WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. intelligence officials said Monday they were confident that Iran was responsible for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fbi-trump-iran-hack-campaign-02a44ea734c8ee92c4d3a576af7a79fe">hack of Donald Trump's presidential campaign</a>, casting the cyber intrusion as part of a brazen and broader effort by Tehran to interfere in American politics and potentially shape the outcome of the election.

The assessment from the FBI and other federal agencies was the first time the U.S. government has assigned blame for hacks that have raised anew the threat of foreign election interference. The hacking also underscored how Iran, in addition to more sophisticated adversaries like Russia and China, remains a top concern to U.S. officials tasked with protecting democratic processes.

Besides breaching the Trump campaign, officials also believe that Iran tried to hack into the presidential campaign of Kamala Harris.

The hacking and similar activities, federal officials said, reflect Iran's determination to “complicate the ability of any U.S. administration to pursue a foreign policy at odds" with its own interests. The goal is to sow discord, weaken faith in democratic institutions and influence the outcome of elections that Iran perceives to be “particularly consequential in terms of the impact they could have on its national security interests," officials said.

“We have observed increasingly aggressive Iranian activity during this election cycle, specifically involving influence operations targeting the American public and cyber operations targeting Presidential campaigns,” said the statement released by the FBI, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

Iran’s mission to the United Nations denied the hacks, saying that Iran had neither the motive nor intention to interfere with the election, and challenged the U.S. to provide evidence.

The statement was released at a time of significant tensions between Washington and Tehran as the U.S. hopes to halt or limit a threatened threatened retaliatory strike on Israel over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-hamas-israel-30968a7acb31cd8b259de9650014b779">the assassination of Hamas official Ismail Haniyeh</a>. An Israeli strike last month in southern Beirut&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-lebanon-strike-beirut-52c2a1711e274859b60daf8d2db3e0e2">killed Hezbollah’s top commander</a>, but while Tehran and Iran-backed Hezbollah have vowed to retaliate, they have not yet launched strikes as diplomatic endeavors and Gaza cease-fire talks continue in Qatar.

The U.S. did not detail how it reached the conclusion that Iran was responsible, nor did it describe the nature of any information that may have been taken from the Trump campaign. But it said the intelligence community was confident “the Iranians have through social engineering and other efforts sought access to individuals with direct access to the Presidential campaigns of both political parties.”

At least three staffers in the Biden-Harris campaign were targeted with phishing emails, but investigators have uncovered no evidence the attempt was successful, The Associated Press reported last week.

“Such activity, including thefts and disclosures, are intended to influence the U.S. election process. It is important to note that this approach is not new. Iran and Russia have employed these tactics not only in the United States during this and prior federal election cycles but also in other countries around the world,” the statement said.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-campaign-hacked-036ffd3ed07cf3fe9fb74d4958808b65">Trump campaign disclosed on Aug. 10</a>&nbsp;that it had been hacked and said Iranian actors had stolen and distributed sensitive internal documents. At least three news outlets — Politico, The New York Times and The Washington Post — were leaked confidential material from inside the Trump campaign, including its report vetting JD Vance as a vice presidential candidate. So far, each has refused to reveal any details about what it received.

Earlier this month, Microsoft&nbsp;<a href="https://cdn-dynmedia-1.microsoft.com/is/content/microsoftcorp/microsoft/final/en-us/microsoft-brand/documents/5bc57431-a7a9-49ad-944d-b93b7d35d0fc.pdf">issued a report</a>&nbsp;detailing foreign agents’ attempts to interfere in this year's election, citing an instance of an Iranian military intelligence unit in June sending “a spear-phishing email to a high-ranking official of a presidential campaign from a compromised email account of a former senior advisor.”

In a separate report, Google said an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-campaign-hack-iran-phishing-b77458428a25e694a738a8c82219f271">Iranian group</a>&nbsp;linked to the country’s Revolutionary Guard has tried to infiltrate the personal email accounts of roughly a dozen people linked to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;and Trump since May.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723499768905.png" alt="File photo -Trump during a campaign stop in Montana-courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>File photo -Trump during a campaign stop in Montana-courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. intelligence officials said Monday they were confident that Iran was responsible for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fbi-trump-iran-hack-campaign-02a44ea734c8ee92c4d3a576af7a79fe">hack of Donald Trump's presidential campaign</a>, casting the cyber intrusion as part of a brazen and broader effort by Tehran to interfere in American politics and potentially shape the outcome of the election.The assessment from the FBI and other federal agencies was the first time the U.S. government has assigned blame for hacks that have raised anew the threat of foreign election interference. The hacking also underscored how Iran, in addition to more sophisticated adversaries like Russia and China, remains a top concern to U.S. officials tasked with protecting democratic processes.Besides breaching the Trump campaign, officials also believe that Iran tried to hack into the presidential campaign of Kamala Harris.The hacking and similar activities, federal officials said, reflect Iran's determination to “complicate the ability of any U.S. administration to pursue a foreign policy at odds" with its own interests. The goal is to sow discord, weaken faith in democratic institutions and influence the outcome of elections that Iran perceives to be “particularly consequential in terms of the impact they could have on its national security interests," officials said.“We have observed increasingly aggressive Iranian activity during this election cycle, specifically involving influence operations targeting the American public and cyber operations targeting Presidential campaigns,” said the statement released by the FBI, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.Iran’s mission to the United Nations denied the hacks, saying that Iran had neither the motive nor intention to interfere with the election, and challenged the U.S. to provide evidence.The statement was released at a time of significant tensions between Washington and Tehran as the U.S. hopes to halt or limit a threatened threatened retaliatory strike on Israel over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-hamas-israel-30968a7acb31cd8b259de9650014b779">the assassination of Hamas official Ismail Haniyeh</a>. An Israeli strike last month in southern Beirut&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-lebanon-strike-beirut-52c2a1711e274859b60daf8d2db3e0e2">killed Hezbollah’s top commander</a>, but while Tehran and Iran-backed Hezbollah have vowed to retaliate, they have not yet launched strikes as diplomatic endeavors and Gaza cease-fire talks continue in Qatar.The U.S. did not detail how it reached the conclusion that Iran was responsible, nor did it describe the nature of any information that may have been taken from the Trump campaign. But it said the intelligence community was confident “the Iranians have through social engineering and other efforts sought access to individuals with direct access to the Presidential campaigns of both political parties.”At least three staffers in the Biden-Harris campaign were targeted with phishing emails, but investigators have uncovered no evidence the attempt was successful, The Associated Press reported last week.“Such activity, including thefts and disclosures, are intended to influence the U.S. election process. It is important to note that this approach is not new. Iran and Russia have employed these tactics not only in the United States during this and prior federal election cycles but also in other countries around the world,” the statement said.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-campaign-hacked-036ffd3ed07cf3fe9fb74d4958808b65">Trump campaign disclosed on Aug. 10</a>&nbsp;that it had been hacked and said Iranian actors had stolen and distributed sensitive internal documents. At least three news outlets — Politico, The New York Times and The Washington Post — were leaked confidential material from inside the Trump campaign, including its report vetting JD Vance as a vice presidential candidate. So far, each has refused to reveal any details about what it received.Earlier this month, Microsoft&nbsp;<a href="https://cdn-dynmedia-1.microsoft.com/is/content/microsoftcorp/microsoft/final/en-us/microsoft-brand/documents/5bc57431-a7a9-49ad-944d-b93b7d35d0fc.pdf">issued a report</a>&nbsp;detailing foreign agents’ attempts to interfere in this year's election, citing an instance of an Iranian military intelligence unit in June sending “a spear-phishing email to a high-ranking official of a presidential campaign from a compromised email account of a former senior advisor.”In a separate report, Google said an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-campaign-hack-iran-phishing-b77458428a25e694a738a8c82219f271">Iranian group</a>&nbsp;linked to the country’s Revolutionary Guard has tried to infiltrate the personal email accounts of roughly a dozen people linked to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;and Trump since May.

U.S. confirms Trump campaign claim it was breached by Iranian hackers

JERUSALEM (AP) — The Israeli military said Tuesday that it recovered the bodies of six hostages taken in Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">started the war in Gaza</a>, as U.S. and Arab mediators tried to advance an agreement to halt the fighting and release scores of other militant-held captives.

The military said its forces recovered the bodies in an overnight operation in southern Gaza, without saying when or how the six died. A forum for hostage families said they were kidnapped alive. Hamas says some captives have been killed and wounded in Israeli airstrikes.

The recovery is a blow to Hamas, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-hostages-endgame-0b4720545d294b4eb25eb97055c238eb">hopes to exchange hostages</a>&nbsp;for Palestinian prisoners, an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and a lasting cease-fire. But it was also likely to increase pressure on Israel's government to reach a deal to release dozens of hostages who are still believed to be alive.

The military said it had identified the remains of Chaim Perry, 80; Yoram Metzger, 80; Avraham Munder, 79; Alexander Dancyg, 76; Nadav Popplewell, 51; and Yagev Buchshtav, 35. Metzger, Munder, Popplewell and Buchshtav had family members who were also abducted but freed during a November cease-fire.

Munder's death was confirmed on Tuesday by Kibbutz Nir Oz, the farming community where he was among&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-hostages-0c14750240138853a70e38b0c09ef157">around 80 residents who were taken captive</a>. It said he died “after enduring months of physical and mental torture.” Israeli authorities had previously determined that the other five were deceased.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the recovery effort and said “our hearts ache for the terrible loss.”

“The State of Israel will continue to make every effort to return all of our hostages — both alive and dead,” he said in a statement.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant also praised the operation, which he said had been carried out inside Hamas' vast tunnel network. There were no immediate reports of any casualties among Israelis or Palestinians in the recovery operation.

Hamas is still believed to be holding around 110 hostages captured in the Oct. 7 attack. Israeli authorities estimate around a third of them are dead.

Blinken, who is on his ninth visit to the region since the start of the war, said Monday that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-israel-blinken-hamas-palestinians-gaza-34f91f99c9a4f63e98134aaecb7af971">Netanyahu has accepted a proposal</a>&nbsp;to bridge gaps in the cease-fire talks, which have dragged on for months, and called on Hamas to do the same.

