TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced on Friday Kansas’ June total tax receipts were $918.8 million. Those collections are $20.2 million, or 2.2%, over the estimate and $64.4 million, or 7.5%, over June 2021 total tax receipts, according to a media release from her office.

<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA3MDEuNjAyMjk5NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2dvdmVybm9yLmthbnNhcy5nb3Yvd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMjIvMDcvMTJfSnVuZV9SZXZlbnVlX0ZZMjAyMl8wNy0wMS0yMDIyX0ZpbmFsLnBkZiJ9.jfPS8PfwSUn2epKLQSaQSAaPB2qO3VgW3wnK2YX5l8Q/s/1303160919/br/135146703051-l" target="_blank">Click here to see the complete June 2022 Revenue Report&nbsp;</a>.&nbsp;

“In June, we brought in more money than was estimated – re-enforcing that our state’s economy is continuing its forward momentum,”&nbsp;said Governor Kelly.&nbsp;“Our efforts to be the most fiscally responsible and pro-business Administration in Kansas history has helped our state become a hub for economic growth.”

Individual income tax collections were $40.3 million, or 9.9%, below the estimate. But for a one-time significant refund paid in June, such receipts would actually have exceeded the estimate by 6.7% for the month. June corporate income tax receipts, which are comprised primarily of estimated tax payments, continue their upward trend. Corporate income tax collections were $148.1 million, or 48.1%, over the estimate and 33.2% over June 2021.

“The higher-than-expected corporate estimated payments send a strong signal that corporations anticipate greater profits in 2022,”&nbsp;said Secretary of Revenue Mark Burghart.

Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts at $303.6 million were 10.6% over the combined receipts for such taxes for June 2021. Inflation may have positively impacted such receipts, but overall consistent consumer spending also has continued during the months of May and June.

When June’s positive numbers are taken into account, Kansas will end FY 2022 with total tax revenues of $9.8 billion which exceeds the FY 2022 revised estimate by $438.1 million.&nbsp;

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced on Friday Kansas’ June total tax receipts were $918.8 million. Those collections are $20.2 million, or 2.2%, over the estimate and $64.4 million, or 7.5%, over June 2021 total tax receipts, according to a media release from her office.<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA3MDEuNjAyMjk5NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2dvdmVybm9yLmthbnNhcy5nb3Yvd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMjIvMDcvMTJfSnVuZV9SZXZlbnVlX0ZZMjAyMl8wNy0wMS0yMDIyX0ZpbmFsLnBkZiJ9.jfPS8PfwSUn2epKLQSaQSAaPB2qO3VgW3wnK2YX5l8Q/s/1303160919/br/135146703051-l" target="_blank">Click here to see the complete June 2022 Revenue Report&nbsp;</a>.&nbsp;“In June, we brought in more money than was estimated – re-enforcing that our state’s economy is continuing its forward momentum,”&nbsp;said Governor Kelly.&nbsp;“Our efforts to be the most fiscally responsible and pro-business Administration in Kansas history has helped our state become a hub for economic growth.”Individual income tax collections were $40.3 million, or 9.9%, below the estimate. But for a one-time significant refund paid in June, such receipts would actually have exceeded the estimate by 6.7% for the month. June corporate income tax receipts, which are comprised primarily of estimated tax payments, continue their upward trend. Corporate income tax collections were $148.1 million, or 48.1%, over the estimate and 33.2% over June 2021.“The higher-than-expected corporate estimated payments send a strong signal that corporations anticipate greater profits in 2022,”&nbsp;said Secretary of Revenue Mark Burghart.Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts at $303.6 million were 10.6% over the combined receipts for such taxes for June 2021. Inflation may have positively impacted such receipts, but overall consistent consumer spending also has continued during the months of May and June.When June’s positive numbers are taken into account, Kansas will end FY 2022 with total tax revenues of $9.8 billion which exceeds the FY 2022 revised estimate by $438.1 million.&nbsp;

Kan. ends fiscal year with tax collections surpassing estimates by $438M 

ELLIS&nbsp; COUNTY —The Ellis Police Department released more details Friday
afternoon into the disappearance of a 53-year-old Ellis woman.

According to Ellis Chief of Police Avery Smith, the body of
53-year-old Twila Wilson was found just after 9:30 a.m. Friday approximately
1,000 feet to the west of the Cottonwood Street railroad crossing.

Wilson was initially reported missing just after 7 a.m. Friday
after she failed to show up for work.

Smith said that they believe that she was hit by the train
as the was walking along the tracks. An autopsy was performed and he said the
cause and manner of Wilson’s death is still under investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656686095522.jpeg" alt="Twila Wilson, 54, was last seen around 5:15 a.m. at Caseys, 213 Washington, leaving behind her phone and purse. Photo courtesy Ellis Police Department" />
 <figcaption>Twila Wilson, 54, was last seen around 5:15 a.m. at Caseys, 213 Washington, leaving behind her phone and purse. Photo courtesy Ellis Police Department</figcaption>
 </figure>ELLIS&nbsp; COUNTY —The Ellis Police Department released more details Friday
afternoon into the disappearance of a 53-year-old Ellis woman.According to Ellis Chief of Police Avery Smith, the body of
53-year-old Twila Wilson was found just after 9:30 a.m. Friday approximately
1,000 feet to the west of the Cottonwood Street railroad crossing.Wilson was initially reported missing just after 7 a.m. Friday
after she failed to show up for work.Smith said that they believe that she was hit by the train
as the was walking along the tracks. An autopsy was performed and he said the
cause and manner of Wilson’s death is still under investigation.--------

Police: Missing Kansas woman found dead near railroad tracks

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a robbery and have suspects in custody.

Just after 3p.m. Thursday, police responded to report of a robbery in the 3000 Block of Bainbridge Circle in Lawrence, according to police spokesperson Laura McCabe.

At the scene, police found a woman, her 2-year-old son and another man who was not present when the crime occurred.

The woman told police the suspects were armed with at least one handgun and robbed her at gunpoint of money, other items and fled to a nearby vehicle.&nbsp;

Officers were able to locate the suspect vehicle in north Lawrence and conducted surveillance on the home for several hours. Officers then detained three individuals as they left the residence at different times.

One vehicle stop was conducted without incident. The other resulted in a pursuit of approximately four blocks where the suspect's vehicle was disabled by a Douglas County Sheriff's Deputy who utilized a Tactical Vehicle Intervention near 7th and Maple.

Hours later, officers conducted a search warrant at the home they were surveilling. There were no injuries during the robbery, arrests or search warrant execution. Police did not release names of the suspects.

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a robbery and have suspects in custody.Just after 3p.m. Thursday, police responded to report of a robbery in the 3000 Block of Bainbridge Circle in Lawrence, according to police spokesperson Laura McCabe.At the scene, police found a woman, her 2-year-old son and another man who was not present when the crime occurred.The woman told police the suspects were armed with at least one handgun and robbed her at gunpoint of money, other items and fled to a nearby vehicle.&nbsp;Officers were able to locate the suspect vehicle in north Lawrence and conducted surveillance on the home for several hours. Officers then detained three individuals as they left the residence at different times.One vehicle stop was conducted without incident. The other resulted in a pursuit of approximately four blocks where the suspect's vehicle was disabled by a Douglas County Sheriff's Deputy who utilized a Tactical Vehicle Intervention near 7th and Maple.Hours later, officers conducted a search warrant at the home they were surveilling. There were no injuries during the robbery, arrests or search warrant execution. Police did not release names of the suspects.

Police: 3 jailed for armed robbery of Kan. woman, 2-year-old

KANSAS CITY (AP)—The July Fourth holiday weekend is off to a booming start with airport crowds crushing the numbers seen in 2019, before the pandemic.

Travelers seemed to be experiencing fewer delays and canceled flights early Friday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/july-4-airline-travel-9c5154bc988a1e7c42d82ee197cbe312">than they did earlier this week</a>.

The Transportation Security Administration screened more than 2.4 million travelers at airport checkpoints on Thursday, 17% more than on the same Friday before July Fourth in 2019.

“We expect that (Friday) is going to be busy, of course, and then Sunday will be very busy,” TSA Administrator David Pekoske said on NBC's “Today” show.

AAA predicts that nearly 48 million people will travel at least 50 miles or more from home over the weekend, slightly fewer than in 2019. AAA says car travel will set a record even with the national average price for gasoline hovering near $5.

Leisure travel has bounced back this year, offsetting weakness in business travel and international flying. Still, the total number of people flying has not recovered to pre-pandemic levels. TSA screened 11% fewer people in June than it did in the same month of 2019.

Thursday marked the 11th time since the pandemic started that TSA checked more people than it did on the same day in 2019, and just the second time since February.

Airlines could almost surely be carrying more passengers if they had enough staffing. Many U.S. airlines have trimmed their summer schedules after bad weather, air-traffic delays and a lack of enough employees caused widespread cancellations over the Memorial Day weekend.

