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.

Bison are wild and unpredictable and visitors are asked to stay more than 25 yards away from them, park officials said.

<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.

2nd visitor in 3 days gored by Yellowstone park bison

SALINE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 6:30a.m. Thursday in Saline County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Chevy Equinox driven by Josiah J. Hein, 21, Lincoln, Nebraska, was southbound on Interstate 135 three miles south of Salina.

The vehicle struck a pedestrian identified as 25-year-old David Pierre Jackson of St. Louis, Missouri, who had run out onto the interstate.

Jackson was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Ryan's Mortuary. Hein and a passenger in the Chevy Kyle W. Gordon, 52, Salina, were properly restrained and not injured, according to the KHP.

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal pedestrian accident that occurred just after 6:30a.m. Thursday on Southbound Interstate 135 near the Kansas 104 Mentor Road/Smolan Road exit

KHP was notified of a two vehicle non-injury crash with one driver walking south from scene, according to a social media report from Trooper Ben Gardner. Shortly afterwards an additional crash involving a pedestrian was reported resulting in a death.

The single fatality is not a local resident, according to Gardner. Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656596897608.png" alt="First responders on the scene of the investigation Thursday morning-photo courtesy KHP" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene of the investigation Thursday morning-photo courtesy KHP</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 6:30a.m. Thursday in Saline County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Chevy Equinox driven by Josiah J. Hein, 21, Lincoln, Nebraska, was southbound on Interstate 135 three miles south of Salina.The vehicle struck a pedestrian identified as 25-year-old David Pierre Jackson of St. Louis, Missouri, who had run out onto the interstate.Jackson was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Ryan's Mortuary. Hein and a passenger in the Chevy Kyle W. Gordon, 52, Salina, were properly restrained and not injured, according to the KHP.--------SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal pedestrian accident that occurred just after 6:30a.m. Thursday on Southbound Interstate 135 near the Kansas 104 Mentor Road/Smolan Road exitKHP was notified of a two vehicle non-injury crash with one driver walking south from scene, according to a social media report from Trooper Ben Gardner. Shortly afterwards an additional crash involving a pedestrian was reported resulting in a death.The single fatality is not a local resident, according to Gardner. Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

KHP IDs victim in fatal pedestrian accident on I-135

HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The potential for any level of abortion restrictions is on the table if the legislature's power is clarified through a positive vote for the amendment that is on the ballot August 2, according to a constitutional law professor from the University of Kansas.

"If people approve the amendment, the Kansas Constitution would place no limits on the regulation of abortion unless the particular form of the regulation violated some other right," said Richard E. Levy, J.B. Smith Distinguished Professor of Constitutional Law at the University of Kansas. "For example, if the law said women of one race could get an abortion, but women of another race could not, that would violate equal protection. But, if we're just looking at the content of abortion regulation generally, there would be no protection under the Kansas constitution."

The Dobbs ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade generally left the abortion regulation question to the states, but even then, there is a standard that will be looked at on the federal level.

"Under the U.S. Constitution, abortion laws would have to pass the rational basis test," Levy said. "They would have to serve a legitimate governmental interest and be reasonably related to that legitimate governmental interest. Sometimes laws can be so arbitrary and irrational, or could be based on impermissible political motives in a way that would make them invalid under the rational basis test. That's very rare, but it can happen."

The rational basis test is generally considered the least stringent test of judicial review. In other words, if the amendment passes, the legislature's actions, whatever they are, would most likely be upheld. Right now, the Kansas Supreme Court's holding in Hodes &amp; Nauser v. Schmidt is controlling and that decision infers a right to abortion in the Kansas Constitution.

"The Hodes case said that Section 1 of the Kansas Constitution's Bill of Rights, which expressly recognizes natural rights that individuals posess, includes a right to bodily integrity and self-determination and that right of bodily integrity and self-determination meant that women had the right to decide whether to carry a child to term or have an abortion."

The concerns of some that leaving the Hodes ruling in place could make Kansas a destination for women traveling to terminate their pregnancy would appear to be founded, if the <a href="https://www.guttmacher.org/article/2021/10/26-states-are-certain-or-likely-ban-abortion-without-roe-heres-which-ones-and-why">Guttmacher Institute's analysis of the issue proves to be correct</a>. According to the Institute, all neighboring states to Kansas except for Colorado would be either certain or likely to ban abortion.

Both Republican candidate and current Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt and current Kansas Governor Laura Kelly chose not to send direct statements to Hutch Post when contacted for this story, but spokespeople for both sides did send statements.

“The choice in the governor's race on this issue is clear. AG Schmidt supports the Value Them Both amendment and the right of Kansans, through their elected representatives, to regulate the abortion industry. Laura Kelly opposes all abortion restrictions at any stage of a pregnancy. She’s opposed painful late-term abortion bans, requirements that parents be notified of a minor child seeking an abortion, and basic health and safety requirements at abortion clinics. Kansas is and will become an even greater destination for abortions on-demand if Laura Kelly and the pro-abortion groups spending millions on her behalf have their way.”

Communications Director for Gov. Kelly, Brianna Johnson:

“Governor Kelly believes a woman’s reproductive health care decisions should be between her and her physician. She will always review the legality and constitutionality of bills as she receives them, but as she’s said many times, she will oppose all regressive legislation that interferes with individual freedoms or threatens the strides we’ve made in recent years making Kansas a constructive place to do business.”

All <a href="https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/VoterView">properly registered Kansas voters</a> can weigh in on the issue, regardless of party affiliation or the lack of it. The registration deadline for the primary is July 12.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656521824596.jpeg" alt="Richard E. Levy, J.B. Smith Distinguished Professor of Constitutional Law at the University of Kansas.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Richard E. Levy, J.B. Smith Distinguished Professor of Constitutional Law at the University of Kansas.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The potential for any level of abortion restrictions is on the table if the legislature's power is clarified through a positive vote for the amendment that is on the ballot August 2, according to a constitutional law professor from the University of Kansas.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656082391177.png" alt="Kansas voters will decide whether to remove the last barrier to abortion rights in the state constitution during the Aug. 2 primary election. Dylan Lysen / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Kansas voters will decide whether to remove the last barrier to abortion rights in the state constitution during the Aug. 2 primary election. Dylan Lysen / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>"If people approve the amendment, the Kansas Constitution would place no limits on the regulation of abortion unless the particular form of the regulation violated some other right," said Richard E. Levy, J.B. Smith Distinguished Professor of Constitutional Law at the University of Kansas. "For example, if the law said women of one race could get an abortion, but women of another race could not, that would violate equal protection. But, if we're just looking at the content of abortion regulation generally, there would be no protection under the Kansas constitution."The Dobbs ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade generally left the abortion regulation question to the states, but even then, there is a standard that will be looked at on the federal level."Under the U.S. Constitution, abortion laws would have to pass the rational basis test," Levy said. "They would have to serve a legitimate governmental interest and be reasonably related to that legitimate governmental interest. Sometimes laws can be so arbitrary and irrational, or could be based on impermissible political motives in a way that would make them invalid under the rational basis test. That's very rare, but it can happen."The rational basis test is generally considered the least stringent test of judicial review. In other words, if the amendment passes, the legislature's actions, whatever they are, would most likely be upheld. Right now, the Kansas Supreme Court's holding in Hodes &amp; Nauser v. Schmidt is controlling and that decision infers a right to abortion in the Kansas Constitution."The Hodes case said that Section 1 of the Kansas Constitution's Bill of Rights, which expressly recognizes natural rights that individuals posess, includes a right to bodily integrity and self-determination and that right of bodily integrity and self-determination meant that women had the right to decide whether to carry a child to term or have an abortion."The concerns of some that leaving the Hodes ruling in place could make Kansas a destination for women traveling to terminate their pregnancy would appear to be founded, if the <a href="https://www.guttmacher.org/article/2021/10/26-states-are-certain-or-likely-ban-abortion-without-roe-heres-which-ones-and-why">Guttmacher Institute's analysis of the issue proves to be correct</a>. According to the Institute, all neighboring states to Kansas except for Colorado would be either certain or likely to ban abortion.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656187730652.png" alt="Abortion protesters in Kansas City last week -photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Abortion protesters in Kansas City last week -photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>Both Republican candidate and current Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt and current Kansas Governor Laura Kelly chose not to send direct statements to Hutch Post when contacted for this story, but spokespeople for both sides did send statements.Schmidt campaign manager CJ Grover:“The choice in the governor's race on this issue is clear. AG Schmidt supports the Value Them Both amendment and the right of Kansans, through their elected representatives, to regulate the abortion industry. Laura Kelly opposes all abortion restrictions at any stage of a pregnancy. She’s opposed painful late-term abortion bans, requirements that parents be notified of a minor child seeking an abortion, and basic health and safety requirements at abortion clinics. Kansas is and will become an even greater destination for abortions on-demand if Laura Kelly and the pro-abortion groups spending millions on her behalf have their way.”Communications Director for Gov. Kelly, Brianna Johnson:“Governor Kelly believes a woman’s reproductive health care decisions should be between her and her physician. She will always review the legality and constitutionality of bills as she receives them, but as she’s said many times, she will oppose all regressive legislation that interferes with individual freedoms or threatens the strides we’ve made in recent years making Kansas a constructive place to do business.”All <a href="https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/VoterView">properly registered Kansas voters</a> can weigh in on the issue, regardless of party affiliation or the lack of it. The registration deadline for the primary is July 12.

