SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just before 10p.m. Wednesday in Sedgwick County.

A 2006 Suzuki motorcycle driven by 35-year-old Shawn Glass of Derby southbound on Greenwich Road, according to Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick.

The motorcycle traveled through the T-intersection at 71st Street South, left the roadway and continued southbound into a wooded area. 

Glass was separated from the motorcycle and died at the scene, according to Blick.

A stop sign is posted for southbound traffic at the intersection of Greenwich and 71st Street South. A two direction arrow sign is posted along the south edge of 71st Street South and visible to southbound traffic.

Speed and impaired driving are believed to have contributed to the collision. The accident&nbsp;remains under investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656004631615.png" alt="First responders at the scene of the fatal crash -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>First responders at the scene of the fatal crash -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just before 10p.m. Wednesday in Sedgwick County.A 2006 Suzuki motorcycle driven by 35-year-old Shawn Glass of Derby southbound on Greenwich Road, according to Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick.The motorcycle traveled through the T-intersection at 71st Street South, left the roadway and continued southbound into a wooded area. Glass was separated from the motorcycle and died at the scene, according to Blick.A stop sign is posted for southbound traffic at the intersection of Greenwich and 71st Street South. A two direction arrow sign is posted along the south edge of 71st Street South and visible to southbound traffic.Speed and impaired driving are believed to have contributed to the collision. The accident&nbsp;remains under investigation.

Sheriff IDs Kansas man who died in motorcycle crash

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Thursday struck down a restrictive New York gun law in a major ruling for gun rights.

The justices’ 6-3 decision is expected to ultimately allow more people to legally carry guns on the streets of the nation’s largest cities — including New York, Los Angeles and Boston — and elsewhere. About a quarter of the U.S. population lives in states expected to be affected by the ruling, the high court’s first major gun decision in more than a decade.

The ruling comes as Congress is actively working on gun legislation following recent mass shootings in Texas,New York and California.

In their decision, the justices struck down a New York law requiring people to demonstrate a particular need for carrying a gun in order to get a license to carry one in public. The justices said the requirement violates the Second Amendment right to “keep and bear arms.”

California, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Rhode Island all have similar laws likely to be challenged as a result of the ruling.&nbsp; The Biden administration had urged the justices to uphold New York’s law.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/9/1567943572880.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Thursday struck down a restrictive New York gun law in a major ruling for gun rights.The justices’ 6-3 decision is expected to ultimately allow more people to legally carry guns on the streets of the nation’s largest cities — including New York, Los Angeles and Boston — and elsewhere. About a quarter of the U.S. population lives in states expected to be affected by the ruling, the high court’s first major gun decision in more than a decade.The ruling comes as Congress is actively working on gun legislation following recent mass shootings in Texas,New York and California.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">AG Schmidt statement on U.S. Supreme Court decision affirming 2nd Amendment protections on carrying a firearm outside the home <a href="https://t.co/kUtWSdUjv5">https://t.co/kUtWSdUjv5</a> <a href="https://t.co/nmPwG8Wjcw">pic.twitter.com/nmPwG8Wjcw</a>&mdash; Kansas AG&#39;s Office (@KSAGOffice) <a href="https://twitter.com/KSAGOffice/status/1539998800298872833?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In their decision, the justices struck down a New York law requiring people to demonstrate a particular need for carrying a gun in order to get a license to carry one in public. The justices said the requirement violates the Second Amendment right to “keep and bear arms.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">It is outrageous that at a moment of national reckoning on gun violence, the Supreme Court has recklessly struck down a New York law that limits those who can carry concealed weapons.&mdash; Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovKathyHochul/status/1539983179641229313?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>California, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Rhode Island all have similar laws likely to be challenged as a result of the ruling.&nbsp; The Biden administration had urged the justices to uphold New York’s law.

Supreme Court: Constitution guarantees right to carry gun in public

EMPORIA– The Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR) met in Emporia Wednesday and named Ken Hush president of Emporia State University, according to a statement from the board.

“I am excited that the Regents have named Ken Hush the next president of Emporia State University,” said KBOR Chair Cheryl Harrison-Lee. “As an alumnus, Ken has a passion for Emporia State and the students here, and he has done an outstanding job as interim president. He is a proven leader with a track record of leading large successful teams, leveraging data and making informed decisions to improve organizations.”

The Board named Hush as Interim President of Emporia State on November 17, 2021, following the departure of former president Allison Garrett. He will assume the role of permanent president of the university immediately.

“It has been an honor serving my alma mater as interim president, and I’m excited to continue as permanent president,” said Hush. “Emporia State’s mission is vital to our region and the state of Kansas. I look forward to working with faculty, staff, alumni and our partners in the community to continue serving students and growing our economy.”

Hush is a graduate of Emporia State and was inducted into the ESU Athletics Hall of Honor in 1995. He previously served as chairman of the ESU Foundation Board of Trustees and on the Wichita State University Board of Trustees.

Prior to assuming his current role, Hush served as CEO of BLI Rentals, as President and in several executive roles at Koch Minerals and Carbon, and as General Manager and Director at Senior Commodity Company.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656001794665.png" alt="Ken Hush during Wednesday's announcement -photo courtesy Emporia State" />
 <figcaption>Ken Hush during Wednesday's announcement -photo courtesy Emporia State</figcaption>
 </figure>EMPORIA– The Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR) met in Emporia Wednesday and named Ken Hush president of Emporia State University, according to a statement from the board.“I am excited that the Regents have named Ken Hush the next president of Emporia State University,” said KBOR Chair Cheryl Harrison-Lee. “As an alumnus, Ken has a passion for Emporia State and the students here, and he has done an outstanding job as interim president. He is a proven leader with a track record of leading large successful teams, leveraging data and making informed decisions to improve organizations.”The Board named Hush as Interim President of Emporia State on November 17, 2021, following the departure of former president Allison Garrett. He will assume the role of permanent president of the university immediately.“It has been an honor serving my alma mater as interim president, and I’m excited to continue as permanent president,” said Hush. “Emporia State’s mission is vital to our region and the state of Kansas. I look forward to working with faculty, staff, alumni and our partners in the community to continue serving students and growing our economy.”Hush is a graduate of Emporia State and was inducted into the ESU Athletics Hall of Honor in 1995. He previously served as chairman of the ESU Foundation Board of Trustees and on the Wichita State University Board of Trustees.Prior to assuming his current role, Hush served as CEO of BLI Rentals, as President and in several executive roles at Koch Minerals and Carbon, and as General Manager and Director at Senior Commodity Company.

Regents name alumnus as 18th president at Emporia State

Washington—&nbsp;U.S. Senators Roger&nbsp;Marshall and Tommy Tuberville (AL) expressed their opposition to expanding the federal government’s control over U.S. cattle markets by offering an amendment to strike market quotas for fed cattle from the Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act of 2022. The amendment was offered during a hearing in the Senate Ag Wednesday, according to a statement from Marshall's office.

When offering his amendment, Senator&nbsp;Marshall&nbsp;said, in part,

“Transparency is the nectar of free enterprise and capitalism without competition creates opportunities for exploitation…I understand the frustrations of the Senators who authored and support this bill but, a market mandate is the wrong approach…It could cost cattle producers anywhere from $23 million to $249 million each year and 90% of those costs appear to be borne by cattlemen in Kansas and the Southern Plains States…While this is an attempt to regulate the packer, the result is actually additional regulation of the cattle producer. This will give the packer all the leverage to decide who gets the good deal and who gets the bad deal.”

Although Senator&nbsp;Marshall&nbsp;withdrew his amendment, he intends to re-offer it if the Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act reaches the Senate Floor for the full chamber’s consideration.

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/S.4030_Marshall_1st_Degree_01.pdf" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;to read the text of Senator&nbsp;Marshall’s amendment.

Washington—&nbsp;U.S. Senators Roger&nbsp;Marshall and Tommy Tuberville (AL) expressed their opposition to expanding the federal government’s control over U.S. cattle markets by offering an amendment to strike market quotas for fed cattle from the Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act of 2022. The amendment was offered during a hearing in the Senate Ag Wednesday, according to a statement from Marshall's office.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CZtn5uPOBAE?start=1" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>When offering his amendment, Senator&nbsp;Marshall&nbsp;said, in part,“Transparency is the nectar of free enterprise and capitalism without competition creates opportunities for exploitation…I understand the frustrations of the Senators who authored and support this bill but, a market mandate is the wrong approach…It could cost cattle producers anywhere from $23 million to $249 million each year and 90% of those costs appear to be borne by cattlemen in Kansas and the Southern Plains States…While this is an attempt to regulate the packer, the result is actually additional regulation of the cattle producer. This will give the packer all the leverage to decide who gets the good deal and who gets the bad deal.”Although Senator&nbsp;Marshall&nbsp;withdrew his amendment, he intends to re-offer it if the Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act reaches the Senate Floor for the full chamber’s consideration.Click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/S.4030_Marshall_1st_Degree_01.pdf" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;to read the text of Senator&nbsp;Marshall’s amendment.

🎥 Marshall opposes fed control over cattle markets in livestock bill

KANSAS CITY—One person died in an accident involving an SUV and an ATV just before 9p.m. Wednesday in Wyandotte County.