Hamas has accused the United States of embracing Israeli demands and trying to impose them on the militant group. There still appear to be wide gaps between the two sides, including Israel’s demand for lasting control over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-ceasefire-talks-corridors-03deb20a6c549273fb4b8ce3475fff17">two strategic corridors in Gaza</a>, which Hamas has rejected.

Hamas-led militants burst through Israel's defenses on Oct. 7 and rampaged across the south, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking around 250 people hostage. Over 100 hostages were released in exchange for Palestinians imprisoned in Israel during a weeklong cease-fire last year.

Israel's retaliatory offensive&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-war-hamas-dead-graves-40000-988d16b648e06e222f04964dc9440da0">has killed over 40,000 Palestinians</a>, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which does not say how many were militants. Air and ground operations have caused widespread destruction and forced the vast majority of Gaza's 2.3 million residents to flee their homes, often multiple times. Aid groups&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-polio-outbreak-vaccination-8cc05570b5b1af6c6adcedf8a6b36880">fear the outbreak of diseases like polio</a>.

An Israeli airstrike in central Gaza early Tuesday killed five children and their mother, according to the nearby Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, where an Associated Press reporter counted the bodies. The hospital said the father, Alaa Abu Zeid, a schoolteacher, has been in Israeli detention for the last nine months.

The mediators have been trying to finalize a proposal for a three-phase process in which Hamas would release all the hostages in return for the release of more Palestinian prisoners, an Israeli withdrawal from the territory and a lasting truce.

Blinken traveled to Egypt on Tuesday and was also expected to hold talks in Qatar.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724150444816.png" alt="Clockwise from top left Yoram Metzger, Haim Peri, Yagev Buchshtab,&nbsp; Alex Dancyg and Nadav Popplewell -photos courtesy Hostages and missing Families Forum " />
 <figcaption>Clockwise from top left Yoram Metzger, Haim Peri, Yagev Buchshtab,&nbsp; Alex Dancyg and Nadav Popplewell -photos courtesy Hostages and missing Families Forum </figcaption>
 </figure>JERUSALEM (AP) — The Israeli military said Tuesday that it recovered the bodies of six hostages taken in Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">started the war in Gaza</a>, as U.S. and Arab mediators tried to advance an agreement to halt the fighting and release scores of other militant-held captives.The military said its forces recovered the bodies in an overnight operation in southern Gaza, without saying when or how the six died. A forum for hostage families said they were kidnapped alive. Hamas says some captives have been killed and wounded in Israeli airstrikes.The recovery is a blow to Hamas, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-hostages-endgame-0b4720545d294b4eb25eb97055c238eb">hopes to exchange hostages</a>&nbsp;for Palestinian prisoners, an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and a lasting cease-fire. But it was also likely to increase pressure on Israel's government to reach a deal to release dozens of hostages who are still believed to be alive.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724155305073.png" alt="Avraham Munder photo Hostages Families Forum" />
 <figcaption>Avraham Munder photo Hostages Families Forum</figcaption>
 </figure>The military said it had identified the remains of Chaim Perry, 80; Yoram Metzger, 80; Avraham Munder, 79; Alexander Dancyg, 76; Nadav Popplewell, 51; and Yagev Buchshtav, 35. Metzger, Munder, Popplewell and Buchshtav had family members who were also abducted but freed during a November cease-fire.Munder's death was confirmed on Tuesday by Kibbutz Nir Oz, the farming community where he was among&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-hostages-0c14750240138853a70e38b0c09ef157">around 80 residents who were taken captive</a>. It said he died “after enduring months of physical and mental torture.” Israeli authorities had previously determined that the other five were deceased.Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the recovery effort and said “our hearts ache for the terrible loss.”“The State of Israel will continue to make every effort to return all of our hostages — both alive and dead,” he said in a statement.Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant also praised the operation, which he said had been carried out inside Hamas' vast tunnel network. There were no immediate reports of any casualties among Israelis or Palestinians in the recovery operation.Hamas is still believed to be holding around 110 hostages captured in the Oct. 7 attack. Israeli authorities estimate around a third of them are dead.Blinken, who is on his ninth visit to the region since the start of the war, said Monday that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-israel-blinken-hamas-palestinians-gaza-34f91f99c9a4f63e98134aaecb7af971">Netanyahu has accepted a proposal</a>&nbsp;to bridge gaps in the cease-fire talks, which have dragged on for months, and called on Hamas to do the same.Hamas has accused the United States of embracing Israeli demands and trying to impose them on the militant group. There still appear to be wide gaps between the two sides, including Israel’s demand for lasting control over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-ceasefire-talks-corridors-03deb20a6c549273fb4b8ce3475fff17">two strategic corridors in Gaza</a>, which Hamas has rejected.Hamas-led militants burst through Israel's defenses on Oct. 7 and rampaged across the south, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking around 250 people hostage. Over 100 hostages were released in exchange for Palestinians imprisoned in Israel during a weeklong cease-fire last year.Israel's retaliatory offensive&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-war-hamas-dead-graves-40000-988d16b648e06e222f04964dc9440da0">has killed over 40,000 Palestinians</a>, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which does not say how many were militants. Air and ground operations have caused widespread destruction and forced the vast majority of Gaza's 2.3 million residents to flee their homes, often multiple times. Aid groups&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-polio-outbreak-vaccination-8cc05570b5b1af6c6adcedf8a6b36880">fear the outbreak of diseases like polio</a>.An Israeli airstrike in central Gaza early Tuesday killed five children and their mother, according to the nearby Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, where an Associated Press reporter counted the bodies. The hospital said the father, Alaa Abu Zeid, a schoolteacher, has been in Israeli detention for the last nine months.The mediators have been trying to finalize a proposal for a three-phase process in which Hamas would release all the hostages in return for the release of more Palestinian prisoners, an Israeli withdrawal from the territory and a lasting truce.Blinken traveled to Egypt on Tuesday and was also expected to hold talks in Qatar.

Israel recovers bodies of 6 hostages from Gaza

DOUGLAS COUNTY— One firefighter was injured and residents evacuated following a fire in Lawrence.

Just after noon Monday, crews&nbsp;responded to a fire at Brandon Woods senior living residence, 1501 Inverness Drive in Lawrence, according to a media release from Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical.

Multiple reports of heavy smoke and fire with flames were reported by residents and bystanders.

First responders arrived to find occupants being evacuated by facility staff and Lawrence Kansas Police Department.&nbsp;There was a large amount of dense smoke coming from the structure.

Fire was found in the attic and crews performed venting efforts upon arrival. Additional resources such as department chief officers, the mobile integrated health (MIH) team, and the logistics technician responded to the incident to assist with moving residents to designated safety spaces.

The fire was declared under control at 2:20 p.m. LDCFM crews will continue to perform fire watch on the building overnight.

LDCFM coordinated with the Lawrence Transit Department and LKPD to transport approximately 85 residents to Bella Sera Condominiums. The residents were connected to resources with the Red Cross and Douglas County Emergency Management to identify alternative housing options.

One LKPD officer was transported for smoke inhalation. No other injuries have been reported. 

Resources through mutual aid were provided from Douglas County Consolidated Fire District No. 1, Olathe Fire Department, Overland Park Fire Department, and Johnson County MED-ACT. These resources assisted with additional coverage for the City of Lawrence and Douglas County during this incident.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724105670101.png" alt="Photos Lawrence-Douglas County Fire and Medical" />
 <figcaption>Photos Lawrence-Douglas County Fire and Medical</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY— One firefighter was injured and residents evacuated following a fire in Lawrence.Just after noon Monday, crews&nbsp;responded to a fire at Brandon Woods senior living residence, 1501 Inverness Drive in Lawrence, according to a media release from Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical.Multiple reports of heavy smoke and fire with flames were reported by residents and bystanders.First responders arrived to find occupants being evacuated by facility staff and Lawrence Kansas Police Department.&nbsp;There was a large amount of dense smoke coming from the structure.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724105638159.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Fire was found in the attic and crews performed venting efforts upon arrival. Additional resources such as department chief officers, the mobile integrated health (MIH) team, and the logistics technician responded to the incident to assist with moving residents to designated safety spaces.The fire was declared under control at 2:20 p.m. LDCFM crews will continue to perform fire watch on the building overnight.LDCFM coordinated with the Lawrence Transit Department and LKPD to transport approximately 85 residents to Bella Sera Condominiums. The residents were connected to resources with the Red Cross and Douglas County Emergency Management to identify alternative housing options.One LKPD officer was transported for smoke inhalation. No other injuries have been reported. Resources through mutual aid were provided from Douglas County Consolidated Fire District No. 1, Olathe Fire Department, Overland Park Fire Department, and Johnson County MED-ACT. These resources assisted with additional coverage for the City of Lawrence and Douglas County during this incident.

Residents evacuated, officer injured after fire at Kan. senior living center

ELLSWORTH COUNTY —Kansas Highway Patrol reports more drivers traveling well above the posted speed limit, despite a statewide campaign to crack down on excessive speeding.

On Monday, KHP Lt. Brown in Ellsworth County stopped a vehicle on I-70 westbound going 106 mph in a 75 mph zone, according to a social media report.

In addition to speeding, the driver was not traveling in the right lane like they should. Speeding and not following lane rules puts everyone in danger.&nbsp; The ticket was for $393.00.

Please, drive safe, follow the limits, and keep right unless you’re passing. Report aggressive drivers on the highways to *47.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724114776914.png" alt="Photo KHP" />
 <figcaption>Photo KHP</figcaption>
 </figure>ELLSWORTH COUNTY —Kansas Highway Patrol reports more drivers traveling well above the posted speed limit, despite a statewide campaign to crack down on excessive speeding.On Monday, KHP Lt. Brown in Ellsworth County stopped a vehicle on I-70 westbound going 106 mph in a 75 mph zone, according to a social media report.In addition to speeding, the driver was not traveling in the right lane like they should. Speeding and not following lane rules puts everyone in danger.&nbsp; The ticket was for $393.00.Please, drive safe, follow the limits, and keep right unless you’re passing. Report aggressive drivers on the highways to *47.

