WASHINGTON —The Biden administration has launched a new online dashboard to help travelers compare what airlines offer cash compensation, provide travel credits or vouchers, or award frequent flyer miles and cover the costs for other amenities – as well as the airlines that do not.

Click <a href="https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/airline-customer-service-dashboard">here for&nbsp;FlightRights.gov</a>

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg called upon airlines to improve their customer service commitments to passengers, which all have done to varying degrees. 

The new dashboard provides information for air travelers on airlines’ commitments to families flying with young children and customers experiencing significant flight disruptions due to circumstances within the airline’s control.

The U.S. Department of Transportation encourages airlines to continue to strengthen their customer commitments. DOT will update and expand these dashboards as needed.

WASHINGTON —The Biden administration has launched a new online dashboard to help travelers compare what airlines offer cash compensation, provide travel credits or vouchers, or award frequent flyer miles and cover the costs for other amenities – as well as the airlines that do not.Click <a href="https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/airline-customer-service-dashboard">here for&nbsp;FlightRights.gov</a>U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg called upon airlines to improve their customer service commitments to passengers, which all have done to varying degrees. The new dashboard provides information for air travelers on airlines’ commitments to families flying with young children and customers experiencing significant flight disruptions due to circumstances within the airline’s control.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">So far this year, we&#39;ve seen real progress in air travel, with cancellation rates below 2 percent. But no matter what, <a href="https://twitter.com/USDOT?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@USDOT</a> has your back, and we are here to enforce passenger rights and hold airlines accountable. <a href="https://t.co/ZWuTVN9WwY">pic.twitter.com/ZWuTVN9WwY</a>&mdash; TransportationGov (@USDOT) <a href="https://twitter.com/USDOT/status/1657483268688855040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The U.S. Department of Transportation encourages airlines to continue to strengthen their customer commitments. DOT will update and expand these dashboards as needed.

New airline dashboard will help you compare cash compensation

With wide-ranging law taking effect in July, activists and advocates explore impact

By RACHEL MIPRO&nbsp; <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/05/kansas-lawmakers-debate-definition-of-female-and-male-for-county-jails/">Kansas Reflector</a>

LAWRENCE — A small group of protesters rattled the door of the library auditorium, trying to get in as an LGBTQ rights lawyer informed transgender Kansans what protections and resources they need to lock down before a wide-ranging transgender bathroom ban goes into effect in July.

“We’re trying to do triage care as lawyers right now, as trans rights lawyers,” said attorney&nbsp;Ellen Bertels, with Kansas Legal Services. “We’re doing emergency room care. So that means where is it bleeding, how do we stop the bleeding?”

Bertels&nbsp;advocates for transgender, nonbinary and gender-diverse folks around the state. She’s felt increased urgency in recent months, after the Legislature debated and passed several bills targeting the transgender community. At the Wednesday night gender marker clinic, her voice was hoarse after days of explaining how to change gender markers.&nbsp;

While the wording of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb180/">Senate Bill 180</a>, a wide-ranging “bathroom bill” recently made law, is ambiguous, Bertels said&nbsp;transgender Kansans who need to get their gender markers changed on legal documents should act before the state’s new anti-trans laws go into effect July 1.

Bertels said the scope of the bill is unclear, but based on her understanding of its language, she believes it’s likely that the state will no longer change gender markers on state documents after July. Bertels views gender markers as a safety measure; having IDs that don’t reflect a person’s gender identity could lead to unintentional outing, with the person at risk of&nbsp; harassment or discrimination.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We can’t necessarily forecast what each individual agency or county is going to do to respond, but my method has been advising folks on worst case scenarios so they can prepare for that, and if it goes better than that, maybe there’s a bright spot in their day,” Bertels said.&nbsp;

SB 180 also bans individuals who are born without the ability to produce eggs for reproduction from using women’s restrooms, locker rooms and other gender-specific areas.

The legislation applies to athletics, prison facilities, domestic violence shelters, rape crisis centers, locker rooms, restrooms and “other areas where biology, safety or privacy are implicated that result in separate accommodations.”

It is one of several bills targeting transgender Kansans passed by the state Legislature in recent months. Kansas became the 20th state to pass a transgender student athlete ban into law in April, with transgender girls now blocked from playing women’s sports from kindergarten through college.&nbsp; Civil rights organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas continue to monitor the legislation.&nbsp;

“We are deeply concerned about the potential harm SB 180 will cause, and while I cannot comment specifically on the potential for the ACLU of Kansas to bring litigation, I can say we are continuing to track developments related to SB 180 and are considering all available avenues for advocacy,” said&nbsp;DC Hiegert, LGBTQ+ Fellow of the ACLU of Kansas.

Marc Veloz, who works with community outreach at the Lawrence Public Library and helped collaborate on the event, said the library was committed to remaining a safe place for members of the LGBTQ community.&nbsp;

“I hope that members of our community know that queer identities are kind of reflected in different facets of the library in our staffing, in our collections and in our programs and events,” Veloz said. “I want folks to know that the library is a space where they can see themselves reflected in all of those different places.”&nbsp;

At the clinic, attorneys and law students passed out forms explaining how to change birth certificates, driver’s licenses and other documents. Grayson Kassius Andersen, a transgender lawyer there to help people make document changes, said this year had been particularly difficult.&nbsp;

“I’m contemplating leaving Kansas every day,” Andersen said. “People don’t realize the implications of legislation is that it iterates the bad opinions and that hatred is okay.”&nbsp;

Halsey Yankey, a clinic attendee who blocked a protester’s sign with her skirt, said she was there because she was worried about the effect SB 180 will have on accessing her gender-affirming care.&nbsp;

“Originally I was really skeptical about it because I figured this is a hunt you down tactic later, but I’m also scared they’ll rip away my HRT if I don’t do it now,” Yankey said.&nbsp;

Seventeen-year-old Gwen Bishop, who is planning to update gender markers as soon as possible, had one message for lawmakers.&nbsp;

“Please,” Bishop said. “Stop making it harder.”&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://kansasreflector.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/P5172186-1024x768.jpg" alt="Halsey Yankey stands in front of a protester at a gender marker clinic held at the Lawrence Public Library on May 17, blocking his transphobic sign from view. (Rachel Mipro/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Halsey Yankey stands in front of a protester at a gender marker clinic held at the Lawrence Public Library on May 17, blocking his transphobic sign from view. (Rachel Mipro/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>With wide-ranging law taking effect in July, activists and advocates explore impact</h2>By RACHEL MIPRO&nbsp; <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/05/kansas-lawmakers-debate-definition-of-female-and-male-for-county-jails/">Kansas Reflector</a>LAWRENCE — A small group of protesters rattled the door of the library auditorium, trying to get in as an LGBTQ rights lawyer informed transgender Kansans what protections and resources they need to lock down before a wide-ranging transgender bathroom ban goes into effect in July.“We’re trying to do triage care as lawyers right now, as trans rights lawyers,” said attorney&nbsp;Ellen Bertels, with Kansas Legal Services. “We’re doing emergency room care. So that means where is it bleeding, how do we stop the bleeding?”Bertels&nbsp;advocates for transgender, nonbinary and gender-diverse folks around the state. She’s felt increased urgency in recent months, after the Legislature debated and passed several bills targeting the transgender community. At the Wednesday night gender marker clinic, her voice was hoarse after days of explaining how to change gender markers.&nbsp;While the wording of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb180/">Senate Bill 180</a>, a wide-ranging “bathroom bill” recently made law, is ambiguous, Bertels said&nbsp;transgender Kansans who need to get their gender markers changed on legal documents should act before the state’s new anti-trans laws go into effect July 1.Bertels said the scope of the bill is unclear, but based on her understanding of its language, she believes it’s likely that the state will no longer change gender markers on state documents after July. Bertels views gender markers as a safety measure; having IDs that don’t reflect a person’s gender identity could lead to unintentional outing, with the person at risk of&nbsp; harassment or discrimination.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We can’t necessarily forecast what each individual agency or county is going to do to respond, but my method has been advising folks on worst case scenarios so they can prepare for that, and if it goes better than that, maybe there’s a bright spot in their day,” Bertels said.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://kansasreflector.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/P5172194-scaled.jpg" alt="Packets explaining the gender marker change process were set out for transgender Kansans during a May 17, 2023 gender marker clinic. (Rachel Mipro/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Packets explaining the gender marker change process were set out for transgender Kansans during a May 17, 2023 gender marker clinic. (Rachel Mipro/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>SB 180 also bans individuals who are born without the ability to produce eggs for reproduction from using women’s restrooms, locker rooms and other gender-specific areas.The legislation applies to athletics, prison facilities, domestic violence shelters, rape crisis centers, locker rooms, restrooms and “other areas where biology, safety or privacy are implicated that result in separate accommodations.”It is one of several bills targeting transgender Kansans passed by the state Legislature in recent months. Kansas became the 20th state to pass a transgender student athlete ban into law in April, with transgender girls now blocked from playing women’s sports from kindergarten through college.&nbsp; Civil rights organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas continue to monitor the legislation.&nbsp;“We are deeply concerned about the potential harm SB 180 will cause, and while I cannot comment specifically on the potential for the ACLU of Kansas to bring litigation, I can say we are continuing to track developments related to SB 180 and are considering all available avenues for advocacy,” said&nbsp;DC Hiegert, LGBTQ+ Fellow of the ACLU of Kansas.Marc Veloz, who works with community outreach at the Lawrence Public Library and helped collaborate on the event, said the library was committed to remaining a safe place for members of the LGBTQ community.&nbsp;“I hope that members of our community know that queer identities are kind of reflected in different facets of the library in our staffing, in our collections and in our programs and events,” Veloz said. “I want folks to know that the library is a space where they can see themselves reflected in all of those different places.”&nbsp;At the clinic, attorneys and law students passed out forms explaining how to change birth certificates, driver’s licenses and other documents. Grayson Kassius Andersen, a transgender lawyer there to help people make document changes, said this year had been particularly difficult.&nbsp;“I’m contemplating leaving Kansas every day,” Andersen said. “People don’t realize the implications of legislation is that it iterates the bad opinions and that hatred is okay.”&nbsp;Halsey Yankey, a clinic attendee who blocked a protester’s sign with her skirt, said she was there because she was worried about the effect SB 180 will have on accessing her gender-affirming care.&nbsp;“Originally I was really skeptical about it because I figured this is a hunt you down tactic later, but I’m also scared they’ll rip away my HRT if I don’t do it now,” Yankey said.&nbsp;Seventeen-year-old Gwen Bishop, who is planning to update gender markers as soon as possible, had one message for lawmakers.&nbsp;“Please,” Bishop said. “Stop making it harder.”&nbsp;

