. Francis is now trying to recoup through a lawsuit,” Woody
 said. “The Kansas Legislature must demand financial transparency from 
Saint Francis and hold it accountable for any harm suffered by children 
in Kansas foster care due to financial or other improprieties. This 
situation continues to demonstrate the need for enhanced and continued 
oversight and reform of Kansas’ foster care system.”Saint Francis enlisted the services of Parris Communications, based 
in Kansas City, Missouri, to distribute Kossover’s response to news 
outlets that published the Kansas Reflector story.Kansas Reflector sent a list of seven questions seeking clarification about Kossover’s response.“Saint Francis Ministries stands by their previous statement and has 
no further comment at this time,” said Laurie Roberts, president of 
Parris Communications.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662042112970.png" alt="Nebraska Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh wants her attorney general to launch an investigation into whether Saint Francis Ministries defrauded the state. (Nebraska Unicameral Information Office)" />
 <figcaption>Nebraska Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh wants her attorney general to launch an investigation into whether Saint Francis Ministries defrauded the state. (Nebraska Unicameral Information Office)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Leaving Nebraska</h2>Nebraska Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh sent a letter Thursday to Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson in response to an <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/08/11/fbi-seizing-bank-deposits-in-alleged-10-million-fraud-of-kansas-foster-care-provider-saint-francis-ministries/">Aug. 11 story</a> by Kansas Reflector about federal authorizes moving to seize $10 million from the former Saint Francis IT director.The letter asks the attorney general to launch an investigation into 
Nebraska’s dealings with Saint Francis and its former leaders, and to 
compel the parties to preserve any evidence relating to the contract 
with Nebraska.The request is a reflection of ongoing concerns about the contract 
Nebraska awarded Saint Francis in 2019. The former CEO knowingly 
underbid the contract, and the state had to infuse an additional $110 
million into the deal in January 2021. But the organization continued to
 struggle with its obligations to care for foster children in Nebraska.The organization <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/12/14/kansas-foster-care-provider-agrees-to-leave-nebraska-after-months-of-scrutiny/">announced in December it would leave Nebraska</a>
 after investigations from the state’s inspector general and an 
oversight committee both concluded the state should end its relationship
 with Saint Francis.Kossover’s response to Reflector’s reporting said state regulators 
and Saint Francis “agreed to mutually terminate the contract.”“Nebraska ended privatization in the state, and did not replace Saint Francis with another contractor,” Kossover said.In an interview for this story, Cavanaugh said the poor performance 
by Saint Francis played an “enormous part” in the decision to terminate 
the contract. The investigations, <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/12/23/audit-of-kansas-foster-care-provider-scrutinizes-financial-controls-it-costs-ceo-travel-ppp-loan/">a Kanas auditor’s report</a> and depositions from a lawsuit in Nebraska all raised concerns, Cavanaugh said.“There was this picture of systematic failure on the part of Saint 
Francis Ministries to do what was statutorily required in child welfare 
in Nebraska,” Cavanaugh said.Before Saint Francis announced the decision to terminate the 
contract, Cavanaugh had already filed legislation that would have forced
 the state to sever ties with the organization.Cavanaugh said the attempt to characterize the departure as a 
“mutual” agreement was an attempt to avoid responsibility “for this 
atrocious contract.”“Is ‘atrocious’ too mild of a word?” Cavanaugh said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662042158703.png" alt="Current leadership at Saint Francis Ministries says the organization’s finances are now stable as a result of “hard work, sacrifice, and dedication of the entire Saint Francis Ministries team.” (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Current leadership at Saint Francis Ministries says the organization’s finances are now stable as a result of “hard work, sacrifice, and dedication of the entire Saint Francis Ministries team.” (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Transforming lives</h2>In an interview for this story, Cavanaugh questioned the organization’s decision to complain about Kansas Reflector’s reporting.Any organization that deals in child welfare should welcome public scrutiny, Cavanaugh said.“Things happen within the child welfare system,” Cavanaugh said. 
“It’s never going to be perfect, but we need to know about them. We need
 to document them, and we need to be able to fix them. So reacting so 
viscerally to people wanting to make sure that high-quality child 
welfare exists in Kansas and Nebraska is very concerning and a big red 
flag. Especially after you have lost millions of dollars.”Kansas Rep. Jarrod Ousley, a Merriam Democrat who serves on the 
foster care oversight committee, said he has had concerns with every 
foster care provider in Kansas, and “Saint Francis stands out” because 
of the financial mismanagement “by a few bad players.”There are still “too many headlines,” Ousley said, about tragedies 
involving foster children, kids sleeping in offices, and delays in 
finding permanent placements.“The facts are the facts,” Ousley said. “I’d like to think that Saint
 Francis as an organization, once they discovered it, made changes. It 
is what it is, and I don’t see any reason to be sensitive.”Kossover’s response said Saint Francis is financially sound and proud of its work.“This outcome is due to hard work, sacrifice, and dedication of the 
entire Saint Francis Ministries team,” Kossover said. “What has 
transpired in the past will not define our legacy. Saint Francis 
Ministries has faithfully transformed lives for over 75 years and 
remains committed to our mission of providing healing and hope to 
children and families.”