KHP: Driver ticketed for traveling 106mph on I-70

CHICAGO (AP) — President Joe Biden delivered his valedictory address to the Democratic National Convention on Monday night, saying, “I gave my best to you” and basking in a long ovation that reflected the energy released by his decision to cede the stage to Vice President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kamala-harris">Kamala Harris</a>.

Biden, 81, received a hero’s welcome weeks after many in his party were pressuring him to drop his bid for reelection. One month after an unprecedented&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-drops-out-2024-election-ddffde72838370032bdcff946cfc2ce6">mid-campaign switch</a>, the opening night of the convention in Chicago was designed to give a graceful exit to the incumbent president and slingshot Harris toward a faceoff with Republican Donald Trump, whose comeback bid for the White House is viewed by Democrats as an existential threat.

On Monday, Biden insisted he did not harbor any ill will about the impending end of his tenure — despite reports to the contrary — and called on the party to unite around Harris.

“I made a lot of mistakes in my career, but I gave my best to you,” Biden said.

Speaking clearly and energetically, Biden relished the chance to defend his record, advocate for his vice president and go on the attack against Trump. His delivery was more reminiscent of the Biden who won in 2020 than the mumbling and sometimes incoherent one-time candidate whose debate performance sparked the downfall of his reelection campaign.

Visibly emotional when he took the stage, Biden was greeted by a more than four-minute-long ovation and chants of “Thank you Joe.”

He called his selection of Harris as his running mate four years ago “the very first decision I made when I became our nominee, and it was the best decision I made my whole career.”

“She’s tough, she’s experienced and she has enormous integrity, enormous integrity,” he said. “Her story represents the best American story."

“And like many of our best presidents,” he added in a nod to his own career, “she was also vice president.”

Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff came out after his address to embrace him and his family.

“Joe, thank you for your historic leadership, for your lifetime of service to our nation, and for all you’ll continue to do,” she said earlier in the evening. “We are forever grateful to you.”

The president touted his proudest accomplishments

Biden's speech, billed as the marquee event of the evening, was pushed into late night as the convention program lagged more than an hour behind schedule. The delay led convention organizers to cancel a performance from legendary musician James Taylor.

He celebrated the successes from his administration, including a massive boost in infrastructure spending and a cap on the price of insulin. The spending resulted in more money going to Republican-leaning states than Democratic states, he said, because “the job of the president is to deliver for all of America.”

The president recalled the 2017 “unite the right” rally, when torch-carrying white supremacists marched in Charlottesville, Virginia, an episode he cites as cementing his decision to run for president in 2020 despite his ongoing grief over the death of his son Beau Biden.

First lady Jill Biden alluded to her husband's wrenching decision to leave the race in her remarks minutes before Biden took the stage. She said she fell in love with him all over again "just weeks ago, when I saw him dig deep into his soul and decide to no longer seek reelection and endorse Kamala Harris.”

Monday's speakers tried to boost both Biden and Harris

A long list of high-profile speakers tried to connect both Biden and Harris to what the party sees as the governing pair's most popular accomplishments.

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who was greeted with prolonged applause, saluted Harris while noting her potential to break the “highest, hardest glass ceiling” to become America’s first female president. Clinton was the Democratic nominee in 2016, but she lost that election to Trump.

“Together, we’ve put a lot of cracks in the highest, hardest glass ceiling,” Clinton said, invoking a metaphor she referenced in her concession speech eight years ago. “On the other side of that glass ceiling is Kamala Harris taking the oath of office as our 47th president of the United States. When a barrier falls for one of us, it clears the way for all of us.”

Clinton also saluted Biden for stepping aside, saying, “Now we are writing a new chapter in America’s story.”

Highlighting the party’s generational reach, Clinton, 76, followed New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, 34, who endorsed Harris while delivering the first mention of the war in Gaza from the convention stage, addressing an issue that has split the party’s base ever since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack and Israel’s resulting offensive.

Biden tells antiwar protesters they ‘have a point’

Outside the arena,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/democratic-national-convention-chicago-protests-5741113478d2ca454d6d6d7a6e7bd50f">thousands of protesters</a>&nbsp;descended on Chicago to decry the Biden-Harris administration’s support for the Israeli war effort.

Israel’s counterattack in Gaza after more than 1,200 were killed and about 250 taken hostage on Oct. 7 has killed more than 40,000 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Pro-Palestinian activists&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/democratic-national-convention-gaza-arab-americans-18c9a6c1d1579f2f8af763361fcd0e97">held a panel</a>&nbsp;earlier Monday in which they discussed the plight of Gaza, in what organizers called a first for the DNC.

A couple of protesters from the Abandon Biden movement unfurled a protest sign late Monday that read, “STOP ARMING ISRAEL” a few minutes after Biden began his speech.

The sign was quickly wrestled away from the protesters and the lights in that section of the convention were turned off. Others in the hall responded to the protest by chanting “We love Joe” and holding up their banners in support of the president.

Biden acknowledged the protests as he spoke, saying, “Those protesters out in the street have a point. A lot of innocent people are being killed on both sides." He reiterated his push to get Israel and Hamas to agree to a cease-fire deal that would also see the release of hostages taken by Hamas on Oct. 7.

Democrats presented a giant version of ‘Project 2025’

Meanwhile, Democrats also looked to keep the focus on Trump, whose criminal convictions they mocked and who they asserted was only fighting for himself, rather than “for the people” — the night's official theme.

Michigan State Sen. Mallory McMorrow hoisted an oversized copy of “Project 2025” — a blueprint for a second Trump term that was put together by the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank — onto the lectern and quoted from portions of it.

Democrats kept&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/roe-biden-abortion-reproductive-rights-election-3d184285cc6edbe733311b26445db2a0">abortion access front and center</a>&nbsp;for voters, betting that the issue will propel them to success as it has in other key races since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade two years ago. Speakers Monday included women whose healthcare suffered as a result of that decision, and one woman who was raped and became pregnant by her stepfather attacked Trump for trying to roll back access to abortion. The convention program included a video of Trump praising his own role in getting Roe struck down.

The convention program also honored the civil rights movement, with an appearance from the Rev. Jesse Jackson, the founder of the Chicago-based Rainbow PUSH Coalition, who is ailing with Parkinson’s disease. There were several references to Fannie Lou Hamer, the late civil rights activist who gave a landmark speech at a Democratic convention in 1964.

Hamer was a former sharecropper and a leader of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party, a racially integrated group that challenged the seating of an all-white Mississippi delegation at the 1964 Democratic National Convention. Hamer spoke on Aug. 22, 1964 — exactly 60 years before Harris is set to accept the Democratic nomination and become the first Black woman and first person of South Asian descent to be the presidential nominee of a major party.