KU Prof: 'no limits on abortion regulation' if amendment passes

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ketanji-brown-jackson">Ketanji Brown Jackson</a>&nbsp;has been sworn in to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">the Supreme Court</a>, shattering a glass ceiling as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ketanji-brown-jackson-voting-rights-college-admissions-stephen-breyer-us-supreme-court-75dc3f82758903dc702d86186ff9eedb">the first Black woman</a>&nbsp;on the nation’s highest court.

The 51-year-old Jackson is the court’s 116th justice and she took the place Thursday of the justice she once worked for.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/stephen-breyer">Justice Stephen Breyer’s</a>&nbsp;retirement took effect at noon.

Moments later, joined by her family, Jackson recited the two oaths required of Supreme Court justices, one administered by Breyer and the other by Chief Justice John Roberts.

“With a full heart, I accept the solemn responsibility of supporting and defending the Constitution of the United States and administering justice without fear or favor, so help me God,” Jackson said in a statement issued by the court. “I am truly grateful to be part of the promise of our great Nation. I extend my sincerest thanks to all of my new colleagues for their warm and gracious welcome.”

Roberts welcomed Jackson “to the court and our common calling.” The ceremony was streamed live on the court's website.

Jackson, a federal judge since 2013, is joining three other women, Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Amy Coney Barrett — the first time four women will serve together on the nine-member court.

Biden nominated Jackson in February, a month after Breyer, 83,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stephen-breyer-supreme-court-retirement-2f9c1f5da824e3b1ef25964205131fff">announced he would retire</a>&nbsp;at the end of the court's term, assuming his successor had been confirmed. Breyer's earlier-than-usual announcement and the condition he attached was a recognition of the Democrats' tenuous hold on the Senate in an era of hyper-partisanship, especially surrounding federal judgeships.

The Senate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ketanji-brown-jackson-supreme-court-confirmation-f39263cdbb0c59c8a20a48edf9b6786e">confirmed Jackson's nomination</a>&nbsp;in early April, by a 53-47 mostly party-line vote that included support from three Republicans.

Jackson had been in a sort of judicial limbo since, remaining a judge on the federal appeals court in Washington, D.C., but not hearing any cases. Biden elevated her to that court from the district judgeship to which she was appointed by President Barack Obama.

Jackson will be able to begin work immediately, but the court will have just finished the bulk of its work until the fall, apart from emergency appeals that occasionally arise. That will give her time to settle in and familiarize herself with the roughly two dozen cases the court already has agreed to hear starting in October as well as hundreds of appeals that will pile up over the summer.

The court issued final opinions earlier Thursday after a momentous and rancorous term that included&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">overturning Roe v. Wade’s guarantee of the right to an abortion</a>. One of Thursday’s decisions&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-epa-ruling-2e893673819a1b6c6aa272a5e814f0b0">limited how the Environmental Protection Agency can use the nation’s main anti-air pollution law</a>&nbsp;to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from power plants, a blow to the fight against climate change.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656606967625.png" alt="Jackson will be able to begin work immediately, but the court will have just finished the bulk of its work until the fall-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Jackson will be able to begin work immediately, but the court will have just finished the bulk of its work until the fall-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ketanji-brown-jackson">Ketanji Brown Jackson</a>&nbsp;has been sworn in to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">the Supreme Court</a>, shattering a glass ceiling as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ketanji-brown-jackson-voting-rights-college-admissions-stephen-breyer-us-supreme-court-75dc3f82758903dc702d86186ff9eedb">the first Black woman</a>&nbsp;on the nation’s highest court.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Ketanji Brown Jackson was sworn in as the 116th justice of the Supreme Court, making her the first Black woman to sit on the nation&#39;s highest court. <a href="https://t.co/FO1jHg1X7u">pic.twitter.com/FO1jHg1X7u</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1542547743037603840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 30, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The 51-year-old Jackson is the court’s 116th justice and she took the place Thursday of the justice she once worked for.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/stephen-breyer">Justice Stephen Breyer’s</a>&nbsp;retirement took effect at noon.Moments later, joined by her family, Jackson recited the two oaths required of Supreme Court justices, one administered by Breyer and the other by Chief Justice John Roberts.“With a full heart, I accept the solemn responsibility of supporting and defending the Constitution of the United States and administering justice without fear or favor, so help me God,” Jackson said in a statement issued by the court. “I am truly grateful to be part of the promise of our great Nation. I extend my sincerest thanks to all of my new colleagues for their warm and gracious welcome.”Roberts welcomed Jackson “to the court and our common calling.” The ceremony was streamed live on the court's website.Jackson, a federal judge since 2013, is joining three other women, Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Amy Coney Barrett — the first time four women will serve together on the nine-member court.Biden nominated Jackson in February, a month after Breyer, 83,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stephen-breyer-supreme-court-retirement-2f9c1f5da824e3b1ef25964205131fff">announced he would retire</a>&nbsp;at the end of the court's term, assuming his successor had been confirmed. Breyer's earlier-than-usual announcement and the condition he attached was a recognition of the Democrats' tenuous hold on the Senate in an era of hyper-partisanship, especially surrounding federal judgeships.The Senate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ketanji-brown-jackson-supreme-court-confirmation-f39263cdbb0c59c8a20a48edf9b6786e">confirmed Jackson's nomination</a>&nbsp;in early April, by a 53-47 mostly party-line vote that included support from three Republicans.Jackson had been in a sort of judicial limbo since, remaining a judge on the federal appeals court in Washington, D.C., but not hearing any cases. Biden elevated her to that court from the district judgeship to which she was appointed by President Barack Obama.Jackson will be able to begin work immediately, but the court will have just finished the bulk of its work until the fall, apart from emergency appeals that occasionally arise. That will give her time to settle in and familiarize herself with the roughly two dozen cases the court already has agreed to hear starting in October as well as hundreds of appeals that will pile up over the summer.The court issued final opinions earlier Thursday after a momentous and rancorous term that included&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">overturning Roe v. Wade’s guarantee of the right to an abortion</a>. One of Thursday’s decisions&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-epa-ruling-2e893673819a1b6c6aa272a5e814f0b0">limited how the Environmental Protection Agency can use the nation’s main anti-air pollution law</a>&nbsp;to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from power plants, a blow to the fight against climate change.

