SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting.

Just after 5a.m. Saturday, sheriff's deputies were sent to a shooting call in the 4300 block of south Rock Road in rural Sedgwick County, according to Lt. Benjamin Blick.

When deputies arrived, they found a man and woman deceased from apparent gunshot wounds.&nbsp; EMS transported another adult male to a local hospital with serious injuries. 

&nbsp;Rock Road was closed while authorities investigate and the scene is processed for evidence.&nbsp; Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656781809875.png" alt="Rock Road was closed during the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Rock Road was closed during the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting.Just after 5a.m. Saturday, sheriff's deputies were sent to a shooting call in the 4300 block of south Rock Road in rural Sedgwick County, according to Lt. Benjamin Blick.When deputies arrived, they found a man and woman deceased from apparent gunshot wounds.&nbsp; EMS transported another adult male to a local hospital with serious injuries. &nbsp;Rock Road was closed while authorities investigate and the scene is processed for evidence.&nbsp; Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

Sheriff: Man, woman dead after rural Kansas shooting 

MCPHERSON COUNTY—The Kansas Department of Health has&nbsp;<a href="https://khap2.kdhe.state.ks.us/OIDS/OIDS_ViewFacility.aspx?facilitysearch=pQ6%2fNNqOehPH%2fyl06ro2NaFtvgxEoDQrWI0c72s04Bc5b1cSYNv2vffzR%2bnLzsdQefZnslPgIsI%3d">suspended the license of the Daycare</a>&nbsp;in McPherson following an arrest of the&nbsp;<a href="https://khap2.kdhe.state.ks.us/OIDS/OIDS_ViewFacility.aspx?facilitysearch=pQ6%2fNNqOehPH%2fyl06ro2NaFtvgxEoDQrWI0c72s04Bc5b1cSYNv2vffzR%2bnLzsdQefZnslPgIsI%3d">daycare provider</a> for alleged child endangerment.&nbsp;

Just before 11a.m. Wednesday, police responded to report of young children and a dog found unsupervised in someone’s backyard near a pool, according to Police Captain&nbsp;Mark Brinck.

When officers arrived, they found four children between the ages of 2 and 5-years-old in the area. Officers determined the children had left a daycare in the 700 Block of East Kansas Avenue and walked to this area.

Officers contacted 47-year-old Tracy Barr and another child in the 700 Block of East Kansas Avenue. According to online records Barr is the owner and program<a href="https://khap2.kdhe.state.ks.us/OIDS/OIDS_ViewFacility.aspx?facilitysearch=pQ6%2fNNqOehPH%2fyl06ro2NaFtvgxEoDQrWI0c72s04Bc5b1cSYNv2vffzR%2bnLzsdQefZnslPgIsI%3d"> director for&nbsp;Golden Explorers,</a> 722 East Kansas Avenue, a Licensed Day Care Home in McPherson with a maximum capacity of 10 children.

 Officers took the children into protective custody and later released them to their parents or guardians. 

Officers arrested Barr on requested charges of Aggravated Endangering a Child and Driving Under the Influence, according to the release.

(<a href="https://khap2.kdhe.state.ks.us/OIDS/OIDS_ViewFacilityFindings.aspx?vn=1anlkfdkEy3LXT4y%2f0Pwn8noWE6KKLBIy7x24OeT5mWHQBhXLLQyq4uNKTq%2bjXfF60Lp5RJoijRpqpecC0J8EcTdPtK4NMxV3q4dNYRqH%2b7N4pS67WBHZg%3d%3d">Click here to read the</a> May 2022 KDHE Survey results for Golden Explorers Daycare)

Barr was booked into the McPherson County Jail and her bond was set at $13,750.00.&nbsp; On Thursday afternoon, the Kansas Department of Health has <a href="https://khap2.kdhe.state.ks.us/OIDS/OIDS_ViewFacility.aspx?facilitysearch=pQ6%2fNNqOehPH%2fyl06ro2NaFtvgxEoDQrWI0c72s04Bc5b1cSYNv2vffzR%2bnLzsdQefZnslPgIsI%3d">suspended the license of the Daycare.</a>

