WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal judge on Tuesday blocked a rule that allows immigration authorities&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-mexico-costa-rica-donald-trump-1a5a89459fb0b61f04f8500789b9b221">to deny asylum</a>&nbsp;to migrants who arrive at the U.S.-Mexico border without first applying online or seeking protection in a country they passed through. But the judge delayed his ruling from taking effect immediately to give the administration time to appeal.

The order from U.S. District Judge Jon Tigar of the Northern District of California takes away&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-politics-united-states-government-donald-trump-mobile-phones-1502c6d6125c1dede583002722144488">a key enforcement tool</a>&nbsp;set in place by the Biden administration as coronavirus-based restrictions on asylum expired in May. The use of a rule known as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-biden-border-title-42-mexico-asylum-be4e0b15b27adb9bede87b9bbefb798d">Title 42</a>&nbsp;allowed the U.S. to expel millions of people starting in early 2020 on the grounds of preventing the spread of COVID-19.

The new rule imposed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/border-asylum-rules-immigration-title-42-biden-e77b4730682d889a2376b868c2fcac18">severe limitations on migrants seeking asylum</a>. It included room for exceptions and did not apply to children traveling alone. Tigar's order will not take effect for two weeks.

Immigrant rights groups that sued argued it was a violation of U.S. law that protects the right to asylum regardless of how a person enters the country. The groups said it forced migrants to seek protection in countries that don’t have the same robust asylum system and human rights protections as the United States and leaves them in a dangerous limbo. They also argued that the CBP One&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/border-us-mexico-migrant-app-expansion-654a78fbe23dbb3fa5c10167c3c22af6">app the government wants migrants to use</a>&nbsp;doesn't have enough appointments and isn’t available in enough languages.

The Biden administration said the asylum rule was a key part of its strategy to strike a balance between strict border enforcement and ensuring several avenues for migrants to pursue valid asylum claims. The rule was a response to political and economic instability fueling an exodus of migrants from countries including Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, Haiti, Nicaragua, Peru and Venezuela.

Critics have argued that the rule is essentially a newer version of two efforts by President Donald Trump to limit asylum at the southern border. The Supreme Court eventually allowed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-top-news-courts-supreme-courts-az-state-wire-immigration-a817cf3affb04f3d8ad3c4940366a5fe">the Trump administration to limit asylum for</a>&nbsp;people who don't apply for protection in a country they travel through before coming to the U.S. to go into effect. But another Trump effort to bar people from applying for asylum except at an official border entry point was caught up in litigation and never took effect.

In announcing the new rule, the Biden administration emphasized the complex dynamics at play when it comes to immigration that at one time consisted largely of adults from Mexico seeking to come to the U.S. They could easily be returned home. Now migrants come from across the Western Hemisphere and beyond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632317716965.png" alt="Photo Rep. Tony Gonzales" />
 <figcaption>Photo Rep. Tony Gonzales</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal judge on Tuesday blocked a rule that allows immigration authorities&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-mexico-costa-rica-donald-trump-1a5a89459fb0b61f04f8500789b9b221">to deny asylum</a>&nbsp;to migrants who arrive at the U.S.-Mexico border without first applying online or seeking protection in a country they passed through. But the judge delayed his ruling from taking effect immediately to give the administration time to appeal.The order from U.S. District Judge Jon Tigar of the Northern District of California takes away&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-politics-united-states-government-donald-trump-mobile-phones-1502c6d6125c1dede583002722144488">a key enforcement tool</a>&nbsp;set in place by the Biden administration as coronavirus-based restrictions on asylum expired in May. The use of a rule known as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-biden-border-title-42-mexico-asylum-be4e0b15b27adb9bede87b9bbefb798d">Title 42</a>&nbsp;allowed the U.S. to expel millions of people starting in early 2020 on the grounds of preventing the spread of COVID-19.The new rule imposed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/border-asylum-rules-immigration-title-42-biden-e77b4730682d889a2376b868c2fcac18">severe limitations on migrants seeking asylum</a>. It included room for exceptions and did not apply to children traveling alone. Tigar's order will not take effect for two weeks.Immigrant rights groups that sued argued it was a violation of U.S. law that protects the right to asylum regardless of how a person enters the country. The groups said it forced migrants to seek protection in countries that don’t have the same robust asylum system and human rights protections as the United States and leaves them in a dangerous limbo. They also argued that the CBP One&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/border-us-mexico-migrant-app-expansion-654a78fbe23dbb3fa5c10167c3c22af6">app the government wants migrants to use</a>&nbsp;doesn't have enough appointments and isn’t available in enough languages.The Biden administration said the asylum rule was a key part of its strategy to strike a balance between strict border enforcement and ensuring several avenues for migrants to pursue valid asylum claims. The rule was a response to political and economic instability fueling an exodus of migrants from countries including Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, Haiti, Nicaragua, Peru and Venezuela.Critics have argued that the rule is essentially a newer version of two efforts by President Donald Trump to limit asylum at the southern border. The Supreme Court eventually allowed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-top-news-courts-supreme-courts-az-state-wire-immigration-a817cf3affb04f3d8ad3c4940366a5fe">the Trump administration to limit asylum for</a>&nbsp;people who don't apply for protection in a country they travel through before coming to the U.S. to go into effect. But another Trump effort to bar people from applying for asylum except at an official border entry point was caught up in litigation and never took effect.In announcing the new rule, the Biden administration emphasized the complex dynamics at play when it comes to immigration that at one time consisted largely of adults from Mexico seeking to come to the U.S. They could easily be returned home. Now migrants come from across the Western Hemisphere and beyond.

Judge rules against Biden's new immigration policy

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nebraska-civil-rights-panel-sets-public-forum-on-covid-19s-impact-on-k-12-education/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN —&nbsp;A civil rights panel is seeking in-person comment in August regarding the effects of COVID-19 on K-12 education in Nebraska, with a focus on the digital divide and mental health.

The Nebraska Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights is following up a duo of&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nebraska-civil-rights-panel-plans-virtual-hearings-on-impact-of-covid-19-pandemic-on-education/">virtual briefings</a>&nbsp;this month with an in-person forum Aug. 9 in Lincoln. Students, teachers and other stakeholders are asked to describe their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic and what areas are still in need of support.

The committee’s “primary task” is to forward recommendations on civil rights topics at the conclusion of its study to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights.

Committee Chair Nikitah Imani, a professor of Black Studies at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, noted the committee has heard from subject matter experts so far and now has invited the public to engage.

“We need to hear the stories of directly impacted individuals in order to ensure that the recommendations we develop are relevant to current needs,” he said in a news release.

At a July 10 briefing, a University of California, Davis professor, Drew Cingel, described the “constellation of outcomes” of the pandemic on K-12 education.&nbsp;

Cingel’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nebraska-civil-rights-panel-considers-constellation-of-outcomes-of-covid-19-on-k-12-education/">research</a>&nbsp;showed that students who had longer periods of online-only learning struggled more than students who had some in-person learning. Students who identified as transgender or gender-nonconforming also struggled more, regardless of their in-person learning status.

The Aug. 9 forum will be at Embassy Suites Lincoln, 1040 P St., in Room Regents B from 1-4 p.m. The event will be transcribed and recorded for the public record.People wishing to speak at the event are encouraged to register in advance&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6TQLZWV">here</a>&nbsp;(same-day registration is available). Written testimony will be accepted until Sept. 11 and can be sent to Victoria Moreno at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="mailto:vmorena@usccr.gov">vmorena@usccr.gov</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690311559966.png" alt="Members of the Nebraska Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights question two panelists regarding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on K-12 education Anne Byers of the Nebraska Information Technology Commission presents information on broadband coverage in Nebraska on Monday, July 10, 2023. (Screenshot of Zoom call by Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Members of the Nebraska Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights question two panelists regarding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on K-12 education Anne Byers of the Nebraska Information Technology Commission presents information on broadband coverage in Nebraska on Monday, July 10, 2023. (Screenshot of Zoom call by Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>By Zach Wendlng<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nebraska-civil-rights-panel-sets-public-forum-on-covid-19s-impact-on-k-12-education/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN —&nbsp;A civil rights panel is seeking in-person comment in August regarding the effects of COVID-19 on K-12 education in Nebraska, with a focus on the digital divide and mental health.The Nebraska Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights is following up a duo of&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nebraska-civil-rights-panel-plans-virtual-hearings-on-impact-of-covid-19-pandemic-on-education/">virtual briefings</a>&nbsp;this month with an in-person forum Aug. 9 in Lincoln. Students, teachers and other stakeholders are asked to describe their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic and what areas are still in need of support.The committee’s “primary task” is to forward recommendations on civil rights topics at the conclusion of its study to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights.Committee Chair Nikitah Imani, a professor of Black Studies at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, noted the committee has heard from subject matter experts so far and now has invited the public to engage.“We need to hear the stories of directly impacted individuals in order to ensure that the recommendations we develop are relevant to current needs,” he said in a news release.At a July 10 briefing, a University of California, Davis professor, Drew Cingel, described the “constellation of outcomes” of the pandemic on K-12 education.&nbsp;Cingel’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nebraska-civil-rights-panel-considers-constellation-of-outcomes-of-covid-19-on-k-12-education/">research</a>&nbsp;showed that students who had longer periods of online-only learning struggled more than students who had some in-person learning. Students who identified as transgender or gender-nonconforming also struggled more, regardless of their in-person learning status.The Aug. 9 forum will be at Embassy Suites Lincoln, 1040 P St., in Room Regents B from 1-4 p.m. The event will be transcribed and recorded for the public record.People wishing to speak at the event are encouraged to register in advance&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6TQLZWV">here</a>&nbsp;(same-day registration is available). Written testimony will be accepted until Sept. 11 and can be sent to Victoria Moreno at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="mailto:vmorena@usccr.gov">vmorena@usccr.gov</a>.