Airline executives blame their flight problems on the Federal Aviation Administration, which runs the nation's air traffic control system, but Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg disputes that claim.

By late morning Friday on the East Coast, airlines had canceled about 200 U.S. flights and another 1,400 were delayed. From June 22 through Wednesday at least 600 flights were canceled, and between 4,000 and 7,000 were delayed per day, according to tracking service FlightAware.

KANSAS CITY (AP)—The July Fourth holiday weekend is off to a booming start with airport crowds crushing the numbers seen in 2019, before the pandemic.Travelers seemed to be experiencing fewer delays and canceled flights early Friday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/july-4-airline-travel-9c5154bc988a1e7c42d82ee197cbe312">than they did earlier this week</a>.The Transportation Security Administration screened more than 2.4 million travelers at airport checkpoints on Thursday, 17% more than on the same Friday before July Fourth in 2019.“We expect that (Friday) is going to be busy, of course, and then Sunday will be very busy,” TSA Administrator David Pekoske said on NBC's “Today” show.AAA predicts that nearly 48 million people will travel at least 50 miles or more from home over the weekend, slightly fewer than in 2019. AAA says car travel will set a record even with the national average price for gasoline hovering near $5.Leisure travel has bounced back this year, offsetting weakness in business travel and international flying. Still, the total number of people flying has not recovered to pre-pandemic levels. TSA screened 11% fewer people in June than it did in the same month of 2019.Thursday marked the 11th time since the pandemic started that TSA checked more people than it did on the same day in 2019, and just the second time since February.Airlines could almost surely be carrying more passengers if they had enough staffing. Many U.S. airlines have trimmed their summer schedules after bad weather, air-traffic delays and a lack of enough employees caused widespread cancellations over the Memorial Day weekend.Airline executives blame their flight problems on the Federal Aviation Administration, which runs the nation's air traffic control system, but Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg disputes that claim.By late morning Friday on the East Coast, airlines had canceled about 200 U.S. flights and another 1,400 were delayed. From June 22 through Wednesday at least 600 flights were canceled, and between 4,000 and 7,000 were delayed per day, according to tracking service FlightAware.

Pre-pandemic sized crowds descend on US airports for holiday

NORTH PLATTE —A Kansas man died in an accident just before 8:30a.m. Friday in North Platte, Nebraska.

According to the North Platte Police Department, a 2011 Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by&nbsp;by Justin V. Trussell, 58, of Kendall, Kansas, was southbound on Jeffers Street and struck a northbound 1995 Ford Bronco driven by Donald L. Hazen, 85, of North Platte, who was turning west on Walker Road.

First responders pronounced Trussell deceased at the scene.&nbsp;

The intersection was shut down while an investigation was conducted by members of the North Platte Police Department, Nebraska State Patrol, and the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.

Accident reconstruction experts were called to the scene. The accident is still under investigation, according to police.

NORTH PLATTE —A Kansas man died in an accident just before 8:30a.m. Friday in North Platte, Nebraska.According to the North Platte Police Department, a 2011 Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by&nbsp;by Justin V. Trussell, 58, of Kendall, Kansas, was southbound on Jeffers Street and struck a northbound 1995 Ford Bronco driven by Donald L. Hazen, 85, of North Platte, who was turning west on Walker Road.First responders pronounced Trussell deceased at the scene.&nbsp;The intersection was shut down while an investigation was conducted by members of the North Platte Police Department, Nebraska State Patrol, and the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.Accident reconstruction experts were called to the scene. The accident is still under investigation, according to police.

Police: Kansas man dies in Nebraska motorcycle, SUV crash

Washington– U.S. Senator Roger Marshall is responding to Thursday's&nbsp; U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in&nbsp;West Virginia v. Environmental Protection Agency&nbsp;(EPA).&nbsp;

In the ruling, described as a blow to the fight against climate change, the Supreme Court has limited how the nation’s main anti-air pollution law can be used to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from power plants. 

By a 6-3 vote Thursday, with conservatives in the majority, the court said that the Clean Air Act does not give the Environmental Protection Agency broad authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from power plants that contribute to global warming.

“The United States Supreme Court reaffirmed that the EPA cannot bypass Congress and enforce a climate agenda that cannot succeed legislatively, like it did for the Obama Administration’s Clean Power Plan.” said Senator Marshall in a statement from his office.

“Unelected bureaucrats in Washington cannot, nor should they, impose costly, widespread regulations that would have a devastating impact on energy expenses during a time of crippling inflation for Kansans. This ruling is a win for the Constitution, and the essential concept of separation of powers that our democratic system relies on.”

Washington– U.S. Senator Roger Marshall is responding to Thursday's&nbsp; U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in&nbsp;West Virginia v. Environmental Protection Agency&nbsp;(EPA).&nbsp;In the ruling, described as a blow to the fight against climate change, the Supreme Court has limited how the nation’s main anti-air pollution law can be used to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from power plants. By a 6-3 vote Thursday, with conservatives in the majority, the court said that the Clean Air Act does not give the Environmental Protection Agency broad authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from power plants that contribute to global warming.“The United States Supreme Court reaffirmed that the EPA cannot bypass Congress and enforce a climate agenda that cannot succeed legislatively, like it did for the Obama Administration’s Clean Power Plan.” said Senator Marshall in a statement from his office.“Unelected bureaucrats in Washington cannot, nor should they, impose costly, widespread regulations that would have a devastating impact on energy expenses during a time of crippling inflation for Kansans. This ruling is a win for the Constitution, and the essential concept of separation of powers that our democratic system relies on.”Background:<ul>
 <li>In 2022, these energy sources are responsible for the following percentages of Kansas’ electricity:Petroleum – 0.11%Natural Gas – 3.67%Nuclear – 15.72%Coal – 28.77%Renewables – 51.73%</li><li>Petroleum – 0.11%</li><li>Natural Gas – 3.67%</li><li>Nuclear – 15.72%</li><li>Coal – 28.77%</li><li>Renewables – 51.73%</li><li>In March 2022, Senator Marshall introduced&nbsp;the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sens-marshall-daines-braun-legislation-addresses-surging-gas-prices/" target="_blank">Gas Prices Relief Act</a>, legislation to block the Biden Administration from continuing to stifle the American energy industry. Specifically, the bill prohibits the introduction of any new regulations that decrease U.S. energy production or increase gasoline prices.</li>
 </ul>

Marshall on Supreme Court's blow to the Green New Deal

CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a man who fled an arrest in Arkansas and was captured and hospitalized after a pursuit by officers in Kansas.

On Thursday afternoon, the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office was notified that the Elk County Sheriff's Office was southbound on Kansas 99 Highway in pursuit of a stolen Kawasaki motorcycle, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol.

The suspect later identified as 37-year-old J.D. Comstock of Little Rock, Arkansas, was believed to have fled from Greenwood and Elk County Officers, stolen multiple vehicles and was reported as possibly armed and dangerous. Pursuing officers lost sight of the suspect near the Elk/Chautauqua County line.

A short time later Chautauqua County Officers located Comstock traveling southbound on Road 14 and another pursuit was initiated. The suspect fled south to U.S. 166 Highway, five miles west of Sedan, at times going off the roadway and then fled westbound for a short distance before striking a 2022 Ram 3500 driven by Kevin Viana, 23, of Livingston, Texas.

Comstock sustained several serious injuries and pursuing officers rendered aid until Sedan EMS arrived to transport him to Wesley Medical Center.

On June 20,&nbsp; investigators in Baxter County Arkansas served a search warrant at 5647 Highway 5 South looking for stolen property.  Investigators arrested Comstock, but he fled on foot.  A deputy gave chase, but fell and was injured. 

 A canine team from the North Central Unit of the Arkansas Dpt. of Corrections at Calico Rock tracked Comstock to a residence on Old Tracy Road, where it was discovered he had stolen a blue Honda SUV from that residence. Deputies later found that vehicle abandoned in Fulton County, according to the Sheriff's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656673043865.png" alt="Comstock-photo Baxter County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Comstock-photo Baxter County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a man who fled an arrest in Arkansas and was captured and hospitalized after a pursuit by officers in Kansas.On Thursday afternoon, the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office was notified that the Elk County Sheriff's Office was southbound on Kansas 99 Highway in pursuit of a stolen Kawasaki motorcycle, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol.The suspect later identified as 37-year-old J.D. Comstock of Little Rock, Arkansas, was believed to have fled from Greenwood and Elk County Officers, stolen multiple vehicles and was reported as possibly armed and dangerous. Pursuing officers lost sight of the suspect near the Elk/Chautauqua County line.A short time later Chautauqua County Officers located Comstock traveling southbound on Road 14 and another pursuit was initiated. The suspect fled south to U.S. 166 Highway, five miles west of Sedan, at times going off the roadway and then fled westbound for a short distance before striking a 2022 Ram 3500 driven by Kevin Viana, 23, of Livingston, Texas.Comstock sustained several serious injuries and pursuing officers rendered aid until Sedan EMS arrived to transport him to Wesley Medical Center.On June 20,&nbsp; investigators in Baxter County Arkansas served a search warrant at 5647 Highway 5 South looking for stolen property. Investigators arrested Comstock, but he fled on foot. A deputy gave chase, but fell and was injured. A canine team from the North Central Unit of the Arkansas Dpt. of Corrections at Calico Rock tracked Comstock to a residence on Old Tracy Road, where it was discovered he had stolen a blue Honda SUV from that residence. Deputies later found that vehicle abandoned in Fulton County, according to the Sheriff's office.

