WASHINGTON (AP) — To pay for the massive social plans that President Joe Biden envisions, House Democrats began serious work Tuesday on a maneuver worthy of the most agile circus acrobats. They’re looking to squeeze revenue from the elite 2% of Americans who earn more than $400,000 a year while leaving untouched everyone else — who Biden has pledged won’t see any tax increases.

Republicans, as opposed to those tax increases as expected, also turned their anger on Tuesday against proposed tax breaks they portrayed as subsidies for wealthy elites rather than help for the poor and middle class. Electric vehicles became a rallying symbol as class-warfare overtones echoed through a committee session.

The Democrats are proposing that the top tax rate rise back to 39.6% on individuals earning more than $400,000 — or $450,000 for couples — in addition to a 3% surtax on wealthier Americans with adjusted income beyond $5 million a year. For big business, the proposal would lift the corporate tax rate from 21% to 26.5% on companies’ annual income over $5 million.

“Look, I don’t want to punish anyone’s success, but the wealthy have been getting a free ride at the expense of the middle class for too long,” Biden tweeted Tuesday. “I intend to pass one of the biggest middle class tax cuts ever — paid for by making those at the top pay their fair share.”

For middle- and low-income people, tax help, not increase, is on offer as the House Ways and Means Committee digs into debate and drafting of tax proposals to both fund and buttress Biden’s ambitious $3.5 trillion rebuilding plan that includes spending for child care, health care, education and tackling climate change.

It’s an opening bid at a daunting moment for Biden and his allies in Congress as they assemble the “Build Back Better” package considered by some on par with the Great Society of the 1960s or even the New Deal of the 1930s Depression.

The proposals call for $273 billion in tax breaks for renewable energy and “clean” electricity, including $42 billion for electric vehicles and $15 billion for a “green workforce” and environmental items. Increases in the child tax credit to $300 a month per child under 6 and $250 monthly per child 6-17, which came in coronavirus relief legislation earlier this year, would be extended through 2025.

The House Energy and Commerce Committee, meanwhile, advanced proposals promoting clean electricity, investments in electric vehicles and other climate provisions. The 30-27 vote along party lines sends the energy measure forward as part of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s goal to approve the huge overall package.

The energy panel’s $456 billion slice is the most consequential for climate and greenhouse gas emissions, along with the tax breaks debated by the Ways and Means Committee.

The Democratic proposals would invest $150 billion in grants to encourage power companies to provide “clean electricity” from renewable sources such as wind and solar. Electricity suppliers would receive grants based on how much clean electricity they provide, as part of Biden’s plan to stop climate-damaging fossil fuel emissions from U.S. power plants by 2035.

All GOP lawmakers are expected to vote against the overall legislation. But Republicans are largely sidelined as Democrats rely on a budget process that will allow them to approve the proposals on their own — if they can muster their slight majority in Congress.

Democrats have no votes to spare to enact Biden’s agenda, with their slim hold on the House and the Senate split 50-50 and Vice President Kamala Harris the tiebreaker if there is no Republican support.

But one Democratic senator vital to the bill’s fate, Joe Manchin of West Virginia, says the cost will need to be slashed to $1 trillion to $1.5 trillion to win his support. And Manchin appeared Tuesday to dig in his heels on insisting that parents meet work requirements to receive the child tax credit.

Manchin also has said he will not support a number of clean energy and climate provisions pushed by Democrats.

A day earlier, Biden appeared to respond to concerns about the plan’s size, saying the cost “may be” as much as $3.5 trillion and would be spread out over 10 years as the economy grew.

Republican lawmakers, who have denounced the Democratic spending plan as socialist and job-killing, also went after proposed tax breaks on Tuesday.

The Democrats propose to extend to five years the current $7,500 electric vehicle tax credit for five years, with another $4,500 if a car is made by union workers, and $500 more for a U.S.-made battery. But Republicans painted electric vehicles as a bourgeois-bohemian accessory to be subsidized by taxpayers, the latest symbol of excess.

“Speaking of outrageous green welfare, this bill allows a near-millionaire family to buy a $75,000 Beamer, Jaguar or Benz luxury electric vehicle — and their maid is forced to send them a $12,500 subsidy from her taxes,” said Rep. Kevin Brady of Texas, the panel’s senior Republican. “Why are blue-collar workers, nurses, teachers and firefighters subsidizing the wealthy and big business with a quarter of a trillion dollars in green welfare checks?”

Hold on, said Rep. Dan Kildee, D-Mich. “We’re not going to subsidize the wealthiest buying luxury vehicles.” The legislation does impose caps on the sale price of the vehicle ($55,000 for a sedan) and the income of the buyer ($600,000 adjusted gross income for a head of household.)

The proposal hits another nerve for Republicans, Democrats’ support of labor unions, by adding the incentives for vehicles and batteries manufacture by union workers.

As they slogged through the legislation, members of the majority Democratic committee voted down a series of Republican amendments seeking to tighten the limitations on electric vehicle credits and to eliminate other tax breaks denounced as smacking of progressive Democrats’ proposed “Green New Deal.”

The House tax proposal is pitched as potentially raising some $2.9 trillion — a preliminary estimate — which would go a long way toward paying for the $3.5 trillion legislation. The White House is counting on long-term economic growth from the spending plan to generate an additional $600 billion to make up the difference.

To reach the Democrats’ goal, much of the revenue raised would come from the higher taxes on corporations and the highest earners, increasing the individual tax rate to 39.6% from the current 37%.

Targeting wealthy individuals, the Democrats propose an increase in the top tax rate on capital gains for those earning $400,000 a year or more, to 25% from the current 20%. Exemptions for estate taxes, which were doubled under a 2017 Republican tax law to $11.7 million for individuals, would revert to $5 million.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631701593369.png" alt="Kansas Rep. Ron Estes during Tuesday's mark up session -photo House Ways and Means Committee" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Rep. Ron Estes during Tuesday's mark up session -photo House Ways and Means Committee</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — To pay for the massive social plans that President Joe Biden envisions, House Democrats began serious work Tuesday on a maneuver worthy of the most agile circus acrobats. They’re looking to squeeze revenue from the elite 2% of Americans who earn more than $400,000 a year while leaving untouched everyone else — who Biden has pledged won’t see any tax increases.Republicans, as opposed to those tax increases as expected, also turned their anger on Tuesday against proposed tax breaks they portrayed as subsidies for wealthy elites rather than help for the poor and middle class. Electric vehicles became a rallying symbol as class-warfare overtones echoed through a committee session.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Biden&#39;s call to raise excise taxes is breaking his promise not to raise taxes on those making under $400,000 a year. These tax hikes are in addition to the jump we&#39;ve seen in prices caused by Democrats&#39; torrent of federal spending.&mdash; Rep. Ron Estes (@RepRonEstes) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepRonEstes/status/1437799984833892352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 14, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Democrats are proposing that the top tax rate rise back to 39.6% on individuals earning more than $400,000 — or $450,000 for couples — in addition to a 3% surtax on wealthier Americans with adjusted income beyond $5 million a year. For big business, the proposal would lift the corporate tax rate from 21% to 26.5% on companies’ annual income over $5 million.“Look, I don’t want to punish anyone’s success, but the wealthy have been getting a free ride at the expense of the middle class for too long,” Biden tweeted Tuesday. “I intend to pass one of the biggest middle class tax cuts ever — paid for by making those at the top pay their fair share.”For middle- and low-income people, tax help, not increase, is on offer as the House Ways and Means Committee digs into debate and drafting of tax proposals to both fund and buttress Biden’s ambitious $3.5 trillion rebuilding plan that includes spending for child care, health care, education and tackling climate change.It’s an opening bid at a daunting moment for Biden and his allies in Congress as they assemble the “Build Back Better” package considered by some on par with the Great Society of the 1960s or even the New Deal of the 1930s Depression.The proposals call for $273 billion in tax breaks for renewable energy and “clean” electricity, including $42 billion for electric vehicles and $15 billion for a “green workforce” and environmental items. Increases in the child tax credit to $300 a month per child under 6 and $250 monthly per child 6-17, which came in coronavirus relief legislation earlier this year, would be extended through 2025.The House Energy and Commerce Committee, meanwhile, advanced proposals promoting clean electricity, investments in electric vehicles and other climate provisions. The 30-27 vote along party lines sends the energy measure forward as part of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s goal to approve the huge overall package.The energy panel’s $456 billion slice is the most consequential for climate and greenhouse gas emissions, along with the tax breaks debated by the Ways and Means Committee.The Democratic proposals would invest $150 billion in grants to encourage power companies to provide “clean electricity” from renewable sources such as wind and solar. Electricity suppliers would receive grants based on how much clean electricity they provide, as part of Biden’s plan to stop climate-damaging fossil fuel emissions from U.S. power plants by 2035.All GOP lawmakers are expected to vote against the overall legislation. But Republicans are largely sidelined as Democrats rely on a budget process that will allow them to approve the proposals on their own — if they can muster their slight majority in Congress.Democrats have no votes to spare to enact Biden’s agenda, with their slim hold on the House and the Senate split 50-50 and Vice President Kamala Harris the tiebreaker if there is no Republican support.But one Democratic senator vital to the bill’s fate, Joe Manchin of West Virginia, says the cost will need to be slashed to $1 trillion to $1.5 trillion to win his support. And Manchin appeared Tuesday to dig in his heels on insisting that parents meet work requirements to receive the child tax credit.Manchin also has said he will not support a number of clean energy and climate provisions pushed by Democrats.A day earlier, Biden appeared to respond to concerns about the plan’s size, saying the cost “may be” as much as $3.5 trillion and would be spread out over 10 years as the economy grew.Republican lawmakers, who have denounced the Democratic spending plan as socialist and job-killing, also went after proposed tax breaks on Tuesday.The Democrats propose to extend to five years the current $7,500 electric vehicle tax credit for five years, with another $4,500 if a car is made by union workers, and $500 more for a U.S.-made battery. But Republicans painted electric vehicles as a bourgeois-bohemian accessory to be subsidized by taxpayers, the latest symbol of excess.“Speaking of outrageous green welfare, this bill allows a near-millionaire family to buy a $75,000 Beamer, Jaguar or Benz luxury electric vehicle — and their maid is forced to send them a $12,500 subsidy from her taxes,” said Rep. Kevin Brady of Texas, the panel’s senior Republican. “Why are blue-collar workers, nurses, teachers and firefighters subsidizing the wealthy and big business with a quarter of a trillion dollars in green welfare checks?”Hold on, said Rep. Dan Kildee, D-Mich. “We’re not going to subsidize the wealthiest buying luxury vehicles.” The legislation does impose caps on the sale price of the vehicle ($55,000 for a sedan) and the income of the buyer ($600,000 adjusted gross income for a head of household.)The proposal hits another nerve for Republicans, Democrats’ support of labor unions, by adding the incentives for vehicles and batteries manufacture by union workers.As they slogged through the legislation, members of the majority Democratic committee voted down a series of Republican amendments seeking to tighten the limitations on electric vehicle credits and to eliminate other tax breaks denounced as smacking of progressive Democrats’ proposed “Green New Deal.”The House tax proposal is pitched as potentially raising some $2.9 trillion — a preliminary estimate — which would go a long way toward paying for the $3.5 trillion legislation. The White House is counting on long-term economic growth from the spending plan to generate an additional $600 billion to make up the difference.To reach the Democrats’ goal, much of the revenue raised would come from the higher taxes on corporations and the highest earners, increasing the individual tax rate to 39.6% from the current 37%.Targeting wealthy individuals, the Democrats propose an increase in the top tax rate on capital gains for those earning $400,000 a year or more, to 25% from the current 20%. Exemptions for estate taxes, which were doubled under a 2017 Republican tax law to $11.7 million for individuals, would revert to $5 million.