Kan. foster care provider criticizes coverage; lawmaker asks for fraud inquiry

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Three people were found dead Wednesday evening inside a west Omaha home, and police are investigating whether carbon monoxide was to blame for their deaths.

Officers were called to a home and found three people dead, said Lt. Candace Phillips. A fourth person was taken to a hospital. A dog also was found dead in the home.

Phillips said the deaths did not appear to be suspicious and that police were investigating whether carbon monoxide had caused the deaths and injury.

An Omaha fire investigator said there were high levels of carbon monoxide in the home.

<a href="https://northplattepost.com/posts/2ddcec21-000f-4ace-b19e-4250120d6629">&nbsp;&nbsp;Download The Post app for iOs or Android</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/8/1565269254219.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSOMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Three people were found dead Wednesday evening inside a west Omaha home, and police are investigating whether carbon monoxide was to blame for their deaths.Officers were called to a home and found three people dead, said Lt. Candace Phillips. A fourth person was taken to a hospital. A dog also was found dead in the home.Phillips said the deaths did not appear to be suspicious and that police were investigating whether carbon monoxide had caused the deaths and injury.An Omaha fire investigator said there were high levels of carbon monoxide in the home.<a href="https://northplattepost.com/posts/2ddcec21-000f-4ace-b19e-4250120d6629">&nbsp;&nbsp;Download The Post app for iOs or Android</a><figure>
 <img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/XLCC1pQLyNgrnDeIVi35SqjF6pT1sNXe26QLx_up_ZUj1H06wHxWBqpcSD6nw971WloMmxKx62WUwv-Qz9fhXOuYG4uJdCvAYRONIobyxH9N1Krw74bUA4pxrR3CXe_pFKPESnV_cxYldGvXx4xnYrRUKKo6WgmXP1tl8ZS2hRWHms24erpA7_fL" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Carbon monoxide suspected in deaths of 3 in Omaha home

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — An Omaha man who was being served with a removal and protection order was fatally shot by an officer when he confronted police at his door with a shotgun, police said.

The shooting happened around 2:30 p.m. Wednesday at an apartment complex in southwest Omaha, the Omaha Police Department said in a news release.

The release said two police officers were sent to help a Douglas County process server serve papers on Jacob Jamrozy, 39, who was thought to have shotguns for hunting inside the apartment. When officers knocked on his door, Jamrozy opened the door holding a shotgun, police said, and police shouted at him to drop it.

He instead raised the gun toward one of the officers, who shot him, police said. Jamrozy was declared dead at the scene, and his gun was recovered from the scene near the apartment door. Police said Jamrozy was alone in the apartment at the time of the shooting, and no officers were injured.

Police said there is video of the fatal confrontation from the body cameras of the two officers, who have been placed on paid administrative leave per department policy.