The McPherson Police Department referred this incident to the Kansas Department of Children and Families and the McPherson County Attorney’s Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656613239408.png" alt="Barr-photo McPherson Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>Barr-photo McPherson Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>MCPHERSON COUNTY—The Kansas Department of Health has&nbsp;<a href="https://khap2.kdhe.state.ks.us/OIDS/OIDS_ViewFacility.aspx?facilitysearch=pQ6%2fNNqOehPH%2fyl06ro2NaFtvgxEoDQrWI0c72s04Bc5b1cSYNv2vffzR%2bnLzsdQefZnslPgIsI%3d">suspended the license of the Daycare</a>&nbsp;in McPherson following an arrest of the&nbsp;<a href="https://khap2.kdhe.state.ks.us/OIDS/OIDS_ViewFacility.aspx?facilitysearch=pQ6%2fNNqOehPH%2fyl06ro2NaFtvgxEoDQrWI0c72s04Bc5b1cSYNv2vffzR%2bnLzsdQefZnslPgIsI%3d">daycare provider</a> for alleged child endangerment.&nbsp;Just before 11a.m. Wednesday, police responded to report of young children and a dog found unsupervised in someone’s backyard near a pool, according to Police Captain&nbsp;Mark Brinck.When officers arrived, they found four children between the ages of 2 and 5-years-old in the area. Officers determined the children had left a daycare in the 700 Block of East Kansas Avenue and walked to this area.Officers contacted 47-year-old Tracy Barr and another child in the 700 Block of East Kansas Avenue. According to online records Barr is the owner and program<a href="https://khap2.kdhe.state.ks.us/OIDS/OIDS_ViewFacility.aspx?facilitysearch=pQ6%2fNNqOehPH%2fyl06ro2NaFtvgxEoDQrWI0c72s04Bc5b1cSYNv2vffzR%2bnLzsdQefZnslPgIsI%3d"> director for&nbsp;Golden Explorers,</a> 722 East Kansas Avenue, a Licensed Day Care Home in McPherson with a maximum capacity of 10 children. Officers took the children into protective custody and later released them to their parents or guardians. Officers arrested Barr on requested charges of Aggravated Endangering a Child and Driving Under the Influence, according to the release.(<a href="https://khap2.kdhe.state.ks.us/OIDS/OIDS_ViewFacilityFindings.aspx?vn=1anlkfdkEy3LXT4y%2f0Pwn8noWE6KKLBIy7x24OeT5mWHQBhXLLQyq4uNKTq%2bjXfF60Lp5RJoijRpqpecC0J8EcTdPtK4NMxV3q4dNYRqH%2b7N4pS67WBHZg%3d%3d">Click here to read the</a> May 2022 KDHE Survey results for Golden Explorers Daycare)Barr was booked into the McPherson County Jail and her bond was set at $13,750.00.&nbsp; On Thursday afternoon, the Kansas Department of Health has <a href="https://khap2.kdhe.state.ks.us/OIDS/OIDS_ViewFacility.aspx?facilitysearch=pQ6%2fNNqOehPH%2fyl06ro2NaFtvgxEoDQrWI0c72s04Bc5b1cSYNv2vffzR%2bnLzsdQefZnslPgIsI%3d">suspended the license of the Daycare.</a>The McPherson Police Department referred this incident to the Kansas Department of Children and Families and the McPherson County Attorney’s Office.

Kansas daycare license suspended after owner arrested

By HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH and LINDSEY TANNER

KANSAS City (AP) —They call her, desperate, scared and often broke. Some are rape and domestic violence victims. Others are new mothers, still breastfeeding infants. Another pregnancy so soon, they say, is something they just can't handle.

(Click below to watch as President Biden convenes a virtual meeting on Friday with Governors to discuss efforts to protect access to abortion.)

“Heart wrenching,” said Angela Huntington, an abortion navigator for Planned Parenthood in Missouri, who is helping callers reschedule canceled abortion appointments — sometimes hundreds of miles away from their homes — after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">the fall of Roe v. Wade</a>.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-us-supreme-court-health-samuel-alito-66c301d223759e842ad95e89f597d587">The ruling</a>&nbsp;has set off a travel scramble across the country, with a growing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-abortion-ruling-states-a767801145ad01617100e57410a0a21d">number of states</a>&nbsp;mostly banning the procedure. Clinics operators are moving, doctors are counseling crying patients, donations are pouring into nonprofits and one group is dispatching vans to administer abortion pills. Some cities — like Kansas City and St. Louis — also are drafting plans to help with the travel logistics.

Huntington has been preparing for this moment for months. Even before the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision last week to end constitutional protection for abortion, the procedure had become difficult to nearly impossible to obtain in states including Texas, Oklahoma and Missouri.

“Basically," she said, they were “living in a post Roe era."

Now a fresh round of laws are taking effect. Staff at a clinic in Nashville were flooded with calls from patients trying to understand the new legal landscape, after a federal court on Tuesday allowed the state's ban on abortion as early as six weeks into pregnancy to take effect.

In Arkansas, some patients already were headed to a Planned Parenthood clinic in Little Rock to obtain medication-induced abortions when the decision came down last week. Upon arriving, they were sent home.

