SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a bank robbery in Wichita have identified the suspect and he was arrested in Meade County, Wichita Police Spokesman Andrew Ford reported Thursday morning. According to online jail records the suspect is 67-year-old&nbsp;Craig Lee Henderson.

Just before 11:30a.m. Wednesday, the suspect later identified as Henderson entered the Wells Fargo Bank, 455 South West Street in Wichita, according to Ford. 

The suspect was described as a white male between 50 and 60-years-old with long gray hair and a black and white beard. He announced the robbery to a teller and demanded money.&nbsp;

The teller gave Henderson an undisclosed amount of cash and he fled the business in an unknown direction. Henderson indicated he had a weapon, but one was not displayed. Henderson also was wearing black sunglasses and a blue jean jacket.&nbsp; &nbsp;

The Wichita Police crime lab collected evidence and the FBI is in charge of the investigation.&nbsp; Henderson remains jailed in Meade County.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712928769836.png" alt="Henderson-photo Meade County" />
 <figcaption>Henderson-photo Meade County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a bank robbery in Wichita have identified the suspect and he was arrested in Meade County, Wichita Police Spokesman Andrew Ford reported Thursday morning. According to online jail records the suspect is 67-year-old&nbsp;Craig Lee Henderson.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712837540615.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Just before 11:30a.m. Wednesday, the suspect later identified as Henderson entered the Wells Fargo Bank, 455 South West Street in Wichita, according to Ford. The suspect was described as a white male between 50 and 60-years-old with long gray hair and a black and white beard. He announced the robbery to a teller and demanded money.&nbsp;The teller gave Henderson an undisclosed amount of cash and he fled the business in an unknown direction. Henderson indicated he had a weapon, but one was not displayed. Henderson also was wearing black sunglasses and a blue jean jacket.&nbsp; &nbsp;The Wichita Police crime lab collected evidence and the FBI is in charge of the investigation.&nbsp; Henderson remains jailed in Meade County.

Captured Kansas bank robbery suspect identified

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas' governor on Friday vetoed a proposed ban on gender-affirming care for minors, a measure to require more reporting from abortion providers and what she called a “vague” bill making it a crime to coerce someone into having an abortion.

Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly's actions set up a series of confrontations with the Republican-supermajority Legislature over those issues. The measures appeared to have the two-thirds majorities needed in both chambers to override vetoes, but GOP leaders' success depends on how many lawmakers are absent on a given day, especially in the House.

The two-term governor, who is term-limited, is a strong supporter of abortion and LGBTQ+ rights. Republicans control the Legislature, and they've joined other GOP lawmakers across the U.S. in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/states-define-sex-transgender-dc8c48669aef760c68d2fb7abde10e8c">rolling back transgender rights</a>.

But Kansas has been an outlier on abortion among states with Republican legislatures because the Kansas Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-3f479b218a6140719e1694fcfcdb8036">declared in 2019</a>&nbsp;that the state constitution protects abortion rights, and a statewide vote in August 2022&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-primary-elections-kansas-abortion-b6d62a852c2ce4617f2c03589fbb523e">decisively affirmed</a>&nbsp;that position.

“Voters do not want politicians getting between doctors and their patient by interfering in private medical decisions,” Kelly wrote in her veto message on the abortion reporting bill.

Kelly did allow one GOP proposal on a social issue highlighted by Republicans across the U.S. to become law without her signature. Starting July 1, pornography websites&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/internet-pornography-age-verification-states-2ad9939bb95ccc15126419b38067be94">must verify</a>&nbsp;that Kansas visitors are adults. Kansas will follow Texas and a handful of other states despite some concerns about privacy and how broadly the law could be applied.

In rejecting an attempt to have Kansas join at least 24 other states in banning or restricting gender-affirming care for minors, Kelly argued that a ban “tramples parental rights” and targets “a small group.”

“If the Legislature paid this much attention to the other 99.8% of students, we’d have the best schools on earth,” she wrote.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/documents/sb233_enrolled.pdf">Kansas bill</a>&nbsp;against gender-affirming care would bar surgery, hormone treatments and puberty blockers, limiting care for minors to therapy.

“Hopefully this will be the end of that, at least this year, and they don’t decide to waste anyone’s time anymore,” Jenna Bellemere, a transgender University of Kansas student, said after learning of the veto.

The bill also would require that the state revoke the licenses of any doctors violating the ban and bar recipients of state funds for treating children or state employees who work with children from advocating gender-affirming care for them. It would ban the use of state dollars and property on such care, which restricts the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas.

Supporters of the bill argue the ban will protect children from experimental, possibly dangerous and potentially permanent treatments. They have cited the recent decision of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-puberty-blockers-england-uk-5ed81979363470028053423c0a2fa263">the National Health Service in England</a>&nbsp;to no longer routinely cover such treatments. Senate President Ty Masterson, a Wichita-area Republican, said of Kelly, “The radical left controls her veto pen.”

“Laura Kelly will most surely find herself on the wrong side of history with her reckless veto of this common-sense protection for Kansas minors,” said Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins, a Wichita Republican.

But U.S. states' bans go against the recommendations of major American health care groups, including the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Also, many medical professionals say providing such care makes transgender children less prone to depression or suicidal thoughts.

Last year, Republican legislators overrode Kelly vetoes to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-athletes-genderaffirming-care-kansas-0dcbbe6515e8f72d17e5aed2a04aa1ec">ban transgender girls and women</a>&nbsp;on female K-12 and college sports teams and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-kansas-state-government-arkansas-health-8f2edaa40b962e5642e108b83bc14246">end the state's legal recognition</a>&nbsp;of transgender people's gender identities. Because of the latter law, Kansas no longer allows transgender people&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-birth-certificates-kansas-8424f36613c05d03b7d4eb8f82229ee6">to change the listing for sex</a>&nbsp;on their driver's licenses or birth certificates.

Republican lawmakers also have continued to press for new laws on abortion, despite the August 2022 vote, arguing that voters still support “reasonable” regulations and support for pregnant women and new mothers.

“Once again, Governor ‘Coercion Kelly’ has shown how radical she is when it comes to abortion, lacking basic compassion for women who are pushed or even trafficked into abortions," Danielle Underwood, spokesperson for Kansans for Life, the state's most influential anti-abortion group, said in a statement.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-abortion-coercion-5fad478f4164c22f7f81b72268aa6f68">The anti-coercion bill</a>&nbsp;would punish someone convicted of making a physical or financial threat against a woman or girl to push her to have an abortion with up to a year in prison or a fine of up to $10,000. In her veto message, Kelly noted that it's already a crime to threaten someone else.

Critics said it's written broadly enough that it could apply to a spouse who threatens divorce or a live-in boyfriend who threatens to leave unless their partner gets an abortion.

The reporting bill would require providers to ask their patients why they want to terminate their pregnancies and report the information to the state health department. Kelly and other critics contend it's invasive and unnecessary, but supporters argue that the state needs better data about why women and girls have abortions to help set policy.

“These stigmatizing bills were not crafted to improve the health and well-being of Kansans," said Emily Wales, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Plains, which operates three clinics providing abortions in Kansas. “They were merely meant to shame reproductive care.”

&nbsp;TOPEKA —Kansas Governor Laura Kelly announced Friday that she vetoed a bill that would require Kansas abortion providers to ask their patients why they want to terminate their pregnancies and then report the answers to the state.&nbsp; 

In a statement from her office Kelly wrote, “Kansans spoke loud and clear in August 2022. Voters do not want politicians getting between doctors and their patient by interfering in private medical decisions.

“House Bill 2749 is invasive and unnecessary. There is no valid medical reason to force a woman to disclose to the legislature if they have been a victim of abuse, rape, or incest prior to obtaining an abortion. There is also no valid reason to force a woman to disclose to the legislature why she is seeking an abortion.

“I refuse to sign legislation that goes against the will of the majority of Kansans who spoke loudly on August 2, 2022: Kansans don’t want politicians involved in their private medical decisions."

“There are some in the legislature who have forgotten that. I have not. Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto House Bill 2749.”

The bill required providers to ask patients 11 questions about their reasons for terminating a pregnancy, including that they can’t afford another child, raising a child would hinder their education or careers, or a spouse or partner wanted her to have an abortion. A woman would not be required to answer, however.

At least eight states require similar reporting, but none of them has had a statewide vote on abortion rights as Kansas did in August 2022. In the first state ballot question on abortion after the U.S. Supreme Court’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">Dobbs decision</a>, voters&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-primary-elections-kansas-abortion-b6d62a852c2ce4617f2c03589fbb523e">decisively protected abortion rights</a>&nbsp;under the state constitution.

Supporters of the bill in the Kansas Legislature appear to have exactly the two-thirds majorities in both chambers they would need to override Kelly's veto.