The shooting is being investigated by the Omaha department's Officer Involved Investigations Team, as well as the Papillion Police Department and Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648608202824.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSOMAHA, Neb. (AP) — An Omaha man who was being served with a removal and protection order was fatally shot by an officer when he confronted police at his door with a shotgun, police said.The shooting happened around 2:30 p.m. Wednesday at an apartment complex in southwest Omaha, the Omaha Police Department said in a news release.The release said two police officers were sent to help a Douglas County process server serve papers on Jacob Jamrozy, 39, who was thought to have shotguns for hunting inside the apartment. When officers knocked on his door, Jamrozy opened the door holding a shotgun, police said, and police shouted at him to drop it.He instead raised the gun toward one of the officers, who shot him, police said. Jamrozy was declared dead at the scene, and his gun was recovered from the scene near the apartment door. Police said Jamrozy was alone in the apartment at the time of the shooting, and no officers were injured.Police said there is video of the fatal confrontation from the body cameras of the two officers, who have been placed on paid administrative leave per department policy.The shooting is being investigated by the Omaha department's Officer Involved Investigations Team, as well as the Papillion Police Department and Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office.<a href="https://northplattepost.com/posts/2ddcec21-000f-4ace-b19e-4250120d6629">&nbsp;&nbsp;Download The Post app for iOs or Android</a><figure>
 <img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/XLCC1pQLyNgrnDeIVi35SqjF6pT1sNXe26QLx_up_ZUj1H06wHxWBqpcSD6nw971WloMmxKx62WUwv-Qz9fhXOuYG4uJdCvAYRONIobyxH9N1Krw74bUA4pxrR3CXe_pFKPESnV_cxYldGvXx4xnYrRUKKo6WgmXP1tl8ZS2hRWHms24erpA7_fL" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Police: Man who confronted Omaha police with gun shot dead

DETROIT (AP) — Ford is recalling nearly 200,000 large SUVs in the U.S. because the heating and cooling fan motors can fail and catch fire.

The recall covers Ford Expeditions and Lincoln Navigators from the 2015 through 2017 model years.

The Dearborn, Michigan, company says in government documents that it has reports of 25 fires caused by the motors, which are behind the glove box. Thirteen fires were limited to the blower motor area, while 12 involved extensive damage to the SUVs. Three fires damaged structures and one damaged another vehicle.

One person reported injuries to their hand and fingers, and all fire reports indicated that the vehicles were running at the time of the incident, Ford said in documents posted Thursday by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The company says it's not telling people to park the SUVs outdoors. It says some customers have reported inoperative fans, burning smells or smoke coming from the vents while the vehicle is on.

Dealers will replace the front blower motor assembly at no cost to owners, who will be notified starting Sept. 12.

It’s the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fires-3bfc3763e22075a14838050925b11f77">second recent recall</a>&nbsp;for the Expedition and Navigator due to problems that can cause fires.

In July, Ford expanded a May recall to 66,000 of the SUVs from the 2021 model year. The company told owners to park them outdoors due to a series of engine fires that could happen while the ignitions are off. Ford traced the cause to printed circuit boards that are susceptible to an electrical short.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661949343734.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DETROIT (AP) — Ford is recalling nearly 200,000 large SUVs in the U.S. because the heating and cooling fan motors can fail and catch fire.The recall covers Ford Expeditions and Lincoln Navigators from the 2015 through 2017 model years.The Dearborn, Michigan, company says in government documents that it has reports of 25 fires caused by the motors, which are behind the glove box. Thirteen fires were limited to the blower motor area, while 12 involved extensive damage to the SUVs. Three fires damaged structures and one damaged another vehicle.One person reported injuries to their hand and fingers, and all fire reports indicated that the vehicles were running at the time of the incident, Ford said in documents posted Thursday by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.The company says it's not telling people to park the SUVs outdoors. It says some customers have reported inoperative fans, burning smells or smoke coming from the vents while the vehicle is on.Dealers will replace the front blower motor assembly at no cost to owners, who will be notified starting Sept. 12.It’s the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fires-3bfc3763e22075a14838050925b11f77">second recent recall</a>&nbsp;for the Expedition and Navigator due to problems that can cause fires.In July, Ford expanded a May recall to 66,000 of the SUVs from the 2021 model year. The company told owners to park them outdoors due to a series of engine fires that could happen while the ignitions are off. Ford traced the cause to printed circuit boards that are susceptible to an electrical short.

Ford recalls SUVs; heating and cooling fans can catch fire

By AARON SANDERFORD <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/lincoln-police-close-investigation-into-state-gop-break-in/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN
 — Lincoln police said Wednesday they have closed a criminal 
investigation into an alleged burglary at the Nebraska Republican Party 
headquarters during the July weekend when party leadership changed 
hands.

New State GOP Chairman Eric Underwood
 discussed the loss of at least one computer, a security camera system 
and file folders during the party’s recent State Central Committee 
meeting in Hastings. The party hired its own investigator to help 
police.

Lincoln Police Sgt. Jason Wesch said 
the department’s burglary investigation was closed without issuing a 
citation. He would not say why. The initial report had estimated the 
party’s losses at about $1,000.

