The Federal Trade Commission and a group of 18 states sued national jewelry retailer Harris Jewelry to stop the company from cheating military families with illegal financing and sales practices. According to the complaint, the jewelry company deceptively
 claimed that financing jewelry purchases through Harris would raise 
servicemembers’ credit scores, misrepresented that its protection plans 
were not optional or were required, and added the plans to purchases 
without consumers’ consent. The complaint also includes a charge that 
the jewelry company violated the Military Lending Act, the FTC’s first 
action under this Act.

Under a proposed order with the FTC and multistate group, the company must stop collection of millions
 of dollars in debt, provide approximately $10.9 million in refunds for 
purchased protection plans, provide refunds for overpayments, and assist
 with the deletion of any negative credit entries pertaining to debt in 
consumers’ credit reporting file. The company also is required to 
complete its shutdown of operations and to dissolve pursuant to 
applicable state laws, once it meets the obligations of the order.

“Today’s action against Harris 
Jewelry shows that companies that target our country’s servicemembers 
with false promises and deceptive sales practices will face serious 
consequences,” said Samuel Levine, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection.
 “The FTC is committed to working with state enforcers to halt unfair 
and deceptive business practices across the marketplace. We are grateful
 for their partnership in this case, which allowed us to deliver strong 
relief for servicemembers.”

“It’s abhorrent that Harris Jewelry built their 
business by taking advantage of young servicemembers risking their lives
 to protect our country,” said&nbsp;New York Attorney General Letitia James.
 “Harris Jewelry claimed to serve and support our troops, but its 
business practices were entirely self-serving. For years, Harris Jewelry
 misled military members and saddled them with thousands of dollars of 
debt. My office joined forces with the FTC and 17 other states to 
protect servicemembers from Harris Jewelry and combat their predatory 
practices. Today’s action will help thousands of servicemembers get back
 on their feet after falling victim to Harris Jewelry’s schemes. Our 
troops bravely put our protection above their own and deserve to be 
treated with integrity and respect. Predatory lenders and businesses 
harming servicemembers should be warned that their actions will not be 
tolerated.”

“The Department of Defense appreciates the work of the 
FTC and other partners in protecting servicemembers and their families 
from such harmful practices and in securing appropriate remedies,” said 
Gilbert R. Cisneros, DoD Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and 
Readiness. “We believe these efforts contribute to servicemembers’ 
overall financial well-being and readiness.”&nbsp; 

According to the <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/Filed%20Complaint.pdf">complaint</a>, Harris Jewelry violated the FTC Act, the <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/statutes/truth-lending-act">Truth in Lending Act</a>, the <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/statutes/electronic-fund-transfer-act">Electronic Fund Transfer Act</a>, the <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/statutes/military-lending-act">Military Lending Act</a>, the <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/rules/holder-due-course-rule">Holder Rule</a>;
 and state law in connection with jewelry sales and financing to members
 of the military. Specifically, the FTC alleges that Harris Jewelry:

In addition to requiring the company to come 
into compliance with the Military Lending Act, Truth in Lending Act, 
Electronic Fund Transfer Act, and Holder Rule, the <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/FILED%20Order%20%28002%29.pdf">proposed order</a>&nbsp;requires Harris Jewelry to:

Under the order, Harris Jewelry will contact 
consumers entitled to refunds for the protection plans, and must also 
post a notice on its website about the availability of refunds. 
Consumers who have specific questions about obtaining redress may 
contact the New York State Attorney General’s Office at (315) 
523-6080.&nbsp;&nbsp; 

The FTC and states are grateful for the Department of Defense’s coordination and support on this matter.&nbsp;&nbsp; 

The Commission vote approving the stipulated final order was 5-0. The FTC filed the proposed order in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619632629588.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FTCThe Federal Trade Commission and a group of 18 states sued national jewelry retailer Harris Jewelry to stop the company from cheating military families with illegal financing and sales practices. According to the complaint, the jewelry company deceptively
 claimed that financing jewelry purchases through Harris would raise 
servicemembers’ credit scores, misrepresented that its protection plans 
were not optional or were required, and added the plans to purchases 
without consumers’ consent. The complaint also includes a charge that 
the jewelry company violated the Military Lending Act, the FTC’s first 
action under this Act.Under a proposed order with the FTC and multistate group, the company must stop collection of millions
 of dollars in debt, provide approximately $10.9 million in refunds for 
purchased protection plans, provide refunds for overpayments, and assist
 with the deletion of any negative credit entries pertaining to debt in 
consumers’ credit reporting file. The company also is required to 
complete its shutdown of operations and to dissolve pursuant to 
applicable state laws, once it meets the obligations of the order.“Today’s action against Harris 
Jewelry shows that companies that target our country’s servicemembers 
with false promises and deceptive sales practices will face serious 
consequences,” said Samuel Levine, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection.
 “The FTC is committed to working with state enforcers to halt unfair 
and deceptive business practices across the marketplace. We are grateful
 for their partnership in this case, which allowed us to deliver strong 
relief for servicemembers.”“It’s abhorrent that Harris Jewelry built their 
business by taking advantage of young servicemembers risking their lives
 to protect our country,” said&nbsp;New York Attorney General Letitia James.
 “Harris Jewelry claimed to serve and support our troops, but its 
business practices were entirely self-serving. For years, Harris Jewelry
 misled military members and saddled them with thousands of dollars of 
debt. My office joined forces with the FTC and 17 other states to 
protect servicemembers from Harris Jewelry and combat their predatory 
practices. Today’s action will help thousands of servicemembers get back
 on their feet after falling victim to Harris Jewelry’s schemes. Our 
troops bravely put our protection above their own and deserve to be 
treated with integrity and respect. Predatory lenders and businesses 
harming servicemembers should be warned that their actions will not be 
tolerated.”“The Department of Defense appreciates the work of the 
FTC and other partners in protecting servicemembers and their families 
from such harmful practices and in securing appropriate remedies,” said 
Gilbert R. Cisneros, DoD Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and 
Readiness. “We believe these efforts contribute to servicemembers’ 
overall financial well-being and readiness.”&nbsp; According to the <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/Filed%20Complaint.pdf">complaint</a>, Harris Jewelry violated the FTC Act, the <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/statutes/truth-lending-act">Truth in Lending Act</a>, the <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/statutes/electronic-fund-transfer-act">Electronic Fund Transfer Act</a>, the <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/statutes/military-lending-act">Military Lending Act</a>, the <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/rules/holder-due-course-rule">Holder Rule</a>;
 and state law in connection with jewelry sales and financing to members
 of the military. Specifically, the FTC alleges that Harris Jewelry:<ul>
 <li>Made false or unsubstantiated claims that financing jewelry purchases through the company would result in higher credit scores: The
 company told servicemembers that they would achieve a significant 
improvement in their credit score by entering into a retail installment 
contract with Harris Jewelry and making all payments on time when, in 
fact, that was not true in many instances.</li><li>Misrepresented that the protection plan was required to finance purchases: In
 connection with the sale of jewelry and military-themed gifts, Harris 
Jewelry offered a protection plan that covered ring and watch sizing, 
battery replacements, and repairs. In several instances, the company 
offered items for sale and gave the false impression that the protection
 plan was not optional or was required to finance the purchase, when it 
was in fact optional.&nbsp; </li><li>Failed to provide written disclosures and meet authorization requirements for contracts as required by law:
 Harris Jewelry failed to include written disclosures in its retail 
installment contracts as required by the Truth in Lending Act and 
Military Lending Act, and meet authorization requirements as required by
 the Electronic Fund Transfer Act. Its internet and print ads also 
failed to include the required Truth in Lending disclosure. The company 
also failed to provide written notice as required by the FTC’s Holder 
Rule in its contracts, and failed to make oral disclosures at the time 
of sale as required by the Military Lending Act.</li>
 </ul><h2>Enforcement Action</h2>In addition to requiring the company to come 
into compliance with the Military Lending Act, Truth in Lending Act, 
Electronic Fund Transfer Act, and Holder Rule, the <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/FILED%20Order%20%28002%29.pdf">proposed order</a>&nbsp;requires Harris Jewelry to:<ul>
 <li>Stop collection of millions in debt;</li><li>Refund approximately $10.9 million for purchased protection plans;</li><li>Provide refunds for overpayments;</li><li>Contact consumer reporting agencies and 
request deletion of negative credit entries and counterorder outstanding
 judgments against consumers;</li><li>Stop misrepresentations and baseless claims;</li><li>Stop marketing, offering for sale or financing, and selling or financing ancillary products; </li><li>Stop selling, assigning, or transferring retail installment contracts or other consumer debt to other persons; and</li><li>Complete its shutdown of operations, and dissolve following state law, once the order requirements are met.</li>
 </ul>Under the order, Harris Jewelry will contact 
consumers entitled to refunds for the protection plans, and must also 
post a notice on its website about the availability of refunds. 
Consumers who have specific questions about obtaining redress may 
contact the New York State Attorney General’s Office at (315) 
523-6080.&nbsp;&nbsp; The FTC and states are grateful for the Department of Defense’s coordination and support on this matter.&nbsp;&nbsp; The Commission vote approving the stipulated final order was 5-0. The FTC filed the proposed order in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York.