Nebraska civil rights panel sets public forum on COVID-19’s impact on K-12 education

Lincoln, Tuesday, July 25, 2023- The Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC), Tuesday, July 25, issued an Order (<a href="https://www.nebraska.gov/psc/orders/grain/2023-07-25%20GDC-455%20GD-3032%20Order%20Approving%20Stipulation%20Dismissing%20Complaint%20and%20Reinstating%20License.pdf" target="_blank">GDC-455/GD-3032</a>) entering into a stipulated agreement, dismissing the complaint and reinstating the grain dealer license of NORAG, LLC, of Stilwell, Kansas.

On June 13, the Commission temporarily suspended the grain dealer license of NORAG, for being in violation of Title 291 Neb. Admin. Code, Chapter 8, § 003.01 for failing to meet and maintain a minimum of allowable net worth of $10,000 and Title 291 Neb. Admin. Code, Chapter 8 § 003.01 for failing to maintain suitable working capital.

The PSC and NORAG, have entered into a stipulated agreement resolving its issues. As part of the agreement, the company will file a satisfactory Operating Line of Credit (OLC) with the PSC grain department, on or before November 1, 2023. The company has also agreed to submit its financial statement in accordance with the PSC grain department’s Rules and Regulations.

“Our grain department and legal team have worked closely with the company to reach this resolution,” said Commission Chair Dan Watermeier.&nbsp; “The stipulated agreement brings the company into compliance while providing producers the protections they deserve.”

The Order reinstating the grain dealer license of NORAG, LLC, of Stilwell, Kansas takes effect immediately.

Lincoln, Tuesday, July 25, 2023- The Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC), Tuesday, July 25, issued an Order (<a href="https://www.nebraska.gov/psc/orders/grain/2023-07-25%20GDC-455%20GD-3032%20Order%20Approving%20Stipulation%20Dismissing%20Complaint%20and%20Reinstating%20License.pdf" target="_blank">GDC-455/GD-3032</a>) entering into a stipulated agreement, dismissing the complaint and reinstating the grain dealer license of NORAG, LLC, of Stilwell, Kansas.On June 13, the Commission temporarily suspended the grain dealer license of NORAG, for being in violation of Title 291 Neb. Admin. Code, Chapter 8, § 003.01 for failing to meet and maintain a minimum of allowable net worth of $10,000 and Title 291 Neb. Admin. Code, Chapter 8 § 003.01 for failing to maintain suitable working capital.The PSC and NORAG, have entered into a stipulated agreement resolving its issues. As part of the agreement, the company will file a satisfactory Operating Line of Credit (OLC) with the PSC grain department, on or before November 1, 2023. The company has also agreed to submit its financial statement in accordance with the PSC grain department’s Rules and Regulations.“Our grain department and legal team have worked closely with the company to reach this resolution,” said Commission Chair Dan Watermeier.&nbsp; “The stipulated agreement brings the company into compliance while providing producers the protections they deserve.”The Order reinstating the grain dealer license of NORAG, LLC, of Stilwell, Kansas takes effect immediately.

PSC REINSTATES KANSAS COMPANY’S GRAIN DEALER LICENSE

NEW YORK (AP) — UPS has reached a tentative contract with its 340,000-person union, potentially averting a strike that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ups-strike-delivery-supply-chain-union-labor-16270bd5699419398de376e07ada06ba">threatened to disrupt package deliveries for millions</a>&nbsp;of businesses and households nationwide.

The agreement was announced Tuesday, the first day that UPS and the Teamsters had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ups-teamsters-labor-contract-talks-strike-6cb8662aed18d4ef2700d77f6ccac5ea">returned to the table</a>&nbsp;after contentious negotiations broke down earlier this month.

Negotiators had already reached tentative agreements on several issues but continued to clash over pay for part-time workers, who make up more than half of the UPS employees represented by the union.

The Teamsters hailed the agreement as “historic."

Under the tentative agreement, which still needs union members' approval, full- and part-time union workers will get $2.75 more per hour in 2023, and $7.50 more over the duration of the five-year contract. The agreement also includes a provision to increase starting pay for part-time workers — whom the union says are the most at risk of exploitation — from $16.20 per hour to $21 per hour. The average pay for part-timers had been $20.

Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien said in a statement that UPS put $30 billion more on the table due to the negotiations, saying the deal “sets a new standard in the labor movement.”

The two sides had already tentatively agreed to make Martin Luther King Jr. Day a full holiday and to end forced overtime on drivers’ days off. Tentative agreements on safety issues had also been reached, including equipping more trucks with air conditioning.

UPS had also agreed to eliminate a lower-paid category of drivers who work shifts that include weekends, and convert them into regular full-time drivers. Under the agreement, the company will create 7,500 full-time jobs and fill 22,500 open positions, allowing more part-timers to transition to full-time.

“Together we reached a win-win-win agreement on the issues that are important to Teamsters leadership, our employees and to UPS and our customers,” Carol Tomé, UPS CEO, said in a written statement.

Voting on the new contract begins Aug. 3 and concludes Aug. 22.

Industry groups, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, labor leaders and the White House applauded the deal.

“This agreement is a testament to the power of employers and employees coming together to work out their differences at the bargaining table in a manner that helps businesses succeed while helping workers secure pay and benefits they can raise a family on and retire with dignity and respect,” President Joe Biden said in a statement.

Union members, angered by a contract they say union leadership forced on them five years ago, argued that they have shouldered the more than 140% profit growth at UPS as the pandemic increased delivery demand. Unionized workers said they wanted to right what they saw as a bad contract.

Union leadership was upended last year with the election of O’Brien, a vocal critic of union president James Hoffa — son of the famed Teamsters firebrand — who signed off on that contract.

The 24 million packages UPS ships daily amounts to about a quarter of all U.S. parcel volume, according to the global shipping and logistics firm Pitney Bowes. According to UPS, that’s equivalent to about 6% of the nation’s gross domestic product.

During the last breakdown in labor talks a quarter of a century ago, 185,000 UPS workers walked out for 15 days,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/b198ce2db4be584f82c53afc0dee6930">crippling the company</a>. A walkout this time would have had much further-reaching implications, with millions of Americans now accustomed to online shopping and speedy delivery.

The consulting firm Anderson Economic Group estimated a 10-day UPS strike could have cost the U.S. economy more than $7 billion and triggered “significant and lasting harm” to business and workers.

Logistics experts warned that the other U.S. shipping companies combined do not have the capacity to handle all the packages that would come their way during any UPS work stoppage, and that prices on shipping and goods would inevitably increase. Meanwhile, customers who shop online could have faced higher shipping fees and longer waits.

In recent weeks, large and small businesses worked to create contingency plans in the event of a strike.

Joseph Debicella, a small business owner who runs an online site that sells bridesmaids' gifts, said his company ships roughly 50% of its orders through UPS. He hasn’t used FedEx before, but created an account with the company two weeks ago as chatter over a strike picked up. He was also hearing about the negotiations from his UPS driver, who told him his deliveries were getting lighter as the July 31 deadline for a new contract neared.

Macy’s CEO Jeff Gennette told The Associated Press that the department store chain was considering its options and that its supply chain team was mapping out what a strike would look like and how it would affect shipping.

If ratified, the deal could prevent major disruption just as retailers are in the throes of the back-to-school shopping season — the second largest sales period behind the winter holidays.

The Retail Industry Leaders Association, a national retail trade group that counts retailers including Best Buy, CVS Health and Kohl’s as members, called the tentative pact “an enormous relief to retailers, who have been navigating the possibility of a strike and the associated uncertainty for weeks.”

”We’re grateful that this challenge, which would have had a price tag in the billions of dollars and a long runway for recovery, was avoided," the group said in a statement.

Labor experts see the showdown as a demonstration of labor power at a time of low U.S. union membership. Unions have grown more active this summer thanks to several organized labor pushes at major companies.

Hollywood actors and screenwriters are picketing over pay issues. United Auto Workers are considering a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uaw-strike-auto-electric-vehicles-contract-wages-f97630a69a3b62079bd65d3821f9a5d8">potential strike</a>.