-The Associated Press contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684065199461.png" alt="&nbsp;Photo Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Photo Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNATOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas' governor on Friday vetoed a proposed ban on gender-affirming care for minors, a measure to require more reporting from abortion providers and what she called a “vague” bill making it a crime to coerce someone into having an abortion.Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly's actions set up a series of confrontations with the Republican-supermajority Legislature over those issues. The measures appeared to have the two-thirds majorities needed in both chambers to override vetoes, but GOP leaders' success depends on how many lawmakers are absent on a given day, especially in the House.The two-term governor, who is term-limited, is a strong supporter of abortion and LGBTQ+ rights. Republicans control the Legislature, and they've joined other GOP lawmakers across the U.S. in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/states-define-sex-transgender-dc8c48669aef760c68d2fb7abde10e8c">rolling back transgender rights</a>.But Kansas has been an outlier on abortion among states with Republican legislatures because the Kansas Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-3f479b218a6140719e1694fcfcdb8036">declared in 2019</a>&nbsp;that the state constitution protects abortion rights, and a statewide vote in August 2022&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-primary-elections-kansas-abortion-b6d62a852c2ce4617f2c03589fbb523e">decisively affirmed</a>&nbsp;that position.“Voters do not want politicians getting between doctors and their patient by interfering in private medical decisions,” Kelly wrote in her veto message on the abortion reporting bill.Kelly did allow one GOP proposal on a social issue highlighted by Republicans across the U.S. to become law without her signature. Starting July 1, pornography websites&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/internet-pornography-age-verification-states-2ad9939bb95ccc15126419b38067be94">must verify</a>&nbsp;that Kansas visitors are adults. Kansas will follow Texas and a handful of other states despite some concerns about privacy and how broadly the law could be applied.In rejecting an attempt to have Kansas join at least 24 other states in banning or restricting gender-affirming care for minors, Kelly argued that a ban “tramples parental rights” and targets “a small group.”“If the Legislature paid this much attention to the other 99.8% of students, we’d have the best schools on earth,” she wrote.The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/documents/sb233_enrolled.pdf">Kansas bill</a>&nbsp;against gender-affirming care would bar surgery, hormone treatments and puberty blockers, limiting care for minors to therapy.“Hopefully this will be the end of that, at least this year, and they don’t decide to waste anyone’s time anymore,” Jenna Bellemere, a transgender University of Kansas student, said after learning of the veto.The bill also would require that the state revoke the licenses of any doctors violating the ban and bar recipients of state funds for treating children or state employees who work with children from advocating gender-affirming care for them. It would ban the use of state dollars and property on such care, which restricts the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas.Supporters of the bill argue the ban will protect children from experimental, possibly dangerous and potentially permanent treatments. They have cited the recent decision of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-puberty-blockers-england-uk-5ed81979363470028053423c0a2fa263">the National Health Service in England</a>&nbsp;to no longer routinely cover such treatments. Senate President Ty Masterson, a Wichita-area Republican, said of Kelly, “The radical left controls her veto pen.”“Laura Kelly will most surely find herself on the wrong side of history with her reckless veto of this common-sense protection for Kansas minors,” said Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins, a Wichita Republican.But U.S. states' bans go against the recommendations of major American health care groups, including the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Also, many medical professionals say providing such care makes transgender children less prone to depression or suicidal thoughts.Last year, Republican legislators overrode Kelly vetoes to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-athletes-genderaffirming-care-kansas-0dcbbe6515e8f72d17e5aed2a04aa1ec">ban transgender girls and women</a>&nbsp;on female K-12 and college sports teams and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-kansas-state-government-arkansas-health-8f2edaa40b962e5642e108b83bc14246">end the state's legal recognition</a>&nbsp;of transgender people's gender identities. Because of the latter law, Kansas no longer allows transgender people&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-birth-certificates-kansas-8424f36613c05d03b7d4eb8f82229ee6">to change the listing for sex</a>&nbsp;on their driver's licenses or birth certificates.Republican lawmakers also have continued to press for new laws on abortion, despite the August 2022 vote, arguing that voters still support “reasonable” regulations and support for pregnant women and new mothers.“Once again, Governor ‘Coercion Kelly’ has shown how radical she is when it comes to abortion, lacking basic compassion for women who are pushed or even trafficked into abortions," Danielle Underwood, spokesperson for Kansans for Life, the state's most influential anti-abortion group, said in a statement.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-abortion-coercion-5fad478f4164c22f7f81b72268aa6f68">The anti-coercion bill</a>&nbsp;would punish someone convicted of making a physical or financial threat against a woman or girl to push her to have an abortion with up to a year in prison or a fine of up to $10,000. In her veto message, Kelly noted that it's already a crime to threaten someone else.Critics said it's written broadly enough that it could apply to a spouse who threatens divorce or a live-in boyfriend who threatens to leave unless their partner gets an abortion.The reporting bill would require providers to ask their patients why they want to terminate their pregnancies and report the information to the state health department. Kelly and other critics contend it's invasive and unnecessary, but supporters argue that the state needs better data about why women and girls have abortions to help set policy.“These stigmatizing bills were not crafted to improve the health and well-being of Kansans," said Emily Wales, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Plains, which operates three clinics providing abortions in Kansas. “They were merely meant to shame reproductive care.”-----------&nbsp;TOPEKA —Kansas Governor Laura Kelly announced Friday that she vetoed a bill that would require Kansas abortion providers to ask their patients why they want to terminate their pregnancies and then report the answers to the state.&nbsp; In a statement from her office Kelly wrote, “Kansans spoke loud and clear in August 2022. Voters do not want politicians getting between doctors and their patient by interfering in private medical decisions.“House Bill 2749 is invasive and unnecessary. There is no valid medical reason to force a woman to disclose to the legislature if they have been a victim of abuse, rape, or incest prior to obtaining an abortion. There is also no valid reason to force a woman to disclose to the legislature why she is seeking an abortion.“I refuse to sign legislation that goes against the will of the majority of Kansans who spoke loudly on August 2, 2022: Kansans don’t want politicians involved in their private medical decisions."“There are some in the legislature who have forgotten that. I have not. Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto House Bill 2749.”The bill required providers to ask patients 11 questions about their reasons for terminating a pregnancy, including that they can’t afford another child, raising a child would hinder their education or careers, or a spouse or partner wanted her to have an abortion. A woman would not be required to answer, however.At least eight states require similar reporting, but none of them has had a statewide vote on abortion rights as Kansas did in August 2022. In the first state ballot question on abortion after the U.S. Supreme Court’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">Dobbs decision</a>, voters&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-primary-elections-kansas-abortion-b6d62a852c2ce4617f2c03589fbb523e">decisively protected abortion rights</a>&nbsp;under the state constitution.Supporters of the bill in the Kansas Legislature appear to have exactly the two-thirds majorities in both chambers they would need to override Kelly's veto.-The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Kan. gov. vetoes ban on gender-affirming care for minors and 2 anti-abortion bills

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration is canceling student loans for another 277,000 borrowers as part of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-loans-forgiveness-save-plan-debt-borrowers-313afd73cadc3cfc8ab3a6ee684fc3e4">new repayment plan</a>&nbsp;that offers a faster route to forgiveness.

The Education Department announced the latest round of cancellations Friday in an update on the progress of its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-loans-debt-college-cancellation-forgiveness-34152bb5000128a413efd2287887a37a">SAVE Plan</a>. More people are becoming eligible for student loan cancellation as they hit 10 years of payments, a new finish line for some loans that’s a decade sooner than what borrowers faced in the past.

Casting a shadow over the cancellations, however, are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-debt-cancellation-college-forgiveness-f94b9706bd395b32e44d4d1b3f6ff051">two new lawsuits</a>&nbsp;challenging the plan's legality. Two groups of Republican-led states, fronted by Kansas and Missouri, recently&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-loan-cancellation-debt-lawsuit-republicans-biden-b60d13539b2f2aef2869d56e63f33a3b">filed federal suits</a>&nbsp;arguing that the Biden administration overstepped its authority in creating the repayment option.

“From day one of my Administration, I promised to fight to ensure higher education is a ticket to the middle class, not a barrier to opportunity,” President Joe Biden said in a statement. “I will never stop working to cancel student debt — no matter how many times Republican elected officials try to stop us.”

With the latest action, the Education Department has now approved cancellation for about 360,000 borrowers through the new repayment plan, totaling $4.8 billion.

The SAVE Plan is an updated version of a federal repayment plan that has been offered for decades, but with more generous terms.

Congress created the first income-driven repayment option in the 1990s for people struggling to afford payments on standard plans. It capped monthly payments to a percentage of their incomes and canceled any unpaid debt after 25 years. Similar plans were added later, offering cancellation in as little as 20 years.

Arguing that today's borrowers need even more help, the Biden administration merged most of those plans into a single repayment option with more lenient terms.

The SAVE (Saving on a Valuable Education) Plan allows more borrowers to pay nothing until their income rise above certain limits. It also lowers payments more than past plans, eliminates interest growth and cancels unpaid debt in as little as 10 years.

Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-loan-forgiveness-biden-plan-d9c8e18774a744187c9af634bf4eb728">announced the plan in 2022</a>&nbsp;alongside his broader proposal for a one-time cancellation of up to $20,000 for more than 40 million people. While the one-time cancellation was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-loan-forgiveness-supreme-court-653c2e9c085863bdbf81f125f87669fa">struck down</a>&nbsp;by the Supreme Court, the SAVE Plan moved forward and initially escaped legal scrutiny.

