BRANSON, Mo. (AP) — Missouri inspectors on Friday said it's safe to reopen a roller coaster attraction where an 11-year-old boy was severely injured last month in the tourist town of Branson.

Missouri's Division of Fire Safety is still investigating the accident that Aalondo Perry's grandmother has said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tn-state-wire-mo-state-wire-michael-brown-branson-lifestyle-911c3dd1fc180876e96e9d0643c5862a">crushed</a>&nbsp;the Tennessee boy's legs and one arm.

Perry, who is visually impaired, fell while getting off of The Branson Coaster, said his grandmother Shelandra Ford.

Missouri Department of Public Safety amusement ride experts performed multiple inspections and tests, reviewed procedures and interviewed the ride operator and witnesses of the crash before finding the coaster safe to ride again

BRANSON, Mo. (AP) — The grandmother of an 11-year-old Tennessee boy who was injured on a roller coaster in Missouri says doctors are concerned his legs might have to be amputated.

Aalondo Perry, who is visually impaired, was injured Sunday when he fell while getting off of The Branson Coaster during a visit to the southwest Missouri tourist town of Branson, said his grandmother Shelandra Ford.

Ford&nbsp;<a href="https://wreg.com/news/collierville-boy-seriously-injured-in-branson-roller-coaster-accident/">told</a>&nbsp;WREG-TV in Memphis, Tennessee, that Aalondo tried to ride the coaster in one car with his 13-year-old brother but they were told he would be safe riding in a car alone.

Ford said she was told Aalondo fell when he tried to get off after the roller coaster stopped. When the ride restarted, he was trapped under the rails. It took the Branson fire department about 1 1/2 hours to rescue him, she said.

His legs and right arm were crushed, and doctors don’t know if they will be able to save his legs, Ford said.

“They are talking about amputation,” said Ford. “He has had two surgeries so far since (Monday) morning — skin grafts — and he is going have at least six or seven more before they can even see progress. He’s heavily sedated and in a lot of pain.”

Ford, who is the Shelby County, Tennessee, register of deeds, said her grandson has Marfan syndrome — a genetic disorder that affects the body's connective tissue. It can cause eye problems, among other things. Aalondo, who is from the Memphis suburb of Collierville, Tenessee, has just 15% vision in one of his eyes, according to his grandmother. He recently learned Braille and how to be mobile with his cane.

Ford said she is grateful Aalondo survived but she believes that if the brothers couldn't ride together, they should not have been allowed to get on it.

The Missouri Division of Fire Safety is investigating. Two inspectors who were in Branson have seven days to finish their report and the agency cannot comment while the investigation is ongoing, Caty Luebbert, a spokeswoman for the Department of Public Safety, said Tuesday.

Ford said she has hired an attorney. She said she hopes to move her grandson to a children’s hospital in Memphis this week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624290162308.png" alt="First responders on the scene at the roller coaster in Branson last month- photo <a href="https://www.ky3.com/2021/06/21/firefighters-rescue-person-entrapped-underneath-branson-coaster-sunday/">courtesy KYTV</a>" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene at the roller coaster in Branson last month- photo <a href="https://www.ky3.com/2021/06/21/firefighters-rescue-person-entrapped-underneath-branson-coaster-sunday/">courtesy KYTV</a></figcaption>
 </figure>BRANSON, Mo. (AP) — Missouri inspectors on Friday said it's safe to reopen a roller coaster attraction where an 11-year-old boy was severely injured last month in the tourist town of Branson.Missouri's Division of Fire Safety is still investigating the accident that Aalondo Perry's grandmother has said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tn-state-wire-mo-state-wire-michael-brown-branson-lifestyle-911c3dd1fc180876e96e9d0643c5862a">crushed</a>&nbsp;the Tennessee boy's legs and one arm.Perry, who is visually impaired, fell while getting off of The Branson Coaster, said his grandmother Shelandra Ford.Missouri Department of Public Safety amusement ride experts performed multiple inspections and tests, reviewed procedures and interviewed the ride operator and witnesses of the crash before finding the coaster safe to ride again--------BRANSON, Mo. (AP) — The grandmother of an 11-year-old Tennessee boy who was injured on a roller coaster in Missouri says doctors are concerned his legs might have to be amputated.Aalondo Perry, who is visually impaired, was injured Sunday when he fell while getting off of The Branson Coaster during a visit to the southwest Missouri tourist town of Branson, said his grandmother Shelandra Ford.Ford&nbsp;<a href="https://wreg.com/news/collierville-boy-seriously-injured-in-branson-roller-coaster-accident/">told</a>&nbsp;WREG-TV in Memphis, Tennessee, that Aalondo tried to ride the coaster in one car with his 13-year-old brother but they were told he would be safe riding in a car alone.Ford said she was told Aalondo fell when he tried to get off after the roller coaster stopped. When the ride restarted, he was trapped under the rails. It took the Branson fire department about 1 1/2 hours to rescue him, she said.His legs and right arm were crushed, and doctors don’t know if they will be able to save his legs, Ford said.“They are talking about amputation,” said Ford. “He has had two surgeries so far since (Monday) morning — skin grafts — and he is going have at least six or seven more before they can even see progress. He’s heavily sedated and in a lot of pain.”Ford, who is the Shelby County, Tennessee, register of deeds, said her grandson has Marfan syndrome — a genetic disorder that affects the body's connective tissue. It can cause eye problems, among other things. Aalondo, who is from the Memphis suburb of Collierville, Tenessee, has just 15% vision in one of his eyes, according to his grandmother. He recently learned Braille and how to be mobile with his cane.Ford said she is grateful Aalondo survived but she believes that if the brothers couldn't ride together, they should not have been allowed to get on it.The Missouri Division of Fire Safety is investigating. Two inspectors who were in Branson have seven days to finish their report and the agency cannot comment while the investigation is ongoing, Caty Luebbert, a spokeswoman for the Department of Public Safety, said Tuesday.Ford said she has hired an attorney. She said she hopes to move her grandson to a children’s hospital in Memphis this week.

Branson coaster cleared to open after boy hurt in accident

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — An Omaha zoo says roughly 200 people were possibly exposed to a rabid bat. 

Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium on Friday said it's paying for rabies shots for 186 campers who stayed overnight at the aquarium in recent weeks. 

A camper woke up to a wild bat flying around her head July 4. No scratches or bites were found on her. 

The zoo euthanized seven wild bats found in the aquarium. One tested positive for rabies. 

