By CINDY GONZALEZ <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/04/12/nebraskas-new-tourist-attraction-kiewit-luminarium-on-omahas-riverfront-is-to-open-saturday/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

OMAHA — Three years in the making, 
Nebraska’s newest tourist magnet is set to open Saturday: 82,000 square 
feet of interactive science museum on the edge of Omaha’s riverfront.

The Kiewit Luminarium, whose roughly 
$100 million price tag was privately funded, is key to redefining a 
downtown landscape, along with the tri-park revamp and planned $600 
million Mutual of Omaha skyscraper.

It’s viewed as a boost to building a 
workforce in a labor-starved state, with more than 120 exhibits designed
 to inspire lifelong interest and careers in science, technology and 
engineering.

But among the <a target="_blank" href="https://kiewitluminarium.org/">Luminarium’s</a>
 highest values, said CEO Silva Raker, is providing a space where people
 of all backgrounds connect, open their minds to different ways of 
learning and break down barriers.

“There aren’t that many places where 
people can intersect with folks who already aren’t in their circle,” 
Raker told the Nebraska Examiner during a sneak peek event for news 
media on Tuesday.

Raker noted that almost all the Luminarium exhibits are designed for social interaction and an exchange of thoughts.

Take the “pothole” station (many displays reflect Omaha-centric issues and feature local personalities).

Paper, pencils and a question 
encourage visitors to describe thoughts and post them on a wall for all 
to see. “What would an Omaha without potholes be like?”&nbsp;

To that, one respondent wrote: “We will never know.” Another said, “They make this the holiest city in the country.”

Also in the exhibit, a 
day-in-the-life video of a real-life city pothole-filler explains the 
science behind the craters and his role in fixing up to 20,000 in a 
month.

Raker said adult nights will be held at the Luminarium on certain topics, maybe even on potholes, and people can share further ideas.

“You will never look at a pothole 
again the same after you do these things,” she said. “It’s about finding
 the science and the technology in the everyday, and it’s also finding 
the humanity in it.”

Inside the Luminarium’s steely exterior is a cafe, a gift shop, meeting rooms. Raker expects the museum to be a headquarters for influencers such as educators, to gather for professional growth. 

Teachers, she said, are “multipliers of what we do” and will impact thousands of kids over the course of their careers.

 Sections within the airy Luminarium 
are devoted to areas such as math and geometry, natural phenomena and 
physical science, financial literacy, engineering and the built 
environment.

To be sure, it’s a hands-on learning environment.

Take the geometry playground, where 
one can enhance the “brain’s spatial superpowers” by stacking, packing 
and fitting together objects in just the right position.

A compost station invites visitors to “feel the warmth.”

A turn of a knob at another display sends sound waves splashing through water in a tube.

On Tuesday, Elijah Mitchell — who is 
among the 60 students on the 100-person Luminarium staff — was laughing 
with his co-workers as each tested how quietly they could walk through a
 bed of rocks in one of the science-of-sound exhibits.

Mitchell, 21, said he wasn’t exposed 
much to museums while growing up. He sought the part-time Luminarium 
job, while studying business at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, in 
part to pass on some life lessons to young visitors.

“I’d like to help break that barrier 
for kids who don’t like math or science or think they don’t understand 
it — this is hands-on learning, and it can be fun.”

<a target="_blank" href="https://kiewitluminarium.org/">General admission,</a> timed-entry tickets available online

<a target="_blank" href="https://kiewitluminarium.org/membership/">Members</a> still must reserve a timed ticket

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681307720444.png" alt="The Kiewit Luminarium spans 82,000 square feet at the Lewis &amp; Clark Landing on Omaha’s riverfront (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>The Kiewit Luminarium spans 82,000 square feet at the Lewis &amp; Clark Landing on Omaha’s riverfront (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>By CINDY GONZALEZ <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/04/12/nebraskas-new-tourist-attraction-kiewit-luminarium-on-omahas-riverfront-is-to-open-saturday/">Nebraska Examiner</a>OMAHA — Three years in the making, 
Nebraska’s newest tourist magnet is set to open Saturday: 82,000 square 
feet of interactive science museum on the edge of Omaha’s riverfront.The Kiewit Luminarium, whose roughly 
$100 million price tag was privately funded, is key to redefining a 
downtown landscape, along with the tri-park revamp and planned $600 
million Mutual of Omaha skyscraper.It’s viewed as a boost to building a 
workforce in a labor-starved state, with more than 120 exhibits designed
 to inspire lifelong interest and careers in science, technology and 
engineering.But among the <a target="_blank" href="https://kiewitluminarium.org/">Luminarium’s</a>
 highest values, said CEO Silva Raker, is providing a space where people
 of all backgrounds connect, open their minds to different ways of 
learning and break down barriers.“There aren’t that many places where 
people can intersect with folks who already aren’t in their circle,” 
Raker told the Nebraska Examiner during a sneak peek event for news 
media on Tuesday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681307820308.png" alt="Courtesy of Kiewit Luminarium" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of Kiewit Luminarium</figcaption>
 </figure>Raker noted that almost all the Luminarium exhibits are designed for social interaction and an exchange of thoughts.Take the “pothole” station (many displays reflect Omaha-centric issues and feature local personalities).Paper, pencils and a question 
encourage visitors to describe thoughts and post them on a wall for all 
to see. “What would an Omaha without potholes be like?”&nbsp;To that, one respondent wrote: “We will never know.” Another said, “They make this the holiest city in the country.”Also in the exhibit, a 
day-in-the-life video of a real-life city pothole-filler explains the 
science behind the craters and his role in fixing up to 20,000 in a 
month.Raker said adult nights will be held at the Luminarium on certain topics, maybe even on potholes, and people can share further ideas.“You will never look at a pothole 
again the same after you do these things,” she said. “It’s about finding
 the science and the technology in the everyday, and it’s also finding 
the humanity in it.”Inside the Luminarium’s steely exterior is a cafe, a gift shop, meeting rooms. Raker expects the museum to be a headquarters for influencers such as educators, to gather for professional growth. Teachers, she said, are “multipliers of what we do” and will impact thousands of kids over the course of their careers. Sections within the airy Luminarium 
are devoted to areas such as math and geometry, natural phenomena and 
physical science, financial literacy, engineering and the built 
environment.To be sure, it’s a hands-on learning environment.Take the geometry playground, where 
one can enhance the “brain’s spatial superpowers” by stacking, packing 
and fitting together objects in just the right position.A compost station invites visitors to “feel the warmth.”A turn of a knob at another display sends sound waves splashing through water in a tube.On Tuesday, Elijah Mitchell — who is 
among the 60 students on the 100-person Luminarium staff — was laughing 
with his co-workers as each tested how quietly they could walk through a
 bed of rocks in one of the science-of-sound exhibits.Mitchell, 21, said he wasn’t exposed 
much to museums while growing up. He sought the part-time Luminarium 
job, while studying business at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, in 
part to pass on some life lessons to young visitors.“I’d like to help break that barrier 
for kids who don’t like math or science or think they don’t understand 
it — this is hands-on learning, and it can be fun.”<h2>Kiewit Luminarium</h2>345 Riverfront Drive<a target="_blank" href="https://kiewitluminarium.org/">General admission,</a> timed-entry tickets available online<a target="_blank" href="https://kiewitluminarium.org/membership/">Members</a> still must reserve a timed ticket

Nebraska’s new tourist attraction, Kiewit Luminarium, set to open Saturday

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A growing number of states led by Democratic governors are stockpiling doses of drugs used in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/how-medication-abortion-works-f913375ec6f8ebcb1f1055e57a3aef63?utm_source=apnews&amp;utm_medium=relatedcontentmodule">medication abortions</a>, amid fears that a court ruling could restrict access to the most commonly used method of abortion in the U.S.

Massachusetts has purchased enough doses of the drug mifepristone — one of two drugs used in combination to end pregnancies — to last for more than a year, Democratic Gov. Maura Healey said Monday. California has secured an emergency stockpile of up to 2 million pills of misoprostol, the other drug used in abortion medication, Gov. Newsom, also a Democrat, announced.

And in Washington state, Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee announced last week that the state purchased&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/washington-abortion-pills-stockpile-1c1c7c107882f7a25a181af79a1f6790">30,000 doses of the generic version</a>&nbsp;of mifepristone — which he said is enough to last the state's residents three years. The shipment arrived in late March.

“Abortion is still legal and accessible here in California and we won’t stand by as fundamental freedoms are stripped away,” Newsom said Friday.

The actions come as U.S. District Judge&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-judge-matthew-kacsmaryk-abortion-pill-fda-75964b777ef09593a1ad948c6cfc0237">Matthew Kacsmaryk, a Trump appointee</a>&nbsp;in Amarillo, Texas, overruled decades of scientific approval Friday and put on hold federal approval of mifepristone.