🎥Jackson sworn in; 1st Black woman on Supreme Court

WASHINGTON (AP) — In a blow to the fight against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/climate-change">climate change</a>, the Supreme Court on Thursday 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, with conservatives in the majority, the court said that the Clean Air Act does not give the Environmental Protection Agency broad&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-joe-biden-us-supreme-court-business-health-5e6f74672e116f977d5f20d7c3e29ddf">authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions</a>&nbsp;from power plants that contribute to global warming.

The court’s ruling could complicate the administration’s plans to combat climate change. Its proposal to regulate power plant emissions is expected by the end of the year. The decision also could have a broader effect on other agencies' regulatory efforts beyond climate change and air pollution.

President Joe Biden aims to cut the nation’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-science-national-oceanic-and-atmospheric-administration-environment-oceans-24753128b5e11aca8d69de4072380798">greenhouse gas emissions</a>&nbsp;in half by the end of the decade and to have an emissions-free power sector by 2035. Power plants account for roughly 30% of carbon dioxide output.

“Capping carbon dioxide emissions at a level that will force a nationwide transition away from the use of coal to generate electricity may be a sensible ‘solution to the crisis of the day,’” Chief Justice John Roberts wrote in his opinion for the court.

But Roberts wrote that the Clean Air Act doesn’t give EPA the authority to do so and that Congress must speak clearly on this subject.

"A decision of such magnitude and consequence rests with Congress itself, or an agency acting pursuant to a clear delegation from that representative body,” he wrote.

In a dissent, Justice Elena Kagan wrote that the decision strips the EPA of the power Congress gave it to respond to “the most pressing environmental challenge of our time.”

Kagan said the stakes in the case are high. She said, "The Court appoints itself—instead of Congress or the expert agency—the decisionmaker on climate policy. I cannot think of many things more frightening.”

Richard Revesz, an environmental expert at the New York University School of Law, called the decision “a significant setback for environmental protection and public health safeguards.”

But Revesz said in a statement that the EPA still has authority to address greenhouse gas emissions from the power sector.

The court held that Congress must speak with specificity when it wants to give an agency authority to regulate on an issue of major national significance.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York said the decision would have a wider effect. "The consequences of this decision will ripple across the entire federal government, from the regulation of food and drugs to our nation’s health care system, all of which will put American lives at risk,” Schumer said.

Several conservative justices have criticized what they see as the unchecked power of federal agencies.

Those concerns were evident in the court’s orders throwing out two Biden administration policies aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19. Last summer, the court’s 6-3 conservative majority ended a pause on evictions over unpaid rent. In January, the same six justices blocked a requirement that workers at large employers be vaccinated or test regularly and wear a mask on the job.

The justices heard arguments in the case on the same day that a United Nations panel’s report warned that the effects of climate change are about to get much worse, likely making the world sicker, hungrier, poorer and more dangerous in the coming years.

The power plant case has a long and complicated history that begins with the Obama administration’s Clean Power Plan. That plan would have required states to reduce emissions from the generation of electricity, mainly by shifting away from coal-fired plants.

But that plan never took effect. Acting in a lawsuit filed by West Virginia and others, the Supreme Court blocked it in 2016 by a 5-4 vote, with conservatives in the majority.

With the plan on hold, the legal fight over it continued. But after President Donald Trump took office, the EPA repealed the Obama-era plan. The agency argued that its authority to reduce carbon emissions was limited and it devised a new plan that sharply reduced the federal government’s role in the issue.

New York, 21 other mainly Democratic states, the District of Columbia and some of the nation’s largest cities sued over the Trump plan. The federal appeals court in Washington ruled against both the repeal and the new plan, and its decision left nothing in effect while the new administration drafted a new policy.

Adding to the unusual nature of the high court’s involvement, the reductions sought in the Obama plan by 2030 already have been achieved through the market-driven closure of hundreds of coal plants.

Power plant operators serving 40 million people called on the court to preserve the companies’ flexibility to reduce emissions while maintaining reliable service. Prominent businesses that include Apple, Amazon, Google, Microsoft and Tesla also backed the administration.

Nineteen mostly Republican-led states and coal companies led the fight at the Supreme Court against broad EPA authority to regulate carbon output.

WASHINGTON (AP) — In a blow to the fight against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/climate-change">climate change</a>, the Supreme Court on Thursday 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, with conservatives in the majority, the court said that the Clean Air Act does not give the Environmental Protection Agency broad&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-joe-biden-us-supreme-court-business-health-5e6f74672e116f977d5f20d7c3e29ddf">authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions</a>&nbsp;from power plants that contribute to global warming.The court’s ruling could complicate the administration’s plans to combat climate change. Its proposal to regulate power plant emissions is expected by the end of the year. The decision also could have a broader effect on other agencies' regulatory efforts beyond climate change and air pollution.President Joe Biden aims to cut the nation’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-science-national-oceanic-and-atmospheric-administration-environment-oceans-24753128b5e11aca8d69de4072380798">greenhouse gas emissions</a>&nbsp;in half by the end of the decade and to have an emissions-free power sector by 2035. Power plants account for roughly 30% of carbon dioxide output.“Capping carbon dioxide emissions at a level that will force a nationwide transition away from the use of coal to generate electricity may be a sensible ‘solution to the crisis of the day,’” Chief Justice John Roberts wrote in his opinion for the court.But Roberts wrote that the Clean Air Act doesn’t give EPA the authority to do so and that Congress must speak clearly on this subject."A decision of such magnitude and consequence rests with Congress itself, or an agency acting pursuant to a clear delegation from that representative body,” he wrote.In a dissent, Justice Elena Kagan wrote that the decision strips the EPA of the power Congress gave it to respond to “the most pressing environmental challenge of our time.”Kagan said the stakes in the case are high. She said, "The Court appoints itself—instead of Congress or the expert agency—the decisionmaker on climate policy. I cannot think of many things more frightening.”Richard Revesz, an environmental expert at the New York University School of Law, called the decision “a significant setback for environmental protection and public health safeguards.”But Revesz said in a statement that the EPA still has authority to address greenhouse gas emissions from the power sector.The court held that Congress must speak with specificity when it wants to give an agency authority to regulate on an issue of major national significance.Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York said the decision would have a wider effect. "The consequences of this decision will ripple across the entire federal government, from the regulation of food and drugs to our nation’s health care system, all of which will put American lives at risk,” Schumer said.Several conservative justices have criticized what they see as the unchecked power of federal agencies.Those concerns were evident in the court’s orders throwing out two Biden administration policies aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19. Last summer, the court’s 6-3 conservative majority ended a pause on evictions over unpaid rent. In January, the same six justices blocked a requirement that workers at large employers be vaccinated or test regularly and wear a mask on the job.The justices heard arguments in the case on the same day that a United Nations panel’s report warned that the effects of climate change are about to get much worse, likely making the world sicker, hungrier, poorer and more dangerous in the coming years.The power plant case has a long and complicated history that begins with the Obama administration’s Clean Power Plan. That plan would have required states to reduce emissions from the generation of electricity, mainly by shifting away from coal-fired plants.But that plan never took effect. Acting in a lawsuit filed by West Virginia and others, the Supreme Court blocked it in 2016 by a 5-4 vote, with conservatives in the majority.With the plan on hold, the legal fight over it continued. But after President Donald Trump took office, the EPA repealed the Obama-era plan. The agency argued that its authority to reduce carbon emissions was limited and it devised a new plan that sharply reduced the federal government’s role in the issue.New York, 21 other mainly Democratic states, the District of Columbia and some of the nation’s largest cities sued over the Trump plan. The federal appeals court in Washington ruled against both the repeal and the new plan, and its decision left nothing in effect while the new administration drafted a new policy.Adding to the unusual nature of the high court’s involvement, the reductions sought in the Obama plan by 2030 already have been achieved through the market-driven closure of hundreds of coal plants.Power plant operators serving 40 million people called on the court to preserve the companies’ flexibility to reduce emissions while maintaining reliable service. Prominent businesses that include Apple, Amazon, Google, Microsoft and Tesla also backed the administration.Nineteen mostly Republican-led states and coal companies led the fight at the Supreme Court against broad EPA authority to regulate carbon output.