CHICAGO (AP) — President Joe Biden delivered his valedictory address to the Democratic National Convention on Monday night, saying, “I gave my best to you” and basking in a long ovation that reflected the energy released by his decision to cede the stage to Vice President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kamala-harris">Kamala Harris</a>.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Biden: &quot;I made a lot of my mistake in my career, but I gave my best to you. For 50 years...I give my heart and my soul to our nation...I was too young to be in the Senate...and too old to stay as president. I hope you know how grateful I am to all of you.&quot; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DNC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DNC</a> <a href="https://t.co/xQ9L7bZeE4">pic.twitter.com/xQ9L7bZeE4</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1825751860491276558?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 20, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Biden: &quot;I&#39;ve got five months left in my presidency. I&#39;ve got a lot to do. I intend to get it done. It&#39;s been the honor of my lifetime to serve as your president. I love the job, but I love my country more.&quot; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DNC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DNC</a> <a href="https://t.co/Wox80ZeWJg">pic.twitter.com/Wox80ZeWJg</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1825747406861779245?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 20, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Biden, 81, received a hero’s welcome weeks after many in his party were pressuring him to drop his bid for reelection. One month after an unprecedented&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-drops-out-2024-election-ddffde72838370032bdcff946cfc2ce6">mid-campaign switch</a>, the opening night of the convention in Chicago was designed to give a graceful exit to the incumbent president and slingshot Harris toward a faceoff with Republican Donald Trump, whose comeback bid for the White House is viewed by Democrats as an existential threat.On Monday, Biden insisted he did not harbor any ill will about the impending end of his tenure — despite reports to the contrary — and called on the party to unite around Harris.“I made a lot of mistakes in my career, but I gave my best to you,” Biden said.Speaking clearly and energetically, Biden relished the chance to defend his record, advocate for his vice president and go on the attack against Trump. His delivery was more reminiscent of the Biden who won in 2020 than the mumbling and sometimes incoherent one-time candidate whose debate performance sparked the downfall of his reelection campaign.Visibly emotional when he took the stage, Biden was greeted by a more than four-minute-long ovation and chants of “Thank you Joe.”“America, I love you,” he replied.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">VP Kamala Harris arrives at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DNC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DNC</a>: &quot;I want to kick us off by celebrating our incredible President Joe Biden...Thank you, Joe.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/iuMIz58o2l">pic.twitter.com/iuMIz58o2l</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1825704715608318293?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 20, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>He called his selection of Harris as his running mate four years ago “the very first decision I made when I became our nominee, and it was the best decision I made my whole career.”“She’s tough, she’s experienced and she has enormous integrity, enormous integrity,” he said. “Her story represents the best American story."“And like many of our best presidents,” he added in a nod to his own career, “she was also vice president.”Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff came out after his address to embrace him and his family.“Joe, thank you for your historic leadership, for your lifetime of service to our nation, and for all you’ll continue to do,” she said earlier in the evening. “We are forever grateful to you.”<h2>The president touted his proudest accomplishments</h2>Biden's speech, billed as the marquee event of the evening, was pushed into late night as the convention program lagged more than an hour behind schedule. The delay led convention organizers to cancel a performance from legendary musician James Taylor.He celebrated the successes from his administration, including a massive boost in infrastructure spending and a cap on the price of insulin. The spending resulted in more money going to Republican-leaning states than Democratic states, he said, because “the job of the president is to deliver for all of America.”The president recalled the 2017 “unite the right” rally, when torch-carrying white supremacists marched in Charlottesville, Virginia, an episode he cites as cementing his decision to run for president in 2020 despite his ongoing grief over the death of his son Beau Biden.First lady Jill Biden alluded to her husband's wrenching decision to leave the race in her remarks minutes before Biden took the stage. She said she fell in love with him all over again "just weeks ago, when I saw him dig deep into his soul and decide to no longer seek reelection and endorse Kamala Harris.”<h2>Monday's speakers tried to boost both Biden and Harris</h2>A long list of high-profile speakers tried to connect both Biden and Harris to what the party sees as the governing pair's most popular accomplishments.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/HillaryClinton?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HillaryClinton</a>: &quot;We refused to give up on America. Millions marched. Many ran for office. We kept our eyes on the future. Well, my friends, the future is here! I wish my mother and Kamala&#39;s mother could see us. They would say, &#39;Keep going!&#39;&quot; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DNC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DNC</a> <a href="https://t.co/jHLg9jbkka">pic.twitter.com/jHLg9jbkka</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1825718096159457311?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 20, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who was greeted with prolonged applause, saluted Harris while noting her potential to break the “highest, hardest glass ceiling” to become America’s first female president. Clinton was the Democratic nominee in 2016, but she lost that election to Trump.“Together, we’ve put a lot of cracks in the highest, hardest glass ceiling,” Clinton said, invoking a metaphor she referenced in her concession speech eight years ago. “On the other side of that glass ceiling is Kamala Harris taking the oath of office as our 47th president of the United States. When a barrier falls for one of us, it clears the way for all of us.”Clinton also saluted Biden for stepping aside, saying, “Now we are writing a new chapter in America’s story.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">WATCH: Rep. <a href="https://twitter.com/AOC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AOC</a> complete remarks at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DNC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DNC</a>. <a href="https://t.co/Pw03dcjdvz">pic.twitter.com/Pw03dcjdvz</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1825720902987952313?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 20, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Highlighting the party’s generational reach, Clinton, 76, followed New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, 34, who endorsed Harris while delivering the first mention of the war in Gaza from the convention stage, addressing an issue that has split the party’s base ever since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack and Israel’s resulting offensive.<h2>Biden tells antiwar protesters they ‘have a point’</h2>Outside the arena,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/democratic-national-convention-chicago-protests-5741113478d2ca454d6d6d7a6e7bd50f">thousands of protesters</a>&nbsp;descended on Chicago to decry the Biden-Harris administration’s support for the Israeli war effort.Israel’s counterattack in Gaza after more than 1,200 were killed and about 250 taken hostage on Oct. 7 has killed more than 40,000 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Pro-Palestinian activists&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/democratic-national-convention-gaza-arab-americans-18c9a6c1d1579f2f8af763361fcd0e97">held a panel</a>&nbsp;earlier Monday in which they discussed the plight of Gaza, in what organizers called a first for the DNC.A couple of protesters from the Abandon Biden movement unfurled a protest sign late Monday that read, “STOP ARMING ISRAEL” a few minutes after Biden began his speech.The sign was quickly wrestled away from the protesters and the lights in that section of the convention were turned off. Others in the hall responded to the protest by chanting “We love Joe” and holding up their banners in support of the president.Biden acknowledged the protests as he spoke, saying, “Those protesters out in the street have a point. A lot of innocent people are being killed on both sides." He reiterated his push to get Israel and Hamas to agree to a cease-fire deal that would also see the release of hostages taken by Hamas on Oct. 7.<h2>Democrats presented a giant version of ‘Project 2025’</h2>Meanwhile, Democrats also looked to keep the focus on Trump, whose criminal convictions they mocked and who they asserted was only fighting for himself, rather than “for the people” — the night's official theme.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Rep. Jasmine Crockett (<a href="https://twitter.com/JasmineForUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JasmineForUS</a>) tells the story about her first interaction with VP Harris: &quot;She then said among other things, &#39;you are exactly where God wants you&#39;...That brief but impactful interaction gave me my legislative legs and I&#39;ve been running ever since.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/vpEzq4KSsX">pic.twitter.com/vpEzq4KSsX</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1825727264589312291?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 20, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Michigan State Sen. Mallory McMorrow hoisted an oversized copy of “Project 2025” — a blueprint for a second Trump term that was put together by the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank — onto the lectern and quoted from portions of it.Democrats kept&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/roe-biden-abortion-reproductive-rights-election-3d184285cc6edbe733311b26445db2a0">abortion access front and center</a>&nbsp;for voters, betting that the issue will propel them to success as it has in other key races since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade two years ago. Speakers Monday included women whose healthcare suffered as a result of that decision, and one woman who was raped and became pregnant by her stepfather attacked Trump for trying to roll back access to abortion. The convention program included a video of Trump praising his own role in getting Roe struck down.The convention program also honored the civil rights movement, with an appearance from the Rev. Jesse Jackson, the founder of the Chicago-based Rainbow PUSH Coalition, who is ailing with Parkinson’s disease. There were several references to Fannie Lou Hamer, the late civil rights activist who gave a landmark speech at a Democratic convention in 1964.Hamer was a former sharecropper and a leader of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party, a racially integrated group that challenged the seating of an all-white Mississippi delegation at the 1964 Democratic National Convention. Hamer spoke on Aug. 22, 1964 — exactly 60 years before Harris is set to accept the Democratic nomination and become the first Black woman and first person of South Asian descent to be the presidential nominee of a major party.___

🎥 Highlights from opening night at the Democratic National Convention

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating a deadly crash involving a stolen vehicle that occurred just after 5p.m. August 13 in Kansas City have identified the victims.

A Kia Soul driven by&nbsp;16-year-old Donelle Morris of Kansas City was eastbound on 35th Street at a high rate of speed, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina. The Kia came upon an eastbound Chevy Tahoe. As the Chevy Tahoe approached Norton Street, the driver slowed to make the left turn to go North on Norton, according to Becchina.

The driver of the Kia had pulled over into the westbound lanes to pass the Chevy Tahoe just as the Chevy Tahoe was starting his turn. The vehicles collided in the westbound lanes of travel. The Chevy Tahoe was spun around and south on Norton.

The driver was transported to an area hospital, with non-life-threatening injuries. The Kia Soul crashed into a large wooden utility pole and then flipped onto the roof.

The Kia Soul had eight occupants in the vehicle. Morris was pronounced dead at the scene. The front seat passenger identified as 37-year-old Reginald K Smith of Kansas City, Missouri, was pronounced dead at the scene. 

EMS transported the second left front passenger&nbsp;identified as 32-year-old Myesha S. Gentry of Kansas City, Missouri,&nbsp;to an area hospital, where she was pronounced dead shortly after arriving, according to Becchina.

A 20-year-old man was sitting in the second right passenger seat, with a 4-year-old child sitting on his lap. In the middle second row seat was a 6-year-old child. In the rear cargo area were a 12-year-old and 13-year-old, not in any type of seat.&nbsp; All were transported to area hospitals with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

Prior to the crash, an officer had stopped the Kia at 31st and Cleveland, for a traffic violation.

The Kia driver pulled over, but after the officer exited his vehicle, the Kia driver took off at a high rate of speed. The officer did not follow. The Kia responded back as a stolen auto, taken August 2nd.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This were the 57th, 58th and 59th traffic fatalities in Kansas City, Missouri in 2024 total compared to 56 at this time last year, according to Becchina.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723594321991.png" alt="Photo courtesy KMBC" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KMBC</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating a deadly crash involving a stolen vehicle that occurred just after 5p.m. August 13 in Kansas City have identified the victims.A Kia Soul driven by&nbsp;16-year-old Donelle Morris of Kansas City was eastbound on 35th Street at a high rate of speed, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina. The Kia came upon an eastbound Chevy Tahoe. As the Chevy Tahoe approached Norton Street, the driver slowed to make the left turn to go North on Norton, according to Becchina.The driver of the Kia had pulled over into the westbound lanes to pass the Chevy Tahoe just as the Chevy Tahoe was starting his turn. The vehicles collided in the westbound lanes of travel. The Chevy Tahoe was spun around and south on Norton.The driver was transported to an area hospital, with non-life-threatening injuries. The Kia Soul crashed into a large wooden utility pole and then flipped onto the roof.The Kia Soul had eight occupants in the vehicle. Morris was pronounced dead at the scene. The front seat passenger identified as 37-year-old Reginald K Smith of Kansas City, Missouri, was pronounced dead at the scene. EMS transported the second left front passenger&nbsp;identified as 32-year-old Myesha S. Gentry of Kansas City, Missouri,&nbsp;to an area hospital, where she was pronounced dead shortly after arriving, according to Becchina.A 20-year-old man was sitting in the second right passenger seat, with a 4-year-old child sitting on his lap. In the middle second row seat was a 6-year-old child. In the rear cargo area were a 12-year-old and 13-year-old, not in any type of seat.&nbsp; All were transported to area hospitals with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.Prior to the crash, an officer had stopped the Kia at 31st and Cleveland, for a traffic violation.The Kia driver pulled over, but after the officer exited his vehicle, the Kia driver took off at a high rate of speed. The officer did not follow. The Kia responded back as a stolen auto, taken August 2nd.&nbsp;&nbsp;This were the 57th, 58th and 59th traffic fatalities in Kansas City, Missouri in 2024 total compared to 56 at this time last year, according to Becchina.

KCPD IDs 3 victims after crash in stolen car that injured 4 children

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The Brass Rail has been transformed from a historic downtown Hays bar to a vibrant salon with a wide range of services.

The salon, 114 E. 11th St., is the former location of the Brass Rail bar, a significant part of Hays' history for more than 70 years.

Transformed into a salon by owner Courtney Clayton, she looks to honor its history while pursuing her dream of creating an environment for people with her interests.

"That's the motivation behind this. I wanted to create a space for people like me."

Clayton teaches at Hays Academy of Hair Design and said her new establishment is perfect for customers who enjoy a "funky, West Coast and trendy hip-hop vibe."

With a team that includes herself, two full-time nail technicians, a cosmetologist and more joining in September, the salon offers pedicures, manicures, nail repairs, haircuts and spa treatments.

"What I specialize in is eyelash extensions, body waxing, things that make you feel more body positive," Clayton said.