Suspect wanted in Arkansas injured after crash during Kan. chase

LYON COUNTY —A Kansas man died in an accident just after 7p.m. Thursday in Lyon County.

A 1996 Saturn S driven by 42-year-old Douglas Cunningham of Reading was eastbound in the 2000 Block of Road 170, according to the Sheriff's Department.

The vehicle left the road and struck a concrete culvert. Cunningham was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp; He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the sheriff's department.&nbsp;

The Emporia, Lyon County Fire and EMS along with the Hartford Fire Department assisted sheriff's deputies at the scene. The accident remains under investigation.

LYON COUNTY —A Kansas man died in an accident just after 7p.m. Thursday in Lyon County.A 1996 Saturn S driven by 42-year-old Douglas Cunningham of Reading was eastbound in the 2000 Block of Road 170, according to the Sheriff's Department.The vehicle left the road and struck a concrete culvert. Cunningham was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp; He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the sheriff's department.&nbsp;The Emporia, Lyon County Fire and EMS along with the Hartford Fire Department assisted sheriff's deputies at the scene. The accident remains under investigation.

Kansas man dies after car strikes a concrete culvert

&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges after a high speed chase.

On June 29, sheriff's deputies received a report of a possible intoxicated driver in black Kia northbound on U.S. 75 Highway in northern Shawnee County, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

Shortly, after the report, a Jackson County Sheriff’s Deputy observed a 2008 black Kia Sorento northbound on U.S. 75 in southern Jackson County allegedly traveling at speeds in excess of 100 mph. 

 Eventually, a pursuit ensued and the vehicle headed westbound on 158th Road.  The pursuit headed south near L. Road as the suspect vehicle continued to evade law enforcement driving through yards at an area apartment complex. 

 The pursuit ended on Buffalo Drive where the suspect was taken into custody.  Lucas Michael Kitchkommie, 42, of Mayetta was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail for on requested charges of aggravated assault on law enforcement, reckless driving, fleeing and eluding law enforcement, driving under the influence, driving while suspended, criminal littering, and interference with law enforcement. The PBPN Police and the Kansas Highway Patrol assisted with this incident.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656603798898.png" alt="Kitchkommie-photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Kitchkommie-photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges after a high speed chase.On June 29, sheriff's deputies received a report of a possible intoxicated driver in black Kia northbound on U.S. 75 Highway in northern Shawnee County, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.Shortly, after the report, a Jackson County Sheriff’s Deputy observed a 2008 black Kia Sorento northbound on U.S. 75 in southern Jackson County allegedly traveling at speeds in excess of 100 mph. Eventually, a pursuit ensued and the vehicle headed westbound on 158th Road. The pursuit headed south near L. Road as the suspect vehicle continued to evade law enforcement driving through yards at an area apartment complex. The pursuit ended on Buffalo Drive where the suspect was taken into custody. Lucas Michael Kitchkommie, 42, of Mayetta was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail for on requested charges of aggravated assault on law enforcement, reckless driving, fleeing and eluding law enforcement, driving under the influence, driving while suspended, criminal littering, and interference with law enforcement. The PBPN Police and the Kansas Highway Patrol assisted with this incident.

Sheriff: Kansas man jailed after 100 mile per hour chase

KANSAS CITY (AP) — The first lawsuits have been filed only days after an Amtrak train collision and derailment in rural Missouri that left four people dead and injured up to 150 others.

Amtrak and BNSF Railway Co. filed a federal lawsuit Thursday against the concrete contracting company that owns the dump truck hit Monday by the passenger train,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/state/missouri/article263084073.html">the Kansas City Star reported</a>. That lawsuit blames MS Contracting, of Brookfield, Missouri, for the crash, saying the train was “clearly visible” and that truck driver was careless in crossing the tracks.

Phone calls to MS Contracting rang unanswered Friday morning.

The crossing where the collision occurred has no lights, signals or gates to warn of an approaching train. Before the crash, area residents had expressed concerns about the safety of the crossing, described by locals and a federal transportation safety official as very steep. Chariton County leaders&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/amtrak-accident-missouri-investigation-10b519f9c4bf04d4a3cd490fddae217c">have been pushing for a safety upgrade at the railroad crossing</a>&nbsp;for nearly three years, presiding county commissioner Evan Emmerich said this week.

The truck driver, Billy Barton II, 54, of Brookfield, died in the collision, along with three passengers on the train. His widow, Erin Barton, also sued Thursday, filing a wrongful-death lawsuit in state court against Chariton County and a BNSF official that cited the crossing as unsafe.

Chariton County Attorney Brandon Shelton did not immediately return a phone message left Friday morning by The Associated Press seeking comment on the lawsuit.

Two train passengers — Rochelle Cook, 58, and Kim Holsapple, 56, both of DeSoto, Kansas, died at the scene. A third passenger, 82-year-old Binh Phan, of Kansas City, Missouri, died Tuesday at a hospital. The Missouri State Highway Patrol said up to 150 people also were injured.

The Southwest Chief was traveling from Los Angeles to Chicago when it hit the truck near Mendon. Two locomotives and eight cars derailed. Amtrak officials said about 275 passengers and 12 crew members were aboard. The National Transportation Safety Board said Wednesday that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/accidents-kansas-city-missouri-beb2a1eb6026137cb0eac0f3e65c79d4">the train was going about 87 mph</a>&nbsp;(140 kph), under the 90 mph (145 kph) speed limit, when the collision happened.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656537737436.png" alt="Kim Holsapple(center left) and Rochelle Cook (center right) of DeSoto Kansas died in the crash-photo GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>Kim Holsapple(center left) and Rochelle Cook (center right) of DeSoto Kansas died in the crash-photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — The first lawsuits have been filed only days after an Amtrak train collision and derailment in rural Missouri that left four people dead and injured up to 150 others.Amtrak and BNSF Railway Co. filed a federal lawsuit Thursday against the concrete contracting company that owns the dump truck hit Monday by the passenger train,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/state/missouri/article263084073.html">the Kansas City Star reported</a>. That lawsuit blames MS Contracting, of Brookfield, Missouri, for the crash, saying the train was “clearly visible” and that truck driver was careless in crossing the tracks.Phone calls to MS Contracting rang unanswered Friday morning.The crossing where the collision occurred has no lights, signals or gates to warn of an approaching train. Before the crash, area residents had expressed concerns about the safety of the crossing, described by locals and a federal transportation safety official as very steep. Chariton County leaders&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/amtrak-accident-missouri-investigation-10b519f9c4bf04d4a3cd490fddae217c">have been pushing for a safety upgrade at the railroad crossing</a>&nbsp;for nearly three years, presiding county commissioner Evan Emmerich said this week.The truck driver, Billy Barton II, 54, of Brookfield, died in the collision, along with three passengers on the train. His widow, Erin Barton, also sued Thursday, filing a wrongful-death lawsuit in state court against Chariton County and a BNSF official that cited the crossing as unsafe.Chariton County Attorney Brandon Shelton did not immediately return a phone message left Friday morning by The Associated Press seeking comment on the lawsuit.Two train passengers — Rochelle Cook, 58, and Kim Holsapple, 56, both of DeSoto, Kansas, died at the scene. A third passenger, 82-year-old Binh Phan, of Kansas City, Missouri, died Tuesday at a hospital. The Missouri State Highway Patrol said up to 150 people also were injured.The Southwest Chief was traveling from Los Angeles to Chicago when it hit the truck near Mendon. Two locomotives and eight cars derailed. Amtrak officials said about 275 passengers and 12 crew members were aboard. The National Transportation Safety Board said Wednesday that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/accidents-kansas-city-missouri-beb2a1eb6026137cb0eac0f3e65c79d4">the train was going about 87 mph</a>&nbsp;(140 kph), under the 90 mph (145 kph) speed limit, when the collision happened.