Climate Change: Supreme Court limits EPA’s power to regulate carbon emissions

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating burglary and have two suspects in custody.

Just after 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, an alert citizen saw suspicious activity in the area of the 3700 block of NW Lower Silver Lake Road, according to Police Lt. Manuel Munoz. 

The citizen could see two subjects prowling in the area where a Union Pacific train engine was parked and called police.

Officers arrived and observed one individual coming out from the inside of the train engine compartment and he took off running from the scene. Another subject was found nearby and he fled from the scene as well. Officers quickly set up a perimeter and located both individuals nearby where they were taken into custody.

During the investigation, it was discovered that several rail cars and Union Pacific equipment had been broken into and stripped of their copper. Preliminary estimates are damages in excess of $50,000.00.

As a result of the investigation, John T. Good, 47, and, William L. Berardy, 27, both of Topeka were transported to Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges Burglary, Felony Theft, Aggravated Criminal Damage, Felony Obstruction and Trespass on Railroad Property, according to Munoz.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656539573442.png" alt="Berardy-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Berardy-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating burglary and have two suspects in custody.Just after 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, an alert citizen saw suspicious activity in the area of the 3700 block of NW Lower Silver Lake Road, according to Police Lt. Manuel Munoz. The citizen could see two subjects prowling in the area where a Union Pacific train engine was parked and called police.Officers arrived and observed one individual coming out from the inside of the train engine compartment and he took off running from the scene. Another subject was found nearby and he fled from the scene as well. Officers quickly set up a perimeter and located both individuals nearby where they were taken into custody.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656539506594.png" alt="Good-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Good-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>During the investigation, it was discovered that several rail cars and Union Pacific equipment had been broken into and stripped of their copper. Preliminary estimates are damages in excess of $50,000.00.As a result of the investigation, John T. Good, 47, and, William L. Berardy, 27, both of Topeka were transported to Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges Burglary, Felony Theft, Aggravated Criminal Damage, Felony Obstruction and Trespass on Railroad Property, according to Munoz.

Police: 2 Kansas men caused $50K in damage to train, railcars  

KANSAS CITY —A large hospital chain briefly stopped providing emergency contraception amid confusion over whether the state's abortion ban could put doctors at risk of criminal charges for providing the medication, even for sexual assault victims.

St. Luke’s Health Kansas City said in a statement Wednesday that it would resume offering the medication known as the morning after pill, a day after it told The Kansas City Star that its Missouri hospitals would halt emergency contraception.

It did so after the state's attorney general issued a statement stating unequivicolly that emergency contraception is not illegal under an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-us-supreme-court-missouri-government-and-politics-7bb5798bae32c3f15abad3a10941dfb5">abortion ban</a>&nbsp;that was enacted minutes after Friday's U.S. Supreme Court decision&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">overturning Roe v. Wade</a>. The Missouri law bans all abortions except in cases of medical emergency.

“Saint Luke’s Health System is aware of and continues to closely monitor legal developments regarding Missouri’s abortion trigger law, including recent comments from the Missouri Attorney General’s Office and the Governor of Missouri regarding the use of emergency contraceptives,” St. Luke's said Wednesday. “Following further internal review, Saint Luke’s will now resume providing emergency contraceptives, under new protocols, at all Missouri-based Saint Luke’s hospitals and clinics.”

The statement said the “ambiguity of the law, and the uncertainty even among state officials about what this law prohibits, continues to cause grave concern and will require careful monitoring.”

Since the Supreme Court ruling, abortion rights supporters have warned about the ambiguity of some state abortion bans and that contraception could be targeted.

Lawmakers in some states with majority-conservative legislatures have suggested that. Already in Idaho,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-us-supreme-court-politics-health-d8821fc3293e490db54441e6c838da59">emergency contraception</a>&nbsp;was prohibited at school-based health clinics last year under a law banning public funding for “abortion related services.”

Adding to the worries were comments from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-us-supreme-court-health-government-and-politics-marriage-a0cee537c6f9f10d29fa71f6e7a4d19d">Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas,</a>&nbsp;who in a separate concurring opinion urged colleagues to overturn other high court rulings protecting same-sex marriage, gay sex and the use of contraceptives.

Emergency contraception can be taken after sex and generally works by delaying or preventing ovulation. The federally approved label also says it may prevent a fertilized egg from attaching to the womb. It's been attacked by some abortion foes who believe life begins when an egg is fertilized.

The Missouri law doesn't mention birth control, including emergency contraceptives, which is sold under the brand name Plan B.

Republican state Rep. Nick Schroer, who sponsored the bill, said the intent was never to restrict access to any contraception.

“It’s not going to limit access to Plan B, and if we wanted to then that would need to be a discussion this next legislative session,” Schroer said.

It’s standard practice for health care providers to offer emergency contraception to sexual assault victims. Gretchen Borchelt, vice president of reproductive rights and health at the National Women’s Law Center in Washington, D.C., said it’s a “critically important part of a comprehensive medical response to sexual assault.”

In its Tuesday statement to the Star, St. Luke's spokeswoman Laurel Gifford said the hospital system “simply cannot put our clinicians in a position that might result in criminal prosecution.”

Doctors convicted under the law could serve up to 15 years in prison and lose their medical licenses.

St. Luke's has 16 hospitals, some of which are in Kansas and were not impacted.

Since the Supreme Court's ruling, demand for emergency contraceptives rose so much that some retailers,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-health-amazoncom-inc-b2b56ed0b1791ade29a70b5ad4ef00d8">including Amazon and Rite Aid, capped how many consumers can buy.</a>

“Retailers are being cautious. They are trying to manage it,” said Neil Saunders, managing director at GlobalData Retail. “But I don’t think there are chronic shortages.”

Planned Parenthood health centers are experiencing an increased demand for information and family planning services, including contraception.

“They’re worried birth control will be next,’’ said Kelly Hart, a spokeswoman for Planned Parenthood's Dallas-based affiliate.

So far, she said, the group has been able to meet the demand.

“From our perspective, birth control is more important than it has ever been and we’re doing everything we can to make that available,’’ Hart said.

At Wellspring online pharmacy, U.S. sales totaled about 1,000 packages a day at the weekend peak, compared with 100 to 200 daily before the ruling, Koen Mullokandov, the company’s chief operating officer, said. The fervor has subsided to about six times higher than usual, but many purchasers are still buying four to six packages at a time, clearly “stocking up,’’ Mullokandov said.

“Supply is challenging because nobody was expecting this,’’ he said, adding that so far, “we have enough inventory to support the demand.’’