The repayment plan opened for enrollment last fall, with certain provisions scheduled to be phased in later this year. The faster path to cancellation was among those slated to start this summer, but the Biden administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-loans-cancellation-debt-forgiveness-biden-2630ec3d7cb06510c9d7248a86afb8ce">fast-tracked that benefit</a>&nbsp;early this year, announcing forgiveness for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-student-loan-forgiveness-2024-california-cc23ba93a733b583f3ee8963cdd02566">153,000 borrowers</a>&nbsp;who had hit 10 years of payments.

Almost 8 million Americans have enrolled in the plan, including 4.5 million who pay nothing because they have lower incomes.

In a call with reporters, Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said the plan provides relief and prevents borrowers from falling behind on their loans.

“Now they have some money back in their pockets, instead of a bill that too often competed with basic needs like groceries and health care,” he said.

Under the plan, borrowers who originally borrowed $12,000 or less are eligible for forgiveness after 10 years. Those who took out more than $12,000 can get cancellation but on a longer timeline. For each $1,000 borrowed beyond $12,000, it adds an additional year of payments on top of 10 years.

The Biden administration says it's designed to help those who need it most. Counterintuitively, those with smaller student loan balances tend to struggle more. It’s driven by millions of Americans who take out student loans but don’t finish degrees, leaving them with the downside of debt without the upside of a higher income.

In two separate lawsuits, Republican attorneys general in 18 states are pushing to have the plan tossed and to halt any further cancellation. They say the SAVE Plan goes beyond Biden’s authority and makes it harder for states to recruit employees. They say the plan undermines a separate cancellation program that encourages careers in public service.

It’s unclear what the suits could mean for loans that have already been canceled. A court document filed by Kansas' attorney general says it's “unrealistic to think that any loan forgiveness that occurs during this litigation will ever be clawed back.”

The lawsuits don't directly address the question, and the attorneys general didn't immediately respond to an Associated Press request.

The Education Department says Congress gave the agency power to define the terms of income-driven payment plans in 1993, and that authority has been used in the past.

Along with the repayment plan, Biden is trying again at a one-time student loan cancellation. In a visit to Wisconsin on Monday, he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-student-loan-education-forgiveness-069d64e7e6fc4edd967adf6bc5f7e699">highlighted a proposal</a>&nbsp;to reduce or cancel loans for more than 30 million borrowers in five categories.

It aims to help borrowers with larges sums of unpaid interest, those with older loans, those who attended low-value programs, and those who face other hardships preventing them from repaying student loans. It would also cancel loans for people who are eligible for other forgiveness programs but haven't applied.

The Biden administration says it will accelerate parts of the proposal, with plans to start waiving unpaid interest for millions of borrowers starting this fall. Conservative opponents have threatened to challenge that plan, too.

On Friday the administration also said it's canceling loans for 65,000 borrowers who are enrolled in older income-driven repayment plans and hit the finish line for forgiveness. It also announced cancellation for another 5,000 borrowers through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

Through a variety of programs, the Biden administration says it has now provided loan relief to 4.3 million people, totaling $153 billion.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712948481051.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration is canceling student loans for another 277,000 borrowers as part of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-loans-forgiveness-save-plan-debt-borrowers-313afd73cadc3cfc8ab3a6ee684fc3e4">new repayment plan</a>&nbsp;that offers a faster route to forgiveness.The Education Department announced the latest round of cancellations Friday in an update on the progress of its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-loans-debt-college-cancellation-forgiveness-34152bb5000128a413efd2287887a37a">SAVE Plan</a>. More people are becoming eligible for student loan cancellation as they hit 10 years of payments, a new finish line for some loans that’s a decade sooner than what borrowers faced in the past.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Biden and I are proud to announce an additional $7.4 billion in student loan forgiveness for 277,000 more Americans. We have now forgiven $153 billion for 4.3 million borrowers — and we won’t stop there. To learn more visit <a href="https://t.co/5lP8EkFs1D">https://t.co/5lP8EkFs1D</a>. <a href="https://t.co/smFxD8Ztoy">pic.twitter.com/smFxD8Ztoy</a>&mdash; Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) <a href="https://twitter.com/VP/status/1778801631364014424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Casting a shadow over the cancellations, however, are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-debt-cancellation-college-forgiveness-f94b9706bd395b32e44d4d1b3f6ff051">two new lawsuits</a>&nbsp;challenging the plan's legality. Two groups of Republican-led states, fronted by Kansas and Missouri, recently&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-loan-cancellation-debt-lawsuit-republicans-biden-b60d13539b2f2aef2869d56e63f33a3b">filed federal suits</a>&nbsp;arguing that the Biden administration overstepped its authority in creating the repayment option.“From day one of my Administration, I promised to fight to ensure higher education is a ticket to the middle class, not a barrier to opportunity,” President Joe Biden said in a statement. “I will never stop working to cancel student debt — no matter how many times Republican elected officials try to stop us.”With the latest action, the Education Department has now approved cancellation for about 360,000 borrowers through the new repayment plan, totaling $4.8 billion.The SAVE Plan is an updated version of a federal repayment plan that has been offered for decades, but with more generous terms.Congress created the first income-driven repayment option in the 1990s for people struggling to afford payments on standard plans. It capped monthly payments to a percentage of their incomes and canceled any unpaid debt after 25 years. Similar plans were added later, offering cancellation in as little as 20 years.Arguing that today's borrowers need even more help, the Biden administration merged most of those plans into a single repayment option with more lenient terms.The SAVE (Saving on a Valuable Education) Plan allows more borrowers to pay nothing until their income rise above certain limits. It also lowers payments more than past plans, eliminates interest growth and cancels unpaid debt in as little as 10 years.Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-loan-forgiveness-biden-plan-d9c8e18774a744187c9af634bf4eb728">announced the plan in 2022</a>&nbsp;alongside his broader proposal for a one-time cancellation of up to $20,000 for more than 40 million people. While the one-time cancellation was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-loan-forgiveness-supreme-court-653c2e9c085863bdbf81f125f87669fa">struck down</a>&nbsp;by the Supreme Court, the SAVE Plan moved forward and initially escaped legal scrutiny.The repayment plan opened for enrollment last fall, with certain provisions scheduled to be phased in later this year. The faster path to cancellation was among those slated to start this summer, but the Biden administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-loans-cancellation-debt-forgiveness-biden-2630ec3d7cb06510c9d7248a86afb8ce">fast-tracked that benefit</a>&nbsp;early this year, announcing forgiveness for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-student-loan-forgiveness-2024-california-cc23ba93a733b583f3ee8963cdd02566">153,000 borrowers</a>&nbsp;who had hit 10 years of payments.Almost 8 million Americans have enrolled in the plan, including 4.5 million who pay nothing because they have lower incomes.In a call with reporters, Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said the plan provides relief and prevents borrowers from falling behind on their loans.“Now they have some money back in their pockets, instead of a bill that too often competed with basic needs like groceries and health care,” he said.Under the plan, borrowers who originally borrowed $12,000 or less are eligible for forgiveness after 10 years. Those who took out more than $12,000 can get cancellation but on a longer timeline. For each $1,000 borrowed beyond $12,000, it adds an additional year of payments on top of 10 years.The Biden administration says it's designed to help those who need it most. Counterintuitively, those with smaller student loan balances tend to struggle more. It’s driven by millions of Americans who take out student loans but don’t finish degrees, leaving them with the downside of debt without the upside of a higher income.In two separate lawsuits, Republican attorneys general in 18 states are pushing to have the plan tossed and to halt any further cancellation. They say the SAVE Plan goes beyond Biden’s authority and makes it harder for states to recruit employees. They say the plan undermines a separate cancellation program that encourages careers in public service.It’s unclear what the suits could mean for loans that have already been canceled. A court document filed by Kansas' attorney general says it's “unrealistic to think that any loan forgiveness that occurs during this litigation will ever be clawed back.”The lawsuits don't directly address the question, and the attorneys general didn't immediately respond to an Associated Press request.The Education Department says Congress gave the agency power to define the terms of income-driven payment plans in 1993, and that authority has been used in the past.Along with the repayment plan, Biden is trying again at a one-time student loan cancellation. In a visit to Wisconsin on Monday, he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-student-loan-education-forgiveness-069d64e7e6fc4edd967adf6bc5f7e699">highlighted a proposal</a>&nbsp;to reduce or cancel loans for more than 30 million borrowers in five categories.It aims to help borrowers with larges sums of unpaid interest, those with older loans, those who attended low-value programs, and those who face other hardships preventing them from repaying student loans. It would also cancel loans for people who are eligible for other forgiveness programs but haven't applied.The Biden administration says it will accelerate parts of the proposal, with plans to start waiving unpaid interest for millions of borrowers starting this fall. Conservative opponents have threatened to challenge that plan, too.On Friday the administration also said it's canceling loans for 65,000 borrowers who are enrolled in older income-driven repayment plans and hit the finish line for forgiveness. It also announced cancellation for another 5,000 borrowers through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.Through a variety of programs, the Biden administration says it has now provided loan relief to 4.3 million people, totaling $153 billion.

