OTTAWA COUNTY —The Ottawa County Sheriff's office is warning residents of a property scam. On the department's social media page,&nbsp; Sheriff Russ Thorton wrote, "Citizens Of Ottawa County, it has been brought to our attention that several of you have received a letter from “Tekoa Da Silva” wanting to buy your land. I did some research on Mr. Da Silva on the internet and he has done the same thing in many different counties in Kansas where citizens have been warned about doing business with him."

'I called and spoke with Mr. Da Silva or someone claiming to be him, regarding the letters. I notified Edmond City PD about Mr. Da Silva and the activity we are dealing with here in our County."

"First, Mr. Da Silva does not have the funds to purchase your ground at the low offer he gave or any offer to be honest. He admitted this to me over the phone.  Second, the “Purchase Agreement Form” does not appear to be a legitimate document and would not be legally binding.  Third, the address that he has on the letter and the purchase agreement is only a PO Box in Edmond OK, it is not an actual business address."

"Regardless of whether the document is legal or not Mr. Da Silva is asking for personal information that you should never give freely to people.  The world we live in today is not as honest as it once was.  This is not how normal business is conducted, why would someone want to purchase something sight unseen.  We will do everything we can at our office to protect our citizens who aren’t as familiar with these scams. We are asking for family and friends who can help educate and protect others from this kind of activity to do so."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1672287275206.jpeg" alt="Tekoa Da Silva-Photo&nbsp;Ottawa County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Tekoa Da Silva-Photo&nbsp;Ottawa County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>OTTAWA COUNTY —The Ottawa County Sheriff's office is warning residents of a property scam. On the department's social media page,&nbsp; Sheriff Russ Thorton wrote, "Citizens Of Ottawa County, it has been brought to our attention that several of you have received a letter from “Tekoa Da Silva” wanting to buy your land. I did some research on Mr. Da Silva on the internet and he has done the same thing in many different counties in Kansas where citizens have been warned about doing business with him." 'I called and spoke with Mr. Da Silva or someone claiming to be him, regarding the letters. I notified Edmond City PD about Mr. Da Silva and the activity we are dealing with here in our County." "First, Mr. Da Silva does not have the funds to purchase your ground at the low offer he gave or any offer to be honest. He admitted this to me over the phone. Second, the “Purchase Agreement Form” does not appear to be a legitimate document and would not be legally binding. Third, the address that he has on the letter and the purchase agreement is only a PO Box in Edmond OK, it is not an actual business address.""Regardless of whether the document is legal or not Mr. Da Silva is asking for personal information that you should never give freely to people. The world we live in today is not as honest as it once was. This is not how normal business is conducted, why would someone want to purchase something sight unseen. We will do everything we can at our office to protect our citizens who aren’t as familiar with these scams. We are asking for family and friends who can help educate and protect others from this kind of activity to do so."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1672287516932.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Kansas sheriff warns residents of land purchase scam

NEOSHO COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a woman's death in Neosho County have made an arrest.

On Dec. 6, deputies from the Neosho County Sheriff’s Office were conducting a welfare check at 6845 160th&nbsp;Road in Chanute, according to a media release from the KBI.

The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, in North Carolina contacted Kansas officials that prompted concern for a woman who lived at the residence.

Deputies searched the property and located the deceased body of Elaina M. Asprea, 47, of Chanute. She was found next to a field, near the residence. Asprea was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators developed a person of interest in the case as Asprea’s boyfriend 37-year-old Joseph R. Deluca who was arrested in Fayetteville, North Carolina on Dec. 5, on a Robeson County warrant for charges unrelated to this case. .

On Dec. 28, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Neosho County Sheriff’s Office reported the arrest of Deluca on requested charges of second-degree murder in the death of Asprea.

The arrest warrant was served at the Cumberland County Detention Center in Fayetteville, North Carolina where Deluca is being held on unrelated charges.

NEOSHO COUNTY–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Neosho County Sheriff’s Office are investigating after a woman was found dead at a rural residence in Chanute, Kansas.

On Tuesday, Dec. 6, at approximately 5 p.m., deputies from the Neosho County Sheriff’s Office were conducting a welfare check at 6845 160th&nbsp;Road in Chanute, according to a media release from the KBI.

A person of interest has been developed in this case. Asprea’s boyfriend, Joseph R. Deluca, 37, was arrested in Fayetteville, North Carolina on Dec. 5, on a Robeson County warrant for charges unrelated to this case. He is currently in police custody at the Cumberland County Detention Center.

An autopsy has been scheduled for Dec. 9.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670451415359.png" alt="Deluca-photo Robeson Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Deluca-photo Robeson Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>NEOSHO COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a woman's death in Neosho County have made an arrest.On Dec. 6, deputies from the Neosho County Sheriff’s Office were conducting a welfare check at 6845 160th&nbsp;Road in Chanute, according to a media release from the KBI.The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, in North Carolina contacted Kansas officials that prompted concern for a woman who lived at the residence.Deputies searched the property and located the deceased body of Elaina M. Asprea, 47, of Chanute. She was found next to a field, near the residence. Asprea was pronounced dead at the scene.Investigators developed a person of interest in the case as Asprea’s boyfriend 37-year-old Joseph R. Deluca who was arrested in Fayetteville, North Carolina on Dec. 5, on a Robeson County warrant for charges unrelated to this case. .On Dec. 28, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Neosho County Sheriff’s Office reported the arrest of Deluca on requested charges of second-degree murder in the death of Asprea.The arrest warrant was served at the Cumberland County Detention Center in Fayetteville, North Carolina where Deluca is being held on unrelated charges.------------NEOSHO COUNTY–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Neosho County Sheriff’s Office are investigating after a woman was found dead at a rural residence in Chanute, Kansas.On Tuesday, Dec. 6, at approximately 5 p.m., deputies from the Neosho County Sheriff’s Office were conducting a welfare check at 6845 160th&nbsp;Road in Chanute, according to a media release from the KBI.The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, in North Carolina contacted Kansas officials that prompted concern for a woman who lived at the residence.Deputies searched the property and located the deceased body of Elaina M. Asprea, 47, of Chanute. She was found next to a field, near the residence. Asprea was pronounced dead at the scene.A person of interest has been developed in this case. Asprea’s boyfriend, Joseph R. Deluca, 37, was arrested in Fayetteville, North Carolina on Dec. 5, on a Robeson County warrant for charges unrelated to this case. He is currently in police custody at the Cumberland County Detention Center.An autopsy has been scheduled for Dec. 9.

Man jailed in No. Carolina accused of Kan. girlfriend's murder

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Veterinarians at the Sedgwick County zoo reported late Wednesday that a necropsy revealed the cause of a popular baby chimp's death was head trauma.

According to the Sedgwick County Zoo, "Our team is still trying to make sense of it all, but the reality of the situation is that we will simply never know what led to chimp's injuries."

"Based on the family social dynamics and what we know of each individual chimp, we believe that whatever happened that night was an accident."

"We do not believe that is an example of infanticide, which is the intentional killing of infants and is known to happen in wild chimpanzee populations."

"The family had been together without incident for two weeks, and his injuries were not characteristic of injuries associated with infanticide."

"The baby chimp, Kucheza (koo-CHAY-zuh) which means “play” in Swahili, left a huge imprint on our world in his short time here, and we thank each one of our friends for your love and support during this very difficult time."

When the chimp was born, he had to be put on oxygen for a few days. Click below to watch the video, that received national attention, of the moment mother and baby were reunited.

SEDGWICK COUNTY — "Everyone is doing well and working through the healing process following the death on Thursday of popular baby chimp&nbsp;Kucheza born in November, according to a statement from the Sedgwick County Zoo.

"The chimp family has been quiet and subdued, but have started vocally greeting keepers again which is a good sign."

"Sukari, one of the zoo's other female chimps, has been giving&nbsp;Kucheza's mother Mahale lots of extra attention and grooming. The chimps are all staying close together and nesting near each other."

The zoo reports they have been utilizing extra enrichment to keep the family distracted and provide comfort as they heal and process the week’s events.&nbsp; The zoo veterinarians have performed a necropsy now waiting on results to determine the cause of Kucheza’s death.&nbsp;

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A popular baby chimp born in mid-November at The Sedgwick County Zoo died Thursday morning.

According to a statement from the zoo, "Friends, our hearts are broken. It is with the greatest sadness that we have to announce the sudden and unexpected passing of Kucheza, 5-week-old chimpanzee."

Keepers found Kucheza (koo-CHAY-zuh) which means “play” in Swahili, deceased, and cradled in his mother Mahale’s arms, when they arrived at the zoo Thursday morning.

"Mahale is not quite ready to part with him, but when our team is able, a full medical assessment will be done to determine the cause of death."