“This is how it’s done!” Association of Flight Attendants-CWA President Sara Nelson said in a statement after UPS the deal was announced. “And this labor solidarity summer just got stronger.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686070070872.png" alt="The Teamsters called the tentative agreement “historic” and “overwhelmingly lucrative”-file photo" />
 <figcaption>The Teamsters called the tentative agreement “historic” and “overwhelmingly lucrative”-file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — UPS has reached a tentative contract with its 340,000-person union, potentially averting a strike that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ups-strike-delivery-supply-chain-union-labor-16270bd5699419398de376e07ada06ba">threatened to disrupt package deliveries for millions</a>&nbsp;of businesses and households nationwide.The agreement was announced Tuesday, the first day that UPS and the Teamsters had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ups-teamsters-labor-contract-talks-strike-6cb8662aed18d4ef2700d77f6ccac5ea">returned to the table</a>&nbsp;after contentious negotiations broke down earlier this month.Negotiators had already reached tentative agreements on several issues but continued to clash over pay for part-time workers, who make up more than half of the UPS employees represented by the union.The Teamsters hailed the agreement as “historic."Under the tentative agreement, which still needs union members' approval, full- and part-time union workers will get $2.75 more per hour in 2023, and $7.50 more over the duration of the five-year contract. The agreement also includes a provision to increase starting pay for part-time workers — whom the union says are the most at risk of exploitation — from $16.20 per hour to $21 per hour. The average pay for part-timers had been $20.Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien said in a statement that UPS put $30 billion more on the table due to the negotiations, saying the deal “sets a new standard in the labor movement.”The two sides had already tentatively agreed to make Martin Luther King Jr. Day a full holiday and to end forced overtime on drivers’ days off. Tentative agreements on safety issues had also been reached, including equipping more trucks with air conditioning.UPS had also agreed to eliminate a lower-paid category of drivers who work shifts that include weekends, and convert them into regular full-time drivers. Under the agreement, the company will create 7,500 full-time jobs and fill 22,500 open positions, allowing more part-timers to transition to full-time.“Together we reached a win-win-win agreement on the issues that are important to Teamsters leadership, our employees and to UPS and our customers,” Carol Tomé, UPS CEO, said in a written statement.Voting on the new contract begins Aug. 3 and concludes Aug. 22.Industry groups, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, labor leaders and the White House applauded the deal.“This agreement is a testament to the power of employers and employees coming together to work out their differences at the bargaining table in a manner that helps businesses succeed while helping workers secure pay and benefits they can raise a family on and retire with dignity and respect,” President Joe Biden said in a statement.Union members, angered by a contract they say union leadership forced on them five years ago, argued that they have shouldered the more than 140% profit growth at UPS as the pandemic increased delivery demand. Unionized workers said they wanted to right what they saw as a bad contract.Union leadership was upended last year with the election of O’Brien, a vocal critic of union president James Hoffa — son of the famed Teamsters firebrand — who signed off on that contract.The 24 million packages UPS ships daily amounts to about a quarter of all U.S. parcel volume, according to the global shipping and logistics firm Pitney Bowes. According to UPS, that’s equivalent to about 6% of the nation’s gross domestic product.During the last breakdown in labor talks a quarter of a century ago, 185,000 UPS workers walked out for 15 days,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/b198ce2db4be584f82c53afc0dee6930">crippling the company</a>. A walkout this time would have had much further-reaching implications, with millions of Americans now accustomed to online shopping and speedy delivery.The consulting firm Anderson Economic Group estimated a 10-day UPS strike could have cost the U.S. economy more than $7 billion and triggered “significant and lasting harm” to business and workers.Logistics experts warned that the other U.S. shipping companies combined do not have the capacity to handle all the packages that would come their way during any UPS work stoppage, and that prices on shipping and goods would inevitably increase. Meanwhile, customers who shop online could have faced higher shipping fees and longer waits.In recent weeks, large and small businesses worked to create contingency plans in the event of a strike.Joseph Debicella, a small business owner who runs an online site that sells bridesmaids' gifts, said his company ships roughly 50% of its orders through UPS. He hasn’t used FedEx before, but created an account with the company two weeks ago as chatter over a strike picked up. He was also hearing about the negotiations from his UPS driver, who told him his deliveries were getting lighter as the July 31 deadline for a new contract neared.Macy’s CEO Jeff Gennette told The Associated Press that the department store chain was considering its options and that its supply chain team was mapping out what a strike would look like and how it would affect shipping.If ratified, the deal could prevent major disruption just as retailers are in the throes of the back-to-school shopping season — the second largest sales period behind the winter holidays.The Retail Industry Leaders Association, a national retail trade group that counts retailers including Best Buy, CVS Health and Kohl’s as members, called the tentative pact “an enormous relief to retailers, who have been navigating the possibility of a strike and the associated uncertainty for weeks.””We’re grateful that this challenge, which would have had a price tag in the billions of dollars and a long runway for recovery, was avoided," the group said in a statement.Labor experts see the showdown as a demonstration of labor power at a time of low U.S. union membership. Unions have grown more active this summer thanks to several organized labor pushes at major companies.Hollywood actors and screenwriters are picketing over pay issues. United Auto Workers are considering a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uaw-strike-auto-electric-vehicles-contract-wages-f97630a69a3b62079bd65d3821f9a5d8">potential strike</a>.“This is how it’s done!” Association of Flight Attendants-CWA President Sara Nelson said in a statement after UPS the deal was announced. “And this labor solidarity summer just got stronger.”_______

UPS reaches tentative contract with 340,000 unionized workers

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen announced the membership of a new working group that will examine property valuations in Nebraska.

“Valuation increases in Nebraska have become an unbearable burden for homeowners, businesses, and agriculture producers across our state,” said Governor Jim Pillen. “We will find a solution that will reduce the burden of insurmountable valuation growth in recent years. It is our job to make sure Nebraska continues to be the best place to live and reckless valuation increases on home and property hinders that commitment to Nebraskans.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Participants in the Valuations Reform Working Group includes:

Group member Senator Joni Albrecht said, “I look forward to working with the Governor and this working group to find a solution to bring our valuations in competition with surrounding states. Reforming valuations is a much-needed fix and will benefit all Nebraskans.”

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen announced the membership of a new working group that will examine property valuations in Nebraska.“Valuation increases in Nebraska have become an unbearable burden for homeowners, businesses, and agriculture producers across our state,” said Governor Jim Pillen. “We will find a solution that will reduce the burden of insurmountable valuation growth in recent years. It is our job to make sure Nebraska continues to be the best place to live and reckless valuation increases on home and property hinders that commitment to Nebraskans.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Participants in the Valuations Reform Working Group includes:<ul>
 <li>Governor Jim Pillen, Chair</li><li>Members of Governor Pillen’s Policy &amp; Research Team</li><li>State Senator Lou Ann Linehan</li><li>State Senator Joni Albrecht</li><li>State Senator Eliot Bostar</li><li>State Senator Mike McDonnell</li><li>State Senator Brad von Gillern</li><li>League of Nebraska Municipalities</li><li>Lincoln Chamber of Commerce</li><li>Omaha Chamber of Commerce</li><li>Nebraska Association of County Officials</li><li>Nebraska Cattlemen</li><li>Nebraska Farm Bureau</li><li>Nebraska Realtors Association</li><li>Nebraska State Chamber of Commerce</li>
 </ul>Group member Senator Joni Albrecht said, “I look forward to working with the Governor and this working group to find a solution to bring our valuations in competition with surrounding states. Reforming valuations is a much-needed fix and will benefit all Nebraskans.”

Governor Pillen Announces Valuations Reform Working Group

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;'s dog&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-cats-dogs-5c25b03c70692de43705c48d885c9269">Commander</a>&nbsp;bit Secret Service officers at least 10 times between October 2022 and January, including one incident that required a trip to the hospital for an injured law enforcement officer, according to records from the Department of Homeland Security.

The conservative watchdog group Judicial Watch on Tuesday released nearly 200 pages of Secret Service records that it obtained through a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit. The group said it filed suit after the agency, a division of DHS, “failed to respond adequately” to its request last December for records about biting incidents involving the purebred German Shepherd Dog. The group said it filed the request after receiving a tip about Commander's behavior.

The White House and the Secret Service appeared to play down the situation on Tuesday.

Elizabeth Alexander, communications director for first lady Jill Biden, said in an email that the White House complex is a “unique and often stressful environment” for family pets and that the Biden family was “working through ways to make this situation better for everyone.”

Anthony Guglielmi, chief spokesperson for the Secret Service, said in a separate email that his agency has for the past several presidents “navigated how best to operate around family pets and these incidents are no exception. We take the safety and wellbeing of our employees extremely seriously."

The Secret Service provides security protection for the president and his family, and scores of its officers are posted around the executive mansion and its sprawling grounds.

Biden received Commander in December 2021 as a gift from his brother James. The president's previous dog, another German shepherd named&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/major-biden-dog-bite-white-house-2b1d3f05f2ed91b611998d7363b1ccae">Major</a>, had been sent to live with friends in Delaware after some biting incidents of his own involving Secret Service officers and White House staff.

The family also has a cat,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-jill-biden-cats-e3164173bf418f28495a79cd9319ce11">Willow</a>.

On Nov. 3, 2022, a Secret Service official emailed colleagues that Commander had bitten a uniformed officer twice — on the upper right arm and thigh. Staff from the White House medical unit treated the officer and decided to have the individual taken to a hospital.

A captain of the Uniform Division emailed later that day that he had been advised that Commander was up to date on his vaccinations.

A note the following day added details about the attack, including that the officer who was bitten used a steel cart to protect himself from another attack. The officer later was placed on several days of restricted duty based on doctors' advice.

Alexander said the Bidens have been working with the Secret Service and the White House residence staff “on additional leashing protocols and training” for Commander, as well as establishing designated areas where he can run around for exercise.

“The president and first lady are incredibly grateful to the Secret Service and Executive Residence staff for all they do to keep them, their family and the country safe,” Alexander added.

Guglielmi said Secret Service employees are encouraged to report job-related injuries to their immediate supervisors for appropriate documentation.

“As such, we are aware of past incidents involving first-family pets and these instances were treated similarly to comparable workplace injuries, to include with relevant notifications and reporting procedures followed,” he said.

“While special agents and officers neither care for nor handle the first family's pets, we continuously work with all applicable entities to minimize adverse impacts in an environment that includes pets,” Guglielmi added.

Commander is often seen being handled by the White House's chief groundskeeper.