Before ban goes into effect, lawyer urges trans Kansans to change gender markers

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Three people were killed and two others wounded — including one critically — in a shooting at a Kansas City bar early Sunday, police said.

Multiple officers responded to the shooting at Klymax Lounge that was reported just before the bar's 1:30 a.m. closing time to find multiple victims and immediately began providing medical aid, Kansas City police said in an email.

Police said two of the victims died at the scene — one was found inside the bar and the other was outside the building. A third victim died at the hospital. Details about the circumstances that led to the shooting were not immediately available, and it wasn't immediately clear where the victims were when they were shot.

Police said the victims were all adults, but their ages and identities were not immediately available.

The bar was advertising a rap night Saturday night on its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/kc.klymax">Facebook page</a>&nbsp;featuring live rap battles, but it wasn't immediately clear who was performing at the club. No one answered the phone at the bar Sunday morning two hours before it was scheduled to open.

Homicide detectives and crime scene investigators were at the scene early Sunday, gathering evidence and talking to potential witnesses, police said.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Two people were killed at the scene and a third victim died at a hospital following a shooting at a Kansas City bar early Sunday, police said.

Two other victims were wounded and transported to a hospital, including one who was in critical condition and another who was in stable condition, Kansas City Police Department Officer Donna Drake said in an email.

Multiple officers responded to the Klymax Lounge on Indiana Avenue at 1:25 a.m.

One of the victims who was killed at the scene was inside the bar, while the second was outside the building, Drake said.

The victims were all adults, police said, but their ages and identities were not immediately available. Homicide detectives and crime scene investigators were at the scene early Sunday, police said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684669834332.png" alt="Photo Jackson County Sheriff Daryl Forte" />
 <figcaption>Photo Jackson County Sheriff Daryl Forte</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Three people were killed and two others wounded — including one critically — in a shooting at a Kansas City bar early Sunday, police said.Multiple officers responded to the shooting at Klymax Lounge that was reported just before the bar's 1:30 a.m. closing time to find multiple victims and immediately began providing medical aid, Kansas City police said in an email.Police said two of the victims died at the scene — one was found inside the bar and the other was outside the building. A third victim died at the hospital. Details about the circumstances that led to the shooting were not immediately available, and it wasn't immediately clear where the victims were when they were shot.Police said the victims were all adults, but their ages and identities were not immediately available.The bar was advertising a rap night Saturday night on its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/kc.klymax">Facebook page</a>&nbsp;featuring live rap battles, but it wasn't immediately clear who was performing at the club. No one answered the phone at the bar Sunday morning two hours before it was scheduled to open.Homicide detectives and crime scene investigators were at the scene early Sunday, gathering evidence and talking to potential witnesses, police said.-------------KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Two people were killed at the scene and a third victim died at a hospital following a shooting at a Kansas City bar early Sunday, police said.Two other victims were wounded and transported to a hospital, including one who was in critical condition and another who was in stable condition, Kansas City Police Department Officer Donna Drake said in an email.Multiple officers responded to the Klymax Lounge on Indiana Avenue at 1:25 a.m.One of the victims who was killed at the scene was inside the bar, while the second was outside the building, Drake said.The victims were all adults, police said, but their ages and identities were not immediately available. Homicide detectives and crime scene investigators were at the scene early Sunday, police said.

Update KCPD: 3 dead, 2 wounded in bar shooting

HIROSHIMA, Japan (AP) — President Joe Biden said Sunday that Republicans in the U.S. House must move off their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/speaker-mccarthy-debt-biden-republicans-d4995f10a26d6c8bfa89a2bbfd1de93c">"extreme positions"</a>&nbsp;on the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/debt-limit-mccarthy-biden-default-negotiations-1b97de28d26b85da268cfd1c1e4a986a">now-stalled talks</a>&nbsp;over raising&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-debt-limit-coin-constitution-mccarthy-77be7f00b81cebec44fbaf807b9642ff">America's debt limit</a>&nbsp;and that there would be no agreement to avert a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/debt-limit-default-government-shutdown-explainer-b38474f210e519aeb3f48107ca2657ba">catastrophic default</a>&nbsp;only on their terms.

Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy are waging a war of words on social media.

In an effort to get negotiations back on track, Biden planned to call U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., from Air Force One on the way back to Washington after a Group of Seven summit in Japan. World leaders at the gathering expressed concern about the dire global ramifications if the United States were to be unable to meet its financial obligations.

“It’s time for Republicans to accept that there is no bipartisan deal to be made solely, solely, on their partisan terms," Biden said at a closing news conference before he departed. The president said he had done his part in attempting to raise the borrowing limit so the U.S. government can keep paying its bills, by agreeing to significant cuts in spending. “Now it’s time for the other side to move from their extreme position,” he said.

Biden had been scheduled to travel from Hiroshima to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-pacific-debt-limit-papua-new-guinea-434b263a1bcc4320a18c08ba6bf5828c">Papua New Guinea</a>&nbsp;and Australia, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-papua-new-guinea-australia-debt-limit-b2b82fbb82d829f0b8bae87bef741d63">cut short his trip</a>&nbsp;in light of the strained negotiations with Capitol Hill.

“My guess is he’s going to want to deal directly with me in making sure we’re all on the same page," Biden said about McCarthy before their expected conversation. A compromise remained within reach, the president said, despite their differences.

“I’m hoping that Speaker McCarthy is just waiting to negotiate with me when I get home," he said. “I’m waiting to find out.”

GOP lawmakers are holding tight to demands for sharp spending cuts, rejecting the alternatives proposed by the White House for reducing deficits.

McCarthy tweeted on Saturday that it was the White House that was “moving backward in negotiations.” The speaker contended that Biden would “rather be the first president in history to default on the debt than to risk upsetting the radical socialists who are calling the shots for Democrats right now.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/debt-limit-mccarthy-biden-default-negotiations-1b97de28d26b85da268cfd1c1e4a986a">Republicans want work requirements on the Medicaid</a>&nbsp;health care program, though the Biden administration has countered that millions of people could lose coverage. The GOP also introduced new cuts to food aid by restricting states’ ability to waive work requirements in places with high joblessness. That idea, when floated under President Donald Trump, was estimated to cause 700,000 people to lose their food benefits.

GOP lawmakers are also seeking cuts in IRS money and asking the White House to accept parts of their proposed immigration overhaul.

The White House has countered by keeping defense and nondefense spending flat next year, which would save $90 billion in the 2024 budget year and $1 trillion over 10 years.

“I think that we can reach an agreement,” Biden said, though he added this about Republicans: "I can’t guarantee that they wouldn’t force a default by doing something outrageous.”

Republicans had also rejected White House proposals to raise revenues in order to further lower deficits. Among the proposals the GOP objects to are policies that would enable Medicare to pay less for prescription drugs and the closing of a dozen tax loopholes. Republicans have refused to roll back the Trump-era tax breaks on corporations and wealthy households as Biden’s own budget has proposed.

Biden, nonetheless, insisted that “revenue is not off the table.”

For months, Biden had refused to engage in talks over the debt limit, contending that Republicans in Congress were trying to use the borrowing limit vote as leverage to extract administration concessions on other policy priorities.

But with the U.S. Treasury Department saying that it could run out of cash as soon as June 1 and Republicans putting their own legislation on the table, the White House launched talks on a budget deal that could accompany an increase in the debt limit.