On July 9, a mix of old-fashioned 
conservatives and Trump-style populists ousted Gov. Pete Ricketts’ party
 leadership team, replacing state GOP Chairman Dan Welch. Underwood and 
other new GOP leaders took over immediately.

The report said the new GOP leaders 
hired a locksmith to get into the headquarters on July 11 and found the 
office a mess. GOP leaders said at the time they did not know what was 
missing and asked others familiar with the party’s possessions for help.

GOP sources said some of the missing 
items were returned, including a missing laptop computer or computers. 
The hard drives were wiped clean of campaign data, and the missing files
 were not recovered.&nbsp;

State party officials declined to comment Wednesday.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662039280013.png" alt="New State GOP Chair Eric Underwood, center, checks a cell phone in July 2022 with others who attended a press conference. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>New State GOP Chair Eric Underwood, center, checks a cell phone in July 2022 with others who attended a press conference. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>By AARON SANDERFORD <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/lincoln-police-close-investigation-into-state-gop-break-in/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN
 — Lincoln police said Wednesday they have closed a criminal 
investigation into an alleged burglary at the Nebraska Republican Party 
headquarters during the July weekend when party leadership changed 
hands.New State GOP Chairman Eric Underwood
 discussed the loss of at least one computer, a security camera system 
and file folders during the party’s recent State Central Committee 
meeting in Hastings. The party hired its own investigator to help 
police.Lincoln Police Sgt. Jason Wesch said 
the department’s burglary investigation was closed without issuing a 
citation. He would not say why. The initial report had estimated the 
party’s losses at about $1,000.On July 9, a mix of old-fashioned 
conservatives and Trump-style populists ousted Gov. Pete Ricketts’ party
 leadership team, replacing state GOP Chairman Dan Welch. Underwood and 
other new GOP leaders took over immediately.The report said the new GOP leaders 
hired a locksmith to get into the headquarters on July 11 and found the 
office a mess. GOP leaders said at the time they did not know what was 
missing and asked others familiar with the party’s possessions for help.GOP sources said some of the missing 
items were returned, including a missing laptop computer or computers. 
The hard drives were wiped clean of campaign data, and the missing files
 were not recovered.&nbsp;State party officials declined to comment Wednesday.&nbsp;

Lincoln police close investigation into state GOP break-in

WASHINGTON (AP) — At first, Republicans were highly critical of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">FBI search of Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort</a>, but as new details emerge about the more than 100 classified documents the former president haphazardly stashed at his private club Republicans have grown notably silent.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/florida-donald-trump-mar-a-lago-government-and-politics-05541b18c364a484891f2b3076bf1847?utm_source=homepage&amp;utm_medium=TopNews&amp;utm_campaign=position_1">deepening investigation</a>&nbsp;into Trump's handling of sensitive government information has disclosed damaging and unsettling new details. With every court filing there is new information about the cache of documents the former president took with him from the White House and the potential national security concerns. While the unprecedented search has galvanized many Republicans to Trump's defense, others in the party are unwilling to speak up, often wary of crossing him.

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell declined to respond Wednesday when asked about the latest developments in the Justice Department's probe.

"I don't have any observations about that," McConnell told reporters in Kentucky.

The silence speaks volumes for a party whose president won the White House after rousing voters in rally chants of “Lock Her Up!” Trump pilloried Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton for using a personal email account and server during her time as Secretary of State. She quickly complied with investigators and was not charged.

The investigation also is posing a new test of Republican loyalty to Trump from lawmakers who are relying on him for their political livelihoods,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections">particularly ahead of the midterm elections</a>.

Battle lines among Republicans infighting over Trump quickly emerged Wednesday after the latest court filing, in which Justice Department said that the FBI's Aug. 8 search had produced more than 100 documents with “classified markings” at Mar-a-Lago — twice as many as Trump's team had turned over earlier this summer.

In Tuesday’s late filing, the Justice Department laid out in stark detail how it had developed evidence “that government records were likely concealed and removed” from a storage room at Trump's Mar-a-Lago.

The filing described the lengthy process of trying to retrieve government documents taken when Trump left the White House in early 2021. The Justice Department explained how Trump's legal team had said documents were only been kept in the storage room, but the search also found documents in the former president's office. It said some of the newly found documents were so sensitive that even Justice Department attorneys and FBI counterintelligence personnel required additional clearances before they could review the material.