The New York Post was first to report on Commander's biting incidents.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644616777097.png" alt="The White House and the Secret Service appeared to play down the situation on Tuesday.-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>The White House and the Secret Service appeared to play down the situation on Tuesday.-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;'s dog&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-cats-dogs-5c25b03c70692de43705c48d885c9269">Commander</a>&nbsp;bit Secret Service officers at least 10 times between October 2022 and January, including one incident that required a trip to the hospital for an injured law enforcement officer, according to records from the Department of Homeland Security.The conservative watchdog group Judicial Watch on Tuesday released nearly 200 pages of Secret Service records that it obtained through a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit. The group said it filed suit after the agency, a division of DHS, “failed to respond adequately” to its request last December for records about biting incidents involving the purebred German Shepherd Dog. The group said it filed the request after receiving a tip about Commander's behavior.The White House and the Secret Service appeared to play down the situation on Tuesday.Elizabeth Alexander, communications director for first lady Jill Biden, said in an email that the White House complex is a “unique and often stressful environment” for family pets and that the Biden family was “working through ways to make this situation better for everyone.”Anthony Guglielmi, chief spokesperson for the Secret Service, said in a separate email that his agency has for the past several presidents “navigated how best to operate around family pets and these incidents are no exception. We take the safety and wellbeing of our employees extremely seriously."The Secret Service provides security protection for the president and his family, and scores of its officers are posted around the executive mansion and its sprawling grounds.Biden received Commander in December 2021 as a gift from his brother James. The president's previous dog, another German shepherd named&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/major-biden-dog-bite-white-house-2b1d3f05f2ed91b611998d7363b1ccae">Major</a>, had been sent to live with friends in Delaware after some biting incidents of his own involving Secret Service officers and White House staff.The family also has a cat,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-jill-biden-cats-e3164173bf418f28495a79cd9319ce11">Willow</a>.On Nov. 3, 2022, a Secret Service official emailed colleagues that Commander had bitten a uniformed officer twice — on the upper right arm and thigh. Staff from the White House medical unit treated the officer and decided to have the individual taken to a hospital.A captain of the Uniform Division emailed later that day that he had been advised that Commander was up to date on his vaccinations.A note the following day added details about the attack, including that the officer who was bitten used a steel cart to protect himself from another attack. The officer later was placed on several days of restricted duty based on doctors' advice.Alexander said the Bidens have been working with the Secret Service and the White House residence staff “on additional leashing protocols and training” for Commander, as well as establishing designated areas where he can run around for exercise.“The president and first lady are incredibly grateful to the Secret Service and Executive Residence staff for all they do to keep them, their family and the country safe,” Alexander added.Guglielmi said Secret Service employees are encouraged to report job-related injuries to their immediate supervisors for appropriate documentation.“As such, we are aware of past incidents involving first-family pets and these instances were treated similarly to comparable workplace injuries, to include with relevant notifications and reporting procedures followed,” he said.“While special agents and officers neither care for nor handle the first family's pets, we continuously work with all applicable entities to minimize adverse impacts in an environment that includes pets,” Guglielmi added.Commander is often seen being handled by the White House's chief groundskeeper.The New York Post was first to report on Commander's biting incidents.

Biden's dog sends Secret Service officer to the hospital

JULY 24, 2023 (KEARNEY, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— Investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol, Kearney Police Department, and TRIDENT Task Force have arrested one person on multiple charges following a narcotics investigation in Kearney.

Friday morning, July 21, investigators served a search warrant at a residence in the 2400 block of West 24th&nbsp;Street in Kearney as part of an ongoing investigation. During the search, investigators located nearly two pounds of suspected marijuana, drug paraphernalia, THC products, and just over $5,000 of suspected drug currency. Investigators also found two small children in the same room as the controlled substances.

The resident, Joshua Rose, 29, was arrested for possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute, possession of drug currency, and two counts of child abuse. He was lodged in Buffalo County Jail. The children were placed in protective care.

The TRIDENT Task Force consists of investigators from several central Nebraska agencies. NSP and KPD were assisted by TRIDENT members from the Grand Island Police Department, Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office, and FBI.

Cody Thomas Nebraska State PatrolJULY 24, 2023 (KEARNEY, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— Investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol, Kearney Police Department, and TRIDENT Task Force have arrested one person on multiple charges following a narcotics investigation in Kearney.Friday morning, July 21, investigators served a search warrant at a residence in the 2400 block of West 24th&nbsp;Street in Kearney as part of an ongoing investigation. During the search, investigators located nearly two pounds of suspected marijuana, drug paraphernalia, THC products, and just over $5,000 of suspected drug currency. Investigators also found two small children in the same room as the controlled substances.The resident, Joshua Rose, 29, was arrested for possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute, possession of drug currency, and two counts of child abuse. He was lodged in Buffalo County Jail. The children were placed in protective care.The TRIDENT Task Force consists of investigators from several central Nebraska agencies. NSP and KPD were assisted by TRIDENT members from the Grand Island Police Department, Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office, and FBI.

Kearney Man Arrested in Narcotics Investigation

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen announced his appointment of Bryan McQuay of Alma as a county court judge in the Ninth Judicial District of Nebraska. That district includes Hall and Buffalo counties.

McQuay has actively practiced law in rural Nebraska for the past 24 years. He has served as a county attorney in Harlan, Kearney, and Phelps counties and operates the private practice of Person &amp; McQuay in Alma. McQuay’s legal experience covers a variety of areas including juvenile issues, criminal and civil law, real estate and personal injury. He has served as a special prosecutor in Adams, Buffalo, Franklin, Furnas, Phelps, and Webster counties.

McQuay holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Nebraska --Lincoln. He earned a juris doctor from the University of Nebraska College of Law.

McQuay fills a judicial position&nbsp;created by amendments to Neb. Rev. Stat. §24-503 (Laws 2023, LB799) establishing a fifth county court judge. That new seat will become effective September 1, 2023.

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen announced his appointment of Bryan McQuay of Alma as a county court judge in the Ninth Judicial District of Nebraska. That district includes Hall and Buffalo counties.McQuay has actively practiced law in rural Nebraska for the past 24 years. He has served as a county attorney in Harlan, Kearney, and Phelps counties and operates the private practice of Person &amp; McQuay in Alma. McQuay’s legal experience covers a variety of areas including juvenile issues, criminal and civil law, real estate and personal injury. He has served as a special prosecutor in Adams, Buffalo, Franklin, Furnas, Phelps, and Webster counties.McQuay holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Nebraska --Lincoln. He earned a juris doctor from the University of Nebraska College of Law.McQuay fills a judicial position&nbsp;created by amendments to Neb. Rev. Stat. §24-503 (Laws 2023, LB799) establishing a fifth county court judge. That new seat will become effective September 1, 2023.

Gov. Pillen Appoints Bryan McQuay to Ninth Judicial District Judgeship

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Internal Revenue Service said Monday it is ending its decades-old policy of making unannounced home and business visits, in an effort to help keep its workers safe and to combat scammers who pose as IRS agents.

Effective immediately, revenue agents will no longer make unplanned visits to taxpayers' homes and businesses “except in a few unique circumstances,” the Treasury Department said in a statement. The agency will instead mail letters to people to schedule meetings.

“Today’s announcement is the right thing to do, at the right time," new IRS Commissioner Daniel Werfel told reporters on a call Monday.

The change ends "an era at the IRS,” he said, reversing a practice by revenue officers whose duties include visiting homes and firms to resolve taxpayers' liabilities by collecting unpaid taxes and unfiled tax returns.

The agency in recent years has experienced more threats, in part tied to conspiracy theories that agents were going to target middle-income taxpayers more aggressively after the passage of a climate, health care and tax bill that provided $80 billion to step up tax collections.

In response, the agency last August&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-misinformation-health-care-reform-internal-revenue-service-fb835c1099dad4cca5ff893bfd07d466">announced</a>&nbsp;a comprehensive review of safety at its facilities. And in May, the agency said it would begin limiting workers’ personal identifying information on communications with taxpayers.

The Treasury Department’s inspector general for tax administration&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tigta.gov/sites/default/files/reports/2023-05/2023ier004fr.pdf">said in a report</a>&nbsp;that it was “concerned that taxpayers and anti-government or anti-tax groups with malevolent intent may use the Internet or social media to track down and identify IRS employees, their families, their homes, and personal information to threaten, intimidate, or locate them for physical violence.”

The National Treasury Employees Union, which represents IRS workers, commended the agency for ending unannounced visits.

”The officers we represent will continue to efficiently and effectively carry out their mission of helping taxpayers meet their lawful tax obligations through other means of communication," union leader Tony Reardon said in an emailed statement.

The issue of home visits has been politically contentious this year.

Ohio House Republican Jim Jordan&nbsp;<a href="https://judiciary.house.gov/sites/evo-subsites/republicans-judiciary.house.gov/files/evo-media-document/2023-03-27-jdj-to-irs-re-matt-taibbi_redacted.pdf">sent a letter to Werfel</a>&nbsp;and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen in March, asking why journalist Matt Taibbi received an unannounced home visit from an IRS agent shortly he gave testimony on Capitol Hill regarding his research into Twitter records.

Werfel said he thinks “the issues raised by unannounced visits, including ones that have been raised to us by the U.S. Congress, will be significantly mitigated" by the policy change.