Biden announces new student loan forgiveness plan

NEW YORK (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/robert-macneil">Robert MacNeil,</a>&nbsp;who created the even-handed, no-frills PBS newscast “The MacNeil-Lehrer NewsHour” in the 1970s and co-anchored the show for with his late partner,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/f8aeb6fc3fc76ef11bca1d6368afb4f9">Jim Lehrer,</a>&nbsp;for two decades, died on Friday. He was 93.

MacNeil died of natural causes at New York-Presbyterian Hospital, according to his daughter, Alison MacNeil.

MacNeil first gained prominence for his coverage of the Senate Watergate hearings for the public broadcasting service and began his half-hour “Robert MacNeil Report” on PBS in 1975 with his friend Lehrer as Washington correspondent.

The broadcast became the “MacNeil-Lehrer Report” and then, in 1983, was expanded to an hour and renamed the “MacNeil-Lehrer NewsHour.” The nation's first one-hour evening news broadcast, and recipient of several Emmy and Peabody awards, it remains on the air today with Geoff Bennett and Amna Nawaz as anchors.

It was MacNeil’s and Lehrer’s disenchantment with the style and content of rival news programs on ABC, CBS and NBC that led to the program’s creation.

“We don’t need to SELL the news,” MacNeil told the Chicago Tribune in 1983. “The networks hype the news to make it seem vital, important. What’s missing (in 22 minutes) is context, sometimes balance, and a consideration of questions that are raised by certain events.”

MacNeil left anchoring duties at “NewsHour” after two decades in 1995 to write full time. Lehrer took over the newscast alone, and he remained there until 2009. Lehrer died in 2020.

When MacNeil visited the show in October 2005 to commemorate its 30th anniversary, he reminisced about how their newscast started in the days before cable television.

“It was a way to do something that seemed to be needed journalistically and yet was different from what the commercial network news (programs) were doing,” he said.

MacNeil wrote several books, including two memoirs “The Right Place at the Right Time” and the best seller “Wordstruck,” and the novels “Burden of Desire” and “The Voyage.”

“Writing is much more personal. It is not collaborative in the way that television must be,” MacNeil told The Associated Press in 1995. “But when you’re sitting down writing a novel, it’s just you: Here’s what I think, here’s what I want to do. And it’s me.”

MacNeil also created the Emmy-winning 1986 series “The Story of English,” with the MacNeil-Lehrer production company, and was co-author of the companion book of the same name.

Another book on language that he co-wrote, “Do You Speak American?,” was adapted into a PBS documentary in 2005.

In 2007, he served as host of “America at a Crossroads,” a six-night PBS package exploring challenges confronting the United States in a post-9/11 world.

Six years before the 9/11 attacks, discussing sensationalism and frivolity in the news business, he had said: “If something really serious did happen to the nation — a stock market crash like 1929, ... the equivalent of a Pearl Harbor — wouldn’t the news get very serious again? Wouldn’t people run from `Hard Copy’ and titillation?”

“Of course you would. You’d have to know what was going on.”

Born in Montreal in 1931, MacNeil was raised in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and graduated from Carleton University in Ottawa in 1955 before moving to London where he began his journalism career with Reuters. He switched to TV news in 1960, taking a job with NBC in London as a foreign correspondent.

In 1963, MacNeil was transferred to NBC’s Washington bureau, where he reported on Civil Rights and the White House. He covered the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in Dallas and spent most of 1964 following the presidential campaign between Kennedy’s successor, Lyndon Johnson, and Republican Barry Goldwater.

In 1965, MacNeil became the New York anchor of the first half-hour weekend network news broadcast, “The Scherer-MacNeil Report” on NBC. While in New York, he also anchored local newscasts and several NBC news documentaries, including “The Big Ear” and “The Right to Bear Arms.”

MacNeil returned to London in 1967 as a reporter for the British Broadcasting Corp.’s “Panorama” series. While with the BBC, be covered such U.S. stories as the clash between anti-war demonstrators and the Chicago police at the 1968 Democratic Convention, and the funerals of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Sen. Robert Kennedy and President Dwight Eisenhower.

In 1971, MacNeil left the BBC to become a senior correspondent for PBS, where he teamed up with Lehrer to co-anchor public television’s Emmy-winning coverage of the Senate Watergate hearings in 1973.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712944014693.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/robert-macneil">Robert MacNeil,</a>&nbsp;who created the even-handed, no-frills PBS newscast “The MacNeil-Lehrer NewsHour” in the 1970s and co-anchored the show for with his late partner,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/f8aeb6fc3fc76ef11bca1d6368afb4f9">Jim Lehrer,</a>&nbsp;for two decades, died on Friday. He was 93.MacNeil died of natural causes at New York-Presbyterian Hospital, according to his daughter, Alison MacNeil.MacNeil first gained prominence for his coverage of the Senate Watergate hearings for the public broadcasting service and began his half-hour “Robert MacNeil Report” on PBS in 1975 with his friend Lehrer as Washington correspondent.The broadcast became the “MacNeil-Lehrer Report” and then, in 1983, was expanded to an hour and renamed the “MacNeil-Lehrer NewsHour.” The nation's first one-hour evening news broadcast, and recipient of several Emmy and Peabody awards, it remains on the air today with Geoff Bennett and Amna Nawaz as anchors.It was MacNeil’s and Lehrer’s disenchantment with the style and content of rival news programs on ABC, CBS and NBC that led to the program’s creation.“We don’t need to SELL the news,” MacNeil told the Chicago Tribune in 1983. “The networks hype the news to make it seem vital, important. What’s missing (in 22 minutes) is context, sometimes balance, and a consideration of questions that are raised by certain events.”MacNeil left anchoring duties at “NewsHour” after two decades in 1995 to write full time. Lehrer took over the newscast alone, and he remained there until 2009. Lehrer died in 2020.When MacNeil visited the show in October 2005 to commemorate its 30th anniversary, he reminisced about how their newscast started in the days before cable television.“It was a way to do something that seemed to be needed journalistically and yet was different from what the commercial network news (programs) were doing,” he said.MacNeil wrote several books, including two memoirs “The Right Place at the Right Time” and the best seller “Wordstruck,” and the novels “Burden of Desire” and “The Voyage.”“Writing is much more personal. It is not collaborative in the way that television must be,” MacNeil told The Associated Press in 1995. “But when you’re sitting down writing a novel, it’s just you: Here’s what I think, here’s what I want to do. And it’s me.”MacNeil also created the Emmy-winning 1986 series “The Story of English,” with the MacNeil-Lehrer production company, and was co-author of the companion book of the same name.Another book on language that he co-wrote, “Do You Speak American?,” was adapted into a PBS documentary in 2005.In 2007, he served as host of “America at a Crossroads,” a six-night PBS package exploring challenges confronting the United States in a post-9/11 world.Six years before the 9/11 attacks, discussing sensationalism and frivolity in the news business, he had said: “If something really serious did happen to the nation — a stock market crash like 1929, ... the equivalent of a Pearl Harbor — wouldn’t the news get very serious again? Wouldn’t people run from `Hard Copy’ and titillation?”“Of course you would. You’d have to know what was going on.”That was the case — for a while.Born in Montreal in 1931, MacNeil was raised in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and graduated from Carleton University in Ottawa in 1955 before moving to London where he began his journalism career with Reuters. He switched to TV news in 1960, taking a job with NBC in London as a foreign correspondent.In 1963, MacNeil was transferred to NBC’s Washington bureau, where he reported on Civil Rights and the White House. He covered the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in Dallas and spent most of 1964 following the presidential campaign between Kennedy’s successor, Lyndon Johnson, and Republican Barry Goldwater.In 1965, MacNeil became the New York anchor of the first half-hour weekend network news broadcast, “The Scherer-MacNeil Report” on NBC. While in New York, he also anchored local newscasts and several NBC news documentaries, including “The Big Ear” and “The Right to Bear Arms.”MacNeil returned to London in 1967 as a reporter for the British Broadcasting Corp.’s “Panorama” series. While with the BBC, be covered such U.S. stories as the clash between anti-war demonstrators and the Chicago police at the 1968 Democratic Convention, and the funerals of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Sen. Robert Kennedy and President Dwight Eisenhower.In 1971, MacNeil left the BBC to become a senior correspondent for PBS, where he teamed up with Lehrer to co-anchor public television’s Emmy-winning coverage of the Senate Watergate hearings in 1973.___

Robert MacNeil, creator and first anchor of PBS 'NewsHour' dies at 93

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A man accused in a deadly knife attack made his first court appearance Wednesday.

Todd Angevine, 35, Wichita, is charged with 2nd degree murder, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. 

Just after 12:30a.m. Sunday, the Wichita Police Department responded to a report of a knife incident near the Arkansas River, north of the Lincoln Street Bridge, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.

First responders at the scene along the walking path, discovered 43-year-old Lonnie Hunter who had died from multiple stab wounds.

Investigators from the Wichita Police Homicide Unit took over the investigation. After speaking with witnesses, they quickly learned that Lonnie Hunter was walking with a group of individuals when a confrontation ensued with a suspect described as a homeless man. The altercation led to Lonnie Hunter being stabbed multiple times, causing his tragic death. The suspect fled the area before the arrival of law enforcement.

Through diligent pursuit of leads, the Wichita Police tracked down and apprehended<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=255933">&nbsp;Angevine</a>.