The judge stayed his ruling for a week so federal authorities could file a challenge.

The Biden administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pills-mifepristone-court-order-becerra-fda-307bcfdbb08418c6a57bc8cc789428c8">slammed the ruling</a>&nbsp;and on Monday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-abortion-pills-4b65ecc66d1b908019bdf3843a428d5a">appealed the decision</a>, saying it would thwart the U.S. Food and Drug administration's scientific judgment and “severely harm women, particularly those for whom mifepristone is a medical or practical necessity.”

Adding to the confusion was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pill-lawsuit-mifepristone-misoprostol-kacsmaryk-74cb1c4cfab2c04f6cf2696151bc86ef">a second opinion</a>&nbsp;also released on Friday by District Judge Thomas O. Rice, an Obama appointee, directing U.S. authorities not to make any changes that would restrict access to the drug in at least 17 states where Democrats sued in an effort to protect availability.

Healey said the Kacsmaryk ruling threatens access to the medication even in states supportive of abortion rights like Massachusetts.

“It harms patients, undermines medical expertise, and takes away freedom. It's an attempt to punish, to shame, to marginalize women. It's unnecessary,” Healey said, surrounded by fellow Democratic lawmakers including U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren on the steps of the Massachusetts Statehouse.

“It is terrible. It is terrible,” she added.

Newsom said the ruling by Kacsmaryk “ignores facts, science, and the law," and puts the health of millions of women and girls at risk.

Inslee said it's important for states to take steps to ensure access to the drug.

“After we announced our actions last week to protect access to mifepristone, it’s heartening to see other states doing the same,” Inslee wrote on Twitter on Monday. “To be clear: no matter the outcome of the TX case, WA’s laws ensure we will be able to sell and distribute this medication."

The 15,000 doses in Massachusetts were purchased by the University of Massachusetts-Amherst at Healey's request.

Massachusetts health care providers have also agreed to buy additional quantities of mifepristone, according to Healey, who said the administration is dedicating $1 million to help providers contracted with the Department of Public Health to pay for the doses.

While there are no plans yet in Connecticut to stockpile mifepristone, Attorney General William Tong said Monday that he has been contacting major pharmacy chains to remind them the drug is legal and they should not be influenced by pressure from GOP attorneys general in other states.

”(I’m) obviously deeply disappointed that my colleagues have taken that action,” he said. “We’re pushing back on that. We’re in communication with all the big pharmacy chains, advising them of their rights and obligations here in Connecticut.”

Also on Friday, Healey signed an executive order expanding a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-us-supreme-court-health-charlie-baker-massachusetts-67ae91877315527cb5f5166cf2b91d8a">2022 law meant to build a legal firewall</a>&nbsp;around abortion services — protecting health care providers, patients and pharmacists from out-of-state investigations into medication abortions. The law was signed after the U.S. Supreme Court ruling overturning Roe v. Wade.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680709134368.png" alt="--Washington state has purchased a three-year supply of a leading abortion medication in anticipation of the court ruling, Gov. Jay Inslee said Tuesday.-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>--Washington state has purchased a three-year supply of a leading abortion medication in anticipation of the court ruling, Gov. Jay Inslee said Tuesday.-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A growing number of states led by Democratic governors are stockpiling doses of drugs used in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/how-medication-abortion-works-f913375ec6f8ebcb1f1055e57a3aef63?utm_source=apnews&amp;utm_medium=relatedcontentmodule">medication abortions</a>, amid fears that a court ruling could restrict access to the most commonly used method of abortion in the U.S.Massachusetts has purchased enough doses of the drug mifepristone — one of two drugs used in combination to end pregnancies — to last for more than a year, Democratic Gov. Maura Healey said Monday. California has secured an emergency stockpile of up to 2 million pills of misoprostol, the other drug used in abortion medication, Gov. Newsom, also a Democrat, announced.And in Washington state, Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee announced last week that the state purchased&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/washington-abortion-pills-stockpile-1c1c7c107882f7a25a181af79a1f6790">30,000 doses of the generic version</a>&nbsp;of mifepristone — which he said is enough to last the state's residents three years. The shipment arrived in late March.“Abortion is still legal and accessible here in California and we won’t stand by as fundamental freedoms are stripped away,” Newsom said Friday.The actions come as U.S. District Judge&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-judge-matthew-kacsmaryk-abortion-pill-fda-75964b777ef09593a1ad948c6cfc0237">Matthew Kacsmaryk, a Trump appointee</a>&nbsp;in Amarillo, Texas, overruled decades of scientific approval Friday and put on hold federal approval of mifepristone.The judge stayed his ruling for a week so federal authorities could file a challenge.The Biden administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pills-mifepristone-court-order-becerra-fda-307bcfdbb08418c6a57bc8cc789428c8">slammed the ruling</a>&nbsp;and on Monday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-abortion-pills-4b65ecc66d1b908019bdf3843a428d5a">appealed the decision</a>, saying it would thwart the U.S. Food and Drug administration's scientific judgment and “severely harm women, particularly those for whom mifepristone is a medical or practical necessity.”Adding to the confusion was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pill-lawsuit-mifepristone-misoprostol-kacsmaryk-74cb1c4cfab2c04f6cf2696151bc86ef">a second opinion</a>&nbsp;also released on Friday by District Judge Thomas O. Rice, an Obama appointee, directing U.S. authorities not to make any changes that would restrict access to the drug in at least 17 states where Democrats sued in an effort to protect availability.Healey said the Kacsmaryk ruling threatens access to the medication even in states supportive of abortion rights like Massachusetts.“It harms patients, undermines medical expertise, and takes away freedom. It's an attempt to punish, to shame, to marginalize women. It's unnecessary,” Healey said, surrounded by fellow Democratic lawmakers including U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren on the steps of the Massachusetts Statehouse.“It is terrible. It is terrible,” she added.Newsom said the ruling by Kacsmaryk “ignores facts, science, and the law," and puts the health of millions of women and girls at risk.Inslee said it's important for states to take steps to ensure access to the drug.“After we announced our actions last week to protect access to mifepristone, it’s heartening to see other states doing the same,” Inslee wrote on Twitter on Monday. “To be clear: no matter the outcome of the TX case, WA’s laws ensure we will be able to sell and distribute this medication."The 15,000 doses in Massachusetts were purchased by the University of Massachusetts-Amherst at Healey's request.Massachusetts health care providers have also agreed to buy additional quantities of mifepristone, according to Healey, who said the administration is dedicating $1 million to help providers contracted with the Department of Public Health to pay for the doses.While there are no plans yet in Connecticut to stockpile mifepristone, Attorney General William Tong said Monday that he has been contacting major pharmacy chains to remind them the drug is legal and they should not be influenced by pressure from GOP attorneys general in other states.”(I’m) obviously deeply disappointed that my colleagues have taken that action,” he said. “We’re pushing back on that. We’re in communication with all the big pharmacy chains, advising them of their rights and obligations here in Connecticut.”Also on Friday, Healey signed an executive order expanding a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-us-supreme-court-health-charlie-baker-massachusetts-67ae91877315527cb5f5166cf2b91d8a">2022 law meant to build a legal firewall</a>&nbsp;around abortion services — protecting health care providers, patients and pharmacists from out-of-state investigations into medication abortions. The law was signed after the U.S. Supreme Court ruling overturning Roe v. Wade.

More US states stock abortion medications after court ruling

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration has begun sharing with a bipartisan group of lawmakers known as the Gang of Eight&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-classified-documents-trump-side-by-side-fb2c4ebccdbdbb9039c1c5e227b1da53">classified documents found in the possession</a>&nbsp;of former President Donald Trump, President Joe Biden and former Vice President Mike Pence, according to five people familiar with the matter.

Top lawmakers, including Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, had for months been asking the Justice Department to provide access to the documents — or at least an assessment of what was in them — so that Congress could gauge the potential national security harm.

That process recently got underway, said the people, who insisted on anonymity to discuss private interactions between the Justice Department and Congress.

“They’re finally moving. We’ve got a lot more documents to review and, more importantly, to make sure there was mitigation taken,” Warner said Wednesday, adding that the documents were being received on a rolling basis. He said that while he was “glad to see progress,” it is “still unacceptable for me that it took this long.”