FTC sues jewelry chain for allegedly cheating military families

KANSAS CITY —A judge has sentenced a Kansas City-area man to 30 years in prison for the fatal shooting of Barbara Mae Harper in her vehicle near Downtown Kansas City in January 2019, according Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

In April, a jury convicted 28-year-old Dakkota Siders of Murder 2nd Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and two counts of Armed Criminal Action. 

A judge sentenced Siders today to 30 years on his Murder 2nd Degree conviction, 5 years on the two Armed Criminal Action convictions, and 15 years on the Unlawful Use of a Weapon conviction. The judge set all sentences to run concurrently.

At the sentencing hearing&nbsp; Barbara Mae Harper's brother, John Edmonds, described the victim as a "friend to everyone," who could talk to anyone. The siblings had planned to visit their ill brother in Grand Rapids, Mich., but that trip never happened because of the fatal shooting. "Barbara loved to laugh, could tell a good joke and had a love of life," her brother stated.&nbsp;

According to court records, Kansas City police responded to Interstate 70 West near the Interstate 35 entrance ramp on a reported injury accident about 3 a.m. Jan. 16, 2019. 

Police found Harper, 71, deceased. She had suffered a gunshot wound. Holes in the headrest of the passenger's seat appeared to be from gunfire. The driver's side window was broken, as well as a passenger side window. Spent shell casings were found in the roadway nearby. 

Police detectives obtained surveillance video from city cameras and showed another vehicle speeding behind the victim's vehicle before the victim's vehicle swerves and strikes the guard rail. 

The vehicle speeding behind her vehicle exited onto Harrison Street from Interstate 70. Other video detected the sounds of two gunshots and showed the subject vehicle. Police determined the license plate number on the suspect vehicle and conducted surveillance on the residence associated with the plate. 

During the investigation, detectives also learned of a disturbance and shots being fired near the Shady Lady on East 12th Street shortly before the homicide. Analysis of spent shell casing revealed they and those found near the homicide scene were fired from the same gun. Detectives believe the victim's vehicle may have been mistakenly targeted by the defendant after the Shady Lady incident.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650207566443.png" alt="Siders-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Siders-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A judge has sentenced a Kansas City-area man to 30 years in prison for the fatal shooting of Barbara Mae Harper in her vehicle near Downtown Kansas City in January 2019, according Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.In April, a jury convicted 28-year-old Dakkota Siders of Murder 2nd Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and two counts of Armed Criminal Action. A judge sentenced Siders today to 30 years on his Murder 2nd Degree conviction, 5 years on the two Armed Criminal Action convictions, and 15 years on the Unlawful Use of a Weapon conviction. The judge set all sentences to run concurrently.At the sentencing hearing&nbsp; Barbara Mae Harper's brother, John Edmonds, described the victim as a "friend to everyone," who could talk to anyone. The siblings had planned to visit their ill brother in Grand Rapids, Mich., but that trip never happened because of the fatal shooting. "Barbara loved to laugh, could tell a good joke and had a love of life," her brother stated.&nbsp;According to court records, Kansas City police responded to Interstate 70 West near the Interstate 35 entrance ramp on a reported injury accident about 3 a.m. Jan. 16, 2019. Police found Harper, 71, deceased. She had suffered a gunshot wound. Holes in the headrest of the passenger's seat appeared to be from gunfire. The driver's side window was broken, as well as a passenger side window. Spent shell casings were found in the roadway nearby. Police detectives obtained surveillance video from city cameras and showed another vehicle speeding behind the victim's vehicle before the victim's vehicle swerves and strikes the guard rail. The vehicle speeding behind her vehicle exited onto Harrison Street from Interstate 70. Other video detected the sounds of two gunshots and showed the subject vehicle. Police determined the license plate number on the suspect vehicle and conducted surveillance on the residence associated with the plate. During the investigation, detectives also learned of a disturbance and shots being fired near the Shady Lady on East 12th Street shortly before the homicide. Analysis of spent shell casing revealed they and those found near the homicide scene were fired from the same gun. Detectives believe the victim's vehicle may have been mistakenly targeted by the defendant after the Shady Lady incident.&nbsp;

Man sentenced for mistaken identity killing of KC-area woman

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A former lottery computer technician convicted in a scheme to rig computers to win jackpots for himself, friends and family has been paroled after serving more than five years in an Iowa prison.

Eddie Tipton, 59, was released from prison Friday, according to online prisoner records. Axios Des Moines first reported that Tipton had been freed from the state prison in Clarinda.

Tipton&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/4d6bedd2f2b347d68a3be15c2761b577">pleaded guilty</a>&nbsp;to ongoing criminal conduct in 2017 and was ordered to pay restitution of $2.2 million to Kansas, Colorado, Wisconsin and Oklahoma. He shared some of the restitution obligation with his brother in Texas, who collected some of the winnings and served a 75-day jail sentence.

Tipton worked at an Urbandale, Iowa, organization that provided random number drawing computers to several lottery states. At his sentencing hearing, Tipton told the judge he “wrote software that included code that allowed me to understand or technically predict winning numbers, and I gave those numbers to other individuals who then won the lottery and shared the winnings with me.”

It’s not clear what happened to the money Tipton and his associates won between 2005 and 2011. Out of the seven known winning tickets that netted more than $2.2 million, Eddie Tipton claimed to have ended up with only $351,000.

Tipton owes no restitution in Iowa because Iowa Lottery officials never paid him for the Hot Lotto ticket he attempted to redeem in December 2010 after suspecting misconduct.

Tipton filed a postconviction appeal later assigned by the court as a civil lawsuit claiming he was placed under duress to plead guilty. The lawsuit also claims Iowa officials had no authority to charge him for restitution in other states. Court records show the lawsuit is set for trial next month.

Tipton was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wisconsin-lotteries-iowa-oklahoma-kansas-b1bb8db642eca230cf6b6abf55d63334">initially granted parole</a>&nbsp;on in January because of good behavior, but the board reversed its decision and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-iowa-des-moines-lotteries-ab318d8438728c40a97136e6764e1e7b">rescinded his parole</a>&nbsp;in March after he got into trouble for a physical altercation with another inmate in the prison's gym.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/8/1566940541907.png" alt="Tipton-photo Polk Co." />
 <figcaption>Tipton-photo Polk Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A former lottery computer technician convicted in a scheme to rig computers to win jackpots for himself, friends and family has been paroled after serving more than five years in an Iowa prison.Eddie Tipton, 59, was released from prison Friday, according to online prisoner records. Axios Des Moines first reported that Tipton had been freed from the state prison in Clarinda.Tipton&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/4d6bedd2f2b347d68a3be15c2761b577">pleaded guilty</a>&nbsp;to ongoing criminal conduct in 2017 and was ordered to pay restitution of $2.2 million to Kansas, Colorado, Wisconsin and Oklahoma. He shared some of the restitution obligation with his brother in Texas, who collected some of the winnings and served a 75-day jail sentence.Tipton worked at an Urbandale, Iowa, organization that provided random number drawing computers to several lottery states. At his sentencing hearing, Tipton told the judge he “wrote software that included code that allowed me to understand or technically predict winning numbers, and I gave those numbers to other individuals who then won the lottery and shared the winnings with me.”It’s not clear what happened to the money Tipton and his associates won between 2005 and 2011. Out of the seven known winning tickets that netted more than $2.2 million, Eddie Tipton claimed to have ended up with only $351,000.Tipton owes no restitution in Iowa because Iowa Lottery officials never paid him for the Hot Lotto ticket he attempted to redeem in December 2010 after suspecting misconduct.Tipton filed a postconviction appeal later assigned by the court as a civil lawsuit claiming he was placed under duress to plead guilty. The lawsuit also claims Iowa officials had no authority to charge him for restitution in other states. Court records show the lawsuit is set for trial next month.Tipton was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wisconsin-lotteries-iowa-oklahoma-kansas-b1bb8db642eca230cf6b6abf55d63334">initially granted parole</a>&nbsp;on in January because of good behavior, but the board reversed its decision and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-iowa-des-moines-lotteries-ab318d8438728c40a97136e6764e1e7b">rescinded his parole</a>&nbsp;in March after he got into trouble for a physical altercation with another inmate in the prison's gym.

Man convicted in lottery-rigging scheme in Kan. is out of prison

SOMERSET, Mass. (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday announced modest new steps to combat&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/climate-and-environment">climate change</a>&nbsp;and promised more robust action to come, saying, “This is an emergency and I will look at it that way.”

(Click below to watch the President's comments)

The president stopped short, though, of declaring a formal climate emergency, which Democrats and environmental groups have been seeking after an influential Democratic senator quashed hopes for sweeping legislation to address global warming. Biden hinted such a step could be coming.

“Let me be clear,” Biden said. "Climate change is an emergency, and in the coming weeks I’m going to use the power I have as president to turn these words into formal, official government actions through the appropriate proclamations, executive orders and regulatory power that a president possesses.”

Biden delivered his pledge at a former coal-fired power plant in Massachusetts. The former&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-business-environment-charlie-baker-massachusetts-b10a9536314bf09a487f51023c798f0a">Brayton Point power plant in Somerset, Massachusetts</a>, is shifting to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-biden-and-environment-government-politics-13e5d01c3f43c899e39f337d478c1179">offshore wind power manufacturing</a>, and Biden chose it as the embodiment of the transition to clean energy that he is seeking but has struggled to realize in the first 18 months of his presidency.