Officers responding to report of an accident in the 4900 Block of Shawnee Drive found a the driver of an ATV deceased, according to police spokesperson Nancy Chartrand.

 EMS transported his adult, female passenger to an area hospital for treatment of serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The adult male driver of the SUV sustained minor injuries.&nbsp;

Police released no additional details. the accident remains under investigation.

KANSAS CITY—One person died in an accident involving an SUV and an ATV just before 9p.m. Wednesday in Wyandotte County.Officers responding to report of an accident in the 4900 Block of Shawnee Drive found a the driver of an ATV deceased, according to police spokesperson Nancy Chartrand. EMS transported his adult, female passenger to an area hospital for treatment of serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The adult male driver of the SUV sustained minor injuries.&nbsp;Police released no additional details. the accident remains under investigation.

Police investigate fatal Kansas crash involving ATV

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/06/22/schmidt-proposes-sweeping-policy-to-exempt-retirement-benefits-from-state-income-tax/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Republican gubernatorial
 candidate Derek Schmidt proposed Wednesday elimination of state tax on 
benefits and income from Social Security, IRAs, annuities and other 
retirement vehicles to curtail population outmigration from Kansas.

Schmidt, the attorney general and presumed November opponent of 
Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly, said the recommended incentive package 
would be blended with existing income tax exemptions applicable to 
military, federal and in-state government pensions to help retain or 
attract retirees as well as draw interest from individuals preparing for
 retirement. The policy shift might help Kansas businesses in workforce 
recruiting, he said.

“To every retiree considering leaving Kansas after a lifetime of 
working and living here, we want you to stay,” Schmidt said. “To every 
retiree in another state looking to move, come to Kansas. We’re going to
 give you another reason to remain or return to Kansas by helping you 
retire tax free.”

Schmidt said the proposal would zero out state income tax on Social 
Security retirement benefits, out-of-state public pensions, private 
pension benefits, defined benefit retirement plans, defined contribution
 retirement plans like 401(k)s, retirement annuities, individual 
retirement accounts, retirement plans maintained or contributed to by an
 employer, retirement plans maintained or contributed to by a 
self-employed person as an employer, and deferred compensation 
retirement plans or any earnings attributable to a deferred compensation
 plan.

The U.S. economy has endured the COVID-19 pandemic, 
inflation and stock market fluctuations that contributed to erosion of 
the bottom line in retirement accounts.

Schmidt said adoption of the proposal by the Legislature would bring 
Kansas in line with South Dakota, Texas and 10 other states — Iowa will 
soon join that group — that exempt all private retirement income from 
state taxation.

The Social Security provision would bring Kansas together with six 
other regional states that exempt those benefits from state income tax, 
he said. Currently, Kansas taxes Social Security if a person with a 
federally adjusted gross income of more than $75,000 annually.

Cost of Schmidt’s “Retire Tax Free” initiative to the state treasury 
would escalate over the next three years. Under his proposal, the cost 
of exempting Social Security benefits would grow from $32.5 million in 
the 2023 fiscal year, to $109 million in fiscal 2024 and to $112 million
 in fiscal 2025.

Fully exempting all private retirement income would diminish state 
revenue by $69.9 million in fiscal 2023, $233 million in fiscal 2024 and
 $236 million in fiscal 2025.

Schmidt said in a statement that he would “work closely” with the 
Legislature to determine a fiscally responsible method of working the 
retirement taxation reforms into the state budget.

The 2022 Legislature approved and Kelly signed a bill investing $1.1 
billion in the state’s public employee retirement system. Lawmakers also
 created a $500 million budget stabilization fund.

The House, Senate and governor implemented a law to gradually 
eliminate the state’s sales tax on groceries over three years. Kelly had
 proposed an immediate end of the 6.5% state sales tax on food. 
Meanwhile, a cluster of tax reform bills were passed, including one 
featuring $50 million in property tax relief for businesses closed 
during the pandemic.

The Schmidt campaign — his running mate is Katie Sawyer — said an 
analysis by Kiplinger indicated Kansas ranked third worst in the nation 
in terms of income, sales and property tax burden.

According to surveys compiled by moving companies and data from the 
U.S. Census Bureau, Kansas ranked 11th worst in 2021 in terms of 
outbound migration.

“To have a brighter future, Kansas must grow,” Schmidt 
said. “Our state’s heavy tax burden is one of the significant obstacles 
to population growth and a significant reason so many Kansas retirees 
move away, taking with them their lifetime of talent, civic involvement 
and savings.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655925852865.png" alt="Attorney General Derek Schmidt, the Republican candidate for governor, proposed a tax reform package that would exempt retirement benefits from state income tax. Schmidt is seated along with running mate Katie Sawyer. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Attorney General Derek Schmidt, the Republican candidate for governor, proposed a tax reform package that would exempt retirement benefits from state income tax. Schmidt is seated along with running mate Katie Sawyer. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/06/22/schmidt-proposes-sweeping-policy-to-exempt-retirement-benefits-from-state-income-tax/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Republican gubernatorial
 candidate Derek Schmidt proposed Wednesday elimination of state tax on 
benefits and income from Social Security, IRAs, annuities and other 
retirement vehicles to curtail population outmigration from Kansas.Schmidt, the attorney general and presumed November opponent of 
Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly, said the recommended incentive package 
would be blended with existing income tax exemptions applicable to 
military, federal and in-state government pensions to help retain or 
attract retirees as well as draw interest from individuals preparing for
 retirement. The policy shift might help Kansas businesses in workforce 
recruiting, he said.“To every retiree considering leaving Kansas after a lifetime of 
working and living here, we want you to stay,” Schmidt said. “To every 
retiree in another state looking to move, come to Kansas. We’re going to
 give you another reason to remain or return to Kansas by helping you 
retire tax free.”Schmidt said the proposal would zero out state income tax on Social 
Security retirement benefits, out-of-state public pensions, private 
pension benefits, defined benefit retirement plans, defined contribution
 retirement plans like 401(k)s, retirement annuities, individual 
retirement accounts, retirement plans maintained or contributed to by an
 employer, retirement plans maintained or contributed to by a 
self-employed person as an employer, and deferred compensation 
retirement plans or any earnings attributable to a deferred compensation
 plan.The U.S. economy has endured the COVID-19 pandemic, 
inflation and stock market fluctuations that contributed to erosion of 
the bottom line in retirement accounts.Schmidt said adoption of the proposal by the Legislature would bring 
Kansas in line with South Dakota, Texas and 10 other states — Iowa will 
soon join that group — that exempt all private retirement income from 
state taxation.The Social Security provision would bring Kansas together with six 
other regional states that exempt those benefits from state income tax, 
he said. Currently, Kansas taxes Social Security if a person with a 
federally adjusted gross income of more than $75,000 annually.Cost of Schmidt’s “Retire Tax Free” initiative to the state treasury 
would escalate over the next three years. Under his proposal, the cost 
of exempting Social Security benefits would grow from $32.5 million in 
the 2023 fiscal year, to $109 million in fiscal 2024 and to $112 million
 in fiscal 2025.Fully exempting all private retirement income would diminish state 
revenue by $69.9 million in fiscal 2023, $233 million in fiscal 2024 and
 $236 million in fiscal 2025.Schmidt said in a statement that he would “work closely” with the 
Legislature to determine a fiscally responsible method of working the 
retirement taxation reforms into the state budget.The 2022 Legislature approved and Kelly signed a bill investing $1.1 
billion in the state’s public employee retirement system. Lawmakers also
 created a $500 million budget stabilization fund.The House, Senate and governor implemented a law to gradually 
eliminate the state’s sales tax on groceries over three years. Kelly had
 proposed an immediate end of the 6.5% state sales tax on food. 
Meanwhile, a cluster of tax reform bills were passed, including one 
featuring $50 million in property tax relief for businesses closed 
during the pandemic.The Schmidt campaign — his running mate is Katie Sawyer — said an 
analysis by Kiplinger indicated Kansas ranked third worst in the nation 
in terms of income, sales and property tax burden.According to surveys compiled by moving companies and data from the 
U.S. Census Bureau, Kansas ranked 11th worst in 2021 in terms of 
outbound migration.“To have a brighter future, Kansas must grow,” Schmidt 
said. “Our state’s heavy tax burden is one of the significant obstacles 
to population growth and a significant reason so many Kansas retirees 
move away, taking with them their lifetime of talent, civic involvement 
and savings.”

Schmidt proposes exempting retirement benefits from KS income tax

WYANDOTTE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities currently investigating a shooting that left one person in critical condition. 

Just after 6:30p.m. Tuesday, police responded to a single vehicle crash in the 1900 Block of Ruby Avenue under the 18th Street expressway bridge in Kansas City, Kansas, according to a media release.

At the scene, officers found a man with an apparent gunshot wound inside the vehicle. EMS transported him to an area hospital where he remains in critical condition.

WYANDOTTE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities currently investigating a shooting that left one person in critical condition. Just after 6:30p.m. Tuesday, police responded to a single vehicle crash in the 1900 Block of Ruby Avenue under the 18th Street expressway bridge in Kansas City, Kansas, according to a media release.At the scene, officers found a man with an apparent gunshot wound inside the vehicle. EMS transported him to an area hospital where he remains in critical condition.Police released no additional details.