A Justice Department special counsel, Jack Smith, is investigating whether Trump mishandled roughly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/florida-donald-trump-mar-a-lago-government-and-politics-6351944983a137dd6bbccc16966bdaac">several hundred documents with classified markings</a>&nbsp;that were taken after his term ended to Mar-a-Lago, the former president’s Florida estate, and whether he or his representatives sought to obstruct that probe. Another special counsel,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/classified-documents-biden-home-wilmington-33479d12c7cf0a822adb2f44c32b88fd">Robert Hur,</a>&nbsp;is also investigating the improper retention of documents from Biden’s time as vice president that have been located in his Delaware home and his pre-presidential think-tank office. Biden has said he had no knowledge the documents were there.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mike-pence-classified-documents-791bba57abaf50377f0938f0d293f36e">A lawyers for Pence also said in January</a>&nbsp;that an apparently small number of papers were inadvertently boxed and transported to his Indiana home at the end of the Trump administration.

Punchbowl News first reported the development.

The Biden administration held a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/intelligence-classified-documents-trump-biden-pence-c061d26139cbe811026962e531163c3e">classified briefing on the documents earlier this year</a>&nbsp;for members of Congress, but senators accused the executive branch of stonewalling and insisted that they needed for national security reasons to see for themselves what materials the men had been holding.

The Justice Department had said that it wanted to be cooperative with the lawmakers’ demands within the confines of the ongoing investigations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661941600753.jpeg" alt="This image contained in a court filing by the Department of Justice on Aug. 30, 2022, and redacted by in part by the FBI, shows a photo of documents seized during the Aug. 8 search by the FBI of former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. The Justice Department says it has uncovered efforts to obstruct its investigation into the discovery of classified records at former President Donald Trump's Florida estate. (Department of Justice via AP)" />
 <figcaption>This image contained in a court filing by the Department of Justice on Aug. 30, 2022, and redacted by in part by the FBI, shows a photo of documents seized during the Aug. 8 search by the FBI of former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. The Justice Department says it has uncovered efforts to obstruct its investigation into the discovery of classified records at former President Donald Trump's Florida estate. (Department of Justice via AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration has begun sharing with a bipartisan group of lawmakers known as the Gang of Eight&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-classified-documents-trump-side-by-side-fb2c4ebccdbdbb9039c1c5e227b1da53">classified documents found in the possession</a>&nbsp;of former President Donald Trump, President Joe Biden and former Vice President Mike Pence, according to five people familiar with the matter.Top lawmakers, including Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, had for months been asking the Justice Department to provide access to the documents — or at least an assessment of what was in them — so that Congress could gauge the potential national security harm.That process recently got underway, said the people, who insisted on anonymity to discuss private interactions between the Justice Department and Congress.“They’re finally moving. We’ve got a lot more documents to review and, more importantly, to make sure there was mitigation taken,” Warner said Wednesday, adding that the documents were being received on a rolling basis. He said that while he was “glad to see progress,” it is “still unacceptable for me that it took this long.”A Justice Department special counsel, Jack Smith, is investigating whether Trump mishandled roughly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/florida-donald-trump-mar-a-lago-government-and-politics-6351944983a137dd6bbccc16966bdaac">several hundred documents with classified markings</a>&nbsp;that were taken after his term ended to Mar-a-Lago, the former president’s Florida estate, and whether he or his representatives sought to obstruct that probe. Another special counsel,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/classified-documents-biden-home-wilmington-33479d12c7cf0a822adb2f44c32b88fd">Robert Hur,</a>&nbsp;is also investigating the improper retention of documents from Biden’s time as vice president that have been located in his Delaware home and his pre-presidential think-tank office. Biden has said he had no knowledge the documents were there.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mike-pence-classified-documents-791bba57abaf50377f0938f0d293f36e">A lawyers for Pence also said in January</a>&nbsp;that an apparently small number of papers were inadvertently boxed and transported to his Indiana home at the end of the Trump administration.Punchbowl News first reported the development.The Biden administration held a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/intelligence-classified-documents-trump-biden-pence-c061d26139cbe811026962e531163c3e">classified briefing on the documents earlier this year</a>&nbsp;for members of Congress, but senators accused the executive branch of stonewalling and insisted that they needed for national security reasons to see for themselves what materials the men had been holding.The Justice Department had said that it wanted to be cooperative with the lawmakers’ demands within the confines of the ongoing investigations.

Key lawmakers get to see Biden, Trump classified documents 

SAN JOSE (AP) —Disgraced Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes has been rebuffed in her attempt to stay out of federal prison while she appeals her conviction for the fraud she committed while overseeing a blood-testing scam that exposed Silicon Valley’s dark side.

In an 11-page ruling issued late Monday, U.S. District Judge Edward Davila concluded there wasn't compelling enough evidence to allow Holmes to remain free on bail while her lawyers try to persuade an appeals court that alleged misconduct during her four-month trial led to an unjust verdict.

The judge’s decision means Holmes, 39, will have to surrender to authorities April 27 to start the more than&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elizabeth-holmes-technology-health-sentencing-crime-7ea71f015b874c6e454dcdd4f0857bd4">11-year prison sentence</a>&nbsp;that Davila imposed in November. The punishment came 10 months after a jury found her guilty on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elizabeth-holmes-trial-theranos-ceo-fb79a29d3c426a5cadee7ec5734b6f24">four counts of fraud and conspiracy</a>&nbsp;against the Thearanos investors who believed in her promises to revolutionize the health care industry.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elizabeth-holmes-theranos-fraud-prison-sentence-754b44bc47eb200f032b75f45969cb07">Holmes had accompanied</a>&nbsp;her lawyers to a San Jose, California, courtroom on March 17 to try to convince Davila that various missteps by federal prosecutors, and the omission of key evidence, will culminate in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals exonerating her.

Holmes' prison sentence is scheduled to start roughly 20 years after she dropped out of Stanford University when she was 19 years old to start Theranos in Palo Alto, California — the same city where William Hewlett and David Packard founded a company bearing their surnames in a small garage and planted the seeds of what grew into Silicon Valley.

Holmes could still file another appeal of Davila's latest ruling,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sunny-balwani-elizabeth-holmes-theranos-prison-ae37f16ae10da104a3f1f7c8d60e62fe">a maneuver</a>&nbsp;her co-conspirator at Theranos — Ramesh “Sunny” Balwani — successfully used to delay his scheduled March 16 date to begin&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elizabeth-holmes-technology-business-crime-sentencing-d3ce3925bbe9e82708054730d4dcf75c">a nearly 13-year prison sentence</a>. But the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/theranos-sunny-balwani-elizabeth-holmes-prison-237bb4da8af239078729791f3f7a7d6c">Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals last week rejected that appeal</a>, and Balwani is now scheduled to report to a Southern California prison on April 20.

Davila has recommended Holmes serve her sentence in a Bryan, Texas, prison. It hasn’t yet been publicly confirmed if that will be the facility where she reports.

Unless she can find a way to stay free, Holmes will be separated from the two children she had leading up to the trial and after her conviction.

Her first child, a boy, was born shortly before her trial began in September 2021. The youngest child, whose gender hasn’t been disclosed in court documents,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elizabeth-holmes-gives-birth-a0baf297ce677e262a92a82f92368054">was born</a>&nbsp;at some point after her November sentencing. She conceived both with her current partner, William “Billy” Evans, whom she met after breaking up with Balwani in the midst of Theranos’ downfall.

The denial of Holmes’ request to remain free is the latest twist in a long-running saga that has already been the subject of an acclaimed HBO documentary and an award-winning Hulu TV series.

Although they had separate trials, Holmes and Balwani were accused of essentially the same crimes centered on a ruse touting Theranos’ blood-testing system as a breakthrough in health care. The claims helped the company become a Silicon Valley sensation that raised nearly $1 billion from investors and at one point anointed Holmes with a $4.5 billion fortune, based on her 50% stake in Theranos.

Holmes also parlayed the buzz surrounding Theranos to speaking engagements on the same stage as former President Bill Clinton and glowing cover stories in business publications that likened her to tech visionaries such as Apple co-founder Steve Jobs.