The salon's basement features three separate treatment rooms for lashes, facials, and hair removal in a more private environment.

Clayton said its welcoming environment and inviting atmosphere set her salon apart from others in Hays.

After purchasing the former bar, the Hays Historical Society acquired most of the older decorations, including tables, booths, chairs and wall art.

Recognizing its history and strong connection to the people of Hays, Clayton kept the Brass Rail's name, sign and selected interior decorations to honor its legacy.

"I tried to keep as much as I could that still fits into what I'm trying to create," she said. "I think of it as creating something new and vibrant out of something still here."

The Brass Rail bar first opened in downtown Hays in 1950 and was put up for sale in 2017. It continued operating until its lights flickered off for the last time in October.

The Brass Rail Salon celebrated its grand opening on Aug. 3.

Clayton was born in California and has lived in Kansas for about six years. She balances her responsibilities at Hays Academy, raising her 6-year-old daughter and managing the salon.

"We're just getting our feet in the water with the salon," she said. "I love teaching, and I don't see that going anywhere. This is something I'm very passionate about."

Clayton hopes to expand and grow the salon with innovative and exciting beauty techniques in the future.

The hair salon is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays.

You can follow The Brass Rail Salon on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561175425605">Facebook</a>.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jbgvCbZVzkA?si=n_W_NG1VO2pkzfYm" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostThe Brass Rail has been transformed from a historic downtown Hays bar to a vibrant salon with a wide range of services.The salon, 114 E. 11th St., is the former location of the Brass Rail bar, a significant part of Hays' history for more than 70 years.Transformed into a salon by owner Courtney Clayton, she looks to honor its history while pursuing her dream of creating an environment for people with her interests."That's the motivation behind this. I wanted to create a space for people like me."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723573515412.jpeg" alt="Wall decorations at The Brass Rail Salon in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Wall decorations at The Brass Rail Salon in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723573583761.jpeg" alt="Main salon area with nail stations at Brass Rail Salon. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Main salon area with nail stations at Brass Rail Salon. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723573644183.jpeg" alt="Main salon area with multiple hair styling stations&nbsp;at Brass Rail Salon. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Main salon area with multiple hair styling stations&nbsp;at Brass Rail Salon. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723573939140.jpeg" alt="Two salon chairs with hair washing machines&nbsp;at Brass Rail Salon. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Two salon chairs with hair washing machines&nbsp;at Brass Rail Salon. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Clayton teaches at Hays Academy of Hair Design and said her new establishment is perfect for customers who enjoy a "funky, West Coast and trendy hip-hop vibe."With a team that includes herself, two full-time nail technicians, a cosmetologist and more joining in September, the salon offers pedicures, manicures, nail repairs, haircuts and spa treatments."What I specialize in is eyelash extensions, body waxing, things that make you feel more body positive," Clayton said.The salon's basement features three separate treatment rooms for lashes, facials, and hair removal in a more private environment.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723573740331.jpeg" alt="A private treatment room&nbsp;at Brass Rail Salon. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A private treatment room&nbsp;at Brass Rail Salon. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723573819553.jpeg" alt="A private room with multiple chairs at Brass Rail Salon. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A private room with multiple chairs at Brass Rail Salon. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723573772535.jpeg" alt="A private treatment room with a laydown table at Brass Rail Salon. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A private treatment room with a laydown table at Brass Rail Salon. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Clayton said its welcoming environment and inviting atmosphere set her salon apart from others in Hays.After purchasing the former bar, the Hays Historical Society acquired most of the older decorations, including tables, booths, chairs and wall art.Recognizing its history and strong connection to the people of Hays, Clayton kept the Brass Rail's name, sign and selected interior decorations to honor its legacy."I tried to keep as much as I could that still fits into what I'm trying to create," she said. "I think of it as creating something new and vibrant out of something still here."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698166384468.jpeg" alt="Customers packed the Brass Rail in Hays on the last night for the bar, a staple in Hays since 1950. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Customers packed the Brass Rail in Hays on the last night for the bar, a staple in Hays since 1950. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The Brass Rail bar first opened in downtown Hays in 1950 and was put up for sale in 2017. It continued operating until its lights flickered off for the last time in October.The Brass Rail Salon celebrated its grand opening on Aug. 3.Clayton was born in California and has lived in Kansas for about six years. She balances her responsibilities at Hays Academy, raising her 6-year-old daughter and managing the salon."We're just getting our feet in the water with the salon," she said. "I love teaching, and I don't see that going anywhere. This is something I'm very passionate about."Clayton hopes to expand and grow the salon with innovative and exciting beauty techniques in the future.The hair salon is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays.You can follow The Brass Rail Salon on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561175425605">Facebook</a>.

Brass Rail Salon opens in historic downtown Hays building

JOHNSON COUNTY —A former Kansas middle school teacher has reached a plea agreement for child sex crimes.

On August 14, Keil Hileman, 55, pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted unlawful sexual relations, according to the Johnson County District Attorney's office.

As part of the plea agreement, the State of Kansas will dismiss&nbsp; four additional sex crime charges against him, according to court documents.

In October of 2022, the Johnson County District Attorney’s office charged Hileman, at the time a Monticello Trails Middle School, USD 232 DeSoto teacher, alleging criminal conduct involving his role as an educator," the district said in the letter to families.

In 2004, Hileman was named Kansas Teacher of the Year and was a finalists for the National Teacher of the Year. He is scheduled for sentencing in November, according to the district attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723922874998.png" alt="Hileman-photo Johnson Co." />
 <figcaption>Hileman-photo Johnson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —A former Kansas middle school teacher has reached a plea agreement for child sex crimes.On August 14, Keil Hileman, 55, pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted unlawful sexual relations, according to the Johnson County District Attorney's office.As part of the plea agreement, the State of Kansas will dismiss&nbsp; four additional sex crime charges against him, according to court documents.In October of 2022, the Johnson County District Attorney’s office charged Hileman, at the time a Monticello Trails Middle School, USD 232 DeSoto teacher, alleging criminal conduct involving his role as an educator," the district said in the letter to families.In 2004, Hileman was named Kansas Teacher of the Year and was a finalists for the National Teacher of the Year. He is scheduled for sentencing in November, according to the district attorney's office.

Plea deal: Kan. middle school teacher accused of child sex crimes

SHERIDAN COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 10:30a.m. Monday in Sheridan County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Mazda passenger vehicle driven by Jacob E. Taggart, 30,&nbsp;Indianapolis, Indiana, was northbound on Kansas 23 twelve miles north of Interstate 70.

The Mazada traveled left of center and collided with a southbound 2012 Freightliner semi driven by Abel&nbsp;Sotelo, 58, Garden City, at the crest of a hill. After impact the Mazda came to rest in the east ditch.

Taggart was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Micky Lepold Funeral Home.&nbsp; Sotelo was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kansas 23 Highway between Hoxie and Interstate 70 was temporarily closed due to the crash.

SHERIDAN COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 10:30a.m. Monday in Sheridan County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Mazda passenger vehicle driven by Jacob E. Taggart, 30,&nbsp;Indianapolis, Indiana, was northbound on Kansas 23 twelve miles north of Interstate 70.The Mazada traveled left of center and collided with a southbound 2012 Freightliner semi driven by Abel&nbsp;Sotelo, 58, Garden City, at the crest of a hill. After impact the Mazda came to rest in the east ditch.Taggart was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Micky Lepold Funeral Home.&nbsp; Sotelo was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kansas 23 Highway between Hoxie and Interstate 70 was temporarily closed due to the crash.

Man dies after crash with a semi on Kansas highway

KANSAS CITY – An Akron, Ohio, man was sentenced in federal court last week for transporting more than 27 kilograms of methamphetamine through Kansas City, Mo., aboard a bus, according to the United State's Atorney.

Rogeric Romone Clark, 40, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to 12 years in federal prison without parole.

On April 11, 2024, Clark pleaded guilty to one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.

Members of the Missouri Western Interdiction and Narcotics Task Force (MoWIN) were conducting interdiction activities at a Kansas City, Mo., bus station on, Dec. 5, 2023. As passengers disembarked from a bus that originated in Los Angeles, California, officers used a police drug-sniffing dog, which alerted to a suitcase later identified as belonging to Clark. Investigators later identified another suitcase that belonged to Clark.

A detective contacted Clark, who confirmed a suitcase belonged to him and gave officers consent to open it. As the detective opened the suitcase, Clark fled on foot through the rear parking area. Clark fell during the chase and was taken into custody.

Officers searched both of the suitcases and found 30 one-pound bundles in each suitcase that contained a total of 27.2 kilograms of methamphetamine.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724015491937.png" alt="Photo U.S. Department of Justice" />
 <figcaption>Photo U.S. Department of Justice</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY – An Akron, Ohio, man was sentenced in federal court last week for transporting more than 27 kilograms of methamphetamine through Kansas City, Mo., aboard a bus, according to the United State's Atorney.Rogeric Romone Clark, 40, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to 12 years in federal prison without parole.On April 11, 2024, Clark pleaded guilty to one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.Members of the Missouri Western Interdiction and Narcotics Task Force (MoWIN) were conducting interdiction activities at a Kansas City, Mo., bus station on, Dec. 5, 2023. As passengers disembarked from a bus that originated in Los Angeles, California, officers used a police drug-sniffing dog, which alerted to a suitcase later identified as belonging to Clark. Investigators later identified another suitcase that belonged to Clark.A detective contacted Clark, who confirmed a suitcase belonged to him and gave officers consent to open it. As the detective opened the suitcase, Clark fled on foot through the rear parking area. Clark fell during the chase and was taken into custody.Officers searched both of the suitcases and found 30 one-pound bundles in each suitcase that contained a total of 27.2 kilograms of methamphetamine.

Man caught with 27 kilos of meth in suitcases at KC bus station

KANSAS&nbsp; CITY– The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) is advising recent resort guests of a potential health concern for individuals that may have been in contact with a water source within the Roaring River Lodge and RV Park in Cassville, Mo. The hotel is located at 23359 State Highway 112 in Cassville, according to a media release.