“I cannot believe this is happening today,” they told Huntington. Or alternatively, they muttered, their voices oozing with sarcasm, “ Of course it’s happening today.”

Huntington and others try to help move their appointments to clinics in Kansas, Illinois and even Colorado. If a patient is broke but has access to a reliable car, Huntington can offer gas cards. She works with nonprofits to arrange commercial flights and lodging. In recent weeks, she said, a group called Elevated Access has enlisted volunteer light aircraft pilots to transport patients to abortion appointments, sometimes departing from small rural airstrips.

“It’s been hell,’’ said Dr. Jeanne Corwin, a gynecologist who works at a clinic in Dayton, Ohio, where most patients are being turned away after new state rules took effect banning abortions after a heartbeat can be detected. Many are being sent over the border to Indiana and the clinic’s sister site in Indianapolis, where Corwin also works.

She said they are desperate, including a patient in her 30s, recently diagnosed with advanced melanoma and in her first trimester.

“She has to end her pregnancy’’ so she can begin chemotherapy, and is going to Indiana, Corwin said, adding that patients who are beyond Indiana’s 14-week cutoff are being sent to Illinois or Michigan.

Time also may be short for women diverted to Indiana because lawmakers there are expected to re-consider the state’s abortion laws at a special session starting July 6.

The situation is particularly difficult for immigrants who are in the country illegally, said Lupe Rodríguez, executive director of the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice.

Many of them lack the documentation to take a commercial flight, and occasionally border agents search buses for immigrants who are in the country illegally, she said.

“They’re simply not able to go anywhere to get this care," she said, adding that the ruling has also created widespread confusion, with pregnant women fearful they could face criminal prosecution. “There’s a lot of misinformation."

In Missouri, where abortions were already severely restricted, a new ban took effect Friday that only allows the procedure in “cases of medical emergency.” Kansas City leaders are weighing a $300 stipend to help employees travel for an abortion. And across the state, in St. Louis, elected officials are considering another measure that would use $1 million in federal coronavirus relief funds to pay for transportation, lodging and other logistical support for abortion seekers.

“It’s kind of an American nightmare that we’re scrambling to find health care like this," said St. Louis Alderwoman Annie Rice, adding that she anticipated the measure would pass by mid-July. If that happens, abortion opponents have vowed to ask the state's attorney general to sue.

Just the Pill, a nonprofit health organization that helps patients&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-technology-politics-health-016eb3efd65dafc2b568af1495f5bac5">obtain abortion pills</a>, is hitting the road. It has purchased two vans — one medication van and another where surgical abortions will be done — with plans to begin operating those vans by mid- to-late-July in Colorado. The idea is to be close to the borders of states that have restricted or outlawed abortion.

Mississippi's only abortion clinic, which is nicknamed the Pink House because of its bright pink paint job, is facing the prospect of closing if it loses its lawsuit that seeks to block a state law that makes most abortions illegal as of July 7.

“We’re not giving up,” said the clinic’s owner, Diane Derzis, who plans to open a new abortion clinic called the Pink House West early next month in Las Cruces, New Mexico. “Women have always had abortions, no matter what it took.”

Following the ruling, donations have been pouring in to abortion funds like South Dakota Access for Every Woman. Normally the group would get seven to 10 donations per month. Now they are getting 10 to 20 a day, said Evelyn Griesse, a co-founder of the group. The money goes straight to the abortion providers.

“If the woman says she’s using some of her own personal money to pay for the abortion, we say use that money to do your travel expenses," Griesse said.

Some states are rolling out the welcome mat. Connecticut’s governor is out with a new campaign ad that touts the state’s laws protecting abortion rights for women. They include a soon-to-take-effect law that protects medical providers and patients from out-of-state legal actions.

“Women deserve the right to make their own decisions about their health care,” Gov. Ned Lamont, a Democrat running for reelection in November, said in the 30-second commercial released over the weekend.

In Pennsylvania, where state law still allows abortions in the first 24 weeks, clinics are bracing for an influx of out-of-state patients.

Susan Frietsche, a staff attorney for the Women’s Law Project, which represents abortion clinics in Pennsylvania, cautioned that state residents seeking abortions may have a harder time finding appointments, too.

“It affects everybody in the country,” Frietsche said. “Whereas yesterday, Pennsylvania providers were basically able to find appointment times for people who need to be seen, that is not going to be the case soon, and Pennsylvanians are going to have to travel to other states and not because the law here has changed, but you won’t be able to find an appointment soon, this is such a time-sensitive service.”

By HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH and LINDSEY TANNERKANSAS City (AP) —They call her, desperate, scared and often broke. Some are rape and domestic violence victims. Others are new mothers, still breastfeeding infants. Another pregnancy so soon, they say, is something they just can't handle.(Click below to watch as President Biden convenes a virtual meeting on Friday with Governors to discuss efforts to protect access to abortion.)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F1017171738987366%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=100" 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>“Heart wrenching,” said Angela Huntington, an abortion navigator for Planned Parenthood in Missouri, who is helping callers reschedule canceled abortion appointments — sometimes hundreds of miles away from their homes — after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">the fall of Roe v. Wade</a>.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-us-supreme-court-health-samuel-alito-66c301d223759e842ad95e89f597d587">The ruling</a>&nbsp;has set off a travel scramble across the country, with a growing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-abortion-ruling-states-a767801145ad01617100e57410a0a21d">number of states</a>&nbsp;mostly banning the procedure. Clinics operators are moving, doctors are counseling crying patients, donations are pouring into nonprofits and one group is dispatching vans to administer abortion pills. Some cities — like Kansas City and St. Louis — also are drafting plans to help with the travel logistics.Huntington has been preparing for this moment for months. Even before the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision last week to end constitutional protection for abortion, the procedure had become difficult to nearly impossible to obtain in states including Texas, Oklahoma and Missouri.“Basically," she said, they were “living in a post Roe era."Now a fresh round of laws are taking effect. Staff at a clinic in Nashville were flooded with calls from patients trying to understand the new legal landscape, after a federal court on Tuesday allowed the state's ban on abortion as early as six weeks into pregnancy to take effect.In Arkansas, some patients already were headed to a Planned Parenthood clinic in Little Rock to obtain medication-induced abortions when the decision came down last week. Upon arriving, they were sent home.“I cannot believe this is happening today,” they told Huntington. Or alternatively, they muttered, their voices oozing with sarcasm, “ Of course it’s happening today.”Huntington and others try to help move their appointments to clinics in Kansas, Illinois and even Colorado. If a patient is broke but has access to a reliable car, Huntington can offer gas cards. She works with nonprofits to arrange commercial flights and lodging. In recent weeks, she said, a group called Elevated Access has enlisted volunteer light aircraft pilots to transport patients to abortion appointments, sometimes departing from small rural airstrips.“It’s been hell,’’ said Dr. Jeanne Corwin, a gynecologist who works at a clinic in Dayton, Ohio, where most patients are being turned away after new state rules took effect banning abortions after a heartbeat can be detected. Many are being sent over the border to Indiana and the clinic’s sister site in Indianapolis, where Corwin also works.She said they are desperate, including a patient in her 30s, recently diagnosed with advanced melanoma and in her first trimester.“She has to end her pregnancy’’ so she can begin chemotherapy, and is going to Indiana, Corwin said, adding that patients who are beyond Indiana’s 14-week cutoff are being sent to Illinois or Michigan.Time also may be short for women diverted to Indiana because lawmakers there are expected to re-consider the state’s abortion laws at a special session starting July 6.The situation is particularly difficult for immigrants who are in the country illegally, said Lupe Rodríguez, executive director of the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice.Many of them lack the documentation to take a commercial flight, and occasionally border agents search buses for immigrants who are in the country illegally, she said.“They’re simply not able to go anywhere to get this care," she said, adding that the ruling has also created widespread confusion, with pregnant women fearful they could face criminal prosecution. “There’s a lot of misinformation."In Missouri, where abortions were already severely restricted, a new ban took effect Friday that only allows the procedure in “cases of medical emergency.” Kansas City leaders are weighing a $300 stipend to help employees travel for an abortion. And across the state, in St. Louis, elected officials are considering another measure that would use $1 million in federal coronavirus relief funds to pay for transportation, lodging and other logistical support for abortion seekers.“It’s kind of an American nightmare that we’re scrambling to find health care like this," said St. Louis Alderwoman Annie Rice, adding that she anticipated the measure would pass by mid-July. If that happens, abortion opponents have vowed to ask the state's attorney general to sue.Just the Pill, a nonprofit health organization that helps patients&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-technology-politics-health-016eb3efd65dafc2b568af1495f5bac5">obtain abortion pills</a>, is hitting the road. It has purchased two vans — one medication van and another where surgical abortions will be done — with plans to begin operating those vans by mid- to-late-July in Colorado. The idea is to be close to the borders of states that have restricted or outlawed abortion.Mississippi's only abortion clinic, which is nicknamed the Pink House because of its bright pink paint job, is facing the prospect of closing if it loses its lawsuit that seeks to block a state law that makes most abortions illegal as of July 7.“We’re not giving up,” said the clinic’s owner, Diane Derzis, who plans to open a new abortion clinic called the Pink House West early next month in Las Cruces, New Mexico. “Women have always had abortions, no matter what it took.”Following the ruling, donations have been pouring in to abortion funds like South Dakota Access for Every Woman. Normally the group would get seven to 10 donations per month. Now they are getting 10 to 20 a day, said Evelyn Griesse, a co-founder of the group. The money goes straight to the abortion providers.“If the woman says she’s using some of her own personal money to pay for the abortion, we say use that money to do your travel expenses," Griesse said.Some states are rolling out the welcome mat. Connecticut’s governor is out with a new campaign ad that touts the state’s laws protecting abortion rights for women. They include a soon-to-take-effect law that protects medical providers and patients from out-of-state legal actions.“Women deserve the right to make their own decisions about their health care,” Gov. Ned Lamont, a Democrat running for reelection in November, said in the 30-second commercial released over the weekend.In Pennsylvania, where state law still allows abortions in the first 24 weeks, clinics are bracing for an influx of out-of-state patients.Susan Frietsche, a staff attorney for the Women’s Law Project, which represents abortion clinics in Pennsylvania, cautioned that state residents seeking abortions may have a harder time finding appointments, too.“It affects everybody in the country,” Frietsche said. “Whereas yesterday, Pennsylvania providers were basically able to find appointment times for people who need to be seen, that is not going to be the case soon, and Pennsylvanians are going to have to travel to other states and not because the law here has changed, but you won’t be able to find an appointment soon, this is such a time-sensitive service.”