The agency said an increase in scam artists posing as IRS agents also had created confusion about unannounced home visits.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690229574211.png" alt="&nbsp;The exterior of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) building in Washington on (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;The exterior of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) building in Washington on (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Internal Revenue Service said Monday it is ending its decades-old policy of making unannounced home and business visits, in an effort to help keep its workers safe and to combat scammers who pose as IRS agents.Effective immediately, revenue agents will no longer make unplanned visits to taxpayers' homes and businesses “except in a few unique circumstances,” the Treasury Department said in a statement. The agency will instead mail letters to people to schedule meetings.“Today’s announcement is the right thing to do, at the right time," new IRS Commissioner Daniel Werfel told reporters on a call Monday.The change ends "an era at the IRS,” he said, reversing a practice by revenue officers whose duties include visiting homes and firms to resolve taxpayers' liabilities by collecting unpaid taxes and unfiled tax returns.The agency in recent years has experienced more threats, in part tied to conspiracy theories that agents were going to target middle-income taxpayers more aggressively after the passage of a climate, health care and tax bill that provided $80 billion to step up tax collections.In response, the agency last August&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-misinformation-health-care-reform-internal-revenue-service-fb835c1099dad4cca5ff893bfd07d466">announced</a>&nbsp;a comprehensive review of safety at its facilities. And in May, the agency said it would begin limiting workers’ personal identifying information on communications with taxpayers.The Treasury Department’s inspector general for tax administration&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tigta.gov/sites/default/files/reports/2023-05/2023ier004fr.pdf">said in a report</a>&nbsp;that it was “concerned that taxpayers and anti-government or anti-tax groups with malevolent intent may use the Internet or social media to track down and identify IRS employees, their families, their homes, and personal information to threaten, intimidate, or locate them for physical violence.”The National Treasury Employees Union, which represents IRS workers, commended the agency for ending unannounced visits.”The officers we represent will continue to efficiently and effectively carry out their mission of helping taxpayers meet their lawful tax obligations through other means of communication," union leader Tony Reardon said in an emailed statement.The issue of home visits has been politically contentious this year.Ohio House Republican Jim Jordan&nbsp;<a href="https://judiciary.house.gov/sites/evo-subsites/republicans-judiciary.house.gov/files/evo-media-document/2023-03-27-jdj-to-irs-re-matt-taibbi_redacted.pdf">sent a letter to Werfel</a>&nbsp;and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen in March, asking why journalist Matt Taibbi received an unannounced home visit from an IRS agent shortly he gave testimony on Capitol Hill regarding his research into Twitter records.Werfel said he thinks “the issues raised by unannounced visits, including ones that have been raised to us by the U.S. Congress, will be significantly mitigated" by the policy change.The agency said an increase in scam artists posing as IRS agents also had created confusion about unannounced home visits.

IRS  ending surprise visits to taxpayers to protect worker safety

BILLINGS, Montana (AP) — Wildlife workers put out bear traps for a third night Monday as they try to capture a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/grizzly-bear-attack-yellowstone-montana-d1ecb3cb3539751422196fc0ce61bb27">grizzly bear that killed</a>&nbsp;a woman who was traveling alone on a forest trail near Yellowstone National Park.

Amie Adamson, 48, Derby, Kansas, died in Saturday's fatal mauling near the Montana-Idaho border, the Gallatin County Coroner's Office said. The victim was a marathon runner, and officials said she was likely running or walking at the time of the attack.

Officials ruled out a rare&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-montana-wildlife-chico-a8c0b75ae1390130fce3834157ea1dc8">predatory attack</a>, which suggests Adamson instead died following a chance bear encounter as she traveled by herself in a wooded area frequented by grizzly and black bears.

She was killed a few hundred yards from a trailhead and a private campground and RV park, said Morgan Jacobsen with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. The bear was traveling with one or more cubs, and there were no indications that it tried to eat the victim.

Authorities have not decided whether they would kill the adult bear if it’s captured or whether they would relocate it, Jacobsen said.

Adamson is a former English teacher who left the classroom in 2015 to backpack across much of the U.S. and later wrote a book, “Walking Out,” about her career and experiences.

The victim's mother described her as a hiker, marathon runner and “just a beautiful free spirit." KWCH-TV in Wichita reported.

“She lived for experiences,” Janet Adamson said, adding that her daughter did not care about material possessions and died “doing what she loved."

A hiker found her body around 8 a.m. Saturday. The cause of death was excessive blood loss caused by a bear mauling, the coroner’s office said.

Adamson was wearing running shoes and did not have bear spray, a deterrent that wildlife experts recommend people carry in areas frequented by bears, Jacobsen said.

She had been working nearby and often ran or walked on the trail in the early morning, according to officials and local residents.

“This person was likely out for a morning jog along the trail, and that's when this happened,” said Jacobsen.

Tracks of a grizzly bear and at least one cub were found at the scene of the attack, which occurred near the Buttermilk Trailhead 8 miles (13 kilometers) west of West Yellowstone, a busy summer tourist town and gateway to the national park.

The trail is used by hikers, horseback riders and people in off-road vehicles.

Rangers issued an emergency closure for areas of the Custer Gallatin National Forest. It did not include Yellowstone National Park.

Local resident Bill Youngwirth said people in the area were aware of the mauling and the forest closure, but they weren't panicked over the attack because the bear could have struck out defensively after being surprised when the victim came around a corner.

The attack happened about a mile (1.6 kilometers) from several vacation homes that Youngwirth rents adjacent to the forest.

“I tell everybody, ‘Better take bear spray and know how to use it,’" he said. “And the big thing is, don't go alone."

A trail camera captured an image of a grizzly bear with two cubs in the area on Saturday night. There have been no sightings since, Jacobsen said. Traps set for the bears on Saturday and Sunday nights came up empty, and attempts to locate the bears from an aircraft were unsuccessful.

As time goes by, he added, trapping becomes less effective as chances increase of catching a bear that wasn’t involved in the attack.

Laura Skinner, who co-owns West Yellowstone Rodeo and Creek Side Trail Rides, said the attack did not interrupt its horseback rides on private property or its nightly rodeos.

“We have bears all the time. The only precaution we’re taking is we’re checking trails. We send a rider out first to check to make sure there’s nothing there,” she said.

“I’m pretty sure with all the activity with them tracking it and trying to hunt it down, it’s probably nowhere near here,” she added.

Grizzly bear populations in the northern U.S. Rocky Mountains grew significantly over the past several and the animals in recent years have been showing up in places they hadn't been seen for generations. Since 2010, grizzlies in and around Yellowstone have killed at least nine people. Attacks remain relatively rare in the region, which draws several million tourists each summer.

A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/general-news-environment-and-nature-bb6affb5e4b5e0a8ad177e334c7453a1">backcountry guide was killed near</a>&nbsp;West Yellowstone two years ago when he was mauled by a large grizzly bear that wildlife officials said was probably defending a nearby moose carcass. And a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/montana-billings-bears-livingston-7da5ab6a9c2f0f0df726cba561466284">hiker was killed</a>&nbsp;north of Yellowstone park last year in a suspected grizzly encounter in a remote area of the Absaroka Mountains south of Livingston, Montana.

Encounters with humans can prove deadly for bears, too: A five-year-old female grizzly in Glacier National Park was euthanized last week after officials said it got used to eating food from campgrounds and was becoming increasingly aggressive.

Grizzlies are protected under federal law outside of Alaska. Elected officials in the Yellowstone region are pushing to lift protections and allow grizzly hunting.

State officials last week warned visitors and residents of grizzly bear sightings throughout the state, “particularly in areas between the Northern Continental Divide and the Greater Yellowstone ecosystems.”

They implored those camping and visiting parks to carry bear spray, store their food while outside and tend to their garbage.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690248696605.png" alt="Amie Adamson-photo courtesy Janet Adamson" />
 <figcaption>Amie Adamson-photo courtesy Janet Adamson</figcaption>
 </figure>BILLINGS, Montana (AP) — Wildlife workers put out bear traps for a third night Monday as they try to capture a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/grizzly-bear-attack-yellowstone-montana-d1ecb3cb3539751422196fc0ce61bb27">grizzly bear that killed</a>&nbsp;a woman who was traveling alone on a forest trail near Yellowstone National Park.Amie Adamson, 48, Derby, Kansas, died in Saturday's fatal mauling near the Montana-Idaho border, the Gallatin County Coroner's Office said. The victim was a marathon runner, and officials said she was likely running or walking at the time of the attack.Officials ruled out a rare&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-montana-wildlife-chico-a8c0b75ae1390130fce3834157ea1dc8">predatory attack</a>, which suggests Adamson instead died following a chance bear encounter as she traveled by herself in a wooded area frequented by grizzly and black bears.She was killed a few hundred yards from a trailhead and a private campground and RV park, said Morgan Jacobsen with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. The bear was traveling with one or more cubs, and there were no indications that it tried to eat the victim.Authorities have not decided whether they would kill the adult bear if it’s captured or whether they would relocate it, Jacobsen said.Adamson is a former English teacher who left the classroom in 2015 to backpack across much of the U.S. and later wrote a book, “Walking Out,” about her career and experiences.The victim's mother described her as a hiker, marathon runner and “just a beautiful free spirit." KWCH-TV in Wichita reported.“She lived for experiences,” Janet Adamson said, adding that her daughter did not care about material possessions and died “doing what she loved."A hiker found her body around 8 a.m. Saturday. The cause of death was excessive blood loss caused by a bear mauling, the coroner’s office said.Adamson was wearing running shoes and did not have bear spray, a deterrent that wildlife experts recommend people carry in areas frequented by bears, Jacobsen said.She had been working nearby and often ran or walked on the trail in the early morning, according to officials and local residents.“This person was likely out for a morning jog along the trail, and that's when this happened,” said Jacobsen.Tracks of a grizzly bear and at least one cub were found at the scene of the attack, which occurred near the Buttermilk Trailhead 8 miles (13 kilometers) west of West Yellowstone, a busy summer tourist town and gateway to the national park.The trail is used by hikers, horseback riders and people in off-road vehicles.Rangers issued an emergency closure for areas of the Custer Gallatin National Forest. It did not include Yellowstone National Park.Local resident Bill Youngwirth said people in the area were aware of the mauling and the forest closure, but they weren't panicked over the attack because the bear could have struck out defensively after being surprised when the victim came around a corner.The attack happened about a mile (1.6 kilometers) from several vacation homes that Youngwirth rents adjacent to the forest.“I tell everybody, ‘Better take bear spray and know how to use it,’" he said. “And the big thing is, don't go alone."A trail camera captured an image of a grizzly bear with two cubs in the area on Saturday night. There have been no sightings since, Jacobsen said. Traps set for the bears on Saturday and Sunday nights came up empty, and attempts to locate the bears from an aircraft were unsuccessful.As time goes by, he added, trapping becomes less effective as chances increase of catching a bear that wasn’t involved in the attack.Laura Skinner, who co-owns West Yellowstone Rodeo and Creek Side Trail Rides, said the attack did not interrupt its horseback rides on private property or its nightly rodeos.“We have bears all the time. The only precaution we’re taking is we’re checking trails. We send a rider out first to check to make sure there’s nothing there,” she said.“I’m pretty sure with all the activity with them tracking it and trying to hunt it down, it’s probably nowhere near here,” she added.Grizzly bear populations in the northern U.S. Rocky Mountains grew significantly over the past several and the animals in recent years have been showing up in places they hadn't been seen for generations. Since 2010, grizzlies in and around Yellowstone have killed at least nine people. Attacks remain relatively rare in the region, which draws several million tourists each summer.A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/general-news-environment-and-nature-bb6affb5e4b5e0a8ad177e334c7453a1">backcountry guide was killed near</a>&nbsp;West Yellowstone two years ago when he was mauled by a large grizzly bear that wildlife officials said was probably defending a nearby moose carcass. And a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/montana-billings-bears-livingston-7da5ab6a9c2f0f0df726cba561466284">hiker was killed</a>&nbsp;north of Yellowstone park last year in a suspected grizzly encounter in a remote area of the Absaroka Mountains south of Livingston, Montana.Encounters with humans can prove deadly for bears, too: A five-year-old female grizzly in Glacier National Park was euthanized last week after officials said it got used to eating food from campgrounds and was becoming increasingly aggressive.Grizzlies are protected under federal law outside of Alaska. Elected officials in the Yellowstone region are pushing to lift protections and allow grizzly hunting.State officials last week warned visitors and residents of grizzly bear sightings throughout the state, “particularly in areas between the Northern Continental Divide and the Greater Yellowstone ecosystems.”They implored those camping and visiting parks to carry bear spray, store their food while outside and tend to their garbage.