DHSS has determined that three unassociated individuals who stayed at the Cassville resort in July of this year were diagnosed with Legionnaires' disease within 14 days after their stay. People can get Legionnaires' disease, a serious type of pneumonia, by breathing in small water droplets containing Legionella bacteria. In general, people do not spread Legionnaires' disease to other people.

DHSS conducted a facility assessment and collected samples. Preliminary environmental sample results indicate the presence of Legionella bacteria in the water system, with confirmed results being available later this week. The investigation is still ongoing and DHSS is actively working with the Roaring River Lodge to make improvements to the facility’s water system that will kill off Legionella in the system.&nbsp;

The resort has indicated they will begin notifying all recent guests who stayed in the hotel portion of the facility.&nbsp;

Most healthy people exposed to Legionella do not get sick. However, an individual’s risk may increase if they are 50 years or older, smoke cigarettes, or have certain medical conditions, such as a weakened immune system.

Symptoms usually begin 2 to 10 days after being exposed to the bacteria, but it can take longer so people should watch for symptoms for about 2 weeks after exposure. If you develop symptoms of pneumonia within two weeks of staying, working at or visiting the Roaring River Lodge and RV Park in Cassville, seek medical attention right away. Pneumonia symptoms typically include cough, shortness of breath, fever, muscle aches and headaches. Additional symptoms may be present, such as confusion, nausea or diarrhea. Ask your doctor to test you with both a urine test and a respiratory culture. If you test positive, ask your doctor to report your illness to your local or state health department as soon as possible after your diagnosis.

DHSS will continue to work with facility and take proactive measures to minimize future risks and develop a water management plan to ensure protection of the health of guests and employees. Additional information on Legionella is available from the CDC website.

KANSAS&nbsp; CITY– The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) is advising recent resort guests of a potential health concern for individuals that may have been in contact with a water source within the Roaring River Lodge and RV Park in Cassville, Mo. The hotel is located at 23359 State Highway 112 in Cassville, according to a media release.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724101035366.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DHSS has determined that three unassociated individuals who stayed at the Cassville resort in July of this year were diagnosed with Legionnaires' disease within 14 days after their stay. People can get Legionnaires' disease, a serious type of pneumonia, by breathing in small water droplets containing Legionella bacteria. In general, people do not spread Legionnaires' disease to other people.DHSS conducted a facility assessment and collected samples. Preliminary environmental sample results indicate the presence of Legionella bacteria in the water system, with confirmed results being available later this week. The investigation is still ongoing and DHSS is actively working with the Roaring River Lodge to make improvements to the facility’s water system that will kill off Legionella in the system.&nbsp;The resort has indicated they will begin notifying all recent guests who stayed in the hotel portion of the facility.&nbsp;Most healthy people exposed to Legionella do not get sick. However, an individual’s risk may increase if they are 50 years or older, smoke cigarettes, or have certain medical conditions, such as a weakened immune system.Symptoms usually begin 2 to 10 days after being exposed to the bacteria, but it can take longer so people should watch for symptoms for about 2 weeks after exposure. If you develop symptoms of pneumonia within two weeks of staying, working at or visiting the Roaring River Lodge and RV Park in Cassville, seek medical attention right away. Pneumonia symptoms typically include cough, shortness of breath, fever, muscle aches and headaches. Additional symptoms may be present, such as confusion, nausea or diarrhea. Ask your doctor to test you with both a urine test and a respiratory culture. If you test positive, ask your doctor to report your illness to your local or state health department as soon as possible after your diagnosis.DHSS will continue to work with facility and take proactive measures to minimize future risks and develop a water management plan to ensure protection of the health of guests and employees. Additional information on Legionella is available from the CDC website.

Attention travelers: 3 cases of Legionnaires' disease in Missouri

SHAWNEE COUNTY —One person was injured in a fire at a business in Topeka.

Just after 1 p.m. Monday, crews responded to a reported fire in a furnace used in the manufacturing process at Mainline Printing. 3500 SW Topeka Boulevard in Topeka, according to spokesperson Rosie Nichols. 

As they arrived, firefighters found smoke coming from the building. They quickly located and extinguished the fire.&nbsp; All occupants were able to evacuate.

One person was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.&nbsp;&nbsp;

It was determined the fire did not originate in the furnace, but in an exhaust fan in the roof. The total estimated loss associated with the incident is approximately $252,500, with $2,500 associated with structural loss and approximately $250,000 associated with content loss.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724100619867.png" alt="Photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —One person was injured in a fire at a business in Topeka.Just after 1 p.m. Monday, crews responded to a reported fire in a furnace used in the manufacturing process at Mainline Printing. 3500 SW Topeka Boulevard in Topeka, according to spokesperson Rosie Nichols. As they arrived, firefighters found smoke coming from the building. They quickly located and extinguished the fire.&nbsp; All occupants were able to evacuate.One person was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.&nbsp;&nbsp;It was determined the fire did not originate in the furnace, but in an exhaust fan in the roof. The total estimated loss associated with the incident is approximately $252,500, with $2,500 associated with structural loss and approximately $250,000 associated with content loss.

One hospitalized after $250,000 fire at Kan. printing business

SHAWNEE COUNTY –Law enforcement authorities investigating a jewelry store theft asked the public for help to identify a suspect.

Just before 2 p.m. Monday, the suspect involved in this incident, identified as Javier Hernandez, 31, of Topeka, turned himself in to the Shawnee County Law Enforcement Center. 

He was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on a requested charge of Theft; Shoplifting.

Just after 4:30 p.m., August 9,&nbsp; police responded to a reported theft at Kay Jeweler’s at West Ridge Mall, 1801 SW Wanamaker Road in Topeka, according to a media release.&nbsp;

 The alleged suspect, as shown in security camera images, left the area in a light blue Chevrolet Malibu with front end damage. He was last seen wearing a purple t-shirt, faded jeans, white shoes and silver chains around his neck. He has a tattoo on the top of his right wrist and on his upper left arm.&nbsp; On August 14, police asked the public for help to identify him.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723667208542.png" alt="Photos Topeka Police" />
 <figcaption>Photos Topeka Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY –Law enforcement authorities investigating a jewelry store theft asked the public for help to identify a suspect.Just before 2 p.m. Monday, the suspect involved in this incident, identified as Javier Hernandez, 31, of Topeka, turned himself in to the Shawnee County Law Enforcement Center. He was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on a requested charge of Theft; Shoplifting.Just after 4:30 p.m., August 9,&nbsp; police responded to a reported theft at Kay Jeweler’s at West Ridge Mall, 1801 SW Wanamaker Road in Topeka, according to a media release.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723667318611.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure> The alleged suspect, as shown in security camera images, left the area in a light blue Chevrolet Malibu with front end damage. He was last seen wearing a purple t-shirt, faded jeans, white shoes and silver chains around his neck. He has a tattoo on the top of his right wrist and on his upper left arm.&nbsp; On August 14, police asked the public for help to identify him.

Police: Suspect wanted for Kan. jewelry store theft turns himself in

CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. (AP) — George Santos, the former New York congressman who spun lies into a brief political career, pleaded guilty Monday to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, acknowledging that he allowed his ambitions to cloud his judgment.

Santos, 36, is likely to spend at least six years in prison and owes hundreds of thousands of dollars in restitution. His federal fraud case, which led to his expulsion from Congress, was just weeks away from going to trial.

“I betrayed the trust of my constituents and supporters. I deeply regret my conduct,” the New York Republican said, his voice trembling as he entered the plea in a Long Island courtroom.

Santos, 36, said he accepted responsibility for his crimes and intends to make amends. He faces more than six years in prison under federal sentencing guidelines and owes at least $370,000 in restitution.

Senior Federal Judge Joanna Seybert scheduled sentencing for Feb. 7.

Santos was indicted on felony charges that he stole from political donors, used campaign contributions to pay for personal expenses, lied to Congress about his wealth and collected unemployment benefits while actually working.

Santos was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/george-santos-expulsion-vote-ethics-investigation-fd0f1524065883c6b2fe3e6f9afd84db">expelled from the U.S. House</a>&nbsp;after an ethics investigation found “overwhelming evidence” that he had broken the law and exploited his public position for his own profit.

The case&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/george-santos-fraud-case-hearing-e28226562b4bd71327415ba8e4f65b50">has been set to go to trial</a>&nbsp;in early September. If that had happened, federal prosecutors said Monday that they were prepared to call some 40 witnesses, including members of Santos' campaign, employers and family members.

Santos was once touted as a rising political star after he flipped the suburban district that covers the affluent North Shore of Long Island and a slice of the New York City borough of Queens in 2022.

But his life story began unraveling even before he was sworn into office. At the time, reports emerged that he had lied about having a career at top Wall Street firms and a college degree along with other questions swirling about his biography.

New&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-district-of-columbia-congress-george-santos-campaign-finance-f58dc7242796327d81738559885e9078">questions then emerged</a>&nbsp;about his campaign funds.

He was first indicted on federal charges in May 2023, but refused to resign from office.

Santos had previously maintained his innocence, though he said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/george-santos-fraud-trial-plea-new-york-6ecf3896ae1de466bef442dc0409fc15">in an interview</a>&nbsp;in December that a plea deal with prosecutors was “not off the table.”

Asked if he was afraid of going to prison, he told CBS 2 at the time: “I think everybody should be afraid of going to jail, it’s not a pretty place and uh, I definitely want to work very hard to avoid that as best as possible.”

Separately Monday, in Manhattan federal court, Judge Denise Cote tossed out&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/george-santos-jimmy-kimmel-copyright-lawsuit-41e1c2951945e11c069a41f9ea62281d">a lawsuit in which Santos claimed</a>&nbsp;that late-night host&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jimmy-kimmel">Jimmy Kimmel</a>, ABC and Disney committed copyright infringement and unjustly enriched themselves at his expense by using videos he made&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/george-santos-cameo-video-7aa0cf8ed6303a1e18da0b7a108e341c">on the Cameo app</a>&nbsp;for a “Jimmy Kimmel Live” segment. The judge said it was clear that Kimmel used the clips, which were also posted to YouTube, for the purposes of criticism and commentary, which is fair use.