The zoo's animal health director says people who visited the aquarium during the day shouldn't be worried because bats are nocturnal.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625959654669.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — An Omaha zoo says roughly 200 people were possibly exposed to a rabid bat. Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium on Friday said it's paying for rabies shots for 186 campers who stayed overnight at the aquarium in recent weeks. A camper woke up to a wild bat flying around her head July 4. No scratches or bites were found on her. The zoo euthanized seven wild bats found in the aquarium. One tested positive for rabies. The zoo's animal health director says people who visited the aquarium during the day shouldn't be worried because bats are nocturnal.

Henry Doorly Zoo says 200 people possibly exposed to rabid bat

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Severe storms have led to power outages throughout Nebraska. 

The Omaha World-Herald reports at least 188,000 Omaha Public Power District customers lost power overnight, and 100,000 still were without power Saturday morning. 

A utility spokeswoman says outages could last days. 

The utility recorded hurricane-force wind gusts of more than 90 mph. 

A downed transmission line off Interstate 80 near Aurora also slowed traffic to a crawl. 

Another downed transmission line fell across Union Pacific tracks and is stalling train traffic.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625951952009.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Severe storms have led to power outages throughout Nebraska. The Omaha World-Herald reports at least 188,000 Omaha Public Power District customers lost power overnight, and 100,000 still were without power Saturday morning. A utility spokeswoman says outages could last days. The utility recorded hurricane-force wind gusts of more than 90 mph. A downed transmission line off Interstate 80 near Aurora also slowed traffic to a crawl. Another downed transmission line fell across Union Pacific tracks and is stalling train traffic.

Nebraska storm causes major power outages, traffic delays

OSAGE COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating the case of a missing Kansas man as a homicide.

In May 2013, 43-year-old Jeffrey Myers of Ottawa, was reported to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, as a missing person, according to a media release.

  His family had last been in contact with him in August 2012.  The Sheriff’s Office has conducted hundreds of interviews and several searches, since the time of the report.  Throughout the duration of this investigation, Franklin County has worked with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, the Topeka Police Department and the Osage County Sheriff’s Office.  

In March 2021, the Osage County Sheriff’s Office recovered human remains, at a remote location in Osage County.  Lab testing has positively identified the remains as Jeffrey Myers.  

On Friday, the Osage County Sheriff Office they are now actively investigating this case as a homicide. 

 Anyone with information about this Homicide is asked to contact the Osage County Sheriff’s Office at 785-828-3121, Osage County Crimestoppers at 877-OSCRIME, or e-mail: tips@oscosheriff.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625943987501.png" alt="Myers had previous convictions for burglary, theft, robbery, obstruction and drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections. He was released from prison in 2012" />
 <figcaption>Myers had previous convictions for burglary, theft, robbery, obstruction and drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections. He was released from prison in 2012</figcaption>
 </figure>OSAGE COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating the case of a missing Kansas man as a homicide.In May 2013, 43-year-old Jeffrey Myers of Ottawa, was reported to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, as a missing person, according to a media release. His family had last been in contact with him in August 2012. The Sheriff’s Office has conducted hundreds of interviews and several searches, since the time of the report. Throughout the duration of this investigation, Franklin County has worked with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, the Topeka Police Department and the Osage County Sheriff’s Office. In March 2021, the Osage County Sheriff’s Office recovered human remains, at a remote location in Osage County. Lab testing has positively identified the remains as Jeffrey Myers. On Friday, the Osage County Sheriff Office they are now actively investigating this case as a homicide. Anyone with information about this Homicide is asked to contact the Osage County Sheriff’s Office at 785-828-3121, Osage County Crimestoppers at 877-OSCRIME, or e-mail: tips@oscosheriff.org.

Sheriff: 8-year-old case of missing Kan. man now a homicide investigation

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Friends have <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/wsph3-support-for-the-russell-family">established a fundraiser </a>to assist the family of a pregnant Kansas woman who died after a 4-vehicle crash in Wichita that involved a driver fleeing police.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On GoFundme friends wrote: Tuesday July 7, we lost an amazing individual. Samantha Russell tragically passed away in a senseless traffic incident. She leaves behind her husband and her brand new baby boy, Mac. Samantha was an amazing individual who left an impact on everyone she met.

Just before 5 pm on Tuesday, police were dispatched to a disturbance with a gun at a hotel in the 7500 block of West Taft in Wichita, according to Officer Trevor Macy.&nbsp;

At the scene, a 35-year-old male victim reported that a man had robbed him at gunpoint. The victim was able to run away and reported seeing the suspect leaving the hotel with another male suspect.

The robbery suspect was identified as 34-year-old Jamie Chavez of Wichita, who was wanted in connection to a previous robbery. He was located near Maple and Ridge and taken into custody. The other suspect identified as<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=161387">&nbsp;Javan Jermaine Ervin, 37,</a>&nbsp;Wichita,&nbsp;&nbsp;began to flee in a 2002 Dodge Ram northbound on Ridge Road. Officers began pursuing him, but the pursuit was terminated due to the high speed and traffic conditions.

The pickup continued at a high rate of speed, failed to stop at the red traffic light at Central Avenue and collided with a westbound 2000 Chevy Silverado driven by Jordan Samuel Peltzer, 40, Henderson, Nevada.

The impact caused the driver side rear wheels and tires to detach from the vehicle which collided with a 2016 Jeep Compass driven by Connie L. Holt, 73, Wichita, that was stopped on the inside left turn lane from South bound Ridge Road to East bound Central Avenue.

The Dodge Ram then collided with 2019 Mazda CX3 driven by 22-year-old Samantha Lee Russell of Wichita which was stopped behind the Jeep. The Dodge Ram then rolled onto its top and came to a rest in the North bound lanes of Ridge Road.

EMS transported Russell to Wesley Medical Center where she was pronounced dead.&nbsp;She was 33 weeks pregnant. Doctors delivered the baby who was hospitalized in critical condition, according to Macy.