Battle over tax increase to pay for Biden's $3.5T plan

KANSAS CITY (AP) — An Independence, Missouri, police officer is hospitalized with critical injuries and another man is dead after a shooting Wednesday morning.

Missouri State Highway Patrol spokesman Sgt. Andy Bell said two officers went to a residence in Independence about 11:30 a.m. in response to a call to dispatch and were met by a man who fired a handgun at the officers.

One of the officers was injured and taken to a hospital with a serious injury. The other officer returned fire and the suspect was pronounced dead at the scene. The highway patrol's division of drug and crime control is investigating.

No other details about the officer's injuries or the suspect were released.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631741409098.png" alt="Police on the scene of the shooting investigation -photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the shooting investigation -photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — An Independence, Missouri, police officer is hospitalized with critical injuries and another man is dead after a shooting Wednesday morning.Missouri State Highway Patrol spokesman Sgt. Andy Bell said two officers went to a residence in Independence about 11:30 a.m. in response to a call to dispatch and were met by a man who fired a handgun at the officers.One of the officers was injured and taken to a hospital with a serious injury. The other officer returned fire and the suspect was pronounced dead at the scene. The highway patrol's division of drug and crime control is investigating.No other details about the officer's injuries or the suspect were released.

Officer critically injured, suspect dead after KC-area shooting

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A decision is expected Friday on whether judges in Jackson County should be disqualified from hearing court arguments that could determine whether a man is released from prison after serving more than 40 years for a triple murder in Kansas City.

Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt’s office has asked that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/courts-kansas-missouri-4b11c90ec6845d9459e44ddaee5be20d">the Jackson County judges be removed from the case&nbsp;</a>of Kevin Strickland because of perceived bias in Strickland’s favor.

At a hearing on Monday, Judge Kevin Harrell heard the attorneys for the attorney general argue that he should remove himself and disqualify other Jackson County judges because the circuit’s presiding judge, Dale Youngs, previously said he agrees Strickland should be exonerated, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article254187308.html" target="_blank">reported</a>.

Harrell said he would announce his decision on Friday.

Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker announced in May that she believed Strickland was wrongfully convicted in the 1978 murders and should be freed. She said at the time that Youngs supports Strickland’s release.

Using a new state law, Peters Baker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-816410e8eab142331d08c9d750153d28">filed a motion seeking an evidentiary hearing</a>&nbsp;that would allow a judge to determine if Strickland would be exonerated and released.

Schmitt’s office cited Youngs’ support in arguing that the Jackson County judges should be removed from hearing the case. Presiding judges oversee administration of the circuit court.

Jackson County prosecutors and Strickland’s lawyers argued Youngs’ opinion does not represent the opinion of every judge in the circuit and they should not all be disqualified.

Schmitt’s office has also asked that the case be moved from criminal to civil court. Harrell said he’ll announce his ruling on that motion on Friday.

Strickland, of Kansas City, was 18 when he was arrested in the April 25, 1978, deaths of Larry Ingram, 21; John Walker, 20; and Sherrie Black, 22, during a home invasion. Peters Baker said two men who admitted to the killings have said Strickland wasn’t there and the only witness who identified Strickland as the killer recanted her testimony before she died.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620695920927.png" alt="Strickland, of Kansas City, was 18 when he was arrested in the April 25, 1978, deaths of Larry Ingram, 21; John Walker, 20; and Sherrie Black, 22, during a home invasion." />
 <figcaption>Strickland, of Kansas City, was 18 when he was arrested in the April 25, 1978, deaths of Larry Ingram, 21; John Walker, 20; and Sherrie Black, 22, during a home invasion.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A decision is expected Friday on whether judges in Jackson County should be disqualified from hearing court arguments that could determine whether a man is released from prison after serving more than 40 years for a triple murder in Kansas City.Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt’s office has asked that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/courts-kansas-missouri-4b11c90ec6845d9459e44ddaee5be20d">the Jackson County judges be removed from the case&nbsp;</a>of Kevin Strickland because of perceived bias in Strickland’s favor.At a hearing on Monday, Judge Kevin Harrell heard the attorneys for the attorney general argue that he should remove himself and disqualify other Jackson County judges because the circuit’s presiding judge, Dale Youngs, previously said he agrees Strickland should be exonerated, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article254187308.html" target="_blank">reported</a>.Harrell said he would announce his decision on Friday.Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker announced in May that she believed Strickland was wrongfully convicted in the 1978 murders and should be freed. She said at the time that Youngs supports Strickland’s release.Using a new state law, Peters Baker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-816410e8eab142331d08c9d750153d28">filed a motion seeking an evidentiary hearing</a>&nbsp;that would allow a judge to determine if Strickland would be exonerated and released.Schmitt’s office cited Youngs’ support in arguing that the Jackson County judges should be removed from hearing the case. Presiding judges oversee administration of the circuit court.Jackson County prosecutors and Strickland’s lawyers argued Youngs’ opinion does not represent the opinion of every judge in the circuit and they should not all be disqualified.Schmitt’s office has also asked that the case be moved from criminal to civil court. Harrell said he’ll announce his ruling on that motion on Friday.Strickland, of Kansas City, was 18 when he was arrested in the April 25, 1978, deaths of Larry Ingram, 21; John Walker, 20; and Sherrie Black, 22, during a home invasion. Peters Baker said two men who admitted to the killings have said Strickland wasn’t there and the only witness who identified Strickland as the killer recanted her testimony before she died.

Ruling expected Friday in 40-year-old KC triple-murder

FORD COUNTY— A child died in an accident just before 2p.m. Tuesday in Ford County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan driven by Shelby A. Ansari, 29, Mesa, Arizona, was eastbound on U.S. 50 at County Road 118.

The driver attempted to pass a vehicle in front and struck a 2015 Ford Transit driven by Allen D. Cheney, 41, Dodge City, head-on. Both vehicles came to rest in the north ditch.

&nbsp;A passenger in the Volkswagen Isabella&nbsp; Rodriguez-Rivera, 7, Mesa, Arizona, was pronounced dead at the scene.

EMS transported Ansari Wesley Medical Center and Cheney to Western Plains Medical Center in Dodge City.&nbsp;Rodriguez-Rivera was not in a child safety seat, according to the KHP.

FORD COUNTY— A child died in an accident just before 2p.m. Tuesday in Ford County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan driven by Shelby A. Ansari, 29, Mesa, Arizona, was eastbound on U.S. 50 at County Road 118.The driver attempted to pass a vehicle in front and struck a 2015 Ford Transit driven by Allen D. Cheney, 41, Dodge City, head-on. Both vehicles came to rest in the north ditch.&nbsp;A passenger in the Volkswagen Isabella&nbsp; Rodriguez-Rivera, 7, Mesa, Arizona, was pronounced dead at the scene.EMS transported Ansari Wesley Medical Center and Cheney to Western Plains Medical Center in Dodge City.&nbsp;Rodriguez-Rivera was not in a child safety seat, according to the KHP.