🎥Clinics scramble to divert patients as states ban abortion

WASHINGTON(AP) — The dissonant realities of President Joe Biden’s second year in office were on display Thursday as he wound up a five-day trip to Europe that highlighted both the key U.S. role in mounting a strong allied response to Vladimir Putin’s aggression and the domestic turmoil that is dragging Biden down at home.

Huddling with the leaders of Group of Seven advanced economies in the Bavarian Alps and with NATO allies in Madrid, Biden was greeted warmly by colleagues and notched significant policy accomplishments on modernizing the trans-Atlantic alliance to adapt to new threats from Russia and China.

At home, though, the U.S. was grappling with fallout from last week's Supreme Court decision ending the constitutional right to abortion, which Biden condemned Thursday as “destabilizing.” Biden faces both the lowest approval ratings of his presidency and rising pessimism about the direction of the country.

Biden appeared to welcome the time away from Washington as a respite from his domestic predicament, insisting that despite turmoil at home on matters from inflation to gun violence, world leaders still valued America's — and his — leadership.

“I have not seen anyone come up to me and ... say anything other than ‘Thank you for America’s leadership,’” Biden said in high-spirited remarks during a press conference at the end of what he called a “historic” summit. “America is better positioned to lead the world than we ever have been.”

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-nato-putin-madrid-9b249117b645e461f09cd0b4cb4afc02">three-day NATO meeting</a>&nbsp;included the Biden administration announcing plans to permanently bolster the U.S. military presence in Europe, an agreement between Turkey, Finland and Sweden — championed by Biden — to pave the way for the accession of the Nordic nations into NATO, and the alliance updating its strategic concept to reflect that China’s “coercive policies” are a challenge to the Western bloc’s interests.

Biden noted that the last time NATO updated what is essentially its mission statement was 12 years ago, when Russia was characterized as a partner and the document didn’t even mention China. The new concept document fulfills a years-long effort by American presidents to reorient the alliance to address challenges from China.

“The world has changed, changed a great deal since then,” Biden said. He added: “This summit was about strengthening our alliance, meeting the challenges of our world as it is today, and the threats we’re going to face in the future."

Biden’s efforts drew praise from across the aisle, with GOP North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis, who led a delegation to the Madrid summit with Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen and met with Biden Thursday morning, saying, “I think that the administration has played a key part in what’s made this summit a success.”

It was a far cry from the rancor that permeates Washington, where even positive developments become political cudgels.

“Here we have a bipartisan delegation and a president who have a common goal. Back home, maybe not quite as much,” Tillis said.

Nebraska Sen. Deb Fischer, a Republican, added that Biden should apply some of his approaches to successful diplomacy abroad to Washington as well.

“I think it would only be helpful for the president if he would reach out to us in our country as well as here," she said.

At home, Biden has been burdened with the ongoing reckoning over the Capitol insurrection and former President Donald Trump's attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election and with his own weakened political posture.

That has stoked concern among allies about who may follow Biden into the White House and whether his successor would reverse Biden's efforts to rebuild the trans-Atlantic alliance.