Police find man with gunshot wound after Kansas crash

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service announced today that more 
forms can now be amended electronically. These include people filing 
corrections to the Form 1040-NR, U.S. Nonresident Alien Income Tax 
Return and Forms 1040-SS, U.S. Self-Employment Tax Return (Including the
 Additional Child Tax Credit for Bona Fide Residents of Puerto Rico) and
 Forms 1040-PR, Self-Employment Tax Return – Puerto Rico.

"This initiative has come a long way from 2020 when we first launched
 the ability to file amended returns, which was an important milestone 
to help taxpayers and the tax community," said IRS Commissioner Chuck 
Rettig. "This new feature will further help people needing to make 
corrections. This development will also assist the IRS with its 
inventory work on the current backlog of amended returns. This is 
another tool we're using to help get us back on track."

Additionally, a new, electronic checkbox has been added for Forms 
1040/1040-SR, 1040-NR and 1040-SS/1040-PR to indicate that a superseding
 return is being filed electronically. A superseded return is one that 
is filed after the originally filed return but submitted before the due 
date, including extensions.

Taxpayers can also amend their return electronically if there is 
change to their filing status or to add a dependent who was previously 
claimed on another return.

About 3 million Forms 1040-X are filed by taxpayers each year. Taxpayers can still use the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/wheres-my-amended-return">Where's My Amended Return?</a>&nbsp;online tool to check the status of their electronically-filed Form 1040-X.

Forms 1040 and 1040-SR can still be amended electronically for tax 
years 2019, 2020 and 2021 along with amended Form 1040-NR and corrected 
Forms 1040-SS and Form 1040-PR for tax year 2021.

In general, taxpayers still have the option to submit a paper version
 of the Form 1040-X and should follow the instructions for preparing and
 submitting the paper form.

The IRS continues to look at this important area, and more enhancements are planned for the future.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service announced today that more 
forms can now be amended electronically. These include people filing 
corrections to the Form 1040-NR, U.S. Nonresident Alien Income Tax 
Return and Forms 1040-SS, U.S. Self-Employment Tax Return (Including the
 Additional Child Tax Credit for Bona Fide Residents of Puerto Rico) and
 Forms 1040-PR, Self-Employment Tax Return – Puerto Rico."This initiative has come a long way from 2020 when we first launched
 the ability to file amended returns, which was an important milestone 
to help taxpayers and the tax community," said IRS Commissioner Chuck 
Rettig. "This new feature will further help people needing to make 
corrections. This development will also assist the IRS with its 
inventory work on the current backlog of amended returns. This is 
another tool we're using to help get us back on track."Additionally, a new, electronic checkbox has been added for Forms 
1040/1040-SR, 1040-NR and 1040-SS/1040-PR to indicate that a superseding
 return is being filed electronically. A superseded return is one that 
is filed after the originally filed return but submitted before the due 
date, including extensions.Taxpayers can also amend their return electronically if there is 
change to their filing status or to add a dependent who was previously 
claimed on another return.About 3 million Forms 1040-X are filed by taxpayers each year. Taxpayers can still use the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/wheres-my-amended-return">Where's My Amended Return?</a>&nbsp;online tool to check the status of their electronically-filed Form 1040-X.Forms 1040 and 1040-SR can still be amended electronically for tax 
years 2019, 2020 and 2021 along with amended Form 1040-NR and corrected 
Forms 1040-SS and Form 1040-PR for tax year 2021.In general, taxpayers still have the option to submit a paper version
 of the Form 1040-X and should follow the instructions for preparing and
 submitting the paper form.The IRS continues to look at this important area, and more enhancements are planned for the future.

IRS: Need to correct or amend a tax return? Here's how

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Wednesday called on Congress to suspend federal gasoline and diesel taxes for three months — an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections">election-year</a>&nbsp;move meant to ease financial pressures that was greeted with doubts by many lawmakers.

The Democratic president also called on states to suspend their own gas taxes or provide similar relief, and he delivered a public critique of the energy industry for prioritizing profits over production. It would take action by lawmakers in Washington and in statehouses across the country to actually bring relief to consumers.

“It doesn’t reduce all the pain but it will be a big help,” Biden said, using the bully pulpit when his administration believes it has run out of direct levers to address soaring gas prices. “I’m doing my part. I want Congress, states and industry to do their part as well.”

At issue is the 18.4 cents-a-gallon federal tax on gas and the 24.4 cents-a-gallon federal tax on diesel fuel. If the gas savings were fully passed along to consumers, people would save roughly 3.6% at the pump when prices are averaging about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/united-states-business-fdcf2e9fbb835cd9bc3886b8dc4a7bc0">$5 a gallon</a>&nbsp;nationwide.

Biden’s push faces uphill odds in Congress, which must act in order to suspend the tax, and where many lawmakers, including some in his own party, have expressed reservations. Even many economists view the idea of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-business-europe-prices-congress-2a416dc661e56db6fbf63f2a3b9341c9">a gas tax holiday</a>&nbsp;with skepticism.

Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi offered a noncommittal response to Biden’s proposal, saying she would look to see if there was support for it in Congress.

“We will see where the consensus lies on a path forward for the president’s proposal in the House and the Senate,” Pelosi said.

Unlikely to pass a gas tax holiday through the 50-50 Senate, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York said Wednesday that Democrats will focus instead on their bill to crack down on oil companies “manipulating the market” for higher prices and profits. “We’re going to focus on that issue,” Schumer said.

In his speech, Biden tied higher energy prices to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and said, “defending freedom, defending democracy was not going to go without cost for the American people and the rest of the free world.” The president noted that lawmakers backed sanctions against Russia and aiding Ukraine despite the risks of inflation from resulting energy and food shortages.

Democrats, Republicans and independents in Congress chose to support Ukraine, “knowing full well the cost,” he said.

“So for all those Republicans in Congress criticizing me today for high gas prices in America: Are you now saying you were wrong to support Ukraine?” Biden said. “Are you saying that we would rather have lower gas prices in America than (Russian President Vladimir) Putin’s iron fist in Europe? I don’t believe that. ”

The president said “states are now in a strong position to be able to afford to take some of these actions,” thanks to federal support from the 2021 COVID-19 relief bill. But there is no guarantee that states will tap into their budgets to suspend their taxes on gas or to deliver rebates to consumers, as Biden is requesting.

Barack Obama, during the 2008 presidential campaign, called the idea of a gas tax holiday a “gimmick” that allowed politicians to “say that they did something.” He also warned that oil companies could offset the tax relief by increasing their prices.

The administration is saying that gas tax suspensions at the federal and state levels as well as energy companies pouring their profits into production and refining capacity could cut gas prices by $1 a gallon.

High gas prices pose a fundamental threat to Biden’s electoral and policy ambitions. They’ve caused&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-jerome-powell-inflation-economy-8e4f1c2efc10349499bc61b638c15d7f">confidence in the economy</a>&nbsp;to slump to lows that bode poorly for defending Democratic control of the House and the Senate in November.

Biden’s past efforts to cut gas prices — including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-biden-business-europe-3e1808077371b88ae043c86584763afd">the release of oil from the U.S. strategic reserve</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-health-climate-and-environment-741866342fa94e30370cb6f4b2671e60">greater ethanol blending</a>&nbsp;this summer — have not delivered savings at the pump, a risk that carries over to the idea of a gas tax holiday.

The president can do remarkably little to fix prices that are set by global markets, profit-driven companies, consumer demand and aftershocks from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">Russia’s invasion of Ukraine</a>&nbsp;and the embargoes that followed. The underlying problem is a shortage of oil and refineries that produce gas, a challenge a tax holiday cannot necessarily fix.

Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s Analytics, estimated that the majority of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/key-inflation-report-highest-level-in-four-decades-c0248c5b5705cd1523d3dab3771983b4">the 8.6% inflation</a>&nbsp;seen over the past 12 months in the U.S. comes from higher commodity prices due to Russia’s invasion and continued disruptions from the coronavirus.

“In the immediate near term, it is critical to stem the increase in oil prices,” Zandi said last week, suggesting that Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and a nuclear deal with Iran could help to boost supplies and lower prices. Republican lawmakers have tried to shift more blame to Biden, saying he created a hostile environment for domestic oil producers, causing their output to stay below pre-pandemic levels.

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell mocked the gas tax holiday as an “ineffective stunt” in a Wednesday floor speech. “This ineffective administration’s big new idea is a silly proposal that senior members of their own party have already shot down well in advance,” he said.

Rep. Peter DeFazio, the Democratic chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, said he would not support suspending the gas tax. “I’m going to be working against it. I have the largest committee in Congress, so we’ll see.”

DeFazio said a better course would be to tax oil companies on “windfall profits.”

Administration officials said the $10 billion cost of the gas tax holiday would be paid for and the Highway Trust Fund kept whole, even though the gas taxes make up a substantial source of revenue for the fund. The officials did not specify any new revenue sources.