Ervin, Peltzer and Holt were not injured. Ervin attempted to run from the crash but police quickly took him into custody.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Police also booked Jamie Chavez into the Sedgwick County Adult Detention Facility on requested charges of Aggravated Robbery (one from a previous case) and felon in possession of a firearm. Chavez is on parole through the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625764005417.png" alt="Samantha Russell and her husband Brandon -photo GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>Samantha Russell and her husband Brandon -photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Friends have <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/wsph3-support-for-the-russell-family">established a fundraiser </a>to assist the family of a pregnant Kansas woman who died after a 4-vehicle crash in Wichita that involved a driver fleeing police.&nbsp;&nbsp;On GoFundme friends wrote: Tuesday July 7, we lost an amazing individual. Samantha Russell tragically passed away in a senseless traffic incident. She leaves behind her husband and her brand new baby boy, Mac. Samantha was an amazing individual who left an impact on everyone she met.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625655160724.png" alt="First responders at the scene of the fatal 4-vehicle crash photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>First responders at the scene of the fatal 4-vehicle crash photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>Just before 5 pm on Tuesday, police were dispatched to a disturbance with a gun at a hotel in the 7500 block of West Taft in Wichita, according to Officer Trevor Macy.&nbsp;At the scene, a 35-year-old male victim reported that a man had robbed him at gunpoint. The victim was able to run away and reported seeing the suspect leaving the hotel with another male suspect.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625688980232.png" alt="At the time of his arrest Tuesday, Jamie Chavez was on parole for a child sex crime, according to the Kansas Dpt. of Corrections.-&nbsp; photo Sedgwick Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>At the time of his arrest Tuesday, Jamie Chavez was on parole for a child sex crime, according to the Kansas Dpt. of Corrections.-&nbsp; photo Sedgwick Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>The robbery suspect was identified as 34-year-old Jamie Chavez of Wichita, who was wanted in connection to a previous robbery. He was located near Maple and Ridge and taken into custody. The other suspect identified as<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=161387">&nbsp;Javan Jermaine Ervin, 37,</a>&nbsp;Wichita,&nbsp;&nbsp;began to flee in a 2002 Dodge Ram northbound on Ridge Road. Officers began pursuing him, but the pursuit was terminated due to the high speed and traffic conditions.The pickup continued at a high rate of speed, failed to stop at the red traffic light at Central Avenue and collided with a westbound 2000 Chevy Silverado driven by Jordan Samuel Peltzer, 40, Henderson, Nevada.The impact caused the driver side rear wheels and tires to detach from the vehicle which collided with a 2016 Jeep Compass driven by Connie L. Holt, 73, Wichita, that was stopped on the inside left turn lane from South bound Ridge Road to East bound Central Avenue.The Dodge Ram then collided with 2019 Mazda CX3 driven by 22-year-old Samantha Lee Russell of Wichita which was stopped behind the Jeep. The Dodge Ram then rolled onto its top and came to a rest in the North bound lanes of Ridge Road.EMS transported Russell to Wesley Medical Center where she was pronounced dead.&nbsp;She was 33 weeks pregnant. Doctors delivered the baby who was hospitalized in critical condition, according to Macy.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625654789637.png" alt="Javan Jermaine Ervin made his first court appearance Friday. He is charged in the death of&nbsp; 22-year-old Samantha Russell, according to the Sedgwick Co. District Attorney's offfice." />
 <figcaption>Javan Jermaine Ervin made his first court appearance Friday. He is charged in the death of&nbsp; 22-year-old Samantha Russell, according to the Sedgwick Co. District Attorney's offfice.</figcaption>
 </figure>Ervin, Peltzer and Holt were not injured. Ervin attempted to run from the crash but police quickly took him into custody.&nbsp;&nbsp;Police also booked Jamie Chavez into the Sedgwick County Adult Detention Facility on requested charges of Aggravated Robbery (one from a previous case) and felon in possession of a firearm. Chavez is on parole through the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Friends help man, newborn after Kan. woman killed in crash

DALLAS (AP) — An unopened copy of Nintendo’s The Legend of Zelda that was made in 1987 has sold at auction for $870,000. 

Heritage Auctions in Dallas says the video game sold Friday. The auction house says it was a rare version that was created during a limited production run that took place during a few months in late 1987. 

The Legend of Zelda is a popular fantasy adventure game that was first released in 1986. 

In April, the auction house sold an unopened copy of Nintendo’s Super Mario Bros. that was bought in 1986 and forgotten about in a desk drawer for $660,000.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625928349850.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>DALLAS (AP) — An unopened copy of Nintendo’s The Legend of Zelda that was made in 1987 has sold at auction for $870,000. Heritage Auctions in Dallas says the video game sold Friday. The auction house says it was a rare version that was created during a limited production run that took place during a few months in late 1987. The Legend of Zelda is a popular fantasy adventure game that was first released in 1986. In April, the auction house sold an unopened copy of Nintendo’s Super Mario Bros. that was bought in 1986 and forgotten about in a desk drawer for $660,000.

Unopened Legend of Zelda game from 1987 sells for $870,000

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) —A severe&nbsp;storm overnight with damaging winds has caused the third round of the U.S. Senior Open to be pushed back three hours. 

Winds topping 50 mph knocked over television camera towers and downed trees at the Omaha Country Club and left about 200,000 people across the city without electricity. 

Tournament officials had announced Friday that play would begin at 7:15 a.m. local time, with the hope of avoiding inclement weather. But heavy rain and high winds began shortly after midnight, and there was a continued threat of storms throughout the day. 

Jim Furyk starts the day with a two-shot lead.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625927959658.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) —A severe&nbsp;storm overnight with damaging winds has caused the third round of the U.S. Senior Open to be pushed back three hours. Winds topping 50 mph knocked over television camera towers and downed trees at the Omaha Country Club and left about 200,000 people across the city without electricity. Tournament officials had announced Friday that play would begin at 7:15 a.m. local time, with the hope of avoiding inclement weather. But heavy rain and high winds began shortly after midnight, and there was a continued threat of storms throughout the day. Jim Furyk starts the day with a two-shot lead.

Storm damage delays US Senior Open's 3rd round in Omaha

By Scott Carlson-North Platte Post

HALL COUNTY-A Juniata man was injured Friday when his motorcycle struck a deer.

The Hall County Sheriff's office was dispatched to an injury accident involving a motorcycle and a deer on Alda Rd, just north of Rainbow Rd, at around 4:03 p.m.

Officials said Fullerton was traveling northbound on Alda Rd. when his 2017 Harley Davidson struck a deer that entered the roadway.

Fullerton was unable to avoid colliding with the deer, causing him to lose control and come to rest in the east ditch.