He is being held on a&nbsp; bond of a half-million dollars, according to the district attorney's office. He is due back in court April 26.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712578838661.png" alt="Angevine-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Angevine-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A man accused in a deadly knife attack made his first court appearance Wednesday.Todd Angevine, 35, Wichita, is charged with 2nd degree murder, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. Just after 12:30a.m. Sunday, the Wichita Police Department responded to a report of a knife incident near the Arkansas River, north of the Lincoln Street Bridge, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.First responders at the scene along the walking path, discovered 43-year-old Lonnie Hunter who had died from multiple stab wounds.Investigators from the Wichita Police Homicide Unit took over the investigation. After speaking with witnesses, they quickly learned that Lonnie Hunter was walking with a group of individuals when a confrontation ensued with a suspect described as a homeless man. The altercation led to Lonnie Hunter being stabbed multiple times, causing his tragic death. The suspect fled the area before the arrival of law enforcement.Through diligent pursuit of leads, the Wichita Police tracked down and apprehended<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=255933">&nbsp;Angevine</a>.He is being held on a&nbsp; bond of a half-million dollars, according to the district attorney's office. He is due back in court April 26.

Suspect charged in deadly Kansas knife attack

KANSAS CITY —Investigators are working to determine the cause of a house fire in Kansas City.

Just before noon Thursday, crews responded to the report of a house fire in the 2600 block of Indiana, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins. First responders reported heavy fire from multiple floors of a two-story vacant structure. 

Searches of the structure came back all clear. There were no injuries reported at this incident. Authorities have not released a damage estimate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712864657864.png" alt="Photo KC Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>Photo KC Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Investigators are working to determine the cause of a house fire in Kansas City. Just before noon Thursday, crews responded to the report of a house fire in the 2600 block of Indiana, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins. First responders reported heavy fire from multiple floors of a two-story vacant structure. Searches of the structure came back all clear. There were no injuries reported at this incident. Authorities have not released a damage estimate.

Fire caused extensive damage at 2-story home in Kansas City

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a deadly shooting in Topeka have identified the victim as 39-year-old&nbsp; Reginald D. Previtte, 39, of Topeka. 

Just after 4:30 p.m. Thursday, police responded to a reported shooting Reser's Fine Foods, 3167 SE 10th Street in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Ronnie Connell.

First responders found Previtte suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. He was later pronounced deceased by medical personnel.

Investigators believe this was an isolated incident that occurred in the parking lot and no other injuries have been reported.&nbsp; &nbsp;Police have not reported an arrest or any suspect details.

Reser's is a family owned and operated prepared food business, according to the company web site. This is the third homicide investigation of 2024

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712883470826.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a deadly shooting in Topeka have identified the victim as 39-year-old&nbsp; Reginald D. Previtte, 39, of Topeka. Just after 4:30 p.m. Thursday, police responded to a reported shooting Reser's Fine Foods, 3167 SE 10th Street in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Ronnie Connell.First responders found Previtte suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. He was later pronounced deceased by medical personnel.Investigators believe this was an isolated incident that occurred in the parking lot and no other injuries have been reported.&nbsp; &nbsp;Police have not reported an arrest or any suspect details.Reser's is a family owned and operated prepared food business, according to the company web site. This is the third homicide investigation of 2024

Police ID victim in fatal shooting at Kansas food plant

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Arguments before a federal appeals court that is considering whether to reinstate Arkansas' first-in-the-nation ban on gender-affirming care for minors focused Thursday on whether it and similar restrictions adopted by two dozen states discriminate on the basis of sex.

Ten judges with the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in St. Louis heard arguments over a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/us-news/arkansas-gender-general-news-2a0d032f4e4f3195c180d879239e6521">judge's ruling</a>&nbsp;last year that struck down the ban as unconstitutional. The 2021 law would prohibit doctors from providing gender-affirming hormone treatment, puberty blockers or surgery to anyone under 18.

An attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union, which challenged the law on behalf of four transgender youths and their parents, said the restriction infringes on the longstanding rights of parents to make decisions about their children's medical care.

“Arkansas believed that that government knew better than the loving parents in this case what was best for their minor children,” Chase Strangio, deputy director for transgender justice for the ACLU’s LGBTQ and HIV Project, told the court. “That burdens that longstanding right of parents to direct the medical care of their children.”

At least 24 states have adopted laws&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-health-care-republican-legislatures-5d98832c0234de079263672c738e0631">restricting or banning</a>&nbsp;gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors, and most of those face lawsuits. The restrictions on health care are part of a larger backlash against transgender rights, touching on everything from bathroom access to participation in sports.

The 43-minute hearing on the Arkansas law drew a packed audience that included the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/elliot-page">actor Elliot Page,</a>&nbsp;who has filed a brief asking the court to uphold last year's ruling.

Dylan Jacobs, the deputy solicitor general for Arkansas, argued that the law doesn't discriminate based on sex because it bans the treatments for a specific purpose.

“Minors may be prescribed testosterone for any purpose other than gender transition under this statute,” Jacobs said, adding that states have “wide-ranging authority” to regulate health, safety and medical ethics.

The case went before the full court rather than a three-judge panel after it granted a request by Republican Attorney General Tim Griffin. The move could speed up the case's march toward the U.S. Supreme Court, which has been asked to block similar laws in Kentucky and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tennessee-transgender-gender-affirming-care-ban-f58714b70298e2eb65ce833c2d4ae3b9">Tennessee</a>. All but one of the judges hearing arguments Thursday were appointed by Republican presidents.

Jacobs was repeatedly questioned by Judge Jane Kelly, who was appointed to the court by former President Barack Obama, about the state's arguments that the law doesn't discriminate based on sex.

Judge David Stras, who was appointed to the court by former President Donald Trump, asked attorneys on both sides whether gender identity is "fully fixed" before the end of puberty and whether that would be justification for a ban like Arkansas'.

Jacobs said the Legislature setting 18 as the cutoff age implies that was part of its reasoning. Strangio noted that none of the treatments banned by Arkansas are prescribed before the onset of puberty.

It’s unclear when the 8th Circuit will make a ruling. Chief Judge Steven Colloton said it will issue a decision “in due course.”

“This ongoing battle, in Arkansas and across the United States, is a stark reminder of the challenges we face in ensuring that everyone has the freedom to access the care they need and deserve,” the families challenging the law said in a statement after the hearing.

U.S. District Judge Jay Moody last year ruled that Arkansas' health care restrictions violated the due process and equal protection rights of transgender youths and families. He also ruled that it violated the First Amendment by prohibiting doctors from referring patients elsewhere for such care. Moody had temporarily&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-government-and-politics-arkansas-eb81755d293622d71ff832d8cbbea97d">blocked</a>&nbsp;the law before it could take effect in 2021.

The ACLU is also representing two medical providers of the care. Multiple medical groups, including the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics, have opposed Arkansas' ban and urged the 8th Circuit to uphold the decision against it. An attorney for Justice Department, which opposes Arkansas' ban, also appeared before the court.

The state has pointed to appeals court rulings allowing Alabama, Kentucky and Tennessee's bans to be enforced. Arkansas’ attorneys have called the care “experimental,” a description that Moody’s ruling said was refuted by decades of clinical experience and scientific research. The state has argued that Moody's order creates a “novel new” right that parents can direct their children to receive medical care that the state does not find safe.

Judges’ orders are temporarily blocking enforcement of similar bans in Idaho and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/montana-youth-gender-affirming-care-ban-blocked-b042bea74b3f8e6be27e81572a771a8f">Montana</a>.