Lawsuits filed days after deadly Amtrak crash

MOSCOW (AP) — American basketball star Brittney Griner went on trial Friday, 4 1/2 months after her arrest on charges of possessing cannabis oil while returning to play for a Russian team, in a case that unfolded amid tense relations between Moscow and Washington.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-entertainment-sports-wnba-all-star-game-brittney-griner-365e3b770d10b0e79dacb91922b512cd">Phoenix Mercury center</a>&nbsp;and two-time U.S. Olympic gold medalist was arrested in February at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport after police said she was carrying vape canisters with cannabis oil. She could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted of large-scale transportation of drugs.

Griner, 31, was escorted into the courtroom in the Moscow suburb of Khimki while handcuffed and wearing a Jimi Hendrix T-shirt. At a closed-door&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-entertainment-politics-sports-brittney-griner-e855442ad005104a3eed495438ca03ed">preliminary hearing</a>&nbsp;Monday, her detention was extended for another six months, to Dec. 20.

Two witnesses were questioned by the prosecution: an airport customs official, who spoke in open court, and an unidentified witness in a closed session. according to the state news agency RIA-Novosti. The trial was then adjourned, it said, when two other witnesses did not show up, and the next session was set for July 7..

Alexander Boykov, an attorney for Griner, told reporters outside court that “I wouldn’t want to talk on the specifics of the case and on the charges and to comment on our position on it because it’s too early for it.”

Fewer than 1% of defendants in Russian criminal cases are acquitted, and unlike in U.S. courts, acquittals can be overturned.

Her case comes at an extraordinarily low point in Moscow-Washington relations. Griner was arrested less than a week before Russia sent troops into Ukraine, which aggravated already high tensions between the two countries. The U.S. then imposed sweeping sanctions on Moscow, and Russia denounced the U.S. for sending weapons to Ukraine.

Elizabeth Rood, U.S. charge d’affaires in Moscow, was in court and said she spoke with Griner, who “is doing as well as can be expected in these difficult circumstances.”

“The Russian Federation has wrongfully detained Brittney Griner,” Rood said. “The practice of wrongful detention is unacceptable wherever it occurs and is a threat to the safety of everyone traveling, working, and living abroad.”

She said the U.S. government, from its highest levels, "is working hard to bring Brittney and all wrongfully detained U.S. nationals home safely.”

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Friday denied politics played a role in Griner's detention and prosecution.

“The facts are that the famous athlete was detained in possession of prohibited medication containing narcotic substances,” Peskov told reporters. “In view of what I've said, it can’t be politically motivated," he added.

Griner’s supporters had kept a low profile in hopes of a quiet resolution until May, when the State Department reclassified her as wrongfully detained and shifted oversight of her case to its special presidential envoy for hostage affairs — effectively the U.S. government’s chief negotiator.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-entertainment-sports-only-on-ap-brittney-griner-eab2338c18eab0fe600507eb6eb68093">Griner’s wife, Cherelle</a>, has urged President Joe Biden to secure her release, calling her “a political pawn.”

“It was good to see her in some of those images, but it’s tough. Every time’s a reminder that their teammate, their friend, is wrongfully imprisoned in another country,” Phoenix Mercury coach Vanessa Nygaard said Monday.

The coach hoped that Biden would "take the steps to ensure she comes home.”

Griner’s supporters have encouraged a prisoner swap like the one in April that brought home Marine veteran Trevor Reed in exchange for a Russian pilot convicted of drug trafficking conspiracy.

Russian news media have repeatedly raised speculation that she could be swapped for Russian arms trader Viktor Bout, nicknamed “the Merchant of Death,” who is serving a 25-year sentence on conviction of conspiracy to kill U.S. citizens and providing aid to a terrorist organization.

Russia has agitated for Bout’s release for years. But the wide discrepancy between Griner’s case — which involves alleged possession of vape cartridges containing cannabis oil — and Bout’s global dealings in deadly weapons could make such a swap unpalatable to the U.S.

Others have suggested that she&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-sports-paul-whelan-government-and-politics-537c7eb77baee6f0342dbde07c184763">could be traded in tandem with Paul Whelan</a>, a former Marine and security director serving a 16-year sentence on an espionage conviction that the United States has repeatedly described as a setup.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, when asked Sunday on CNN whether a joint swap of Griner and Whelan for Bout was being considered, sidestepped the question.

“As a general proposition ... I have got no higher priority than making sure that Americans who are being illegally detained in one way or another around the world come home,” he said. But he said he could not comment “in any detail on what we’re doing, except to say this is an absolute priority.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646510097872.png" alt="The 31-year-old Griner, one of the most recognizable players in women’s basketball, has won two Olympic gold medals with the U.S., a WNBA championship with the Phoenix Mercury and a national championship at Baylor. She is a seven-time All-Star and three-time Big 12 Player of the year at Baylor-photo courtesy Phoenix Mercury" />
 <figcaption>The 31-year-old Griner, one of the most recognizable players in women’s basketball, has won two Olympic gold medals with the U.S., a WNBA championship with the Phoenix Mercury and a national championship at Baylor. She is a seven-time All-Star and three-time Big 12 Player of the year at Baylor-photo courtesy Phoenix Mercury</figcaption>
 </figure>MOSCOW (AP) — American basketball star Brittney Griner went on trial Friday, 4 1/2 months after her arrest on charges of possessing cannabis oil while returning to play for a Russian team, in a case that unfolded amid tense relations between Moscow and Washington.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-entertainment-sports-wnba-all-star-game-brittney-griner-365e3b770d10b0e79dacb91922b512cd">Phoenix Mercury center</a>&nbsp;and two-time U.S. Olympic gold medalist was arrested in February at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport after police said she was carrying vape canisters with cannabis oil. She could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted of large-scale transportation of drugs.Griner, 31, was escorted into the courtroom in the Moscow suburb of Khimki while handcuffed and wearing a Jimi Hendrix T-shirt. At a closed-door&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-entertainment-politics-sports-brittney-griner-e855442ad005104a3eed495438ca03ed">preliminary hearing</a>&nbsp;Monday, her detention was extended for another six months, to Dec. 20.Two witnesses were questioned by the prosecution: an airport customs official, who spoke in open court, and an unidentified witness in a closed session. according to the state news agency RIA-Novosti. The trial was then adjourned, it said, when two other witnesses did not show up, and the next session was set for July 7..Alexander Boykov, an attorney for Griner, told reporters outside court that “I wouldn’t want to talk on the specifics of the case and on the charges and to comment on our position on it because it’s too early for it.”Fewer than 1% of defendants in Russian criminal cases are acquitted, and unlike in U.S. courts, acquittals can be overturned.Her case comes at an extraordinarily low point in Moscow-Washington relations. Griner was arrested less than a week before Russia sent troops into Ukraine, which aggravated already high tensions between the two countries. The U.S. then imposed sweeping sanctions on Moscow, and Russia denounced the U.S. for sending weapons to Ukraine.Elizabeth Rood, U.S. charge d’affaires in Moscow, was in court and said she spoke with Griner, who “is doing as well as can be expected in these difficult circumstances.”“The Russian Federation has wrongfully detained Brittney Griner,” Rood said. “The practice of wrongful detention is unacceptable wherever it occurs and is a threat to the safety of everyone traveling, working, and living abroad.”She said the U.S. government, from its highest levels, "is working hard to bring Brittney and all wrongfully detained U.S. nationals home safely.”Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Friday denied politics played a role in Griner's detention and prosecution.“The facts are that the famous athlete was detained in possession of prohibited medication containing narcotic substances,” Peskov told reporters. “In view of what I've said, it can’t be politically motivated," he added.Griner’s supporters had kept a low profile in hopes of a quiet resolution until May, when the State Department reclassified her as wrongfully detained and shifted oversight of her case to its special presidential envoy for hostage affairs — effectively the U.S. government’s chief negotiator.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-entertainment-sports-only-on-ap-brittney-griner-eab2338c18eab0fe600507eb6eb68093">Griner’s wife, Cherelle</a>, has urged President Joe Biden to secure her release, calling her “a political pawn.”“It was good to see her in some of those images, but it’s tough. Every time’s a reminder that their teammate, their friend, is wrongfully imprisoned in another country,” Phoenix Mercury coach Vanessa Nygaard said Monday.The coach hoped that Biden would "take the steps to ensure she comes home.”Griner’s supporters have encouraged a prisoner swap like the one in April that brought home Marine veteran Trevor Reed in exchange for a Russian pilot convicted of drug trafficking conspiracy.Russian news media have repeatedly raised speculation that she could be swapped for Russian arms trader Viktor Bout, nicknamed “the Merchant of Death,” who is serving a 25-year sentence on conviction of conspiracy to kill U.S. citizens and providing aid to a terrorist organization.Russia has agitated for Bout’s release for years. But the wide discrepancy between Griner’s case — which involves alleged possession of vape cartridges containing cannabis oil — and Bout’s global dealings in deadly weapons could make such a swap unpalatable to the U.S.Others have suggested that she&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-sports-paul-whelan-government-and-politics-537c7eb77baee6f0342dbde07c184763">could be traded in tandem with Paul Whelan</a>, a former Marine and security director serving a 16-year sentence on an espionage conviction that the United States has repeatedly described as a setup.U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, when asked Sunday on CNN whether a joint swap of Griner and Whelan for Bout was being considered, sidestepped the question.“As a general proposition ... I have got no higher priority than making sure that Americans who are being illegally detained in one way or another around the world come home,” he said. But he said he could not comment “in any detail on what we’re doing, except to say this is an absolute priority.”