Executive actions announced Wednesday will bolster the domestic offshore wind industry in the Gulf of Mexico and Southeast, as well as expand&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-fires-climate-environment-and-nature-34b7cfb58e3bc149a610813e1ed7727d">efforts to help communities cope with soaring temperatures</a>&nbsp;through programs administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Health and Human Services and other agencies.

The trip comes as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wildfires-science-travel-fires-weather-3a04259a5996843e09bbfa344d936f14">historic temperatures bake Europe</a>&nbsp;and the United States. Temperatures reached 115 degrees in Portugal as wildfires raged in Spain and France, and Britain on Tuesday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wildfires-france-fires-london-england-b9bc07c1685b76ddf377b65f19fb811b">shattered its record for highest temperature</a>&nbsp;ever registered. At least 60 million Americans could experience triple-digit temperatures over the next several days as cities around the U.S. sweat through more intense and longer-lasting heat waves that scientists blame on global warming.

Calls for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-biden-joe-manchin-and-environment-bed0159741405159639f800aec3b079b">a national emergency declaration</a>&nbsp;to address the climate crisis have been rising among activists and Democratic lawmakers after Sen.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-manchin">Joe Manchin</a>, D-W.Va., last week scuttled talks on a long-delayed legislative package.

White House officials have said the option remains under consideration. Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Tuesday declined to outline a timetable for a decision aside from saying no such order would be issued this week.

Gina McCarthy, Biden's climate adviser, said Biden is not “shying away” from treating climate as an emergency.

"The president wants to make sure that we're doing it right, that we're laying it out, and that we have the time we need to get this worked out,'' she told reporters on Air Force One.

Sen.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/edward-markey">Ed Markey</a>, D-Mass., said he was “confident that the president is ultimately ready to do whatever it takes in order to deal with this crisis."

“I think that he’s made that clear in his statement last Friday, and I think coming to Massachusetts is a further articulation of that goal,” Markey told reporters Tuesday.

An emergency declaration on climate would allow the president to redirect federal resources to bolster renewable energy programs that would help accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels. The declaration also could be used as a legal basis to block oil and gas drilling or other projects, although such actions would likely be challenged in court by energy companies or Republican-led states.

Such a declaration would be similar to the one issued by Biden’s Republican predecessor, Donald Trump, who declared&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-donald-trump-ap-top-news-az-state-wire-immigration-5b22a4a54ba046c4815c31bca2c92ae7">a national emergency to build a wall</a>&nbsp;on the southern border when lawmakers refused to allocate money for that effort.

Biden pledged last week to take significant executive actions on climate after monthslong discussions between Manchin and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., came to a standstill. The West Virginia senator cited&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-economy-prices-consumer-74e1a5c9bced40460e4079f62e980095">stubbornly high inflation</a>&nbsp;as the reason for his hesitation, although he has long protected energy interests in his coal- and gas-producing state.

For now, Manchin has said he will only agree to a legislative package that shores up subsidies to help people buy insurance under the 2010 health care law and allows Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices that will ultimately lower the cost of pharmaceuticals for consumers.

The White House has indicated it wants Congress to take that deal, and Biden will address the climate issue on his own.

The former Brayton Point power plant&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cc5b376c95f9449da344bbfc20ae22fd">closed in 2017</a>&nbsp;after burning coal for more than five decades. The plant will now become an offshore wind energy site.

A new report says the U.S. and other major carbon-polluting nations are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-biden-science-united-states-france-530f66cbb15b18dd7ae6f67732f6780b">falling short on pledges to fight climate change</a>. Among the 10 biggest carbon emitters, only the European Union has enacted polices close to or consistent with international goals of limiting warming to just a few more tenths of a degree, according to scientists and experts who track climate action in countries.

SOMERSET, Mass. (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday announced modest new steps to combat&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/climate-and-environment">climate change</a>&nbsp;and promised more robust action to come, saying, “This is an emergency and I will look at it that way.”(Click below to watch the President's comments)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F1387573815083169%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=85" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>The president stopped short, though, of declaring a formal climate emergency, which Democrats and environmental groups have been seeking after an influential Democratic senator quashed hopes for sweeping legislation to address global warming. Biden hinted such a step could be coming.“Let me be clear,” Biden said. "Climate change is an emergency, and in the coming weeks I’m going to use the power I have as president to turn these words into formal, official government actions through the appropriate proclamations, executive orders and regulatory power that a president possesses.”Biden delivered his pledge at a former coal-fired power plant in Massachusetts. The former&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-business-environment-charlie-baker-massachusetts-b10a9536314bf09a487f51023c798f0a">Brayton Point power plant in Somerset, Massachusetts</a>, is shifting to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-biden-and-environment-government-politics-13e5d01c3f43c899e39f337d478c1179">offshore wind power manufacturing</a>, and Biden chose it as the embodiment of the transition to clean energy that he is seeking but has struggled to realize in the first 18 months of his presidency.Executive actions announced Wednesday will bolster the domestic offshore wind industry in the Gulf of Mexico and Southeast, as well as expand&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-fires-climate-environment-and-nature-34b7cfb58e3bc149a610813e1ed7727d">efforts to help communities cope with soaring temperatures</a>&nbsp;through programs administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Health and Human Services and other agencies.The trip comes as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wildfires-science-travel-fires-weather-3a04259a5996843e09bbfa344d936f14">historic temperatures bake Europe</a>&nbsp;and the United States. Temperatures reached 115 degrees in Portugal as wildfires raged in Spain and France, and Britain on Tuesday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wildfires-france-fires-london-england-b9bc07c1685b76ddf377b65f19fb811b">shattered its record for highest temperature</a>&nbsp;ever registered. At least 60 million Americans could experience triple-digit temperatures over the next several days as cities around the U.S. sweat through more intense and longer-lasting heat waves that scientists blame on global warming.Calls for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-biden-joe-manchin-and-environment-bed0159741405159639f800aec3b079b">a national emergency declaration</a>&nbsp;to address the climate crisis have been rising among activists and Democratic lawmakers after Sen.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-manchin">Joe Manchin</a>, D-W.Va., last week scuttled talks on a long-delayed legislative package.White House officials have said the option remains under consideration. Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Tuesday declined to outline a timetable for a decision aside from saying no such order would be issued this week.Gina McCarthy, Biden's climate adviser, said Biden is not “shying away” from treating climate as an emergency."The president wants to make sure that we're doing it right, that we're laying it out, and that we have the time we need to get this worked out,'' she told reporters on Air Force One.Sen.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/edward-markey">Ed Markey</a>, D-Mass., said he was “confident that the president is ultimately ready to do whatever it takes in order to deal with this crisis."“I think that he’s made that clear in his statement last Friday, and I think coming to Massachusetts is a further articulation of that goal,” Markey told reporters Tuesday.An emergency declaration on climate would allow the president to redirect federal resources to bolster renewable energy programs that would help accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels. The declaration also could be used as a legal basis to block oil and gas drilling or other projects, although such actions would likely be challenged in court by energy companies or Republican-led states.Such a declaration would be similar to the one issued by Biden’s Republican predecessor, Donald Trump, who declared&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-donald-trump-ap-top-news-az-state-wire-immigration-5b22a4a54ba046c4815c31bca2c92ae7">a national emergency to build a wall</a>&nbsp;on the southern border when lawmakers refused to allocate money for that effort.Biden pledged last week to take significant executive actions on climate after monthslong discussions between Manchin and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., came to a standstill. The West Virginia senator cited&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-economy-prices-consumer-74e1a5c9bced40460e4079f62e980095">stubbornly high inflation</a>&nbsp;as the reason for his hesitation, although he has long protected energy interests in his coal- and gas-producing state.For now, Manchin has said he will only agree to a legislative package that shores up subsidies to help people buy insurance under the 2010 health care law and allows Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices that will ultimately lower the cost of pharmaceuticals for consumers.The White House has indicated it wants Congress to take that deal, and Biden will address the climate issue on his own.The former Brayton Point power plant&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cc5b376c95f9449da344bbfc20ae22fd">closed in 2017</a>&nbsp;after burning coal for more than five decades. The plant will now become an offshore wind energy site.A new report says the U.S. and other major carbon-polluting nations are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-biden-science-united-states-france-530f66cbb15b18dd7ae6f67732f6780b">falling short on pledges to fight climate change</a>. Among the 10 biggest carbon emitters, only the European Union has enacted polices close to or consistent with international goals of limiting warming to just a few more tenths of a degree, according to scientists and experts who track climate action in countries.

🎥 Biden announces climate actions, no climate emergency

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a&nbsp;July 4th weekend double murder have identified the second victim as 29-year-old Gerardo Ruvalcaba-Ulloam from California, according to Sedgwick County Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick.

Just after 5 a.m. July 3, sheriff's deputies were sent to a shooting call in the 4400 block of south Rock Road in rural Sedgwick County, according to Blick.&nbsp;

During a search of the rural property, deputies found Ruvalcaba-Ulloam and&nbsp;  43-year-old Saren Negrete-Perez of California. deceased in the backyard of a residence the 4300 block of South Rock Road. They died from apparent gunshot wounds.&nbsp;

At the scene, first responders also found David Baeza, 42 of Wichita, on the side of the road suffering from gunshot wounds, according to Colonel Brian White with the sheriff's department. EMS transported Baeza to an area hospital for treatment and later arrested him.