But Theranos’ technology never came close to working like Holmes and Balwani boasted, resulting in the company’s scandalous collapse and a criminal case that shined a bright light&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elizabeth-holmes-theranos-inc-conviction-bf6be8f233d53d908d508d3feb14fc2e">on Silicon Valley greed and hubris</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668810636574.jpeg" alt="-Theranos founder and CEO Elizabeth Holmes, center, walks into federal court with her partner Billy Evans, right, and her parents in San Jose, Calif., Friday, Nov. 18, 2022. A federal judge sentenced Holmes to prison for duping investors and endangering patients while peddling a bogus blood-testing technology. (AP Photo/Nic Coury)" />
 <figcaption>-Theranos founder and CEO Elizabeth Holmes, center, walks into federal court with her partner Billy Evans, right, and her parents in San Jose, Calif., Friday, Nov. 18, 2022. A federal judge sentenced Holmes to prison for duping investors and endangering patients while peddling a bogus blood-testing technology. (AP Photo/Nic Coury)</figcaption>
 </figure>SAN JOSE (AP) —Disgraced Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes has been rebuffed in her attempt to stay out of federal prison while she appeals her conviction for the fraud she committed while overseeing a blood-testing scam that exposed Silicon Valley’s dark side.In an 11-page ruling issued late Monday, U.S. District Judge Edward Davila concluded there wasn't compelling enough evidence to allow Holmes to remain free on bail while her lawyers try to persuade an appeals court that alleged misconduct during her four-month trial led to an unjust verdict.The judge’s decision means Holmes, 39, will have to surrender to authorities April 27 to start the more than&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elizabeth-holmes-technology-health-sentencing-crime-7ea71f015b874c6e454dcdd4f0857bd4">11-year prison sentence</a>&nbsp;that Davila imposed in November. The punishment came 10 months after a jury found her guilty on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elizabeth-holmes-trial-theranos-ceo-fb79a29d3c426a5cadee7ec5734b6f24">four counts of fraud and conspiracy</a>&nbsp;against the Thearanos investors who believed in her promises to revolutionize the health care industry.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elizabeth-holmes-theranos-fraud-prison-sentence-754b44bc47eb200f032b75f45969cb07">Holmes had accompanied</a>&nbsp;her lawyers to a San Jose, California, courtroom on March 17 to try to convince Davila that various missteps by federal prosecutors, and the omission of key evidence, will culminate in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals exonerating her.Holmes' prison sentence is scheduled to start roughly 20 years after she dropped out of Stanford University when she was 19 years old to start Theranos in Palo Alto, California — the same city where William Hewlett and David Packard founded a company bearing their surnames in a small garage and planted the seeds of what grew into Silicon Valley.Holmes could still file another appeal of Davila's latest ruling,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sunny-balwani-elizabeth-holmes-theranos-prison-ae37f16ae10da104a3f1f7c8d60e62fe">a maneuver</a>&nbsp;her co-conspirator at Theranos — Ramesh “Sunny” Balwani — successfully used to delay his scheduled March 16 date to begin&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elizabeth-holmes-technology-business-crime-sentencing-d3ce3925bbe9e82708054730d4dcf75c">a nearly 13-year prison sentence</a>. But the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/theranos-sunny-balwani-elizabeth-holmes-prison-237bb4da8af239078729791f3f7a7d6c">Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals last week rejected that appeal</a>, and Balwani is now scheduled to report to a Southern California prison on April 20.Davila has recommended Holmes serve her sentence in a Bryan, Texas, prison. It hasn’t yet been publicly confirmed if that will be the facility where she reports.Unless she can find a way to stay free, Holmes will be separated from the two children she had leading up to the trial and after her conviction.Her first child, a boy, was born shortly before her trial began in September 2021. The youngest child, whose gender hasn’t been disclosed in court documents,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elizabeth-holmes-gives-birth-a0baf297ce677e262a92a82f92368054">was born</a>&nbsp;at some point after her November sentencing. She conceived both with her current partner, William “Billy” Evans, whom she met after breaking up with Balwani in the midst of Theranos’ downfall.The denial of Holmes’ request to remain free is the latest twist in a long-running saga that has already been the subject of an acclaimed HBO documentary and an award-winning Hulu TV series.Although they had separate trials, Holmes and Balwani were accused of essentially the same crimes centered on a ruse touting Theranos’ blood-testing system as a breakthrough in health care. The claims helped the company become a Silicon Valley sensation that raised nearly $1 billion from investors and at one point anointed Holmes with a $4.5 billion fortune, based on her 50% stake in Theranos.Holmes also parlayed the buzz surrounding Theranos to speaking engagements on the same stage as former President Bill Clinton and glowing cover stories in business publications that likened her to tech visionaries such as Apple co-founder Steve Jobs.But Theranos’ technology never came close to working like Holmes and Balwani boasted, resulting in the company’s scandalous collapse and a criminal case that shined a bright light&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elizabeth-holmes-theranos-inc-conviction-bf6be8f233d53d908d508d3feb14fc2e">on Silicon Valley greed and hubris</a>.___

Blood-test scam: Theranos CEO loses bid to stay out of prison

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A Nebraska church has raised more than $520,000 to pay off the medical bills of residents in its neighborhood, ending the 14-month-campaign on Easter Sunday.

An estimated 10,000 people contributed to the First-Plymouth Congregational Church effort, The Lincoln Journal Star reports.

“In my mind, it was a straight-on spiritual thing, you know, Jesus says, ‘love your neighbor,’” the Rev. Jim Keck said. “What erupted was just generosity.”

The effort came about after the Rev. Juan Carlos Huertas took on outreach efforts at the Lincoln church, starting something called justNeighbors. The ministry centered around community connection, helping neighbors with laundry, filling their gas tanks and providing health care to those without insurance.

He and Keck then set their sights on medical bills. By acquiring debt profiles anonymously through collection agencies, Huertas had determined how to absolve Lincolnites’ medical debt without incurring a tax burden on those receiving the aid.

The money raised ultimately helped 500 households in the Near South neighborhood. Along with the fundraising, there also were panel discussions on the economics of health care.

Huertas and Keck have decided that their next venture will be confronting an ongoing mental health crisis.

“We want to be that person that shines a light on it,” Huertas said.

By Associated PressLINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A Nebraska church has raised more than $520,000 to pay off the medical bills of residents in its neighborhood, ending the 14-month-campaign on Easter Sunday.An estimated 10,000 people contributed to the First-Plymouth Congregational Church effort, The Lincoln Journal Star reports.“In my mind, it was a straight-on spiritual thing, you know, Jesus says, ‘love your neighbor,’” the Rev. Jim Keck said. “What erupted was just generosity.”The effort came about after the Rev. Juan Carlos Huertas took on outreach efforts at the Lincoln church, starting something called justNeighbors. The ministry centered around community connection, helping neighbors with laundry, filling their gas tanks and providing health care to those without insurance.He and Keck then set their sights on medical bills. By acquiring debt profiles anonymously through collection agencies, Huertas had determined how to absolve Lincolnites’ medical debt without incurring a tax burden on those receiving the aid.The money raised ultimately helped 500 households in the Near South neighborhood. Along with the fundraising, there also were panel discussions on the economics of health care.Huertas and Keck have decided that their next venture will be confronting an ongoing mental health crisis.“We want to be that person that shines a light on it,” Huertas said.

Nebraska church raises $520K to erase medical bills

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — A rookie police officer who was shot in the head while responding to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/downtown-louisville-shooting-dc7b45a9c5d2b384a16d653864f8b735">mass shooting at a Louisville bank</a>&nbsp;remained in critical but stable condition Tuesday morning, the police chief said.

"It's looking hopeful," Louisville Metro Police Department Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel told WDRB-TV about Officer Nickolas Wilt, who had graduated from training just 10 days earlier.

She said Wilt and other officers “unflinchingly” engaged the shooter at Old National Bank and stopped him from killing more people.

Authorities said Tuesday that the investigation into the shooting was continuing and body camera video will be released later.

Connor Sturgeon, 25, an employee of the bank, opened fire with a rifle at his workplace Monday morning,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/louisville-shooting-victim-vigil-tribute-6e5b6c1e805ece80d48304f6fa0506b3">killing five people</a>&nbsp;— including a close friend of Kentucky's governor — while livestreaming the attack on Instagram, authorities said. Another eight people were wounded.

Police arrived as shots were still being fired inside the building and killed the shooter, Gwinn-Villaroel said.

“The act of heroism can't be overstated on yesterday. They did what they were called to do. They answered that call to protect and serve,” she said.

The shooting, the 15th&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mass-shootings-list-us-53011c9a7f052adb4a7254f116e178d3">mass killing</a>&nbsp;in the country this year, comes just two weeks after a former student killed three children and three adults at a Christian elementary school in Nashville, Tennessee, about 160 miles (260 kilometers) to the south. That state's governor and his wife&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nashville-school-shooting-covenant-school-03aa394109a5e682877403c0c3e52aa7">also had friends killed</a>&nbsp;in that shooting.

Four of the injured remained hospitalized Tuesday — one in critical condition and three in stable but fair condition, University of Louisville Hospital said in a statement.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said he lost one of his closest friends in the shooting.

“Tommy Elliott helped me build my law career, helped me become governor, gave me advice on being a good dad," said Beshear, his voice shaking with emotion. "He's one of the people I talked to most in the world, and very rarely were we talking about my job. He was an incredible friend.”

Also killed in the shooting were Josh Barrick, Jim Tutt, Juliana Farmer and Deana Eckert, police said.

“There are no words to adequately describe the sadness and devastation that our Old National family is experiencing as we grieve the tragic loss of our team members and pray for the recovery of all those who were injured,” Old National Bank CEO Jim Ryan said in a statement.

Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg told WDRB-TV that his focus moving forward would be on trying to unify residents in the city.