The decision to set up a call with McCarthy came after another start-stop day with no outward signs of progress. Food was brought to the negotiating room at the Capitol on Saturday morning, only to be carted away hours later. Talks, though, could resume later Sunday after the Biden-McCarthy conversation.

Biden tried to assure leaders attending the meeting of the world’s most powerful democracies that the United States would not default. U.S. officials said leaders were concerned, but largely confident that Biden and American lawmakers would resolve the crisis.

The president, though, said he was ruling out the possibility of taking action on his own to avoid a default. Any such steps, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/14th-amendment-biden-debt-ceiling-explained-92ebc0db703d49eab2c91d4d4a354cdf">suggestions to invoke the 14th Amendment</a>&nbsp;as a solution, would become tied up in the courts.

“That’s a question that I think is unresolved," Biden said, adding he hopes to try to get the judiciary to weigh in on the notion for the future.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684672043331.png" alt="“It’s time for Republicans to accept that there is no bipartisan deal to be made solely, solely, on their partisan terms," Biden said at a closing news conference before he departed the G7 summit in Japan-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>“It’s time for Republicans to accept that there is no bipartisan deal to be made solely, solely, on their partisan terms," Biden said at a closing news conference before he departed the G7 summit in Japan-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>HIROSHIMA, Japan (AP) — President Joe Biden said Sunday that Republicans in the U.S. House must move off their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/speaker-mccarthy-debt-biden-republicans-d4995f10a26d6c8bfa89a2bbfd1de93c">"extreme positions"</a>&nbsp;on the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/debt-limit-mccarthy-biden-default-negotiations-1b97de28d26b85da268cfd1c1e4a986a">now-stalled talks</a>&nbsp;over raising&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-debt-limit-coin-constitution-mccarthy-77be7f00b81cebec44fbaf807b9642ff">America's debt limit</a>&nbsp;and that there would be no agreement to avert a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/debt-limit-default-government-shutdown-explainer-b38474f210e519aeb3f48107ca2657ba">catastrophic default</a>&nbsp;only on their terms.Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy are waging a war of words on social media.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Biden doesn’t think there is a single dollar of savings to be found in the federal government’s budget. He’d rather be the first president in history to default on the debt than to risk upsetting the radical socialists who are calling the shots for Democrats right now.&mdash; Kevin McCarthy (@SpeakerMcCarthy) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpeakerMcCarthy/status/1660092979493711872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">According to economists, 8 million Americans could lose their jobs if our nation failed to pay its bills. The consequences would be catastrophic for folks across the country and the globe. Default is not an option.&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1659695428571463680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The White House is moving backward in negotiations. Unfortunately, the socialist wing of the Democrat Party appears to be in control—especially with President Biden out of the country.&mdash; Kevin McCarthy (@SpeakerMcCarthy) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpeakerMcCarthy/status/1660033659405991936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">No serious lawmaker has ever thought defaulting on America&#39;s debt was a viable option. <a href="https://t.co/L61tbci9vV">pic.twitter.com/L61tbci9vV</a>&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1659574632414957568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In an effort to get negotiations back on track, Biden planned to call U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., from Air Force One on the way back to Washington after a Group of Seven summit in Japan. World leaders at the gathering expressed concern about the dire global ramifications if the United States were to be unable to meet its financial obligations.“It’s time for Republicans to accept that there is no bipartisan deal to be made solely, solely, on their partisan terms," Biden said at a closing news conference before he departed. The president said he had done his part in attempting to raise the borrowing limit so the U.S. government can keep paying its bills, by agreeing to significant cuts in spending. “Now it’s time for the other side to move from their extreme position,” he said.Biden had been scheduled to travel from Hiroshima to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-pacific-debt-limit-papua-new-guinea-434b263a1bcc4320a18c08ba6bf5828c">Papua New Guinea</a>&nbsp;and Australia, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-papua-new-guinea-australia-debt-limit-b2b82fbb82d829f0b8bae87bef741d63">cut short his trip</a>&nbsp;in light of the strained negotiations with Capitol Hill.“My guess is he’s going to want to deal directly with me in making sure we’re all on the same page," Biden said about McCarthy before their expected conversation. A compromise remained within reach, the president said, despite their differences.“I’m hoping that Speaker McCarthy is just waiting to negotiate with me when I get home," he said. “I’m waiting to find out.”GOP lawmakers are holding tight to demands for sharp spending cuts, rejecting the alternatives proposed by the White House for reducing deficits.McCarthy tweeted on Saturday that it was the White House that was “moving backward in negotiations.” The speaker contended that Biden would “rather be the first president in history to default on the debt than to risk upsetting the radical socialists who are calling the shots for Democrats right now.”<a href="https://apnews.com/article/debt-limit-mccarthy-biden-default-negotiations-1b97de28d26b85da268cfd1c1e4a986a">Republicans want work requirements on the Medicaid</a>&nbsp;health care program, though the Biden administration has countered that millions of people could lose coverage. The GOP also introduced new cuts to food aid by restricting states’ ability to waive work requirements in places with high joblessness. That idea, when floated under President Donald Trump, was estimated to cause 700,000 people to lose their food benefits.GOP lawmakers are also seeking cuts in IRS money and asking the White House to accept parts of their proposed immigration overhaul.The White House has countered by keeping defense and nondefense spending flat next year, which would save $90 billion in the 2024 budget year and $1 trillion over 10 years.“I think that we can reach an agreement,” Biden said, though he added this about Republicans: "I can’t guarantee that they wouldn’t force a default by doing something outrageous.”Republicans had also rejected White House proposals to raise revenues in order to further lower deficits. Among the proposals the GOP objects to are policies that would enable Medicare to pay less for prescription drugs and the closing of a dozen tax loopholes. Republicans have refused to roll back the Trump-era tax breaks on corporations and wealthy households as Biden’s own budget has proposed.Biden, nonetheless, insisted that “revenue is not off the table.”For months, Biden had refused to engage in talks over the debt limit, contending that Republicans in Congress were trying to use the borrowing limit vote as leverage to extract administration concessions on other policy priorities.But with the U.S. Treasury Department saying that it could run out of cash as soon as June 1 and Republicans putting their own legislation on the table, the White House launched talks on a budget deal that could accompany an increase in the debt limit.The decision to set up a call with McCarthy came after another start-stop day with no outward signs of progress. Food was brought to the negotiating room at the Capitol on Saturday morning, only to be carted away hours later. Talks, though, could resume later Sunday after the Biden-McCarthy conversation.Biden tried to assure leaders attending the meeting of the world’s most powerful democracies that the United States would not default. U.S. officials said leaders were concerned, but largely confident that Biden and American lawmakers would resolve the crisis.The president, though, said he was ruling out the possibility of taking action on his own to avoid a default. Any such steps, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/14th-amendment-biden-debt-ceiling-explained-92ebc0db703d49eab2c91d4d4a354cdf">suggestions to invoke the 14th Amendment</a>&nbsp;as a solution, would become tied up in the courts.“That’s a question that I think is unresolved," Biden said, adding he hopes to try to get the judiciary to weigh in on the notion for the future.

President, Speaker of the House wage debt limit battle on twitter

WASHINGTON (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;got rid of a pandemic-related immigration case with a single sentence.

(<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/22pdf/22-592_5hd5.pdf">Click here to read the entire </a>opinion released by the court. On the final four pages, he explains&nbsp; how covid may have been “the greatest intrusion on civil liberties in the peacetime history of this country.")

Justice&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/neil-gorsuch">Neil Gorsuch</a>&nbsp;had a lot more to say, leveling harsh criticism of how governments, from small towns to the nation's capital, responded to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">gravest public health threat in a century.</a>

The justice, a 55-year-old conservative who was President Donald Trump's first Supreme Court nominee, called emergency measures taken during the COVID-19 crisis that killed more than 1 million Americans perhaps “the greatest intrusions on civil liberties in the peacetime history of this country.”

He pointed to orders closing schools, restricting church services, mandating vaccines and prohibiting evictions. His broadside was aimed at local, state and federal officials — even his colleagues.

“Executive officials across the country issued emergency decrees on a breathtaking scale,” Gorsuch wrote in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/22pdf/22-592_5hd5.pdf">an eight-page statement</a>&nbsp;Thursday that accompanied an expected Supreme Court order formally dismissing a case involving the use of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-biden-border-title-42-mexico-asylum-be4e0b15b27adb9bede87b9bbefb798d">Title 42 policy</a>&nbsp;to prevent asylum seekers from entering the United States.

The policy was ended last week with the expiration of the public health emergency first declared more than three years ago because of the coronavirus pandemic.

From the start of his Supreme Court tenure in 2017, Gorsuch, a Colorado native who loves to ski and bicycle, has been more willing than most justices to part company with his colleagues, both left and right.

He has mainly voted with the other conservatives in his six years as a justice, joining the majority that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">overturned Roe v. Wade</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-guns-decision-58d01ef8bd48e816d5f8761ffa84e3e8">expanded gun rights</a>&nbsp;last year.