"Mahale’s love for Kucheza was and will continue to be felt by billions of people around the world. In his few short weeks of life, Kucheza brought joy and light to so many, and sparked an opportunity to educate the world about chimpanzees, the dangers they face in the wild, and most importantly - why we should care."

"We’ll continue to share these messages and inspire respect and conservation for Kucheza’s wild counterparts in his honor."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668771125682.png" alt="photo courtesy Sedgwick County zoo" />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy Sedgwick County zoo</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Veterinarians at the Sedgwick County zoo reported late Wednesday that a necropsy revealed the cause of a popular baby chimp's death was head trauma.According to the Sedgwick County Zoo, "Our team is still trying to make sense of it all, but the reality of the situation is that we will simply never know what led to chimp's injuries.""Based on the family social dynamics and what we know of each individual chimp, we believe that whatever happened that night was an accident.""We do not believe that is an example of infanticide, which is the intentional killing of infants and is known to happen in wild chimpanzee populations.""The family had been together without incident for two weeks, and his injuries were not characteristic of injuries associated with infanticide.""The baby chimp, Kucheza (koo-CHAY-zuh) which means “play” in Swahili, left a huge imprint on our world in his short time here, and we thank each one of our friends for your love and support during this very difficult time."When the chimp was born, he had to be put on oxygen for a few days. Click below to watch the video, that received national attention, of the moment mother and baby were reunited.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=322&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FSedgwickCountyZoo%2Fvideos%2F492332559533758%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=1" width="560" height="322" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>----------------SEDGWICK COUNTY — "Everyone is doing well and working through the healing process following the death on Thursday of popular baby chimp&nbsp;Kucheza born in November, according to a statement from the Sedgwick County Zoo."The chimp family has been quiet and subdued, but have started vocally greeting keepers again which is a good sign.""Sukari, one of the zoo's other female chimps, has been giving&nbsp;Kucheza's mother Mahale lots of extra attention and grooming. The chimps are all staying close together and nesting near each other."The zoo reports they have been utilizing extra enrichment to keep the family distracted and provide comfort as they heal and process the week’s events.&nbsp; The zoo veterinarians have performed a necropsy now waiting on results to determine the cause of Kucheza’s death.&nbsp; ----------SEDGWICK COUNTY —A popular baby chimp born in mid-November at The Sedgwick County Zoo died Thursday morning.According to a statement from the zoo, "Friends, our hearts are broken. It is with the greatest sadness that we have to announce the sudden and unexpected passing of Kucheza, 5-week-old chimpanzee."Keepers found Kucheza (koo-CHAY-zuh) which means “play” in Swahili, deceased, and cradled in his mother Mahale’s arms, when they arrived at the zoo Thursday morning."Mahale is not quite ready to part with him, but when our team is able, a full medical assessment will be done to determine the cause of death."When the chimp was born, he had to be put on oxygen for a few days. Click below to watch the video, that received national attention, of the moment mother and baby were reunited.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=322&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FSedgwickCountyZoo%2Fvideos%2F492332559533758%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=1" width="560" height="322" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>"Mahale’s love for Kucheza was and will continue to be felt by billions of people around the world. In his few short weeks of life, Kucheza brought joy and light to so many, and sparked an opportunity to educate the world about chimpanzees, the dangers they face in the wild, and most importantly - why we should care.""We’ll continue to share these messages and inspire respect and conservation for Kucheza’s wild counterparts in his honor."

Kansas zoo confirms cause of 5-week-old chimp's death

JOHNSON COUNTY —Authorities investigating a fatal crash have identified the victim as 19-year-old Jordan McWilliams of Gardner.

Just before 2a.m. Monday, police were dispatched to a single vehicle crash in the area of East Old 56 Highway and West 151st&nbsp;Street, according to a media release.

First responders located McWilliams, the sole occupant of the vehicle, unresponsive.&nbsp; He was transported by ambulance and later pronounced deceased.

This case remains under investigation by the Olathe Police Department.&nbsp; Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to call the Olathe Police Department at (913) 971-6363 or the TIPS Hotline at (816) 474-8477.&nbsp;

JOHNSON COUNTY —Authorities investigating a fatal crash have identified the victim as 19-year-old Jordan McWilliams of Gardner.Just before 2a.m. Monday, police were dispatched to a single vehicle crash in the area of East Old 56 Highway and West 151st&nbsp;Street, according to a media release.First responders located McWilliams, the sole occupant of the vehicle, unresponsive.&nbsp; He was transported by ambulance and later pronounced deceased.This case remains under investigation by the Olathe Police Department.&nbsp; Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to call the Olathe Police Department at (913) 971-6363 or the TIPS Hotline at (816) 474-8477.&nbsp;

Police ID 19-year-old Kansas man who died in crash

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a shooting that critically injured a Kansas man and teen girl have made an arrest.

Just before 6a.m. on police were dispatched to a shooting in the 1100 block of North Harding in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo. Officers located a 23-year-old man and a 17-year-old girl with multiple gunshot wounds.

The victims were transported to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Following an investigation, police arrested 24-year-old Tmori Wright of Wichita requested charges of attempted murder.

The two victims underwent surgery and were reported in critical condition.&nbsp;The case will be presented to the District Attorney’s Office.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1672240854365.png" alt="Wright-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Wright-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a shooting that critically injured a Kansas man and teen girl have made an arrest.Just before 6a.m. on police were dispatched to a shooting in the 1100 block of North Harding in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo. Officers located a 23-year-old man and a 17-year-old girl with multiple gunshot wounds.The victims were transported to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries.Following an investigation, police arrested 24-year-old Tmori Wright of Wichita requested charges of attempted murder.The two victims underwent surgery and were reported in critical condition.&nbsp;The case will be presented to the District Attorney’s Office.&nbsp;

Suspect jailed for shooting that critically injured Kan. girl, man

Washington, D.C.&nbsp;- U.S. Representative Tracey Mann's legislation renaming the post office in Russell, Kansas, the "Robert J. Dole Memorial Post Office Building," has been signed into law.

In a statement from his office Mann said,&nbsp;

"Senator Bob Dole made it clear that we must never forget where we come from. Born and raised in Russell, Kansas, he knew that the heartbeat of our nation lies in places like his hometown. He bravely served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was awarded two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star for his military service. He served as the congressman representing the Big First District of Kansas for eight years and in the U.S. Senate for 27 years, acting as the majority leader twice, and becoming his party’s nominee for President in 1996."

I spent some time with Senator Dole just a few weeks before he passed away. During our time together we discussed what he called "The Kansas Approach," the markers of which he identified as honesty, hard work, respect for your roots, common sense, service, simplicity, and genuine, thoughtful care for people. These are the Kansas conservative values that motivate me every day.&nbsp;

Senator Dole dedicated his life to serving others and has inspired many people, including me. Naming a post office after one of Kansas' favorite sons in the town he grew up in is a small but meaningful way to pay tribute to this Kansas giant and American hero."

<a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fr20.rs6.net%2Ftn.jsp%3Ff%3D001i0J6sgRZEz0js_6kndC8ZcfloiH5ilqK7ImC0gcfnkphlWuFXJM4XU_wKbY5jHmau3MrybyhY9Vm8RoL_H9UTxiN0BnX0AMgXOaWe2ElLt7jdhoIMJ7UH8jwhmyHhjasgbcKM1myMlnE_EDt2ufqgkl6OGHia7sq8Xxqwpw2M3XFUQwGkXHemQPJE8zUoq3kNggJzF0PY8hfhLOqwUr9_aOxU4XnKngsv-NSk4lHp86-xdB_6x_H73XptUONK5W0NIsw4fVoaL3a_h1J1rneaMonF8_Onyl2hyDQ_O9z-WHA8bYTmdZhgzCxISx6zvEF%26c%3DZK7qwAIFjGH2zKnECxtU52z_8ZL6lYt5mwnyNpy6FsI_kjuGT_oNpg%3D%3D%26ch%3D0F6b2CETmFNtp5r_LgukiovdtKcg_HqTAJsFce0YKcr9-VavF5nSBg%3D%3D&amp;data=05%7C01%7Cmarc.jacobs%40ksn.com%7Ce2e34dcb0e624072f27708dae912a400%7C9e5488e2e83844f6886cc7608242767e%7C0%7C0%7C638078563542277047%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=3QRTuGKkRYbE5ilRbhwd9yivYurLhI6lS5duP14LCjs%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Click here</a>&nbsp;to view the full text of the legislation.