“We can't let the targeted acts of evil violence that we saw yesterday in our city deter us from continuing on the path to make our city the vibrant, safe, strong healthy city that we all know it can be and all want it to be,” he said.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — A rookie police officer who was shot in the head while responding to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/downtown-louisville-shooting-dc7b45a9c5d2b384a16d653864f8b735">mass shooting at a Louisville bank</a>&nbsp;remained in critical but stable condition Tuesday morning, the police chief said.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Officer Nickolas Wilt, a new officer to the LMPD, ran towards the gunfire today to save lives. He remains in critical condition after being shot in the head. <a href="https://t.co/yPNZBfAl7I">pic.twitter.com/yPNZBfAl7I</a>&mdash; LMPD (@LMPD) <a href="https://twitter.com/LMPD/status/1645513532895641604?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>"It's looking hopeful," Louisville Metro Police Department Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel told WDRB-TV about Officer Nickolas Wilt, who had graduated from training just 10 days earlier.She said Wilt and other officers “unflinchingly” engaged the shooter at Old National Bank and stopped him from killing more people.Authorities said Tuesday that the investigation into the shooting was continuing and body camera video will be released later.Connor Sturgeon, 25, an employee of the bank, opened fire with a rifle at his workplace Monday morning,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/louisville-shooting-victim-vigil-tribute-6e5b6c1e805ece80d48304f6fa0506b3">killing five people</a>&nbsp;— including a close friend of Kentucky's governor — while livestreaming the attack on Instagram, authorities said. Another eight people were wounded.Police arrived as shots were still being fired inside the building and killed the shooter, Gwinn-Villaroel said.“The act of heroism can't be overstated on yesterday. They did what they were called to do. They answered that call to protect and serve,” she said.The shooting, the 15th&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mass-shootings-list-us-53011c9a7f052adb4a7254f116e178d3">mass killing</a>&nbsp;in the country this year, comes just two weeks after a former student killed three children and three adults at a Christian elementary school in Nashville, Tennessee, about 160 miles (260 kilometers) to the south. That state's governor and his wife&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nashville-school-shooting-covenant-school-03aa394109a5e682877403c0c3e52aa7">also had friends killed</a>&nbsp;in that shooting.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">UPDATE on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Louisville?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Louisville</a> mass shooting patients: • 5 patients are still currently being treated at UofL Health – UofL Hospital • 1 patient remains in critical condition • 4 patients are stable and in fair condition, meaning 1 patient was upgraded from critical to fair condition <a href="https://t.co/QYT0nOQL9a">pic.twitter.com/QYT0nOQL9a</a>&mdash; UofL Health (@UofLHealth) <a href="https://twitter.com/UofLHealth/status/1645794530954981377?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Four of the injured remained hospitalized Tuesday — one in critical condition and three in stable but fair condition, University of Louisville Hospital said in a statement.Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said he lost one of his closest friends in the shooting.“Tommy Elliott helped me build my law career, helped me become governor, gave me advice on being a good dad," said Beshear, his voice shaking with emotion. "He's one of the people I talked to most in the world, and very rarely were we talking about my job. He was an incredible friend.”Also killed in the shooting were Josh Barrick, Jim Tutt, Juliana Farmer and Deana Eckert, police said.“There are no words to adequately describe the sadness and devastation that our Old National family is experiencing as we grieve the tragic loss of our team members and pray for the recovery of all those who were injured,” Old National Bank CEO Jim Ryan said in a statement.Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg told WDRB-TV that his focus moving forward would be on trying to unify residents in the city.“We can't let the targeted acts of evil violence that we saw yesterday in our city deter us from continuing on the path to make our city the vibrant, safe, strong healthy city that we all know it can be and all want it to be,” he said.

Chief: Outlook 'hopeful' for officer hit in mass shooting

KANSAS CITY —The Federal Bureau of Investigation is alerting the public about using free charging stations in airports, hotels or shopping centers. 

The FBI office in Denver reported, "Bad actors have figured out ways to use public USB ports to introduce malware and monitoring software onto devices. Carry your own charger and USB cord and use an electrical outlet instead"

The Federal Communications Commission <a href="https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/how-protect-yourself-online">has warned </a>about the cyber-theft tactic since 2021 and offered tips to avoid being the victim of such a crime:

Public WiFi networks are another way that cyber criminals target travelers.&nbsp; To learn more about mobile phone and online security, check out the FCC consumer guide:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/how-protect-yourself-online">Wireless Connections and Bluetooth Security Tips</a>.

KANSAS CITY —The Federal Bureau of Investigation is alerting the public about using free charging stations in airports, hotels or shopping centers. <div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Avoid using free charging stations in airports, hotels or shopping centers. Bad actors have figured out ways to use public USB ports to introduce malware and monitoring software onto devices. Carry your own charger and USB cord and use an electrical outlet instead. <a href="https://t.co/9T62SYen9T">pic.twitter.com/9T62SYen9T</a>&mdash; FBI Denver (@FBIDenver) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBIDenver/status/1643947117650538498?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 6, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The FBI office in Denver reported, "Bad actors have figured out ways to use public USB ports to introduce malware and monitoring software onto devices. Carry your own charger and USB cord and use an electrical outlet instead"The Federal Communications Commission <a href="https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/how-protect-yourself-online">has warned </a>about the cyber-theft tactic since 2021 and offered tips to avoid being the victim of such a crime: <ul>
 <li>Bring your own charger for an electrical outlet, a car charger, and your own USB cables when traveling.</li><li>Carry a portable charger or external battery.</li><li>Consider carrying a charging-only cable, which prevents data from sending or receiving while charging, from a trusted supplier.</li>
 </ul>Public WiFi networks are another way that cyber criminals target travelers.&nbsp; To learn more about mobile phone and online security, check out the FCC consumer guide:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/how-protect-yourself-online">Wireless Connections and Bluetooth Security Tips</a>.

FBI warns of cyber threat from public USB charging stations

By CINDY GONZALEZ <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/04/10/chief-standing-bear-movie-project-gets-star-power-lift-deals-with-minor-nebraska-grant-setback/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

OMAHA — The show will go on and is 
adding star power, even though the State of&nbsp; Nebraska has pulled a 
$400,000 grant allocated for the planned historical drama film about 
Ponca Chief Standing Bear.

Filmmaker Andrew Troy on Monday 
announced he’ll team up with acclaimed Irish playwright and director Jim
 Sheridan to co-write, direct and produce “I Am a Man: The True Story of
 Chief Standing Bear.”

Troy for years has been developing 
the project that will highlight the Ponca “trail of tears” march that 
led to the 1879 landmark Omaha-based trial of Standing Bear v. Crook. 
That federal case helped establish the rights of Native Americans to be 
considered human beings, or persons, under U.S. law, and set legal 
precedent for many future civil rights court matters.

Troy, of Troy Entertainment, has 
received endorsements and support from the Ponca Tribes of Nebraska and 
Oklahoma and the northeastern Oklahoma-based Cherokee Nation Film 
Office.&nbsp;

The Sheridan partnership follows a recent decision by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development to <a target="_blank" href="https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/nebraska-film-office-grant-application-reopens/">open a $400,000</a> Nebraska Film Office grant that earlier had been earmarked for Troy’s Standing Bear film.

A DED spokesperson said a problem 
arose over a missed deadline in launching principal photography. Kate 
Ellingson told the Nebraska Examiner that Troy Entertainment could 
reapply for that $400,000 grant, along with other filmmakers who have 
voiced interest in the funding.

Troy said he’d likely do that, or find another solution with DED.

He said difficulties with the grant 
rules were the main reason he later went back to the Legislature to 
build support for a different proposal that led to a $5 million grant 
for which he is “overjoyed and grateful.”&nbsp;

That larger amount was provided through an economic recovery bill led by Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha.

Of the now-defunct grant agreement, 
Troy said the rules had been “rewritten to look more like a very rigid 
‘tax rebate’ and as a result has not allowed us to collect these funds 
to date.”

The “I Am A Man” project had been 
among three productions selected to split $1 million set aside in 2021 
by the Nebraska Legislature, a response to a proposal by State Sen. Anna
 Wishart of Lincoln. Prerequisites were that they feature Nebraska-based
 stories and locales, employ the services of Nebraska film crew members 
and have a budget of at least $1 million.

The other two projects, <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/08/11/nebraska-native-returns-home-to-shoot-film-about-youthful-days-in-nebraska-city/">“The Snack Shack”</a> and “Going for Two,” received their grants, said Ellingson.

Troy said he has developed additional
 financial opportunities in the City of Fremont, where the mayor and 
city council awarded incentives for filming within their county. Screen 
Ireland has also provided development incentives.