Arkansas' ban was enacted after the majority-GOP Legislature&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arkansas-lawmakers-enact-transgender-youth-treatment-ban-dce1d5ca9450b255caabc18f547f7b9b">overrode</a>&nbsp;a veto by Asa Hutchinson, the Republican governor at the time. Current Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Hutchinson's successor and also a Republican, has said she would have approved the ban and last year signed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/huckabee-sanders-transgender-malpractice-lgbtq-arkansas-41b7cd39b167b3bf2f3796d8be37ecf6">legislation</a>&nbsp;making it easier to sue providers of such care for malpractice.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710450578789.png" alt="File photo (AP Photo/John Hanna)" />
 <figcaption>File photo (AP Photo/John Hanna)</figcaption>
 </figure>ST. LOUIS (AP) — Arguments before a federal appeals court that is considering whether to reinstate Arkansas' first-in-the-nation ban on gender-affirming care for minors focused Thursday on whether it and similar restrictions adopted by two dozen states discriminate on the basis of sex.Ten judges with the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in St. Louis heard arguments over a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/us-news/arkansas-gender-general-news-2a0d032f4e4f3195c180d879239e6521">judge's ruling</a>&nbsp;last year that struck down the ban as unconstitutional. The 2021 law would prohibit doctors from providing gender-affirming hormone treatment, puberty blockers or surgery to anyone under 18.An attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union, which challenged the law on behalf of four transgender youths and their parents, said the restriction infringes on the longstanding rights of parents to make decisions about their children's medical care.“Arkansas believed that that government knew better than the loving parents in this case what was best for their minor children,” Chase Strangio, deputy director for transgender justice for the ACLU’s LGBTQ and HIV Project, told the court. “That burdens that longstanding right of parents to direct the medical care of their children.”At least 24 states have adopted laws&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-health-care-republican-legislatures-5d98832c0234de079263672c738e0631">restricting or banning</a>&nbsp;gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors, and most of those face lawsuits. The restrictions on health care are part of a larger backlash against transgender rights, touching on everything from bathroom access to participation in sports.The 43-minute hearing on the Arkansas law drew a packed audience that included the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/elliot-page">actor Elliot Page,</a>&nbsp;who has filed a brief asking the court to uphold last year's ruling.Dylan Jacobs, the deputy solicitor general for Arkansas, argued that the law doesn't discriminate based on sex because it bans the treatments for a specific purpose.“Minors may be prescribed testosterone for any purpose other than gender transition under this statute,” Jacobs said, adding that states have “wide-ranging authority” to regulate health, safety and medical ethics.The case went before the full court rather than a three-judge panel after it granted a request by Republican Attorney General Tim Griffin. The move could speed up the case's march toward the U.S. Supreme Court, which has been asked to block similar laws in Kentucky and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tennessee-transgender-gender-affirming-care-ban-f58714b70298e2eb65ce833c2d4ae3b9">Tennessee</a>. All but one of the judges hearing arguments Thursday were appointed by Republican presidents.Jacobs was repeatedly questioned by Judge Jane Kelly, who was appointed to the court by former President Barack Obama, about the state's arguments that the law doesn't discriminate based on sex.Judge David Stras, who was appointed to the court by former President Donald Trump, asked attorneys on both sides whether gender identity is "fully fixed" before the end of puberty and whether that would be justification for a ban like Arkansas'.Jacobs said the Legislature setting 18 as the cutoff age implies that was part of its reasoning. Strangio noted that none of the treatments banned by Arkansas are prescribed before the onset of puberty.It’s unclear when the 8th Circuit will make a ruling. Chief Judge Steven Colloton said it will issue a decision “in due course.”“This ongoing battle, in Arkansas and across the United States, is a stark reminder of the challenges we face in ensuring that everyone has the freedom to access the care they need and deserve,” the families challenging the law said in a statement after the hearing.U.S. District Judge Jay Moody last year ruled that Arkansas' health care restrictions violated the due process and equal protection rights of transgender youths and families. He also ruled that it violated the First Amendment by prohibiting doctors from referring patients elsewhere for such care. Moody had temporarily&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-government-and-politics-arkansas-eb81755d293622d71ff832d8cbbea97d">blocked</a>&nbsp;the law before it could take effect in 2021.The ACLU is also representing two medical providers of the care. Multiple medical groups, including the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics, have opposed Arkansas' ban and urged the 8th Circuit to uphold the decision against it. An attorney for Justice Department, which opposes Arkansas' ban, also appeared before the court.The state has pointed to appeals court rulings allowing Alabama, Kentucky and Tennessee's bans to be enforced. Arkansas’ attorneys have called the care “experimental,” a description that Moody’s ruling said was refuted by decades of clinical experience and scientific research. The state has argued that Moody's order creates a “novel new” right that parents can direct their children to receive medical care that the state does not find safe.Judges’ orders are temporarily blocking enforcement of similar bans in Idaho and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/montana-youth-gender-affirming-care-ban-blocked-b042bea74b3f8e6be27e81572a771a8f">Montana</a>.Arkansas' ban was enacted after the majority-GOP Legislature&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arkansas-lawmakers-enact-transgender-youth-treatment-ban-dce1d5ca9450b255caabc18f547f7b9b">overrode</a>&nbsp;a veto by Asa Hutchinson, the Republican governor at the time. Current Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Hutchinson's successor and also a Republican, has said she would have approved the ban and last year signed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/huckabee-sanders-transgender-malpractice-lgbtq-arkansas-41b7cd39b167b3bf2f3796d8be37ecf6">legislation</a>&nbsp;making it easier to sue providers of such care for malpractice.___

Appeals court hears arguments on nation's first ban on gender-affirming care for minors

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a deadly shooting at a Kansas City home have identified the girl who died as&nbsp; 11-year-old Kourtney Freeman.

Just before 10p.m. Wednesday police were dispatched to the 3300 block of Flora in Kansas City on a sound of shots call, according to KDPC Captain Jake Becchina.

While officers were on the way the call was upgraded to a shooting with a victim inside a residence at the address.

Officers were led inside a home where they located a Freeman unresponsive. Officers rendered aid and called for EMS who responded, took over treatment and transported her to the hospital where she was declared deceased a short time later, according to Becchina.

Detectives spoke with people who were at the scene when officers arrived and canvassed for witnesses. Crime scene investigators processed the scene for evidence to hopefully give detectives an idea of what led up to the shooting. Police released no addition details early Thursday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712866805339.png" alt="View of the home where the girl died-photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>View of the home where the girl died-photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a deadly shooting at a Kansas City home have identified the girl who died as&nbsp; 11-year-old Kourtney Freeman.Just before 10p.m. Wednesday police were dispatched to the 3300 block of Flora in Kansas City on a sound of shots call, according to KDPC Captain Jake Becchina.While officers were on the way the call was upgraded to a shooting with a victim inside a residence at the address.Officers were led inside a home where they located a Freeman unresponsive. Officers rendered aid and called for EMS who responded, took over treatment and transported her to the hospital where she was declared deceased a short time later, according to Becchina.Detectives spoke with people who were at the scene when officers arrived and canvassed for witnesses. Crime scene investigators processed the scene for evidence to hopefully give detectives an idea of what led up to the shooting. Police released no addition details early Thursday.

Police ID 11-year-old who died from gunfire outside her KC home

SHAWNEE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 8a.m. Thursday in Shawnee County.

According to Shawnee County Deputy Abigail Christian, a Nissan Versa driven by Ashleigh L. Boyd, 24, Topeka, was eastbound in the 7800 Block of SW 53rd Street.&nbsp;

The car collided head-on with a Ford F150 driven by a 52-year-old man.

Boyd was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp; American Medical Response transported an infant passenger in the Nissan and the driver of the pickup to a local hospital.

The accident is still under investigation, according to the Deputy Christian.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712880644885.png" alt="photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 8a.m. Thursday in Shawnee County.According to Shawnee County Deputy Abigail Christian, a Nissan Versa driven by Ashleigh L. Boyd, 24, Topeka, was eastbound in the 7800 Block of SW 53rd Street.&nbsp;The car collided head-on with a Ford F150 driven by a 52-year-old man.Boyd was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp; American Medical Response transported an infant passenger in the Nissan and the driver of the pickup to a local hospital.The accident is still under investigation, according to the Deputy Christian.

Kansas woman dead, infant hospitalized after head-on crash

GLENN HEIGHTS, Texas (AP) — Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice surrendered to police Thursday on charges including aggravated assault after he and another driver of a speeding sports car allegedly caused a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rashee-rice-sports-car-crash-24b9e3281d0bca8c0c13a0cedda57b93">crash involving a half-dozen vehicles</a>&nbsp;on a Dallas highway last month.

A spokeswoman for Rice’s attorney confirmed to The Associated Press that Rice turned himself in at the Glenn Heights Police Department. Rice is being represented by Texas state Sen. Royce West.

Rice was booked into the Regional Jail in DeSoto, and West said he was released on bond Thursday night.

In an emailed statement, West emphasized what he called Rice's “continued cooperation with law enforcement.”

“Mr. Rice acknowledges his actions and feels deeply for those injured as a result of this accident,” the lawyer said.

Rice said last week on Instagram that he was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-kansas-city-rashee-rice-car-crash-dallas-bbc86e5cccc79d7bbce5103070995994">taking “full responsibility”</a>&nbsp;for his part in the wreck.

On Wednesday, Dallas police said arrest warrants had been issued for Rice, 23, for one count of aggravated assault, one count of collision involving serious bodily injury and six counts of collision involving injury.

West said previously that Rice was driving a Lamborghini sport utility vehicle when the crash happened March 30.

Theodore Knox, 21, was driving the other speeding sports car, a Corvette, police said, and arrest warrants were issued for Knox on the same range of counts as for Rice. Dallas police said Thursday night that Knox was not currently in custody.

Southern Methodist University said earlier in the day that, after learning of the arrest warrant,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dallas-car-crash-smu-8a4258a3af7c064df1925bc65aa15ceb">Knox had been suspended</a>&nbsp;from its football team. Knox’s attorney, Deandra Grant, said her client was cooperating with law enforcement.

Police have alleged that Rice and Knox were speeding in the far left lane when they lost control, and the Lamborghini traveled onto the shoulder and hit the center median wall, causing a chain collision.

Rice and Knox allegedly left following the crash without determining whether anyone needed medical attention or providing their information, according to police. Four people involved in the crash had minor injuries, police said.

Rice grew up in the Fort Worth suburb of North Richland Hills and played college football at nearby Southern Methodist, where a breakout senior season in 2022 put him on the radar of NFL teams.