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656592634572.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A large hospital chain briefly stopped providing emergency contraception amid confusion over whether the state's abortion ban could put doctors at risk of criminal charges for providing the medication, even for sexual assault victims.St. Luke’s Health Kansas City said in a statement Wednesday that it would resume offering the medication known as the morning after pill, a day after it told The Kansas City Star that its Missouri hospitals would halt emergency contraception.It did so after the state's attorney general issued a statement stating unequivicolly that emergency contraception is not illegal under an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-us-supreme-court-missouri-government-and-politics-7bb5798bae32c3f15abad3a10941dfb5">abortion ban</a>&nbsp;that was enacted minutes after Friday's U.S. Supreme Court decision&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">overturning Roe v. Wade</a>. The Missouri law bans all abortions except in cases of medical emergency.“Saint Luke’s Health System is aware of and continues to closely monitor legal developments regarding Missouri’s abortion trigger law, including recent comments from the Missouri Attorney General’s Office and the Governor of Missouri regarding the use of emergency contraceptives,” St. Luke's said Wednesday. “Following further internal review, Saint Luke’s will now resume providing emergency contraceptives, under new protocols, at all Missouri-based Saint Luke’s hospitals and clinics.”The statement said the “ambiguity of the law, and the uncertainty even among state officials about what this law prohibits, continues to cause grave concern and will require careful monitoring.”Since the Supreme Court ruling, abortion rights supporters have warned about the ambiguity of some state abortion bans and that contraception could be targeted.Lawmakers in some states with majority-conservative legislatures have suggested that. Already in Idaho,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-us-supreme-court-politics-health-d8821fc3293e490db54441e6c838da59">emergency contraception</a>&nbsp;was prohibited at school-based health clinics last year under a law banning public funding for “abortion related services.”Adding to the worries were comments from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-us-supreme-court-health-government-and-politics-marriage-a0cee537c6f9f10d29fa71f6e7a4d19d">Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas,</a>&nbsp;who in a separate concurring opinion urged colleagues to overturn other high court rulings protecting same-sex marriage, gay sex and the use of contraceptives.Emergency contraception can be taken after sex and generally works by delaying or preventing ovulation. The federally approved label also says it may prevent a fertilized egg from attaching to the womb. It's been attacked by some abortion foes who believe life begins when an egg is fertilized.The Missouri law doesn't mention birth control, including emergency contraceptives, which is sold under the brand name Plan B.Republican state Rep. Nick Schroer, who sponsored the bill, said the intent was never to restrict access to any contraception.“It’s not going to limit access to Plan B, and if we wanted to then that would need to be a discussion this next legislative session,” Schroer said.It’s standard practice for health care providers to offer emergency contraception to sexual assault victims. Gretchen Borchelt, vice president of reproductive rights and health at the National Women’s Law Center in Washington, D.C., said it’s a “critically important part of a comprehensive medical response to sexual assault.”In its Tuesday statement to the Star, St. Luke's spokeswoman Laurel Gifford said the hospital system “simply cannot put our clinicians in a position that might result in criminal prosecution.”Doctors convicted under the law could serve up to 15 years in prison and lose their medical licenses.St. Luke's has 16 hospitals, some of which are in Kansas and were not impacted.Since the Supreme Court's ruling, demand for emergency contraceptives rose so much that some retailers,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-health-amazoncom-inc-b2b56ed0b1791ade29a70b5ad4ef00d8">including Amazon and Rite Aid, capped how many consumers can buy.</a>“Retailers are being cautious. They are trying to manage it,” said Neil Saunders, managing director at GlobalData Retail. “But I don’t think there are chronic shortages.”Planned Parenthood health centers are experiencing an increased demand for information and family planning services, including contraception.“They’re worried birth control will be next,’’ said Kelly Hart, a spokeswoman for Planned Parenthood's Dallas-based affiliate.So far, she said, the group has been able to meet the demand.“From our perspective, birth control is more important than it has ever been and we’re doing everything we can to make that available,’’ Hart said.At Wellspring online pharmacy, U.S. sales totaled about 1,000 packages a day at the weekend peak, compared with 100 to 200 daily before the ruling, Koen Mullokandov, the company’s chief operating officer, said. The fervor has subsided to about six times higher than usual, but many purchasers are still buying four to six packages at a time, clearly “stocking up,’’ Mullokandov said.“Supply is challenging because nobody was expecting this,’’ he said, adding that so far, “we have enough inventory to support the demand.’’

Kansas City hospital briefly halts emergency contraception

MENDON, Mo. (AP) — An Amtrak passenger train was going about 87 mph when it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/amtrak-accident-missouri-investigation-10b519f9c4bf04d4a3cd490fddae217c">collided with a dump truck</a>&nbsp;at a rural Missouri railway crossing, killing four people, an official with the National Transportation Safety Board said Wednesday.

The speed limit is 90 mph (145 kph) at the crossing where the collision occurred Monday in western Missouri, NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy said. The Southwest Chief was traveling about 89 mph (143 kph) when it began blowing its horn about a quarter mile (400 meters) from the collision site, she said.

The early investigation found no concerns with the train's brakes or other mechanical issues, Homendy said.

The crossing, which had no lights or other signals to warn about an approaching train, is “very steep” and Homendy acknowledged area residents&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/amtrak-accident-missouri-investigation-10b519f9c4bf04d4a3cd490fddae217c">had expressed concerns</a>&nbsp;about it before the crash.

The truck driver, 54-year-old Billy Barton II, of Brookfield, Missouri, died in the collision, the Chariton County coroner said.

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,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/amtrak-accident-missouri-investigation-10b519f9c4bf04d4a3cd490fddae217c">died Tuesday</a>&nbsp;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 rear right side of the truck near Mendon. Two locomotives and eight cars derailed. Amtrak officials said about 275 passengers and 12 crew members were aboard.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656360596114.jpeg" alt="An image courtesy a video posted by Robert Nightingale, who was a passenger aboard the Amtrak train that derailed on Monday, June 27, in Mendon, Missouri." />
 <figcaption>An image courtesy a video posted by Robert Nightingale, who was a passenger aboard the Amtrak train that derailed on Monday, June 27, in Mendon, Missouri.</figcaption>
 </figure>MENDON, Mo. (AP) — An Amtrak passenger train was going about 87 mph when it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/amtrak-accident-missouri-investigation-10b519f9c4bf04d4a3cd490fddae217c">collided with a dump truck</a>&nbsp;at a rural Missouri railway crossing, killing four people, an official with the National Transportation Safety Board said Wednesday.The speed limit is 90 mph (145 kph) at the crossing where the collision occurred Monday in western Missouri, NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy said. The Southwest Chief was traveling about 89 mph (143 kph) when it began blowing its horn about a quarter mile (400 meters) from the collision site, she said.The early investigation found no concerns with the train's brakes or other mechanical issues, Homendy said.The crossing, which had no lights or other signals to warn about an approaching train, is “very steep” and Homendy acknowledged area residents&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/amtrak-accident-missouri-investigation-10b519f9c4bf04d4a3cd490fddae217c">had expressed concerns</a>&nbsp;about it before the crash.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656537737436.png" alt="Kim Holsapple(center left) and Rochelle Cook (center right)-photo GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>Kim Holsapple(center left) and Rochelle Cook (center right)-photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>The truck driver, 54-year-old Billy Barton II, of Brookfield, Missouri, died in the collision, the Chariton County coroner said.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,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/amtrak-accident-missouri-investigation-10b519f9c4bf04d4a3cd490fddae217c">died Tuesday</a>&nbsp;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 rear right side of the truck near Mendon. Two locomotives and eight cars derailed. Amtrak officials said about 275 passengers and 12 crew members were aboard.

NTSB: Amtrak train was below speed limit before fatal crash

RENO COUNTY — The report of an armed subject led officials to place Nickerson Elementary School, 400 North Nickerson Street, into lockdown Wednesday morning.

&nbsp;The family of 30-year-old Kristopher Gobble phoned law enforcement after they had an altercation with him, according to Steve Lutz of the Reno County Sheriff's Department.

Because Gobble's known address was near the school, law enforcement asked that the building be placed in lockdown. Summer school was in session at the time.