7-year-old dies in head-on crash on Kansas highway

SEDGWICK COUNTY —The search continues for the suspect accused in the nightclub shooting in Wichita that killed one man and injured five women. Police say 22-year-old&nbsp; Keshawn Dawson is armed and dangerous. He was released from prison in December of 2020 after serving time for weapons violations.

On Wednesday afternoon, police will hold a news conference with Wichita Vice Mayor Brandon Johnson to discuss the shooting and the search for Dawson.

Just after 12:30 a.m. Sept. 7, police responded to a shooting call at the Enigma Club, 351 N. Mosley in Wichita.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers located multiple victims.&nbsp; They were all transported to an area hospital for medical treatment.&nbsp; One victim identified as 34-year-old Preston Spencer of Wichita died from his injuries. Friends and family held his <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-kendra-and-the-spencer-family?fbclid=IwAR1CeDwwCQIfSCoQNv5hK0sgu10mWuhu3Tv8iapl8Qnv-1Q6hJWoNgFeDag">memorial service</a>&nbsp;on Monday.

The other victims, all women ages, 22, Two age 24, 28 and 40, received non life-threatening injuries, according to Stephens. Most of the injuries were to the legs. One had an injury to an arm and her lower back.&nbsp; All of the women are expected to survive.

The investigation revealed a male suspect identified as Dawson got into a disturbance earlier inside the club and was made to leave.&nbsp; Dawson returned a short time later and fired multiple rounds with a handgun through windows into the club from the outside, striking the victims.

Anyone with information on Dawson is asked to call 911.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631032156553.png" alt="Dawson photo from an earlier arrest in Sedgwick County. He is also&nbsp; wanted on two Felony Sedgwick County warrants and is prohibited from having a firearm, according to Police Captain Jason Stephens." />
 <figcaption>Dawson photo from an earlier arrest in Sedgwick County. He is also&nbsp; wanted on two Felony Sedgwick County warrants and is prohibited from having a firearm, according to Police Captain Jason Stephens.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —The search continues for the suspect accused in the nightclub shooting in Wichita that killed one man and injured five women. Police say 22-year-old&nbsp; Keshawn Dawson is armed and dangerous. He was released from prison in December of 2020 after serving time for weapons violations.On Wednesday afternoon, police will hold a news conference with Wichita Vice Mayor Brandon Johnson to discuss the shooting and the search for Dawson.Just after 12:30 a.m. Sept. 7, police responded to a shooting call at the Enigma Club, 351 N. Mosley in Wichita.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers located multiple victims.&nbsp; They were all transported to an area hospital for medical treatment.&nbsp; One victim identified as 34-year-old Preston Spencer of Wichita died from his injuries. Friends and family held his <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-kendra-and-the-spencer-family?fbclid=IwAR1CeDwwCQIfSCoQNv5hK0sgu10mWuhu3Tv8iapl8Qnv-1Q6hJWoNgFeDag">memorial service</a>&nbsp;on Monday.The other victims, all women ages, 22, Two age 24, 28 and 40, received non life-threatening injuries, according to Stephens. Most of the injuries were to the legs. One had an injury to an arm and her lower back.&nbsp; All of the women are expected to survive.The investigation revealed a male suspect identified as Dawson got into a disturbance earlier inside the club and was made to leave.&nbsp; Dawson returned a short time later and fired multiple rounds with a handgun through windows into the club from the outside, striking the victims.Anyone with information on Dawson is asked to call 911.---------------

Police to release more info in search for Kan. nightclub killer

At
 an open Commission meeting today, the Federal Trade Commission staff 
presented findings from its inquiry into past acquisitions by the 
largest technology platforms’ that did not require reporting to 
antitrust authorities at the FTC and the Department of Justice. &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2020/02/ftc-examine-past-acquisitions-large-technology-companies">Launched in February 2020</a>,
 the inquiry analyzed the terms, scope, structure, and purpose of these 
exempted transactions under the Hart-Scott-Rodino (HSR) Act and the 
Commission’s reporting requirements by Alphabet Inc., Amazon.com, Inc., 
Apple Inc., Facebook, Inc., and Microsoft Corp. between Jan. 1, 2010 and
 Dec. 31, 2019. These companies comprise the top five U.S. companies by 
market capitalization.

Under the HSR Act, the 
FTC and the Department of Justice review most proposed transactions that
 affect commerce in the United States and are valued over a prescribed 
size threshold. Either agency can take legal action to block deals “in 
any line of commerce” that it believes may “lessen competition, or to 
tend to create a monopoly.”

“While the 
Commission’s enforcement actions have already focused on how digital 
platforms can buy their way out of competing, this study highlights the 
systemic nature of their acquisition strategies,” said Chair Lina M. 
Khan. “It captures the extent to which these firms have devoted 
tremendous resources to acquiring start-ups, patent portfolios, and 
entire teams of technologists—and how they were able to do so largely 
outside of our purview.”

The technology platform
 inquiry focused on 616 transactions (that exclude hiring events and 
patent acquisitions) valued at or above $1 million. Among the key 
findings:

To
 conduct this inquiry, the Commission issued Special Orders to these 
companies, requiring them to provide information about prior 
acquisitions not reported to the antitrust agencies under the 
Hart-Scott-Rodino Act. These orders were issued under Section 6(b) of 
the FTC Act, which authorizes the Commission to conduct wide-ranging 
studies that do not have a specific law enforcement purpose.

The Commission voted 5-0 to make the <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/reports/non-hsr-reported-acquisitions-select-technology-platforms-2010-2019-ftc-study">report</a> public. <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/public-statements/2021/09/remarks-chair-lina-m-khan-regarding-non-hsr-reported-acquisitions-select">Chair Khan</a>&nbsp;and Commissioners <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/public-statements/2021/09/prepared-remarks-commissioner-rohit-chopra-regarding-non-hsr-reported">Rohit Chopra</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/public-statements/2021/09/prepared-remarks-commissioner-rebecca-kelly-slaughter-regarding-non-hsr">Rebecca Kelly Slaughter</a>&nbsp;each issued separate statements.

The Federal Trade Commission works to <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc/bureaus-offices/bureau-competition">promote competition</a>, and protect and educate consumers. You can learn more about <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/attachments/competition-counts/pdf-0116_competition-counts.pdf">how competition benefits consumers</a> or <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/faq/competition/report-antitrust-violation">file an antitrust complaint</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;For the latest news and resources, <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/social-media">follow the FTC on social media</a>, <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/stay-connected">subscribe to press releases</a> and <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/blogs/competition-matters">read our blog</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619632629588.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FTCAt
 an open Commission meeting today, the Federal Trade Commission staff 
presented findings from its inquiry into past acquisitions by the 
largest technology platforms’ that did not require reporting to 
antitrust authorities at the FTC and the Department of Justice. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2020/02/ftc-examine-past-acquisitions-large-technology-companies">Launched in February 2020</a>,
 the inquiry analyzed the terms, scope, structure, and purpose of these 
exempted transactions under the Hart-Scott-Rodino (HSR) Act and the 
Commission’s reporting requirements by Alphabet Inc., Amazon.com, Inc., 
Apple Inc., Facebook, Inc., and Microsoft Corp. between Jan. 1, 2010 and
 Dec. 31, 2019. These companies comprise the top five U.S. companies by 
market capitalization.Under the HSR Act, the 
FTC and the Department of Justice review most proposed transactions that
 affect commerce in the United States and are valued over a prescribed 
size threshold. Either agency can take legal action to block deals “in 
any line of commerce” that it believes may “lessen competition, or to 
tend to create a monopoly.”“While the 
Commission’s enforcement actions have already focused on how digital 
platforms can buy their way out of competing, this study highlights the 
systemic nature of their acquisition strategies,” said Chair Lina M. 
Khan. “It captures the extent to which these firms have devoted 
tremendous resources to acquiring start-ups, patent portfolios, and 
entire teams of technologists—and how they were able to do so largely 
outside of our purview.”The technology platform
 inquiry focused on 616 transactions (that exclude hiring events and 
patent acquisitions) valued at or above $1 million. Among the key 
findings:<ul>
 <li>Of the 616 transactions, 94 exceeded the HSR Size 
of Transaction threshold.&nbsp;(Although most transactions that exceed the 
size threshold must be reported, in some instances parties may not need 
to file if certain other criteria are met or statutory or regulatory 
exemptions apply.)</li><li>In 36 percent of the transactions, the 
acquirer assumed some amount of debt or liabilities. When added to the 
purchase price of the target, such debts and liabilities would have 
tipped the purchase amount of three transactions above the HSR Size of 
Transaction threshold. That is, three more transactions would have been 
added to the 94 transactions already above the HSR Size of Transaction 
threshold.</li><li>More than 79 percent of transactions used deferred or
 contingent compensation to founders and key employees, with relatively 
small variation across the five respondents. Higher value transactions 
were more likely to use deferred or contingent compensation. Of the 
transactions reported, nine additional transactions would have exceeded 
the HSR Size of Transaction threshold (i.e., in addition to the 94 
transactions already above the HSR Size of Transaction threshold) at the
 time of their consummation when adding the deferred or contingent 
compensation to their purchase price.</li><li>More than 75 percent of 
transactions included non-compete clauses for founders and key employees
 of the acquired entities, with little variation in the percentage of 
transactions that had non-compete clauses across the five respondents. 
Higher value transactions were more likely to use non-compete clauses.</li><li>The
 number of transactions in each of five transaction size ranges – 
starting at between $1 million and $5 million and ending at between $50 
million and the Hart-Scott-Rodino Size-of-Transaction threshold – 
fluctuated but generally trended up over the 2010 to 2019 time period. 
Of the 616 transactions, 65 percent were between $1 million and $25 
million.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Asset and control transactions, including 
voting security control and non-corporate interest control transactions,
 were the most common in each transaction range. For transactions 
exceeding $5 million, the majority were control transactions. Moreover, 
higher-value transactions were more likely to be control acquisitions.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>The
 majority of transactions in each transaction range were for domestic 
firms, with roughly two thirds of the entities acquired in each 
transaction range being domestic.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>At least 39.3 percent
 of the transactions in which the target company’s age was available 
involved firms that, as of the time of the consummation of the 
transaction, were less than five years old.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>In more 
than half the transactions for which the respondents provided the number
 of the target company’s full-time non-sales employees, the number was 
between one and 10. Employee counts correlate positively with the size 
of the transaction.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>The total number of transactions 
per calendar year across the five respondents ranged from 43 at its 
lowest per calendar year (in 2012) to 79 at its highest (in 2014), and 
remained relatively higher in 2015-2019 (ranging from 63 to 74 
transactions) than in 2010-2013 (ranging from 43 to 63 transactions).</li>
 </ul>To
 conduct this inquiry, the Commission issued Special Orders to these 
companies, requiring them to provide information about prior 
acquisitions not reported to the antitrust agencies under the 
Hart-Scott-Rodino Act. These orders were issued under Section 6(b) of 
the FTC Act, which authorizes the Commission to conduct wide-ranging 
studies that do not have a specific law enforcement purpose.The Commission voted 5-0 to make the <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/reports/non-hsr-reported-acquisitions-select-technology-platforms-2010-2019-ftc-study">report</a> public. <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/public-statements/2021/09/remarks-chair-lina-m-khan-regarding-non-hsr-reported-acquisitions-select">Chair Khan</a>&nbsp;and Commissioners <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/public-statements/2021/09/prepared-remarks-commissioner-rohit-chopra-regarding-non-hsr-reported">Rohit Chopra</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/public-statements/2021/09/prepared-remarks-commissioner-rebecca-kelly-slaughter-regarding-non-hsr">Rebecca Kelly Slaughter</a>&nbsp;each issued separate statements.The Federal Trade Commission works to <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc/bureaus-offices/bureau-competition">promote competition</a>, and protect and educate consumers. You can learn more about <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/attachments/competition-counts/pdf-0116_competition-counts.pdf">how competition benefits consumers</a> or <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/faq/competition/report-antitrust-violation">file an antitrust complaint</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;For the latest news and resources, <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/social-media">follow the FTC on social media</a>, <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/stay-connected">subscribe to press releases</a> and <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/blogs/competition-matters">read our blog</a>.