The Chiefs selected him in the second round of last year’s draft, and he became one of the few dependable options in their passing game.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712789752508.png" alt="In this screen grab taken from dash camera video provided by Bill Nabors, two speeding sports cars, left and second from left, cause a chain-reaction crash on the North Central Expressway, in Dallas, Saturday, March 30, 2024. Dallas police said Wednesday, April 10, that Kansas City Chiefs' wide receiver Rashee Rice faces charges including aggravated assault after he and another speeding driver of a sports car caused a chain-reaction crash on a Dallas highway. (Bill Nabors via AP)" />
 <figcaption>In this screen grab taken from dash camera video provided by Bill Nabors, two speeding sports cars, left and second from left, cause a chain-reaction crash on the North Central Expressway, in Dallas, Saturday, March 30, 2024. Dallas police said Wednesday, April 10, that Kansas City Chiefs' wide receiver Rashee Rice faces charges including aggravated assault after he and another speeding driver of a sports car caused a chain-reaction crash on a Dallas highway. (Bill Nabors via AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>GLENN HEIGHTS, Texas (AP) — Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice surrendered to police Thursday on charges including aggravated assault after he and another driver of a speeding sports car allegedly caused a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rashee-rice-sports-car-crash-24b9e3281d0bca8c0c13a0cedda57b93">crash involving a half-dozen vehicles</a>&nbsp;on a Dallas highway last month.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712916229752.png" alt="Rice booking photo DeSoto Texas Jail" />
 <figcaption>Rice booking photo DeSoto Texas Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>A spokeswoman for Rice’s attorney confirmed to The Associated Press that Rice turned himself in at the Glenn Heights Police Department. Rice is being represented by Texas state Sen. Royce West.Rice was booked into the Regional Jail in DeSoto, and West said he was released on bond Thursday night.In an emailed statement, West emphasized what he called Rice's “continued cooperation with law enforcement.”“Mr. Rice acknowledges his actions and feels deeply for those injured as a result of this accident,” the lawyer said.Rice said last week on Instagram that he was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-kansas-city-rashee-rice-car-crash-dallas-bbc86e5cccc79d7bbce5103070995994">taking “full responsibility”</a>&nbsp;for his part in the wreck.On Wednesday, Dallas police said arrest warrants had been issued for Rice, 23, for one count of aggravated assault, one count of collision involving serious bodily injury and six counts of collision involving injury.West said previously that Rice was driving a Lamborghini sport utility vehicle when the crash happened March 30.Theodore Knox, 21, was driving the other speeding sports car, a Corvette, police said, and arrest warrants were issued for Knox on the same range of counts as for Rice. Dallas police said Thursday night that Knox was not currently in custody.Southern Methodist University said earlier in the day that, after learning of the arrest warrant,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dallas-car-crash-smu-8a4258a3af7c064df1925bc65aa15ceb">Knox had been suspended</a>&nbsp;from its football team. Knox’s attorney, Deandra Grant, said her client was cooperating with law enforcement.Police have alleged that Rice and Knox were speeding in the far left lane when they lost control, and the Lamborghini traveled onto the shoulder and hit the center median wall, causing a chain collision.Rice and Knox allegedly left following the crash without determining whether anyone needed medical attention or providing their information, according to police. Four people involved in the crash had minor injuries, police said.Rice grew up in the Fort Worth suburb of North Richland Hills and played college football at nearby Southern Methodist, where a breakout senior season in 2022 put him on the radar of NFL teams.The Chiefs selected him in the second round of last year’s draft, and he became one of the few dependable options in their passing game.

Chiefs' Rice surrenders to police on assault charge after high-speed crash

KANSAS CITY —Authorities are working to determine the cause of an apartment building fire in Kansas City.

Just after 4p.m. crews responded to a reported apartment fire in the 2700 block of Tracy, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.

Crews reported heavy smoke and fire showing from a three-story apartment building on all three floors in the rear of the structure.&nbsp;

Due to the high winds and a large exposure risk to the south a 1st alarm was dispatched and staged. Aggressive work by the first company on scene kept the fire from spreading to a large new apartment building under construction.&nbsp;

The residents of all 6 units will be displaced. Red Cross was ordered for 6 adults and three children. Multiple pets were rescued from the structure during operations. There were no injuries.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712883271257.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Authorities are working to determine the cause of an apartment building fire in Kansas City.Just after 4p.m. crews responded to a reported apartment fire in the 2700 block of Tracy, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.Crews reported heavy smoke and fire showing from a three-story apartment building on all three floors in the rear of the structure.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712883291877.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Due to the high winds and a large exposure risk to the south a 1st alarm was dispatched and staged. Aggressive work by the first company on scene kept the fire from spreading to a large new apartment building under construction.&nbsp;The residents of all 6 units will be displaced. Red Cross was ordered for 6 adults and three children. Multiple pets were rescued from the structure during operations. There were no injuries.&nbsp;

Multiple pets rescued from fire in 3-story KC apartment complex 

ELLIS COUNTY —One structure and about 6,000 acres of grass and brush in northeast Ellis County were burned in a fire yesterday afternoon, according to the state fire marshal, Mark Engholm, who was on the scene.

The blaze was near Codell Road and the Sweetwater Ranch with gusty winds pushed&nbsp;flames rapidly to the southeast.

&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/EllisCountyEM?__cft__[0]=AZUfJXriHbsnLrDFsMGxgD0zRm11v2HtAPLy4jLAPFqgCDj9rEygwNEP3Q_8fmIB0cCkiLW3IiqNthZYhdZT23t3e4Q8hjtPaP0LIIccx5K5GFfT6toR-zrJl9vCBzRF7fvdauw2H-Ag1SMNIPajakX8dsKD6LjOprQuA4Vqm6V3oA&amp;__tn__=-]K-R" target="_blank">Ellis County Kansas Fire &amp; Emergency Management</a>&nbsp;received mutual aid assistance from multiple counties and water drops from air tankers contracted through the Kansas Forest Service.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712916304738.png" alt="Ellis Co. fire photos State Fire Marshal" />
 <figcaption>Ellis Co. fire photos State Fire Marshal</figcaption>
 </figure>ELLIS COUNTY —One structure and about 6,000 acres of grass and brush in northeast Ellis County were burned in a fire yesterday afternoon, according to the state fire marshal, Mark Engholm, who was on the scene.The blaze was near Codell Road and the Sweetwater Ranch with gusty winds pushed&nbsp;flames rapidly to the southeast.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712916070861.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/EllisCountyEM?__cft__[0]=AZUfJXriHbsnLrDFsMGxgD0zRm11v2HtAPLy4jLAPFqgCDj9rEygwNEP3Q_8fmIB0cCkiLW3IiqNthZYhdZT23t3e4Q8hjtPaP0LIIccx5K5GFfT6toR-zrJl9vCBzRF7fvdauw2H-Ag1SMNIPajakX8dsKD6LjOprQuA4Vqm6V3oA&amp;__tn__=-]K-R" target="_blank">Ellis County Kansas Fire &amp; Emergency Management</a>&nbsp;received mutual aid assistance from multiple counties and water drops from air tankers contracted through the Kansas Forest Service.&nbsp;

6,000 acres burn in rural Ellis County fire 

DOUGLAS COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 1p.m. Thursday in Douglas County.

According to the Douglas County Sherifff, a 2008 Hyundai Accent struck a mail truck&nbsp; in the 2000 block of E 1400 Road north of the Midland Junction. 

The mail carrier was transported to the hospital with injuries not believed to be life threatening.&nbsp; &nbsp;The sheriff's office released no additional details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712866168225.png" alt="Photo Douglas Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo Douglas Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 1p.m. Thursday in Douglas County.According to the Douglas County Sherifff, a 2008 Hyundai Accent struck a mail truck&nbsp; in the 2000 block of E 1400 Road north of the Midland Junction. The mail carrier was transported to the hospital with injuries not believed to be life threatening.&nbsp; &nbsp;The sheriff's office released no additional details.

Kansas mail truck driver hospitalized after crash

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities in Kansas City Kansas and Missouri worked together and issued 32 citations and towed five vehicles April 7, to&nbsp;counter illegal sideshows, according to a social media report from the KCPD.

Sideshows include individuals meeting at vacant lots or roadways to perform car stunts and play music.

Teams of officers broke up dangerous activity that popped up across the city. 

The officers used stop sticks to deflate the tires of those participating and then eluding the law.



There were:39 successful stop stick deployments
27 traffic citations, 4 city warrant arrests. 3 vehicles towed, 1 felony warrant arrest and 1 child endangerment – a participant, with his 7-year-old, attempted to elude officers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712672918325.png" alt="Photos KCPD" />
 <figcaption>Photos KCPD</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities in Kansas City Kansas and Missouri worked together and issued 32 citations and towed five vehicles April 7, to&nbsp;counter illegal sideshows, according to a social media report from the KCPD.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We are using our Helicopter Unit to enforce the law against illegal sideshows. This is video from a helicopter, showing one intersection taken over by dozens of participants and spectators. It also shows our officers, aided by the helicopter crew, making an arrest. <a href="https://t.co/4ulegzUGwY">pic.twitter.com/4ulegzUGwY</a>&mdash; kcpolice (@kcpolice) <a href="https://twitter.com/kcpolice/status/1778156068863959130?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Sideshows include individuals meeting at vacant lots or roadways to perform car stunts and play music.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712672851828.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Teams of officers broke up dangerous activity that popped up across the city. The officers used stop sticks to deflate the tires of those participating and then eluding the law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712672938838.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

There were:39 successful stop stick deployments
27 traffic citations, 4 city warrant arrests. 3 vehicles towed, 1 felony warrant arrest and 1 child endangerment – a participant, with his 7-year-old, attempted to elude officers.