Baeza and Joseph Ponse, 43 of Wichita have been charged with attempted 1st degree murder in connection with their deaths.

Hieu Luong, 42 of Wichita, is charged with attempted 1st degree murder and criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

All three remain jailed each on a bond of $500,000.&nbsp; They are due back in court on July 18, according to the district attorney's office.

Luong&nbsp; is scheduled to return to court July 22, according to the district attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656781809875.png" alt="Portions of Rock Road were closed during the investigation-photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Portions of Rock Road were closed during the investigation-photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a&nbsp;July 4th weekend double murder have identified the second victim as 29-year-old Gerardo Ruvalcaba-Ulloam from California, according to Sedgwick County Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick.Just after 5 a.m. July 3, sheriff's deputies were sent to a shooting call in the 4400 block of south Rock Road in rural Sedgwick County, according to Blick.&nbsp;During a search of the rural property, deputies found Ruvalcaba-Ulloam and&nbsp; 43-year-old Saren Negrete-Perez of California. deceased in the backyard of a residence the 4300 block of South Rock Road. They died from apparent gunshot wounds.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657051675461.png" alt="Baeza-photo Sedgwick County." />
 <figcaption>Baeza-photo Sedgwick County.</figcaption>
 </figure>At the scene, first responders also found David Baeza, 42 of Wichita, on the side of the road suffering from gunshot wounds, according to Colonel Brian White with the sheriff's department. EMS transported Baeza to an area hospital for treatment and later arrested him.Baeza and Joseph Ponse, 43 of Wichita have been charged with attempted 1st degree murder in connection with their deaths.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657051599579.png" alt="Ponse-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Ponse-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Hieu Luong, 42 of Wichita, is charged with attempted 1st degree murder and criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657823720573.png" alt="Luong-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Luong-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>All three remain jailed each on a bond of $500,000.&nbsp; They are due back in court on July 18, according to the district attorney's office.Luong&nbsp; is scheduled to return to court July 22, according to the district attorney's office.

Sheriff IDs second victim in rural Kansas double murder

Amazon has filed a lawsuit against administrators of more than 10,000 Facebook groups it accuses of coordinating fake reviews in exchange for money or free products.

The Seattle-based e-commerce giant said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/policy-news-views/amazon-targets-fake-review-fraudsters-on-social-media">statement</a>&nbsp;posted on its website Tuesday the Facebook groups were set up to recruit people “willing to post incentivized and misleading reviews” across its stores in the U.S. the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain and Japan.

The problem over phony reviews is not new for Amazon, or e-commerce as a whole. Amazon itself has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/c2bc7f2e4b64490db4291ed5619ff2b2">previously sued people</a>&nbsp;it said were offering fake testimonials, though lawmakers and regulators have questioned whether the company was doing enough to combat the issue. Last year, U.K. competition regulators launched a probe into whether the online retailer and Google were taking adequate actions to protect shoppers.

In the statement, Amazon said one of the Facebook groups it’s targeting, called “Amazon Product Review,” had more than 43,000 members. The company said Facebook removed the group this year, but it was able to dodge the platform’s detection by “changing letters in phrases that might set off Facebook’s alarms.”

Amazon noted since 2020, it has reported more than 10,000 fake review groups to Meta, the parent company of Facebook. Meta has removed half of these groups and is investigating the others, Amazon said.

The retailer's announcement comes as another side of the company's operations is facing more scrutiny. On Tuesday, federal labor officials confirmed to the AP the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has opened inspections at Amazon facilities in New York, Illinois, and Florida after receiving referrals alleging safety and health violations from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.

Nicholas Biase, a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in New York, said federal labor officials entered the Amazon warehouses on Monday morning after their office made referrals about “potential workplace hazards," including “Amazon’s required pace of work for its warehouse employees.”

Labor and safety advocates have long criticized Amazon's injury rates and its "time off task” tool, which dings workers for taking too many breaks. Biase said the civil division of the U.S. attorney's office is investigating safety hazards at the company's warehouses across the country, as well as “fraudulent conduct designed to hide injuries from OSHA and others.”

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy acknowledged in a shareholder letter this April the company's warehouse injury rates “were a little higher than the average” compared to other warehouses. But Jassy said the “courier and delivery” side of their operations saw lower injury rates, making the company “about average” compared to its peers.

“We’ll of course cooperate with OSHA in their investigation, and we believe it will ultimately show that these concerns are unfounded," Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel said in a statement.

The U.S. Attorney's Office is encouraging current and former Amazon warehouse workers to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/webform/sdny-amazon-warehouse-investigation">report workplace safety issues</a>&nbsp;directly to them.

By HALELUYA HADERO, AP Business WriterAmazon has filed a lawsuit against administrators of more than 10,000 Facebook groups it accuses of coordinating fake reviews in exchange for money or free products.The Seattle-based e-commerce giant said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/policy-news-views/amazon-targets-fake-review-fraudsters-on-social-media">statement</a>&nbsp;posted on its website Tuesday the Facebook groups were set up to recruit people “willing to post incentivized and misleading reviews” across its stores in the U.S. the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain and Japan.The problem over phony reviews is not new for Amazon, or e-commerce as a whole. Amazon itself has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/c2bc7f2e4b64490db4291ed5619ff2b2">previously sued people</a>&nbsp;it said were offering fake testimonials, though lawmakers and regulators have questioned whether the company was doing enough to combat the issue. Last year, U.K. competition regulators launched a probe into whether the online retailer and Google were taking adequate actions to protect shoppers.In the statement, Amazon said one of the Facebook groups it’s targeting, called “Amazon Product Review,” had more than 43,000 members. The company said Facebook removed the group this year, but it was able to dodge the platform’s detection by “changing letters in phrases that might set off Facebook’s alarms.”Amazon noted since 2020, it has reported more than 10,000 fake review groups to Meta, the parent company of Facebook. Meta has removed half of these groups and is investigating the others, Amazon said.The retailer's announcement comes as another side of the company's operations is facing more scrutiny. On Tuesday, federal labor officials confirmed to the AP the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has opened inspections at Amazon facilities in New York, Illinois, and Florida after receiving referrals alleging safety and health violations from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.Nicholas Biase, a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in New York, said federal labor officials entered the Amazon warehouses on Monday morning after their office made referrals about “potential workplace hazards," including “Amazon’s required pace of work for its warehouse employees.”Labor and safety advocates have long criticized Amazon's injury rates and its "time off task” tool, which dings workers for taking too many breaks. Biase said the civil division of the U.S. attorney's office is investigating safety hazards at the company's warehouses across the country, as well as “fraudulent conduct designed to hide injuries from OSHA and others.”Amazon CEO Andy Jassy acknowledged in a shareholder letter this April the company's warehouse injury rates “were a little higher than the average” compared to other warehouses. But Jassy said the “courier and delivery” side of their operations saw lower injury rates, making the company “about average” compared to its peers.“We’ll of course cooperate with OSHA in their investigation, and we believe it will ultimately show that these concerns are unfounded," Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel said in a statement.The U.S. Attorney's Office is encouraging current and former Amazon warehouse workers to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/webform/sdny-amazon-warehouse-investigation">report workplace safety issues</a>&nbsp;directly to them.

Amazon sues admins of 10K Facebook groups over fake reviews

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A suspect accused in a fatal Sunday stabbing in Dodge City is in custody.

Just before noon Wednesday, police in Dodge City learned that&nbsp;27-year-old Aaron Andres Arreola&nbsp;had turned himself in to authorities in Wichita.

Just after 8a.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to report of a stabbing in the 2800 block of 6th Avenue in Dodge City, according to a media release.

When officers arrived they located 24-year-old Christian Zamora of Dodge City suffering from multiple stab wounds.

EMS transported Zamora to St. Catherine’s Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Police aasked the public for help in locating Arreola, for questioning. On Tuesday, police reported they located the black 2013 Cadillac CTS bearing Kansas tag DEDPULL, Arreola was driving.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658341915497.png" alt="After three days on the run Arreola is in the Sedgwick County jail" />
 <figcaption>After three days on the run Arreola is in the Sedgwick County jail</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A suspect accused in a fatal Sunday stabbing in Dodge City is in custody.Just before noon Wednesday, police in Dodge City learned that&nbsp;27-year-old Aaron Andres Arreola&nbsp;had turned himself in to authorities in Wichita.Just after 8a.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to report of a stabbing in the 2800 block of 6th Avenue in Dodge City, according to a media release.When officers arrived they located 24-year-old Christian Zamora of Dodge City suffering from multiple stab wounds.EMS transported Zamora to St. Catherine’s Hospital where he was pronounced dead.Police aasked the public for help in locating Arreola, for questioning. On Tuesday, police reported they located the black 2013 Cadillac CTS bearing Kansas tag DEDPULL, Arreola was driving.

Suspect in deadly SW Kansas stabbing turns himself in

KANSAS CITY —A suspect has been charged with 1st degree murder and armed criminal action in the death of North Kansas City Police Officer Daniel Vasquez. He is being held on a $2 million bond, according to a statement from the Clay County Sheriff's office.