FTC: Report issued on decade of unreported acquisitions by Big Tech

By KEN CARPENTER Great Bend Post

Former Kansas Governor Sam Brownback&nbsp;spoke to the Rotary Club of Great Bend at their noon luncheon on Monday, Sept. 13.&nbsp;Brownback served as&nbsp;the United States&nbsp;Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom for three years during the Trump Administration.&nbsp;

He told the Rotarians that religion&nbsp;still plays a central role in world affairs.&nbsp;

"Most conflicts that you’re seeing in the world is a clash of world views,” Brownback said. “Either we’re going to have freedom of religion&nbsp;for everybody, everywhere, all the time...where you can practice your faith freely&nbsp;as long as you do it peacefully...or you’re going to see a lot more clashes of civilizations because civilizations are mostly built on a faith.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Brownback focused many of his remarks on&nbsp;China&nbsp;and its influence in the world.&nbsp;He criticized the government of China for&nbsp;persecuting religious groups in that country.&nbsp;

"Chinese are communist atheists,” Brownback&nbsp;related. “They don’t believe in a higher authority than their government. If you’re a person of faith, you by nature believe in&nbsp;a higher moral authority. You believe there is something else there besides your government.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Brownback&nbsp;said he believes the United States should&nbsp;not accept&nbsp;China’s treatment of religious groups.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Brownback has long championed the right to religious freedom.&nbsp;As a United States Senator,&nbsp;he&nbsp;co-sponsored the&nbsp;International&nbsp;Religious Freedom Act of 1998&nbsp;which&nbsp;created the Ambassador-at-Large position.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631627334844.jpeg" alt="Former Kansas Governor Sam Brownback addresses the Great Bend Rotary Club on Monday, Sept. 13, 2021." />
 <figcaption>Former Kansas Governor Sam Brownback addresses the Great Bend Rotary Club on Monday, Sept. 13, 2021.</figcaption>
 </figure>By KEN CARPENTER Great Bend PostFormer Kansas Governor Sam Brownback&nbsp;spoke to the Rotary Club of Great Bend at their noon luncheon on Monday, Sept. 13.&nbsp;Brownback served as&nbsp;the United States&nbsp;Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom for three years during the Trump Administration.&nbsp;He told the Rotarians that religion&nbsp;still plays a central role in world affairs.&nbsp;"Most conflicts that you’re seeing in the world is a clash of world views,” Brownback said. “Either we’re going to have freedom of religion&nbsp;for everybody, everywhere, all the time...where you can practice your faith freely&nbsp;as long as you do it peacefully...or you’re going to see a lot more clashes of civilizations because civilizations are mostly built on a faith.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Brownback focused many of his remarks on&nbsp;China&nbsp;and its influence in the world.&nbsp;He criticized the government of China for&nbsp;persecuting religious groups in that country.&nbsp;"Chinese are communist atheists,” Brownback&nbsp;related. “They don’t believe in a higher authority than their government. If you’re a person of faith, you by nature believe in&nbsp;a higher moral authority. You believe there is something else there besides your government.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Brownback&nbsp;said he believes the United States should&nbsp;not accept&nbsp;China’s treatment of religious groups.&nbsp;&nbsp;Brownback has long championed the right to religious freedom.&nbsp;As a United States Senator,&nbsp;he&nbsp;co-sponsored the&nbsp;International&nbsp;Religious Freedom Act of 1998&nbsp;which&nbsp;created the Ambassador-at-Large position.&nbsp;

Former Kan. governor spoke to Great Bend Rotary club

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Authorities have arrested a woman who is charged with fatally shooting her boyfriend one week after she was accused of disabling her electronic monitoring device and fleeing.

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office announced Monday that Katie Black, of Independence, had been apprehended in a rural part of the county.

Court records show that she is now being held in the Jackson County Jail without bond. She is charged with second-degree felony murder, armed criminal action, domestic assault and illegal weapon use in the July 7 killing of 29-year-old Ryan Wheeler in the eastern Jackson County town of Sibley.

Court records say one of Wheeler’s relatives told a detective that Black was angry after she discovered Wheeler was sending romantic text messages to other women.

The records say Black initially said her boyfriend was shot during a struggle with an unknown man but later admitted to the shooting. However, she told authorities it was an accident.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631641337336.png" alt="Black is being held without bond -photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Black is being held without bond -photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — Authorities have arrested a woman who is charged with fatally shooting her boyfriend one week after she was accused of disabling her electronic monitoring device and fleeing.The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office announced Monday that Katie Black, of Independence, had been apprehended in a rural part of the county.Court records show that she is now being held in the Jackson County Jail without bond. She is charged with second-degree felony murder, armed criminal action, domestic assault and illegal weapon use in the July 7 killing of 29-year-old Ryan Wheeler in the eastern Jackson County town of Sibley.Court records say one of Wheeler’s relatives told a detective that Black was angry after she discovered Wheeler was sending romantic text messages to other women.The records say Black initially said her boyfriend was shot during a struggle with an unknown man but later admitted to the shooting. However, she told authorities it was an accident.

Fugitive charged with killing boyfriend arrested in KC

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon for an alleged parole violation.

The Kansas Department of Corrections reported 47-year-old Richard J. Renne of Atchison as an absconder. Renne had been out of prison since July after previous convictions that involve heroin possession/distribution and two convictions for child abuse and torture, according to the KDOC.

On Monday, Atchison Police located and arrested Renne on a Kansas Department of Corrections detain order for the parole violation.&nbsp; He remains in custody, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631628120374.png" alt="Renne photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Renne photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon for an alleged parole violation.The Kansas Department of Corrections reported 47-year-old Richard J. Renne of Atchison as an absconder. Renne had been out of prison since July after previous convictions that involve heroin possession/distribution and two convictions for child abuse and torture, according to the KDOC.On Monday, Atchison Police located and arrested Renne on a Kansas Department of Corrections detain order for the parole violation.&nbsp; He remains in custody, according to online jail records.

Police: Kan. man convicted of child abuse jailed again

DOUGLAS COUNTY — Hundreds of people chanted and held signs outside a University of Kansas fraternity house Monday where a member is accused of sexually assaulting another student. 

The Lawrence Police Department responded to the 1600 block of W. 15th Street for what was initially reported as a trespassing in progress, according to police department spokesperson Patrick Compton.