KCPD using helicopter unit to bust illegal sideshows

WASHINGTON (AP) — Thousands more firearms dealers across the United States will have to run background checks on buyers at gun shows or other places outside brick-and-mortar stores, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/gun-politics">a Biden administration rule</a>&nbsp;that will soon go into effect.

<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/04/11/fact-sheet-biden-harris-administration-announces-new-action-to-implement-bipartisan-safer-communities-act-expanding-firearm-background-checks-to-fight-gun-crime/">The rule</a>&nbsp;aims to close a loophole that has allowed tens of thousands of guns to be sold every year by unlicensed dealers who do not perform background checks to ensure the potential buyer is not legally prohibited from having a firearm. Gun rights groups are expected to fight it in court.

It's the administration's latest effort to combat&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/gun-violence">gun violence</a>. But in a contentious election year, it’s also an effort to show voters — especially younger ones for whom gun violence deeply resonates — that the White House is trying to stop the deaths.

“This is going to keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers and felons," President Joe Biden said in a statement. "And my administration is going to continue to do everything we possibly can to save lives. Congress needs to finish the job and pass universal background checks legislation now."

The rule, which was finalized this week, makes clear that anyone who sells firearms predominantly to earn a profit must be federally licensed and conduct background checks, regardless of whether they are selling on the internet, at a gun show or at a brick-and-mortar store, Attorney General Merrick Garland told reporters.

<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/gun-violence">Biden</a>&nbsp;has made curtailing gun violence a major part of his administration and reelection campaign, creating&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/ogvp/">the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention</a>&nbsp;overseen by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-guns-mass-shootings-kamala-harris-e4ae51704d1e065fef0fb656043d6cf0">Vice President Kamala Harris.</a>&nbsp;Biden also has urged Congress to ban so-called assault weapons — something Democrats shied from even just a few years ago.

The rule is likely to be challenged in court by gun rights activists who believe the Democratic president is unfairly targeting gun owners. The National Shooting Sports Foundation, an industry trade group, has warned of a court challenge if the rule was finalized as written.

Lawrence Keane, the group's senior vice president and general counsel, said Thursday that the regulation is under review after contending previously that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives was overstepping its legal authority.

Biden administration officials said they are confident the rule, which drew more than 380,000 public comments, would withstand lawsuits.

The administration first&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/firearms-dealers-biden-background-checks-gun-violence-d53441dc0242c515b6b1478ab27a5dac">proposed the rule in August</a>, after the passage of the most sweeping gun violence bill in decades, a bipartisan compromise in response to the massacre of 19 students and two teachers at a Uvalde,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/uvalde-school-shooting">Texas elementary school</a>.

That law expanded the definition of those who are “engaged in the business” of selling firearms, and are required to become licensed by the ATF and therefore run background checks. The rule, which implements the change in the law, will take effect 30 days after it is published in the Federal Register.

There are already roughly 80,000 federally licensed firearms dealers. Administration officials believe the new rule will impact more than 20,000 dealers who have gotten away with selling firearms without a license and performing background checks at places like gun shows and over the internet by claiming they aren't “engaged in the business” of firearm sales.

"Everybody can see that people are not following the law in significant numbers," ATF Director Steve Dettelbach said in an interview. "And it’s just wrong for public safety, it’s wrong for fairness when all these licensed dealers are out there following the rules, for people to think that they don’t have to all play by the same set of rules."

The rule makes clear there are instances when a license is not be needed, such people who occasionally resell firearms to a family member or liquidate their personal collection.

Republican Sens. John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina, who were instrumental in the passage of the gun law, have started an effort to block the rule from going into effect. But that is unlikely to succeed because the president would have the final say.

It comes a week after the ATF released new data that shows&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/firearms-trafficking-atf-gun-straw-dealers-unlicensed-fd07592977bf4512e742513bb68aea7f">more than 68,000 illegally trafficked firearms</a>&nbsp;in the U.S. came through unlicensed dealers who aren’t required to perform background checks over a five-year period. The ATF report also showed that guns trafficked through unlicensed dealers were used in nearly 370 shootings between 2017 and 2021.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Thousands more firearms dealers across the United States will have to run background checks on buyers at gun shows or other places outside brick-and-mortar stores, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/gun-politics">a Biden administration rule</a>&nbsp;that will soon go into effect.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">As the head of the first-ever White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, I am proud to announce that all gun dealers must conduct background checks no matter where or how they sell. This will save lives and keep our communities safe. <a href="https://t.co/5fe3TmUerR">pic.twitter.com/5fe3TmUerR</a>&mdash; Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) <a href="https://twitter.com/VP/status/1778455677695844822?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/04/11/fact-sheet-biden-harris-administration-announces-new-action-to-implement-bipartisan-safer-communities-act-expanding-firearm-background-checks-to-fight-gun-crime/">The rule</a>&nbsp;aims to close a loophole that has allowed tens of thousands of guns to be sold every year by unlicensed dealers who do not perform background checks to ensure the potential buyer is not legally prohibited from having a firearm. Gun rights groups are expected to fight it in court.It's the administration's latest effort to combat&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/gun-violence">gun violence</a>. But in a contentious election year, it’s also an effort to show voters — especially younger ones for whom gun violence deeply resonates — that the White House is trying to stop the deaths.“This is going to keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers and felons," President Joe Biden said in a statement. "And my administration is going to continue to do everything we possibly can to save lives. Congress needs to finish the job and pass universal background checks legislation now."The rule, which was finalized this week, makes clear that anyone who sells firearms predominantly to earn a profit must be federally licensed and conduct background checks, regardless of whether they are selling on the internet, at a gun show or at a brick-and-mortar store, Attorney General Merrick Garland told reporters.<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/gun-violence">Biden</a>&nbsp;has made curtailing gun violence a major part of his administration and reelection campaign, creating&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/ogvp/">the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention</a>&nbsp;overseen by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-guns-mass-shootings-kamala-harris-e4ae51704d1e065fef0fb656043d6cf0">Vice President Kamala Harris.</a>&nbsp;Biden also has urged Congress to ban so-called assault weapons — something Democrats shied from even just a few years ago.The rule is likely to be challenged in court by gun rights activists who believe the Democratic president is unfairly targeting gun owners. The National Shooting Sports Foundation, an industry trade group, has warned of a court challenge if the rule was finalized as written.Lawrence Keane, the group's senior vice president and general counsel, said Thursday that the regulation is under review after contending previously that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives was overstepping its legal authority.Biden administration officials said they are confident the rule, which drew more than 380,000 public comments, would withstand lawsuits.The administration first&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/firearms-dealers-biden-background-checks-gun-violence-d53441dc0242c515b6b1478ab27a5dac">proposed the rule in August</a>, after the passage of the most sweeping gun violence bill in decades, a bipartisan compromise in response to the massacre of 19 students and two teachers at a Uvalde,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/uvalde-school-shooting">Texas elementary school</a>.That law expanded the definition of those who are “engaged in the business” of selling firearms, and are required to become licensed by the ATF and therefore run background checks. The rule, which implements the change in the law, will take effect 30 days after it is published in the Federal Register.There are already roughly 80,000 federally licensed firearms dealers. Administration officials believe the new rule will impact more than 20,000 dealers who have gotten away with selling firearms without a license and performing background checks at places like gun shows and over the internet by claiming they aren't “engaged in the business” of firearm sales."Everybody can see that people are not following the law in significant numbers," ATF Director Steve Dettelbach said in an interview. "And it’s just wrong for public safety, it’s wrong for fairness when all these licensed dealers are out there following the rules, for people to think that they don’t have to all play by the same set of rules."The rule makes clear there are instances when a license is not be needed, such people who occasionally resell firearms to a family member or liquidate their personal collection.Republican Sens. John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina, who were instrumental in the passage of the gun law, have started an effort to block the rule from going into effect. But that is unlikely to succeed because the president would have the final say.It comes a week after the ATF released new data that shows&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/firearms-trafficking-atf-gun-straw-dealers-unlicensed-fd07592977bf4512e742513bb68aea7f">more than 68,000 illegally trafficked firearms</a>&nbsp;in the U.S. came through unlicensed dealers who aren’t required to perform background checks over a five-year period. The ATF report also showed that guns trafficked through unlicensed dealers were used in nearly 370 shootings between 2017 and 2021.Gun control advocates who have long pushed to close the so-called gun show loophole praised the regulation as a big step toward their goal of universal background checks for gun buyers — a Democratic priority that has been blocked by Republicans in Congress.“Expanding background checks and closing the gun seller loophole is a massive victory for safer communities — and it was made possible thanks to the tireless advocacy of our grassroots movement,” Angela Ferrell-Zabala, executive director of Moms Demand Action, said in an emailed statement.