Washington, D.C.&nbsp;- U.S. Representative Tracey Mann's legislation renaming the post office in Russell, Kansas, the "Robert J. Dole Memorial Post Office Building," has been signed into law.In a statement from his office Mann said,&nbsp;"Senator Bob Dole made it clear that we must never forget where we come from. Born and raised in Russell, Kansas, he knew that the heartbeat of our nation lies in places like his hometown. He bravely served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was awarded two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star for his military service. He served as the congressman representing the Big First District of Kansas for eight years and in the U.S. Senate for 27 years, acting as the majority leader twice, and becoming his party’s nominee for President in 1996."I spent some time with Senator Dole just a few weeks before he passed away. During our time together we discussed what he called "The Kansas Approach," the markers of which he identified as honesty, hard work, respect for your roots, common sense, service, simplicity, and genuine, thoughtful care for people. These are the Kansas conservative values that motivate me every day.&nbsp;Senator Dole dedicated his life to serving others and has inspired many people, including me. Naming a post office after one of Kansas' favorite sons in the town he grew up in is a small but meaningful way to pay tribute to this Kansas giant and American hero."<a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fr20.rs6.net%2Ftn.jsp%3Ff%3D001i0J6sgRZEz0js_6kndC8ZcfloiH5ilqK7ImC0gcfnkphlWuFXJM4XU_wKbY5jHmau3MrybyhY9Vm8RoL_H9UTxiN0BnX0AMgXOaWe2ElLt7jdhoIMJ7UH8jwhmyHhjasgbcKM1myMlnE_EDt2ufqgkl6OGHia7sq8Xxqwpw2M3XFUQwGkXHemQPJE8zUoq3kNggJzF0PY8hfhLOqwUr9_aOxU4XnKngsv-NSk4lHp86-xdB_6x_H73XptUONK5W0NIsw4fVoaL3a_h1J1rneaMonF8_Onyl2hyDQ_O9z-WHA8bYTmdZhgzCxISx6zvEF%26c%3DZK7qwAIFjGH2zKnECxtU52z_8ZL6lYt5mwnyNpy6FsI_kjuGT_oNpg%3D%3D%26ch%3D0F6b2CETmFNtp5r_LgukiovdtKcg_HqTAJsFce0YKcr9-VavF5nSBg%3D%3D&amp;data=05%7C01%7Cmarc.jacobs%40ksn.com%7Ce2e34dcb0e624072f27708dae912a400%7C9e5488e2e83844f6886cc7608242767e%7C0%7C0%7C638078563542277047%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=3QRTuGKkRYbE5ilRbhwd9yivYurLhI6lS5duP14LCjs%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Click here</a>&nbsp;to view the full text of the legislation.

Mann's bill renaming Russell Post Office after Sen. Dole becomes law

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Edward Seaton, a longtime Kansas newspaper publisher who served as the Pulitzer Prize Board's chair and advocated for international press freedom, has died. He was 79.

He died of natural causes Monday night at his home in Manhattan in northeastern Kansas, his son, Ned, who followed his father as publisher of The Manhattan Mercury,&nbsp;<a href="https://themercury.com/news/seaton-publications-chairman-edward-seaton-dies-at-79/article_10ff9df4-a0b8-5332-ad03-6da140609293.html">told the newspaper.</a>&nbsp;Edward Seaton was chairman of Seaton Publications at the time of his death.

He became The Mercury’s publisher and associate editor in 1969 and its editor-in-chief in 1981. His grandfather had bought the paper in 1915, and his father, uncle and brother were publishers.

Ed Seaton spent much of his career working for democracy and press freedoms, particularly in Latin America. He was president of the Inter American Press Association and of the American Society of Newspaper Editors. He served nine years on the Pulitzer Prize Board.

He and his family built a group of affiliated media companies in Kansas, Colorado, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming. He was inducted into the Kansas Newspaper Hall of Fame in 2013.

He earned a bachelor’s degree with honors at Harvard College in 1965 and was a Fulbright scholar in Ecuador. He also did graduate work in journalism at the University of Missouri.

Born Feb. 5, 1943, in Manhattan, he began his journalism career as a reporter and copy editor at the Louisville, Kentucky, Courier-Journal.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1672257593182.png" alt="Ed Seaton-photo courtesy Kansas Press Association" />
 <figcaption>Ed Seaton-photo courtesy Kansas Press Association</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Edward Seaton, a longtime Kansas newspaper publisher who served as the Pulitzer Prize Board's chair and advocated for international press freedom, has died. He was 79.He died of natural causes Monday night at his home in Manhattan in northeastern Kansas, his son, Ned, who followed his father as publisher of The Manhattan Mercury,&nbsp;<a href="https://themercury.com/news/seaton-publications-chairman-edward-seaton-dies-at-79/article_10ff9df4-a0b8-5332-ad03-6da140609293.html">told the newspaper.</a>&nbsp;Edward Seaton was chairman of Seaton Publications at the time of his death.He became The Mercury’s publisher and associate editor in 1969 and its editor-in-chief in 1981. His grandfather had bought the paper in 1915, and his father, uncle and brother were publishers.Ed Seaton spent much of his career working for democracy and press freedoms, particularly in Latin America. He was president of the Inter American Press Association and of the American Society of Newspaper Editors. He served nine years on the Pulitzer Prize Board.He and his family built a group of affiliated media companies in Kansas, Colorado, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming. He was inducted into the Kansas Newspaper Hall of Fame in 2013.He earned a bachelor’s degree with honors at Harvard College in 1965 and was a Fulbright scholar in Ecuador. He also did graduate work in journalism at the University of Missouri.Born Feb. 5, 1943, in Manhattan, he began his journalism career as a reporter and copy editor at the Louisville, Kentucky, Courier-Journal.

Kansas publisher, Pulitzer chair Edward Seaton dies at 79

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly on Wednesday signed Executive Order #22-10, which bans the use of the social media platform TikTok on all state-owned devices for Kansas executive branch agencies, boards, and commissions and their respective employees, and prohibits access on the state network. This order is in response to the national security and privacy risks posed by TikTok, whose parent company is a Chinese-owned company subject to Chinese government requests for data, technology, and other intellectual property.

&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjEyMjguNjg5MzEyNDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2NvbnRlbnQuZ292ZGVsaXZlcnkuY29tL2F0dGFjaG1lbnRzL0tTT0cvMjAyMi8xMi8yOC9maWxlX2F0dGFjaG1lbnRzLzIzNjUzNDQvRU8lMjAyMi0xMCUyMFRpa1RvayUyMEJhbiUyMC0lMjBTaWduZWQlMjAmJTIwRmlsZWQucGRmIn0.HGW2hjTAcq9asf1bdSWXpFcs87Wao3tMB2QDMDNPYIY/s/1303160919/br/151380731885-l" target="_blank">Click here to view the executive order </a>.

This Executive Order does not include employees in the Board of Regents, Regents Institutions, the Office of the Attorney General, the Office of Secretary of State, the Office of the Insurance Commissioner, the Office of the State Treasurer, the Department of Education, the Judicial Branch, nor the Legislative Branch of Government.

The Governor is also calling on all other state entities to implement similar policies.

“Today, I am taking common-sense steps to protect Kansans’ privacy and security,”&nbsp;said Governor Laura Kelly.&nbsp;“TikTok mines users’ data and potentially makes it available to the Chinese Communist Party -- a threat recognized by a growing group of bipartisan leaders across the United States.”

The order is in response to recent warnings from both the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Communications Commission that user data from the social media platform TikTok is potentially being shared with the Chinese government, posing both a national and cybersecurity threat. Kansas joins Alabama, Georgia, Iowa, Maryland, Montana, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Nebraska and the federal government in implementing security policies related to TikTok. In addition to state action, Congress recently enacted a TikTok ban on all federal devices due to potential security concerns.

State policy already restricts the use of state devices to official business. The order, which takes effect immediately, will require the deactivation of any active official State of Kansas TikTok accounts and the removal of any TikTok applications from state-owned devices. In addition, mechanisms will be put in place to limit the ability to access the TikTok website from the State of Kansas OITS-managed networks and to prohibit the future installation of the TikTok app on OITS-managed state-owned/leased devices. Entities will have 30 days from the effective date of the Executive Order to implement remediation and blocking activities. At the 30-day mark, the Kansas Information Security Office (KISO) will begin to implement blocking on the State network.

“In many cases, social media platforms collect a significant amount of user data or have access to a significant amount of device resources and data. Individuals are often not aware of the breadth and depth of data that is being collected or the access that the application may have to phones. Much of the data collected isn’t necessarily required for the stated function of these applications but is collected for other purposes,” said Kansas Chief Information Security Officer Jeff Maxon.&nbsp;“The potential ability for a foreign government to manipulate or use the collected data, or access devices, to track or influence Kansans is concerning. Limiting or restricting the use of an application like this is a simple step we can take to reduce any potential impacts on executive branch employees and citizens.”

Exceptions to this directive for mission essential functions or for law enforcement purposes must be filed with and approved by the KISO. Entities requesting exceptions must also work with the KISO to implement appropriate restrictions.