Fullerton was transported to a Grand Island hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.&nbsp;

By Scott Carlson-North Platte PostHALL COUNTY-A Juniata man was injured Friday when his motorcycle struck a deer.The Hall County Sheriff's office was dispatched to an injury accident involving a motorcycle and a deer on Alda Rd, just north of Rainbow Rd, at around 4:03 p.m.Officials said Fullerton was traveling northbound on Alda Rd. when his 2017 Harley Davidson struck a deer that entered the roadway.Fullerton was unable to avoid colliding with the deer, causing him to lose control and come to rest in the east ditch.Fullerton was transported to a Grand Island hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.&nbsp;

Motorcyclist injured after striking deer in Hall County

WASHINGTON (AP) — “A disservice to the country.” “Inaccurate disinformation.” “Literally killing people.”

For months, the Biden White House refrained from criticizing Republican officials who played down the importance of coronavirus vaccinations or sought to make political hay of the federal government’s all-out effort to drive shots into arms. Not any longer.

With the COVID-19 vaccination rate plateauing across the country, the White House is returning fire at those they see as spreading harmful misinformation or fear about the shots.

When South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster tried this week to block door-to-door efforts to drive up the vaccination rate in his state, White House press secretary Jen Psaki did not mince words in her reaction.

“The failure to provide accurate public health information, including the efficacy of vaccines and the accessibility of them to people across the country, including South Carolina, is literally killing people, so maybe they should consider that,” she said Friday.

While 67% of American adults have gotten at least one dose, officials are increasingly worried about vast geographic disparity in vaccination rates, and the emergence of what some experts warn could be two dramatically different realities for the country in the coming months: High vaccine uptake and lower caseloads in more Democratic-leaning parts of the country, and fresh hot spots and the development of dangerous variants in more GOP-leaning areas.

In the early months of the administration, the White House largely declined to criticize state and local officials’ handling of their vaccination programs, eager to maintain their buy-in and to prevent the politicization of the lifesaving campaign.

The recent change in tone comes after some GOP officials criticized President Joe Biden for calling for a door-to-door campaign to spread information about the safety and efficacy of vaccines in hopes it would encourage more people to get vaccinated.

“Now we need to go to community-by-community, neighborhood-by-neighborhood, and oftentimes, door-to-door — literally knocking on doors — to get help to the remaining people” who need to be vaccinated, Biden said Tuesday.

The grassroots component of the vaccination campaign has been in operation since April, when supplies of shots began outpacing demand. It was outlined and funded by Congress in the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill passed in March and overwhelmingly is carried out by local officials and private sector workers and volunteers.

But some in the GOP saw a political opening, catering to the party’s small-government roots and libertarian wing.

“The Biden Administration wants to knock on your door to see if you’re vaccinated,” tweeted Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan. “What’s next? Knocking on your door to see if you own a gun?”

McMaster asked his state’s health department to bar state and local health groups from “the use of the Biden Administration’s ‘targeted’ ‘door to door’ tactics.”

“A South Carolinian’s decision to get vaccinated is a personal one for them to make and not the government’s,” McMaster wrote in a letter to the department. “Enticing, coercing, intimidating, mandating, or pressuring anyone to take the vaccine is a bad policy which will deteriorate the public’s trust and confidence in the State’s vaccination efforts.”

In Missouri, meanwhile, GOP Gov. Mike Parson tweeted: “I have directed our health department to let the federal government know that sending government employees or agents door-to-door to compel vaccination would NOT be an effective OR a welcome strategy in Missouri!”

Earlier in the week, Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich sent a letter to Biden condemning the new strategy.

For the usually reserved Biden White House, which has long harbored private frustrations about some states’ laggard vaccination programs but refused to condemn them publicly for fear of playing up political divides in public health, it was a bridge too far.

“For those individuals, organizations that are feeding misinformation and trying to mischaracterize this type of trusted-messenger work, I believe you are doing a disservice to the country and to the doctors, the faith leaders, community leaders and others who are working to get people vaccinated, save lives and help end this pandemic,” White House COVID-19 coordinator Jeff Zients said Thursday.

Months ago, the Biden White House refrained from responding when officials criticized its vaccine allocation strategy of sending more doses directly to pharmacies instead of through state health departments after the former strategy proved more effective. It largely kept quiet as it watched officials sow fears of vaccine “passports” and assiduously avoided engaging publicly with fringe lawmakers who promoted vaccine skepticism.

The new public expression of frustration comes amid lingering disbelief that tens of millions of Americans continue to refuse to get vaccinated, needlessly extending the pandemic and costing lives, as government health officials emphasize that nearly all serious cases and deaths are now preventable.

White House officials are quick to point out that their criticism is not related to the officials’ political affiliation but to their rhetoric. They credit effective communication and leadership on the vaccines by GOP officials including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson and Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine. But they continue to be concerned that some GOP officials are seeking to boost their own fortunes by feeding into doubts about the vaccination.

Psaki on Thursday rebutted some allegations about the door-knocking program, noting that in most cases: “They are not members of the government. They are not federal government employees. They are volunteers. They are clergy. They are trusted voices in communities who are playing this role and door knocking.”

Acknowledging the rhetoric has been “a bit frustrating to us,” she also noted that there are indications the door-knocking has helped promote shots in areas lagging behind the rest of the country. “Alabama: The adult vaccination rate increased by 3.9%; 149,000 additional adults got their first dose in June,” she said, adding that Florida saw an increase of 4.4% and Georgia of 3.5%.