Soaring inflation — a global problem — is especially acute for Americans as they get on the road for the July 4 holiday. And his legislative agenda has been largely stalled, but for a modest gun control measure that passed after a pair of horrific mass shootings.

Added to the mix just 24 hours before Biden departed for Europe was the abortion ruling.

"One thing that has been destabilizing is the outrageous behavior of the Supreme Court of United States in overruling not only Roe v. Wade, but essentially challenging the right to privacy," Biden said, “We’ve been a leader in the world in terms of personal rights and privacy rights."

And just minutes after he departed Madrid on Air Force One to return home, Biden suffered another judicial blow to his agenda, as the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-epa-ruling-2e893673819a1b6c6aa272a5e814f0b0">Supreme Court dramatically scaled back</a>&nbsp;the Environmental Protection Agency's ability to regulate carbon dioxide emissions from power plants.

Kathleen McInnis, a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said a president's influence tends to go far further overseas than at home.

“The American presidency has its own weight and gravitas that can’t be discounted,” she said.

That was evident as Biden helped cajole Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to drop his opposition to Finland and Sweden joining the NATO alliance.

As he parried reporters' questions with a microphone in hand, Biden also highlighted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nato-climate-g-7-summit-russia-ukraine-zelenskyy-7e539b7f8b1900259e7d0198591c6d5c">announcements at the G-7 meeting</a>&nbsp;for more economic and military assistance to Ukraine as it aims to beat back Russia’s four-month-long invasion and announcements on tougher sanctions meant to punish Moscow.

“We are going to stick with Ukraine and all of the alliance is going to stick with Ukraine as long as it takes,” Biden said. “I don’t know ... how it’s going to end, but it will not end with a Russian defeat of Ukraine in Ukraine.”

Delaware Sen. Chris Coons, a Democrat and Biden confidant, called the week “a significant accomplishment for the Biden administration and for diplomacy.”

The view was more measured in some corners.

"Coming back from years of anti-European and anti-NATO rhetoric and policies is a pretty low bar when you look at it," said Leah Scheunemann, deputy director of the Transatlantic Security Initiative at the Atlantic Council. Even so, she said, “The Biden administration has done a lot of good in terms of rebuilding the reputation of NATO in America, and explaining the value of NATO as an alliance built on the values of democracy and what that brings to U.S. security."