Former Big 12 star Griner's trial begins in Russian court

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden said Thursday that he would support an exception to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-politics-filibusters-f476940e279b6bc2a1bbfd7c5cc24f96">the Senate filibuster</a>&nbsp;to protect access to abortion after the U.S. Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">overturned Roe v. Wade</a>.

(Click below to watch President Biden's comments)

"If the filibuster gets in the way, it's like voting rights," Biden said during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nato-biden-china-madrid-fe9c7fe07122413754d087e61a95a202">a press conference in Madrid</a>, where he was attending a NATO summit. The Democratic president said there should be an “exception to the filibuster for this action to deal with the Supreme Court decision.”

As a former senator, Biden has been reluctant to support changes to the filibuster, which allows any member of the 100-member chamber to block action on legislation unless it receives 60 votes. However, earlier this year he endorsed sidestepping the rule&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/voting-rights-joe-biden-georgia-voting-martin-luther-king-jr-dc4544c23622f35fc95d63afe512554d">on the issue of voting rights</a>, and his latest comments make clear that he's willing to do the same for abortion.

Biden's support for changes to the filibuster in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-mitch-mcconnell-kamala-harris-filibusters-b97548b519325666d1a59200f7d79904">the 50-50 Senate</a>&nbsp;may ultimately be immaterial. The Senate Democratic caucus would need to unanimously take such a step, but at least two Democratic senators,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-manchin">Joe Manchin</a>&nbsp;of West Virginia and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kyrsten-sinema">Kyrsten Sinema</a>&nbsp;of Arizona, don't want to.

The president has been under pressure to take as much executive action as possible to protect abortion rights, although&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-biden-us-supreme-court-health-xavier-becerra-7aa6cadb6699054902a6760eb01005b1">his options are limited</a>. Biden said he's meeting Friday with governors to talk about abortion and “I'll have announcements to make then.”

During Thursday's news conference, Biden harshly criticized the Supreme Court's decision on abortion and reiterated his warnings that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-us-supreme-court-health-government-and-politics-marriage-a0cee537c6f9f10d29fa71f6e7a4d19d">other constitutional protections could be at risk</a>.

"One thing that has been destabilizing is the outrageous behavior of the Supreme Court of the United States in overruling not only Roe v. Wade but essentially challenging the right to privacy,” he said.

Voting legislation that Democrats and civil rights leaders said was vital to protecting democracy&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-voting-rights-bill-collapses-27c888b4f9bf876520913d7036a942b0">collapsed in January</a>&nbsp;when Manchin and Sinema refused to join their own party in changing Senate rules to overcome a Republican filibuster. The outcome was a stinging defeat for Biden and his party, coming at the tumultuous close to his first year in office.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden said Thursday that he would support an exception to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-politics-filibusters-f476940e279b6bc2a1bbfd7c5cc24f96">the Senate filibuster</a>&nbsp;to protect access to abortion after the U.S. Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">overturned Roe v. Wade</a>.(Click below to watch President Biden's comments)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F1655573944811308%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=1453" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>"If the filibuster gets in the way, it's like voting rights," Biden said during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nato-biden-china-madrid-fe9c7fe07122413754d087e61a95a202">a press conference in Madrid</a>, where he was attending a NATO summit. The Democratic president said there should be an “exception to the filibuster for this action to deal with the Supreme Court decision.”As a former senator, Biden has been reluctant to support changes to the filibuster, which allows any member of the 100-member chamber to block action on legislation unless it receives 60 votes. However, earlier this year he endorsed sidestepping the rule&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/voting-rights-joe-biden-georgia-voting-martin-luther-king-jr-dc4544c23622f35fc95d63afe512554d">on the issue of voting rights</a>, and his latest comments make clear that he's willing to do the same for abortion.Biden's support for changes to the filibuster in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-mitch-mcconnell-kamala-harris-filibusters-b97548b519325666d1a59200f7d79904">the 50-50 Senate</a>&nbsp;may ultimately be immaterial. The Senate Democratic caucus would need to unanimously take such a step, but at least two Democratic senators,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-manchin">Joe Manchin</a>&nbsp;of West Virginia and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kyrsten-sinema">Kyrsten Sinema</a>&nbsp;of Arizona, don't want to.The president has been under pressure to take as much executive action as possible to protect abortion rights, although&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-biden-us-supreme-court-health-xavier-becerra-7aa6cadb6699054902a6760eb01005b1">his options are limited</a>. Biden said he's meeting Friday with governors to talk about abortion and “I'll have announcements to make then.”During Thursday's news conference, Biden harshly criticized the Supreme Court's decision on abortion and reiterated his warnings that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-us-supreme-court-health-government-and-politics-marriage-a0cee537c6f9f10d29fa71f6e7a4d19d">other constitutional protections could be at risk</a>."One thing that has been destabilizing is the outrageous behavior of the Supreme Court of the United States in overruling not only Roe v. Wade but essentially challenging the right to privacy,” he said.Voting legislation that Democrats and civil rights leaders said was vital to protecting democracy&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-voting-rights-bill-collapses-27c888b4f9bf876520913d7036a942b0">collapsed in January</a>&nbsp;when Manchin and Sinema refused to join their own party in changing Senate rules to overcome a Republican filibuster. The outcome was a stinging defeat for Biden and his party, coming at the tumultuous close to his first year in office.___

🎥 Biden supports exception to Senate rules to restore abortion rights

CLOUD COUNTY—A woman died in an accident just before 4p.m. Thursday in Cloud County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Volvo semi pulling a grain trailer and driven by Vickie L. Fenner, 66, Conway, Arkansas, was eastbound on Kansas 28 four miles west of Jamestown negotiating a 90 degree southbound curve. 

The vehicle overturned onto the driver's side and came to rest on its top in the east ditch.

EMS transported Fenner to the Cloud County Hospital where she was pronounced dead. She was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

CLOUD COUNTY—A woman died in an accident just before 4p.m. Thursday in Cloud County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Volvo semi pulling a grain trailer and driven by Vickie L. Fenner, 66, Conway, Arkansas, was eastbound on Kansas 28 four miles west of Jamestown negotiating a 90 degree southbound curve. The vehicle overturned onto the driver's side and came to rest on its top in the east ditch.EMS transported Fenner to the Cloud County Hospital where she was pronounced dead. She was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Woman dies after semi overturns in ditch on rural Kan. road

DALLAS (AP) — Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend.

Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic.

American Airlines canceled 8% of its flights on Tuesday and Wednesday, and United Airlines scrubbed 4% of its schedule both days, according to FlightAware.

Holiday revelers planning to drive face their own set of challenges, including high gasoline prices. The nationwide average has eased since hitting a record $5.02 in mid-June to&nbsp;<a href="https://gasprices.aaa.com/">$4.86 a gallon on Thursday</a>, according to AAA, which expects prices to continue to ease because of rising gasoline inventories.

Americans are driving a bit less. Gas demand last week was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eia.gov/petroleum/weekly/gasoline.php">down about 3%</a>&nbsp;from the same week last June, according to government figures. In a Quinnipiac University poll in June, 40% of those surveyed said gas prices have caused them to change their summer vacation plans.

Air travel in the U.S. is almost back to pre-pandemic levels. Since last Saturday, an average of nearly 2.3 million people a day have gone through airport checkpoints — down just 8% from the same days in 2019. If that trend continues through weekend, records will be set for flying in the pandemic era.

Airlines may not have enough planes and flights to carry all of them, especially if there are cancellations due to weather, crew shortages or any other reason.

“Airlines are learning the hard way that there is a severe price for over-optimism,” said Joseph Schwieterman, a transportation expert at DePaul University. “They are on the edge of a cliff this holiday.”

Schwieterman calculates that&nbsp;<a href="https://las.depaul.edu/centers-and-institutes/chaddick-institute-for-metropolitan-development/research-and-publications/Documents/Airport%20Blues%20-%20The%20Potential%20Difficulties%20from%20Disrupted%20Fourth%20of%20July%20Travelsssssss.pdf">airlines have little cushion</a>&nbsp;between the number of travelers expected to fly this weekend and the flights they plan to operate — if all goes well. Any disruptions could cause chaos because planes are booked full — there will be no empty seats on later flights to accommodate stranded travelers.