“This is important work that’s leading to more vaccinations,” said Zients, “and it’s done by people who care about the health of their family, friends and neighbors.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625745471990.png" alt="In Missouri, GOP Gov. Mike Parson tweeted: “I have directed our health department to let the federal government know that sending government employees or agents door-to-door to compel vaccination would NOT be an effective OR a welcome strategy in Missouri!”" />
 <figcaption>In Missouri, GOP Gov. Mike Parson tweeted: “I have directed our health department to let the federal government know that sending government employees or agents door-to-door to compel vaccination would NOT be an effective OR a welcome strategy in Missouri!”</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — “A disservice to the country.” “Inaccurate disinformation.” “Literally killing people.”For months, the Biden White House refrained from criticizing Republican officials who played down the importance of coronavirus vaccinations or sought to make political hay of the federal government’s all-out effort to drive shots into arms. Not any longer.With the COVID-19 vaccination rate plateauing across the country, the White House is returning fire at those they see as spreading harmful misinformation or fear about the shots.When South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster tried this week to block door-to-door efforts to drive up the vaccination rate in his state, White House press secretary Jen Psaki did not mince words in her reaction.“The failure to provide accurate public health information, including the efficacy of vaccines and the accessibility of them to people across the country, including South Carolina, is literally killing people, so maybe they should consider that,” she said Friday.While 67% of American adults have gotten at least one dose, officials are increasingly worried about vast geographic disparity in vaccination rates, and the emergence of what some experts warn could be two dramatically different realities for the country in the coming months: High vaccine uptake and lower caseloads in more Democratic-leaning parts of the country, and fresh hot spots and the development of dangerous variants in more GOP-leaning areas.In the early months of the administration, the White House largely declined to criticize state and local officials’ handling of their vaccination programs, eager to maintain their buy-in and to prevent the politicization of the lifesaving campaign.The recent change in tone comes after some GOP officials criticized President Joe Biden for calling for a door-to-door campaign to spread information about the safety and efficacy of vaccines in hopes it would encourage more people to get vaccinated.“Now we need to go to community-by-community, neighborhood-by-neighborhood, and oftentimes, door-to-door — literally knocking on doors — to get help to the remaining people” who need to be vaccinated, Biden said Tuesday.The grassroots component of the vaccination campaign has been in operation since April, when supplies of shots began outpacing demand. It was outlined and funded by Congress in the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill passed in March and overwhelmingly is carried out by local officials and private sector workers and volunteers.But some in the GOP saw a political opening, catering to the party’s small-government roots and libertarian wing.“The Biden Administration wants to knock on your door to see if you’re vaccinated,” tweeted Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan. “What’s next? Knocking on your door to see if you own a gun?”McMaster asked his state’s health department to bar state and local health groups from “the use of the Biden Administration’s ‘targeted’ ‘door to door’ tactics.”“A South Carolinian’s decision to get vaccinated is a personal one for them to make and not the government’s,” McMaster wrote in a letter to the department. “Enticing, coercing, intimidating, mandating, or pressuring anyone to take the vaccine is a bad policy which will deteriorate the public’s trust and confidence in the State’s vaccination efforts.”In Missouri, meanwhile, GOP Gov. Mike Parson tweeted: “I have directed our health department to let the federal government know that sending government employees or agents door-to-door to compel vaccination would NOT be an effective OR a welcome strategy in Missouri!”Earlier in the week, Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich sent a letter to Biden condemning the new strategy.For the usually reserved Biden White House, which has long harbored private frustrations about some states’ laggard vaccination programs but refused to condemn them publicly for fear of playing up political divides in public health, it was a bridge too far.“For those individuals, organizations that are feeding misinformation and trying to mischaracterize this type of trusted-messenger work, I believe you are doing a disservice to the country and to the doctors, the faith leaders, community leaders and others who are working to get people vaccinated, save lives and help end this pandemic,” White House COVID-19 coordinator Jeff Zients said Thursday.Months ago, the Biden White House refrained from responding when officials criticized its vaccine allocation strategy of sending more doses directly to pharmacies instead of through state health departments after the former strategy proved more effective. It largely kept quiet as it watched officials sow fears of vaccine “passports” and assiduously avoided engaging publicly with fringe lawmakers who promoted vaccine skepticism.The new public expression of frustration comes amid lingering disbelief that tens of millions of Americans continue to refuse to get vaccinated, needlessly extending the pandemic and costing lives, as government health officials emphasize that nearly all serious cases and deaths are now preventable.White House officials are quick to point out that their criticism is not related to the officials’ political affiliation but to their rhetoric. They credit effective communication and leadership on the vaccines by GOP officials including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson and Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine. But they continue to be concerned that some GOP officials are seeking to boost their own fortunes by feeding into doubts about the vaccination.Psaki on Thursday rebutted some allegations about the door-knocking program, noting that in most cases: “They are not members of the government. They are not federal government employees. They are volunteers. They are clergy. They are trusted voices in communities who are playing this role and door knocking.”Acknowledging the rhetoric has been “a bit frustrating to us,” she also noted that there are indications the door-knocking has helped promote shots in areas lagging behind the rest of the country. “Alabama: The adult vaccination rate increased by 3.9%; 149,000 additional adults got their first dose in June,” she said, adding that Florida saw an increase of 4.4% and Georgia of 3.5%.“This is important work that’s leading to more vaccinations,” said Zients, “and it’s done by people who care about the health of their family, friends and neighbors.”

White House calling out critics of door-to-door vaccine push

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden has told Russian President Vladimir Putin in a phone call that he must “take action” against cybercriminals acting in his country and that the U.S. reserves the right to “defend its people and its critical infrastructure” from future attacks. the White House said.

The warning to Putin on Friday was largely a repetition of the tough rhetoric Biden had used during their meeting in Geneva last month, when he warned that there would be consequences for continuing cyberattacks emanating from Russia. Since then, a new ransomware attack linked to the Russia-based REvil hacking group has caused widespread disruption, placing Biden under growing pressure to this time marry the warning with actions — though none were immediately announced.

“I made it very clear to him that the United States expects when a ransomware operation is coming from his soil even though it’s not sponsored by the state, we expect them to act if we give them enough information to act on who that is,” Biden said, speaking to reporters at an event on economic competitiveness. Asked whether there will be consequences, he said, “Yes.”

The call with Putin underscored the extent to which the ransomware threat from criminal hacker gangs has mushroomed into an urgent national security challenge for the White House, and it suggested a possible concession by the administration that earlier warnings to the Russian leader had failed to curb a criminal activity that has taken aim at businesses across the globe.

A White House statement announcing the hourlong call also highlighted a U.S.-Russian agreement that will allow humanitarian aid to flow into Syria. The dual prongs of the agenda show how even as Biden pledges to get tough on Russia over hacking, there’s an inherent desire to avoid aggravating tensions as the administration looks for Russia to cooperate, or at least not interfere, with U.S. actions in other areas, including Syria, the Afghanistan withdrawal and climate change.

In his call with Putin, besides reiterating the need for Russia to take action and that the U.S. stands ready to act in response, Biden also “emphasized that he is committed to continued engagement on the broader threat posed by ransomware,” the White House said.

Biden told reporters that the U.S. and Russia have “set up a means of communication now on a regular basis to be able to communicate with one another when each of us thinks something is happening in another country that affects the home country. And so it went well. I’m optimistic.”

In its own summary of the call, the Kremlin said “Putin noted that despite the Russian side’s readiness to jointly stop criminal activities in the information sphere, U.S. agencies haven’t made any requests during the past month.”