But he has charted a different course on some issues, writing the court’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/courts-supreme-courts-mi-state-wire-neil-gorsuch-ap-top-news-ef3c19a79b65c060fd9e82b9dd87a1d9">2020 opinion</a>&nbsp;that extended federal protections against workplace discrimination to LGBTQ people. He also has joined with the liberal justices in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-racial-injustice-native-americans-foster-care-child-welfare-94dba582285a6dd9cdaa2a7d49aeac00">support of Native American rights</a>.

When the omicron variant surged in late 2021 and early 2022,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-us-supreme-court-health-neil-gorsuch-sonia-sotomayor-a064256f6491820d4d3da10f969dc555">Gorsuch was the lone justice to appear in the courtroom unmasked</a>&nbsp;even as his seatmate, Justice Sonia Sotomayor, who has diabetes, reportedly did not feel safe in close quarters with people who were not wearing masks.

So Sotomayor, who continues to wear a mask in public, did not take the bench with the other justices in January 2022. The two justices denied reports they were at odds over the issue.

The emergency orders about which Gorsuch complained were first announced in the early days of the pandemic, when Trump was president, and months before the virus was well understood and a vaccine was developed.

The thrust of his complaint is not new. He has written before in individual cases that came to the court during the pandemic, sometimes dissenting from orders that left emergency decrees in place.

The justices intervened in several COVID-related cases.

With Gorsuch and five other conservatives in the majority, they ended the eviction moratorium and blocked a Biden administration plan to require workers at larger companies to be vaccinated or wear a mask and submit to regular testing. Once Amy Coney Barrett joined the court, after Ruth Bader Ginsburg died, they ended restrictions on religious services in some areas.

By a 5-4 vote from which Gorsuch and three conservative colleagues dissented, the court allowed the administration to require many health care workers to be vaccinated.

But on Thursday, Gorsuch gathered his complaints in one place, writing about lessons he hoped might be learned from the past three years.

“One lesson might be this: Fear and the desire for safety are powerful forces. They can lead to a clamor for action —almost any action — as long as someone does something to address a perceived threat. A leader or an expert who claims he can fix everything, if only we do exactly as he says, can prove an irresistible force,” he wrote.

Another possible lesson, he wrote: “The concentration of power in the hands of so few may be efficient and sometimes popular. But it does not tend toward sound government.”

He also had strong words for the Republican-led states that tried to keep the Title 42 policy in place, and the five conservatives justices whose votes extended the policy five months beyond when it would have otherwise ended in late December.

“At the very least, one can hope that the Judiciary will not soon again allow itself to be part of the problem by permitting litigants to manipulate our docket to perpetuate a decree designed for one emergency to address another,” Gorsuch wrote.

In the final paragraph of his statement, Gorsuch acknowledged, but only grudgingly, that emergency orders sometimes are necessary. “Make no mistake — decisive executive action is sometimes necessary and appropriate. But if emergency decrees promise to solve some problems, they threaten to generate others,” he wrote.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1672235865420.png" alt="Justice&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/neil-gorsuch">Neil Gorsuch</a>, back row 2nd from left, had a lot more to say, leveling harsh criticism of how governments, from small towns to the nation's capital, responded to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">gravest public health threat in a century.</a>&nbsp;Credit: Fred Schilling, Collection of the Supreme Court of the United States" />
 <figcaption>Justice&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/neil-gorsuch">Neil Gorsuch</a>, back row 2nd from left, had a lot more to say, leveling harsh criticism of how governments, from small towns to the nation's capital, responded to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">gravest public health threat in a century.</a>&nbsp;Credit: Fred Schilling, Collection of the Supreme Court of the United States</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;got rid of a pandemic-related immigration case with a single sentence.(<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/22pdf/22-592_5hd5.pdf">Click here to read the entire </a>opinion released by the court. On the final four pages, he explains&nbsp; how covid may have been “the greatest intrusion on civil liberties in the peacetime history of this country.")<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684635232405.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Justice&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/neil-gorsuch">Neil Gorsuch</a>&nbsp;had a lot more to say, leveling harsh criticism of how governments, from small towns to the nation's capital, responded to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">gravest public health threat in a century.</a>The justice, a 55-year-old conservative who was President Donald Trump's first Supreme Court nominee, called emergency measures taken during the COVID-19 crisis that killed more than 1 million Americans perhaps “the greatest intrusions on civil liberties in the peacetime history of this country.”He pointed to orders closing schools, restricting church services, mandating vaccines and prohibiting evictions. His broadside was aimed at local, state and federal officials — even his colleagues.“Executive officials across the country issued emergency decrees on a breathtaking scale,” Gorsuch wrote in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/22pdf/22-592_5hd5.pdf">an eight-page statement</a>&nbsp;Thursday that accompanied an expected Supreme Court order formally dismissing a case involving the use of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-biden-border-title-42-mexico-asylum-be4e0b15b27adb9bede87b9bbefb798d">Title 42 policy</a>&nbsp;to prevent asylum seekers from entering the United States.The policy was ended last week with the expiration of the public health emergency first declared more than three years ago because of the coronavirus pandemic.From the start of his Supreme Court tenure in 2017, Gorsuch, a Colorado native who loves to ski and bicycle, has been more willing than most justices to part company with his colleagues, both left and right.He has mainly voted with the other conservatives in his six years as a justice, joining the majority that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">overturned Roe v. Wade</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-guns-decision-58d01ef8bd48e816d5f8761ffa84e3e8">expanded gun rights</a>&nbsp;last year.But he has charted a different course on some issues, writing the court’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/courts-supreme-courts-mi-state-wire-neil-gorsuch-ap-top-news-ef3c19a79b65c060fd9e82b9dd87a1d9">2020 opinion</a>&nbsp;that extended federal protections against workplace discrimination to LGBTQ people. He also has joined with the liberal justices in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-racial-injustice-native-americans-foster-care-child-welfare-94dba582285a6dd9cdaa2a7d49aeac00">support of Native American rights</a>.When the omicron variant surged in late 2021 and early 2022,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-us-supreme-court-health-neil-gorsuch-sonia-sotomayor-a064256f6491820d4d3da10f969dc555">Gorsuch was the lone justice to appear in the courtroom unmasked</a>&nbsp;even as his seatmate, Justice Sonia Sotomayor, who has diabetes, reportedly did not feel safe in close quarters with people who were not wearing masks.So Sotomayor, who continues to wear a mask in public, did not take the bench with the other justices in January 2022. The two justices denied reports they were at odds over the issue.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1672235865420.png" alt="Supreme Court Credit: Fred Schilling, Collection of the Supreme Court of the United States" />
 <figcaption>Supreme Court Credit: Fred Schilling, Collection of the Supreme Court of the United States</figcaption>
 </figure>The emergency orders about which Gorsuch complained were first announced in the early days of the pandemic, when Trump was president, and months before the virus was well understood and a vaccine was developed.The thrust of his complaint is not new. He has written before in individual cases that came to the court during the pandemic, sometimes dissenting from orders that left emergency decrees in place.The justices intervened in several COVID-related cases.With Gorsuch and five other conservatives in the majority, they ended the eviction moratorium and blocked a Biden administration plan to require workers at larger companies to be vaccinated or wear a mask and submit to regular testing. Once Amy Coney Barrett joined the court, after Ruth Bader Ginsburg died, they ended restrictions on religious services in some areas.By a 5-4 vote from which Gorsuch and three conservative colleagues dissented, the court allowed the administration to require many health care workers to be vaccinated.But on Thursday, Gorsuch gathered his complaints in one place, writing about lessons he hoped might be learned from the past three years.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606762532009.png" alt="Photo by Carlos Moreno/KCUR&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Carlos Moreno/KCUR&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>“One lesson might be this: Fear and the desire for safety are powerful forces. They can lead to a clamor for action —almost any action — as long as someone does something to address a perceived threat. A leader or an expert who claims he can fix everything, if only we do exactly as he says, can prove an irresistible force,” he wrote.Another possible lesson, he wrote: “The concentration of power in the hands of so few may be efficient and sometimes popular. But it does not tend toward sound government.”He also had strong words for the Republican-led states that tried to keep the Title 42 policy in place, and the five conservatives justices whose votes extended the policy five months beyond when it would have otherwise ended in late December.“At the very least, one can hope that the Judiciary will not soon again allow itself to be part of the problem by permitting litigants to manipulate our docket to perpetuate a decree designed for one emergency to address another,” Gorsuch wrote.In the final paragraph of his statement, Gorsuch acknowledged, but only grudgingly, that emergency orders sometimes are necessary. “Make no mistake — decisive executive action is sometimes necessary and appropriate. But if emergency decrees promise to solve some problems, they threaten to generate others,” he wrote.

Read Supreme Court Justice opinion that slams COVID emergency power

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a case of alleged aggravated arson are asking the public for help with information.

The Leavenworth Police Department posted photos on social media&nbsp;asking for help to identify a man who is wanted for questioning in the case. 