Traps set for grizzly bear that killed Kan. woman near Yellowstone National Park

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles into its eastern sea, South Korea’s military said Tuesday, adding to a recent streak in weapons testing that is apparently in protest of the U.S. sending major naval assets to South Korea in a show of force.

In its third round of launches since last week, North Korea fired the missiles just before midnight from an area near its capital, Pyongyang, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said. It said both missiles traveled around 400 kilometers (248 miles) before landing in waters off the Korean Peninsula’s eastern coast.

Its statement called North Korea’s missile launches a “grave provocation” that threatens regional peace and stability.

The launches came hours after South Korea’s navy said a nuclear-propelled U.S. submarine — the USS Annapolis — arrived at a port on Jeju Island. That underscored the allies' efforts to boost the visibility of U.S. strategic assets in the region to intimidate the North.

Last week, the USS Kentucky became the first U.S. nuclear-armed submarine to come to South Korea since the 1980s. North Korea reacted to its arrival by test-firing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-missiles-us-nuclear-submarine-9a915fab65631ad2094f78e0d1d942cf">ballistic</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-missiles-us-submarine-travis-king-c9fd009a622f1823b823b623ca04c218">cruise missiles</a>&nbsp;last week in apparent demonstrations that it could make nuclear strikes on South Korea and deployed U.S. naval vessels.

Also on Monday, the American-led U.N. Command said it has started “a conversation” with North Korea about a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-us-citizen-crossed-border-e4aaa883901052e65f5c400c8279438b">U.S. soldier who ran into the North</a>&nbsp;last week across one of the world’s most heavily fortified borders.

Andrew Harrison, a British lieutenant general who is deputy commander at the U.N. Command, which oversees implementation of the 1953 armistice that ended fighting in the Korean War, declined to comment about the state of the inquiry to North Korea or say what the command knows about Pvt. Travis King’s condition.

“I am in life an optimist, and I remain optimistic,” Harrison said during a news conference in Seoul.

In Washington, State Deptartment spokesman Matthew Miller said North Korea had only “acknowledged” receiving the U.N. message last week and had not provided any information or commented further since then.

“There have been no new contacts since last week,” Miller said, adding that North Korea also had not responded to messages sent by U.S. civilian or military officials.

North Korea has remained publicly silent about King, who crossed the border during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-us-soldier-travis-king-tourist-witness-92f96befe0b2b8d2e7d016d645d21180">a tour of Panmunjom</a>&nbsp;while he was supposed to be heading to Fort Bliss, Texas, following his release from prison in South Korea on an assault conviction.

The U.S. still has not been able to ascertain&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-us-soldier-travis-king-3abebaf8aa599c92c92621b98dacb30a">King’s condition</a>, a senior administration official said Monday in Washington. Asked if U.S. officials had a better understanding of whether King intended to defect, the official said they still had “no indication about what was going on in his mind that day.” The official was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Analysts say North Korea may wait weeks or even months to provide meaningful information about King to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-us-soldier-travis-king-11a0429e279d498f8c3aa9c10f818b32">maximize leverage</a>&nbsp;and add urgency to U.S. efforts to secure his release. Some say North Korea may try to wrest concessions from Washington, such as tying his release to the United States cutting back its military activities with South Korea.

King’s crossing came at a time of high tensions in the Korean Peninsula, where the pace of both North Korea’s weapons demonstrations and the United States’ combined military exercises have intensified in a tit-for-tat cycle.

In between the ballistic and cruise missile launches last week, North Korea’s defense minister also issued a veiled threat, saying the Kentucky’s docking in South Korea could be grounds for the North to use a nuclear weapon against it. North Korea has used similar rhetoric before, but the statement underscored how strained relations are now.

The United States and South Korea have expanded their combined military exercises and increased regional deployments of U.S. aircraft and ships, including bombers, aircraft carriers and submarines to counter the nuclear threats posed by North Korea, which has test-fired around 100 missiles since the start of 2022.

The Annapolis, whose main mission is destroying enemy ships and submarines, is powered by a nuclear reactor but is armed with conventional weapons. The sub mainly docked at Jeju to load supplies, but Jang Do Young, a spokesperson for South Korea’s navy, said the U.S. and South Korean militaries were discussing whether to arrange training involving the vessel.

The Koreas are still technically at war since a peace treaty was never signed.

Their armistice becomes 70 years old Thursday, an anniversary South Korea will mark with solemn ceremonies honoring the dead that will involve invited foreign war veterans.

North Korea, which celebrates the date as victory day for the “great Fatherland Liberation War,” plans huge festivities that will likely include a military parade in the capital, Pyongyang, where leader Kim Jong Un may showcase his nuclear-capable missiles designed to target regional rivals and the United States.

North Korea’s state-run Korean Central News Agency said Monday that a Chinese delegation led by Li Hongzhong, vice chairman of the standing committee of the country’s National People’s Congress, would attend the celebrations.

Visits by foreign guests to North Korea have been extremely rare since the start of the pandemic, which prompted the North to seal its borders to protect its poor healthcare system. North Korea since last year has been gradually reopening trade with China in an apparent effort to salvage a crippled economy damaged further by the pandemic-related border controls.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667483523229.png" alt="A TV screen showing a news program reporting about North Korea's missile launch with file footage is seen at the Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea Nov. 3, 2022. North Korea (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)" />
 <figcaption>A TV screen showing a news program reporting about North Korea's missile launch with file footage is seen at the Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea Nov. 3, 2022. North Korea (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)</figcaption>
 </figure>SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles into its eastern sea, South Korea’s military said Tuesday, adding to a recent streak in weapons testing that is apparently in protest of the U.S. sending major naval assets to South Korea in a show of force.In its third round of launches since last week, North Korea fired the missiles just before midnight from an area near its capital, Pyongyang, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said. It said both missiles traveled around 400 kilometers (248 miles) before landing in waters off the Korean Peninsula’s eastern coast.Its statement called North Korea’s missile launches a “grave provocation” that threatens regional peace and stability.The launches came hours after South Korea’s navy said a nuclear-propelled U.S. submarine — the USS Annapolis — arrived at a port on Jeju Island. That underscored the allies' efforts to boost the visibility of U.S. strategic assets in the region to intimidate the North.Last week, the USS Kentucky became the first U.S. nuclear-armed submarine to come to South Korea since the 1980s. North Korea reacted to its arrival by test-firing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-missiles-us-nuclear-submarine-9a915fab65631ad2094f78e0d1d942cf">ballistic</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-missiles-us-submarine-travis-king-c9fd009a622f1823b823b623ca04c218">cruise missiles</a>&nbsp;last week in apparent demonstrations that it could make nuclear strikes on South Korea and deployed U.S. naval vessels.Also on Monday, the American-led U.N. Command said it has started “a conversation” with North Korea about a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-us-citizen-crossed-border-e4aaa883901052e65f5c400c8279438b">U.S. soldier who ran into the North</a>&nbsp;last week across one of the world’s most heavily fortified borders.Andrew Harrison, a British lieutenant general who is deputy commander at the U.N. Command, which oversees implementation of the 1953 armistice that ended fighting in the Korean War, declined to comment about the state of the inquiry to North Korea or say what the command knows about Pvt. Travis King’s condition.“I am in life an optimist, and I remain optimistic,” Harrison said during a news conference in Seoul.In Washington, State Deptartment spokesman Matthew Miller said North Korea had only “acknowledged” receiving the U.N. message last week and had not provided any information or commented further since then.“There have been no new contacts since last week,” Miller said, adding that North Korea also had not responded to messages sent by U.S. civilian or military officials.North Korea has remained publicly silent about King, who crossed the border during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-us-soldier-travis-king-tourist-witness-92f96befe0b2b8d2e7d016d645d21180">a tour of Panmunjom</a>&nbsp;while he was supposed to be heading to Fort Bliss, Texas, following his release from prison in South Korea on an assault conviction.The U.S. still has not been able to ascertain&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-us-soldier-travis-king-3abebaf8aa599c92c92621b98dacb30a">King’s condition</a>, a senior administration official said Monday in Washington. Asked if U.S. officials had a better understanding of whether King intended to defect, the official said they still had “no indication about what was going on in his mind that day.” The official was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity.Analysts say North Korea may wait weeks or even months to provide meaningful information about King to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-us-soldier-travis-king-11a0429e279d498f8c3aa9c10f818b32">maximize leverage</a>&nbsp;and add urgency to U.S. efforts to secure his release. Some say North Korea may try to wrest concessions from Washington, such as tying his release to the United States cutting back its military activities with South Korea.King’s crossing came at a time of high tensions in the Korean Peninsula, where the pace of both North Korea’s weapons demonstrations and the United States’ combined military exercises have intensified in a tit-for-tat cycle.In between the ballistic and cruise missile launches last week, North Korea’s defense minister also issued a veiled threat, saying the Kentucky’s docking in South Korea could be grounds for the North to use a nuclear weapon against it. North Korea has used similar rhetoric before, but the statement underscored how strained relations are now.The United States and South Korea have expanded their combined military exercises and increased regional deployments of U.S. aircraft and ships, including bombers, aircraft carriers and submarines to counter the nuclear threats posed by North Korea, which has test-fired around 100 missiles since the start of 2022.The Annapolis, whose main mission is destroying enemy ships and submarines, is powered by a nuclear reactor but is armed with conventional weapons. The sub mainly docked at Jeju to load supplies, but Jang Do Young, a spokesperson for South Korea’s navy, said the U.S. and South Korean militaries were discussing whether to arrange training involving the vessel.The Koreas are still technically at war since a peace treaty was never signed.Their armistice becomes 70 years old Thursday, an anniversary South Korea will mark with solemn ceremonies honoring the dead that will involve invited foreign war veterans.North Korea, which celebrates the date as victory day for the “great Fatherland Liberation War,” plans huge festivities that will likely include a military parade in the capital, Pyongyang, where leader Kim Jong Un may showcase his nuclear-capable missiles designed to target regional rivals and the United States.North Korea’s state-run Korean Central News Agency said Monday that a Chinese delegation led by Li Hongzhong, vice chairman of the standing committee of the country’s National People’s Congress, would attend the celebrations.Visits by foreign guests to North Korea have been extremely rare since the start of the pandemic, which prompted the North to seal its borders to protect its poor healthcare system. North Korea since last year has been gradually reopening trade with China in an apparent effort to salvage a crippled economy damaged further by the pandemic-related border controls.