The Justice Department said “efforts were likely taken to obstruct the government’s investigation.” It produced a photograph of some of the classified documents found, as evidence. The filing said flatly that the government believes “obstructive conduct” has occurred.

Republican Rep. Liz Cheney —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-presidential-iowa-new-hampshire-donald-trump-2b91dc4aa57c9895ebe6bed2cbdc6f6a">one of the former president's fiercest critics, who recently lost her own primary for reelection</a>&nbsp;— tweeted the photo: “Yet more indefensible conduct by Donald Trump revealed this morning.”

But Republican Sen. Ted Cruz, once a rival to Trump for the White House, has saved his criticizing for federal law enforcement as he defended the former president.

“The FBI’s raid was a horrific ‘abuse of power,’” Cruz tweeted just before the Tuesday filing. He said “there needs to be ‘a complete housecleaning’ at FBI.”

He was among several Republican lawmakers and congressional candidates who were fundraising this week off their complaints about the Justice Department. Cruz's office did not respond to a request for fresh comments Wednesday.

The Texas senator is not alone in turning his criticism away from Trump and onto the federal authorities conducting the investigation and search. The Republican Party that once stood for law and order has been cleaved by Trump's actions, some in the starkest, most alarming tones.

In the immediate aftermath of the search, Republicans largely rallied around Trump and demanded more information from the Justice Department. House and Senate Republicans, and some Democrats, sought hearings and briefings.

But as new information emerges, including the court's release last week of the federal affidavit supporting the search and Tuesday's Justice Department filing, it may make it more difficult for Trump's allies to defend the former president and his team's actions.

Some Republican supporters of Trump focused on the photograph of classified documents included as evidence in the Justice Department filing. Though the documents were shielded, the critics suggested if the information was so secret it should not have been publicly released. “You people are so bad at this,” tweeted Trump ally Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., directing her criticism as much at Democrats and those sharing the image.

The risks of the heated rhetoric against the nation’s law enforcement have been been clear. A police shooting of a man who tried to breach the FBI’s Cincinnati field office showed the danger. FBI Director Christopher Wray criticized those attacking the agency and urged agents to be cautious in public.

Ahead of the midterm elections, Trump’s ability to dominate the political stage is welcomed by House Republicans who are relying on his presence to bolster voter enthusiasm and turnout as they try to win back majority control. Some have encouraged him to swiftly announce his own campaign to run again for the White House.

Senate Republicans, however, are growing concerned that Trump is stealing the focus away from what they would prefer to be an election referendum on President Joe Biden's performance in the White House.