Authorities located Gobble at a friend's house in Nickerson. Law enforcement surrounded the house and communicated with him through a loudspeaker. Gobble eventually gave himself up and the lockdown was lifted after about two hours.

Gobble was taken into custody on requested charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, criminal damage to property, and criminal threat. He is also being detained on a warrant from the Kansas Department of Corrections for a parole violation.

His bond is set at $6,750. He’s scheduled to make a first appearance Thursday morning.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656585162266.png" alt="Gobble has a previous conviction for drug possession, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Gobble has a previous conviction for drug possession, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY — The report of an armed subject led officials to place Nickerson Elementary School, 400 North Nickerson Street, into lockdown Wednesday morning.&nbsp;The family of 30-year-old Kristopher Gobble phoned law enforcement after they had an altercation with him, according to Steve Lutz of the Reno County Sheriff's Department.Because Gobble's known address was near the school, law enforcement asked that the building be placed in lockdown. Summer school was in session at the time.Authorities located Gobble at a friend's house in Nickerson. Law enforcement surrounded the house and communicated with him through a loudspeaker. Gobble eventually gave himself up and the lockdown was lifted after about two hours.Gobble was taken into custody on requested charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, criminal damage to property, and criminal threat. He is also being detained on a warrant from the Kansas Department of Corrections for a parole violation.His bond is set at $6,750. He’s scheduled to make a first appearance Thursday morning.

Kan. school locked down during arrest of wanted suspect

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/06/29/sfc-approves-state-worker-pay-raises-digs-into-bonuses-for-child-care-providers/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly and top
 legislative leaders unanimously approved Wednesday the budget outline 
for appropriating $49.9 million in state tax dollars to provide 5% 
across-the-board pay raises for state government employees.

Kelly signed into law legislation that included the boost in 
compensation for state workers with the exception of individuals who 
received pay bumps through other legislative or administrative actions. 
The overall cost of the salary adjustments was estimated by the 
Legislature to be as much as $145 million.

The investment by the Republican-led Legislature and the Democratic 
governor represented the first broad increase in state employee wages 
since 2018. Boundaries of the salary changes were outlined in <a target="_blank" href="http://kslegislature.com/li/b2021_22/measures/sb267/">Senate Bill 267</a> and <a target="_blank" href="http://kslegislature.com/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2510/">House Bill 2510</a>.

“We did adhere to all the restrictions and guidance in both,” said 
Adam Proffitt, the governor’s budget director. “Thankful this was able 
to get across and get this out to the employees.”

The State Finance Council vote meant the state completed preparations
 for releasing funding to state agencies to implement the salary 
upgrades.

During the meeting, House Majority Leader Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita, 
said he was concerned about implementation of Kelly’s decision to <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/06/21/kansas-to-give-child-care-workers-53m-in-appreciation-pay/">distribute $53 million in federal funding</a> in the form of bonuses to the licensed early childhood care providers in Kansas.

The aid to as many as 22,600 providers would range from $750 to $2,500 per person, depending on hours worked in the field.

“I’ve had several calls and emails and texts from our members about 
the $53 million,” Hawkins said. “Can you share where with us where that 
money came from? I’ve asked and nobody seems to know. I just need to 
shed a little light on that.”

Kelly said recently acquired federal funding for bonuses came to the 
Kansas Department for Children and Families and was earmarked for 
services related to child development. It was separate from billions of 
dollars in federal COVID-19 recovery aid sent to Kansas by Congress.

The governor said the smartest investment a community could make was to funnel resources into early childhood programs.

“Early childhood education programs benefit our kids in the 
long-term, both in and out of the classroom, and they make it possible 
for parents to enter and participate in the workforce,” she said.

Kelly said a letter was being sent to child care facilities and 
workers to outline eligibility for a one-time grant. The deadline to 
apply would be Nov. 18.

Eligible child&nbsp;care 
providers must be regularly working in a paid position at a licensed 
facility and have a minimum of six months continuous employment at their
 current employer or six months of combined continuous employment with a
 licensed provider. Home-based and relative providers may qualify for 
the bonus program, the governor said, but temporary babysitters 
wouldn’t.

In addition, Kelly said a memorandum on the initiative would be sent 
to the 165 members of the Legislature so they could respond to 
constituent inquiries.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656525792751.png" alt="Gov. Laura Kelly and top leaders in Kansas Legislature approve details of 5% pay increase for state government employees, which would be the first across-the-board adjustment since 2018. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Laura Kelly and top leaders in Kansas Legislature approve details of 5% pay increase for state government employees, which would be the first across-the-board adjustment since 2018. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/06/29/sfc-approves-state-worker-pay-raises-digs-into-bonuses-for-child-care-providers/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly and top
 legislative leaders unanimously approved Wednesday the budget outline 
for appropriating $49.9 million in state tax dollars to provide 5% 
across-the-board pay raises for state government employees.Kelly signed into law legislation that included the boost in 
compensation for state workers with the exception of individuals who 
received pay bumps through other legislative or administrative actions. 
The overall cost of the salary adjustments was estimated by the 
Legislature to be as much as $145 million.The investment by the Republican-led Legislature and the Democratic 
governor represented the first broad increase in state employee wages 
since 2018. Boundaries of the salary changes were outlined in <a target="_blank" href="http://kslegislature.com/li/b2021_22/measures/sb267/">Senate Bill 267</a> and <a target="_blank" href="http://kslegislature.com/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2510/">House Bill 2510</a>.“We did adhere to all the restrictions and guidance in both,” said 
Adam Proffitt, the governor’s budget director. “Thankful this was able 
to get across and get this out to the employees.”The State Finance Council vote meant the state completed preparations
 for releasing funding to state agencies to implement the salary 
upgrades.During the meeting, House Majority Leader Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita, 
said he was concerned about implementation of Kelly’s decision to <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/06/21/kansas-to-give-child-care-workers-53m-in-appreciation-pay/">distribute $53 million in federal funding</a> in the form of bonuses to the licensed early childhood care providers in Kansas.The aid to as many as 22,600 providers would range from $750 to $2,500 per person, depending on hours worked in the field.“I’ve had several calls and emails and texts from our members about 
the $53 million,” Hawkins said. “Can you share where with us where that 
money came from? I’ve asked and nobody seems to know. I just need to 
shed a little light on that.”Kelly said recently acquired federal funding for bonuses came to the 
Kansas Department for Children and Families and was earmarked for 
services related to child development. It was separate from billions of 
dollars in federal COVID-19 recovery aid sent to Kansas by Congress.The governor said the smartest investment a community could make was to funnel resources into early childhood programs.“Early childhood education programs benefit our kids in the 
long-term, both in and out of the classroom, and they make it possible 
for parents to enter and participate in the workforce,” she said.Kelly said a letter was being sent to child care facilities and 
workers to outline eligibility for a one-time grant. The deadline to 
apply would be Nov. 18.Eligible child&nbsp;care 
providers must be regularly working in a paid position at a licensed 
facility and have a minimum of six months continuous employment at their
 current employer or six months of combined continuous employment with a
 licensed provider. Home-based and relative providers may qualify for 
the bonus program, the governor said, but temporary babysitters 
wouldn’t.In addition, Kelly said a memorandum on the initiative would be sent 
to the 165 members of the Legislature so they could respond to 
constituent inquiries.

Kansas finance council approves state worker pay raises

WASHINGTON – A Kansas man was sentenced today to 27 months in federal prison and 18 months of supervised release for threatening a Black man with a knife because of the man’s race, in order to intimidate and interfere with the man’s right to fair housing, the U.S. Department of Justice. 

According to the court documents, on Sept. 11, 2019, Colton Donner, 27, was driving through a residential area of Paola, Kansas, when he saw the victim, a Black man, walking on the sidewalk. Donner stopped, got out of the car, and approached the victim while brandishing a knife. Donner threatened the victim, yelled racial slurs, and told the victim that Paola is a “white town.”