The Kremlin said the two leaders emphasized the need for cooperation on cybersecurity, which it said “must be permanent, professional and non-politicized and should be conducted via special communication channels ... and with respect to international law.”

The Kremlin statement also noted that Biden and Putin touched on the situation in Syria “with a special emphasis on humanitarian aspects“ and “gave a positive assessment of coordination of Russian and U.S. efforts on the issue, including in the U.N. Security Council.”

The White House declined to discuss the tone of Biden’s call, though press secretary Jen Psaki said it did focus significantly on the latest breach, which cybersecurity researchers have said infected victims in at least 17 countries, largely through firms that remotely manage IT infrastructure for multiple customers.

Though Biden had previously said the attack had caused “minimal damage,” and it did not appear to target vital infrastructure, the sheer global scale and the fact that it occurred so soon after the Geneva meeting put immediate pressure on the administration to have some sort of response.

Officials did not immediately announce any specific actions they were taking or would consider taking. There are few easy options to resolve the threat without risking a conflict that could spiral out of control beyond the cybersecurity realm.

The Biden administration took office on the heels of a massive cyberespionage campaign known as SolarWinds that U.S. officials have linked to Russian intelligence operatives. But ransomware attacks, perpetrated generally by criminal hacker gangs rather than state-sponsored hackers, appear to have eclipsed old-fashioned spying as a potent threat.

A May attack on a pipeline that supplies roughly half the fuel consumed on the East Coast caused the company to temporarily halt operations. Colonial Pipeline paid roughly $4.4 million in ransom, although U.S. authorities were able to claw back a large portion of that sum in a law enforcement operation last month.

Hackers also recently extorted an $11 million ransom payment from JBS SA, the world’s largest meat processor.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623845475995.png" alt="Russian President Putin and President Biden before their meeting last month" />
 <figcaption>Russian President Putin and President Biden before their meeting last month</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden has told Russian President Vladimir Putin in a phone call that he must “take action” against cybercriminals acting in his country and that the U.S. reserves the right to “defend its people and its critical infrastructure” from future attacks. the White House said.The warning to Putin on Friday was largely a repetition of the tough rhetoric Biden had used during their meeting in Geneva last month, when he warned that there would be consequences for continuing cyberattacks emanating from Russia. Since then, a new ransomware attack linked to the Russia-based REvil hacking group has caused widespread disruption, placing Biden under growing pressure to this time marry the warning with actions — though none were immediately announced.“I made it very clear to him that the United States expects when a ransomware operation is coming from his soil even though it’s not sponsored by the state, we expect them to act if we give them enough information to act on who that is,” Biden said, speaking to reporters at an event on economic competitiveness. Asked whether there will be consequences, he said, “Yes.”The call with Putin underscored the extent to which the ransomware threat from criminal hacker gangs has mushroomed into an urgent national security challenge for the White House, and it suggested a possible concession by the administration that earlier warnings to the Russian leader had failed to curb a criminal activity that has taken aim at businesses across the globe.A White House statement announcing the hourlong call also highlighted a U.S.-Russian agreement that will allow humanitarian aid to flow into Syria. The dual prongs of the agenda show how even as Biden pledges to get tough on Russia over hacking, there’s an inherent desire to avoid aggravating tensions as the administration looks for Russia to cooperate, or at least not interfere, with U.S. actions in other areas, including Syria, the Afghanistan withdrawal and climate change.In his call with Putin, besides reiterating the need for Russia to take action and that the U.S. stands ready to act in response, Biden also “emphasized that he is committed to continued engagement on the broader threat posed by ransomware,” the White House said.Biden told reporters that the U.S. and Russia have “set up a means of communication now on a regular basis to be able to communicate with one another when each of us thinks something is happening in another country that affects the home country. And so it went well. I’m optimistic.”In its own summary of the call, the Kremlin said “Putin noted that despite the Russian side’s readiness to jointly stop criminal activities in the information sphere, U.S. agencies haven’t made any requests during the past month.”The Kremlin said the two leaders emphasized the need for cooperation on cybersecurity, which it said “must be permanent, professional and non-politicized and should be conducted via special communication channels ... and with respect to international law.”The Kremlin statement also noted that Biden and Putin touched on the situation in Syria “with a special emphasis on humanitarian aspects“ and “gave a positive assessment of coordination of Russian and U.S. efforts on the issue, including in the U.N. Security Council.”The White House declined to discuss the tone of Biden’s call, though press secretary Jen Psaki said it did focus significantly on the latest breach, which cybersecurity researchers have said infected victims in at least 17 countries, largely through firms that remotely manage IT infrastructure for multiple customers.Though Biden had previously said the attack had caused “minimal damage,” and it did not appear to target vital infrastructure, the sheer global scale and the fact that it occurred so soon after the Geneva meeting put immediate pressure on the administration to have some sort of response.Officials did not immediately announce any specific actions they were taking or would consider taking. There are few easy options to resolve the threat without risking a conflict that could spiral out of control beyond the cybersecurity realm.The Biden administration took office on the heels of a massive cyberespionage campaign known as SolarWinds that U.S. officials have linked to Russian intelligence operatives. But ransomware attacks, perpetrated generally by criminal hacker gangs rather than state-sponsored hackers, appear to have eclipsed old-fashioned spying as a potent threat.A May attack on a pipeline that supplies roughly half the fuel consumed on the East Coast caused the company to temporarily halt operations. Colonial Pipeline paid roughly $4.4 million in ransom, although U.S. authorities were able to claw back a large portion of that sum in a law enforcement operation last month.Hackers also recently extorted an $11 million ransom payment from JBS SA, the world’s largest meat processor.

Biden reminds Putin Russia must crack down on cybercriminals

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A 21-year-old Kansas woman is charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of a teenager. Shawnee County authorities charged Daisha Butler of Topeka on Thursday in the death of 17-year-old Nevaeh Martinez. 

She was shot July 3 outside a Topeka home, and died the next day after being taken off life support. Butler is being held on $1 million bond. 

The victim's mother, Tiana Cannon, told KSNT that her daughter didn't know Butler and was an innocent bystander in the shooting.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625450854895.png" alt="Butler photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Butler photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A 21-year-old Kansas woman is charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of a teenager. Shawnee County authorities charged Daisha Butler of Topeka on Thursday in the death of 17-year-old Nevaeh Martinez. She was shot July 3 outside a Topeka home, and died the next day after being taken off life support. Butler is being held on $1 million bond. The victim's mother, Tiana Cannon, told KSNT that her daughter didn't know Butler and was an innocent bystander in the shooting.