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly on Wednesday signed Executive Order #22-10, which bans the use of the social media platform TikTok on all state-owned devices for Kansas executive branch agencies, boards, and commissions and their respective employees, and prohibits access on the state network. This order is in response to the national security and privacy risks posed by TikTok, whose parent company is a Chinese-owned company subject to Chinese government requests for data, technology, and other intellectual property.&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjEyMjguNjg5MzEyNDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2NvbnRlbnQuZ292ZGVsaXZlcnkuY29tL2F0dGFjaG1lbnRzL0tTT0cvMjAyMi8xMi8yOC9maWxlX2F0dGFjaG1lbnRzLzIzNjUzNDQvRU8lMjAyMi0xMCUyMFRpa1RvayUyMEJhbiUyMC0lMjBTaWduZWQlMjAmJTIwRmlsZWQucGRmIn0.HGW2hjTAcq9asf1bdSWXpFcs87Wao3tMB2QDMDNPYIY/s/1303160919/br/151380731885-l" target="_blank">Click here to view the executive order </a>.This Executive Order does not include employees in the Board of Regents, Regents Institutions, the Office of the Attorney General, the Office of Secretary of State, the Office of the Insurance Commissioner, the Office of the State Treasurer, the Department of Education, the Judicial Branch, nor the Legislative Branch of Government.The Governor is also calling on all other state entities to implement similar policies.“Today, I am taking common-sense steps to protect Kansans’ privacy and security,”&nbsp;said Governor Laura Kelly.&nbsp;“TikTok mines users’ data and potentially makes it available to the Chinese Communist Party -- a threat recognized by a growing group of bipartisan leaders across the United States.”The order is in response to recent warnings from both the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Communications Commission that user data from the social media platform TikTok is potentially being shared with the Chinese government, posing both a national and cybersecurity threat. Kansas joins Alabama, Georgia, Iowa, Maryland, Montana, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Nebraska and the federal government in implementing security policies related to TikTok. In addition to state action, Congress recently enacted a TikTok ban on all federal devices due to potential security concerns.State policy already restricts the use of state devices to official business. The order, which takes effect immediately, will require the deactivation of any active official State of Kansas TikTok accounts and the removal of any TikTok applications from state-owned devices. In addition, mechanisms will be put in place to limit the ability to access the TikTok website from the State of Kansas OITS-managed networks and to prohibit the future installation of the TikTok app on OITS-managed state-owned/leased devices. Entities will have 30 days from the effective date of the Executive Order to implement remediation and blocking activities. At the 30-day mark, the Kansas Information Security Office (KISO) will begin to implement blocking on the State network.“In many cases, social media platforms collect a significant amount of user data or have access to a significant amount of device resources and data. Individuals are often not aware of the breadth and depth of data that is being collected or the access that the application may have to phones. Much of the data collected isn’t necessarily required for the stated function of these applications but is collected for other purposes,” said Kansas Chief Information Security Officer Jeff Maxon.&nbsp;“The potential ability for a foreign government to manipulate or use the collected data, or access devices, to track or influence Kansans is concerning. Limiting or restricting the use of an application like this is a simple step we can take to reduce any potential impacts on executive branch employees and citizens.”Exceptions to this directive for mission essential functions or for law enforcement purposes must be filed with and approved by the KISO. Entities requesting exceptions must also work with the KISO to implement appropriate restrictions.

Kan. governor bans TikTok on all state owned devices, networks

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Health reported&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;2,709 new coronavirus cases in Kansas from Dec. 21 to Dec. 28, for a total of&nbsp; 916,756 cases.&nbsp;&nbsp;The state reported 4,216 new cases the previous week.

On Wednesday, th<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1529/June-15-Case-Summary-PDF?bidId=">e state reported</a>&nbsp;7 additional COVID-19 deaths since the report on Dec. 21, for a total of 9,716.

<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a>&nbsp;about the COVID-19 vaccine.

<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.

Kansas is providing fewer updates of its data about COVID-19 now that Gov. Laura Kelly formally declared that the state is moving toward treating COVID-19 as a disease like the flu that spreads regularly and isn't considered a pandemic.&nbsp;The health department plans to update data about cases and vaccinations each Wednesday.

The state continues to support access to free COVID-19 testing, works to ensure that vulnerable populations can get vaccinated, see that providers serve a broad population and give “comprehensive guidance” about the virus. She called the new phase “endemic normalcy.”

The health department plans to update data about cases and vaccinations each Wednesday.

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Health reported&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;2,709 new coronavirus cases in Kansas from Dec. 21 to Dec. 28, for a total of&nbsp; 916,756 cases.&nbsp;&nbsp;The state reported 4,216 new cases the previous week.On Wednesday, th<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1529/June-15-Case-Summary-PDF?bidId=">e state reported</a>&nbsp;7 additional COVID-19 deaths since the report on Dec. 21, for a total of 9,716.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1672252034315.png" alt="December 27, 2022-KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>December 27, 2022-KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a>&nbsp;about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.Kansas is providing fewer updates of its data about COVID-19 now that Gov. Laura Kelly formally declared that the state is moving toward treating COVID-19 as a disease like the flu that spreads regularly and isn't considered a pandemic.&nbsp;The health department plans to update data about cases and vaccinations each Wednesday.The state continues to support access to free COVID-19 testing, works to ensure that vulnerable populations can get vaccinated, see that providers serve a broad population and give “comprehensive guidance” about the virus. She called the new phase “endemic normalcy.”The health department plans to update data about cases and vaccinations each Wednesday.

KDHE: COVID cases down sharply, 7 more deaths

VATICAN CITY (AP) — The health of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI has worsened due to his age, and doctors are constantly monitoring the frail 95-year-old's condition, the Vatican said Wednesday.

Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni said Pope Francis, who asked the faithful earlier Wednesday to pray for Benedict, went to visit his predecessor in the monastery on Vatican grounds where the retired pontiff has lived since retiring in February 2013.

"Regarding the health condition of the emeritus pope, for whom Pope Francis asked for prayers at the end of his general audience this morning, I can confirm that in the last hours, a worsening due to advanced age has happened,'' Bruni said in a written statement.

"The situation at the moment remains under control, constantly monitored by doctors," according to the statement.

At the end of his customary Wednesday audience with the public in a Vatican auditorium, Francis departed from his prepared remarks to say that Benedict is "very sick" and asked the faithful to pray for the retired pontiff.

Francis didn't elaborate on Benedict's condition.

"I would like to ask you all for a special prayer for Pope Emeritus Benedict, who is sustaining the church in silence," Francis said. "Remember him — he is very ill — asking the Lord to console him and to sustain him in this testimony to love for the church, until the end."

After the hour-long audience, "Pope Francis went to the Mater Ecclesiae monastery to visit Benedict XVI. Let us all unite with him in prayer for the emeritus pope," Bruni said.

Benedict, who was the first pontiff to resign in 600 years, has become increasingly frail in recent years as he dedicated his post-papacy life to prayer and meditation.

When Benedict turned 95 in April, his longtime secretary, Archbishop Georg Gaenswein, said the retired pontiff was in good spirits, adding that "naturally he is physically relatively weak and fragile, but rather lucid."

Francis also paid a visit to Benedict at the monastery four months ago. The occasion was Francis' latest ceremony elevating churchmen to cardinal rank, and the new "princes of the church" accompanied him to the monastery for the brief greeting.

The Vatican released a photo at the time that showed a very thin-looking Benedict clasping Francis' hand as the current and past pontiff smiled at each other.

In his first years of retirement, Benedict attended a couple of cardinal-elevating ceremonies in St. Peter's Basilica. But in recent years, he wasn't strong enough to attend the long service.

He was elevated to cardinal's rank in 1977 by the then-pontiff, Paul VI. As Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, the German prelate and theologian long served as the Vatican's doctrinal orthodox watchdog. He was elected pontiff in 2005.

Benedict startled a room full of Vatican prelates by announcing, in Latin, in February 2013 that he would step down as pope in two weeks. Some church traditionalists were dismayed by his decision.

Francis has praised Benedict's decision as a courageous acknowledgement that physical frailty no longer left him able to fully serve the world's 1.3 billion Catholics.

Given his own health history, including a knee ligament problem that has forced him to use a wheelchair or a cane, Francis has said that retirement is something he'd consider, if the situation warranted it.

In an interview earlier this month with Spanish newspaper ABC, Francis revealed that shortly after fellow cardinals elected him to succeed Benedict in the papacy, he wrote a resignation letter to have on hand in case medical problems impeded him from carrying out his duties.

But in the same interview, Francis played down his mobility challenge, saying one governs with the head, not the knee.

In Benedict's native Germany, the head of that nation's bishops' conference, Limburg Bishop Georg Baetzing, joined in Francis' call for prayers.