Airlines have been caught short-staffed as they try to hire thousands of workers, including pilots, to replace those who they encouraged to quit when the pandemic caused air travel to plummet.

Many of them, including Delta, Southwest and JetBlue, have trimmed summer schedules to reduce stress on their operations. They are using larger planes on average to carry more passengers with the same number of pilots. Those steps haven't been enough so far this summer.

Delta Air Lines took the unusual step this week of warning travelers that there could be problems over the holiday weekend.

The Atlanta-based airline said it expects the biggest crowds since 2019, and this will create “some operational challenges.” It is allowing passengers booked on flights between Friday and the Monday holiday to change their schedule at no cost, even if the new flight comes with a higher fare.

“Delta people are working around the clock to rebuild Delta’s operation while making it as resilient as possible to minimize the ripple effect of disruptions,” the airline said.

Delta had by far the most canceled flights of any U.S. airline over the Memorial Day holiday stretch, when U.S. carriers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/memorial-day-2f00cad2c91f06ede7bf541b8bf2c60b">scrubbed nearly 2,800 flights</a>, and again last weekend, when it canceled 7% of its flights, according to FlightAware.

The airlines are increasingly trying to blame delays on understaffing at the Federal Aviation Administration, which manages the nation's airspace and hires air traffic controllers.

“This year versus previous years, the biggest issue has been air traffic control,” said Barry Biffle, the CEO of Frontier Airlines. “We've made a lot of steps to avoid the Jacksonville center in our scheduling, and we have reduced some flying to accommodate that.”

The FAA has a major facility in Jacksonville, Florida, that handles many flights up and down the East Coast. After a meeting with airline representatives in May, the FAA promised to increase staffing at the center.

Delta CEO Ed Bastian similarly blamed the FAA during an online meeting with employees Wednesday, trade publication Airline Weekly reported. Delta declined to comment.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg pushed back earlier this week when the head of the trade group Airlines for America blamed the FAA for delays.

“The majority of cancellations and the majority of delays have nothing to do with air traffic control staffing,” Buttigieg told “NBC Nightly News."

Helane Becker, an airline analyst for investment firm Cowen, said there are many reasons for the disruptions including weather, FAA ground stops that last too long, and flight crews hitting their legal limit of working hours in a day. The airlines “seem to fail” when it comes down to daily operations, and the FAA didn't train enough new air traffic controllers — a process that can take up to four years — to offset retirements.

“We expect it to be a long, tiresome summer for everyone,” she said.

The loudest lawmakers mostly seem to blame the airlines for leaving passengers stranded. Some point out that Congress gave the industry $54 billion in pandemic relief.

Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., urged Buttigieg to require airlines to issue refunds for delays longer than an hour and fine them for delays longer than two hours and for scheduling flights that they can't staff. Sanders accused airlines of stranding passengers while charging “outrageously high prices.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pete-buttigieg-government-and-politics-airlines-transportation-c3ebc7fbe4bcfb6402e67e0d626365a0">Buttigieg has threatened fines</a>&nbsp;if airlines don't fix their operations.

Sens. Edward Markey, D-Mass., and Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., asked 10 airline CEOs this week to “take immediate action” to reduce travel disruptions. The senators demanded information about how each airline decides which flights to cancel and the number of consumer refunds requested and granted.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656677937039.png" alt="Delta pilots protesting in Atlanta on Thursday photo courtesy WXYZ-TV" />
 <figcaption>Delta pilots protesting in Atlanta on Thursday photo courtesy WXYZ-TV</figcaption>
 </figure>DALLAS (AP) — Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend.Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic.American Airlines canceled 8% of its flights on Tuesday and Wednesday, and United Airlines scrubbed 4% of its schedule both days, according to FlightAware.Holiday revelers planning to drive face their own set of challenges, including high gasoline prices. The nationwide average has eased since hitting a record $5.02 in mid-June to&nbsp;<a href="https://gasprices.aaa.com/">$4.86 a gallon on Thursday</a>, according to AAA, which expects prices to continue to ease because of rising gasoline inventories.Americans are driving a bit less. Gas demand last week was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eia.gov/petroleum/weekly/gasoline.php">down about 3%</a>&nbsp;from the same week last June, according to government figures. In a Quinnipiac University poll in June, 40% of those surveyed said gas prices have caused them to change their summer vacation plans.Air travel in the U.S. is almost back to pre-pandemic levels. Since last Saturday, an average of nearly 2.3 million people a day have gone through airport checkpoints — down just 8% from the same days in 2019. If that trend continues through weekend, records will be set for flying in the pandemic era.Airlines may not have enough planes and flights to carry all of them, especially if there are cancellations due to weather, crew shortages or any other reason.“Airlines are learning the hard way that there is a severe price for over-optimism,” said Joseph Schwieterman, a transportation expert at DePaul University. “They are on the edge of a cliff this holiday.”Schwieterman calculates that&nbsp;<a href="https://las.depaul.edu/centers-and-institutes/chaddick-institute-for-metropolitan-development/research-and-publications/Documents/Airport%20Blues%20-%20The%20Potential%20Difficulties%20from%20Disrupted%20Fourth%20of%20July%20Travelsssssss.pdf">airlines have little cushion</a>&nbsp;between the number of travelers expected to fly this weekend and the flights they plan to operate — if all goes well. Any disruptions could cause chaos because planes are booked full — there will be no empty seats on later flights to accommodate stranded travelers.Airlines have been caught short-staffed as they try to hire thousands of workers, including pilots, to replace those who they encouraged to quit when the pandemic caused air travel to plummet.Many of them, including Delta, Southwest and JetBlue, have trimmed summer schedules to reduce stress on their operations. They are using larger planes on average to carry more passengers with the same number of pilots. Those steps haven't been enough so far this summer.Delta Air Lines took the unusual step this week of warning travelers that there could be problems over the holiday weekend.The Atlanta-based airline said it expects the biggest crowds since 2019, and this will create “some operational challenges.” It is allowing passengers booked on flights between Friday and the Monday holiday to change their schedule at no cost, even if the new flight comes with a higher fare.“Delta people are working around the clock to rebuild Delta’s operation while making it as resilient as possible to minimize the ripple effect of disruptions,” the airline said.Delta had by far the most canceled flights of any U.S. airline over the Memorial Day holiday stretch, when U.S. carriers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/memorial-day-2f00cad2c91f06ede7bf541b8bf2c60b">scrubbed nearly 2,800 flights</a>, and again last weekend, when it canceled 7% of its flights, according to FlightAware.The airlines are increasingly trying to blame delays on understaffing at the Federal Aviation Administration, which manages the nation's airspace and hires air traffic controllers.“This year versus previous years, the biggest issue has been air traffic control,” said Barry Biffle, the CEO of Frontier Airlines. “We've made a lot of steps to avoid the Jacksonville center in our scheduling, and we have reduced some flying to accommodate that.”The FAA has a major facility in Jacksonville, Florida, that handles many flights up and down the East Coast. After a meeting with airline representatives in May, the FAA promised to increase staffing at the center.Delta CEO Ed Bastian similarly blamed the FAA during an online meeting with employees Wednesday, trade publication Airline Weekly reported. Delta declined to comment.Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg pushed back earlier this week when the head of the trade group Airlines for America blamed the FAA for delays.“The majority of cancellations and the majority of delays have nothing to do with air traffic control staffing,” Buttigieg told “NBC Nightly News."Helane Becker, an airline analyst for investment firm Cowen, said there are many reasons for the disruptions including weather, FAA ground stops that last too long, and flight crews hitting their legal limit of working hours in a day. The airlines “seem to fail” when it comes down to daily operations, and the FAA didn't train enough new air traffic controllers — a process that can take up to four years — to offset retirements.“We expect it to be a long, tiresome summer for everyone,” she said.The loudest lawmakers mostly seem to blame the airlines for leaving passengers stranded. Some point out that Congress gave the industry $54 billion in pandemic relief.Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., urged Buttigieg to require airlines to issue refunds for delays longer than an hour and fine them for delays longer than two hours and for scheduling flights that they can't staff. Sanders accused airlines of stranding passengers while charging “outrageously high prices.”<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pete-buttigieg-government-and-politics-airlines-transportation-c3ebc7fbe4bcfb6402e67e0d626365a0">Buttigieg has threatened fines</a>&nbsp;if airlines don't fix their operations.Sens. Edward Markey, D-Mass., and Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., asked 10 airline CEOs this week to “take immediate action” to reduce travel disruptions. The senators demanded information about how each airline decides which flights to cancel and the number of consumer refunds requested and granted.

Air travel could be a mess over the Fourth of July weekend

BUTLER COUNTY —A Kansas man identified in a Silver Alert has been tracked to eastern Texas.&nbsp;

Joseph Moody Hayes' phone was pinged as recently as a few days ago in the New Boston area of Bowie County Texas, according to a social media report from the Texarkana, Texas Police Department.&nbsp;

Authorities believe the 71-year-old Towanda, Kansas, man was on Highway 8, headed toward Dequeen, Arkansas.  He may still be in the Texarkana area, according to police.