Joshua T. Rocha, 24, is being held on a $2 million bond, according to Clay County Missouri Sheriff.

Just after 10:40a.m., Officer Daniel Vasquez, 32, stopped a Ford Taurus for an expired temporary license plate near 21 Street North and Clay Street, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

The driver, later identified as Rocha, exited the vehicle and began firing on the officer causing serious injury, according to the patrol.

EMS transported Vasquez to North Kansas City Hospital and he was later transferred to KU Medical Center where he died.

After the patrol issued a Blue Alert, for when an officer is seriously injured or killed, a search for the suspect's gray Ford Taurus lasted a couple of hours.

Rocha eventually turned himself in, according to the sheriff's department. Kansas City Police is now in charge of the investigation.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658265015795.png" alt="Officer Daniel Vasquez." />
 <figcaption>Officer Daniel Vasquez.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A suspect has been charged with 1st degree murder and armed criminal action in the death of North Kansas City Police Officer Daniel Vasquez. He is being held on a $2 million bond, according to a statement from the Clay County Sheriff's office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658339821213.png" alt="Rocha-photo&nbsp; Clay Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Rocha-photo&nbsp; Clay Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>Joshua T. Rocha, 24, is being held on a $2 million bond, according to Clay County Missouri Sheriff.Just after 10:40a.m., Officer Daniel Vasquez, 32, stopped a Ford Taurus for an expired temporary license plate near 21 Street North and Clay Street, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.The driver, later identified as Rocha, exited the vehicle and began firing on the officer causing serious injury, according to the patrol.EMS transported Vasquez to North Kansas City Hospital and he was later transferred to KU Medical Center where he died.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658250459437.png" alt="Image of the suspect vehicle in the Blue Alert-photo MSHP" />
 <figcaption>Image of the suspect vehicle in the Blue Alert-photo MSHP</figcaption>
 </figure>After the patrol issued a Blue Alert, for when an officer is seriously injured or killed, a search for the suspect's gray Ford Taurus lasted a couple of hours.Rocha eventually turned himself in, according to the sheriff's department. Kansas City Police is now in charge of the investigation.&nbsp;

Man charged in shooting death of Kansas City police officer

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Health reported&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;7,626&nbsp;new coronavirus cases in Kansas from Wednesday July 13 to Wednesday July 20, for a total of&nbsp; 827,301 cases.

Th<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1529/June-15-Case-Summary-PDF?bidId=">e state reported&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;9&nbsp; COVID-19 deaths in the past week for a total of 8,966.

<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a>&nbsp;about the COVID-19 vaccine.

<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.

Kansas is providing fewer updates of its data about COVID-19 now that Gov. Laura Kelly formally declared that the state is moving toward treating COVID-19 as a disease like the flu that spreads regularly and isn't considered a pandemic.&nbsp;The health department plans to update data about cases and vaccinations each Wednesday.

The state continues to support access to free COVID-19 testing, works to ensure that vulnerable populations can get vaccinated, see that providers serve a broad population and give “comprehensive guidance” about the virus. She called the new phase “endemic normalcy.”

The health department plans to update data about cases and vaccinations each Wednesday.

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Health reported&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;7,626&nbsp;new coronavirus cases in Kansas from Wednesday July 13 to Wednesday July 20, for a total of&nbsp; 827,301 cases.Th<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1529/June-15-Case-Summary-PDF?bidId=">e state reported&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;9&nbsp; COVID-19 deaths in the past week for a total of 8,966.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658336920636.png" alt="Wednesday July 20, 2022 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday July 20, 2022 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a>&nbsp;about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.Kansas is providing fewer updates of its data about COVID-19 now that Gov. Laura Kelly formally declared that the state is moving toward treating COVID-19 as a disease like the flu that spreads regularly and isn't considered a pandemic.&nbsp;The health department plans to update data about cases and vaccinations each Wednesday.The state continues to support access to free COVID-19 testing, works to ensure that vulnerable populations can get vaccinated, see that providers serve a broad population and give “comprehensive guidance” about the virus. She called the new phase “endemic normalcy.”The health department plans to update data about cases and vaccinations each Wednesday.

KDHE: 9 additional COVID deaths, 7,600 new cases

JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspect in connection with break in at a salvage yard.

Just before 4a.m. Tuesday, deputies reported a sighting of two men at the salvage yard&nbsp;near 330th and U.S. Highway 75 in  Netawaka, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

  Deputies and other area law enforcement secured the perimeter around the salvage yard.&nbsp;

A Jackson County Sheriff’s Office drone and K-9 were used in the search.  The Jackson County Sheriff’s drone located a subject just east of the salvage yard lying in a field.

 Shortly thereafter, a second man was located by the drone in a soybean field east of the property and east of U.S. Highway 75. 

 Both men were taken into custody and identified as 59-year-old, Ronald Almon Wieland Jr. and 49-year-old Michael Ray Young both of Topeka. 

They&nbsp; are being held in the Jackson County Jail on requested charges&nbsp; that include burglary, attempted theft and drug charges.

The Kansas Highway Patrol, Kickapoo Police Department, Holton Police Department, Brown County Sheriff’s Office, Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office assisted with the search.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658260080152.png" alt="Wieland-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Wieland-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspect in connection with break in at a salvage yard.Just before 4a.m. Tuesday, deputies reported a sighting of two men at the salvage yard&nbsp;near 330th and U.S. Highway 75 in Netawaka, according to Sheriff Tim Morse. Deputies and other area law enforcement secured the perimeter around the salvage yard.&nbsp;A Jackson County Sheriff’s Office drone and K-9 were used in the search. The Jackson County Sheriff’s drone located a subject just east of the salvage yard lying in a field.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658260043802.png" alt="Young-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Young-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure> Shortly thereafter, a second man was located by the drone in a soybean field east of the property and east of U.S. Highway 75. Both men were taken into custody and identified as 59-year-old, Ronald Almon Wieland Jr. and 49-year-old Michael Ray Young both of Topeka. They&nbsp; are being held in the Jackson County Jail on requested charges&nbsp; that include burglary, attempted theft and drug charges.The Kansas Highway Patrol, Kickapoo Police Department, Holton Police Department, Brown County Sheriff’s Office, Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office assisted with the search.

Sheriff: Drone used to locate, arrest Kansas burglary suspects

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission is sending payments
 to 244,745 consumers in the U.S. and abroad who were defrauded by the 
Next-Gen sweepstakes scheme that affected consumers in dozens of 
countries, including the United States and Canada.

In total, the FTC is returning almost $25 million to affected consumers including many seniors. The FTC is sending:

The deadline for 
consumers to cash their checks or claim their PayPal payments is October
 17, 2022. Debit cards have a two-year expiration date and can be 
reissued without charge. Recipients
 who have questions about their refund should contact the refund 
administrator, Rust Consulting, at 1-833-721-2728 or 1-612-509-2644 or 
admin@nextgenrefund.com. The Commission never requires people to pay 
money or provide account information to get a refund.<a></a>

The FTC’s <a href="http://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/cases/next-gen_amended_complaint_9-25-18.pdf">2018 complaint</a> against <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/cases-proceedings/172-3133-x180023-next-gen-inc">the Next-Gen defendants</a>, filed jointly with the State of Missouri,
 charged Kevin Brandes, William Graham, C. Floyd Anderson, and 
corporations under their control with sending tens of millions of 
deceptive personalized mailers to consumers around the world since 2013.
 The defendants’ mailers falsely told recipients they had won or were 
likely to win a substantial cash prize, as much as $2 million, in 
exchange for a fee ranging from $9.00 to $139.99. Many consumers, 
including seniors, paid the defendants several times before realizing 
they had been scammed, according to the complaint.

The FTC appreciates the 
support provided in this case by the U.K. National Trading Standards 
Scams Team and our other international partners. Their assistance 
contributed to the success of the FTC’s case and helped ensure that 
victims worldwide benefit from this refund program. The FTC relied on 
key provisions of the U.S. SAFE WEB Act, which allows the FTC to share 
information with foreign counterparts to combat deceptive and unfair 
practices that cross national borders.