"My thoughts are with the emeritus pope," Baetzing told German news agency dpa. "I call on the faithful in Germany to pray for Benedict XVI."

In Berlin, Chancellor Olaf Scholz "wishes the German pope, as we say, a good recovery and his thoughts are with him," government spokesperson Christiane Hoffmann said during a regular government news conference.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644330098529.png" alt="-Pope Benedict on a 2008 trip to the United State-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>-Pope Benedict on a 2008 trip to the United State-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>By FRANCES D'EMILIO Associated PressVATICAN CITY (AP) — The health of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI has worsened due to his age, and doctors are constantly monitoring the frail 95-year-old's condition, the Vatican said Wednesday.Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni said Pope Francis, who asked the faithful earlier Wednesday to pray for Benedict, went to visit his predecessor in the monastery on Vatican grounds where the retired pontiff has lived since retiring in February 2013."Regarding the health condition of the emeritus pope, for whom Pope Francis asked for prayers at the end of his general audience this morning, I can confirm that in the last hours, a worsening due to advanced age has happened,'' Bruni said in a written statement."The situation at the moment remains under control, constantly monitored by doctors," according to the statement.At the end of his customary Wednesday audience with the public in a Vatican auditorium, Francis departed from his prepared remarks to say that Benedict is "very sick" and asked the faithful to pray for the retired pontiff.Francis didn't elaborate on Benedict's condition."I would like to ask you all for a special prayer for Pope Emeritus Benedict, who is sustaining the church in silence," Francis said. "Remember him — he is very ill — asking the Lord to console him and to sustain him in this testimony to love for the church, until the end."After the hour-long audience, "Pope Francis went to the Mater Ecclesiae monastery to visit Benedict XVI. Let us all unite with him in prayer for the emeritus pope," Bruni said.Benedict, who was the first pontiff to resign in 600 years, has become increasingly frail in recent years as he dedicated his post-papacy life to prayer and meditation.When Benedict turned 95 in April, his longtime secretary, Archbishop Georg Gaenswein, said the retired pontiff was in good spirits, adding that "naturally he is physically relatively weak and fragile, but rather lucid."Francis also paid a visit to Benedict at the monastery four months ago. The occasion was Francis' latest ceremony elevating churchmen to cardinal rank, and the new "princes of the church" accompanied him to the monastery for the brief greeting.The Vatican released a photo at the time that showed a very thin-looking Benedict clasping Francis' hand as the current and past pontiff smiled at each other.In his first years of retirement, Benedict attended a couple of cardinal-elevating ceremonies in St. Peter's Basilica. But in recent years, he wasn't strong enough to attend the long service.He was elevated to cardinal's rank in 1977 by the then-pontiff, Paul VI. As Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, the German prelate and theologian long served as the Vatican's doctrinal orthodox watchdog. He was elected pontiff in 2005.Benedict startled a room full of Vatican prelates by announcing, in Latin, in February 2013 that he would step down as pope in two weeks. Some church traditionalists were dismayed by his decision.Francis has praised Benedict's decision as a courageous acknowledgement that physical frailty no longer left him able to fully serve the world's 1.3 billion Catholics.Given his own health history, including a knee ligament problem that has forced him to use a wheelchair or a cane, Francis has said that retirement is something he'd consider, if the situation warranted it.In an interview earlier this month with Spanish newspaper ABC, Francis revealed that shortly after fellow cardinals elected him to succeed Benedict in the papacy, he wrote a resignation letter to have on hand in case medical problems impeded him from carrying out his duties.But in the same interview, Francis played down his mobility challenge, saying one governs with the head, not the knee.In Benedict's native Germany, the head of that nation's bishops' conference, Limburg Bishop Georg Baetzing, joined in Francis' call for prayers."My thoughts are with the emeritus pope," Baetzing told German news agency dpa. "I call on the faithful in Germany to pray for Benedict XVI."In Berlin, Chancellor Olaf Scholz "wishes the German pope, as we say, a good recovery and his thoughts are with him," government spokesperson Christiane Hoffmann said during a regular government news conference.___Geir Moulson contributed from Berlin.

Retired Pope Benedict XVI 'very sick'; Francis asks for prayer

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after an incident while in custody in Riley County.

On Tuesday, the Riley County Police Department reported 36-year-old Daniel Weaver was arrested on&nbsp; requested charges of battery on law enforcement officers after he spit on three separate Corrections Officers while he was confined in the Riley County Jail.

On Dec. 20, police arrested Weaver for alleged battery on a law enforcement officer; physical contact with county or city officer on duty; criminal threat against law enforcement officer; cause terror evacuation or disruption; Battery on law enforcement; city/county officer/employee on duty; Bond $13,000

Weaver has previous convictions for battery on a county employee, battery on a state corrections officer, indecent solicitation of child; commit or submit to unlawful sexual act and criminal threat.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1672238729472.png" alt="Weaver-photo Kansas Dept. of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Weaver-photo Kansas Dept. of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after an incident while in custody in Riley County.On Tuesday, the Riley County Police Department reported 36-year-old Daniel Weaver was arrested on&nbsp; requested charges of battery on law enforcement officers after he spit on three separate Corrections Officers while he was confined in the Riley County Jail.On Dec. 20, police arrested Weaver for alleged battery on a law enforcement officer; physical contact with county or city officer on duty; criminal threat against law enforcement officer; cause terror evacuation or disruption; Battery on law enforcement; city/county officer/employee on duty; Bond $13,000Weaver has previous convictions for battery on a county employee, battery on a state corrections officer, indecent solicitation of child; commit or submit to unlawful sexual act and criminal threat.

Kan. felon accused of spitting on corrections officers

TOPEKA — Governor Laura Kelly held a Kwanzaa celebration at the Kansas State Capitol on Tuesday. 

"The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa urge each of us to do all that we can to make a positive difference in our communities. In lighting the kinara, we reaffirm our commitment to these principles."

&nbsp;The Historic St. Mark’s A.M.E. Church and the Kansas African American Affairs Commission hosted the event.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1672243196486.png" alt="Photos courtesy office of Gov. Laura Kelly" />
 <figcaption>Photos courtesy office of Gov. Laura Kelly</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA — Governor Laura Kelly held a Kwanzaa celebration at the Kansas State Capitol on Tuesday. "The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa urge each of us to do all that we can to make a positive difference in our communities. In lighting the kinara, we reaffirm our commitment to these principles."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1672243380170.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;The Historic St. Mark’s A.M.E. Church and the Kansas African American Affairs Commission hosted the event.

 Gov. Kelly celebrated Kwanzaa at the Kansas Statehouse

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court is keeping pandemic-era limits on asylum in place for now, dashing hopes of migrants who have been fleeing violence and inequality in Latin America and elsewhere to reach the United States.

Tuesday's ruling preserves a major Trump-era policy that was scheduled to expire under a judge's order on Dec. 21. The case will be argued in February and a stay imposed last week by Chief Justice John Roberts will remain in place until the justices make a decision.

The limits, often known as Title 42 in reference to a 1944 public health law, were put in place under then-President Donald Trump at the beginning of the pandemic, but unwinding it has taken a torturous route through the courts. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention attempted to end the policy in April 2022, but a federal judge in Louisiana sided with 19 Republican-led states in May to order it kept in place. Another federal judge in Washington said in November that Title 42 must end, sending the dispute to the Supreme Court. Officials have expelled asylum-seekers inside the United States 2.5 million times on grounds of preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Immigration advocates sued to end the policy, saying it goes against American and international obligations to people fleeing to the U.S. to escape persecution. They’ve also argued that the policy is outdated as coronavirus treatments improve.

The Supreme Court’s 5-4 decision&nbsp;comes as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-violence-28e943bc1a387b0320ce16211eaf58f5">thousands of migrants have gathered</a>&nbsp;on the Mexican side of the border, filling shelters and worrying advocates who are scrambling to figure out how to care for them.&nbsp;

“We are deeply disappointed for all the desperate asylum seekers who will continue to suffer because of Title 42, but we will continue fighting to eventually end the policy,” said Lee Gelernt, a lawyer with the American Civil Liberties Union, which had been arguing to end Title 42′s use.

Andrea Rudnik, co-founder of non-profit immigration aid organization Team Brownsville in South Texas, said the situation at the border is a humanitarian crisis. She said there are thousands of migrants camped on cardboard boxes and in makeshift tents near the entrance of the Gateway International Bridge in Matamoros, Mexico, opposite Brownsville, without food, water, clothing or bathrooms.

“It is very readily becoming a dangerous situation because there’s no toilets,” Rudnik said. “Get that many people together with no bathrooms and you know what you have got.”

States that wanted Title 42 kept in place hailed the outcome. In a press release Tuesday, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds praised the court’s decision while saying it’s not a permanent solution to the country’s immigration woes.