As Biden steps up his own efforts to help his party retain control of Congress, he is focusing on Trump-styled candidates in the Republican ranks, with a more aggressive tone and an emphasis on the risks to democracy that have become a motivating issue for Democrats.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661941600753.jpeg" alt="This image contained in a court filing by the Department of Justice on Aug. 30, 2022, and redacted by in part by the FBI, shows a photo of documents seized during the Aug. 8 search by the FBI of former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. The Justice Department says it has uncovered efforts to obstruct its investigation into the discovery of classified records at former President Donald Trump's Florida estate. (Department of Justice via AP)" />
 <figcaption>This image contained in a court filing by the Department of Justice on Aug. 30, 2022, and redacted by in part by the FBI, shows a photo of documents seized during the Aug. 8 search by the FBI of former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. The Justice Department says it has uncovered efforts to obstruct its investigation into the discovery of classified records at former President Donald Trump's Florida estate. (Department of Justice via AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — At first, Republicans were highly critical of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">FBI search of Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort</a>, but as new details emerge about the more than 100 classified documents the former president haphazardly stashed at his private club Republicans have grown notably silent.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">These raids and seizures are a fishing expedition and a fascade. The FBI is pretending this is about noncompliance with the Presidential Records Act when we all know it’s about Jan 6. Let’s see the warrant and judge who signed off.&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1557138794889068547?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 9, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/florida-donald-trump-mar-a-lago-government-and-politics-05541b18c364a484891f2b3076bf1847?utm_source=homepage&amp;utm_medium=TopNews&amp;utm_campaign=position_1">deepening investigation</a>&nbsp;into Trump's handling of sensitive government information has disclosed damaging and unsettling new details. With every court filing there is new information about the cache of documents the former president took with him from the White House and the potential national security concerns. While the unprecedented search has galvanized many Republicans to Trump's defense, others in the party are unwilling to speak up, often wary of crossing him.Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell declined to respond Wednesday when asked about the latest developments in the Justice Department's probe."I don't have any observations about that," McConnell told reporters in Kentucky.The silence speaks volumes for a party whose president won the White House after rousing voters in rally chants of “Lock Her Up!” Trump pilloried Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton for using a personal email account and server during her time as Secretary of State. She quickly complied with investigators and was not charged.The investigation also is posing a new test of Republican loyalty to Trump from lawmakers who are relying on him for their political livelihoods,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections">particularly ahead of the midterm elections</a>.Battle lines among Republicans infighting over Trump quickly emerged Wednesday after the latest court filing, in which Justice Department said that the FBI's Aug. 8 search had produced more than 100 documents with “classified markings” at Mar-a-Lago — twice as many as Trump's team had turned over earlier this summer.In Tuesday’s late filing, the Justice Department laid out in stark detail how it had developed evidence “that government records were likely concealed and removed” from a storage room at Trump's Mar-a-Lago.The filing described the lengthy process of trying to retrieve government documents taken when Trump left the White House in early 2021. The Justice Department explained how Trump's legal team had said documents were only been kept in the storage room, but the search also found documents in the former president's office. It said some of the newly found documents were so sensitive that even Justice Department attorneys and FBI counterintelligence personnel required additional clearances before they could review the material.The Justice Department said “efforts were likely taken to obstruct the government’s investigation.” It produced a photograph of some of the classified documents found, as evidence. The filing said flatly that the government believes “obstructive conduct” has occurred.Republican Rep. Liz Cheney —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-presidential-iowa-new-hampshire-donald-trump-2b91dc4aa57c9895ebe6bed2cbdc6f6a">one of the former president's fiercest critics, who recently lost her own primary for reelection</a>&nbsp;— tweeted the photo: “Yet more indefensible conduct by Donald Trump revealed this morning.”But Republican Sen. Ted Cruz, once a rival to Trump for the White House, has saved his criticizing for federal law enforcement as he defended the former president.“The FBI’s raid was a horrific ‘abuse of power,’” Cruz tweeted just before the Tuesday filing. He said “there needs to be ‘a complete housecleaning’ at FBI.”He was among several Republican lawmakers and congressional candidates who were fundraising this week off their complaints about the Justice Department. Cruz's office did not respond to a request for fresh comments Wednesday.The Texas senator is not alone in turning his criticism away from Trump and onto the federal authorities conducting the investigation and search. The Republican Party that once stood for law and order has been cleaved by Trump's actions, some in the starkest, most alarming tones.In the immediate aftermath of the search, Republicans largely rallied around Trump and demanded more information from the Justice Department. House and Senate Republicans, and some Democrats, sought hearings and briefings.But as new information emerges, including the court's release last week of the federal affidavit supporting the search and Tuesday's Justice Department filing, it may make it more difficult for Trump's allies to defend the former president and his team's actions.Some Republican supporters of Trump focused on the photograph of classified documents included as evidence in the Justice Department filing. Though the documents were shielded, the critics suggested if the information was so secret it should not have been publicly released. “You people are so bad at this,” tweeted Trump ally Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., directing her criticism as much at Democrats and those sharing the image.The risks of the heated rhetoric against the nation’s law enforcement have been been clear. A police shooting of a man who tried to breach the FBI’s Cincinnati field office showed the danger. FBI Director Christopher Wray criticized those attacking the agency and urged agents to be cautious in public.Ahead of the midterm elections, Trump’s ability to dominate the political stage is welcomed by House Republicans who are relying on his presence to bolster voter enthusiasm and turnout as they try to win back majority control. Some have encouraged him to swiftly announce his own campaign to run again for the White House.Senate Republicans, however, are growing concerned that Trump is stealing the focus away from what they would prefer to be an election referendum on President Joe Biden's performance in the White House.As Biden steps up his own efforts to help his party retain control of Congress, he is focusing on Trump-styled candidates in the Republican ranks, with a more aggressive tone and an emphasis on the risks to democracy that have become a motivating issue for Democrats.Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff of California, a former federal prosecutor, said the latest court filing was “devastating” for Trump.“What is most striking are the facts outlining how the former president and his team knowingly put our national security at risk,” Schiff wrote on Twitter.The congressman, who led Trump's first impeachment, urged the Justice Department to continue its probe and “follow the facts.”