Officers encountered several hundred individuals gathered outside a Phi Kappa Psi fraternity house engaged in protest.

Police along with members from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and KU Public Safety maintained a law enforcement presence in the area for the duration of the protest to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

No arrests were made, and no injuries were reported.

"We are aware of social media reports that claim LKPD used OC (pepper) spray on protestors in attendance. This was done by private security personnel in advance of police arrival," according to Compton.

"We are also aware of an incident involving a possible sexual assault near campus over the weekend. In order to protect the privacy of victims, we do not comment or provide details about sexual assault incidents or their associated investigations."

"We take allegations of sexual assault very seriously. Part of the trauma-informed process utilized by the Lawrence Kansas Police Department focuses on empowering survivors by allowing them time and space to make their own decisions. We encourage anyone who is a victim or has knowledge of a sexual assault to call us at 785-832-7509."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631616617472.png" alt="Protests Monday night outside the fraternity house photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Protests Monday night outside the fraternity house photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY — Hundreds of people chanted and held signs outside a University of Kansas fraternity house Monday where a member is accused of sexually assaulting another student. The Lawrence Police Department responded to the 1600 block of W. 15th Street for what was initially reported as a trespassing in progress, according to police department spokesperson Patrick Compton.Officers encountered several hundred individuals gathered outside a Phi Kappa Psi fraternity house engaged in protest.Police along with members from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and KU Public Safety maintained a law enforcement presence in the area for the duration of the protest to ensure the safety of everyone involved.No arrests were made, and no injuries were reported."We are aware of social media reports that claim LKPD used OC (pepper) spray on protestors in attendance. This was done by private security personnel in advance of police arrival," according to Compton."We are also aware of an incident involving a possible sexual assault near campus over the weekend. In order to protect the privacy of victims, we do not comment or provide details about sexual assault incidents or their associated investigations.""We take allegations of sexual assault very seriously. Part of the trauma-informed process utilized by the Lawrence Kansas Police Department focuses on empowering survivors by allowing them time and space to make their own decisions. We encourage anyone who is a victim or has knowledge of a sexual assault to call us at 785-832-7509."

Police update their response to sex assault protest at KU 

BARTON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects as part of an arson investigation.

On Monday, police were conducting surveillance in the 1500 block of 11th Street in Great Bend regarding the arson investigation. They conducted a traffic stop on a 2003 maroon Honda passenger car near the intersection of 11th and Kansas and made contact with the driver, 54-year-old Sean Flagg.

Officers arrested Flagg on requrested charges of an arrest warrant for probation violation, driving while suspended, no proof of insurance, illegal license plates, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, no drug tax stamp. 

Flagg was transported to the Barton County Detention Center and booked in lieu of bond.

During the course of this investigation, detectives and officers obtained an executed a search warrant at 1102 Hubbard Street in Great Bend. During a search of the residence residence, officers seized items of illegal drug paraphernalia, methamphetamine and marijuana.

Candace Jones, age 51, was arrested on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine and no drug tax stamp. Jones was transported to the Barton County Detention Center and booked in lieu of bond.

The investigation is still ongoing. Anyone with any information in reference to this case is urged to contact the Great Bend Police Department at 620-793-4120 or Crime Stoppers at 620-792-1300.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631639623409.png" alt="Sean Flagg-photo Barton Co." />
 <figcaption>Sean Flagg-photo Barton Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects as part of an arson investigation.On Monday, police were conducting surveillance in the 1500 block of 11th Street in Great Bend regarding the arson investigation. They conducted a traffic stop on a 2003 maroon Honda passenger car near the intersection of 11th and Kansas and made contact with the driver, 54-year-old Sean Flagg.Officers arrested Flagg on requrested charges of an arrest warrant for probation violation, driving while suspended, no proof of insurance, illegal license plates, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, no drug tax stamp. Flagg was transported to the Barton County Detention Center and booked in lieu of bond.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631639637592.png" alt="Candace Jones photo Barton Co." />
 <figcaption>Candace Jones photo Barton Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>During the course of this investigation, detectives and officers obtained an executed a search warrant at 1102 Hubbard Street in Great Bend. During a search of the residence residence, officers seized items of illegal drug paraphernalia, methamphetamine and marijuana.Candace Jones, age 51, was arrested on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine and no drug tax stamp. Jones was transported to the Barton County Detention Center and booked in lieu of bond.The investigation is still ongoing. Anyone with any information in reference to this case is urged to contact the Great Bend Police Department at 620-793-4120 or Crime Stoppers at 620-792-1300.

Arson investigation leads to pair of Kan. drug arrests

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities&nbsp; investigating a Sunday night shooting have located and arrested a suspect after asking the public for help to locate him.

Just after 7 p.m. Sunday police responded to the 1900 block of NE Jefferson Street in Topeka on a report of a shooting involving known individuals, according to police department spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.

The victim sustained non-life threatening injuries in the incident and was treated at a local hospital.

Throughout the course of the investigation, 35-year-old Nicholas D. Price was identified as a person of interest in this incident.&nbsp; Police arrested Price Tuesday, according to Spiker.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631562211720.png" alt="Price has previous felony convictions for domestic battery and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections- photo Topeka Police" />
 <figcaption>Price has previous felony convictions for domestic battery and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections- photo Topeka Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities&nbsp; investigating a Sunday night shooting have located and arrested a suspect after asking the public for help to locate him.Just after 7 p.m. Sunday police responded to the 1900 block of NE Jefferson Street in Topeka on a report of a shooting involving known individuals, according to police department spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.The victim sustained non-life threatening injuries in the incident and was treated at a local hospital.Throughout the course of the investigation, 35-year-old Nicholas D. Price was identified as a person of interest in this incident.&nbsp; Police arrested Price Tuesday, according to Spiker.

Police capture Kan. felon wanted for weekend shooting

HUTCHINSON —There were no injuries after a fire at the Kansas State Fairgrounds Tuesday.

Just after 10a.m. Tuesday, fire crews responded to the Grandstand at the Kansas State Fair, according to&nbsp;Doug Hanen, Division Chief of Operations.

Kansas Highway Patrol advised flames and smoke were visible from the south end of the Grandstands. Fire was located in a vendor space that sold T-shirts and leather goods, called European Leather. 

Bystanders used fire extinguishers to knockdown the flames prior to fire department arrival. Firefighters overhauled the area and extinguished hot spots. Fire damaged was limited to the affected booth space. 

Fire Department remained on scene for a several hours assisting the vendor in removing salvageable items. Investigation found the cause to be a fault extension cord. Other vendors in the area remained closed as the cleanup continued. 

Fire Department personnel along with City of Hutchinson Street Department and Kansas State Fair employees worked to clean the affected area to allow vendors to reoccupy. 

Kansas Department of Health was called in to evaluate the food vendors in the grandstand. All food vendors have been allowed to reopen and vendors in the south part of the grandstand is in the process of reoccupying the spaces.

HUTCHINSON —There were no injuries after a fire at the Kansas State Fairgrounds Tuesday.Just after 10a.m. Tuesday, fire crews responded to the Grandstand at the Kansas State Fair, according to&nbsp;Doug Hanen, Division Chief of Operations.Kansas Highway Patrol advised flames and smoke were visible from the south end of the Grandstands. Fire was located in a vendor space that sold T-shirts and leather goods, called European Leather. Bystanders used fire extinguishers to knockdown the flames prior to fire department arrival. Firefighters overhauled the area and extinguished hot spots. Fire damaged was limited to the affected booth space. Fire Department remained on scene for a several hours assisting the vendor in removing salvageable items. Investigation found the cause to be a fault extension cord. Other vendors in the area remained closed as the cleanup continued. Fire Department personnel along with City of Hutchinson Street Department and Kansas State Fair employees worked to clean the affected area to allow vendors to reoccupy. Kansas Department of Health was called in to evaluate the food vendors in the grandstand. All food vendors have been allowed to reopen and vendors in the south part of the grandstand is in the process of reoccupying the spaces.

Bystanders put out fire under state fair grandstand

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Authorities have charges a Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Detention Deputy for misdemeanor Disorderly Conduct, according to sheriff's department spokesperson Lt. Benjamin Blick.

The charge stems from an off-duty incident on August 26, 2021. The Detention Deputy, Aareon White, has been employed by the Sheriff’s Office for almost six months.

In addition to the criminal case, the Professional Standards Unit of the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office is also conducting an investigation. Deputy White has been placed on restricted duty pending the outcome of the criminal and internal investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595499501642.png" alt="Sedgwick County Detention Facility -courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Sedgwick County Detention Facility -courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Authorities have charges a Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Detention Deputy for misdemeanor Disorderly Conduct, according to sheriff's department spokesperson Lt. Benjamin Blick.The charge stems from an off-duty incident on August 26, 2021. The Detention Deputy, Aareon White, has been employed by the Sheriff’s Office for almost six months.In addition to the criminal case, the Professional Standards Unit of the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office is also conducting an investigation. Deputy White has been placed on restricted duty pending the outcome of the criminal and internal investigation.

Kansas jail deputy charged for off-duty incident

Lawrence program struggles with quadrupling of homeless families under its care

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/09/13/homeless-advocate-covid-19-relief-insufficient-eviction-surge-puts-families-in-peril/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — A founder of the Family Promise organization dedicated to 
working with homeless families with children is alarmed at how COVID-19 
and the government’s response to the pandemic undercut vulnerable people
 in Lawrence.