New tensions between North Korea and the United States

BUTLER COUNTY, Kan. —The Kansas Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal hit and run that occurred just before 7p.m. Monday in Butler County.

The KHP reported a 2015 Freightliner semi driven by Clinton Wyatt, 55,&nbsp;Bettendorf, Iowa, was southbound on Interstate 35 near Eldorado, Kansas.

The semi struck a pedestrian identified as&nbsp;Eduardo Garcia Guzman, 31, New London, Iowa, who was picking up triangles behind his vehicle which was parked on the shoulder. The semi did not stop.

Guzman was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Preferred Mortuary Service. The KHP released no additional details.

BUTLER COUNTY, Kan. —The Kansas Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal hit and run that occurred just before 7p.m. Monday in Butler County.The KHP reported a 2015 Freightliner semi driven by Clinton Wyatt, 55,&nbsp;Bettendorf, Iowa, was southbound on Interstate 35 near Eldorado, Kansas.The semi struck a pedestrian identified as&nbsp;Eduardo Garcia Guzman, 31, New London, Iowa, who was picking up triangles behind his vehicle which was parked on the shoulder. The semi did not stop.Guzman was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Preferred Mortuary Service. The KHP released no additional details.

Iowa man dies after hit-and-run on the Kansas Turnpike

LONDON (AP) — Jurors in the sexual assault trial of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kevin-spacey">Kevin Spacey</a>&nbsp;adjourned Monday after deliberating for 2.5 hours without reaching a verdict on allegations by four men that date back two decades.

Spacey, 63, has pleaded not guilty to nine charges, including multiple counts of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kevin-spacey-uk-sex-assault-trial-what-to-know-331afde42793fdbd5a7cd0a25c36d921">sexual assault</a>&nbsp;and one count of causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent.

The jury of nine men and three women heard testimony over three weeks in Southwark Crown Court before starting their deliberations, which were scheduled to resume Tuesday morning.

Spacey's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kevin-spacey-sexual-assault-trial-london-defense-ec46e4153bd6a4cd09854d25694b3cf0">defense lawyer said during closing arguments</a>&nbsp;last week that three of the men are liars and he suggested jurors should not convict the Oscar winner for making a “clumsy pass” at a fourth man.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kevin-spacey-sexual-assault-trial-london-closing-arguments-4416e4159eae3745ff1c0042533408f0">prosecutor called Spacey</a>&nbsp;a “sexual bully” who took advantage of his power as a major celebrity and took what he wanted when he wanted it.

The acts alleged between 2001 and 2013 range from unwanted touching to aggressive crotch-grabbing and, in one instance, performing oral sex on an unconscious man.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690226091280.jpeg" alt="Actor Kevin Spacey arrives at Southwark Crown Court in London, Monday, July 24, 2023. The jury is expected to start deliberating in the case of actor Kevin Spacey, who has pleaded not guilty to nine charges, including multiple counts of sexual and indecent assault. (AP Photo/Kristy Wigglesworth)" />
 <figcaption>Actor Kevin Spacey arrives at Southwark Crown Court in London, Monday, July 24, 2023. The jury is expected to start deliberating in the case of actor Kevin Spacey, who has pleaded not guilty to nine charges, including multiple counts of sexual and indecent assault. (AP Photo/Kristy Wigglesworth)</figcaption>
 </figure>Associated PressLONDON (AP) — Jurors in the sexual assault trial of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kevin-spacey">Kevin Spacey</a>&nbsp;adjourned Monday after deliberating for 2.5 hours without reaching a verdict on allegations by four men that date back two decades.Spacey, 63, has pleaded not guilty to nine charges, including multiple counts of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kevin-spacey-uk-sex-assault-trial-what-to-know-331afde42793fdbd5a7cd0a25c36d921">sexual assault</a>&nbsp;and one count of causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent.The jury of nine men and three women heard testimony over three weeks in Southwark Crown Court before starting their deliberations, which were scheduled to resume Tuesday morning.Spacey's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kevin-spacey-sexual-assault-trial-london-defense-ec46e4153bd6a4cd09854d25694b3cf0">defense lawyer said during closing arguments</a>&nbsp;last week that three of the men are liars and he suggested jurors should not convict the Oscar winner for making a “clumsy pass” at a fourth man.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kevin-spacey-sexual-assault-trial-london-closing-arguments-4416e4159eae3745ff1c0042533408f0">prosecutor called Spacey</a>&nbsp;a “sexual bully” who took advantage of his power as a major celebrity and took what he wanted when he wanted it.The acts alleged between 2001 and 2013 range from unwanted touching to aggressive crotch-grabbing and, in one instance, performing oral sex on an unconscious man.

Jury in Kevin Spacey's sexual assault trial ends 1st day of deliberations in London

MASSAPEQUA PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Investigators have been digging in the yard at the Long Island home of Rex Heuermann, who was charged earlier this month with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/long-island-heuermann-serial-killer-gilgo-e8496c5bb2c1878ae8be00adb343c935">killing at least three women</a>&nbsp;and burying their remains on a remote stretch of beach highway.

A yellow excavator that had been seen scooping dirt in the backyard Sunday was still at the house Monday morning. In Associated Press drone footage, a man could also be seen operating a piece of equipment that can be used to scan for buried objects.

Over the weekend, police dismantled a wooden deck at the house.

“They yelled ‘lift’ and brought it up in one big piece, as if it was a cover,” a neighbor, Barry Auslander told the AP.

The porch has been replaced by a white tent, with a state medical examiner's truck parked nearby.

Investigators with shovels could be seen scraping through the freshly upturned earth in Heuermann's yard.

Investigators are trying to determine whether any of the killings happened inside the Massapequa Park home that Heuermann shared with his wife and two children.

Authorites have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gilgo-beach-serial-killings-rex-heuermann-c902e288d324717c64e9d9569e43b53c">pulled more than 100 firearms</a>&nbsp;from the house, along with a large doll encased in glass and a portrait of a woman with a bruise on her face. Police also got a warrant to conduct searches of Heuermann's property in South Carolina.

The July 14th arrest of Heuermann, a 59-year-old architect, marked a stunning breakthrough in the long-stalled cold case that first drew headlines in 2010, when police began searching for a missing woman, Shannon Gilbert, near Long Island's Gilgo Beach.

Instead, they discovered 10 sets of human remains scattered along a long barrier island. The dead included eight women, one man and a young child.

Heuermann, who has pleaded not guilty, was charged with killing three of the women – Melissa Barthelemy, Amber Costello, and Megan Waterman. He is the prime suspect in the death of a fourth woman, Maureen Brainard-Barnes.

The bodies of the four women were found along the same quarter-mile (0.4-kilometer) stretch of Ocean Parkway. Heuermann has not been accused in connection to the other remains, and police have suggested the deaths may be the work of multiple killers.

In South Carolina, where Heuermann’s brother lives, police are seeking video recordings and writings related to the killings, burlap, duct tape, guns and ammunition, cutting tools, and a specific type of paper towel from the Bounty Modern Print Collection.