On Tuesday, Butler County Sheriff’s Office requested that the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issue a statewide Silver Alert for Hayes.

He left his home in Towanda, Kansas on Monday, June 20, en route to Anniston, Alabama to visit family. He never made it. Hayes was driving a 2014 Black Dodge Ram 1500 bearing Kansas tag 576HZW.

Hayes is a 71-year-old white male. He is around 5 foot-8 inches tall, and weighs 175 pounds. He has blue eyes and grey hair.

While traveling, he contacted family and informed them that he got turned around in the Fort Worth, Texas area. They suggested he turn around and head back to Kansas. Joseph Hayes never arrived in Kansas.

On Thursday, June 23, Hayes’s vehicle was spotted via license plate reader in Williamson County, Texas. One of his daughters made contact with him via telephone on Sunday, June 26, and he believed he was in the Dallas, Texas area.

Hayes has suffered a previous stroke, has high blood pressure, and family indicates he has shown signs of dementia.&nbsp;

If you see Joseph Hayes, or have information about his whereabouts, please immediately contact 911, or the Butler County Sheriff’s Office at 316-322-4398.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656447959050.png" alt="Hayes-photo Butler Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Hayes-photo Butler Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>BUTLER COUNTY —A Kansas man identified in a Silver Alert has been tracked to eastern Texas.&nbsp;Joseph Moody Hayes' phone was pinged as recently as a few days ago in the New Boston area of Bowie County Texas, according to a social media report from the Texarkana, Texas Police Department.&nbsp;Authorities believe the 71-year-old Towanda, Kansas, man was on Highway 8, headed toward Dequeen, Arkansas. He may still be in the Texarkana area, according to police.On Tuesday, Butler County Sheriff’s Office requested that the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issue a statewide Silver Alert for Hayes.He left his home in Towanda, Kansas on Monday, June 20, en route to Anniston, Alabama to visit family. He never made it. Hayes was driving a 2014 Black Dodge Ram 1500 bearing Kansas tag 576HZW.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656447826598.png" alt="Hayes-photo Butler Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Hayes-photo Butler Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>Hayes is a 71-year-old white male. He is around 5 foot-8 inches tall, and weighs 175 pounds. He has blue eyes and grey hair.While traveling, he contacted family and informed them that he got turned around in the Fort Worth, Texas area. They suggested he turn around and head back to Kansas. Joseph Hayes never arrived in Kansas.On Thursday, June 23, Hayes’s vehicle was spotted via license plate reader in Williamson County, Texas. One of his daughters made contact with him via telephone on Sunday, June 26, and he believed he was in the Dallas, Texas area.Hayes has suffered a previous stroke, has high blood pressure, and family indicates he has shown signs of dementia.&nbsp;If you see Joseph Hayes, or have information about his whereabouts, please immediately contact 911, or the Butler County Sheriff’s Office at 316-322-4398.

Police: Subject of Kansas Silver Alert tracked to east Texas

MORRIS COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges after an early morning traffic stop.

Just before 2a.m. Thursday, deputies stopped a suspicious vehicle near U.S. 77 at mile marker 142, according to a media release.

Deputies found illegal drugs in the vehicle and arrested 56-year-old Thomas Fleeker of Council Grove on requested charges of criminal use of explosives, meth distribution, possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, possession of a firearm by a felon, criminal use of a weapon and related traffic violations.

MORRIS COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges after an early morning traffic stop.Just before 2a.m. Thursday, deputies stopped a suspicious vehicle near U.S. 77 at mile marker 142, according to a media release.Deputies found illegal drugs in the vehicle and arrested 56-year-old Thomas Fleeker of Council Grove on requested charges of criminal use of explosives, meth distribution, possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, possession of a firearm by a felon, criminal use of a weapon and related traffic violations.

Kansas man jailed for alleged criminal use of explosives

FINNEY COUNTY —Fake money is making the rounds again in southwest Kansas, according to the Garden City Police Department.

During the month of June, they have taken 16 reports of counterfeit money, and they expect that number to increase with fireworks sales and 4th of July holiday travel approaching. 

In these counterfeit examples above, both bills do not have translucent Federal seals or standardized cuts. They have been hand cut.

The $100 bill's blue security ribbon is also printed on the bill, when it's supposed to be woven into the paper.

Police urged the public to pay attention to the money you are handling and being handed. Marking bills with currency pens and or comparing them to real U.S. currency are some of the best practices to use to detect counterfeit bills. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656555299680.png" alt="In these counterfeit examples above, both bills do not have translucent Federal seals or standardized cuts. They have been hand cut.-photo Garden City Police" />
 <figcaption>In these counterfeit examples above, both bills do not have translucent Federal seals or standardized cuts. They have been hand cut.-photo Garden City Police</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY —Fake money is making the rounds again in southwest Kansas, according to the Garden City Police Department.During the month of June, they have taken 16 reports of counterfeit money, and they expect that number to increase with fireworks sales and 4th of July holiday travel approaching. In these counterfeit examples above, both bills do not have translucent Federal seals or standardized cuts. They have been hand cut.The $100 bill's blue security ribbon is also printed on the bill, when it's supposed to be woven into the paper.Police urged the public to pay attention to the money you are handling and being handed. Marking bills with currency pens and or comparing them to real U.S. currency are some of the best practices to use to detect counterfeit bills.

Police in SW Kansas took 16 reports of counterfeit cash in June

SHERMAN COUNTY—A new state record fish is officially in the books. In February, angler Tami Sanderson from Goodland caught a record yellow perch at a farm pond in Sherman County, according to the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.

The yellow perch weighed in at 1.46 pounds and was 13.66 inches long. The previous state record was set in 2000 – the perch, caught in Coffey County, was 1.06 pounds and 14 inches long.<a href="https://ksoutdoors.com/Fishing/State-Record-Fish?fbclid=IwAR12UuhmacpFNVX-CIljjspt-5G5z1rzPpjYbdMKCpf0EzN2sWtvs_eAab0">&nbsp; Click here to</a> learn more about Kansas’ record fish.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656622905325.png" alt="Photos courtesy Kansas Dept. of Wildlife and Parks" />
 <figcaption>Photos courtesy Kansas Dept. of Wildlife and Parks</figcaption>
 </figure>SHERMAN COUNTY—A new state record fish is officially in the books. In February, angler Tami Sanderson from Goodland caught a record yellow perch at a farm pond in Sherman County, according to the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656622950923.png" alt="Photo KDWP&amp;T" />
 <figcaption>Photo KDWP&amp;T</figcaption>
 </figure>The yellow perch weighed in at 1.46 pounds and was 13.66 inches long. The previous state record was set in 2000 – the perch, caught in Coffey County, was 1.06 pounds and 14 inches long.<a href="https://ksoutdoors.com/Fishing/State-Record-Fish?fbclid=IwAR12UuhmacpFNVX-CIljjspt-5G5z1rzPpjYbdMKCpf0EzN2sWtvs_eAab0">&nbsp; Click here to</a> learn more about Kansas’ record fish.

Kansas woman breaks 22-year-old state fishing record 

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/21pdf/21-954_7l48.pdf" target="_blank">The Supreme Court said</a>&nbsp;Thursday the Biden administration can scrap a Trump-era immigration policy that was at the center of efforts to deter asylum-seekers, forcing some to wait in Mexico. Two conservative justices joined their three liberal colleagues in siding with the White House.

The justices’ decision came in a case involving former President Donald Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-us-supreme-court-mexico-united-states-missouri-b0df7cad5c0c5860a01d786cca7c5aa5">“Remain in Mexico”</a>&nbsp;policy, formally know as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dhs.gov/migrant-protection-protocols" target="_blank">Migrant Protection Protocols</a>, which enrolled about 70,000 people after it was launched in 2019.

President Joe Biden suspended the program on his first day in office in January 2021. But&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-border-mexico-joe-biden-8aeaa6b2e144bfee1125aa8702815dbe">lower courts</a>&nbsp;ordered it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-joe-biden-mexico-texas-missouri-1eb0b6dd1d0676e33702aec7f07e75ac">reinstated</a>&nbsp;in response to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-mexico-courts-immigration-8d82420a572999b886928244abc0f1b3">lawsuit</a>&nbsp;from Republican-led Texas and Missouri. The current administration has sent far fewer people back to Mexico than did the Trump administration.

The ruling was released on the same day that the court dealt the administration a blow in an important&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-epa-ruling-2e893673819a1b6c6aa272a5e814f0b0">environmental case</a>&nbsp;about the nation’s main anti-air pollution law. That ruling could complicate the administration’s plans to combat climate change.