Kan. woman charged with murder in teenager's death

HOUSTON (AP) — The father of a 17-year-old boy who died after a road rage shooting is asking for the public’s help in finding the person who opened fire as he and his family were driving home from a Houston Astros game. 

Houston police say the driver of a white, four-door Buick LaCrosse followed a truck driven by Paul Castro as he and his two sons were driving home after the Tuesday evening game. 

During a news conference on Friday, Castro said the shooting happened after he made a non-threatening hand gesture at the driver who had tried to merge in his lane in heavy traffic. 

Castro says his son, David, had wanted to make the world better and did not deserve what happened to him.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625868027611.png" alt="David Castro (Twitter)" />
 <figcaption>David Castro (Twitter)</figcaption>
 </figure>HOUSTON (AP) — The father of a 17-year-old boy who died after a road rage shooting is asking for the public’s help in finding the person who opened fire as he and his family were driving home from a Houston Astros game. Houston police say the driver of a white, four-door Buick LaCrosse followed a truck driven by Paul Castro as he and his two sons were driving home after the Tuesday evening game. During a news conference on Friday, Castro said the shooting happened after he made a non-threatening hand gesture at the driver who had tried to merge in his lane in heavy traffic. Castro says his son, David, had wanted to make the world better and did not deserve what happened to him.

Father asks for help after son killed in road rage shooting

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Omaha police say a 16-year-old boy wanted in the shooting death last week of another teen at a city park has turned himself in. 

Police said the 16-year-old turned himself in on Thursday and was booked into the Douglas County Youth Center on felony warrants charging him with first-degree murder and use of a weapon. 

The AP generally does not name juveniles charged with crimes. 

The teen is suspected of shooting 18-year-old Travell Mountain shortly after 3 a.m. Saturday in Levi Carter Park. 

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Omaha police say a 16-year-old boy wanted in the shooting death last week of another teen at a city park has turned himself in. Police said the 16-year-old turned himself in on Thursday and was booked into the Douglas County Youth Center on felony warrants charging him with first-degree murder and use of a weapon. The AP generally does not name juveniles charged with crimes. The teen is suspected of shooting 18-year-old Travell Mountain shortly after 3 a.m. Saturday in Levi Carter Park. Mountain later died at a hospital.

Police: Teen sought in Omaha homicide turns himself in

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The founder of the Omaha Sports Academy is charged with taking almost $400,000 from the group for his personal use. 

Bob Franzese, 48, faces two counts of theft by unlawful taken. He was charged Thursday and given a $25,000 bond. 

The Omaha World-Herald reports he was no longer listed as being in jail on Thursday. 

Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine said authorities suspect Franzese was using the money for gambling. 

Franzese founded the sports academy in 2007 and was its co-owner and general manager until he was removed in April.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625863137147.png" alt="Franzese" />
 <figcaption>Franzese</figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The founder of the Omaha Sports Academy is charged with taking almost $400,000 from the group for his personal use. Bob Franzese, 48, faces two counts of theft by unlawful taken. He was charged Thursday and given a $25,000 bond. The Omaha World-Herald reports he was no longer listed as being in jail on Thursday. Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine said authorities suspect Franzese was using the money for gambling. Franzese founded the sports academy in 2007 and was its co-owner and general manager until he was removed in April.

Founder of Omaha Sports Academy accused of skimming $400K

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Police in Omaha say a drunk driver faces charges for a two-vehicle crash before dawn Friday that killed the other driver. 

Police said the crash happened around 4 a.m. Friday, as two eastbound cars entered an intersection and sideswiped each other.

 Police said one car, a Toyota, then hit a concrete wall at a bus stop and flipped onto its roof. 

The other car, a Chevrolet, launched over the median and also came to rest on its roof. 

Police said the driver of the Toyota, 63-year-old James Yungbluth of Waterloo, died at the scene.

 Police said the 28-year-old driver of the Chevy was taken to a hospital with serious injuries and will face charges in the case.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Police in Omaha say a drunk driver faces charges for a two-vehicle crash before dawn Friday that killed the other driver. Police said the crash happened around 4 a.m. Friday, as two eastbound cars entered an intersection and sideswiped each other. Police said one car, a Toyota, then hit a concrete wall at a bus stop and flipped onto its roof. The other car, a Chevrolet, launched over the median and also came to rest on its roof. Police said the driver of the Toyota, 63-year-old James Yungbluth of Waterloo, died at the scene. Police said the 28-year-old driver of the Chevy was taken to a hospital with serious injuries and will face charges in the case.

Omaha police: Drunk driver caused early-morning fatal crash

SUMNER COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities have identified the two people died in an accident just before 3:30p.m. Thursday in Sumner County as&nbsp;Sherry Bodkins and her passenger, Donald O’Neil both of Winfield, according to Undersheriff Mike Westmorland.

Investigators determined a Chevy Tahoe driven by Markus Washington, Fort Worth, Texas, was southbound on Oliver Road approaching U.S. 160 Highway.

&nbsp;Washington reported having mechanical problems and could not stop at the stop sig, according to Westmorland. 

The Tahoe struck an eastbound Jeep Renegade driven by Bodkins. A service dog in the Jeep also died at the scene, according to Westmorland. EMS transported Washington to an area hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

SUMNER COUNTY—Two people died in an accident just before 3:30p.m. Thursday in Sumner County.

A vehicle ran a stop sign at U.S. 160 and Oliver and struck an eastbound vehicle, according to the Sumner County Sheriff's Department.

First responders pronounced two people and a service dog in that eastbound vehicle dead at the scene.&nbsp;&nbsp;EMS transported the other driver&nbsp; to a hospital for treatment of&nbsp; non-life-threatening injuries.