If you have any information about his identity, please call Detective Kear at (913) 680-2506. You can also leave information anonymously on our CLUE hotline at (913) 682-CLUE (2583).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684669193380.png" alt="&nbsp;You can also leave information anonymously on the CLUE hotline at (913) 682-CLUE (2583)." />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;You can also leave information anonymously on the CLUE hotline at (913) 682-CLUE (2583).</figcaption>
 </figure>LEAVENWORTH COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a case of alleged aggravated arson are asking the public for help with information.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684669221563.png" alt="Photos Leavenworth Police" />
 <figcaption>Photos Leavenworth Police</figcaption>
 </figure>The Leavenworth Police Department posted photos on social media&nbsp;asking for help to identify a man who is wanted for questioning in the case. If you have any information about his identity, please call Detective Kear at (913) 680-2506. You can also leave information anonymously on our CLUE hotline at (913) 682-CLUE (2583).

Police ask for help to ID  Kan. aggravated arson suspect

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating the death of a toddler have made an arrest.

On June 21, 2022, police were dispatched to a local hospital after the victim, a 22-month-old boy arrived unresponsive, according to a media release from Wichita. Police. At the time of death, it was unknown how the child died.

This week lab results returned and a warrant was issued for the arrest of 26-year-old Calvin Vick of Wichita.

The Special Investigations Bureau Community Response Team (SIBCRT) located Vick and arrested him without incident on Thursday.&nbsp; This case has been charged by the District Attorney’s Office. He remains jailed on a <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=240831">$100,000 bond</a> in connection with kidnapping, domestic battery and criminal threat. He also faces a murder charge. Police have not released details on the cause of death or Vick's relationship to the boy.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684597242446.png" alt="Vick-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Vick-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating the death of a toddler have made an arrest.On June 21, 2022, police were dispatched to a local hospital after the victim, a 22-month-old boy arrived unresponsive, according to a media release from Wichita. Police. At the time of death, it was unknown how the child died.This week lab results returned and a warrant was issued for the arrest of 26-year-old Calvin Vick of Wichita.The Special Investigations Bureau Community Response Team (SIBCRT) located Vick and arrested him without incident on Thursday.&nbsp; This case has been charged by the District Attorney’s Office. He remains jailed on a <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=240831">$100,000 bond</a> in connection with kidnapping, domestic battery and criminal threat. He also faces a murder charge. Police have not released details on the cause of death or Vick's relationship to the boy.

Kansas man accused in death of 22-month-old boy

KANSAS CITY– A Kansas man was indicted by a federal grand jury this week after traveling to Missouri to meet a 14-year-old girl, who was actually an undercover FBI employee, for illicit sex.

William H. Reichart, 60, Topeka was charged in a three-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury. The indictment replaces a criminal complaint that was filed against Reichart on April 28, 2013, and includes additional charges.

According to an affidavit filed in support of the original federal criminal complaint, members of the FBI Child Exploitation Task Force were engaged in covert chat sessions on platforms known to be frequented by adults with sexual fetishes, including adults attempting to lure children into sexual acts. An online covert law enforcement officer, posing as a 14-year-old girl, communicated with Reichart through a social media &nbsp;application.

Reichart engaged in sexually explicit conversations with the undercover law enforcement officer, the affidavit says, and sent pornographic images and video of himself. The affidavit says they made arrangements to meet in person for sexual contact. Law enforcement officers conducted surveillance of Reichart as he left his residence on April 27, 2023, and drove to the agreed-upon meeting location. When Reichart arrived for the meeting, he was arrested without incident.

This week’s indictment charges Reichart with one count of attempting to travel with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, one count of attempting to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity, and one count of attempting to transfer obscene material to minor.

KANSAS CITY– A Kansas man was indicted by a federal grand jury this week after traveling to Missouri to meet a 14-year-old girl, who was actually an undercover FBI employee, for illicit sex.William H. Reichart, 60, Topeka was charged in a three-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury. The indictment replaces a criminal complaint that was filed against Reichart on April 28, 2013, and includes additional charges.According to an affidavit filed in support of the original federal criminal complaint, members of the FBI Child Exploitation Task Force were engaged in covert chat sessions on platforms known to be frequented by adults with sexual fetishes, including adults attempting to lure children into sexual acts. An online covert law enforcement officer, posing as a 14-year-old girl, communicated with Reichart through a social media &nbsp;application.Reichart engaged in sexually explicit conversations with the undercover law enforcement officer, the affidavit says, and sent pornographic images and video of himself. The affidavit says they made arrangements to meet in person for sexual contact. Law enforcement officers conducted surveillance of Reichart as he left his residence on April 27, 2023, and drove to the agreed-upon meeting location. When Reichart arrived for the meeting, he was arrested without incident.This week’s indictment charges Reichart with one count of attempting to travel with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, one count of attempting to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity, and one count of attempting to transfer obscene material to minor.

Kansas man caught in FBI child sex sting

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in connection with a stolen vehicle.

On Thursday afternoon, police&nbsp;officers on patrol located a stolen vehicle in the area of SE 5th and Liberty in Topeka, according to Lt. Edward Stanley.

Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but the driver of the vehicle initiated a pursuit. The pursuit ended in the 3600 block of SE 6th, where the driver fled on foot. 

Police eventually located the driver later identified as 35-year-old Vashawn M. Fitzpatrick at SE 7th and Brookside in Topeka, and took him into custody without incident.&nbsp;

Fitzpatrick was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Possession of Stolen property, Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer, Flee or Attempt to Elude and Criminal Damage to Property.

Fitzpatrick has previous convictions for voluntary sexual intercourse with a minor, burglary, theft, drugs and attempt to elude law enforcement, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684512324367.png" alt="Fitzpatrick has previous convictions for voluntary sexual intercourse with a minor, burglary, theft, drugs and attempt to elude law enforcement, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections." />
 <figcaption>Fitzpatrick has previous convictions for voluntary sexual intercourse with a minor, burglary, theft, drugs and attempt to elude law enforcement, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in connection with a stolen vehicle.On Thursday afternoon, police&nbsp;officers on patrol located a stolen vehicle in the area of SE 5th and Liberty in Topeka, according to Lt. Edward Stanley.Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but the driver of the vehicle initiated a pursuit. The pursuit ended in the 3600 block of SE 6th, where the driver fled on foot. Police eventually located the driver later identified as 35-year-old Vashawn M. Fitzpatrick at SE 7th and Brookside in Topeka, and took him into custody without incident.&nbsp;Fitzpatrick was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Possession of Stolen property, Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer, Flee or Attempt to Elude and Criminal Damage to Property.Fitzpatrick has previous convictions for voluntary sexual intercourse with a minor, burglary, theft, drugs and attempt to elude law enforcement, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

Police catch Kansas felon after chase with stolen vehicle

By RACHEL MIPRO <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/05/kansas-lawmakers-debate-definition-of-female-and-male-for-county-jails/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA – Millions of dollars in grant money has been set aside to boster the state’s mental health services as officials respond to a shortage of resources for those struggling with mental illness.&nbsp;

The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services distributed $65.4 million from the state’s federal COVID-19 recovery funds to strengthen behavioral health services across the state, in a wave of grants announced by Gov. Laura Kelly this week.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“My administration continues to be laser-focused on increasing access to mental health resources and care, which is fundamental to safe and healthy communities,” Kelly said. “Thanks to the work of KDADS, the SPARK Committee, the State Finance Council and the awardees, we are making progress in knocking down barriers to mental health care in Kansas.”&nbsp;

The funding comes after months of health care officials and law enforcement officers testifying to lawmakers about mental health concerns. The state has increased mental health beds in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/kansas-expands-by-32-number-of-adult-child-psychiatric-beds-during-past-four-years/">the last four years</a>&nbsp;by about 32% – with about 954 mental health beds now available in the state– but officials say needs are still outpacing resources.

With a shortage of room in psychiatric facilities across the state, community hospitals and jails have had to shoulder housing and care costs for mentally unstable patients, in many cases without state reimbursement.&nbsp;

People deemed a danger to themselves or others are typically sent to the county jail until a hospital bed is ready. In Sedgwick County, where mental health beds are particularly needed, $25 million has been allocated to create a state-owned, 50-bed mental health hospital.&nbsp;

KVC Health Systems has been allocated $12.7 million for a 72-bed psychiatric hospital in Olathe. The expansion will result in 48 additional beds for youth and 24 additional adult beds within the KVC mental health system.&nbsp;

“Having this money in the community will result in more services being available in certain geographic regions of the state and increased capacity through expanded services,” said KDADS Deputy Secretary of Hospitals and Facilities Scott Brunner. “Kansans with disabilities, long-term care needs and those suffering from mental illness will be the ones to realize the positive changes and impact we’ll no doubt see as a result of programs that will be implemented by our awardees.”&nbsp;

Wichita State University and the University of Kansas: Health Sciences Education Center will receive $15 million for a joint health sciences education center project. The center, which will be based in Wichita, is meant to expand health care education opportunities for Kansans.&nbsp;

Other grants include funding for local hospitals and nursing homes, along with $1.1 million for expansion of the University of Kansas Health System Care Collaborative, meant to provide more services in rural communities.