The heart of the legal fight in the immigration case was about whether U.S. immigration authorities, with far less detention capacity than needed, had to send people to Mexico or whether those authorities had the discretion under federal law to release asylum-seekers into the United States while they awaited their hearings.

After Biden’s suspension of the program,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/21_1029_mpp-termination-memo.pdf" target="_blank">Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas</a>&nbsp;ended it in June 2021. In October, the department produced&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/21_1029_mpp-termination-justification-memo.pdf" target="_blank">additional justifications</a>&nbsp;for the policy’s demise, but that was to no avail in the courts.

Chief Justice John Roberts wrote that an appeals court “erred in holding that the” federal Immigration and Nationality Act “required the Government to continue implementing MPP.” Joining the majority opinion was fellow conservative Brett Kavanaugh, a Trump-appointee, as well as liberal justices Stephen Breyer, Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan.

Kavanaugh also wrote separately and noted that in general, when there is insufficient detention capacity, both releasing asylum-seekers into the United States and sending them back to Mexico “are legally permissible options under the immigration statutes.”

Cornell University law professor Stephen Yale-Loehr, an immigration expert, said the Biden administration does not need to take any further action to end the policy, but that Texas and Missouri can pursue a challenge over whether the administration followed appropriate procedure in ending the program.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said in a statement that the decision was “unfortunate.” He argued it would make “the border crisis worse. But it’s not the end. I’ll keep pressing forward and focus on securing the border and keeping our communities safe in the dozen other immigration suits I’m litigating in court.”

Because of lower court decisions MPP resumed in December, but the administration has registered only 7,259 migrants in the program, about 6 of every 10 of them Nicaraguans. The administration has said it would apply the policy to nationalities that are less likely to be subject to pandemic-era asylum limits. Strained diplomatic relations with Nicaragua makes it extremely difficult for the U.S. to expel people back to their homeland under the pandemic rule, known as Title 42 authority.

U.S. authorities stopped migrants 1.2 million times on the Mexico border from December through May, illustrating the limited impact that “Remain in Mexico” has had under Biden.

Democratic-led states and progressive groups were on the administration’s side in the case. Republican-run states and conservative groups sided with Texas and Missouri.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632317716965.png" alt="President Joe Biden suspended the program on his first day in office in January 2021. But&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-border-mexico-joe-biden-8aeaa6b2e144bfee1125aa8702815dbe">lower courts</a>&nbsp;ordered it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-joe-biden-mexico-texas-missouri-1eb0b6dd1d0676e33702aec7f07e75ac">reinstated</a>-photo Rep. Tony Gonzales" />
 <figcaption>President Joe Biden suspended the program on his first day in office in January 2021. But&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-border-mexico-joe-biden-8aeaa6b2e144bfee1125aa8702815dbe">lower courts</a>&nbsp;ordered it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-joe-biden-mexico-texas-missouri-1eb0b6dd1d0676e33702aec7f07e75ac">reinstated</a>-photo Rep. Tony Gonzales</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/21pdf/21-954_7l48.pdf" target="_blank">The Supreme Court said</a>&nbsp;Thursday the Biden administration can scrap a Trump-era immigration policy that was at the center of efforts to deter asylum-seekers, forcing some to wait in Mexico. Two conservative justices joined their three liberal colleagues in siding with the White House.The justices’ decision came in a case involving former President Donald Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-us-supreme-court-mexico-united-states-missouri-b0df7cad5c0c5860a01d786cca7c5aa5">“Remain in Mexico”</a>&nbsp;policy, formally know as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dhs.gov/migrant-protection-protocols" target="_blank">Migrant Protection Protocols</a>, which enrolled about 70,000 people after it was launched in 2019.President Joe Biden suspended the program on his first day in office in January 2021. But&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-border-mexico-joe-biden-8aeaa6b2e144bfee1125aa8702815dbe">lower courts</a>&nbsp;ordered it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-joe-biden-mexico-texas-missouri-1eb0b6dd1d0676e33702aec7f07e75ac">reinstated</a>&nbsp;in response to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-mexico-courts-immigration-8d82420a572999b886928244abc0f1b3">lawsuit</a>&nbsp;from Republican-led Texas and Missouri. The current administration has sent far fewer people back to Mexico than did the Trump administration.The ruling was released on the same day that the court dealt the administration a blow in an important&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-epa-ruling-2e893673819a1b6c6aa272a5e814f0b0">environmental case</a>&nbsp;about the nation’s main anti-air pollution law. That ruling could complicate the administration’s plans to combat climate change.The heart of the legal fight in the immigration case was about whether U.S. immigration authorities, with far less detention capacity than needed, had to send people to Mexico or whether those authorities had the discretion under federal law to release asylum-seekers into the United States while they awaited their hearings.After Biden’s suspension of the program,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/21_1029_mpp-termination-memo.pdf" target="_blank">Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas</a>&nbsp;ended it in June 2021. In October, the department produced&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/21_1029_mpp-termination-justification-memo.pdf" target="_blank">additional justifications</a>&nbsp;for the policy’s demise, but that was to no avail in the courts.Chief Justice John Roberts wrote that an appeals court “erred in holding that the” federal Immigration and Nationality Act “required the Government to continue implementing MPP.” Joining the majority opinion was fellow conservative Brett Kavanaugh, a Trump-appointee, as well as liberal justices Stephen Breyer, Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan.Kavanaugh also wrote separately and noted that in general, when there is insufficient detention capacity, both releasing asylum-seekers into the United States and sending them back to Mexico “are legally permissible options under the immigration statutes.”Cornell University law professor Stephen Yale-Loehr, an immigration expert, said the Biden administration does not need to take any further action to end the policy, but that Texas and Missouri can pursue a challenge over whether the administration followed appropriate procedure in ending the program.Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said in a statement that the decision was “unfortunate.” He argued it would make “the border crisis worse. But it’s not the end. I’ll keep pressing forward and focus on securing the border and keeping our communities safe in the dozen other immigration suits I’m litigating in court.”Because of lower court decisions MPP resumed in December, but the administration has registered only 7,259 migrants in the program, about 6 of every 10 of them Nicaraguans. The administration has said it would apply the policy to nationalities that are less likely to be subject to pandemic-era asylum limits. Strained diplomatic relations with Nicaragua makes it extremely difficult for the U.S. to expel people back to their homeland under the pandemic rule, known as Title 42 authority.U.S. authorities stopped migrants 1.2 million times on the Mexico border from December through May, illustrating the limited impact that “Remain in Mexico” has had under Biden.Democratic-led states and progressive groups were on the administration’s side in the case. Republican-run states and conservative groups sided with Texas and Missouri.The case is Biden v. Texas, 21-954.

Court: Biden can end Trump-era remain in Mexico policy

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, Wyo. (AP) — For the second time in three days, a visitor to Yellowstone National Park was gored by a bison, park officials said Thursday.

A 71-year-old woman from West Chester, Pennsylvania and her daughter inadvertently approached the bison Wednesday as they were returning to their vehicle at a Yellowstone Lake trailhead.

The woman's injuries were not life-threatening, park officials said. She was taken by ambulance to the West Park Hospital in Cody, Wyoming.

The incident remains under investigation and park officials did not release more information about the encounter.

On Monday, a 34-year-old Colorado Springs, Colorado, man who had gotten too close to a bison near Giant Geyser&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-colorado-springs-bison-f923906a9db6fb4301a77a78e5117a85">was thrown</a>&nbsp;as he grabbed a child who was running away from the beast. They both got up and ran away.

On May 30, a woman from Grove City, Ohio, got within 10 feet of a bison before it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/animals-bison-d828194de56b7c72d632be0b95bd1dcb">gored and tossed her</a>, causing a puncture wound and other injuries.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656533727966.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, Wyo. (AP) — For the second time in three days, a visitor to Yellowstone National Park was gored by a bison, park officials said Thursday.A 71-year-old woman from West Chester, Pennsylvania and her daughter inadvertently approached the bison Wednesday as they were returning to their vehicle at a Yellowstone Lake trailhead.The woman's injuries were not life-threatening, park officials said. She was taken by ambulance to the West Park Hospital in Cody, Wyoming.The incident remains under investigation and park officials did not release more information about the encounter.On Monday, a 34-year-old Colorado Springs, Colorado, man who had gotten too close to a bison near Giant Geyser&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-colorado-springs-bison-f923906a9db6fb4301a77a78e5117a85">was thrown</a>&nbsp;as he grabbed a child who was running away from the beast. They both got up and ran away.On May 30, a woman from Grove City, Ohio, got within 10 feet of a bison before it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/animals-bison-d828194de56b7c72d632be0b95bd1dcb">gored and tossed her</a>, causing a puncture wound and other injuries.Bison are wild and unpredictable and visitors are asked to stay more than 25 yards away from them, park officials said.