Joe Reitz, a retired University of Kansas business professor who 
helped start the interfaith organization in 2008, told the Kansas 
Reflector podcast that Family Promise was providing emergency shelter 
and services to nearly two dozen families prior to the coronavirus 
outbreak. More recently, he said, the nonprofit was struggling to care 
for more than 85 families.

“At one point, we were serving four times as many people as we served before the pandemic. We went from 21 families in January of 2020 to 87 families a couple of months ago,”
 he said. “We cannot provide them with the counseling and training that 
we used to. We’re just keeping them alive. We’re just keeping them in 
shelter with food.”

The COVID-19 pandemic — now in it’s second tragic year despite 
availability of vaccines — is exacerbating a housing crisis that took 
root long ago. In 2020, spread of the deadly coronavirus into every 
corner of the country sparked economic upheaval that placed more 
Americans at risk of becoming homeless. Rise of the delta variant of 
COVID-19 this year triggered a surge in infections, hospitalizations and
 fatalities.

Kansas no longer has a prohibition on evictions. In May, Republican 
lawmakers in the state House and Senate rescinded an executive order 
from Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly imposing the eviction ban.

An attempt by the administration of President Joe Biden to extend a 
federal eviction moratorium was derailed in August by the U.S. Supreme 
Court, but the legal wrangling delayed the day of reckoning for millions
 of families.

Resources for the homeless will be increasingly strained as the 
number of people desperate for assistance grows in Kansas, Reitz said.

Reitz, who taught business ethics at KU, said he sent a letter 
raising concerns to the state’s congressional delegation and the 
governor. He said the only reply was a form letter from U.S. Rep. 
Sharice Davids, who offered insights into legislation that didn’t 
address the homeless crisis.

“Homeless people are unreliable voters …&nbsp;and their kids certainly don’t vote,” Reitz said. “So, homeless families with children are on the bottom of the chart in terms of getting actual relief from, from a political perspective. How difficult it is to say, ‘Oh, we recognize the problem? We’re trying to do something about it.'”

At one point this year, he said, Family Promise of Lawrence was 
caring for families with 170 children, including infants and students in
 high school.

“It’s a great stigma to be homeless, whether you’re a child or parent,” Reitz said. “Everybody in the family is going to be traumatized.
 No parent wants their children to be homeless. I’ll guarantee you that.
 And, the children certainly don’t want to be homeless. I mean, they’re 
embarrassed by it.”

Reitz, who serves as a emeritus member of the Family Promise board, 
said moratoriums on evictions expired before the state distributed a 
majority of approximately $300 million available to help Kansas tenants 
with payment of rent. Only $5 billion of the $46 billion earmarked 
nationally for rental aid had been disbursed by the end of July as 
bureaucratic delays at state and local levels disrupted payouts.

The application process for rent aid is bewildering and the campaign 
to inform near-homeless families of available funding has been mediocre,
 Reitz said.

“The people who designed the application forms were obviously out of touch&nbsp;with the realities of people who are living on the margin,” he said. “I have no idea where we’re going to put more homeless families. We have a looming crisis.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631547823901.png" alt="Joseph Reitz, who helped launch Family Promise of Lawrence to assist homeless families with children, is alarmed state and federal aid has yet to take into account needs of the homeless. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector) " />
 <figcaption>Joseph Reitz, who helped launch Family Promise of Lawrence to assist homeless families with children, is alarmed state and federal aid has yet to take into account needs of the homeless. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector) </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Lawrence program struggles with quadrupling of homeless families under its care</h2>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/09/13/homeless-advocate-covid-19-relief-insufficient-eviction-surge-puts-families-in-peril/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — A founder of the Family Promise organization dedicated to 
working with homeless families with children is alarmed at how COVID-19 
and the government’s response to the pandemic undercut vulnerable people
 in Lawrence.Joe Reitz, a retired University of Kansas business professor who 
helped start the interfaith organization in 2008, told the Kansas 
Reflector podcast that Family Promise was providing emergency shelter 
and services to nearly two dozen families prior to the coronavirus 
outbreak. More recently, he said, the nonprofit was struggling to care 
for more than 85 families.“At one point, we were serving four times as many people as we served before the pandemic. We went from 21 families in January of 2020 to 87 families a couple of months ago,”
 he said. “We cannot provide them with the counseling and training that 
we used to. We’re just keeping them alive. We’re just keeping them in 
shelter with food.”<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1121983357&color=%232b7fb4&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/kansas-reflector-podcast" title="Reflector Podcast" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Reflector Podcast</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/kansas-reflector-podcast/homelessness-during-the-covid-19-pandemic" title="Homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic</a></div></div>The COVID-19 pandemic — now in it’s second tragic year despite 
availability of vaccines — is exacerbating a housing crisis that took 
root long ago. In 2020, spread of the deadly coronavirus into every 
corner of the country sparked economic upheaval that placed more 
Americans at risk of becoming homeless. Rise of the delta variant of 
COVID-19 this year triggered a surge in infections, hospitalizations and
 fatalities.Kansas no longer has a prohibition on evictions. In May, Republican 
lawmakers in the state House and Senate rescinded an executive order 
from Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly imposing the eviction ban.An attempt by the administration of President Joe Biden to extend a 
federal eviction moratorium was derailed in August by the U.S. Supreme 
Court, but the legal wrangling delayed the day of reckoning for millions
 of families.Resources for the homeless will be increasingly strained as the 
number of people desperate for assistance grows in Kansas, Reitz said.Reitz, who taught business ethics at KU, said he sent a letter 
raising concerns to the state’s congressional delegation and the 
governor. He said the only reply was a form letter from U.S. Rep. 
Sharice Davids, who offered insights into legislation that didn’t 
address the homeless crisis.“Homeless people are unreliable voters …&nbsp;and their kids certainly don’t vote,” Reitz said. “So, homeless families with children are on the bottom of the chart in terms of getting actual relief from, from a political perspective. How difficult it is to say, ‘Oh, we recognize the problem? We’re trying to do something about it.'”At one point this year, he said, Family Promise of Lawrence was 
caring for families with 170 children, including infants and students in
 high school.“It’s a great stigma to be homeless, whether you’re a child or parent,” Reitz said. “Everybody in the family is going to be traumatized.
 No parent wants their children to be homeless. I’ll guarantee you that.
 And, the children certainly don’t want to be homeless. I mean, they’re 
embarrassed by it.”Reitz, who serves as a emeritus member of the Family Promise board, 
said moratoriums on evictions expired before the state distributed a 
majority of approximately $300 million available to help Kansas tenants 
with payment of rent. Only $5 billion of the $46 billion earmarked 
nationally for rental aid had been disbursed by the end of July as 
bureaucratic delays at state and local levels disrupted payouts.The application process for rent aid is bewildering and the campaign 
to inform near-homeless families of available funding has been mediocre,
 Reitz said.“The people who designed the application forms were obviously out of touch&nbsp;with the realities of people who are living on the margin,” he said. “I have no idea where we’re going to put more homeless families. We have a looming crisis.”

🎙 Kan. homeless advocate: Eviction surge puts families in peril

Too soon to tell whether declines were a one-time thing

By SUZANNE PEREZ <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2021-09-13/3-000-kansas-kindergartners-and-untold-preschoolers-skipped-last-year-now-theyre-behind">Kansas News Service</a>

WICHITA — Armstrong Drees could have gone to kindergarten last year. He didn’t.

His
 mom, Lindsay, worried about COVID-19 outbreaks, particularly before a 
vaccine was available for the adults and teens around him. She briefly 
tried remote school, which was an option last year in the Wichita suburb
 of Goddard. Ultimately, she decided to keep the 6-year-old home an 
extra year.

This fall, like a number of Kansas kindergartners and first-graders, he’s experiencing school for the first time.

“There is no right decision,” said Lindsay Drees, a mother of four.

“Keeping them home is bad for their mental health,” she said. 
“Sending them to school is dangerous. They can get sick. ... You know 
you can’t get it right, so you just do the best you can.”

Lots of 
Kansas families opted not to send their preschoolers and kindergartners 
to school last fall. Kindergarten enrollment dropped by about 9% 
statewide. Preschool enrollment dropped nearly 21%.

That means this year’s kindergartners — if they even returned to classrooms this fall — are starting from behind.

In
 a typical year, more than half the students in Lisa Reeb’s kindergarten
 class at Wichita’s Colvin Elementary School would have a year of 
preschool behind them. They would know how to take turns, cut paper, 
line up for lunch, count to 10, and recognize at least some of the 
alphabet.

This fall, only four of Reeb’s 17 students attended preschool at Colvin.

“There has been a noticeable difference in what kids are able to do,”
 Reeb said. “They don’t know that they have to leave Mom on the first 
day, and that is kind of a scary situation for some of them. They don’t 
know how to even go to the bathroom, because they’re not familiar with 
the school bathrooms here. They’re just kind of lost a little bit 
because it’s a whole new experience.”

Amanda Petersen, the 
director of early childhood programs for the Kansas Department of 
Education, said children’s first years of school can set a course for 
their overall education.