He touted the agreement with 
Sheridan, whose work includes “My Left Foot,” “In the Name of the 
Father” and “In America.” Sheridan’s films have garnered numerous Oscar 
nominations, international recognitions and led to Academy Awards for 
actors Daniel Day-Lewis and Brenda Fricker.&nbsp;

“I am delighted to be working with Andrew on this wonderful project,” Sheridan said in a media release.

Among the work of Hollywood-based 
producer and director Troy is “Salinger,” “The Runaways,” “Growing Up 
Smith” and the upcoming “Midnight in the Orange Grove.” He was a 2021 
Academy of Motion Picture Arts &amp; Sciences semifinalist for the “I Am
 A Man” screenplay.

Troy, who is part Chiricahua Apache, 
said he spent the last decade developing the Standing Bear project and 
gaining support of Native American leaders, who also are enthusiastic 
about sharing the Standing Bear legacy.

Judi gaiashkibos, a member of the Ponca Tribe and executive director 
of the Nebraska Commission on Indian Affairs, called the international 
partnership between Troy and Sheridan yet “another sign of how this 
crosses cultural and national boundaries.”

She added, “We look forward to watching the project evolve into a major motion picture.”

It’s a story, said Troy, that “needs to be told.”

“Standing Bear has been completely left out of our school textbooks,” he said. “Traveling the country I learned that even Native people are unfamiliar with his name and the impact he had on their lives. “

The Standing Bear film is to be 
jointly produced under Troy Entertainment and Sheridan’s Ireland-based 
Hell’s Kitchen Ltd., along with producers Luca Matrundola and executive 
Paul Green (of “Passion of the Christ”).

Executive producers are former Nebraska State Sens. Colby Coash and Burke Harr, along with Warren Anzalone and Bart Daly.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670694272616.png" alt="A Choctaw Nation Color Guard representative and “I Am A Man” director Andrew Troy at the unveiling ceremony of the Chief Standing Bear statue at Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol Building. (Courtesy of Troy Entertainment)" />
 <figcaption>A Choctaw Nation Color Guard representative and “I Am A Man” director Andrew Troy at the unveiling ceremony of the Chief Standing Bear statue at Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol Building. (Courtesy of Troy Entertainment)</figcaption>
 </figure>By CINDY GONZALEZ <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/04/10/chief-standing-bear-movie-project-gets-star-power-lift-deals-with-minor-nebraska-grant-setback/">Nebraska Examiner</a>OMAHA — The show will go on and is 
adding star power, even though the State of&nbsp; Nebraska has pulled a 
$400,000 grant allocated for the planned historical drama film about 
Ponca Chief Standing Bear.Filmmaker Andrew Troy on Monday 
announced he’ll team up with acclaimed Irish playwright and director Jim
 Sheridan to co-write, direct and produce “I Am a Man: The True Story of
 Chief Standing Bear.”Troy for years has been developing 
the project that will highlight the Ponca “trail of tears” march that 
led to the 1879 landmark Omaha-based trial of Standing Bear v. Crook. 
That federal case helped establish the rights of Native Americans to be 
considered human beings, or persons, under U.S. law, and set legal 
precedent for many future civil rights court matters.Troy, of Troy Entertainment, has 
received endorsements and support from the Ponca Tribes of Nebraska and 
Oklahoma and the northeastern Oklahoma-based Cherokee Nation Film 
Office.&nbsp;<h2>Grant pulled </h2>The Sheridan partnership follows a recent decision by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development to <a target="_blank" href="https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/nebraska-film-office-grant-application-reopens/">open a $400,000</a> Nebraska Film Office grant that earlier had been earmarked for Troy’s Standing Bear film.A DED spokesperson said a problem 
arose over a missed deadline in launching principal photography. Kate 
Ellingson told the Nebraska Examiner that Troy Entertainment could 
reapply for that $400,000 grant, along with other filmmakers who have 
voiced interest in the funding.Troy said he’d likely do that, or find another solution with DED.He said difficulties with the grant 
rules were the main reason he later went back to the Legislature to 
build support for a different proposal that led to a $5 million grant 
for which he is “overjoyed and grateful.”&nbsp;That larger amount was provided through an economic recovery bill led by Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha.Of the now-defunct grant agreement, 
Troy said the rules had been “rewritten to look more like a very rigid 
‘tax rebate’ and as a result has not allowed us to collect these funds 
to date.”The “I Am A Man” project had been 
among three productions selected to split $1 million set aside in 2021 
by the Nebraska Legislature, a response to a proposal by State Sen. Anna
 Wishart of Lincoln. Prerequisites were that they feature Nebraska-based
 stories and locales, employ the services of Nebraska film crew members 
and have a budget of at least $1 million.The other two projects, <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/08/11/nebraska-native-returns-home-to-shoot-film-about-youthful-days-in-nebraska-city/">“The Snack Shack”</a> and “Going for Two,” received their grants, said Ellingson.<h2>Other financial opportunities</h2>Troy said he has developed additional
 financial opportunities in the City of Fremont, where the mayor and 
city council awarded incentives for filming within their county. Screen 
Ireland has also provided development incentives.He touted the agreement with 
Sheridan, whose work includes “My Left Foot,” “In the Name of the 
Father” and “In America.” Sheridan’s films have garnered numerous Oscar 
nominations, international recognitions and led to Academy Awards for 
actors Daniel Day-Lewis and Brenda Fricker.&nbsp;“I am delighted to be working with Andrew on this wonderful project,” Sheridan said in a media release.Among the work of Hollywood-based 
producer and director Troy is “Salinger,” “The Runaways,” “Growing Up 
Smith” and the upcoming “Midnight in the Orange Grove.” He was a 2021 
Academy of Motion Picture Arts &amp; Sciences semifinalist for the “I Am
 A Man” screenplay.Troy, who is part Chiricahua Apache, 
said he spent the last decade developing the Standing Bear project and 
gaining support of Native American leaders, who also are enthusiastic 
about sharing the Standing Bear legacy.<h2>‘Needs to be told’ </h2>Judi gaiashkibos, a member of the Ponca Tribe and executive director 
of the Nebraska Commission on Indian Affairs, called the international 
partnership between Troy and Sheridan yet “another sign of how this 
crosses cultural and national boundaries.”She added, “We look forward to watching the project evolve into a major motion picture.”It’s a story, said Troy, that “needs to be told.”“Standing Bear has been completely left out of our school textbooks,” he said. “Traveling the country I learned that even Native people are unfamiliar with his name and the impact he had on their lives. “The Standing Bear film is to be 
jointly produced under Troy Entertainment and Sheridan’s Ireland-based 
Hell’s Kitchen Ltd., along with producers Luca Matrundola and executive 
Paul Green (of “Passion of the Christ”).Executive producers are former Nebraska State Sens. Colby Coash and Burke Harr, along with Warren Anzalone and Bart Daly.

Chief Standing Bear movie project gets star power lift

By CINDY GONZALEZ <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/five-nebraska-entities-to-share-13-million-in-federal-grants-aimed-at-helping-low-income-areas/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

OMAHA — Five Nebraska entities are to
 receive a combined nearly $13 million to improve access to financial 
services and stir investment in underserved communities, the Biden 
administration announced Monday.

Midwest Housing Development Fund Inc. of Omaha was awarded the bulk of the Nebraska share, about $6.2 million.

Other recipients are: Omaha 100 Inc.,
 $2.97 million; Oakland-based Nebraska Enterprise Fund, $2.23 million; 
Grand Island-based Native360 Loan Fund Inc., $961,541; Omaha’s Economic 
Empowerment Center, $527,331.

The awards were part of $1.73 billion
 in grants that are to go to 603 Community Development Financial 
Institutions across the country through the Treasury Department’s CDFI 
Equitable Recovery Program.

The ERP is a competitive grant 
program designed to expand lending and investment activity in low- to 
moderate-income communities that have disproportionate and unmet need 
for capital and financial services.&nbsp;

“These grants — representing the 
largest CDFI grant program in history — will enable hundreds of 
community lenders to invest in small businesses and entrepreneurs, 
provide home loans for families, financial services for local 
nonprofits, and capital for community organizations,” Vice President 
Kamala Harris said in a statement.

Jodie Harris, CDFI Fund director, 
said the program funding is expected “to help families make ends meet” 
in tough times exacerbated by COVID-19. It can be used by participating 
organizations to build staff, technology and other tools to accomplish 
those goals and to better deliver financial and credit services.

Federal officials said the CDFI 
Equitable Recovery Program is one in a suite of federal investments 
providing greater access to capital in communities facing barriers to 
full participation in the nation’s financial system.