As for Biden's domestic challenges, Scheunemann said, "I don’t know how much to place at the doorstep of Biden versus the doorstep of obstructionist Republicans.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656709533506.png" alt="President&nbsp;Biden appeared to welcome the time away from Washington as a respite from his domestic predicament, insisting that despite turmoil at home on matters from inflation to gun violence, world leaders still valued America's — and his — leadership.-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>President&nbsp;Biden appeared to welcome the time away from Washington as a respite from his domestic predicament, insisting that despite turmoil at home on matters from inflation to gun violence, world leaders still valued America's — and his — leadership.-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON(AP) — The dissonant realities of President Joe Biden’s second year in office were on display Thursday as he wound up a five-day trip to Europe that highlighted both the key U.S. role in mounting a strong allied response to Vladimir Putin’s aggression and the domestic turmoil that is dragging Biden down at home.Huddling with the leaders of Group of Seven advanced economies in the Bavarian Alps and with NATO allies in Madrid, Biden was greeted warmly by colleagues and notched significant policy accomplishments on modernizing the trans-Atlantic alliance to adapt to new threats from Russia and China.At home, though, the U.S. was grappling with fallout from last week's Supreme Court decision ending the constitutional right to abortion, which Biden condemned Thursday as “destabilizing.” Biden faces both the lowest approval ratings of his presidency and rising pessimism about the direction of the country.Biden appeared to welcome the time away from Washington as a respite from his domestic predicament, insisting that despite turmoil at home on matters from inflation to gun violence, world leaders still valued America's — and his — leadership.“I have not seen anyone come up to me and ... say anything other than ‘Thank you for America’s leadership,’” Biden said in high-spirited remarks during a press conference at the end of what he called a “historic” summit. “America is better positioned to lead the world than we ever have been.”The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-nato-putin-madrid-9b249117b645e461f09cd0b4cb4afc02">three-day NATO meeting</a>&nbsp;included the Biden administration announcing plans to permanently bolster the U.S. military presence in Europe, an agreement between Turkey, Finland and Sweden — championed by Biden — to pave the way for the accession of the Nordic nations into NATO, and the alliance updating its strategic concept to reflect that China’s “coercive policies” are a challenge to the Western bloc’s interests.Biden noted that the last time NATO updated what is essentially its mission statement was 12 years ago, when Russia was characterized as a partner and the document didn’t even mention China. The new concept document fulfills a years-long effort by American presidents to reorient the alliance to address challenges from China.“The world has changed, changed a great deal since then,” Biden said. He added: “This summit was about strengthening our alliance, meeting the challenges of our world as it is today, and the threats we’re going to face in the future."Biden’s efforts drew praise from across the aisle, with GOP North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis, who led a delegation to the Madrid summit with Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen and met with Biden Thursday morning, saying, “I think that the administration has played a key part in what’s made this summit a success.”It was a far cry from the rancor that permeates Washington, where even positive developments become political cudgels.“Here we have a bipartisan delegation and a president who have a common goal. Back home, maybe not quite as much,” Tillis said.Nebraska Sen. Deb Fischer, a Republican, added that Biden should apply some of his approaches to successful diplomacy abroad to Washington as well.“I think it would only be helpful for the president if he would reach out to us in our country as well as here," she said.At home, Biden has been burdened with the ongoing reckoning over the Capitol insurrection and former President Donald Trump's attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election and with his own weakened political posture.That has stoked concern among allies about who may follow Biden into the White House and whether his successor would reverse Biden's efforts to rebuild the trans-Atlantic alliance.Soaring inflation — a global problem — is especially acute for Americans as they get on the road for the July 4 holiday. And his legislative agenda has been largely stalled, but for a modest gun control measure that passed after a pair of horrific mass shootings.Added to the mix just 24 hours before Biden departed for Europe was the abortion ruling."One thing that has been destabilizing is the outrageous behavior of the Supreme Court of United States in overruling not only Roe v. Wade, but essentially challenging the right to privacy," Biden said, “We’ve been a leader in the world in terms of personal rights and privacy rights."And just minutes after he departed Madrid on Air Force One to return home, Biden suffered another judicial blow to his agenda, as the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-epa-ruling-2e893673819a1b6c6aa272a5e814f0b0">Supreme Court dramatically scaled back</a>&nbsp;the Environmental Protection Agency's ability to regulate carbon dioxide emissions from power plants.Kathleen McInnis, a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said a president's influence tends to go far further overseas than at home.“The American presidency has its own weight and gravitas that can’t be discounted,” she said.That was evident as Biden helped cajole Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to drop his opposition to Finland and Sweden joining the NATO alliance.As he parried reporters' questions with a microphone in hand, Biden also highlighted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nato-climate-g-7-summit-russia-ukraine-zelenskyy-7e539b7f8b1900259e7d0198591c6d5c">announcements at the G-7 meeting</a>&nbsp;for more economic and military assistance to Ukraine as it aims to beat back Russia’s four-month-long invasion and announcements on tougher sanctions meant to punish Moscow.“We are going to stick with Ukraine and all of the alliance is going to stick with Ukraine as long as it takes,” Biden said. “I don’t know ... how it’s going to end, but it will not end with a Russian defeat of Ukraine in Ukraine.”Delaware Sen. Chris Coons, a Democrat and Biden confidant, called the week “a significant accomplishment for the Biden administration and for diplomacy.”The view was more measured in some corners."Coming back from years of anti-European and anti-NATO rhetoric and policies is a pretty low bar when you look at it," said Leah Scheunemann, deputy director of the Transatlantic Security Initiative at the Atlantic Council. Even so, she said, “The Biden administration has done a lot of good in terms of rebuilding the reputation of NATO in America, and explaining the value of NATO as an alliance built on the values of democracy and what that brings to U.S. security."As for Biden's domestic challenges, Scheunemann said, "I don’t know how much to place at the doorstep of Biden versus the doorstep of obstructionist Republicans.”

Biden notched gains at G7 summit; returns to turmoil at home

LAFAYETTE COUNTY, Mo.—A Kansas man died in an accident just before 1:30p.m. Friday in Lafayette County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Ford F250 driven by Gary K. Fortner, 57, Holton, was eastbound on Interstate 70.

A tire on the pickup blew out. The vehicle traveled off the highway overturned and the driver was ejected. Fortner was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home in Odessa. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

LAFAYETTE COUNTY, Mo.—A Kansas man died in an accident just before 1:30p.m. Friday in Lafayette County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Ford F250 driven by Gary K. Fortner, 57, Holton, was eastbound on Interstate 70.A tire on the pickup blew out. The vehicle traveled off the highway overturned and the driver was ejected. Fortner was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home in Odessa. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Kansas man dies after ejected when pickup overturns

RENO COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on drug allegations after a traffic stop.