Kids who attend preschool are <a href="https://www.nichd.nih.gov/newsroom/releases/031115-podcast-reynolds" target="_blank">more likely to graduate and attend college</a>. They’re <a href="https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/146/6/e20200978" target="_blank">less likely to be arrested or struggle with substance abuse</a>.

“Quality
 early experiences make a huge difference,” she said. “We have a 
tremendous body of research that tells us that early childhood 
experiences are a critical period of brain development.”

It’s too 
soon to tell whether last year’s enrollment declines were a one-time 
blip or if they’ve stretched into this fall, as schools continue to 
struggle with <a href="https://cai.burbio.com/school-opening-tracker/" target="_blank">COVID-19 outbreaks and quarantines</a>.

Kansas districts will report their official headcounts Sept. 20.

It’s
 also unclear how many kids who missed kindergarten last year will skip 
straight to first grade. Kindergarten is not required in Kansas.

Petersen
 said her staff will continue to monitor trends and urge districts to 
pay special attention to the needs of their youngest students.

“It’s
 so important that schools use their relief funding and other resources 
available to make sure that they can provide support to those early 
elementary teachers and students who have experienced disruptions over 
this last year,” she said.

Wichita, the state’s largest district, <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/education/2021-04-26/wichita-schools-looking-to-recruit-back-students-after-enrollment-dips" target="_blank">hired two full-time staff members</a>
 to visit area preschools and day care centers and meet with families 
who didn’t enroll their youngsters last fall. The goal: Get kids back 
into schools.

Reeb said teaching kindergarten during the pandemic 
required adapting to new routines and restrictions, and that continues 
to prove handy.

“Not having as many kids where we thought they would be when they came in — we were kind of prepared for that,” she said.

“If
 you prepare yourself mentally, you don’t set yourself up for failure. 
You have to think positively and kind of go forward that way.”

Suzanne
 Perez reports on education for KMUW in Wichita and the Kansas News 
Service. You can follow her on Twitter @SuzPerezICT or email her at 
perez@kmuw.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631568859299.png" alt="Kindergarten enrollment dropped nearly 9% in Kansas last year, as thousands of families opted to keep kids home during the pandemic. Suzanne Perez / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Kindergarten enrollment dropped nearly 9% in Kansas last year, as thousands of families opted to keep kids home during the pandemic. Suzanne Perez / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Too soon to tell whether declines were a one-time thing</h2>By SUZANNE PEREZ <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2021-09-13/3-000-kansas-kindergartners-and-untold-preschoolers-skipped-last-year-now-theyre-behind">Kansas News Service</a>WICHITA — Armstrong Drees could have gone to kindergarten last year. He didn’t.His
 mom, Lindsay, worried about COVID-19 outbreaks, particularly before a 
vaccine was available for the adults and teens around him. She briefly 
tried remote school, which was an option last year in the Wichita suburb
 of Goddard. Ultimately, she decided to keep the 6-year-old home an 
extra year.This fall, like a number of Kansas kindergartners and first-graders, he’s experiencing school for the first time.“There is no right decision,” said Lindsay Drees, a mother of four.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631568958854.png" alt="Lindsay Drees' son Armstrong, right, started kindergarten a year late this fall. Another son, Abraham, left, is a third-grader. Suzanne Perez" />
 <figcaption>Lindsay Drees' son Armstrong, right, started kindergarten a year late this fall. Another son, Abraham, left, is a third-grader. Suzanne Perez</figcaption>
 </figure>“Keeping them home is bad for their mental health,” she said. 
“Sending them to school is dangerous. They can get sick. ... You know 
you can’t get it right, so you just do the best you can.”Lots of 
Kansas families opted not to send their preschoolers and kindergartners 
to school last fall. Kindergarten enrollment dropped by about 9% 
statewide. Preschool enrollment dropped nearly 21%.That means this year’s kindergartners — if they even returned to classrooms this fall — are starting from behind.In
 a typical year, more than half the students in Lisa Reeb’s kindergarten
 class at Wichita’s Colvin Elementary School would have a year of 
preschool behind them. They would know how to take turns, cut paper, 
line up for lunch, count to 10, and recognize at least some of the 
alphabet.This fall, only four of Reeb’s 17 students attended preschool at Colvin.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631569001260.png" alt="Lisa Reeb teaches kindergarten at Colvin Elementary School in Wichita. Suzanne Perez" />
 <figcaption>Lisa Reeb teaches kindergarten at Colvin Elementary School in Wichita. Suzanne Perez</figcaption>
 </figure>“There has been a noticeable difference in what kids are able to do,”
 Reeb said. “They don’t know that they have to leave Mom on the first 
day, and that is kind of a scary situation for some of them. They don’t 
know how to even go to the bathroom, because they’re not familiar with 
the school bathrooms here. They’re just kind of lost a little bit 
because it’s a whole new experience.”Amanda Petersen, the 
director of early childhood programs for the Kansas Department of 
Education, said children’s first years of school can set a course for 
their overall education.Kids who attend preschool are <a href="https://www.nichd.nih.gov/newsroom/releases/031115-podcast-reynolds" target="_blank">more likely to graduate and attend college</a>. They’re <a href="https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/146/6/e20200978" target="_blank">less likely to be arrested or struggle with substance abuse</a>.“Quality
 early experiences make a huge difference,” she said. “We have a 
tremendous body of research that tells us that early childhood 
experiences are a critical period of brain development.”It’s too 
soon to tell whether last year’s enrollment declines were a one-time 
blip or if they’ve stretched into this fall, as schools continue to 
struggle with <a href="https://cai.burbio.com/school-opening-tracker/" target="_blank">COVID-19 outbreaks and quarantines</a>.Kansas districts will report their official headcounts Sept. 20.It’s
 also unclear how many kids who missed kindergarten last year will skip 
straight to first grade. Kindergarten is not required in Kansas.Petersen
 said her staff will continue to monitor trends and urge districts to 
pay special attention to the needs of their youngest students.“It’s
 so important that schools use their relief funding and other resources 
available to make sure that they can provide support to those early 
elementary teachers and students who have experienced disruptions over 
this last year,” she said.Wichita, the state’s largest district, <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/education/2021-04-26/wichita-schools-looking-to-recruit-back-students-after-enrollment-dips" target="_blank">hired two full-time staff members</a>
 to visit area preschools and day care centers and meet with families 
who didn’t enroll their youngsters last fall. The goal: Get kids back 
into schools.Reeb said teaching kindergarten during the pandemic 
required adapting to new routines and restrictions, and that continues 
to prove handy.“Not having as many kids where we thought they would be when they came in — we were kind of prepared for that,” she said.“If
 you prepare yourself mentally, you don’t set yourself up for failure. 
You have to think positively and kind of go forward that way.”Suzanne
 Perez reports on education for KMUW in Wichita and the Kansas News 
Service. You can follow her on Twitter @SuzPerezICT or email her at 
perez@kmuw.org.

3,000 Kan. kindergartners skipped last year — now they're behind 

SEDGWICK COUNTY —The search continues for the suspect accused in the Tuesday morning nightclub shooting in Wichita that killed one man and injured five women. Police say 22-year-old&nbsp; Keshawn Dawson is armed and dangerous. He was released from prison in December of 2020 after serving time for weapons violations.

Just after 12:30 a.m. Tuesday, police responded to a shooting call at the Enigma Club, 351 N. Mosley in Wichita.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers located multiple victims.&nbsp; They were all transported to an area hospital for medical treatment.&nbsp; One victim identified as 34-year-old Preston Spencer of Wichita died from his injuries. Friends and family held his <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-kendra-and-the-spencer-family?fbclid=IwAR1CeDwwCQIfSCoQNv5hK0sgu10mWuhu3Tv8iapl8Qnv-1Q6hJWoNgFeDag">memorial service</a>&nbsp;on Monday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631032156553.png" alt="Dawson photo from an earlier arrest in Sedgwick County. He is also&nbsp; wanted on two Felony Sedgwick County warrants and is prohibited from having a firearm, according to Police Captain Jason Stephens." />
 <figcaption>Dawson photo from an earlier arrest in Sedgwick County. He is also&nbsp; wanted on two Felony Sedgwick County warrants and is prohibited from having a firearm, according to Police Captain Jason Stephens.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —The search continues for the suspect accused in the Tuesday morning nightclub shooting in Wichita that killed one man and injured five women. Police say 22-year-old&nbsp; Keshawn Dawson is armed and dangerous. He was released from prison in December of 2020 after serving time for weapons violations.Just after 12:30 a.m. Tuesday, police responded to a shooting call at the Enigma Club, 351 N. Mosley in Wichita.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers located multiple victims.&nbsp; They were all transported to an area hospital for medical treatment.&nbsp; One victim identified as 34-year-old Preston Spencer of Wichita died from his injuries. Friends and family held his <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-kendra-and-the-spencer-family?fbclid=IwAR1CeDwwCQIfSCoQNv5hK0sgu10mWuhu3Tv8iapl8Qnv-1Q6hJWoNgFeDag">memorial service</a>&nbsp;on Monday.The other victims, all women ages, 22, Two age 24, 28 and 40, received non life-threatening injuries, according to Stephens. Most of the injuries were to the legs. One had an injury to an arm and her lower back.&nbsp; All of the women are expected to survive.The investigation revealed a male suspect identified as Dawson got into a disturbance earlier inside the club and was made to leave.&nbsp; Dawson returned a short time later and fired multiple rounds with a handgun through windows into the club from the outside, striking the victims.Anyone with information on Dawson is asked to call 911.---------------

Suspect still at large a week after fatal Kan. club shooting

BOSTON (AP) — Apple released a critical software patch to fix a security vulnerability that researchers said could allow hackers to directly infect iPhones and other Apple devices without any user action.