By CINDY GONZALEZ <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/five-nebraska-entities-to-share-13-million-in-federal-grants-aimed-at-helping-low-income-areas/">Nebraska Examiner</a>OMAHA — Five Nebraska entities are to
 receive a combined nearly $13 million to improve access to financial 
services and stir investment in underserved communities, the Biden 
administration announced Monday.Midwest Housing Development Fund Inc. of Omaha was awarded the bulk of the Nebraska share, about $6.2 million.Other recipients are: Omaha 100 Inc.,
 $2.97 million; Oakland-based Nebraska Enterprise Fund, $2.23 million; 
Grand Island-based Native360 Loan Fund Inc., $961,541; Omaha’s Economic 
Empowerment Center, $527,331.The awards were part of $1.73 billion
 in grants that are to go to 603 Community Development Financial 
Institutions across the country through the Treasury Department’s CDFI 
Equitable Recovery Program.The ERP is a competitive grant 
program designed to expand lending and investment activity in low- to 
moderate-income communities that have disproportionate and unmet need 
for capital and financial services.&nbsp;“These grants — representing the 
largest CDFI grant program in history — will enable hundreds of 
community lenders to invest in small businesses and entrepreneurs, 
provide home loans for families, financial services for local 
nonprofits, and capital for community organizations,” Vice President 
Kamala Harris said in a statement.Jodie Harris, CDFI Fund director, 
said the program funding is expected “to help families make ends meet” 
in tough times exacerbated by COVID-19. It can be used by participating 
organizations to build staff, technology and other tools to accomplish 
those goals and to better deliver financial and credit services.Federal officials said the CDFI 
Equitable Recovery Program is one in a suite of federal investments 
providing greater access to capital in communities facing barriers to 
full participation in the nation’s financial system.

Nebraska entities to share $13M in grants to help low-income areas

WASHINGTON (AP) — The online leaks of scores of highly classified documents about the Ukraine war present a “very serious" risk to national security, and senior leaders are quickly taking steps to mitigate the damage, a top Pentagon spokesman said Monday. 

And as the public airing of the data sends shockwaves across the U.S. government, the White House said there are concerns there could be additional leaks.&nbsp;

(Click below to watch Monday's White House statement on the leak.)

Chris Meagher, assistant to the secretary of defense for public affairs, told reporters that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin first became aware on Thursday that a number of classified briefing slides detailing the U.S. military efforts in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine?utm_source=apnewsnav&amp;utm_medium=featured">the Ukraine war</a>&nbsp;and intelligence involving other nations&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-war-documents-16d4f601b12c3080df1125cd0d723732">were leaked</a>.

In the days since, Austin has reached out to allies, held daily meetings to assess the damage and set up a group not only to assess the scope of the information lost but review who has access to those briefings. The department is looking closely at “how this type of information is distributed and to whom,” Meagher said, but would not say if steps had already been taken to tighten control over who can access it.

At the White House, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby was asked if the U.S. was bracing for more online releases.

“The truth and the honest answer to your question is: We don’t know," he said. "And is that a matter of concern to us? You’re darn right it is.”

Kirby said at this point, “we don't know who’s behind this, we don’t know what the motive is.”

And he said as U.S. authorities go through the documents that were posted online, they are still trying to determine their validity, but have found that at least some of the papers "have been doctored.”

He and others would not go into detail, but at least one of the documents shows estimates of Russian troops deaths in the Ukraine war that are significantly lower than numbers publicly stated by U.S. officials. Under a section titled “Total Assessed Losses,” one document lists 16,000-17,500 Russian casualties and up to 71,000 Ukrainian casualties. Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said publicly last November that Russia has lost “well over” 100,000 soldiers, and Ukraine had lost about that many also. And those estimates have continued to climb in recent months, although officials have stopped providing more exact numbers.

At the State Department, spokesman Vedant Patel told reporters Monday that U.S. officials “are engaging with allies and partners at high levels over this, including to reassure them of our commitment to safeguarding intelligence and the fidelity of securing our partnerships.”

The U.S. officials declined to provide any specifics, including about the expanse of the release, how it happened and to which country leaders the U.S. has spoken. Patel added that there is “no question” the documents' release present a risk to national security.

Investigators who specialize in tracking social media, including at the journalism organization Bellingcat, say the documents may have been circulating for months in private internet chats on the Discord discussion platform. Asked if the Pentagon has contacted Discord, Meagher referred questions to the Justice Department, which has opened a criminal investigation into the leaks.

The slides, which eventually were distributed on more mainstream sites such as Twitter, detail U.S. training and equipment schedules to support Ukraine, assessments of losses, what the U.S. is monitoring on key allies and strategic partners, and what moves Russia may be taking to undermine those relationships.

While the Pentagon has been careful not to authenticate the information contained in any specific document, overall "they present a very serious risk to national security and have the potential to spread disinformation,” said Meagher. “We’re being very careful and watching where this is being posted and amplified.”

The documents are labeled secret and top secret and in some cases resemble routine updates that the U.S. military’s Joint Staff would produce daily but not distribute publicly.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The online leaks of scores of highly classified documents about the Ukraine war present a “very serious" risk to national security, and senior leaders are quickly taking steps to mitigate the damage, a top Pentagon spokesman said Monday. And as the public airing of the data sends shockwaves across the U.S. government, the White House said there are concerns there could be additional leaks.&nbsp;(Click below to watch Monday's White House statement on the leak.)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F1242909983002300%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=634" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Chris Meagher, assistant to the secretary of defense for public affairs, told reporters that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin first became aware on Thursday that a number of classified briefing slides detailing the U.S. military efforts in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine?utm_source=apnewsnav&amp;utm_medium=featured">the Ukraine war</a>&nbsp;and intelligence involving other nations&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-war-documents-16d4f601b12c3080df1125cd0d723732">were leaked</a>.In the days since, Austin has reached out to allies, held daily meetings to assess the damage and set up a group not only to assess the scope of the information lost but review who has access to those briefings. The department is looking closely at “how this type of information is distributed and to whom,” Meagher said, but would not say if steps had already been taken to tighten control over who can access it.At the White House, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby was asked if the U.S. was bracing for more online releases.“The truth and the honest answer to your question is: We don’t know," he said. "And is that a matter of concern to us? You’re darn right it is.”Kirby said at this point, “we don't know who’s behind this, we don’t know what the motive is.”And he said as U.S. authorities go through the documents that were posted online, they are still trying to determine their validity, but have found that at least some of the papers "have been doctored.”He and others would not go into detail, but at least one of the documents shows estimates of Russian troops deaths in the Ukraine war that are significantly lower than numbers publicly stated by U.S. officials. Under a section titled “Total Assessed Losses,” one document lists 16,000-17,500 Russian casualties and up to 71,000 Ukrainian casualties. Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said publicly last November that Russia has lost “well over” 100,000 soldiers, and Ukraine had lost about that many also. And those estimates have continued to climb in recent months, although officials have stopped providing more exact numbers.At the State Department, spokesman Vedant Patel told reporters Monday that U.S. officials “are engaging with allies and partners at high levels over this, including to reassure them of our commitment to safeguarding intelligence and the fidelity of securing our partnerships.”The U.S. officials declined to provide any specifics, including about the expanse of the release, how it happened and to which country leaders the U.S. has spoken. Patel added that there is “no question” the documents' release present a risk to national security.Investigators who specialize in tracking social media, including at the journalism organization Bellingcat, say the documents may have been circulating for months in private internet chats on the Discord discussion platform. Asked if the Pentagon has contacted Discord, Meagher referred questions to the Justice Department, which has opened a criminal investigation into the leaks.The slides, which eventually were distributed on more mainstream sites such as Twitter, detail U.S. training and equipment schedules to support Ukraine, assessments of losses, what the U.S. is monitoring on key allies and strategic partners, and what moves Russia may be taking to undermine those relationships.While the Pentagon has been careful not to authenticate the information contained in any specific document, overall "they present a very serious risk to national security and have the potential to spread disinformation,” said Meagher. “We’re being very careful and watching where this is being posted and amplified.”The documents are labeled secret and top secret and in some cases resemble routine updates that the U.S. military’s Joint Staff would produce daily but not distribute publicly.

🎥Security risk: Who leaked classified Ukraine documents?

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — The Justice Department on Monday appealed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pill-lawsuit-mifepristone-misoprostol-kacsmaryk-74cb1c4cfab2c04f6cf2696151bc86ef">a Texas court ruling that would halt approval</a>&nbsp;of the most commonly used method of abortion in the U.S., calling the decision “extraordinary and unprecedented."

The request to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals was filed just days after conflicting court rulings over the legality of the abortion medication mifepristone put in doubt access to the drug that has been widely available for more than 20 years.

U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, an appointee of Donald Trump, issued his decision Friday but ruled it would not take effect for seven days. The Biden administration asked the New Orleans-based appellate court to extend the pause on the Texas order.