“I’m grateful that Title 42 remains in place to help deter illegal entry at the US southern border. But make no mistake — this is only a temporary fix to a crisis that President Biden and his administration have ignored for two years,” she said.

The Supreme Court's decision said that the court will review the issue of whether the states have the right to intervene in the legal fight over Title 42. Both the federal government and immigration advocates have argued that the states waited too long to intervene and — even if they hadn’t waited so long — that they don’t have sufficient standing to intervene.

In the dissent, Justices Neil Gorsuch and Ketanji Brown Jackson wrote that even if the court were to find the states have the right to intervene and Title 42 was lawfully adopted “... the emergency on which those orders were premised has long since lapsed.”

The justices said the “current border crisis is not a COVID crisis.”

“And courts should not be in the business of perpetuating administrative edicts designed for one emergency only because elected officials have failed to address a different emergency. We are a court of law, not policymakers of last resort,” the justices wrote.

Justices Elena Kagan and Sonia Sotomayor also voted to deny the stay but did not sign a dissent.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Tuesday that President Joe Biden's administration “will, of course, comply with the order and prepare for the Court’s review.”

“At the same time, we are advancing our preparations to manage the border in a secure, orderly, and humane way when Title 42 eventually lifts and will continue expanding legal pathways for immigration,” Jean-Pierre added. “Title 42 is a public health measure, not an immigration enforcement measure, and it should not be extended indefinitely.”

In November, a federal judge sided with advocates and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-mexico-2d6872921b9d21347175b50f30d31539">set a Dec. 21 deadline</a>&nbsp;to end the policy. Conservative-leaning states appealed to the Supreme Court, warning that an increase in migration would take a toll on public services and cause an “unprecedented calamity” that they said the federal government had no plan to deal with.

Roberts, who handles emergency matters that come from federal courts in the nation’s capital, issued a stay to give the court time to more fully consider both sides’ arguments.

The federal government&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-health-el-paso-john-roberts-border-security-811299927348837ae86f0f08a06526f1">asked the Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;to reject the states’ effort while also acknowledging that ending the restrictions abruptly would likely lead to “disruption and a temporary increase in unlawful border crossings.”

The precise issue before the court is a complicated, largely procedural question of whether the states should be allowed to intervene in the lawsuit. A similar group of states won a lower court order in a different court district preventing the end of the restrictions after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced in April that it was ending use of the policy.

Until the judge’s November order in the advocates’ lawsuit, the states had not sought to take part in that case. But they say that the administration has essentially abandoned its defense of the Title 42 policy and they should be able to step in. The administration has appealed the ruling, though it has not tried to keep Title 42 in place while the legal case plays out.

The Biden administration still has considerable leeway to enforce Title 42 as aggressively or as leniently as it chooses. For example, when a judge ordered last year that Trump’s “Remain in Mexico” policy to make asylum-seekers wait in Mexico for hearings in U.S. immigration court be reinstated, it did so with such limited scope that it had little impact. That policy ended in August after the administration prevailed in the Supreme Court.

The Biden administration's use of Title 42 includes an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-covid-health-donald-trump-united-states-1456bf91a33ccfd1c97b6f12474a1070">opaque, bewildering patchwork</a>&nbsp;of exemptions that are supposed to be for migrants deemed most vulnerable in Mexico, perhaps for gender identity or sexual orientation, or for being specifically threatened with violence. U.S. Customs and Border Protection&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-mexico-us-customs-and-border-protection-63ae1f08f2af3661b2de1d590d750218">works with partners</a>&nbsp;it doesn’t publicly identify and doesn’t say how many slots are made available to each.

Mexico is another wild card. The use of Title 42 to quickly expel migrants depends largely on Mexico’s willingness to accept them. Right now Mexico takes expelled migrants from Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Venezuela, in addition to Mexico, but not other countries, such as Cuba. Most asylum seekers who cannot be sent to Mexico are not expelled.

Biden is scheduled meet with Mexican President Andres Manuel López Obrador in Mexico City next month.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1672235865420.png" alt="The court’s three liberals, Justices Elena Kagan, Sonia Sotomayor and Ketanji Brown Jackson were joined by conservative Justice Neil Gorsuch in dissent. Photo by Fred Schilling, Collection of the Supreme Court of the United States" />
 <figcaption>The court’s three liberals, Justices Elena Kagan, Sonia Sotomayor and Ketanji Brown Jackson were joined by conservative Justice Neil Gorsuch in dissent. Photo by Fred Schilling, Collection of the Supreme Court of the United States</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court is keeping pandemic-era limits on asylum in place for now, dashing hopes of migrants who have been fleeing violence and inequality in Latin America and elsewhere to reach the United States.Tuesday's ruling preserves a major Trump-era policy that was scheduled to expire under a judge's order on Dec. 21. The case will be argued in February and a stay imposed last week by Chief Justice John Roberts will remain in place until the justices make a decision.The limits, often known as Title 42 in reference to a 1944 public health law, were put in place under then-President Donald Trump at the beginning of the pandemic, but unwinding it has taken a torturous route through the courts. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention attempted to end the policy in April 2022, but a federal judge in Louisiana sided with 19 Republican-led states in May to order it kept in place. Another federal judge in Washington said in November that Title 42 must end, sending the dispute to the Supreme Court. Officials have expelled asylum-seekers inside the United States 2.5 million times on grounds of preventing the spread of COVID-19.Immigration advocates sued to end the policy, saying it goes against American and international obligations to people fleeing to the U.S. to escape persecution. They’ve also argued that the policy is outdated as coronavirus treatments improve.The Supreme Court’s 5-4 decision&nbsp;comes as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-violence-28e943bc1a387b0320ce16211eaf58f5">thousands of migrants have gathered</a>&nbsp;on the Mexican side of the border, filling shelters and worrying advocates who are scrambling to figure out how to care for them.&nbsp;“We are deeply disappointed for all the desperate asylum seekers who will continue to suffer because of Title 42, but we will continue fighting to eventually end the policy,” said Lee Gelernt, a lawyer with the American Civil Liberties Union, which had been arguing to end Title 42′s use.Andrea Rudnik, co-founder of non-profit immigration aid organization Team Brownsville in South Texas, said the situation at the border is a humanitarian crisis. She said there are thousands of migrants camped on cardboard boxes and in makeshift tents near the entrance of the Gateway International Bridge in Matamoros, Mexico, opposite Brownsville, without food, water, clothing or bathrooms.“It is very readily becoming a dangerous situation because there’s no toilets,” Rudnik said. “Get that many people together with no bathrooms and you know what you have got.”States that wanted Title 42 kept in place hailed the outcome. In a press release Tuesday, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds praised the court’s decision while saying it’s not a permanent solution to the country’s immigration woes.“I’m grateful that Title 42 remains in place to help deter illegal entry at the US southern border. But make no mistake — this is only a temporary fix to a crisis that President Biden and his administration have ignored for two years,” she said.The Supreme Court's decision said that the court will review the issue of whether the states have the right to intervene in the legal fight over Title 42. Both the federal government and immigration advocates have argued that the states waited too long to intervene and — even if they hadn’t waited so long — that they don’t have sufficient standing to intervene.In the dissent, Justices Neil Gorsuch and Ketanji Brown Jackson wrote that even if the court were to find the states have the right to intervene and Title 42 was lawfully adopted “... the emergency on which those orders were premised has long since lapsed.”The justices said the “current border crisis is not a COVID crisis.”“And courts should not be in the business of perpetuating administrative edicts designed for one emergency only because elected officials have failed to address a different emergency. We are a court of law, not policymakers of last resort,” the justices wrote.Justices Elena Kagan and Sonia Sotomayor also voted to deny the stay but did not sign a dissent.White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Tuesday that President Joe Biden's administration “will, of course, comply with the order and prepare for the Court’s review.”“At the same time, we are advancing our preparations to manage the border in a secure, orderly, and humane way when Title 42 eventually lifts and will continue expanding legal pathways for immigration,” Jean-Pierre added. “Title 42 is a public health measure, not an immigration enforcement measure, and it should not be extended indefinitely.”In November, a federal judge sided with advocates and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-mexico-2d6872921b9d21347175b50f30d31539">set a Dec. 21 deadline</a>&nbsp;to end the policy. Conservative-leaning states appealed to the Supreme Court, warning that an increase in migration would take a toll on public services and cause an “unprecedented calamity” that they said the federal government had no plan to deal with.Roberts, who handles emergency matters that come from federal courts in the nation’s capital, issued a stay to give the court time to more fully consider both sides’ arguments.The federal government&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-health-el-paso-john-roberts-border-security-811299927348837ae86f0f08a06526f1">asked the Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;to reject the states’ effort while also acknowledging that ending the restrictions abruptly would likely lead to “disruption and a temporary increase in unlawful border crossings.”The precise issue before the court is a complicated, largely procedural question of whether the states should be allowed to intervene in the lawsuit. A similar group of states won a lower court order in a different court district preventing the end of the restrictions after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced in April that it was ending use of the policy.Until the judge’s November order in the advocates’ lawsuit, the states had not sought to take part in that case. But they say that the administration has essentially abandoned its defense of the Title 42 policy and they should be able to step in. The administration has appealed the ruling, though it has not tried to keep Title 42 in place while the legal case plays out.The Biden administration still has considerable leeway to enforce Title 42 as aggressively or as leniently as it chooses. For example, when a judge ordered last year that Trump’s “Remain in Mexico” policy to make asylum-seekers wait in Mexico for hearings in U.S. immigration court be reinstated, it did so with such limited scope that it had little impact. That policy ended in August after the administration prevailed in the Supreme Court.The Biden administration's use of Title 42 includes an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-covid-health-donald-trump-united-states-1456bf91a33ccfd1c97b6f12474a1070">opaque, bewildering patchwork</a>&nbsp;of exemptions that are supposed to be for migrants deemed most vulnerable in Mexico, perhaps for gender identity or sexual orientation, or for being specifically threatened with violence. U.S. Customs and Border Protection&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-mexico-us-customs-and-border-protection-63ae1f08f2af3661b2de1d590d750218">works with partners</a>&nbsp;it doesn’t publicly identify and doesn’t say how many slots are made available to each.Mexico is another wild card. The use of Title 42 to quickly expel migrants depends largely on Mexico’s willingness to accept them. Right now Mexico takes expelled migrants from Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Venezuela, in addition to Mexico, but not other countries, such as Cuba. Most asylum seekers who cannot be sent to Mexico are not expelled.Biden is scheduled meet with Mexican President Andres Manuel López Obrador in Mexico City next month.-------