Researchers at the University of Toronto’s Citizen Lab said the security issue was exploited to plant spyware on a Saudi activist’s iPhone. They said they had high confidence that the world’s most infamous hacker-for-hire firm, Israel’s NSO Group, was behind that attack.

The previously unknown vulnerability affected all major Apple devices — iPhones, Macs and Apple Watches, the researchers said. NSO Group responded with a one-sentence statement saying it will continue providing tools for fighting “terror and crime.”

It was the first time a so-called “zero-click” exploit — one that doesn’t require users to click on suspect links or open infected files — has been caught and analyzed, the researchers said. They found the malicious code on Sept. 7 and immediately alerted Apple. The targeted activist asked to remain anonymous, they said.

“We’re not necessarily attributing this attack to the Saudi government,” said researcher Bill Marczak.

Citizen Lab previously found evidence of zero-click exploits being used to hack into the phones of al-Jazeera journalists and other targets, but hasn’t previously seen the malicious code itself.

Although security experts say that average iPhone, iPad and Mac user generally need not worry — such attacks tend to be limited to specific targets — the discovery still alarmed security professionals.

Malicious image files were transmitted to the activist’s phone via the iMessage instant-messaging app before it was hacked with NSO’s Pegasus spyware, which opens a phone to eavesdropping and remote data theft, Marczak said. It was discovered during a second examination of the phone, which forensics showed had been infected in March. He said the malicious file causes devices to crash.

Citizen Lab says the case reveals, once again, that NSO Group is allowing its spyware to be used against ordinary civilians.

<a href="https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212807" target="_blank">In a blog post</a>, Apple said it was issuing a security update for iPhones and iPads because a “maliciously crafted” PDF file could lead to them being hacked. It said it was aware that the issue may have been exploited and cited Citizen Lab.

In a subsequent statement, Apple security chief Ivan Krstić commended Citizen Lab and said such exploits “are not a threat to the overwhelming majority of our users.” He noted, as he has in the past, that such exploits typically cost millions of dollars to develop and often have a short shelf life. Apple didn’t respond to questions regarding whether this was the first time it had patched a zero-click vulnerability.

Users should get alerts on their iPhones prompting them to update the phone’s iOS software. Those who want to jump the gun can go into the phone settings, click “General” then “Software Update,” and trigger the patch update directly.

Citizen Lab called the iMessage exploit FORCEDENTRY and said it was effective against Apple iOS, MacOS and WatchOS devices. It urged people to immediately install security updates.

Researcher John Scott-Railton said the news highlights the importance of securing popular messaging apps against such attacks. “Chat apps are increasingly becoming a major way that nation-states and mercenary hackers are gaining access to phones,” he said. “And it’s why it’s so important that companies focus on making sure that they are as locked down as possible.”

The researchers said it also undermines NSO Group’s claims that it only sells its spyware to law enforcement officials for use against criminals and terrorists and audits its customers to ensure it’s not abused.

“If Pegasus was only being used against criminals and terrorists, we never would have found this stuff,” said Marczak.

Facebook’s WhatsApp was also allegedly targeted by an NSO zero-click exploit. In October 2019,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-lawsuits-us-news-israel-spyware-a7ad0788b9e4498a878009d1a8c5a206">Facebook sued NSO in U.S. federal court</a>&nbsp;for allegedly targeting some 1,400 users of the encrypted messaging service with spyware.

In July, a global media consortium published a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-business-middle-east-israel-jamal-khashoggi-2b72451d84cd60fdcdfa37d8ee908784">damning report</a>&nbsp;on how clients of NSO Group have been spying for years on journalists, human rights activists, political dissidents, and people close to them, with the hacker-for-hire group directly involved in the targeting. Amnesty International said it confirmed 37 successful Pegasus infections based on a leaked targeting list whose origin was not disclosed.

One case involved the fiancee of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi just four days after he was killed in the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul in 2018. The CIA attributed the murder to the Saudi government.

The recent revelations also prompted calls for an investigation into whether Hungary’s right-wing government used Pegasus to secretly monitor critical journalists, lawyers and business figures. India’s parliament also erupted in protests as opposition lawmakers accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government of using NSO Groups’ product to spy on political opponents and others.

France is also trying to get to the bottom of allegations that President Emmanuel Macron and members of his government may have been targeted in 2019 by an unidentified Moroccan security service using Pegasus. Morocco, a key French ally, denied those reports and is taking legal action to counter allegations implicating the North African kingdom in the spyware scandal.

BOSTON (AP) — Apple released a critical software patch to fix a security vulnerability that researchers said could allow hackers to directly infect iPhones and other Apple devices without any user action.Researchers at the University of Toronto’s Citizen Lab said the security issue was exploited to plant spyware on a Saudi activist’s iPhone. They said they had high confidence that the world’s most infamous hacker-for-hire firm, Israel’s NSO Group, was behind that attack.The previously unknown vulnerability affected all major Apple devices — iPhones, Macs and Apple Watches, the researchers said. NSO Group responded with a one-sentence statement saying it will continue providing tools for fighting “terror and crime.”It was the first time a so-called “zero-click” exploit — one that doesn’t require users to click on suspect links or open infected files — has been caught and analyzed, the researchers said. They found the malicious code on Sept. 7 and immediately alerted Apple. The targeted activist asked to remain anonymous, they said.“We’re not necessarily attributing this attack to the Saudi government,” said researcher Bill Marczak.Citizen Lab previously found evidence of zero-click exploits being used to hack into the phones of al-Jazeera journalists and other targets, but hasn’t previously seen the malicious code itself.Although security experts say that average iPhone, iPad and Mac user generally need not worry — such attacks tend to be limited to specific targets — the discovery still alarmed security professionals.Malicious image files were transmitted to the activist’s phone via the iMessage instant-messaging app before it was hacked with NSO’s Pegasus spyware, which opens a phone to eavesdropping and remote data theft, Marczak said. It was discovered during a second examination of the phone, which forensics showed had been infected in March. He said the malicious file causes devices to crash.Citizen Lab says the case reveals, once again, that NSO Group is allowing its spyware to be used against ordinary civilians.<a href="https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212807" target="_blank">In a blog post</a>, Apple said it was issuing a security update for iPhones and iPads because a “maliciously crafted” PDF file could lead to them being hacked. It said it was aware that the issue may have been exploited and cited Citizen Lab.In a subsequent statement, Apple security chief Ivan Krstić commended Citizen Lab and said such exploits “are not a threat to the overwhelming majority of our users.” He noted, as he has in the past, that such exploits typically cost millions of dollars to develop and often have a short shelf life. Apple didn’t respond to questions regarding whether this was the first time it had patched a zero-click vulnerability.Users should get alerts on their iPhones prompting them to update the phone’s iOS software. Those who want to jump the gun can go into the phone settings, click “General” then “Software Update,” and trigger the patch update directly.Citizen Lab called the iMessage exploit FORCEDENTRY and said it was effective against Apple iOS, MacOS and WatchOS devices. It urged people to immediately install security updates.Researcher John Scott-Railton said the news highlights the importance of securing popular messaging apps against such attacks. “Chat apps are increasingly becoming a major way that nation-states and mercenary hackers are gaining access to phones,” he said. “And it’s why it’s so important that companies focus on making sure that they are as locked down as possible.”The researchers said it also undermines NSO Group’s claims that it only sells its spyware to law enforcement officials for use against criminals and terrorists and audits its customers to ensure it’s not abused.“If Pegasus was only being used against criminals and terrorists, we never would have found this stuff,” said Marczak.Facebook’s WhatsApp was also allegedly targeted by an NSO zero-click exploit. In October 2019,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-lawsuits-us-news-israel-spyware-a7ad0788b9e4498a878009d1a8c5a206">Facebook sued NSO in U.S. federal court</a>&nbsp;for allegedly targeting some 1,400 users of the encrypted messaging service with spyware.In July, a global media consortium published a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-business-middle-east-israel-jamal-khashoggi-2b72451d84cd60fdcdfa37d8ee908784">damning report</a>&nbsp;on how clients of NSO Group have been spying for years on journalists, human rights activists, political dissidents, and people close to them, with the hacker-for-hire group directly involved in the targeting. Amnesty International said it confirmed 37 successful Pegasus infections based on a leaked targeting list whose origin was not disclosed.One case involved the fiancee of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi just four days after he was killed in the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul in 2018. The CIA attributed the murder to the Saudi government.The recent revelations also prompted calls for an investigation into whether Hungary’s right-wing government used Pegasus to secretly monitor critical journalists, lawyers and business figures. India’s parliament also erupted in protests as opposition lawmakers accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government of using NSO Groups’ product to spy on political opponents and others.France is also trying to get to the bottom of allegations that President Emmanuel Macron and members of his government may have been targeted in 2019 by an unidentified Moroccan security service using Pegasus. Morocco, a key French ally, denied those reports and is taking legal action to counter allegations implicating the North African kingdom in the spyware scandal.