Santos had begun selling personalized videos on Cameo in December shortly after his ouster from Congress. He subsequently launched,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/george-santos-congress-campaign-a4c4cc2ea7cb52a13ec9f8dfc5ede86c">then quickly abandoned</a>, a longshot bid to return to Congress as an independent earlier this year.

In&nbsp;<a href="https://wabcradio.com/show/cindy-adams/">a radio interview</a>&nbsp;that aired Sunday, Santos said he has taken comfort in being a “somewhat private civilian” again.

“I really don’t miss the rubber chicken dinners and the rah-rah-rah parties and fundraisers," he said of his former life.

With his criminal trial looming, he had said in the WABC interview that he was “terrified.”

“This is not absolutely an easy process to go through. It really hurts and it really messes with your psychological health,” he told host Cindy Adams.

As the trial date neared in recent weeks, Santos&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/george-santos-fraud-case-charges-8f869a6afbd97be3bed20db0be523809">had sought</a>&nbsp;to have a partially anonymous jury, with his lawyers arguing in court papers that "the mere risk of public ridicule could influence the individual jurors ability to decide Santos’ case solely on the facts and law as presented in Court.”

He also wanted potential jurors to fill out a written questionnaire gauging their opinions of him. His lawyers argued the survey was needed because “for all intents and purposes, Santos has already been found guilty in the court of public opinion.”

Judge Joanna Seybert agreed to keep jurors’ identities public but said no to the questionnaire.

Prosecutors, meanwhile, had been seeking to admit as evidence some of the financial falsehoods Santos told during his campaign, including that he’d worked at Citigroup and Goldman Sachs and that he had operated a family-run firm with approximately $80 million in assets,

Two Santos campaign aides previously pleaded guilty to crimes related to the former congressman’s campaign.

His ex-treasurer, Nancy Marks,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/george-santos-nancy-marks-4d249e9d5e83fd25ed1a19a9e13d3246">pleaded guilty</a>&nbsp;in October to a fraud conspiracy charge, implicating Santos in an alleged scheme to embellish his campaign finance reports with a fake loan and fake donors. A lawyer for Marks said at the time his client would be willing to testify against Santos if asked.

Sam Miele, a former fundraiser for Santos,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/george-santos-campaign-fundraiser-guilty-plea-c89ec5a84d7965e82946b10c24312275">pleaded guilty a month later</a>&nbsp;to a federal wire fraud charge, admitting he impersonated a high-ranking congressional aide while raising money for Santos’ campaign.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701436899802.png" alt="Image from the day Santos left office -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Image from the day Santos left office -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. (AP) — George Santos, the former New York congressman who spun lies into a brief political career, pleaded guilty Monday to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, acknowledging that he allowed his ambitions to cloud his judgment.Santos, 36, is likely to spend at least six years in prison and owes hundreds of thousands of dollars in restitution. His federal fraud case, which led to his expulsion from Congress, was just weeks away from going to trial.“I betrayed the trust of my constituents and supporters. I deeply regret my conduct,” the New York Republican said, his voice trembling as he entered the plea in a Long Island courtroom.Santos, 36, said he accepted responsibility for his crimes and intends to make amends. He faces more than six years in prison under federal sentencing guidelines and owes at least $370,000 in restitution.Senior Federal Judge Joanna Seybert scheduled sentencing for Feb. 7.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701465529625.png" alt="On Dec. 1,&nbsp; the House voted on to expel Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/george-santos.">George Santos</a>&nbsp;of New York after a critical ethics report on his conduct that accused him of converting campaign donations for his own use. He was just the&nbsp;<a href="https://history.house.gov/Institution/Discipline/Expulsion-Censure-Reprimand/">sixth member</a>&nbsp;in the chamber's history to be ousted by colleagues.&nbsp; The sign on his office was immediately removed." />
 <figcaption>On Dec. 1,&nbsp; the House voted on to expel Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/george-santos.">George Santos</a>&nbsp;of New York after a critical ethics report on his conduct that accused him of converting campaign donations for his own use. He was just the&nbsp;<a href="https://history.house.gov/Institution/Discipline/Expulsion-Censure-Reprimand/">sixth member</a>&nbsp;in the chamber's history to be ousted by colleagues.&nbsp; The sign on his office was immediately removed.</figcaption>
 </figure>Santos was indicted on felony charges that he stole from political donors, used campaign contributions to pay for personal expenses, lied to Congress about his wealth and collected unemployment benefits while actually working.Santos was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/george-santos-expulsion-vote-ethics-investigation-fd0f1524065883c6b2fe3e6f9afd84db">expelled from the U.S. House</a>&nbsp;after an ethics investigation found “overwhelming evidence” that he had broken the law and exploited his public position for his own profit.The case&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/george-santos-fraud-case-hearing-e28226562b4bd71327415ba8e4f65b50">has been set to go to trial</a>&nbsp;in early September. If that had happened, federal prosecutors said Monday that they were prepared to call some 40 witnesses, including members of Santos' campaign, employers and family members.Santos was once touted as a rising political star after he flipped the suburban district that covers the affluent North Shore of Long Island and a slice of the New York City borough of Queens in 2022.But his life story began unraveling even before he was sworn into office. At the time, reports emerged that he had lied about having a career at top Wall Street firms and a college degree along with other questions swirling about his biography.New&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-district-of-columbia-congress-george-santos-campaign-finance-f58dc7242796327d81738559885e9078">questions then emerged</a>&nbsp;about his campaign funds.He was first indicted on federal charges in May 2023, but refused to resign from office.Santos had previously maintained his innocence, though he said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/george-santos-fraud-trial-plea-new-york-6ecf3896ae1de466bef442dc0409fc15">in an interview</a>&nbsp;in December that a plea deal with prosecutors was “not off the table.”Asked if he was afraid of going to prison, he told CBS 2 at the time: “I think everybody should be afraid of going to jail, it’s not a pretty place and uh, I definitely want to work very hard to avoid that as best as possible.”Separately Monday, in Manhattan federal court, Judge Denise Cote tossed out&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/george-santos-jimmy-kimmel-copyright-lawsuit-41e1c2951945e11c069a41f9ea62281d">a lawsuit in which Santos claimed</a>&nbsp;that late-night host&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jimmy-kimmel">Jimmy Kimmel</a>, ABC and Disney committed copyright infringement and unjustly enriched themselves at his expense by using videos he made&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/george-santos-cameo-video-7aa0cf8ed6303a1e18da0b7a108e341c">on the Cameo app</a>&nbsp;for a “Jimmy Kimmel Live” segment. The judge said it was clear that Kimmel used the clips, which were also posted to YouTube, for the purposes of criticism and commentary, which is fair use.Santos had begun selling personalized videos on Cameo in December shortly after his ouster from Congress. He subsequently launched,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/george-santos-congress-campaign-a4c4cc2ea7cb52a13ec9f8dfc5ede86c">then quickly abandoned</a>, a longshot bid to return to Congress as an independent earlier this year.In&nbsp;<a href="https://wabcradio.com/show/cindy-adams/">a radio interview</a>&nbsp;that aired Sunday, Santos said he has taken comfort in being a “somewhat private civilian” again.“I really don’t miss the rubber chicken dinners and the rah-rah-rah parties and fundraisers," he said of his former life.With his criminal trial looming, he had said in the WABC interview that he was “terrified.”“This is not absolutely an easy process to go through. It really hurts and it really messes with your psychological health,” he told host Cindy Adams.As the trial date neared in recent weeks, Santos&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/george-santos-fraud-case-charges-8f869a6afbd97be3bed20db0be523809">had sought</a>&nbsp;to have a partially anonymous jury, with his lawyers arguing in court papers that "the mere risk of public ridicule could influence the individual jurors ability to decide Santos’ case solely on the facts and law as presented in Court.”He also wanted potential jurors to fill out a written questionnaire gauging their opinions of him. His lawyers argued the survey was needed because “for all intents and purposes, Santos has already been found guilty in the court of public opinion.”Judge Joanna Seybert agreed to keep jurors’ identities public but said no to the questionnaire.Prosecutors, meanwhile, had been seeking to admit as evidence some of the financial falsehoods Santos told during his campaign, including that he’d worked at Citigroup and Goldman Sachs and that he had operated a family-run firm with approximately $80 million in assets,Two Santos campaign aides previously pleaded guilty to crimes related to the former congressman’s campaign.His ex-treasurer, Nancy Marks,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/george-santos-nancy-marks-4d249e9d5e83fd25ed1a19a9e13d3246">pleaded guilty</a>&nbsp;in October to a fraud conspiracy charge, implicating Santos in an alleged scheme to embellish his campaign finance reports with a fake loan and fake donors. A lawyer for Marks said at the time his client would be willing to testify against Santos if asked.Sam Miele, a former fundraiser for Santos,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/george-santos-campaign-fundraiser-guilty-plea-c89ec5a84d7965e82946b10c24312275">pleaded guilty a month later</a>&nbsp;to a federal wire fraud charge, admitting he impersonated a high-ranking congressional aide while raising money for Santos’ campaign.

Disgraced former Congressman offers apology, reaches plea deal

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Republicans have released their initial&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/impeachment">impeachment inquiry</a>&nbsp;report on President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>, alleging an abuse of power and obstruction of justice in the financial dealings of his son&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hunter-biden">Hunter Biden</a>&nbsp;and family associates.

<a href="https://justthenews.com/sites/default/files/2024-08/2024.08.19%20Report%20of%20the%20Impeachment%20Inquiry%20of%20Joseph%20R.%20Biden%20Jr.%20President%20of%20the%20United%20States.pdf">Click here to read the full</a> impeachment report

The nearly yearlong investigation by Republicans stops short of alleging any criminal wrongdoing by the president. Instead, the almost 300-page report out Monday, the opening day of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/democratic-national-convention">Democratic National Convention</a>, covers familiar ground, asserting the Biden family traded on its “brand” in business ventures in corrupt ways that rise to the Constitution’s high bar for impeachment.

With Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-drops-out-2024-election-ddffde72838370032bdcff946cfc2ce6">no longer running for reelection</a>, next steps are highly uncertain. House Republicans have not had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-impeachment-hunter-biden-comer-f09ba1ae3b7bda703a5a84530f56d70f">support from their own ranks</a>&nbsp;to actually impeach the president, and removal by the Senate is even further afield. Many Republicans prefer to focus attention on the Democratic Party’s presumptive presidential nominee Vice President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kamala-harris">Kamala Harris</a>, with some probes getting underway.