&nbsp;The vehicle ran the stop sign due to possible mechanical issue, according to the sheriff's department. The sheriff's office has not released names of the victim.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625787696849.png" alt="The vehicle ran the stop sign due to possible mechanical issue, according to the sheriff's department. photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>The vehicle ran the stop sign due to possible mechanical issue, according to the sheriff's department. photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SUMNER COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities have identified the two people died in an accident just before 3:30p.m. Thursday in Sumner County as&nbsp;Sherry Bodkins and her passenger, Donald O’Neil both of Winfield, according to Undersheriff Mike Westmorland.Investigators determined a Chevy Tahoe driven by Markus Washington, Fort Worth, Texas, was southbound on Oliver Road approaching U.S. 160 Highway.&nbsp;Washington reported having mechanical problems and could not stop at the stop sig, according to Westmorland. The Tahoe struck an eastbound Jeep Renegade driven by Bodkins. A service dog in the Jeep also died at the scene, according to Westmorland. EMS transported Washington to an area hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.Both vehicles were a total loss.-------------SUMNER COUNTY—Two people died in an accident just before 3:30p.m. Thursday in Sumner County.A vehicle ran a stop sign at U.S. 160 and Oliver and struck an eastbound vehicle, according to the Sumner County Sheriff's Department.First responders pronounced two people and a service dog in that eastbound vehicle dead at the scene.&nbsp;&nbsp;EMS transported the other driver&nbsp; to a hospital for treatment of&nbsp; non-life-threatening injuries.&nbsp;The vehicle ran the stop sign due to possible mechanical issue, according to the sheriff's department. The sheriff's office has not released names of the victim.

Update: 2 people, service dog killed in Kansas crash

A former deputy sheriff in Dodge County who was convicted of running a Ponzi scheme has been found dead on the day he was supposed to be sentenced.

Former deputy Craig Harbaugh was set to be sentenced in federal court in Omaha this afternoon.

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

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

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625840527729.png" alt="Harbaugh" />
 <figcaption>Harbaugh</figcaption>
 </figure>By Scott Carlson-North Platte PostA former deputy sheriff in Dodge County who was convicted of running a Ponzi scheme has been found dead on the day he was supposed to be sentenced.Former deputy Craig Harbaugh was set to be sentenced in federal court in Omaha this afternoon.Authorities said Harbaugh was found dead in his home Friday morning. Foul play is not suspected and an autopsy has been ordered.Harbaugh was convicted of defrauding a bank and several individuals out of nearly $11 million but provided false purchase orders and service contracts for his business which sold tactical gear for law enforcement.Harbaugh was facing up to 20 years in prison and hefty fines.Authorities say Harbaugh was employed by the sheriff's office while he ran the Ponzi scheme.

Former Dodge County deputy found dead on day of federal sentencing

News Release US Attorney's Office-Omaha

Acting United States Attorney Jan W. Sharp announced that Lonnie L. Perry, 29, of Omaha, Nebraska, was convicted today in federal court in Omaha after a three-day jury trial.&nbsp; 

Perry was found guilty of two counts of Interference with Interstate Commerce by way of Robbery, one count of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and one count of discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.&nbsp; 

United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. will sentence Perry on October 4, 2021, at 1:30 p.m.&nbsp; Perry faces up to 20 years for the robberies, seven years to life consecutive for brandishing a firearm, and ten years to life consecutive for discharging a firearm.

On October 25, 2017, Perry entered the Select Mart convenience store in Omaha and brandished a weapon at a store employee.&nbsp; A father was shopping inside the store with his young son, and they hid in a back room of the store until the police arrived at the scene.

On November 5, 2017, Perry entered the VP Racing Station convenience store in Omaha, brandished a weapon at two store employees and then fired his weapon into two vehicles fleeing the scene.&nbsp; Each vehicle had a family with a child in it, and the bullet from the second shot landed next to the car seat of a two-year-old boy, nearly striking him.

On November 6, 2017, Omaha Police officers arrived at an apartment complex for a disturbance where Perry was identified brandishing a weapon.&nbsp; While near a Runza restaurant, officers saw Perry drop a gun into a trash can. Officers used a Taser on Perry after he resisted arrest. He was transported to a hospital for treatment. 

Perry escaped custody in handcuffs and was arrested again later that same day.&nbsp; 

The weapon was tied through ballistics to the shooting at the robbery the day before and had the defendant’s DNA on it.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Omaha Police Department.

News Release US Attorney's Office-OmahaActing United States Attorney Jan W. Sharp announced that Lonnie L. Perry, 29, of Omaha, Nebraska, was convicted today in federal court in Omaha after a three-day jury trial.&nbsp; Perry was found guilty of two counts of Interference with Interstate Commerce by way of Robbery, one count of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and one count of discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.&nbsp; United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. will sentence Perry on October 4, 2021, at 1:30 p.m.&nbsp; Perry faces up to 20 years for the robberies, seven years to life consecutive for brandishing a firearm, and ten years to life consecutive for discharging a firearm.On October 25, 2017, Perry entered the Select Mart convenience store in Omaha and brandished a weapon at a store employee.&nbsp; A father was shopping inside the store with his young son, and they hid in a back room of the store until the police arrived at the scene.On November 5, 2017, Perry entered the VP Racing Station convenience store in Omaha, brandished a weapon at two store employees and then fired his weapon into two vehicles fleeing the scene.&nbsp; Each vehicle had a family with a child in it, and the bullet from the second shot landed next to the car seat of a two-year-old boy, nearly striking him.On November 6, 2017, Omaha Police officers arrived at an apartment complex for a disturbance where Perry was identified brandishing a weapon.&nbsp; While near a Runza restaurant, officers saw Perry drop a gun into a trash can. Officers used a Taser on Perry after he resisted arrest. He was transported to a hospital for treatment. Perry escaped custody in handcuffs and was arrested again later that same day.&nbsp; The weapon was tied through ballistics to the shooting at the robbery the day before and had the defendant’s DNA on it.This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Omaha Police Department.

Omaha man convicted of 2 armed robberies

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — This year is shaping up to be one of the driest on record because drought conditions are lingering throughout most of the Missouri River basin. 

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said Thursday that this year could be the 10th driest year on record along the river and only about 60% of the normal amount of water is expected to flow into the river. 

Nearly three-quarters of the Missouri River basin is currently experiencing either drought or abnormally dry conditions — particularly upstream of Sioux City, Iowa — and the amount of snow in the mountains that feed into the river was also below average this year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625835021548.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — This year is shaping up to be one of the driest on record because drought conditions are lingering throughout most of the Missouri River basin. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said Thursday that this year could be the 10th driest year on record along the river and only about 60% of the normal amount of water is expected to flow into the river. Nearly three-quarters of the Missouri River basin is currently experiencing either drought or abnormally dry conditions — particularly upstream of Sioux City, Iowa — and the amount of snow in the mountains that feed into the river was also below average this year.

Drought conditions likely to linger in Missouri River basin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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