How Supreme Court voted to keep immigration limits in place

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A giant Mega Millions jackpot grew larger Wednesday to an estimated $640 million after another drawing without a winner.

No one won the lottery game's top prize Tuesday night, making it 21 straight drawings without anyone matching all six numbers. The next drawing will be Friday night.

The huge jackpot comes less than two months after the largest lottery prize ever, a $2.04 billion Powerball prize that was won Nov. 8 in California. So far, that big winner hasn't stepped forward to claim the prize.

The reason for all the big prizes is simple — long odds ensure there are few winners and the long streaks of lottery futility allow jackpots to grow ever larger week after week.

The odds of winning a Mega Millions jackpot is one in 302.6 million.

The advertised jackpot of $640 million is for a winner who opts to be paid with an annuity, doled out through annual payments over 29 years. Nearly all winners take the cash option, with for Friday's drawing will be an estimated $328.3 million.

Mega Millions is played in 45 states as well as Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A giant Mega Millions jackpot grew larger Wednesday to an estimated $640 million after another drawing without a winner.No one won the lottery game's top prize Tuesday night, making it 21 straight drawings without anyone matching all six numbers. The next drawing will be Friday night.The huge jackpot comes less than two months after the largest lottery prize ever, a $2.04 billion Powerball prize that was won Nov. 8 in California. So far, that big winner hasn't stepped forward to claim the prize.The reason for all the big prizes is simple — long odds ensure there are few winners and the long streaks of lottery futility allow jackpots to grow ever larger week after week.The odds of winning a Mega Millions jackpot is one in 302.6 million.The advertised jackpot of $640 million is for a winner who opts to be paid with an annuity, doled out through annual payments over 29 years. Nearly all winners take the cash option, with for Friday's drawing will be an estimated $328.3 million.Mega Millions is played in 45 states as well as Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Mega Millions jackpot up to $640M after no big winner

JACKSON COUNTY— A Kansas City man charged in the October double-murder of Chantell Gipson and Austin Scott is still at large.

Glenn A. Pulluaim II, 28, faces two Murder 1st Degree charges and two Armed Criminal Action charges, according to Jackson County. Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

According to court records, on Oct. 17, Kansas City police&nbsp; were dispatched to the 8700 block of Chestnut Circle to check on the welfare of an individual. 

Inside an apartment, police officers found the body of Chantell Gipson. She had been shot. In another bedroom they found the second victim, Austin Scott, Gipson's cousin. 

Witnesses helped identify Pulluaiam. His DNA profile was founnd&nbsp; on spent shells found at the crime scene.

Pulluaim fled the scene im the victim's vehicle. Police recovered the vehicle and have exhausted all leads in an attempted to find him.&nbsp;

Pulluaim is described as 6-foot,&nbsp;&nbsp;thin build with&nbsp; shoulder length dreadlocks. He should be considered armed and dangerous. The FBI is assisting with the investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671103315937.png" alt="Pulluaim-photo KCPD" />
 <figcaption>Pulluaim-photo KCPD</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY— A Kansas City man charged in the October double-murder of Chantell Gipson and Austin Scott is still at large.Glenn A. Pulluaim II, 28, faces two Murder 1st Degree charges and two Armed Criminal Action charges, according to Jackson County. Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.According to court records, on Oct. 17, Kansas City police&nbsp; were dispatched to the 8700 block of Chestnut Circle to check on the welfare of an individual. Inside an apartment, police officers found the body of Chantell Gipson. She had been shot. In another bedroom they found the second victim, Austin Scott, Gipson's cousin. Witnesses helped identify Pulluaiam. His DNA profile was founnd&nbsp; on spent shells found at the crime scene.Pulluaim fled the scene im the victim's vehicle. Police recovered the vehicle and have exhausted all leads in an attempted to find him.&nbsp;Pulluaim is described as 6-foot,&nbsp;&nbsp;thin build with&nbsp; shoulder length dreadlocks. He should be considered armed and dangerous. The FBI is assisting with the investigation.

Kansas City double-murder suspect is sill at large

DALLAS (AP) — Southwest Airlines scrubbed thousands of flights again Tuesday in the aftermath of the massive winter storm that wrecked Christmas travel plans across the U.S., and the federal government said it would investigate why the company lagged so far behind other carriers.

Southwest Airlines CEO Bob Jordan issued an apology on social media.

A day after most U.S. airlines had recovered from the storm, Southwest called off about 2,600 more flights on the East Coast by late afternoon. Those flights accounted for more than 80% of the 3,000 trips that got canceled nationwide Tuesday, according to tracking service FlightAware.

And the chaos seemed certain to continue. The airline also scrubbed 2,500 flights for Wednesday and nearly 1,400 for Thursday as it tried to restore order to its mangled schedule.

At airports with major Southwest operations, customers stood in long lines hoping to find a seat on another flight. They described waiting hours on hold for help, only to be cut off. Some tried to rent cars to get to their destinations sooner. Others found spots to sleep on the floor. Luggage piled up in huge heaps.

Conrad Stoll, a 66-year-old retired construction worker in Missouri, planned to fly from Kansas City to Los Angeles for his father's 90th birthday party until his Southwest flight was canceled early Tuesday. He said he won't get to see his 88-year-old mother either.

"I went there in 2019, and she looked at me and said, 'I'm not going to see you again.'" Stoll said. "My sister has been taking care of them, and she's just like, 'They're really losing it really quick.'"

Stoll hopes to get another chance to see his parents in the spring, when the weather is warmer.

In a video that Southwest posted late Tuesday, CEO Robert Jordan said Southwest would operate a reduced schedule for several days but hoped to be "back on track before next week."

Jordan blamed the winter storm for snarling the airline's "highly complex" network. He said Southwest's tools for recovering from disruptions work "99% of the time, but clearly we need to double down" on upgrading systems to avoid a repeat of this week.

"We have some real work to do in making this right," said Jordan, a 34-year Southwest veteran who became CEO in February. "For now, I want you to know that we are committed to that."

The problems began over the weekend and snowballed Monday, when Southwest called off more than 70% of its flights.

That was after the worst of the storm had passed. The airline said many pilots and flight attendants were out of position to work their flights. Leaders of unions representing Southwest pilots and flight attendants blamed antiquated crew-scheduling software and criticized company management.

Casey Murray, president of the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association, said the airline failed to fix problems that caused a similar meltdown in October 2021.

"There is a lot of frustration because this is so preventable," Murray said. "The airline cannot connect crews to airplanes. The airline didn't even know where pilots were at."

Murray said managers resorted this week to asking pilots at some airports to report to a central location, where they wrote down the names of pilots who were present and forwarded the lists to headquarters.

Lyn Montgomery, president of the Transport Workers Union representing Southwest flight attendants, said she and other labor leaders have repeatedly told management that the airline's scheduling technology is not good enough.

"This has been something we have seen coming," she said. "This is a very catastrophic event."

The airline is now drawing unwanted attention from Washington.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who has criticized airlines for previous disruptions, said his agency would examine the causes of Southwest's widespread cancellations and whether the airline was meeting its legal obligations to stranded customers.