The president has also called on energy companies to accept&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-biden-covid-health-f73c882b0664a5d5dd62635a9a65364c">lower profit margins</a>&nbsp;to increase oil production and refining capacity for gasoline.

This has increased tensions with oil producers: Biden has judged the companies to be making “more money than God.” That kicked off a chain of events in which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-prices-congress-38c4a047ac455f26c52f4c144d84a6dd">the head of Chevron</a>, Michael Wirth, sent a letter to the White House saying that the administration “has largely sought to criticize, and at times vilify, our industry.”

Asked about the letter, Biden said of Wirth: “He’s mildly sensitive. I didn’t know they’d get their feelings hurt that quickly.”

Energy companies are scheduled to meet Thursday with Energy Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jennifer-granholm">Jennifer Granholm</a>&nbsp;to discuss ways to increase supply.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Wednesday called on Congress to suspend federal gasoline and diesel taxes for three months — an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections">election-year</a>&nbsp;move meant to ease financial pressures that was greeted with doubts by many lawmakers.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F884500062509296%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=404" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>The Democratic president also called on states to suspend their own gas taxes or provide similar relief, and he delivered a public critique of the energy industry for prioritizing profits over production. It would take action by lawmakers in Washington and in statehouses across the country to actually bring relief to consumers.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A federal gas tax holiday is a trivial attempt to address a serious issue that is hurting American families. President Biden needs to take concrete action to unleash American energy production in order to sustainably reduce prices at the gas pump.&mdash; Senator Jerry Moran (@JerryMoran) <a href="https://twitter.com/JerryMoran/status/1539683536629800960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“It doesn’t reduce all the pain but it will be a big help,” Biden said, using the bully pulpit when his administration believes it has run out of direct levers to address soaring gas prices. “I’m doing my part. I want Congress, states and industry to do their part as well.”At issue is the 18.4 cents-a-gallon federal tax on gas and the 24.4 cents-a-gallon federal tax on diesel fuel. If the gas savings were fully passed along to consumers, people would save roughly 3.6% at the pump when prices are averaging about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/united-states-business-fdcf2e9fbb835cd9bc3886b8dc4a7bc0">$5 a gallon</a>&nbsp;nationwide.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">👀👀👀 <a href="https://t.co/d2yMoe32AF">https://t.co/d2yMoe32AF</a>&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1539659606238314496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Biden’s push faces uphill odds in Congress, which must act in order to suspend the tax, and where many lawmakers, including some in his own party, have expressed reservations. Even many economists view the idea of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-business-europe-prices-congress-2a416dc661e56db6fbf63f2a3b9341c9">a gas tax holiday</a>&nbsp;with skepticism.Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi offered a noncommittal response to Biden’s proposal, saying she would look to see if there was support for it in Congress.“We will see where the consensus lies on a path forward for the president’s proposal in the House and the Senate,” Pelosi said.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">There are actions we can take to help ease the pain American families are feeling at the pump. We’ve taken them and will continue to do so. I’m doing my part. It’s time for Congress, states, and industry to do theirs. <a href="https://t.co/omiWqEyhHj">pic.twitter.com/omiWqEyhHj</a>&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1539704785162895360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Unlikely to pass a gas tax holiday through the 50-50 Senate, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York said Wednesday that Democrats will focus instead on their bill to crack down on oil companies “manipulating the market” for higher prices and profits. “We’re going to focus on that issue,” Schumer said.In his speech, Biden tied higher energy prices to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and said, “defending freedom, defending democracy was not going to go without cost for the American people and the rest of the free world.” The president noted that lawmakers backed sanctions against Russia and aiding Ukraine despite the risks of inflation from resulting energy and food shortages.Democrats, Republicans and independents in Congress chose to support Ukraine, “knowing full well the cost,” he said.“So for all those Republicans in Congress criticizing me today for high gas prices in America: Are you now saying you were wrong to support Ukraine?” Biden said. “Are you saying that we would rather have lower gas prices in America than (Russian President Vladimir) Putin’s iron fist in Europe? I don’t believe that. ”The president said “states are now in a strong position to be able to afford to take some of these actions,” thanks to federal support from the 2021 COVID-19 relief bill. But there is no guarantee that states will tap into their budgets to suspend their taxes on gas or to deliver rebates to consumers, as Biden is requesting.Barack Obama, during the 2008 presidential campaign, called the idea of a gas tax holiday a “gimmick” that allowed politicians to “say that they did something.” He also warned that oil companies could offset the tax relief by increasing their prices.The administration is saying that gas tax suspensions at the federal and state levels as well as energy companies pouring their profits into production and refining capacity could cut gas prices by $1 a gallon.High gas prices pose a fundamental threat to Biden’s electoral and policy ambitions. They’ve caused&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-jerome-powell-inflation-economy-8e4f1c2efc10349499bc61b638c15d7f">confidence in the economy</a>&nbsp;to slump to lows that bode poorly for defending Democratic control of the House and the Senate in November.Biden’s past efforts to cut gas prices — including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-biden-business-europe-3e1808077371b88ae043c86584763afd">the release of oil from the U.S. strategic reserve</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-health-climate-and-environment-741866342fa94e30370cb6f4b2671e60">greater ethanol blending</a>&nbsp;this summer — have not delivered savings at the pump, a risk that carries over to the idea of a gas tax holiday.The president can do remarkably little to fix prices that are set by global markets, profit-driven companies, consumer demand and aftershocks from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">Russia’s invasion of Ukraine</a>&nbsp;and the embargoes that followed. The underlying problem is a shortage of oil and refineries that produce gas, a challenge a tax holiday cannot necessarily fix.Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s Analytics, estimated that the majority of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/key-inflation-report-highest-level-in-four-decades-c0248c5b5705cd1523d3dab3771983b4">the 8.6% inflation</a>&nbsp;seen over the past 12 months in the U.S. comes from higher commodity prices due to Russia’s invasion and continued disruptions from the coronavirus.“In the immediate near term, it is critical to stem the increase in oil prices,” Zandi said last week, suggesting that Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and a nuclear deal with Iran could help to boost supplies and lower prices. Republican lawmakers have tried to shift more blame to Biden, saying he created a hostile environment for domestic oil producers, causing their output to stay below pre-pandemic levels.Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell mocked the gas tax holiday as an “ineffective stunt” in a Wednesday floor speech. “This ineffective administration’s big new idea is a silly proposal that senior members of their own party have already shot down well in advance,” he said.Rep. Peter DeFazio, the Democratic chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, said he would not support suspending the gas tax. “I’m going to be working against it. I have the largest committee in Congress, so we’ll see.”DeFazio said a better course would be to tax oil companies on “windfall profits.”Administration officials said the $10 billion cost of the gas tax holiday would be paid for and the Highway Trust Fund kept whole, even though the gas taxes make up a substantial source of revenue for the fund. The officials did not specify any new revenue sources.The president has also called on energy companies to accept&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-biden-covid-health-f73c882b0664a5d5dd62635a9a65364c">lower profit margins</a>&nbsp;to increase oil production and refining capacity for gasoline.This has increased tensions with oil producers: Biden has judged the companies to be making “more money than God.” That kicked off a chain of events in which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-prices-congress-38c4a047ac455f26c52f4c144d84a6dd">the head of Chevron</a>, Michael Wirth, sent a letter to the White House saying that the administration “has largely sought to criticize, and at times vilify, our industry.”Asked about the letter, Biden said of Wirth: “He’s mildly sensitive. I didn’t know they’d get their feelings hurt that quickly.”Energy companies are scheduled to meet Thursday with Energy Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jennifer-granholm">Jennifer Granholm</a>&nbsp;to discuss ways to increase supply.

🎥Kansas Senators critical of Biden's call for gas tax holiday

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges after he ran from an accident.

Just before 2p.m. June 19, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office and the Kansas Highway Patrol responded to a two vehicle accident in the 2800 block of NW 75 Highway, according to Deputy Shayna Anderson.

Callers stated that one of the drivers had fled the scene on foot. The suspect was then seen by witnesses entering a building of a business in the 2900 block of NW Button Road. 

Deputies arrived in the area and located the suspect across the street from the business.

Deputies arrested 25-year-old Kamren E. Brake of Topeka and booked him into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of aggravated burglary, criminal trespass, and interference with law enforcement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655813997687.png" alt="Brake-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Brake-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges after he ran from an accident.Just before 2p.m. June 19, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office and the Kansas Highway Patrol responded to a two vehicle accident in the 2800 block of NW 75 Highway, according to Deputy Shayna Anderson.Callers stated that one of the drivers had fled the scene on foot. The suspect was then seen by witnesses entering a building of a business in the 2900 block of NW Button Road. Deputies arrived in the area and located the suspect across the street from the business.Deputies arrested 25-year-old Kamren E. Brake of Topeka and booked him into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of aggravated burglary, criminal trespass, and interference with law enforcement.

Kan. burglary suspect arrested after he runs from crash 

The Federal Trade Commission has <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/2023179C4767ResidentHomeOrder.pdf">finalized an order</a>
 against Resident Home LLC&nbsp;and owner Ran Reske for allegedly making 
false, misleading, or unsupported advertising claims that their imported
 DreamCloud mattresses were made from 100% USA-made materials. Resident 
Home LLC&nbsp;and Reske will pay $753,000.