The White House has dismissed the House impeachment inquiry as a “stunt” and encouraged House Republicans to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-white-house-impeachment-congress-acc6ff096fdecee70e2729426d8bdd3d">“move on.”</a>

“The totality of the corrupt conduct uncovered by the Committees is egregious,” wrote the House Oversight and Accountability, Judiciary and Ways &amp; Means panels&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-kentucky-state-government-us-republican-party-united-states-house-of-representatives-d68267048aa4f42d244130e81d3e9c30">leading the inquiry</a>.

The report said the Constitution’s “remedy for a President’s flagrant abuse of office is clear: impeachment by the House of Representatives and removal by the Senate.”

Republicans have spent the better part of their time in the House majority with a hyper focus on Biden and his family’s businesses, encouraged by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;as the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-impeachment-vote-capitol-siege-0a6f2a348a6e43f27d5e1dc486027860">twice impeached</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-indictments-election-january-6-classified-documents-5cb04868bb1cdf91c19eafdb882af8c0">indicted former president</a>&nbsp;makes a comeback bid for the White House.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724066875833.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — House Republicans have released their initial&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/impeachment">impeachment inquiry</a>&nbsp;report on President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>, alleging an abuse of power and obstruction of justice in the financial dealings of his son&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hunter-biden">Hunter Biden</a>&nbsp;and family associates.<a href="https://justthenews.com/sites/default/files/2024-08/2024.08.19%20Report%20of%20the%20Impeachment%20Inquiry%20of%20Joseph%20R.%20Biden%20Jr.%20President%20of%20the%20United%20States.pdf">Click here to read the full</a> impeachment reportThe nearly yearlong investigation by Republicans stops short of alleging any criminal wrongdoing by the president. Instead, the almost 300-page report out Monday, the opening day of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/democratic-national-convention">Democratic National Convention</a>, covers familiar ground, asserting the Biden family traded on its “brand” in business ventures in corrupt ways that rise to the Constitution’s high bar for impeachment.With Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-drops-out-2024-election-ddffde72838370032bdcff946cfc2ce6">no longer running for reelection</a>, next steps are highly uncertain. House Republicans have not had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-impeachment-hunter-biden-comer-f09ba1ae3b7bda703a5a84530f56d70f">support from their own ranks</a>&nbsp;to actually impeach the president, and removal by the Senate is even further afield. Many Republicans prefer to focus attention on the Democratic Party’s presumptive presidential nominee Vice President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kamala-harris">Kamala Harris</a>, with some probes getting underway.The White House has dismissed the House impeachment inquiry as a “stunt” and encouraged House Republicans to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-white-house-impeachment-congress-acc6ff096fdecee70e2729426d8bdd3d">“move on.”</a>“The totality of the corrupt conduct uncovered by the Committees is egregious,” wrote the House Oversight and Accountability, Judiciary and Ways &amp; Means panels&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-kentucky-state-government-us-republican-party-united-states-house-of-representatives-d68267048aa4f42d244130e81d3e9c30">leading the inquiry</a>.The report said the Constitution’s “remedy for a President’s flagrant abuse of office is clear: impeachment by the House of Representatives and removal by the Senate.”Republicans have spent the better part of their time in the House majority with a hyper focus on Biden and his family’s businesses, encouraged by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;as the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-impeachment-vote-capitol-siege-0a6f2a348a6e43f27d5e1dc486027860">twice impeached</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-indictments-election-january-6-classified-documents-5cb04868bb1cdf91c19eafdb882af8c0">indicted former president</a>&nbsp;makes a comeback bid for the White House.The impeachment inquiry has been a cornerstone of the House GOP's effort,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mccarthy-biden-impeachment-shutdown-house-republicans-b187202be8814f7acbdd6e2e937e23d4">launched</a>&nbsp;by former Speaker Kevin McCarthy shortly before he was booted from leadership and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-impeachment-inquiry-mike-johnson-94884b322da40ca9315ac5f4e73a3e86">formalized in December</a>&nbsp;under new Speaker Mike Johnson. Republicans are investigating many aspects of Biden family finances going back to 2009 when he was vice president to Barack Obama.In a statement Monday, Johnson was non-committal on what the House will do with the findings. “We encourage all Americans to read this report,” he said.Through bank records, interviews from some 30 witnesses, whistleblower accounts and millions of documents, House Republicans allege a years-long practice by Hunter Biden and his associates to solicit foreign business deals using the family’s proximity to power in Washington.Much of the focus of the report is not on Biden's time as president, but on the years when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-impeachment-investigation-congress-testimony-republicans-3b5573341b260713c2a637df24edf5fc">the Biden family was in turmoil</a>&nbsp;after the 2015 death of his oldest son, Beau, and as the vice president was bowing out of elected office, declining to run for president in 2016.Hunter Biden has acknowledged a serious addiction to crack in these years. He was convicted in June of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-gun-trial-family-first-lady-a385e245fb4a0f06ad6ee73d38fcd374">felony gun charges</a>&nbsp;and is set to stand trial next month on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-federal-tax-case-california-bb2e2eb41eb2cd30206a47c40ba6044e">federal tax charges</a>.Former Hunter Biden associate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-congress-oversight-republicans-devon-archer-16bab963461fe48ee3baccc51e693c9c">Devon Archer</a>, who was sentenced to a year in prison in 2022 in another matter, told the committee, “At the end of the day, part of what was delivered is the brand."To tie the elder Biden to his son’s actions, the Republicans rely on a series of phone calls and pop-by dinner meeting visits Joe Biden made while Hunter was conducting business. At times, Hunter would put his dad&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-congress-oversight-republicans-devon-archer-4b706443a04e0c40a80c65e24d7d69dc">on speakerphone</a>&nbsp;for his guests as the father and son exchanged pleasantries.The Bidens are a famously tight-knit family and acknowledge they speak almost daily, including during this time, with the father checking on his son’s well-being.In his own defiant closed-door deposition to House investigators, Hunter Biden insisted he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-congress-subpoena-impeachment-joe-biden-f91915376997b5327eb2e747816690b5">did not involve his father</a>&nbsp;in his business.All told, the House Republicans allege the Biden family and its associates received some $27 million in business payments from partners or clients in Russia, China and other countries. They allege an additional $8 million in loans, including some from Hunter Biden benefactor Kevin Morris, a Hollywood attorney, and question the purchases of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-lifestyle-government-and-politics-arts-and-entertainment-9a91a8b87dadac7ef7f04743b41fdcbb">the son’s artwork</a>.The report said it is “inconceivable” that President Biden did not understand what was going on.“President Biden participated in a conspiracy to monetize his office of public trust to enrich his family,” the report claims.Biden himself&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/president-joe-biden-james-comer-impeachment-congress-17a52c24f2da5927e0665657848a1231">declined a request</a>&nbsp;to testify before the House.Touchbacks to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-ap-top-news-elections-international-news-politics-0756fda2b5143891c5da1c6897001cee">Trump’s impeachments</a>&nbsp;at the hands of Democrats run throughout the report’s pages as Republicans work to contrast his grounds for removal to Biden family’s dealings and “grift.”But the difference are stark, as the indicted Trump faces actual criminal charges, including in the conspiracy to overturn Biden’s 2020 election and draw supporters to Washington on the day of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack.</a>The report also accuses Biden of obstructing justice in the probe, revisiting previously aired complaints about the Justice Department’s handling of the investigation into Hunter Biden. Attorney General Merrick Garland has forcefully denied those accusations, defending the department against claims of political influence.The report focuses heavily on what Republicans have long alleged was a pattern of “slow-walking” investigative steps and delaying enforcement actions to the benefit of the president’s son.But the report provides no evidence that Biden had any involvement in his son’s investigation, which was launched under Trump’s presidency and has been led by a Delaware U.S. attorney appointed by Trump. The U.S. attorney, David Weiss, was kept on by Garland to insulate the probe from claims of political interference.Garland has insisted that no one at the White House gave him or other senior officials at the Justice Department direction about the handling of the Hunter Biden investigation.Beyond Hunter Biden, the report includes details of the involvement of Joe Biden’s brother, James, in the various family businesses.Republicans have pointed to a series of payments that they claim show the president benefited from his brother’s work. They point to a $200,000 personal check from James Biden to Joe Biden on the same day in 2018 that James Biden received an equal amount from Americore, a healthcare company.House Democrats have defended the transaction, pointing to bank records they say indicate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jim-biden-business-congress-impeachment-president-gop-7a64c5e577787308090f9503ec80adb0">James Biden</a>&nbsp;was repaying a loan provided by his brother, who had wire transferred $200,000 to him about six weeks earlier. The money changed hands while Joe Biden was a private citizen.Short of impeaching Biden, the House Republicans have issued&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-impeachment-house-republicans-hunter-james-e310269a42abd4a28a7e105b43f9c05a">criminal referrals</a>&nbsp;recommending the Justice Department prosecute Hunter Biden and James Biden, accusing them of making false statements to Congress as part of the GOP investigation. Attorneys for those men have argued those claims are baseless or a distraction.Until recently, the president had been a focal point for Republicans in Congress, but his decision last month to drop out of the presidential race and Harris’ ascent to the top of the ticket have forced GOP leaders to reevaluate their marquee investigation.A year ago, GOP lawmakers had hoped the Biden inquiry would build a strong enough case for impeachment’s “high crimes and misdemeanors.” But the longer the inquiry dragged and the little direct evidence against Biden investigators were able to produce in public hearings or even in closed-door sessions, the more concerns grew from moderate Republicans wary of a vote on the matter.The report released Monday makes more than 20 mentions of the “Biden-Harris administration,” while previous releases from the committees investigating Biden typically only made direct references to him.And while Harris is not mentioned on her own in the report, the same committees leading the inquiry have begun to open new probes into her and her vice presidential pick, Tim Walz.___Associated Press writers Alanna Durkin Richer, Gary Fields, Fatima Hussein and Nicholas Riccardi contributed to this report.