"While we all understand that you can't control the weather, this has clearly crossed the line from what is an uncontrollable weather situation to something that is the airline's direct responsibility," Buttigieg told "NBC Nightly News." He said Southwest should at least pay cash refunds for canceled flights and cover stranded passengers' hotel and meal costs.

In Congress, the Senate Commerce Committee also promised an investigation. Two Senate Democrats called on Southwest to provide "significant" compensation for stranded travelers, saying that the airline has the money because it plans to pay $428 million in dividends next month.

Bryce Burger and his family were supposed to be on a cruise to Mexico departing from San Diego on Dec. 24, but their flight from Denver was canceled without warning. The flight was rebooked through Burbank, California, but that flight was canceled while they sat at the gate.

"It's horrible," Burger said Tuesday by phone from Salt Lake City, where the family decided to drive after giving up the cruise.

The family's luggage is still at the Denver airport, and Burger doesn't know if he can get a refund for the cruise because the flight to California was booked separately.

The size and severity of the storm created havoc for many airlines, although the largest number of canceled flights Tuesday were at airports where Southwest is a major carrier, including Denver, Chicago Midway, Las Vegas, Baltimore and Dallas.

Spirit Airlines and Alaska Airlines both canceled about 10% of their flights, with much smaller cancellation percentages at American, Delta, United and JetBlue.

Kristie Smiley planned to return home to Los Angeles until Southwest canceled her Tuesday flight, so she waited at the Kansas City airport for her mother to pick her up. Southwest can't put her on another plane until Sunday, New Year's Day.

Smiley said the airline kept blaming the weather after the storm passed and didn't tell passengers why planes couldn't take off.

"They like acted like (Tuesday's flight) was going to go until they started saying, 'Oh, five more minutes. Oh, 10 more minutes.' I'm not sure what's up with them. It seems a little off," she said.

Danielle Zanin vowed never to fly Southwest again after it took four days, several canceled flights and sleeping in the airport before she, her husband and their two young children got home to Illinois from Albuquerque, New Mexico. They made stops at airports in Denver and Phoenix and reached Chicago only after ditching Southwest and paying $1,400 for four one-way tickets on American Airlines.

"I remember saying, 'Oh my God, we're getting on a plane!' I was honestly shocked because I thought we were stuck in airports forever," she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1672191058148.png" alt="Denver International Airport on Tuesday- photo courtesy KMGH" />
 <figcaption>Denver International Airport on Tuesday- photo courtesy KMGH</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVID KOENIG AP Airlines WriterDALLAS (AP) — Southwest Airlines scrubbed thousands of flights again Tuesday in the aftermath of the massive winter storm that wrecked Christmas travel plans across the U.S., and the federal government said it would investigate why the company lagged so far behind other carriers.Southwest Airlines CEO Bob Jordan issued an apology on social media.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">On the heels of wide-scale disruptions, we&#39;re working diligently to Safely recover our operation &amp; accommodate displaced Customers &amp; Crews. We know this is unacceptable &amp; sincerely apologize. If your travel was impacted, explore self-service options here: <a href="https://t.co/B6L8HR9Yqc">https://t.co/B6L8HR9Yqc</a> <a href="https://t.co/mLWndYMned">pic.twitter.com/mLWndYMned</a>&mdash; Southwest Airlines (@SouthwestAir) <a href="https://twitter.com/SouthwestAir/status/1607905087074013185?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>A day after most U.S. airlines had recovered from the storm, Southwest called off about 2,600 more flights on the East Coast by late afternoon. Those flights accounted for more than 80% of the 3,000 trips that got canceled nationwide Tuesday, according to tracking service FlightAware.And the chaos seemed certain to continue. The airline also scrubbed 2,500 flights for Wednesday and nearly 1,400 for Thursday as it tried to restore order to its mangled schedule.At airports with major Southwest operations, customers stood in long lines hoping to find a seat on another flight. They described waiting hours on hold for help, only to be cut off. Some tried to rent cars to get to their destinations sooner. Others found spots to sleep on the floor. Luggage piled up in huge heaps.Conrad Stoll, a 66-year-old retired construction worker in Missouri, planned to fly from Kansas City to Los Angeles for his father's 90th birthday party until his Southwest flight was canceled early Tuesday. He said he won't get to see his 88-year-old mother either."I went there in 2019, and she looked at me and said, 'I'm not going to see you again.'" Stoll said. "My sister has been taking care of them, and she's just like, 'They're really losing it really quick.'"Stoll hopes to get another chance to see his parents in the spring, when the weather is warmer.In a video that Southwest posted late Tuesday, CEO Robert Jordan said Southwest would operate a reduced schedule for several days but hoped to be "back on track before next week."Jordan blamed the winter storm for snarling the airline's "highly complex" network. He said Southwest's tools for recovering from disruptions work "99% of the time, but clearly we need to double down" on upgrading systems to avoid a repeat of this week."We have some real work to do in making this right," said Jordan, a 34-year Southwest veteran who became CEO in February. "For now, I want you to know that we are committed to that."The problems began over the weekend and snowballed Monday, when Southwest called off more than 70% of its flights.That was after the worst of the storm had passed. The airline said many pilots and flight attendants were out of position to work their flights. Leaders of unions representing Southwest pilots and flight attendants blamed antiquated crew-scheduling software and criticized company management.Casey Murray, president of the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association, said the airline failed to fix problems that caused a similar meltdown in October 2021."There is a lot of frustration because this is so preventable," Murray said. "The airline cannot connect crews to airplanes. The airline didn't even know where pilots were at."Murray said managers resorted this week to asking pilots at some airports to report to a central location, where they wrote down the names of pilots who were present and forwarded the lists to headquarters.Lyn Montgomery, president of the Transport Workers Union representing Southwest flight attendants, said she and other labor leaders have repeatedly told management that the airline's scheduling technology is not good enough."This has been something we have seen coming," she said. "This is a very catastrophic event."The airline is now drawing unwanted attention from Washington.Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who has criticized airlines for previous disruptions, said his agency would examine the causes of Southwest's widespread cancellations and whether the airline was meeting its legal obligations to stranded customers."While we all understand that you can't control the weather, this has clearly crossed the line from what is an uncontrollable weather situation to something that is the airline's direct responsibility," Buttigieg told "NBC Nightly News." He said Southwest should at least pay cash refunds for canceled flights and cover stranded passengers' hotel and meal costs.In Congress, the Senate Commerce Committee also promised an investigation. Two Senate Democrats called on Southwest to provide "significant" compensation for stranded travelers, saying that the airline has the money because it plans to pay $428 million in dividends next month.Bryce Burger and his family were supposed to be on a cruise to Mexico departing from San Diego on Dec. 24, but their flight from Denver was canceled without warning. The flight was rebooked through Burbank, California, but that flight was canceled while they sat at the gate."It's horrible," Burger said Tuesday by phone from Salt Lake City, where the family decided to drive after giving up the cruise.The family's luggage is still at the Denver airport, and Burger doesn't know if he can get a refund for the cruise because the flight to California was booked separately.The size and severity of the storm created havoc for many airlines, although the largest number of canceled flights Tuesday were at airports where Southwest is a major carrier, including Denver, Chicago Midway, Las Vegas, Baltimore and Dallas.Spirit Airlines and Alaska Airlines both canceled about 10% of their flights, with much smaller cancellation percentages at American, Delta, United and JetBlue.Kristie Smiley planned to return home to Los Angeles until Southwest canceled her Tuesday flight, so she waited at the Kansas City airport for her mother to pick her up. Southwest can't put her on another plane until Sunday, New Year's Day.Smiley said the airline kept blaming the weather after the storm passed and didn't tell passengers why planes couldn't take off."They like acted like (Tuesday's flight) was going to go until they started saying, 'Oh, five more minutes. Oh, 10 more minutes.' I'm not sure what's up with them. It seems a little off," she said.Danielle Zanin vowed never to fly Southwest again after it took four days, several canceled flights and sleeping in the airport before she, her husband and their two young children got home to Illinois from Albuquerque, New Mexico. They made stops at airports in Denver and Phoenix and reached Chicago only after ditching Southwest and paying $1,400 for four one-way tickets on American Airlines."I remember saying, 'Oh my God, we're getting on a plane!' I was honestly shocked because I thought we were stuck in airports forever," she said.Zanin plans to ask Southwest to be reimbursed for part of their original tickets plus the new ones on American, and extra spending on rental cars, parking, an Uber ride and food — about $2,000 in all."I don't have good faith that they will do much of anything," she said.___Associated Press writers Heather Hollingsworth in Kansas City, Missouri, Thalia Beaty in New York and Sophie Austin in Sacramento, California, contributed to this story.