The FTC’s <a href="http://www.ftc.gov/now-leaving?external_url=https%3A%2F%2Fpublic.tableau.com%2Fprofile%2Ffederal.trade.commission%23!%2Fvizhome%2FRefunds_15797958402020%2FRefundsbyCase&amp;back_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ftc.gov%2Fnews-events%2Fnews%2Fpress-releases%2F2022%2F06%2Ffederal-trade-commission-returns-more-54-million-consumers">interactive dashboards for refund data</a>&nbsp;provide
 country and state level data about refunds in FTC cases. In 2021, 
Commission actions led to more than $472 million in refunds to consumers
 across the country, but these refunds were the result of cases resolved
 before the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2021 that the Commission lacks 
authority under Section 13(b) to seek monetary relief in federal court 
going forward. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2021/04/ftc-asks-congress-pass-legislation-reviving-agencys-authority">Commission has urged Congress</a>&nbsp;to restore the Commission’s ability to get money back for consumers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619632629588.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FTCThe U.S. Federal Trade Commission is sending payments
 to 244,745 consumers in the U.S. and abroad who were defrauded by the 
Next-Gen sweepstakes scheme that affected consumers in dozens of 
countries, including the United States and Canada.In total, the FTC is returning almost $25 million to affected consumers including many seniors. The FTC is sending:<ul>
 <li>221,687 checks totaling $19,180,753 to U.S. and Canadian consumers;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>3,516 prepaid Mastercard debit cards totaling $631,322 to 
consumers in the United Kingdom, which will be hand-delivered by U.K. 
National Trading Standards, a consumer protection and business 
safeguards organization; and</li><li>19,542 letters to consumers in 
more than 50 different countries explaining how they can claim their 
payments via PayPal, which total $4,696,242.</li>
 </ul>The deadline for 
consumers to cash their checks or claim their PayPal payments is October
 17, 2022. Debit cards have a two-year expiration date and can be 
reissued without charge. Recipients
 who have questions about their refund should contact the refund 
administrator, Rust Consulting, at 1-833-721-2728 or 1-612-509-2644 or 
admin@nextgenrefund.com. The Commission never requires people to pay 
money or provide account information to get a refund.<a></a>The FTC’s <a href="http://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/cases/next-gen_amended_complaint_9-25-18.pdf">2018 complaint</a> against <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/cases-proceedings/172-3133-x180023-next-gen-inc">the Next-Gen defendants</a>, filed jointly with the State of Missouri,
 charged Kevin Brandes, William Graham, C. Floyd Anderson, and 
corporations under their control with sending tens of millions of 
deceptive personalized mailers to consumers around the world since 2013.
 The defendants’ mailers falsely told recipients they had won or were 
likely to win a substantial cash prize, as much as $2 million, in 
exchange for a fee ranging from $9.00 to $139.99. Many consumers, 
including seniors, paid the defendants several times before realizing 
they had been scammed, according to the complaint.The FTC appreciates the 
support provided in this case by the U.K. National Trading Standards 
Scams Team and our other international partners. Their assistance 
contributed to the success of the FTC’s case and helped ensure that 
victims worldwide benefit from this refund program. The FTC relied on 
key provisions of the U.S. SAFE WEB Act, which allows the FTC to share 
information with foreign counterparts to combat deceptive and unfair 
practices that cross national borders.The FTC’s <a href="http://www.ftc.gov/now-leaving?external_url=https%3A%2F%2Fpublic.tableau.com%2Fprofile%2Ffederal.trade.commission%23!%2Fvizhome%2FRefunds_15797958402020%2FRefundsbyCase&amp;back_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ftc.gov%2Fnews-events%2Fnews%2Fpress-releases%2F2022%2F06%2Ffederal-trade-commission-returns-more-54-million-consumers">interactive dashboards for refund data</a>&nbsp;provide
 country and state level data about refunds in FTC cases. In 2021, 
Commission actions led to more than $472 million in refunds to consumers
 across the country, but these refunds were the result of cases resolved
 before the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2021 that the Commission lacks 
authority under Section 13(b) to seek monetary relief in federal court 
going forward. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2021/04/ftc-asks-congress-pass-legislation-reviving-agencys-authority">Commission has urged Congress</a>&nbsp;to restore the Commission’s ability to get money back for consumers.

FTC: Sweepstakes scheme victims being sent $25M worldwide

WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;will announce new actions on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/climate-and-environment">climate change</a>&nbsp;that he can take on his own just days after an influential Democratic senator quashed hopes for a sweeping legislative package of new environmental programs this year.

Biden is to unveil the latest efforts during a visit on Wednesday to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-business-environment-charlie-baker-massachusetts-b10a9536314bf09a487f51023c798f0a">a former coal-fired power plant</a>&nbsp;in Somerset, Massachusetts, that is shifting to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-biden-and-environment-government-politics-13e5d01c3f43c899e39f337d478c1179">offshore wind manufacturing</a>. It’s the embodiment of the transition to clean energy that Biden is seeking but has struggled to realize in the first 18 months of his presidency.

Wednesday’s executive actions include new initiatives to bolster the domestic offshore wind industry as well as efforts to help communities cope with soaring temperatures through programs administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Health and Human Services, according to a White House official.

But the actions that Biden announces on Wednesday will not include&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-biden-joe-manchin-and-environment-bed0159741405159639f800aec3b079b">a national emergency declaration</a>&nbsp;to address the climate crisis — something that has been sought by activists and Democratic lawmakers after Sen.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-manchin">Joe Manchin</a>, D-W.Va., last week scuttled talks on a legislative package.

Gina McCarthy, Biden’s climate adviser, said the president is not “shying away” from treating climate as an emergency. She told CNN on Wednesday that he will be announcing a series of actions “over the next few weeks” to address the threat.

Sen.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/edward-markey">Ed Markey</a>, D-Mass., said he was “confident that the president is ultimately ready to do whatever it takes in order to deal with this crisis.”

“I think that he’s made that clear in his statement last Friday, and I think coming to Massachusetts is a further articulation of that goal,” Markey told reporters on Tuesday.

Biden has come under considerable pressure to issue an emergency declaration on climate, which would allow him to redirect federal resources to bolster renewable energy programs that would help accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels.

Jean-Pierre declined to detail internal deliberations on such a declaration, which would be similar to the one issued by Biden’s Republican predecessor, Donald Trump, who declared&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-donald-trump-ap-top-news-az-state-wire-immigration-5b22a4a54ba046c4815c31bca2c92ae7">a national emergency to build a wall</a>&nbsp;on the southern border when lawmakers refused to allocate money for that effort.

Biden pledged last week to take significant executive actions on climate after monthslong discussions between Manchin and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., came to a standstill. The West Virginia senator cited stubbornly high inflation as the reason for his hesitation.

For now, Manchin has said he will only agree to a legislative package that shores up subsidies to help people buy insurance under the 2010 health care law as well as allowing Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices that will ultimately lower the cost of pharmaceuticals for consumers.

The White House has indicated it wants Congress to take that deal, and the president will address the climate issue on his own.

“I’m going to use every power I have as president to continue to fulfill my pledge to move toward dealing with global warming,” Biden told reporters over the weekend in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, after the talks between Schumer and Manchin were derailed.

Biden on Wednesday will be visiting the former Brayton Point power plant, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cc5b376c95f9449da344bbfc20ae22fd">closed in 2017</a>&nbsp;after burning coal for more than five decades. The plant will now become an offshore wind manufacturing site.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655936508924.png" alt="But the actions that Biden announces on Wednesday will not include&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-biden-joe-manchin-and-environment-bed0159741405159639f800aec3b079b">a national emergency declaration</a>&nbsp;to address the climate crisis —White House photo" />
 <figcaption>But the actions that Biden announces on Wednesday will not include&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-biden-joe-manchin-and-environment-bed0159741405159639f800aec3b079b">a national emergency declaration</a>&nbsp;to address the climate crisis —White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;will announce new actions on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/climate-and-environment">climate change</a>&nbsp;that he can take on his own just days after an influential Democratic senator quashed hopes for a sweeping legislative package of new environmental programs this year.Biden is to unveil the latest efforts during a visit on Wednesday to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-business-environment-charlie-baker-massachusetts-b10a9536314bf09a487f51023c798f0a">a former coal-fired power plant</a>&nbsp;in Somerset, Massachusetts, that is shifting to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-biden-and-environment-government-politics-13e5d01c3f43c899e39f337d478c1179">offshore wind manufacturing</a>. It’s the embodiment of the transition to clean energy that Biden is seeking but has struggled to realize in the first 18 months of his presidency.Wednesday’s executive actions include new initiatives to bolster the domestic offshore wind industry as well as efforts to help communities cope with soaring temperatures through programs administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Health and Human Services, according to a White House official.But the actions that Biden announces on Wednesday will not include&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-biden-joe-manchin-and-environment-bed0159741405159639f800aec3b079b">a national emergency declaration</a>&nbsp;to address the climate crisis — something that has been sought by activists and Democratic lawmakers after Sen.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-manchin">Joe Manchin</a>, D-W.Va., last week scuttled talks on a legislative package.White House officials have said the option remains under consideration. Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Tuesday declined to outline a timetable for a decision aside from saying no such order would be issued this week.Gina McCarthy, Biden’s climate adviser, said the president is not “shying away” from treating climate as an emergency. She told CNN on Wednesday that he will be announcing a series of actions “over the next few weeks” to address the threat.Sen.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/edward-markey">Ed Markey</a>, D-Mass., said he was “confident that the president is ultimately ready to do whatever it takes in order to deal with this crisis.”“I think that he’s made that clear in his statement last Friday, and I think coming to Massachusetts is a further articulation of that goal,” Markey told reporters on Tuesday.Biden has come under considerable pressure to issue an emergency declaration on climate, which would allow him to redirect federal resources to bolster renewable energy programs that would help accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels.Jean-Pierre declined to detail internal deliberations on such a declaration, which would be similar to the one issued by Biden’s Republican predecessor, Donald Trump, who declared&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-donald-trump-ap-top-news-az-state-wire-immigration-5b22a4a54ba046c4815c31bca2c92ae7">a national emergency to build a wall</a>&nbsp;on the southern border when lawmakers refused to allocate money for that effort.Biden pledged last week to take significant executive actions on climate after monthslong discussions between Manchin and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., came to a standstill. The West Virginia senator cited stubbornly high inflation as the reason for his hesitation.For now, Manchin has said he will only agree to a legislative package that shores up subsidies to help people buy insurance under the 2010 health care law as well as allowing Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices that will ultimately lower the cost of pharmaceuticals for consumers.The White House has indicated it wants Congress to take that deal, and the president will address the climate issue on his own.“I’m going to use every power I have as president to continue to fulfill my pledge to move toward dealing with global warming,” Biden told reporters over the weekend in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, after the talks between Schumer and Manchin were derailed.Biden on Wednesday will be visiting the former Brayton Point power plant, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cc5b376c95f9449da344bbfc20ae22fd">closed in 2017</a>&nbsp;after burning coal for more than five decades. The plant will now become an offshore wind manufacturing site.