In the company’s promotional material, Resident Home LLC&nbsp;and Reske claimed that their DreamCloud mattresses were&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/cases/2023179_-_resident_home_complaint.pdf">“proudly made with 100 percent USA-made premium quality materials.”</a>&nbsp;But,
 according to the complaint, these claims were false or misleading, and 
violated the FTC Act. The FTC says all DreamCloud mattresses are 
finished overseas and, in some cases, are wholly imported or use 
significant imported materials.

Under the terms of the final order, in addition to paying $753,000, 
Resident Home LLC and Reske are prohibited from making several claims 
that deceive consumers and harm law-abiding businesses whose sales were 
siphoned because of this behavior. The order specifically covers&nbsp;unqualified&nbsp;U.S.-origin claims (claims made with no limitations) for any product, unless they&nbsp;can show that:

The order also governs any&nbsp;qualified&nbsp;Made in USA 
claims&nbsp;(claims that include explanatory information). For qualified 
claims, Resident Home LLC and Reske must include a clear disclosure 
about the extent to which the product contains foreign parts, 
ingredients, components, or processing.

The FTC’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/public-statements/1997/12/enforcement-policy-statement-us-origin-claims">Enforcement Policy Statement on U.S. Origin Claims</a>&nbsp;offers guidance on making Made in USA claims. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/07/14/2021-14610/made-in-usa-labeling-rule">Made in USA Labeling Rule</a>&nbsp;went into effect on August 13, 2021. Companies that violate the Rule from that date forward may be subject to civil penalties.

The Commission voted 3-2 to approve the complaint and settlement 
order, with Commissioners Noah Joshua Phillips and Christine S. Wilson 
voting no. The majority <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/cases-proceedings/public-statements/statement-chair-lina-m-khan-commissioner-rebecca-kelly-slaughter-commissioner-alvaro-m-bedoya-matter">issued a statement</a>, and Commissioners Phillips and Wilson issued a<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/cases-proceedings/public-statements/dissenting-statement-commissioner-noah-joshua-phillips-commissioner-christine-s-wilson-matter"> joint dissenting statement</a>. &nbsp;

FTCThe Federal Trade Commission has <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/2023179C4767ResidentHomeOrder.pdf">finalized an order</a>
 against Resident Home LLC&nbsp;and owner Ran Reske for allegedly making 
false, misleading, or unsupported advertising claims that their imported
 DreamCloud mattresses were made from 100% USA-made materials. Resident 
Home LLC&nbsp;and Reske will pay $753,000.In the company’s promotional material, Resident Home LLC&nbsp;and Reske claimed that their DreamCloud mattresses were&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/cases/2023179_-_resident_home_complaint.pdf">“proudly made with 100 percent USA-made premium quality materials.”</a>&nbsp;But,
 according to the complaint, these claims were false or misleading, and 
violated the FTC Act. The FTC says all DreamCloud mattresses are 
finished overseas and, in some cases, are wholly imported or use 
significant imported materials.Under the terms of the final order, in addition to paying $753,000, 
Resident Home LLC and Reske are prohibited from making several claims 
that deceive consumers and harm law-abiding businesses whose sales were 
siphoned because of this behavior. The order specifically covers&nbsp;unqualified&nbsp;U.S.-origin claims (claims made with no limitations) for any product, unless they&nbsp;can show that:<ul>
 <li>the product’s final assembly, final processing, and all significant processing takes place in the United States; and</li><li>all or virtually all ingredients or components of the product are made and sourced in the United States.</li>
 </ul>The order also governs any&nbsp;qualified&nbsp;Made in USA 
claims&nbsp;(claims that include explanatory information). For qualified 
claims, Resident Home LLC and Reske must include a clear disclosure 
about the extent to which the product contains foreign parts, 
ingredients, components, or processing.The FTC’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/public-statements/1997/12/enforcement-policy-statement-us-origin-claims">Enforcement Policy Statement on U.S. Origin Claims</a>&nbsp;offers guidance on making Made in USA claims. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/07/14/2021-14610/made-in-usa-labeling-rule">Made in USA Labeling Rule</a>&nbsp;went into effect on August 13, 2021. Companies that violate the Rule from that date forward may be subject to civil penalties.The Commission voted 3-2 to approve the complaint and settlement 
order, with Commissioners Noah Joshua Phillips and Christine S. Wilson 
voting no. The majority <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/cases-proceedings/public-statements/statement-chair-lina-m-khan-commissioner-rebecca-kelly-slaughter-commissioner-alvaro-m-bedoya-matter">issued a statement</a>, and Commissioners Phillips and Wilson issued a<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/cases-proceedings/public-statements/dissenting-statement-commissioner-noah-joshua-phillips-commissioner-christine-s-wilson-matter"> joint dissenting statement</a>. &nbsp;

Company ordered to pay six-digit fine over 'Made in USA' claims

KANSAS CITY (AP) —In her first week on the job at a Philadelphia abortion clinic, Amanda Kifferly was taught how to search for bombs. About a year later, protesters blocked the entrances and exits of the The Women’s Centers, at one point pulling Kifferly into something resembling a mosh pit, where they surrounded her and shoved her around.

And on the night of last winter’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-us-supreme-court-health-united-states-mississippi-65751e1b9ca7d34f1458ffe9729f82b2">arguments</a>&nbsp;before the U.S. Supreme Court in a case that could end the nationwide right to abortion, people gathered outside a clinic in New Jersey with lawn chairs, a cooler and a flaming torch — a sight that brought to mind lynchings and other horrors of the country’s racist past, says Kifferly, who now serves as vice president for abortion access.

Such scenes have become familiar for providers and patients across the country over the decades since the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling legalizing abortion. At times the violence has been far more severe, including bombings, arson and murders — from the 1993 killing of Dr. David Gunn outside a Florida abortion clinic to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shootings-trials-courts-colorado-denver-26f0712e558032c99384262adb7aed4f">2015 fatal shooting</a>&nbsp;of three people inside a Colorado Planned Parenthood.

Now providers and some in law enforcement worry what will come next. They’re preparing for an increase in violence once the Supreme Court rules, saying there has historically been a spike when the issue of abortion gets widespread public attention, such as after a state approves new restrictions. If the decision ends Roe v. Wade — as a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-abortion-draft-opinion-07439f9fc4542f1500ab78dfd34036b1">leaked draft opinion</a>&nbsp;indicates may happen — they also anticipate protests, harassment and other violence to be more concentrated and intensify in states where abortion remains legal.

“We know from experience, it’s not like the people protesting clinics in banned states just pack up and go home,” said Melissa Fowler, chief program officer for the National Abortion Federation.

The group and the hundreds of abortion clinics it represents have been on “heightened alert” since the opinion leaked, Fowler said. The organization has staff who specialize in security on call around the clock. They go out to clinics to do drills with employees and volunteers on scenarios such as bomb threats or active shooters and advise them on things like where to position security cameras. They also conduct safety assessments at the homes of physicians, monitor online threats and consult with local law enforcement.

In some places, local police are working with clinics to try to tamp down the potential for violence. In Jacksonville, Florida, the sheriff’s office said last month they would station an officer outside the clinic, and police in Little Rock, Arkansas, installed a camera atop a crane near an abortion clinic that has been the site of protests, hoping to deter bad actors.

Immediately following the leak and for days afterward, police in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, initiated extra patrols around The Women’s Center location, Kifferly said.

But the relationship between clinics and local police isn’t always a positive one, and clinics must weigh whether having a heavy police presence will frighten patients, Fowler said. In Kifferly’s experience, how well clinics and police departments work together varies by city and state. She recalled asking an officer for help as she was assaulted outside the Philadelphia clinic, and the officer responding that she should “call 911.”

NAF, which collects monthly data from its over 500 members on harassment and violence, reported a spike in incidents in 2020, the most recent year for which the group has published data. The number of death threats or threats of harm and of assault and battery both increased by more than double, and providers reported more than 24,000 incidents of hate email or internet harassment.

Abortion providers reported an uptick after Donald Trump became president, and “extremists felt like it was OK for them not to be in the shadows,” Fowler said. The coronavirus pandemic seemed to exacerbate things, Kifferly said, and in all four states where The Women’s Centers operates — New Jersey, Connecticut, Georgia and Pennsylvania — “we were besieged by protesters” angry that abortion clinics were open while their churches or businesses were closed.

Abortion opponents also have been targets of violence, and say they’ve also seen an increase in incidents since the draft opinion leaked, though the FBI in a 2020 memo described the incidents as historically “rare.”

Shortly after the draft opinion became public, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-violence-government-and-politics-8f3a2a7146594a6275250b54be776f85">Department of Homeland Security’s</a>&nbsp;Office of Intelligence and Analysis said the draft had made extremist violence — by people on either side of the issue — more likely.

Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America said there were more than&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-us-supreme-court-health-wisconsin-vandalism-83ef112cf20dcf511cf09dfd5241e1c1">40 incidents</a>&nbsp;of violence, intimidation and vandalism at pregnancy centers and churches in recent weeks.