Authorities also seized a Chevrolet Avalanche, which Heuermann had transferred to his brother in 2012, from the property. The vehicle was spotted by a roommate of one of the victims shortly before her disappearance, a tip that ultimately&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/long-island-serial-killer-gilgo-beach-heuermann-750c938a4e6737b233304db6e3b1f677">proved crucial</a>&nbsp;in helping police make an arrest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690225837115.jpeg" alt="Authorities continue to work at the home of suspect Rex Heuermann, bottom right, in Massapequa Park, N.Y., Monday, July 24, 2023. Heuermann has been charged with killing at least three women in the long-unsolved slayings known as the Gilgo Beach killings. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)" />
 <figcaption>Authorities continue to work at the home of suspect Rex Heuermann, bottom right, in Massapequa Park, N.Y., Monday, July 24, 2023. Heuermann has been charged with killing at least three women in the long-unsolved slayings known as the Gilgo Beach killings. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)</figcaption>
 </figure>Associated PressMASSAPEQUA PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Investigators have been digging in the yard at the Long Island home of Rex Heuermann, who was charged earlier this month with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/long-island-heuermann-serial-killer-gilgo-e8496c5bb2c1878ae8be00adb343c935">killing at least three women</a>&nbsp;and burying their remains on a remote stretch of beach highway.A yellow excavator that had been seen scooping dirt in the backyard Sunday was still at the house Monday morning. In Associated Press drone footage, a man could also be seen operating a piece of equipment that can be used to scan for buried objects.Over the weekend, police dismantled a wooden deck at the house.“They yelled ‘lift’ and brought it up in one big piece, as if it was a cover,” a neighbor, Barry Auslander told the AP.The porch has been replaced by a white tent, with a state medical examiner's truck parked nearby.Investigators with shovels could be seen scraping through the freshly upturned earth in Heuermann's yard.Investigators are trying to determine whether any of the killings happened inside the Massapequa Park home that Heuermann shared with his wife and two children.Authorites have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gilgo-beach-serial-killings-rex-heuermann-c902e288d324717c64e9d9569e43b53c">pulled more than 100 firearms</a>&nbsp;from the house, along with a large doll encased in glass and a portrait of a woman with a bruise on her face. Police also got a warrant to conduct searches of Heuermann's property in South Carolina.The July 14th arrest of Heuermann, a 59-year-old architect, marked a stunning breakthrough in the long-stalled cold case that first drew headlines in 2010, when police began searching for a missing woman, Shannon Gilbert, near Long Island's Gilgo Beach.Instead, they discovered 10 sets of human remains scattered along a long barrier island. The dead included eight women, one man and a young child.Heuermann, who has pleaded not guilty, was charged with killing three of the women – Melissa Barthelemy, Amber Costello, and Megan Waterman. He is the prime suspect in the death of a fourth woman, Maureen Brainard-Barnes.The bodies of the four women were found along the same quarter-mile (0.4-kilometer) stretch of Ocean Parkway. Heuermann has not been accused in connection to the other remains, and police have suggested the deaths may be the work of multiple killers.In South Carolina, where Heuermann’s brother lives, police are seeking video recordings and writings related to the killings, burlap, duct tape, guns and ammunition, cutting tools, and a specific type of paper towel from the Bounty Modern Print Collection.Authorities also seized a Chevrolet Avalanche, which Heuermann had transferred to his brother in 2012, from the property. The vehicle was spotted by a roommate of one of the victims shortly before her disappearance, a tip that ultimately&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/long-island-serial-killer-gilgo-beach-heuermann-750c938a4e6737b233304db6e3b1f677">proved crucial</a>&nbsp;in helping police make an arrest.

Excavator seen digging in backyard of man charged in Gilgo Beach killings

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — The Justice Department on Monday sued Texas Gov. Greg Abbott over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/buoys-texas-immigration-rio-grande-mexico-522e45febd880de1453460370043a25f">a newly installed floating barrier</a>&nbsp;on the Rio Grande that is the Republican's latest aggressive tactic to try to stop migrants from crossing into the U.S. from Mexico.

The lawsuit asks a federal judge in Austin to force Texas to remove a roughly 1,000-foot (305-meter) line of bright orange, wrecking ball-sized buoys that the Biden administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-buoy-barrier-migrants-6a807c66a5781448801ac7fc0be46083">says raises humanitarian and environmental concerns</a>. The suit claims that Texas unlawfully installed the barrier without permission between the border cities of Eagle Pass and Piedras Negras, Mexico.

The buoys are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-texas-border-buoys-wire-abbott-5f138e354e88fc319f46c55344d7335c">the latest escalation of Texas’ border security operation</a>&nbsp;that also includes razor-wire fencing, arresting migrants on trespassing charges and sending&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/migrants-los-angeles-california-texas-immigration-abbott-3fdb47985b34cd8301b61251b590778c">busloads of asylum-seekers</a>&nbsp;to Democratic-led cities in other states. Critics have long questioned the effectiveness of the two-year operation, known as Operation Lone Star. A state trooper's account this month that some of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-border-razor-wire-fainting-7aa811baf2708b89a0316804c3f2e35e">the measures injured migrants</a>&nbsp;has put the mission under intensifying new scrutiny.

In anticipation of the lawsuit, Abbott sent President Joe Biden a letter earlier Monday that defended Texas’ right to install the barrier. He accused Biden of putting migrants at risk by not doing more to deter them from making the journey to the U.S.

“Texas will see you in court, Mr. President,” Abbott wrote.

The Biden administration has said illegal border crossings have declined significantly since new immigration restrictions&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-biden-border-title-42-mexico-asylum-be4e0b15b27adb9bede87b9bbefb798d">took effect in May</a>. In June, the first full month since the new polices took effect, U.S. Customs and Border Protection said migrant encounters were down 30% from the month prior and were at the lowest levels since Biden's first full month in office.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters that Abbott's policies as a whole have made it difficult for U.S. Border Patrol agents to access Rio Grande.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690239152931.png" alt="Photo Texas Department of Public Safety" />
 <figcaption>Photo Texas Department of Public Safety</figcaption>
 </figure>AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — The Justice Department on Monday sued Texas Gov. Greg Abbott over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/buoys-texas-immigration-rio-grande-mexico-522e45febd880de1453460370043a25f">a newly installed floating barrier</a>&nbsp;on the Rio Grande that is the Republican's latest aggressive tactic to try to stop migrants from crossing into the U.S. from Mexico.The lawsuit asks a federal judge in Austin to force Texas to remove a roughly 1,000-foot (305-meter) line of bright orange, wrecking ball-sized buoys that the Biden administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-buoy-barrier-migrants-6a807c66a5781448801ac7fc0be46083">says raises humanitarian and environmental concerns</a>. The suit claims that Texas unlawfully installed the barrier without permission between the border cities of Eagle Pass and Piedras Negras, Mexico.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Biden&#39;s Dept. of Justice threatened to sue Texas over the marine barriers we deployed on the Rio Grande. Mr. President, Texas will see you in court. Texas will fully utilize our sovereign authority to deal with the humanitarian crisis Biden created at our border. <a href="https://t.co/hlnHahwDi8">pic.twitter.com/hlnHahwDi8</a>&mdash; Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) <a href="https://twitter.com/GregAbbott_TX/status/1683494430429282307?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 24, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The buoys are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-texas-border-buoys-wire-abbott-5f138e354e88fc319f46c55344d7335c">the latest escalation of Texas’ border security operation</a>&nbsp;that also includes razor-wire fencing, arresting migrants on trespassing charges and sending&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/migrants-los-angeles-california-texas-immigration-abbott-3fdb47985b34cd8301b61251b590778c">busloads of asylum-seekers</a>&nbsp;to Democratic-led cities in other states. Critics have long questioned the effectiveness of the two-year operation, known as Operation Lone Star. A state trooper's account this month that some of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-border-razor-wire-fainting-7aa811baf2708b89a0316804c3f2e35e">the measures injured migrants</a>&nbsp;has put the mission under intensifying new scrutiny.In anticipation of the lawsuit, Abbott sent President Joe Biden a letter earlier Monday that defended Texas’ right to install the barrier. He accused Biden of putting migrants at risk by not doing more to deter them from making the journey to the U.S.“Texas will see you in court, Mr. President,” Abbott wrote.The Biden administration has said illegal border crossings have declined significantly since new immigration restrictions&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-biden-border-title-42-mexico-asylum-be4e0b15b27adb9bede87b9bbefb798d">took effect in May</a>. In June, the first full month since the new polices took effect, U.S. Customs and Border Protection said migrant encounters were down 30% from the month prior and were at the lowest levels since Biden's first full month in office.White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters that Abbott's policies as a whole have made it difficult for U.S. Border Patrol agents to access Rio Grande.“Those are unlawful actions that are not helpful and is undermining what the president has put forward and is trying to do," she said.In a letter last week, the Justice Department gave Texas until Monday to commit to removing the barrier or face a lawsuit. The letter said the buoy wall “poses a risk to navigation, as well as public safety, in the Rio Grande River, and it presents humanitarian concerns.”The state deployed the buoys&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-texas-border-buoys-wire-abbott-5f138e354e88fc319f46c55344d7335c">without notifying</a>&nbsp;the International Boundary and Water Commission or the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Mexico's secretary of state asked the federal government to intervene, saying the barrier violates international treaties.The lawsuit is not the first time the Biden administration has sued Texas overs it actions on the border.U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland in 2021 accused the state of usurping and even interfering with the federal government’s responsibility to enforce immigration laws after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-texas-immigration-coronavirus-pandemic-55e31af32734aa443a43f23104c56dad">Abbott empowered state troopers orders to stop vehicles</a>&nbsp;carrying migrants on the basis that they could increase the spread of COVID-19.___