<figure>
 <img src="https://kansasreflector.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/PA251192-1024x576.jpg" alt="- Kansas state officials announced grants for mental health needs across the state Wednesday. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>- Kansas state officials announced grants for mental health needs across the state Wednesday. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By RACHEL MIPRO <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/05/kansas-lawmakers-debate-definition-of-female-and-male-for-county-jails/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA – Millions of dollars in grant money has been set aside to boster the state’s mental health services as officials respond to a shortage of resources for those struggling with mental illness.&nbsp;The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services distributed $65.4 million from the state’s federal COVID-19 recovery funds to strengthen behavioral health services across the state, in a wave of grants announced by Gov. Laura Kelly this week.&nbsp;&nbsp;“My administration continues to be laser-focused on increasing access to mental health resources and care, which is fundamental to safe and healthy communities,” Kelly said. “Thanks to the work of KDADS, the SPARK Committee, the State Finance Council and the awardees, we are making progress in knocking down barriers to mental health care in Kansas.”&nbsp;The funding comes after months of health care officials and law enforcement officers testifying to lawmakers about mental health concerns. The state has increased mental health beds in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/kansas-expands-by-32-number-of-adult-child-psychiatric-beds-during-past-four-years/">the last four years</a>&nbsp;by about 32% – with about 954 mental health beds now available in the state– but officials say needs are still outpacing resources.With a shortage of room in psychiatric facilities across the state, community hospitals and jails have had to shoulder housing and care costs for mentally unstable patients, in many cases without state reimbursement.&nbsp;People deemed a danger to themselves or others are typically sent to the county jail until a hospital bed is ready. In Sedgwick County, where mental health beds are particularly needed, $25 million has been allocated to create a state-owned, 50-bed mental health hospital.&nbsp;KVC Health Systems has been allocated $12.7 million for a 72-bed psychiatric hospital in Olathe. The expansion will result in 48 additional beds for youth and 24 additional adult beds within the KVC mental health system.&nbsp;“Having this money in the community will result in more services being available in certain geographic regions of the state and increased capacity through expanded services,” said KDADS Deputy Secretary of Hospitals and Facilities Scott Brunner. “Kansans with disabilities, long-term care needs and those suffering from mental illness will be the ones to realize the positive changes and impact we’ll no doubt see as a result of programs that will be implemented by our awardees.”&nbsp;Wichita State University and the University of Kansas: Health Sciences Education Center will receive $15 million for a joint health sciences education center project. The center, which will be based in Wichita, is meant to expand health care education opportunities for Kansans.&nbsp;Other grants include funding for local hospitals and nursing homes, along with $1.1 million for expansion of the University of Kansas Health System Care Collaborative, meant to provide more services in rural communities.

Kansas officials announce grants for mental health hospital beds

LINCOLN — The Nebraska State Patrol arrested multiple people during incidents at the Nebraska State Capitol Building during legislative debate over abortion rights and transgender affirming care Friday afternoon, according to a media release from the patrol.

Just after 2:30p.m. during the legislative debate, multiple observers in the opponent balcony began yelling. Two individuals threw objects over the balcony onto the legislative floor. Those individuals, Lucia Salinas, 24, of Omaha, and Maghie Miller-Jenkins, 36, of Lincoln, were arrested for obstructing a government operation and disturbing the peace. Another individual was yelling repeatedly and refused law enforcement orders to leave the balcony. That individual, identified as Mar Lee, 25, of Lincoln, was arrested for disturbing the peace and trespassing.&nbsp;

The legislature’s presiding officer, Lt. Gov. Joe Kelly, order that the balconies be cleared for the remainder of the debate. On the proponent balcony, a woman refused to leave. Troopers gave repeated orders to vacate the balcony, but the woman did not comply. Danna Seevers, 56, of Seward, was arrested for disobeying a lawful order.

At approximately 3:25 p.m., a trooper observed a person intentionally preventing a legislative Sgt. At Arms from opening a door in the rear of the legislative chamber. The trooper told the man to leave the area. The man was non-compliant. The trooper then ordered the man to vacate the capitol. The man again refused to comply. The trooper attempted to place the man under arrest and the subject resisted. Another trooper arrived to assist taking the subject into custody. The man, Benjamin Buras, 40, of Lincoln, was arrested for resisting arrest and trespassing.

As troopers were attempting to take Buras into custody, a woman approached and tried to push past another trooper. The trooper held her back, at which time the woman punched the trooper in the chest. She was immediately taken into custody. Sara Crawford, 33, of Lincoln, was arrested for obstructing a peace officer. All six were booked into Lancaster County Jail.

The Nebraska Legislature later passed a bill that combines a 12-week abortion ban with restrictions on gender-affirming care for minors.&nbsp;

LINCOLN — The Nebraska State Patrol arrested multiple people during incidents at the Nebraska State Capitol Building during legislative debate over abortion rights and transgender affirming care Friday afternoon, according to a media release from the patrol.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Troopers arrested six people at the Nebraska State Capitol building today for various offenses, including this incident caught on a security camera in which a person punched a Trooper. No injuries to anyone involved. Details: <a href="https://t.co/QMzTjpAt6u">https://t.co/QMzTjpAt6u</a> <a href="https://t.co/6ceBTA3UGz">pic.twitter.com/6ceBTA3UGz</a>&mdash; Nebraska State Patrol (@NEStatePatrol) <a href="https://twitter.com/NEStatePatrol/status/1659719584734146561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Just after 2:30p.m. during the legislative debate, multiple observers in the opponent balcony began yelling. Two individuals threw objects over the balcony onto the legislative floor. Those individuals, Lucia Salinas, 24, of Omaha, and Maghie Miller-Jenkins, 36, of Lincoln, were arrested for obstructing a government operation and disturbing the peace. Another individual was yelling repeatedly and refused law enforcement orders to leave the balcony. That individual, identified as Mar Lee, 25, of Lincoln, was arrested for disturbing the peace and trespassing.&nbsp;The legislature’s presiding officer, Lt. Gov. Joe Kelly, order that the balconies be cleared for the remainder of the debate. On the proponent balcony, a woman refused to leave. Troopers gave repeated orders to vacate the balcony, but the woman did not comply. Danna Seevers, 56, of Seward, was arrested for disobeying a lawful order.At approximately 3:25 p.m., a trooper observed a person intentionally preventing a legislative Sgt. At Arms from opening a door in the rear of the legislative chamber. The trooper told the man to leave the area. The man was non-compliant. The trooper then ordered the man to vacate the capitol. The man again refused to comply. The trooper attempted to place the man under arrest and the subject resisted. Another trooper arrived to assist taking the subject into custody. The man, Benjamin Buras, 40, of Lincoln, was arrested for resisting arrest and trespassing.As troopers were attempting to take Buras into custody, a woman approached and tried to push past another trooper. The trooper held her back, at which time the woman punched the trooper in the chest. She was immediately taken into custody. Sara Crawford, 33, of Lincoln, was arrested for obstructing a peace officer. All six were booked into Lancaster County Jail.The Nebraska Legislature later passed a bill that combines a 12-week abortion ban with restrictions on gender-affirming care for minors.&nbsp;

🎥Protester punched Trooper during statehouse abortion, trans care debate 

By CHLOE ANDERSON <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/09/theyre-trying-to-silence-people-university-of-kansas-group-rallies-in-support-of-iranian-women/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Community members and law enforcement officers gathered at the Statehouse on Thursday evening to commemorate bonds that one speaker described “as strong as family.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Dozens attended the&nbsp;Law Enforcement Memorial Candlelight Vigil, an annual event held in honor of National Police Week and National Peace Officers’ Memorial Day. The vigil began in the first floor rotunda area before moving to the Law Enforcement Monument on the northeast quadrant of the grounds.&nbsp;

The monument, which honors the legacy of officers killed in the line of duty, is updated annually.&nbsp;

“Law enforcement is not just a job or career, it’s calling,” said Topeka Police officer Ben Heusted. “In answering that call, there comes a bond — a bond as strong as family. … Every man and woman that pins on the badge are our brothers and sisters. So tonight is a gathering of family: ; a time to come together to support each other and be there for one another.”

Audience members shed tears as various officers gave speeches, performed songs and led prayers. Outside, friends and family of those lost in the line of duty placed flowers and blue candles on the Law Enforcement Monument. The memorial already contains close to 300 names, and it recently received four more.

Twenty two-year-old Deputy Sidnee Taylor Carter served in the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office for more than a year before she was killed in October 2022. While responding to a disturbance call, her patrol car was struck by a motorist who failed to yield at a stop sign. Carter is survived by her mother, stepfather, father, two sisters and two brothers.