“Racially-motivated threats and violence have no place in our society today,” said Assistant Attorney General Clarke. “This sentence should send a strong message to perpetrators of violent hate-fueled acts that they will be held accountable for their crimes. Everyone deserves to feel safe and secure living in their communities, without being subject to racially-motivated crimes seeking to drive them from their homes or neighborhoods.”

“All Americans have the freedom to decide where they want to live, and to do so without fear of being threatened because of their race,” said U.S. Attorney Slinkard.&nbsp;“Hopefully this prison sentence will deter those who would commit acts of racial discrimination and violence by illustrating the Justice Department’s steadfast resolve to prosecute these crimes.”

“Every individual has the right to occupy a home free from racial discrimination, yet the defendant targeted the victim for no other reason than the victim’s race,” said Special Agent in Charge Dayoub. “The defendant’s actions, directly undermined the victim’s right to reside in a community in Paola, and to enjoy the protections afforded under the federal civil rights act. The FBI, along with our law enforcement partners, have no tolerance for this type of fear and intimidation and are committed to protecting residents regardless of their race, color, religion, gender, national origin or familial status.”

This case was investigated by the Paola Police Department and the Kansas City Field Office of the FBI. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tristam Hunt of the District of Kansas and Trial Attorney Anita Channapati of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606169887890.png" alt="Donner-photo Miami County Kansas Jail" />
 <figcaption>Donner-photo Miami County Kansas Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON – A Kansas man was sentenced today to 27 months in federal prison and 18 months of supervised release for threatening a Black man with a knife because of the man’s race, in order to intimidate and interfere with the man’s right to fair housing, the U.S. Department of Justice. According to the court documents, on Sept. 11, 2019, Colton Donner, 27, was driving through a residential area of Paola, Kansas, when he saw the victim, a Black man, walking on the sidewalk. Donner stopped, got out of the car, and approached the victim while brandishing a knife. Donner threatened the victim, yelled racial slurs, and told the victim that Paola is a “white town.”“Racially-motivated threats and violence have no place in our society today,” said Assistant Attorney General Clarke. “This sentence should send a strong message to perpetrators of violent hate-fueled acts that they will be held accountable for their crimes. Everyone deserves to feel safe and secure living in their communities, without being subject to racially-motivated crimes seeking to drive them from their homes or neighborhoods.”“All Americans have the freedom to decide where they want to live, and to do so without fear of being threatened because of their race,” said U.S. Attorney Slinkard.&nbsp;“Hopefully this prison sentence will deter those who would commit acts of racial discrimination and violence by illustrating the Justice Department’s steadfast resolve to prosecute these crimes.”“Every individual has the right to occupy a home free from racial discrimination, yet the defendant targeted the victim for no other reason than the victim’s race,” said Special Agent in Charge Dayoub. “The defendant’s actions, directly undermined the victim’s right to reside in a community in Paola, and to enjoy the protections afforded under the federal civil rights act. The FBI, along with our law enforcement partners, have no tolerance for this type of fear and intimidation and are committed to protecting residents regardless of their race, color, religion, gender, national origin or familial status.”This case was investigated by the Paola Police Department and the Kansas City Field Office of the FBI. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tristam Hunt of the District of Kansas and Trial Attorney Anita Channapati of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section.

 Kansas man sentenced for violent, racially-motivated hate crime

PRATT&nbsp;– A three-year investigation in northwest Kansas involving Cheyenne, Sherman, Wallace, and Logan Counties has come to a close, thanks to numerous public tips and the diligent efforts of Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks game warden, according to a media release.

Throughout the investigation, game wardens executed multiple physical and electronic search warrants and conducted many interviews, leading to the discovery of 25 deer – mostly mule deer – one antelope, eight turkeys and other wildlife that had been taken illegally. Many of the deer had been shot out of season and with firearms by the guilty parties who were in possession of archery permits only; Many deer were also taken without a permit. Of the 13 deer scored, game wardens were able to determine the average antler size at 173 inches.

In all, 140 charges were filed for nine individuals for violations from 2015-2019. Of the nine individuals charged, three individuals received more than four charges. The charges are as follows:

KDWP game wardens thanked the public, and the local and state law enforcement agencies that assisted throughout this case.

PRATT&nbsp;– A three-year investigation in northwest Kansas involving Cheyenne, Sherman, Wallace, and Logan Counties has come to a close, thanks to numerous public tips and the diligent efforts of Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks game warden, according to a media release.Throughout the investigation, game wardens executed multiple physical and electronic search warrants and conducted many interviews, leading to the discovery of 25 deer – mostly mule deer – one antelope, eight turkeys and other wildlife that had been taken illegally. Many of the deer had been shot out of season and with firearms by the guilty parties who were in possession of archery permits only; Many deer were also taken without a permit. Of the 13 deer scored, game wardens were able to determine the average antler size at 173 inches.In all, 140 charges were filed for nine individuals for violations from 2015-2019. Of the nine individuals charged, three individuals received more than four charges. The charges are as follows:<ul>
 <li>Tayton Weeter received 58 charges relating to the illegal take of wildlife. Tayton pled guilty to 22 charges and was ordered to pay $45,000 in fines and restitution. Tayton also received a 10-year hunting revocation.</li><li>Tracy Weeter received 46 charges relating to the illegal take of wildlife. Tracy pled guilty to 12 charges and was ordered to pay $750 in fines and $1,688 in court costs. Tracy also received a two-year hunting revocation.</li><li>Sean Winter received 18 charges relating to the illegal take of wildlife. Sean pled guilty to six charges and was ordered to pay $5,800 in fines and restitution. Sean also received a 12-month hunting revocation and forfeited a firearm.</li>
 </ul>KDWP game wardens thanked the public, and the local and state law enforcement agencies that assisted throughout this case.

Fines levied, licenses stripped after Kansas poaching investigation

MADRID (AP) — President Joe Biden said Wednesday that the U.S. will significantly increase its military presence in Europe for the long haul, including by establishing its first permanent presence in Poland, to bolster regional security after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.</a>

Meeting with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-nato-zelenskyy-politics-jens-stoltenberg-54c91903690f0d56537fa40ada88d83c">the opening of the alliance’s annual leaders’ summit</a>&nbsp;in Madrid, Biden said “NATO is strong and united” and that steps to be taken during the gathering will “further augment our collective strength.” The White House said Biden’s commitments mean the U.S. will maintain a presence of 100,000 troops in Europe, up 20,000 from the levels before the Ukraine war began, for the “foreseeable future.”

In addition to the new basing of a U.S. military garrison in Poland, Biden also said the U.S. is sending two additional F-35 fighter jet squadrons to the U.K. and more air defenses and other capabilities to Germany and Italy.

“Today I’m announcing the United States will enhance our force posture in Europe and respond to the changing security environment as well as strengthening our collective security,” he said.

Stoltenberg, who earlier Wednesday said the alliance was facing its biggest challenge since World War II because of Russia’s aggression toward Ukraine, welcomed Biden’s announcement&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-nato-politics-finland-05bee518928c878dc3c170ff3044fa93">as the summit began.</a>

“This really demonstrates your decisive leadership and strength in the trans-Atlantic bond,” Stoltenberg said, thanking Biden for the “unwavering support from you and from the United States to Ukraine.”

The more muscular American presence in Europe is bolstered by stepped-up defense commitments from NATO allies announced at the summit. It is still a far cry from its posture during the Cold War, when roughly 300,000 American troops, on average, were stationed in the region.

Biden said the U.S. will permanently station the U.S. Army V Corps forward command in Poland, a move that he said would strengthen US-NATO interoperability across the alliance’s eastern flank. The decision marks the first permanent basing of U.S. forces on NATO’s eastern edge. Biden added that the U.S. is also stepping up its rotational deployments of troops to Romania and the Baltic region.