Biden to announce new executive actions on climate change

KANSAS CITY —Oceans of Fun is adding a new safety requirement following the death of a young girl who was pulled from the park's Coconut Cove pool on July 5, died.

According to a statement from the park, "the safety of our guests and associates is always our top priority. As part of this commitment, we regularly review all of our health and safety protocols to ensure full compliance with city, state, and industry standards and regulations. All attractions are rigorously inspected and reviewed as part of the safety protocols for daily operation.&nbsp;With Coconut Cove in particular, we have we increased the height requirement for those needing life jackets to 60 inches."

Just before 7p.m. on July 5, a lifeguard responded to a young female guest in distress in the Coconut Cove pool, according to a statement from the park.

The lifeguard pulled her from the water and the park’s EMS began administering CPR.

The Kansas City Fire Department arrived and continued caring for her and transported her to Children's Mercy. She died on July 12.

Law enforcement officials said the girl was younger than 10-years-old, according to KCTV.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657644313184.png" alt="First responders at the scene of the incident July 5-photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>First responders at the scene of the incident July 5-photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Oceans of Fun is adding a new safety requirement following the death of a young girl who was pulled from the park's Coconut Cove pool on July 5, died.According to a statement from the park, "the safety of our guests and associates is always our top priority. As part of this commitment, we regularly review all of our health and safety protocols to ensure full compliance with city, state, and industry standards and regulations. All attractions are rigorously inspected and reviewed as part of the safety protocols for daily operation.&nbsp;With Coconut Cove in particular, we have we increased the height requirement for those needing life jackets to 60 inches."Just before 7p.m. on July 5, a lifeguard responded to a young female guest in distress in the Coconut Cove pool, according to a statement from the park.The lifeguard pulled her from the water and the park’s EMS began administering CPR.The Kansas City Fire Department arrived and continued caring for her and transported her to Children's Mercy. She died on July 12.Law enforcement officials said the girl was younger than 10-years-old, according to KCTV.------

Oceans of Fun updates safety requirements after girl's death

NEW YORK (AP) — The FBI and Justice Department recently disrupted the activities of a hacking group that was sponsored by the North Korean government and that targeted U.S. hospitals with ransomware, ultimately recovering half a million dollars in ransom payments, Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco said Tuesday.

Monaco revealed new details of the attacks during a speech in which she encouraged organizations hit by ransomware to report the crime to law enforcement, both so that officials can investigate and so that they can help victim companies try to get ransom payments back.

In this case, Monaco said, a Kansas hospital that paid a ransom last year after being attacked by ransomware also contacted the FBI, which traced the payment and identified China-based money launderers who assisted the North Korean hackers in cashing out the illicit proceeds. The FBI ultimately recovered half a million dollars, including the entire ransom payment from the hospital.

U.S. officials in 2021 scrambled to confront a wave of high-profile ransomware attacks — in which hackers encrypt or lock up a victim's data and demand exorbitant sums to return it —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-business-government-and-politics-8e7f5b297012333480d5e9153f40bd52">including against a crucial fuel pipeline on the East Coast</a>. Though the pace of such large-scale, front-page attacks&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ransomware-attacks-us-russia-biden-putin-fce2ebd29cdffc43737a4243a1f04321">seems to have slowed</a>, smaller targets — such as hospitals — continue to be affected.

This particular variant of ransomware, known as “Maui,” specifically targeted hospitals and public health organizations around the country.

Companies, she said, invariably ask why they should cooperate with law enforcement and what is in it for them.

“The answer is that if you report that attack, if you report the ransom demand and payment, if you work with the FBI, we can take action,” Monaco said at a speech at Fordham Law School. “We can follow the money and get it back; we can help prevent the next attack, the next victim; and we can hold cybercriminals accountable.”

Later Tuesday, FBI Director Christopher Wray and Gen. Paul Nakasone, the head of U.S. Cyber Command and the National Security Agency, were expected to speak about election security.

NEW YORK (AP) — The FBI and Justice Department recently disrupted the activities of a hacking group that was sponsored by the North Korean government and that targeted U.S. hospitals with ransomware, ultimately recovering half a million dollars in ransom payments, Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco said Tuesday.Monaco revealed new details of the attacks during a speech in which she encouraged organizations hit by ransomware to report the crime to law enforcement, both so that officials can investigate and so that they can help victim companies try to get ransom payments back.In this case, Monaco said, a Kansas hospital that paid a ransom last year after being attacked by ransomware also contacted the FBI, which traced the payment and identified China-based money launderers who assisted the North Korean hackers in cashing out the illicit proceeds. The FBI ultimately recovered half a million dollars, including the entire ransom payment from the hospital.U.S. officials in 2021 scrambled to confront a wave of high-profile ransomware attacks — in which hackers encrypt or lock up a victim's data and demand exorbitant sums to return it —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-business-government-and-politics-8e7f5b297012333480d5e9153f40bd52">including against a crucial fuel pipeline on the East Coast</a>. Though the pace of such large-scale, front-page attacks&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ransomware-attacks-us-russia-biden-putin-fce2ebd29cdffc43737a4243a1f04321">seems to have slowed</a>, smaller targets — such as hospitals — continue to be affected.This particular variant of ransomware, known as “Maui,” specifically targeted hospitals and public health organizations around the country.Companies, she said, invariably ask why they should cooperate with law enforcement and what is in it for them.“The answer is that if you report that attack, if you report the ransom demand and payment, if you work with the FBI, we can take action,” Monaco said at a speech at Fordham Law School. “We can follow the money and get it back; we can help prevent the next attack, the next victim; and we can hold cybercriminals accountable.”Later Tuesday, FBI Director Christopher Wray and Gen. Paul Nakasone, the head of U.S. Cyber Command and the National Security Agency, were expected to speak about election security.

US disrupts North Korean hacker that targeted Kan. hospital

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Members of the Hays school board requested a change to the Hays elementary and middle school dress codes after a parent complained about a ban on clothing promoting satanism.

A mother of three students in Hays public schools, Mary Turner, spoke during the public comment period of the school board meeting Monday night.

She said she is a longtime member of the Satanic Temple. 

"I raise my children according to the seven tenants of satanism, and while children of other faiths can wear clothing that declares their family's religion," she said, "my family's faith is specifically called out and banned in the school handbook dress code.

"Your own non-discrimination policies state that you do not discriminate against students based on religion. Your own mission says every student in every classroom every day," Turner said.

The Satanic Temple has been a federally recognized church for many years, Turner said.

"Banning Satanic students from wearing clothing that declares their faith while allowing students of all other faiths to wear similar clothing is an act of discrimination," she said.

"I am here to ask that the school board remove satanism from their dress code policy and they no longer blacklist my family's faith and the faith of other families here in Hays as distracting, unsafe or offensive," Turner said.

Later in the meeting, the school board took up second reading of the student handbooks in question. 

There is no explicit ban on satanic clothing in the Hays High School handbook. It is specifically banned in the elementary and middle school handbooks.

The HHS dress code states: Attire worn in observance of a student’s religion are
 not subject to this policy. Questions should be directed to 
administration.

"I read that and I was very impressed with that dress code, and I thought that would be a very good dress code overall," board member Meagan Zampieri-Lillpopp said of the dress code in the HHS handbook.

Superintendent Ron Wilson said the litmus test for the policy is not about moral judgment, but whether the clothing would be considered disruptive. 

"It is interesting on the previous page, we have a non-discrimination statement," Zampieri-Lillpopp said. "We have it up on our wall that we value diversity and we value inclusion and then we specifically say the name of one religion in the no list.

"I would challenge someone to put their own religion in that space and see how it feels," she said.

She added any statement could be disruptive if someone twisted it.

"The disruption is not the clothing," Zampieri-Lillpopp said. "The disruption is the person behaving in a disruptive manner."

Board member Curt Vajnar, who also was a longtime teacher for Hays USD 489, said he disagreed.

"As a school teacher in your classroom, it's a distraction," he said. "Some things you can put on a shirt that is a distraction. You're dealing with that and not teaching."

Vajnar gave the example of the "Big Johnson" shirts from several years ago.

Wilson said similar policies date back to the civil unrest during the Vietnam War.

Board member Tammy Wellbrock said she liked the idea of adding the word disruptive to the elementary and middle school policies.

Wilson agreed to take the dress code policies back to the administration and rework them.

The handbooks will come back before the board during their retreat meeting on Friday, Aug. 5. Wilson said the handbooks will need to be finalized then so they can be made available to students before the start of the school year.

The student handbooks will now include the new name of the Learning Center, which is now Hays Virtual Schools. Students no longer have to attend classes in-person at the school's computer lab. It serves students in grades nine and through adults.