On June 29, the Hutchinson Police Department Special Operations Division with the assistance of the Reno County Drug Unit conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle after observing an alleged traffic violation, according to a media release.

 A search of the vehicle turned up over 121 grams of meth, 55 grams of marijuana, 142 pills, and a handgun. All were seized from the vehicle. The pills are suspected to be counterfeit Oxycodone M30’s containing fentanyl.&nbsp;

Police arrested 30-year-old Matthew Demoura on requested charges of possession of meth, oxycodone and marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of Xanax and criminal possession of a firearm.

Demoura has numerous previous convictions that include for theft, evading a road block, fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement and drug possession, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections. His being held on a bond of $135,000.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656698838039.png" alt="photo Hutchinson Police" />
 <figcaption>photo Hutchinson Police</figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on drug allegations after a traffic stop.On June 29, the Hutchinson Police Department Special Operations Division with the assistance of the Reno County Drug Unit conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle after observing an alleged traffic violation, according to a media release. A search of the vehicle turned up over 121 grams of meth, 55 grams of marijuana, 142 pills, and a handgun. All were seized from the vehicle. The pills are suspected to be counterfeit Oxycodone M30’s containing fentanyl.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656687678435.jpeg" alt="Matthew Demoura-photo Reno Co." />
 <figcaption>Matthew Demoura-photo Reno Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Police arrested 30-year-old Matthew Demoura on requested charges of possession of meth, oxycodone and marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of Xanax and criminal possession of a firearm.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656698952355.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Demoura has numerous previous convictions that include for theft, evading a road block, fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement and drug possession, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections. His being held on a bond of $135,000.

Kan. felon caught with counterfeit oxycodone containing fentanyl

BUTLER COUNTY –&nbsp;The Butler County Sheriff’s Office reported that Joseph Hayes, 71, was located safe around 4:30 p.m. Friday evening near Benton, Arkansas, according to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

Hayes was discovered by law enforcement in Arkansas after a citizen report. He was transported to the hospital to be medically evaluated, but will soon be reunited with his family.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656447959050.png" alt="Hayes-photo Butler Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Hayes-photo Butler Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>BUTLER COUNTY –&nbsp;The Butler County Sheriff’s Office reported that Joseph Hayes, 71, was located safe around 4:30 p.m. Friday evening near Benton, Arkansas, according to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.Hayes was discovered by law enforcement in Arkansas after a citizen report. He was transported to the hospital to be medically evaluated, but will soon be reunited with his family.--------BUTLER COUNTY —A Kansas man identified in a Silver Alert has been tracked to eastern Texas.&nbsp;Joseph Moody Hayes' phone was pinged as recently as a few days ago in the New Boston area of Bowie County Texas, according to a social media report from the Texarkana, Texas Police Department.&nbsp;Authorities believe the 71-year-old Towanda, Kansas, man was on Highway 8, headed toward Dequeen, Arkansas. He may still be in the Texarkana area, according to police.On Tuesday, Butler County Sheriff’s Office requested that the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issue a statewide Silver Alert for Hayes.He left his home in Towanda, Kansas on Monday, June 20, en route to Anniston, Alabama to visit family. He never made it. Hayes was driving a 2014 Black Dodge Ram 1500 bearing Kansas tag 576HZW.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656447826598.png" alt="Hayes-photo Butler Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Hayes-photo Butler Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>Hayes is a 71-year-old white male. He is around 5 foot-8 inches tall, and weighs 175 pounds. He has blue eyes and grey hair.While traveling, he contacted family and informed them that he got turned around in the Fort Worth, Texas area. They suggested he turn around and head back to Kansas. Joseph Hayes never arrived in Kansas.On Thursday, June 23, Hayes’s vehicle was spotted via license plate reader in Williamson County, Texas. One of his daughters made contact with him via telephone on Sunday, June 26, and he believed he was in the Dallas, Texas area.Hayes has suffered a previous stroke, has high blood pressure, and family indicates he has shown signs of dementia.&nbsp;If you see Joseph Hayes, or have information about his whereabouts, please immediately contact 911, or the Butler County Sheriff’s Office at 316-322-4398.

KBI: Silver Alert canceled, missing Kansas man found safe

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pre-pandemic sized crowds descend on US airports for holiday

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

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

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

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

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

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

Police: Kansas man dies in Nebraska motorcycle, SUV crash

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Suspect wanted in Arkansas injured after crash during Kan. chase

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

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

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

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

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

Kansas man dies after car strikes a concrete culvert

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sheriff: Kansas man jailed after 100 mile per hour chase

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

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

Phone calls to MS Contracting rang unanswered Friday morning.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lawsuits filed days after deadly Amtrak crash

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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