Celeste Wallander, an assistant U.S. secretary of defense for international affairs, told reporters that having a permanent presence in Poland will be key to helping NATO navigate the changed security environment in Europe caused by Russia’s invasion. The U.S. supplies the bulk of NATO’s military power.

U.S. officials emphasized that the permanent basing applied only to headquarters units, not combat troops, and was therefore consistent with a 1997 agreement between NATO and Russia in which the alliance agreed not to permanently base combat troops in Eastern Europe as it aimed to build more constructive ties in the post-Cold War environment.

Poland’s Deputy Foreign Minister Pawel Jablonski told Poland’s state PAP news agency that the decision to add U.S. command structure was a “manifestation of the ever closer cooperation between the U.S. and Poland” and would give give NATO allies a frontline insight into the Russian threat.

The combat units Biden is sending to Romania and the Baltic region are on rotational deployments, rather than permanent assignment, to remain in compliance with that agreement.

“There has been no communication with Moscow about these changes, nor is there a requirement to do that,” John Kirby, a spokesman for Biden’s National Security Council.

Biden announced on Tuesday after arriving for the summit that the U.S. would base two additional destroyers at its naval base in Rota, Spain, bringing the total number to six.

Biden predicted that meetings this week would make for a “history-making summit” as leaders were set to approve a new strategic framework, announce a range of steps to boost their defense spending and capabilities, and clear the way for historically neutral&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-nato-biden-turkey-madrid-0441ed4a13ea31aad5df316572f082bf">Finland and Sweden</a>&nbsp;to join NATO.

Biden said Russian President Vladimir Putin thought NATO members would splinter after he invaded Ukraine, but got the opposite response instead.

“Putin was looking for the Finland-ization of Europe,” Biden said. “You’re gonna get the NATO-ization of Europe. And that’s exactly what he didn’t want, but exactly what needs to be done to guarantee security for Europe.”

Turkey, the last remaining holdout to approve the Nordic countries’ accession into NATO, reached an agreement on the eve of the summit late Tuesday to support adding them to the 30-nation alliance.

While the White House said the U.S. was not a direct party to the negotiations, a senior administration official said Biden spoke with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Tuesday to encourage him to clear the way for Sweden and Finland to join. The two leaders are set to meet Wednesday afternoon to discuss other issues, the White House said.

Biden also sat down Wednesday with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who are attending the NATO summit as the alliance looks to strengthen its ties in the Indo-Pacific region and address challenges from China.

The three leaders discussed North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs, which Biden said the three found “deeply concerning.”

Biden said “our trilateral cooperation in my view is essential” and said the meeting was an opportunity for the leaders to coordinate a shared response, as U.S. officials say the isolated nation may soon conduct another nuclear test.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656512460520.png" alt="“Today I’m announcing the United States will enhance our force posture in Europe and respond to the changing security environment as well as strengthening our collective security,” President Biden said.-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>“Today I’m announcing the United States will enhance our force posture in Europe and respond to the changing security environment as well as strengthening our collective security,” President Biden said.-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>MADRID (AP) — President Joe Biden said Wednesday that the U.S. will significantly increase its military presence in Europe for the long haul, including by establishing its first permanent presence in Poland, to bolster regional security after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.</a>Meeting with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-nato-zelenskyy-politics-jens-stoltenberg-54c91903690f0d56537fa40ada88d83c">the opening of the alliance’s annual leaders’ summit</a>&nbsp;in Madrid, Biden said “NATO is strong and united” and that steps to be taken during the gathering will “further augment our collective strength.” The White House said Biden’s commitments mean the U.S. will maintain a presence of 100,000 troops in Europe, up 20,000 from the levels before the Ukraine war began, for the “foreseeable future.”In addition to the new basing of a U.S. military garrison in Poland, Biden also said the U.S. is sending two additional F-35 fighter jet squadrons to the U.K. and more air defenses and other capabilities to Germany and Italy.“Today I’m announcing the United States will enhance our force posture in Europe and respond to the changing security environment as well as strengthening our collective security,” he said.Stoltenberg, who earlier Wednesday said the alliance was facing its biggest challenge since World War II because of Russia’s aggression toward Ukraine, welcomed Biden’s announcement&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-nato-politics-finland-05bee518928c878dc3c170ff3044fa93">as the summit began.</a>“This really demonstrates your decisive leadership and strength in the trans-Atlantic bond,” Stoltenberg said, thanking Biden for the “unwavering support from you and from the United States to Ukraine.”The more muscular American presence in Europe is bolstered by stepped-up defense commitments from NATO allies announced at the summit. It is still a far cry from its posture during the Cold War, when roughly 300,000 American troops, on average, were stationed in the region.Biden said the U.S. will permanently station the U.S. Army V Corps forward command in Poland, a move that he said would strengthen US-NATO interoperability across the alliance’s eastern flank. The decision marks the first permanent basing of U.S. forces on NATO’s eastern edge. Biden added that the U.S. is also stepping up its rotational deployments of troops to Romania and the Baltic region.Celeste Wallander, an assistant U.S. secretary of defense for international affairs, told reporters that having a permanent presence in Poland will be key to helping NATO navigate the changed security environment in Europe caused by Russia’s invasion. The U.S. supplies the bulk of NATO’s military power.U.S. officials emphasized that the permanent basing applied only to headquarters units, not combat troops, and was therefore consistent with a 1997 agreement between NATO and Russia in which the alliance agreed not to permanently base combat troops in Eastern Europe as it aimed to build more constructive ties in the post-Cold War environment.Poland’s Deputy Foreign Minister Pawel Jablonski told Poland’s state PAP news agency that the decision to add U.S. command structure was a “manifestation of the ever closer cooperation between the U.S. and Poland” and would give give NATO allies a frontline insight into the Russian threat.The combat units Biden is sending to Romania and the Baltic region are on rotational deployments, rather than permanent assignment, to remain in compliance with that agreement.“There has been no communication with Moscow about these changes, nor is there a requirement to do that,” John Kirby, a spokesman for Biden’s National Security Council.Biden announced on Tuesday after arriving for the summit that the U.S. would base two additional destroyers at its naval base in Rota, Spain, bringing the total number to six.Biden predicted that meetings this week would make for a “history-making summit” as leaders were set to approve a new strategic framework, announce a range of steps to boost their defense spending and capabilities, and clear the way for historically neutral&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-nato-biden-turkey-madrid-0441ed4a13ea31aad5df316572f082bf">Finland and Sweden</a>&nbsp;to join NATO.Biden said Russian President Vladimir Putin thought NATO members would splinter after he invaded Ukraine, but got the opposite response instead.“Putin was looking for the Finland-ization of Europe,” Biden said. “You’re gonna get the NATO-ization of Europe. And that’s exactly what he didn’t want, but exactly what needs to be done to guarantee security for Europe.”Turkey, the last remaining holdout to approve the Nordic countries’ accession into NATO, reached an agreement on the eve of the summit late Tuesday to support adding them to the 30-nation alliance.While the White House said the U.S. was not a direct party to the negotiations, a senior administration official said Biden spoke with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Tuesday to encourage him to clear the way for Sweden and Finland to join. The two leaders are set to meet Wednesday afternoon to discuss other issues, the White House said.Biden also sat down Wednesday with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who are attending the NATO summit as the alliance looks to strengthen its ties in the Indo-Pacific region and address challenges from China.The three leaders discussed North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs, which Biden said the three found “deeply concerning.”Biden said “our trilateral cooperation in my view is essential” and said the meeting was an opportunity for the leaders to coordinate a shared response, as U.S. officials say the isolated nation may soon conduct another nuclear test.—-