In early June, a man with a gun, knife, zip ties and other items was arrested near&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-brett-kavanaugh-district-of-columbia-maryland-government-and-politics-179d18e7f933b3decbaddb542ceb0b29">Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s</a>&nbsp;home in the middle of the night. He told police he wanted to kill the justice because he was upset about the draft opinion as well as the fatal mass shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas.

The court is expected to issue its ruling in the coming days or weeks.

As for what might occur next for abortion providers, much focus has been on how to provide care to people seeking it, should abortion be banned in more states. But Fowler said another concern is also front of mind: “We also need to focus on safety.”

KANSAS CITY (AP) —In her first week on the job at a Philadelphia abortion clinic, Amanda Kifferly was taught how to search for bombs. About a year later, protesters blocked the entrances and exits of the The Women’s Centers, at one point pulling Kifferly into something resembling a mosh pit, where they surrounded her and shoved her around.And on the night of last winter’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-us-supreme-court-health-united-states-mississippi-65751e1b9ca7d34f1458ffe9729f82b2">arguments</a>&nbsp;before the U.S. Supreme Court in a case that could end the nationwide right to abortion, people gathered outside a clinic in New Jersey with lawn chairs, a cooler and a flaming torch — a sight that brought to mind lynchings and other horrors of the country’s racist past, says Kifferly, who now serves as vice president for abortion access.Such scenes have become familiar for providers and patients across the country over the decades since the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling legalizing abortion. At times the violence has been far more severe, including bombings, arson and murders — from the 1993 killing of Dr. David Gunn outside a Florida abortion clinic to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shootings-trials-courts-colorado-denver-26f0712e558032c99384262adb7aed4f">2015 fatal shooting</a>&nbsp;of three people inside a Colorado Planned Parenthood.Now providers and some in law enforcement worry what will come next. They’re preparing for an increase in violence once the Supreme Court rules, saying there has historically been a spike when the issue of abortion gets widespread public attention, such as after a state approves new restrictions. If the decision ends Roe v. Wade — as a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-abortion-draft-opinion-07439f9fc4542f1500ab78dfd34036b1">leaked draft opinion</a>&nbsp;indicates may happen — they also anticipate protests, harassment and other violence to be more concentrated and intensify in states where abortion remains legal.“We know from experience, it’s not like the people protesting clinics in banned states just pack up and go home,” said Melissa Fowler, chief program officer for the National Abortion Federation.The group and the hundreds of abortion clinics it represents have been on “heightened alert” since the opinion leaked, Fowler said. The organization has staff who specialize in security on call around the clock. They go out to clinics to do drills with employees and volunteers on scenarios such as bomb threats or active shooters and advise them on things like where to position security cameras. They also conduct safety assessments at the homes of physicians, monitor online threats and consult with local law enforcement.In some places, local police are working with clinics to try to tamp down the potential for violence. In Jacksonville, Florida, the sheriff’s office said last month they would station an officer outside the clinic, and police in Little Rock, Arkansas, installed a camera atop a crane near an abortion clinic that has been the site of protests, hoping to deter bad actors.Immediately following the leak and for days afterward, police in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, initiated extra patrols around The Women’s Center location, Kifferly said.But the relationship between clinics and local police isn’t always a positive one, and clinics must weigh whether having a heavy police presence will frighten patients, Fowler said. In Kifferly’s experience, how well clinics and police departments work together varies by city and state. She recalled asking an officer for help as she was assaulted outside the Philadelphia clinic, and the officer responding that she should “call 911.”NAF, which collects monthly data from its over 500 members on harassment and violence, reported a spike in incidents in 2020, the most recent year for which the group has published data. The number of death threats or threats of harm and of assault and battery both increased by more than double, and providers reported more than 24,000 incidents of hate email or internet harassment.Abortion providers reported an uptick after Donald Trump became president, and “extremists felt like it was OK for them not to be in the shadows,” Fowler said. The coronavirus pandemic seemed to exacerbate things, Kifferly said, and in all four states where The Women’s Centers operates — New Jersey, Connecticut, Georgia and Pennsylvania — “we were besieged by protesters” angry that abortion clinics were open while their churches or businesses were closed.Abortion opponents also have been targets of violence, and say they’ve also seen an increase in incidents since the draft opinion leaked, though the FBI in a 2020 memo described the incidents as historically “rare.”Shortly after the draft opinion became public, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-violence-government-and-politics-8f3a2a7146594a6275250b54be776f85">Department of Homeland Security’s</a>&nbsp;Office of Intelligence and Analysis said the draft had made extremist violence — by people on either side of the issue — more likely.Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America said there were more than&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-us-supreme-court-health-wisconsin-vandalism-83ef112cf20dcf511cf09dfd5241e1c1">40 incidents</a>&nbsp;of violence, intimidation and vandalism at pregnancy centers and churches in recent weeks.In early June, a man with a gun, knife, zip ties and other items was arrested near&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-brett-kavanaugh-district-of-columbia-maryland-government-and-politics-179d18e7f933b3decbaddb542ceb0b29">Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s</a>&nbsp;home in the middle of the night. He told police he wanted to kill the justice because he was upset about the draft opinion as well as the fatal mass shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas.The court is expected to issue its ruling in the coming days or weeks.As for what might occur next for abortion providers, much focus has been on how to provide care to people seeking it, should abortion be banned in more states. But Fowler said another concern is also front of mind: “We also need to focus on safety.”

'Heightened alert': Abortion providers brace for ruling

OSAGE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug charges after an unusual arrest.

Just after 6:30a.m. Monday, a sheriff's deputy was dispatched to a report of a disabled motorist at milepost 160 on Interstate 35, according to Sheriff Chris Wells.

 While on scene, the deputy found illegal narcotics were located in possession of a passenger of the vehicle identified as Kimberly A. Mayer, 39, of Gilbert, Arizona.

The deputy transported her to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, trafficking in contraband into a correctional facility, and possession of drug paraphernalia, according to Wells.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655838322456.png" alt="Mayer-photo Osage County" />
 <figcaption>Mayer-photo Osage County</figcaption>
 </figure>OSAGE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug charges after an unusual arrest.Just after 6:30a.m. Monday, a sheriff's deputy was dispatched to a report of a disabled motorist at milepost 160 on Interstate 35, according to Sheriff Chris Wells. While on scene, the deputy found illegal narcotics were located in possession of a passenger of the vehicle identified as Kimberly A. Mayer, 39, of Gilbert, Arizona.The deputy transported her to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, trafficking in contraband into a correctional facility, and possession of drug paraphernalia, according to Wells.

Kan. deputy finds illegal drugs while helping with disabled vehicle

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A former teacher at a private Christian school in Wichita has pleaded guilty to one count of having sexual relations with a student under 16 and faces prison time when he's sentenced later this summer. 

Police arrested Matthew McFarren, who had been a high school teacher and assistant soccer coach at Trinity Academy in Wichita, early last year. Police began investigating after receiving a tip that McFarren, now 43, was in a relationship with a 16-year-old student. 

McFarren was fired from the K-12 school soon after he was arrested in March 2021. Television station KSN reports that McFarren is set to be sentenced on Aug. 5.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a Kansas teacher for possible sexual relations with a student have made an arrest.

Earlier this month, police in Wichita were notified of the sexual relationship between 41-year-old Matthew McFarren, a teacher and coach at Trinity Academy,&nbsp;12345 E. 21st Street, in Wichita and a 16-year-old student, according to officer Charley Davidson.

On Saturday, police arrested McFarren on a requested charges of Unlawful Sexual Relations in violation of K.S.A. 21-5512.&nbsp;

Dr. Kneeland Brown, president of Trinity Academy, said in a media release the school is devastated at the news but cooperating with the investigation. "This alleged behavior runs directly counter to the school beliefs and values."

Two weeks ago, the school fired McFarren for a violation of expectations and school policy, according to the release.

&nbsp;The case has been presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office, according to Davidson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616444824202.png" alt="McFarren-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>McFarren-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A former teacher at a private Christian school in Wichita has pleaded guilty to one count of having sexual relations with a student under 16 and faces prison time when he's sentenced later this summer. Police arrested Matthew McFarren, who had been a high school teacher and assistant soccer coach at Trinity Academy in Wichita, early last year. Police began investigating after receiving a tip that McFarren, now 43, was in a relationship with a 16-year-old student. McFarren was fired from the K-12 school soon after he was arrested in March 2021. Television station KSN reports that McFarren is set to be sentenced on Aug. 5.---------SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a Kansas teacher for possible sexual relations with a student have made an arrest.Earlier this month, police in Wichita were notified of the sexual relationship between 41-year-old Matthew McFarren, a teacher and coach at Trinity Academy,&nbsp;12345 E. 21st Street, in Wichita and a 16-year-old student, according to officer Charley Davidson.On Saturday, police arrested McFarren on a requested charges of Unlawful Sexual Relations in violation of K.S.A. 21-5512.&nbsp;Dr. Kneeland Brown, president of Trinity Academy, said in a media release the school is devastated at the news but cooperating with the investigation. "This alleged behavior runs directly counter to the school beliefs and values."Two weeks ago, the school fired McFarren for a violation of expectations and school policy, according to the release.&nbsp;The case has been presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office, according to Davidson.