Captain Clay Morsell Germany and Officer David Leroy Ingle both died due to complications from COVID-19. Germany, who was 58 at the time of his death, worked for the Wichita Police Department for 26 years. He was diagnosed with COVID-19 in October 2020 and battled respiratory failure until his death in July 2021. Germany is survived by his wife, six daughters and one son.

Ingle, 52, served the city of Iola for nine years. He contracted COVID-19 while performing daily duties and tested positive Dec. 30, 2022. Just five days after being diagnosed, Ingle passed away. He is survived by his wife, two daughters and two sons.

The final name comes from further back in history. Deputy James Lucero began his position as deputy sheriff with the Ford County Sheriff’s Office on October 19, 1921, at the age of 49. He also worked as a special officer with the Santa Fe Railway.

According to an article from the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.dodgeglobe.com/2023/05/13/better-now-than-never-ford-county-hero-to-be-honored-100-years-after-his-murder/">Dodge City Daily Globe</a>, an intoxicated man became violent while Lucero was escorting him home Jan. 2, 1922. He shot Lucero, who died a day later. Little is known about Lucero’s lineage, but he had three young children at the time of his death.

The Thursday evening vigil was sponsored by the Fraternal Order of Police Auxiliary, Topeka #3.

Kansas Bureau of Investigation director&nbsp;Tony Mattivi told the group about the importance of remembering their loved ones’ accomplishments and dedication to duty.

“I can tell you with certainty, as we stand gathered here side by side, we will not forget the sacrifice that your loved one made,”&nbsp;Mattivi said. “We will live with each of their names tonight and tomorrow, and in our hearts each day.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684512714778.png" alt=" Sgt. Fabiola Torres comforts Annette Hardaway, the mother of Sidnee Carter. Carter was killed in the line of duty in October 2022 when a motorist failed to yield to a stop sign and struck Carter’s patrol car. She was 22 years old. (Chloe Anderson for Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Sgt. Fabiola Torres comforts Annette Hardaway, the mother of Sidnee Carter. Carter was killed in the line of duty in October 2022 when a motorist failed to yield to a stop sign and struck Carter’s patrol car. She was 22 years old. (Chloe Anderson for Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By CHLOE ANDERSON <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/09/theyre-trying-to-silence-people-university-of-kansas-group-rallies-in-support-of-iranian-women/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Community members and law enforcement officers gathered at the Statehouse on Thursday evening to commemorate bonds that one speaker described “as strong as family.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Dozens attended the&nbsp;Law Enforcement Memorial Candlelight Vigil, an annual event held in honor of National Police Week and National Peace Officers’ Memorial Day. The vigil began in the first floor rotunda area before moving to the Law Enforcement Monument on the northeast quadrant of the grounds.&nbsp;The monument, which honors the legacy of officers killed in the line of duty, is updated annually.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://kansasreflector.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/05182023-officervigil-6-300x188.jpg" alt="-Topeka Police Officers line the first floor rotunda area of the Statehouse on Thursday at a tribute for law enforcement. (Chloe Anderson for Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>-Topeka Police Officers line the first floor rotunda area of the Statehouse on Thursday at a tribute for law enforcement. (Chloe Anderson for Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>“Law enforcement is not just a job or career, it’s calling,” said Topeka Police officer Ben Heusted. “In answering that call, there comes a bond — a bond as strong as family. … Every man and woman that pins on the badge are our brothers and sisters. So tonight is a gathering of family: ; a time to come together to support each other and be there for one another.”Audience members shed tears as various officers gave speeches, performed songs and led prayers. Outside, friends and family of those lost in the line of duty placed flowers and blue candles on the Law Enforcement Monument. The memorial already contains close to 300 names, and it recently received four more.Twenty two-year-old Deputy Sidnee Taylor Carter served in the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office for more than a year before she was killed in October 2022. While responding to a disturbance call, her patrol car was struck by a motorist who failed to yield at a stop sign. Carter is survived by her mother, stepfather, father, two sisters and two brothers.Captain Clay Morsell Germany and Officer David Leroy Ingle both died due to complications from COVID-19. Germany, who was 58 at the time of his death, worked for the Wichita Police Department for 26 years. He was diagnosed with COVID-19 in October 2020 and battled respiratory failure until his death in July 2021. Germany is survived by his wife, six daughters and one son.Ingle, 52, served the city of Iola for nine years. He contracted COVID-19 while performing daily duties and tested positive Dec. 30, 2022. Just five days after being diagnosed, Ingle passed away. He is survived by his wife, two daughters and two sons.<figure>
 <img src="https://kansasreflector.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/05182023-officervigil-7-300x188.jpg" alt="-“As I look around, I see many family members, wives, husbands, parents, siblings, fathers, as well as so many colleagues and friends of the heroes that we’ve tragically and senselessly lost over the years,” said Tony Mattivi, director of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. “We wish you comfort in experiencing the honor this week brings—in seeing your loved ones’ names forever inscribed in a law enforcement memorial.” (Chloe Anderson for Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>-“As I look around, I see many family members, wives, husbands, parents, siblings, fathers, as well as so many colleagues and friends of the heroes that we’ve tragically and senselessly lost over the years,” said Tony Mattivi, director of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. “We wish you comfort in experiencing the honor this week brings—in seeing your loved ones’ names forever inscribed in a law enforcement memorial.” (Chloe Anderson for Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>The final name comes from further back in history. Deputy James Lucero began his position as deputy sheriff with the Ford County Sheriff’s Office on October 19, 1921, at the age of 49. He also worked as a special officer with the Santa Fe Railway.According to an article from the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.dodgeglobe.com/2023/05/13/better-now-than-never-ford-county-hero-to-be-honored-100-years-after-his-murder/">Dodge City Daily Globe</a>, an intoxicated man became violent while Lucero was escorting him home Jan. 2, 1922. He shot Lucero, who died a day later. Little is known about Lucero’s lineage, but he had three young children at the time of his death.The Thursday evening vigil was sponsored by the Fraternal Order of Police Auxiliary, Topeka #3.Kansas Bureau of Investigation director&nbsp;Tony Mattivi told the group about the importance of remembering their loved ones’ accomplishments and dedication to duty.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684512830097.png" alt="Blue candles surround Carter’s name on the memorial. (Chloe Anderson for Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Blue candles surround Carter’s name on the memorial. (Chloe Anderson for Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>“I can tell you with certainty, as we stand gathered here side by side, we will not forget the sacrifice that your loved one made,”&nbsp;Mattivi said. “We will live with each of their names tonight and tomorrow, and in our hearts each day.”

Candlelight vigil at Statehouse honored Kan. officers killed in the line of duty 

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities continue investigating&nbsp; a gunfight near a bar early on Mother's Day that sent a victim to the hospital.

On Friday the Shawnee County Sheriff's office released additional details on their investigation of events.

Just after 2:15a.m. May 14, deputies with the Shawnee County Sheriff's Office responded to a call of multiple gunshots in the parking lot of Victoria’s Bar, 5011 SW Topeka Boulevard.

When law enforcement arrived, it was discovered that a 41-year-old man subject had engaged in a verbal altercation in the parking lot with a group of individuals associated with the Hell’s Lovers Motorcycle Club. Several shots were fired.&nbsp;

During the shooting, a vehicle that was arriving at the business to pick up an employee of the business was also fired upon. The driver of the vehicle, a 35-year-old man, was struck multiple times by gunfire, but managed to flee the scene. The vehicle was located a short time later in the 4500 block of SW Topeka Boulevard. The driver was transported to a local hospital where he was treated and released.

In addition, at the time of the shooting, a separate individual that had not been inside the bar and not involved in the original altercation, was sitting in his vehicle in the business parking lot when the shooting began. That individual then exited his vehicle with a firearm and also began shooting at the vehicle that was ultimately located by law enforcement in the 4500 block of SW Topeka Boulevard. That individual was also taken into custody on requested charges of aggravated assault, criminal possession of a weapon and criminal discharge of a firearm.

On Wednesday, the sheriff's office reported four arrests.

Leon D. Smith-Love I., 28, of Topeka, is being held for aggravated assault, criminal possession of a weapon and criminal discharge of a firearm.

Kathryn R. Hazelwood, 26, of Topeka is being held on requested charges of possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Charles D. Wheat, 42, of Topeka, is in custody on requested charges of&nbsp; aggravated assault and criminal discharge of a firearm.

Jason M. Blenden Sr., 49, of Topeka, was booked in on an arrest warrant and could face additional charges.

On Thursday the sheriff's office reported the arrest of Storm M. Morgan, 30, of Meriden, on requested charges of criminal discharge of a firearm.