Students from anywhere in the state can enroll in the program, but the program focuses highly on attendance whether online or in person.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostMembers of the Hays school board requested a change to the Hays elementary and middle school dress codes after a parent complained about a ban on clothing promoting satanism. A mother of three students in Hays public schools, Mary Turner, spoke during the public comment period of the school board meeting Monday night.She said she is a longtime member of the Satanic Temple. "I raise my children according to the seven tenants of satanism, and while children of other faiths can wear clothing that declares their family's religion," she said, "my family's faith is specifically called out and banned in the school handbook dress code. "Your own non-discrimination policies state that you do not discriminate against students based on religion. Your own mission says every student in every classroom every day," Turner said.The Satanic Temple has been a federally recognized church for many years, Turner said."Banning Satanic students from wearing clothing that declares their faith while allowing students of all other faiths to wear similar clothing is an act of discrimination," she said."I am here to ask that the school board remove satanism from their dress code policy and they no longer blacklist my family's faith and the faith of other families here in Hays as distracting, unsafe or offensive," Turner said.Later in the meeting, the school board took up second reading of the student handbooks in question. There is no explicit ban on satanic clothing in the Hays High School handbook. It is specifically banned in the elementary and middle school handbooks.The HHS dress code states: Attire worn in observance of a student’s religion are
 not subject to this policy. Questions should be directed to 
administration. "I read that and I was very impressed with that dress code, and I thought that would be a very good dress code overall," board member Meagan Zampieri-Lillpopp said of the dress code in the HHS handbook.Superintendent Ron Wilson said the litmus test for the policy is not about moral judgment, but whether the clothing would be considered disruptive. "It is interesting on the previous page, we have a non-discrimination statement," Zampieri-Lillpopp said. "We have it up on our wall that we value diversity and we value inclusion and then we specifically say the name of one religion in the no list."I would challenge someone to put their own religion in that space and see how it feels," she said. She added any statement could be disruptive if someone twisted it."The disruption is not the clothing," Zampieri-Lillpopp said. "The disruption is the person behaving in a disruptive manner."Board member Curt Vajnar, who also was a longtime teacher for Hays USD 489, said he disagreed."As a school teacher in your classroom, it's a distraction," he said. "Some things you can put on a shirt that is a distraction. You're dealing with that and not teaching."Vajnar gave the example of the "Big Johnson" shirts from several years ago.Wilson said similar policies date back to the civil unrest during the Vietnam War. Board member Tammy Wellbrock said she liked the idea of adding the word disruptive to the elementary and middle school policies.Wilson agreed to take the dress code policies back to the administration and rework them. The handbooks will come back before the board during their retreat meeting on Friday, Aug. 5. Wilson said the handbooks will need to be finalized then so they can be made available to students before the start of the school year. The student handbooks will now include the new name of the Learning Center, which is now Hays Virtual Schools. Students no longer have to attend classes in-person at the school's computer lab. It serves students in grades nine and through adults. Students from anywhere in the state can enroll in the program, but the program focuses highly on attendance whether online or in person.

Parent complaint about satanism ban prompts Kan. district to revisit dress code 

WASHINGTON (AP) — Secret Service text messages from around the time of the attack on the U.S. Capitol were deleted despite requests from Congress and federal investigators that they be preserved, the agency confirmed Tuesday in response to a subpoena from the House Jan. 6 committee.

Florida Rep. Stephanie Murphy, a Democratic member of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">the Jan 6. panel</a>, said the Secret Service acknowledged the erasure in a letter Tuesday, detailing how agency phones were migrated to a new system in the weeks after the 2021 attack.

Murphy said the agency left it up to individual agents to decide what electronic records to keep and what to delete during the process.

“Nobody along the way stopped and thought, ‘well, maybe we shouldn’t do the migration of data and of the devices until we are able to fulfill these four requests from Congress,’” Murphy said on MSNBC.

The deletion of the messages has raised the prospect of lost evidence that could shed further light on then-President Donald Trump’s actions during the insurrection, particularly after testimony about his confrontation with security as he tried to join supporters at the Capitol.

Murphy said that while the agency has turned over a large number of records and documents, what the committee is still seeking is the electronic communication between agents on the day before the attack and as a mob of rioters breached the Capitol building on Jan. 6.

“What they have also said is that they are going to continue to see if there are other ways in which they can secure the required and subpoenaed text messages that we have asked for,” Murphy said. "My hope certainly is that they do find a way to find those texts and respond to the subpoena.”

The Secret Service’s response to the committee came the same day the National Archives requested that the agency investigate “the potential unauthorized deletion” of the texts.

The agency has been the target of heavy scrutiny following a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-technology-government-and-politics-e5ae94aff7544a7dc49b07ad21802d5a">letter sent last week by the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General,</a>&nbsp;obtained by The Associated Press, that told lawmakers that Secret Service messages between Jan. 5 and Jan. 6, 2021, were erased “as part of a device-replacement program.”

The Secret Service has said all procedures were followed and pledged “full cooperation” with the Archives' review.

“The United States Secret Service respects and supports the important role of the National Archives and Records Administration in ensuring the preservation of government records,” said agency spokesman Anthony Guglielmi.

The National Archives, which is in charge of government record-keeping, asked the Secret Service to investigate the possible erasure of the messages and report back within 30 days.

“Through several news sources, the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) has become aware of the potential unauthorized deletion of United States Secret Service (Secret Service) text messages,” Laurence Brewer, the chief record keeper for the U.S., said in a letter to the Department of Homeland Security.

If it is determined any text messages were deleted, the agency must detail what records were affected, a statement on the reasoning for deletion, plan for establishing safeguards to prevent future loss as well as “details of all agency actions taken to salvage, retrieve, or reconstruct the records,” the letter read.

The Secret Service responded by telling AP that “the insinuation that the Secret Service maliciously deleted text messages following a request is false.”

"In fact, the Secret Service has been fully cooperating with the OIG in every respect — whether it be interviews, documents, emails, or texts,” Secret Service spokesman Guglielmi said.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Secret Service text messages from around the time of the attack on the U.S. Capitol were deleted despite requests from Congress and federal investigators that they be preserved, the agency confirmed Tuesday in response to a subpoena from the House Jan. 6 committee.Florida Rep. Stephanie Murphy, a Democratic member of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">the Jan 6. panel</a>, said the Secret Service acknowledged the erasure in a letter Tuesday, detailing how agency phones were migrated to a new system in the weeks after the 2021 attack.Murphy said the agency left it up to individual agents to decide what electronic records to keep and what to delete during the process.“Nobody along the way stopped and thought, ‘well, maybe we shouldn’t do the migration of data and of the devices until we are able to fulfill these four requests from Congress,’” Murphy said on MSNBC.The deletion of the messages has raised the prospect of lost evidence that could shed further light on then-President Donald Trump’s actions during the insurrection, particularly after testimony about his confrontation with security as he tried to join supporters at the Capitol.Murphy said that while the agency has turned over a large number of records and documents, what the committee is still seeking is the electronic communication between agents on the day before the attack and as a mob of rioters breached the Capitol building on Jan. 6.“What they have also said is that they are going to continue to see if there are other ways in which they can secure the required and subpoenaed text messages that we have asked for,” Murphy said. "My hope certainly is that they do find a way to find those texts and respond to the subpoena.”The Secret Service’s response to the committee came the same day the National Archives requested that the agency investigate “the potential unauthorized deletion” of the texts.The agency has been the target of heavy scrutiny following a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-technology-government-and-politics-e5ae94aff7544a7dc49b07ad21802d5a">letter sent last week by the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General,</a>&nbsp;obtained by The Associated Press, that told lawmakers that Secret Service messages between Jan. 5 and Jan. 6, 2021, were erased “as part of a device-replacement program.”The Secret Service has said all procedures were followed and pledged “full cooperation” with the Archives' review.“The United States Secret Service respects and supports the important role of the National Archives and Records Administration in ensuring the preservation of government records,” said agency spokesman Anthony Guglielmi.The National Archives, which is in charge of government record-keeping, asked the Secret Service to investigate the possible erasure of the messages and report back within 30 days.“Through several news sources, the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) has become aware of the potential unauthorized deletion of United States Secret Service (Secret Service) text messages,” Laurence Brewer, the chief record keeper for the U.S., said in a letter to the Department of Homeland Security.If it is determined any text messages were deleted, the agency must detail what records were affected, a statement on the reasoning for deletion, plan for establishing safeguards to prevent future loss as well as “details of all agency actions taken to salvage, retrieve, or reconstruct the records,” the letter read.The Secret Service responded by telling AP that “the insinuation that the Secret Service maliciously deleted text messages following a request is false.”"In fact, the Secret Service has been fully cooperating with the OIG in every respect — whether it be interviews, documents, emails, or texts,” Secret Service spokesman Guglielmi said.He said the Secret Service had started to reset its mobile devices to factory settings in January 2021 “as part of a pre-planned, three-month system migration.” In that process, some data was lost.The nine-member House Jan. 6 panel has taken a recent, renewed interest in the Secret Service following the dramatic&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-government-and-politics-9e7c03bb83f43fb17b4fd90d1360993d">testimony of former White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson</a>&nbsp;about Trump’s actions on the day of the insurrection.___