Teacher at Kan. church school admits sex with teen student 

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an accidental shooting that injured a 10-year-old Kansas boy.

Just before 10p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to a shooting call at a home in the 3300 block of South Fern in Wichita, according to Officer Paul Cruz. 

At the home, police contacted a 46-year-old man and a 10-year-old who had a gunshot wound to his leg. 

EMS transported the boy to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to Cruz.

The investigation revealed the 46-year-old was manipulating a gun when it fired. The round went through the wall and struck the 10-year-old who was in another room of the residence.

Police will present the case to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office, according to Cruz.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573683844307.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an accidental shooting that injured a 10-year-old Kansas boy.Just before 10p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to a shooting call at a home in the 3300 block of South Fern in Wichita, according to Officer Paul Cruz. At the home, police contacted a 46-year-old man and a 10-year-old who had a gunshot wound to his leg. EMS transported the boy to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to Cruz.The investigation revealed the 46-year-old was manipulating a gun when it fired. The round went through the wall and struck the 10-year-old who was in another room of the residence.Police will present the case to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office, according to Cruz.

Police: Kan. man fired gun that struck boy in another room

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden visited a vaccination clinic in Washington Tuesday to celebrate that virtually all Americans can now get a COVID-19 shot after the authorization of vaccines for kids under 5 over the weekend.&nbsp;

While taking questions from reporters later, Biden confirmed his administration needs more money from Congress to plan for the the next pandemic.

(click below to watch President Biden's comments)

&nbsp;While anyone aged six months and up is now eligible for vaccines, the administration is cautioning that it expects the pace of shots for the youngest kids to be slower than older ones, as parents are more likely to rely on their children’s pediatricians to administer them.

“The United States is now the first country in the world to offer safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines for children as young as six months old,” Biden said at the White House.

Addressing parents, Biden said, “I encourage you to talk to the doctor after you make a plan to get your child vaccinated.”

Biden also delivered a thinly veiled criticism of Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who blocked his health department from ordering and delivering pediatric vaccines in his state, a move the White House said delayed the availability of shots for kids under 5.

“Let’s be clear: Elected officials shouldn’t get in the way and can make it more difficult for parents who want their children to be vaccinated and want to protect them and those around them,” he said. “This is no time for politics. It’s about parents being able to do everything they can to keep the children safe.”

Earlier Tuesday, he and first lady Jill Biden met with newly vaccinated kids and their parents at Church of the Holy Communion in southeast Washington. As he handed out hugs to kids, Biden spoke of his youngest grandson, Beau, aged two, being newly eligible for vaccination.

“Everybody knows I like kids better than people,” he joked.

In a Friday interview with The Associated Press, White House COVID-19 coordinator Dr. Ashish Jha predicted that universal eligibility for vaccines would be a “huge psychological milestone” for the country as it seeks to emerge from two years of pandemic disruption.

“When the President came into office, he was very clear, he said over and over again, that he wanted to make sure that every American had the access and availability of these life protecting vaccines,” he said. “We are now at the point where that vision, that expectation that mission can now be fulfilled.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden visited a vaccination clinic in Washington Tuesday to celebrate that virtually all Americans can now get a COVID-19 shot after the authorization of vaccines for kids under 5 over the weekend.&nbsp;While taking questions from reporters later, Biden confirmed his administration needs more money from Congress to plan for the the next pandemic.(click below to watch President Biden's comments)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F707142770571759%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=1377" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>&nbsp;While anyone aged six months and up is now eligible for vaccines, the administration is cautioning that it expects the pace of shots for the youngest kids to be slower than older ones, as parents are more likely to rely on their children’s pediatricians to administer them.“The United States is now the first country in the world to offer safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines for children as young as six months old,” Biden said at the White House.Addressing parents, Biden said, “I encourage you to talk to the doctor after you make a plan to get your child vaccinated.”Biden also delivered a thinly veiled criticism of Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who blocked his health department from ordering and delivering pediatric vaccines in his state, a move the White House said delayed the availability of shots for kids under 5.“Let’s be clear: Elected officials shouldn’t get in the way and can make it more difficult for parents who want their children to be vaccinated and want to protect them and those around them,” he said. “This is no time for politics. It’s about parents being able to do everything they can to keep the children safe.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655932765709.jpeg" alt="White House Photo" />
 <figcaption>White House Photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Earlier Tuesday, he and first lady Jill Biden met with newly vaccinated kids and their parents at Church of the Holy Communion in southeast Washington. As he handed out hugs to kids, Biden spoke of his youngest grandson, Beau, aged two, being newly eligible for vaccination.“Everybody knows I like kids better than people,” he joked.In a Friday interview with The Associated Press, White House COVID-19 coordinator Dr. Ashish Jha predicted that universal eligibility for vaccines would be a “huge psychological milestone” for the country as it seeks to emerge from two years of pandemic disruption.“When the President came into office, he was very clear, he said over and over again, that he wanted to make sure that every American had the access and availability of these life protecting vaccines,” he said. “We are now at the point where that vision, that expectation that mission can now be fulfilled.”

🎥Biden says he's planning for another pandemic

RENO COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just after 11:30 a.m. Wednesday in Reno County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2000 L-23 Super Blanik glider piloted by a 15-year-old from&nbsp; Tulsa was making a turn toward the runway at the&nbsp;Sunflower Aerodrome Airport, 916East Red Rock Road in Yoder.

The pilot lost control and crashed into a field. EMS transported the teen and a passenger, 71-year-old Carl Hallum of Adrian, Minnesota, to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655930867209.png" alt="Google map" />
 <figcaption>Google map</figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just after 11:30 a.m. Wednesday in Reno County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2000 L-23 Super Blanik glider piloted by a 15-year-old from&nbsp; Tulsa was making a turn toward the runway at the&nbsp;Sunflower Aerodrome Airport, 916East Red Rock Road in Yoder.The pilot lost control and crashed into a field. EMS transported the teen and a passenger, 71-year-old Carl Hallum of Adrian, Minnesota, to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries.

15-year-old pilot hospitalized after glider crash in Kansas

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/06/22/president-biden-announces-tenth-operation-fly-formula-mission/">announced Wednesday</a> that it is providing logistical support to import the equivalent of about 16 million 8-ounce baby formula bottles from Mexico starting this weekend, as part of its efforts to ease nationwide supply shortages caused by the closure of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-health-government-and-politics-407435d8bb7d8e0825a926139c0f9f20">largest U.S. manufacturing plant.</a>

The Department of Health and Human Services is expediting the travel of trucks that will drive about 1 million pounds of Gerber Good Start Gentle infant formula from a Nestlé plant to U.S. retailers, the White House said, nearly doubling the amount imported to the U.S. to date. Cargo flights from Europe and Australia already have brought baby formula into the U.S., including two new rounds of air shipments that begin this weekend.

The White House has been working to make supply more available as it has faced pressure from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-science-business-health-d3e32ba9e2381f77c299391e762abe21">parents over supply issues</a>&nbsp;after regulators in February shuttered a Michigan plant run by Abbott that is the largest domestic manufacturer of baby formula over safety concerns. The plant reopened on June 4 after the company committed to additional sanitizing and safety protocols, but shuttered again more than a week ago after severe weather caused damage to the plant.

The company said it needs time to assess&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/storms-health-thunderstorms-weather-f7d8a9df5ac176a6ac7e97802e05673b">damage and re-sanitize the factory</a>&nbsp;after severe thunderstorms and heavy rains swept through southwestern Michigan on June 13.

Last month, the Food and Drug Administration moved to ease federal import regulations to allow baby formula to be shipped to the U.S., and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-health-government-and-politics-df586c2e52b5e5865ea9f8091d4d1f80">Biden authorized the use of the Defense Production Act</a>&nbsp;to provide federal support to move formula from overseas into the U.S.

Wednesday’s announcement also includes air shipments of 1.65 million 8-ounce bottle equivalents of Nestlé NAN Supremepro 2 infant formula from Germany to Texas this weekend, and 5.5 million 8-ounce bottle equivalents of Bubs infant formula in two shipments on June 26 and July 5.