Shawn M. Ray, 39, of Topeka, is in custody on requested charges of criminal discharge of a firearm, aggravated assault and interference with law enforcement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684358381569.png" alt="Blenden-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Blenden-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities continue investigating&nbsp; a gunfight near a bar early on Mother's Day that sent a victim to the hospital.On Friday the Shawnee County Sheriff's office released additional details on their investigation of events.Just after 2:15a.m. May 14, deputies with the Shawnee County Sheriff's Office responded to a call of multiple gunshots in the parking lot of Victoria’s Bar, 5011 SW Topeka Boulevard.When law enforcement arrived, it was discovered that a 41-year-old man subject had engaged in a verbal altercation in the parking lot with a group of individuals associated with the Hell’s Lovers Motorcycle Club. Several shots were fired.&nbsp;During the shooting, a vehicle that was arriving at the business to pick up an employee of the business was also fired upon. The driver of the vehicle, a 35-year-old man, was struck multiple times by gunfire, but managed to flee the scene. The vehicle was located a short time later in the 4500 block of SW Topeka Boulevard. The driver was transported to a local hospital where he was treated and released.In addition, at the time of the shooting, a separate individual that had not been inside the bar and not involved in the original altercation, was sitting in his vehicle in the business parking lot when the shooting began. That individual then exited his vehicle with a firearm and also began shooting at the vehicle that was ultimately located by law enforcement in the 4500 block of SW Topeka Boulevard. That individual was also taken into custody on requested charges of aggravated assault, criminal possession of a weapon and criminal discharge of a firearm.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684358461475.png" alt="Smith-Love-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Smith-Love-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>On Wednesday, the sheriff's office reported four arrests.Leon D. Smith-Love I., 28, of Topeka, is being held for aggravated assault, criminal possession of a weapon and criminal discharge of a firearm.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684358501058.png" alt="Hazelwood-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Hazelwood-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Kathryn R. Hazelwood, 26, of Topeka is being held on requested charges of possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684358303852.png" alt="Wheat-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Wheat-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Charles D. Wheat, 42, of Topeka, is in custody on requested charges of&nbsp; aggravated assault and criminal discharge of a firearm.Jason M. Blenden Sr., 49, of Topeka, was booked in on an arrest warrant and could face additional charges.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684428008780.png" alt="Morgan-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Morgan-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>On Thursday the sheriff's office reported the arrest of Storm M. Morgan, 30, of Meriden, on requested charges of criminal discharge of a firearm.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684428093932.png" alt="Ray-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Ray-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Shawn M. Ray, 39, of Topeka, is in custody on requested charges of criminal discharge of a firearm, aggravated assault and interference with law enforcement.

Mother's Day bar gunfight involved Kansas motorcycle club

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/debt-limit-joe-biden-kevin-mccarthy-default-c0abf8c6d13ac382e9922e3a8a9aaea0">Debt limit</a>&nbsp;talks between the White House and House Republicans stopped, started and stopped again Friday at the U.S. Capitol, a dizzying series of events in high-stakes negotiations to avoid a potentially catastrophic federal default.

President Joe Biden’s administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/debt-limit-joe-biden-kevin-mccarthy-default-c0abf8c6d13ac382e9922e3a8a9aaea0">is reaching for a deal</a>&nbsp;with Republicans led by House Speaker Kevin McCarthy as the nation faces a deadline as soon as June 1 to raise the country's borrowing limit, now at $31 trillion, to keep paying the nation’s bills. Republicans are demanding&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/debt-limit-bill-house-republicans-kevin-mccarthy-f73e6c2fce8abdfab4973c727ea79517">steep spending cuts</a>&nbsp;the Democrats oppose.

Negotiations came to an abrupt standstill earlier in the day when McCarthy said it’s time to “pause” talks. But the negotiating teams convened again in the evening only to quickly call it quits for the night.

Top Republican negotiators for McCarthy said after the evening session that they were uncertain on next steps. But the White House publicly expressed optimism that a resolution could be reached if parties negotiated in “good faith.”

Biden, attending the Group of Seven summit in Japan, continued to express optimism that an agreement will be reached, saying that negotiating happens “in stages.”

“I still believe we'll be able to avoid a default and get something done,” he said.

His press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, earlier had acknowledged the difficulty of the talks.

“There’s no question we have serious differences," she said, without outlining any of them.

Top Republican negotiators for McCarthy said after the evening session that they were uncertain on next steps, though it's likely discussions will resume over the weekend. The White House publicly expressed optimism that a resolution could be reached if parties negotiated in “good faith.”

“We reengaged, had a very, very candid discussion, talking about where we are, talking about where things need to be, what’s reasonably acceptable," said Rep. Garret Graves, R-La., a top McCarthy ally leading the talks for his side.

Another Republican negotiator, Rep. Patrick McHenry of North Carolina, was asked if he was confident an agreement over budget issues could be reached with the White House. He replied, “No.”

As the White House team left the nighttime session, counselor to the president Steve Ricchetti, who is leading talks for the Democrats, said he was hopeful. “We're going to keep working,” he said.

Biden had already planned to cut short the rest of his trip and is expected to return to Washington Sunday night.

Earlier in the day, McCarthy said resolution to the standoff is “easy,” if only Biden's team would agree to some&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/debt-limit-bill-house-republicans-kevin-mccarthy-f73e6c2fce8abdfab4973c727ea79517">spending cuts</a>&nbsp;Republicans are demanding. The biggest impasse was over the fiscal 2024 top-line budget amount, according to a person briefed on the talks and granted anonymity to discuss them. Democrats staunchly oppose the steep reductions Republicans have put on the table as potentially harmful to Americans, and are insisting that Republicans agree to tax hikes on the wealthy, in addition to spending cuts, to close the deficit.

“We’ve got to get movement by the White House and we don’t have any movement yet,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kevin-mccarthy-house-speaker-100-days-trump-6c028bd4508883cb0afc11ec16af2be0">McCarthy, R-Calif.,</a>&nbsp;told reporters at the Capitol. "So, yeah, we’ve got to pause.”

White House communications director Ben LaBolt said Saturday that “Any serious budget negotiation must include discussion both of spending and of revenues, but Republicans have refused to discuss revenue.”

He added: "President Biden will not accept a wishlist of extreme MAGA priorities that would punish the middle class and neediest Americans and set our economic progress back."

Jean-Pierre insisted Biden was not negotiating on raising the borrowing limit, despite the clear linkage in talks between securing a budget deal and raising the debt ceiling.

“It is not negotiable — we should not be negotiating on the debt,” she said.

Wall Street&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stock-market-bank-rates-economy-1c62cf8e93441633d81bf67bf3106897?utm_source=homepage&amp;utm_medium=RelatedStories&amp;utm_campaign=position_01">turned lower</a>&nbsp;as negotiations came to a sudden halt. Experts have warned that even the threat of a debt default would could spark a recession.

Republicans argue the nation's deficit spending needs to get under control, aiming to roll back spending to fiscal 2022 levels and restrict future growth. But Biden's team is countering that the caps Republicans proposed in their House-passed bill would amount to 30% reductions in some programs if Defense and veterans are spared, according to a memo from the Office of Management and Budget.

Any deal would need the support of both Republicans and Democrats to find approval in a divided Congress and be passed into law. Negotiators are eyeing a more narrow budget cap deal of a few years, rather than the decade-long caps Republicans initially wanted, and clawing back some $30 billion of unspent COVID-19 funds.

Still up for debate are policy changes, including a framework for permitting reforms to speed the development of energy projects, as well as the Republican push to impose work requirements on government aid recipients that Biden has been open to but the House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries has said was a "nonstarter."

“Look, we can’t be spending more money next year,” McCarthy said at the Capitol. "We have to spend less than we spent the year before. It’s pretty easy.”

McCarthy faces pressures from his hard-right flank to cut the strongest deal possible for Republicans, and he risks a threat to his leadership as speaker if he fails to deliver. Many House Republicans are unlikely to accept any deal with the White House.

The internal political dynamics confronting the embattled McCarthy leave the Democrats skeptical about giving away too much to the Republicans and driving off the support they will need to pass any compromise through Congress.

Biden is facing increased pushback from Democrats, particularly progressives, who argue the reductions will fall too heavily on domestic programs that Americans rely on.

Some Democrats want Biden to invoke his authority&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/14th-amendment-biden-debt-ceiling-explained-92ebc0db703d49eab2c91d4d4a354cdf">under the 14th amendment</a>&nbsp;to raise the debt ceiling on his own, an idea that raises legal questions and that the president has so far said he is not inclined to consider.

Pressure on McCarthy comes from the conservative House Freedom Caucus, which said late Thursday there should be no further discussions until the Senate takes action on the House Republican plan. That bill approved last month would raise the debt limit into 2024 in exchange for spending caps and policy changes. Biden has said he would veto that Republican measure.

In the Senate, which is controlled by majority Democrats, Republican leader Mitch McConnell has taken a backseat publicly, and is pushing Biden to strike a deal directly with McCarthy.

“They are the only two who can reach an agreement,” McConnell said in a tweet. “It is past time for the White House to get serious. Time is of the essence.”

The president, who has been in Japan attending the Group of Seven summit, had no immediate public comment, but press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said he was being continually updated on the discussions in Washington. Jean-Pierre said Biden was “still optimistic” that a deal could be reached to avert default, but acknowledged, “There’s no question we have serious differences.”

Biden had already planned to cut short the rest of his trip and he is expected to return to Washington Sunday night.