The White House says that by June 26, it efforts, dubbed “Operation Fly Formula,” will have brought 32 flights and almost 19 million 8-ounce bottle equivalents of infant formula into the U.S.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653255522967.png" alt="On May 22, 132 pallets of Nestle Health Science Alfamino Infant and Alfamino Junior formula left Ramstein Air Base in Germany for the U.S.White House photo" />
 <figcaption>On May 22, 132 pallets of Nestle Health Science Alfamino Infant and Alfamino Junior formula left Ramstein Air Base in Germany for the U.S.White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/06/22/president-biden-announces-tenth-operation-fly-formula-mission/">announced Wednesday</a> that it is providing logistical support to import the equivalent of about 16 million 8-ounce baby formula bottles from Mexico starting this weekend, as part of its efforts to ease nationwide supply shortages caused by the closure of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-health-government-and-politics-407435d8bb7d8e0825a926139c0f9f20">largest U.S. manufacturing plant.</a>The Department of Health and Human Services is expediting the travel of trucks that will drive about 1 million pounds of Gerber Good Start Gentle infant formula from a Nestlé plant to U.S. retailers, the White House said, nearly doubling the amount imported to the U.S. to date. Cargo flights from Europe and Australia already have brought baby formula into the U.S., including two new rounds of air shipments that begin this weekend.The White House has been working to make supply more available as it has faced pressure from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-science-business-health-d3e32ba9e2381f77c299391e762abe21">parents over supply issues</a>&nbsp;after regulators in February shuttered a Michigan plant run by Abbott that is the largest domestic manufacturer of baby formula over safety concerns. The plant reopened on June 4 after the company committed to additional sanitizing and safety protocols, but shuttered again more than a week ago after severe weather caused damage to the plant.The company said it needs time to assess&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/storms-health-thunderstorms-weather-f7d8a9df5ac176a6ac7e97802e05673b">damage and re-sanitize the factory</a>&nbsp;after severe thunderstorms and heavy rains swept through southwestern Michigan on June 13.Last month, the Food and Drug Administration moved to ease federal import regulations to allow baby formula to be shipped to the U.S., and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-health-government-and-politics-df586c2e52b5e5865ea9f8091d4d1f80">Biden authorized the use of the Defense Production Act</a>&nbsp;to provide federal support to move formula from overseas into the U.S.Wednesday’s announcement also includes air shipments of 1.65 million 8-ounce bottle equivalents of Nestlé NAN Supremepro 2 infant formula from Germany to Texas this weekend, and 5.5 million 8-ounce bottle equivalents of Bubs infant formula in two shipments on June 26 and July 5.The White House says that by June 26, it efforts, dubbed “Operation Fly Formula,” will have brought 32 flights and almost 19 million 8-ounce bottle equivalents of infant formula into the U.S.

US importing baby formula from Mexico to ease shortage

By AARON SANDERFORD <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/06/22/2-38-per-gallon-gasoline-draws-a-crowd-in-bellevue-for-afp-gov-pete-ricketts/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

BELLEVUE, Nebraska — A driver in her 20s looked up from her phone and stared slack-jawed at the price of gasoline advertised Wednesday morning at the Speedy Gas N Shop in Bellevue.

A
 woman hollered from a second car turning onto the street. She asked a 
man on the sidewalk whether the $2.38-per-gallon price was real. He said
 yes, one-day-only, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Both
 drivers were directed a block away, to the back of a line that was 23 
cars deep at 8:23 a.m., minutes after Americans for Prosperity-Nebraska 
tried to make a political point.

People
 are suffering from inflationary costs that President Joe Biden and 
Democrats in Congress made worse, said Jessica Shelburn, state director 
of Americans for Prosperity-Nebraska.

The
 discounted amount matched the price of regular gasoline when Biden took
 office in 2021. The station sold 1,750 gallons in two hours.

The group compensated the station for the difference in price, which totaled nearly $4,000. The 501(c)(4) lobbies federal, state and local governments for lower taxes and less regulation and promotes domestic energy.

“We
 just want to help folks out,” Shelburn said. “Everyone is feeling it. 
We’re paying more, and we’re getting less. … There’s a lot that can be 
done in D.C. to change this.”

First
 in line to take advantage of the special price was Nick, who wouldn’t 
share his last name. He said he heard about the promotion from a gas 
station attendant Tuesday. He arrived at 5 a.m.&nbsp;

Filling up his van cost $70 two years ago. It now costs $165. The break on Wednesday was a blessing, he said.&nbsp;

“I
 live in my van,” Nick said. “Being a mobile home, in a sense, it’s 
impossible. I almost had to get rid of it and go to a shelter, just over
 the gas prices.”

Bellevue
 resident Frederick Wisdom said high prices have changed how his family 
decides what to do and where to go. He heard about the promotion and 
thought he “might as well stop by.”

“We
 don’t travel as much,” Wisdom said. “We eat at home a lot. … Going to 
work now is just going to work and coming back. Just highway miles and 
back.”&nbsp;

Biden
 on Wednesday proposed that Congress pass a three-month pause in 
collecting federal gas taxes. Shelburn described the president’s 
proposal as a Band-Aid on a bigger problem.

U.S.
 gas prices remain lower than in many peer nations, Kiplinger reports. 
Many of the countries where gas costs less subsidize the costs of fuel, 
including Saudi Arabia, Russia and Kuwait.

Nebraska
 Gov. Pete Ricketts and State Sens. Mike Flood of Norfolk, Lou Ann 
Linehan of Omaha and John Arch of La Vista greeted people stopping for 
gas. They said Republicans could help get gas prices under control.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655926850541.png" alt="Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts watches a Nebraskan fill up with gas during an Americans for Prosperity event which offered gas at the price when President Joe Biden took over. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts watches a Nebraskan fill up with gas during an Americans for Prosperity event which offered gas at the price when President Joe Biden took over. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>By AARON SANDERFORD <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/06/22/2-38-per-gallon-gasoline-draws-a-crowd-in-bellevue-for-afp-gov-pete-ricketts/">Nebraska Examiner</a>BELLEVUE, Nebraska — A driver in her 20s looked up from her phone and stared slack-jawed at the price of gasoline advertised Wednesday morning at the Speedy Gas N Shop in Bellevue.A
 woman hollered from a second car turning onto the street. She asked a 
man on the sidewalk whether the $2.38-per-gallon price was real. He said
 yes, one-day-only, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.Both
 drivers were directed a block away, to the back of a line that was 23 
cars deep at 8:23 a.m., minutes after Americans for Prosperity-Nebraska 
tried to make a political point.<h2>The point</h2>People
 are suffering from inflationary costs that President Joe Biden and 
Democrats in Congress made worse, said Jessica Shelburn, state director 
of Americans for Prosperity-Nebraska.The
 discounted amount matched the price of regular gasoline when Biden took
 office in 2021. The station sold 1,750 gallons in two hours.The group compensated the station for the difference in price, which totaled nearly $4,000. The 501(c)(4) lobbies federal, state and local governments for lower taxes and less regulation and promotes domestic energy.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655926912205.jpeg" alt=" Bellevue resident Frederick Wisdom says higher gas prices have led his family to eat out less and travel less. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption> Bellevue resident Frederick Wisdom says higher gas prices have led his family to eat out less and travel less. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>“We
 just want to help folks out,” Shelburn said. “Everyone is feeling it. 
We’re paying more, and we’re getting less. … There’s a lot that can be 
done in D.C. to change this.”<h2>Line of cars</h2>First
 in line to take advantage of the special price was Nick, who wouldn’t 
share his last name. He said he heard about the promotion from a gas 
station attendant Tuesday. He arrived at 5 a.m.&nbsp;Filling up his van cost $70 two years ago. It now costs $165. The break on Wednesday was a blessing, he said.&nbsp;“I
 live in my van,” Nick said. “Being a mobile home, in a sense, it’s 
impossible. I almost had to get rid of it and go to a shelter, just over
 the gas prices.”Bellevue
 resident Frederick Wisdom said high prices have changed how his family 
decides what to do and where to go. He heard about the promotion and 
thought he “might as well stop by.”“We
 don’t travel as much,” Wisdom said. “We eat at home a lot. … Going to 
work now is just going to work and coming back. Just highway miles and 
back.”&nbsp;<h2>What Washington can do</h2>Biden
 on Wednesday proposed that Congress pass a three-month pause in 
collecting federal gas taxes. Shelburn described the president’s 
proposal as a Band-Aid on a bigger problem.U.S.
 gas prices remain lower than in many peer nations, Kiplinger reports. 
Many of the countries where gas costs less subsidize the costs of fuel, 
including Saudi Arabia, Russia and Kuwait.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655926950596.jpeg" alt=" In the 8 o’clock hour, more than 23 cars waited in line to get discounted gasoline at Speedy Gas N Stop in Bellevue. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption> In the 8 o’clock hour, more than 23 cars waited in line to get discounted gasoline at Speedy Gas N Stop in Bellevue. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Nebraska
 Gov. Pete Ricketts and State Sens. Mike Flood of Norfolk, Lou Ann 
Linehan of Omaha and John Arch of La Vista greeted people stopping for 
gas. They said Republicans could help get gas prices under control.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ricketts
 argued for resuming leases to drill on federal land and reviving the 
Keystone XL pipeline. Flood pushed for domestic drilling and restraining
 federal spending.Neither
 blamed oil companies for taking record profits. Ricketts defended 
capitalism and said profits help oil companies to invest in future 
energy production.“We’re
 not a communist country,” Ricketts said. “We’re just a place where we 
should allow the free market to work again … for energy resources to be 
developed.”<h2>State can help, too</h2>Nebraska
 Democratic Party chair Jane Kleeb, who helped defeat the pipeline, said
 Ricketts could ease some of the pain of global gas prices by calling a 
tax holiday at the pump.Kleeb said Republicans could also join Democrats in calling for a ban on exporting American oil.&nbsp;“Ricketts
 could also pressure Big Oil to stop price gouging,” Kleeb said. “But 
no, instead of any meaningful action to help families, Ricketts will 
perform a PR stunt.”