“If allowed to take effect, the court’s order would thwart FDA’s scientific judgment and severely harm women, particularly those for whom mifepristone is a medical or practical necessity,” the Justice Department wrote.

Kacsmaryk's decision came at nearly the same time a separate federal judge in the state of Washington directed U.S. authorities not to make any changes that would restrict access to the drug in at least 17 states where Democrats had sued.

The Food and Drug Administration approved the use of mifepristone in 2000.

The whiplash of the conflicting decisions is likely to put the issue on an accelerated path to the Supreme Court.

Underlining that confusion, the Justice Department on Monday also separately asked the federal court in Washington state for clarity since that ruling and the one in Texas were issued just 20 minutes apart.

The abortion drug has been widely used in the U.S. since securing FDA approval and there is essentially no precedent for a lone judge overruling that agency's medical decisions. Mifepristone is one of two drugs used for medication abortion in the United States, along with misoprostol, which is also used to treat other medical conditions.

Many providers have to wait and see what legal filings are made between now and Friday before deciding what to do next, Jennifer Dalven, director of the American Civil Liberties Union’s Reproductive Freedom Project, told reporters.

If the ruling takes effect, some providers are prepared to pivot to a misoprostol-only regimen while others may transition to only surgical abortions.

“We don’t know exactly what will happen” in the courts, Dalven said. “What we do know is that there will be significant confusion and chaos as providers try to provide the best care they possibly can for their patients.”

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — The Justice Department on Monday appealed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pill-lawsuit-mifepristone-misoprostol-kacsmaryk-74cb1c4cfab2c04f6cf2696151bc86ef">a Texas court ruling that would halt approval</a>&nbsp;of the most commonly used method of abortion in the U.S., calling the decision “extraordinary and unprecedented."The request to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals was filed just days after conflicting court rulings over the legality of the abortion medication mifepristone put in doubt access to the drug that has been widely available for more than 20 years.U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, an appointee of Donald Trump, issued his decision Friday but ruled it would not take effect for seven days. The Biden administration asked the New Orleans-based appellate court to extend the pause on the Texas order.“If allowed to take effect, the court’s order would thwart FDA’s scientific judgment and severely harm women, particularly those for whom mifepristone is a medical or practical necessity,” the Justice Department wrote.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">While last week’s Texas decision threatens access to mifepristone nationwide, medication abortion continues to be approved and available for the time being. This Administration will continue to fight to protect reproductive rights. To learn more, visit <a href="https://t.co/98LbdNbG6N">https://t.co/98LbdNbG6N</a>. <a href="https://t.co/mmFRHJ9dig">https://t.co/mmFRHJ9dig</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1645521732499898376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Kacsmaryk's decision came at nearly the same time a separate federal judge in the state of Washington directed U.S. authorities not to make any changes that would restrict access to the drug in at least 17 states where Democrats had sued.The Food and Drug Administration approved the use of mifepristone in 2000.The whiplash of the conflicting decisions is likely to put the issue on an accelerated path to the Supreme Court.Underlining that confusion, the Justice Department on Monday also separately asked the federal court in Washington state for clarity since that ruling and the one in Texas were issued just 20 minutes apart.The abortion drug has been widely used in the U.S. since securing FDA approval and there is essentially no precedent for a lone judge overruling that agency's medical decisions. Mifepristone is one of two drugs used for medication abortion in the United States, along with misoprostol, which is also used to treat other medical conditions.Many providers have to wait and see what legal filings are made between now and Friday before deciding what to do next, Jennifer Dalven, director of the American Civil Liberties Union’s Reproductive Freedom Project, told reporters.If the ruling takes effect, some providers are prepared to pivot to a misoprostol-only regimen while others may transition to only surgical abortions.“We don’t know exactly what will happen” in the courts, Dalven said. “What we do know is that there will be significant confusion and chaos as providers try to provide the best care they possibly can for their patients.”

Controversial abortion pill ruling now before appeals court judge

WASHINGTON —On Monday afternoon, President Biden signed into law H.J.Res. 7, which terminates the national emergency related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

On March 30, this resolution championed by U.S. Senator Roger Marshall to terminate the COVID-19 National Emergency Declaration passed the Senate for the third time. The resolution passed 68-23, with 21 Democrats joining Republicans in support of the bill.

On Monday night Marshall wrote on social media, "No longer can Biden use the pandemic as an excuse to ram through his political agenda and unilateral spending. I was proud to lead the bill forcing him to finally end this nonsense."

In February, the measure passed the House in a 229-197 vote.&nbsp;

Senator Marshall’s resolution to end the COVID-19 National State of Emergency previously passed the U.S. Senate twice.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-marshalls-resolution-to-end-covid-state-of-emergency/" target="_blank">Once</a>&nbsp;by a vote of 48-47 on March 3, 2022, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-marshalls-resolution-to-end-covid-national-emergency-declaration-overwhelmingly-passes-senate/" target="_blank">once</a>&nbsp;by a vote of 62-36 on November 15, 2022.

As per law it was set to expire on May 11, 2023, and can't be extended.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658501001435.png" alt="In February, the measure passed the House in a 229-197 vote.-White House file photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>In February, the measure passed the House in a 229-197 vote.-White House file photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —On Monday afternoon, President Biden signed into law H.J.Res. 7, which terminates the national emergency related to the COVID-19 pandemic.On March 30, this resolution championed by U.S. Senator Roger Marshall to terminate the COVID-19 National Emergency Declaration passed the Senate for the third time. The resolution passed 68-23, with 21 Democrats joining Republicans in support of the bill.On Monday night Marshall wrote on social media, "No longer can Biden use the pandemic as an excuse to ram through his political agenda and unilateral spending. I was proud to lead the bill forcing him to finally end this nonsense."In February, the measure passed the House in a 229-197 vote.&nbsp;Senator Marshall’s resolution to end the COVID-19 National State of Emergency previously passed the U.S. Senate twice.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-marshalls-resolution-to-end-covid-state-of-emergency/" target="_blank">Once</a>&nbsp;by a vote of 48-47 on March 3, 2022, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-marshalls-resolution-to-end-covid-national-emergency-declaration-overwhelmingly-passes-senate/" target="_blank">once</a>&nbsp;by a vote of 62-36 on November 15, 2022.As per law it was set to expire on May 11, 2023, and can't be extended.&nbsp;

Biden finally signs bill to end COVID national emergency

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — A 23-year-old bank employee armed with a rifle opened fire at his Louisville workplace Monday morning, killing four people — including a close friend of the governor — while livestreaming the attack, authorities said.

“Let’s be clear about what this was,” Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said. “This was an evil act of targeted violence.”

The shooting, the 15th&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mass-shootings-list-us-53011c9a7f052adb4a7254f116e178d3">mass killing</a>&nbsp;in the country this year, comes just two weeks after a former student killed three children and three adults at a Christian elementary school in Nashville, Tennessee, about 160 miles&nbsp; to the south. That state's governor and his wife&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nashville-school-shooting-covenant-school-03aa394109a5e682877403c0c3e52aa7">also had friends killed</a>&nbsp;in that shooting.

Police arrived as shots were still being fired inside Old National Bank and killed the shooter in an exchange of gunfire, Louisville Metro Police Department Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel said at a news conference.

“The suspect shot at officers,” the police chief said. “We then returned fire and stopped that threat.”

The chief identified the shooter as Connor Sturgeon, who she said was livestreaming during the attack.

“That’s tragic to know that that incident was out there and captured," she said. “We're hopeful that we can have that incident removed, that footage removed.”

Nine people, including two police officers, were treated for injuries from the shooting, University of Louisville Hospital spokeswoman Heather Fountaine said in an email.

One of the officers, a 26-year-old Nickolas Witt, who had graduated from the police academy on March 31, was in critical condition after being shot in the head and having surgery, the police chief said. At least three patients had been discharged.

An emotional Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said he lost one of his closest friends in the shooting in the building on East Main Street not far from the minor league ballpark Louisville Slugger Field and Waterfront Park.

“These are irreplaceable, amazing individuals that a terrible act of violence tore from all of us,” the governor said of the victims.

It was the second time that Beshear was personally touched by a mass tragedy since becoming governor.

In late 2021, one of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tornadoes-kentucky-illinois-arkansas-tennessee-missouri-e1ae21e0b7521c28411f8c360b756700">towns devastated by tornadoes</a>&nbsp;that tore through Kentucky was Dawson Springs, the hometown of Beshear’s father, former two-term Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear. Andy Beshear frequently visited Dawson Springs as a boy and has talked emotionally about his father’s hometown.

Beshear spoke as the investigation in Louisville continued and police searched for a motive. Crime scene investigators could be seen marking and photographing numerous bullet holes in the windows near the bank’s front door.

As part of the investigation, police descended on a neighborhood about 5 miles (8 kilometers) south of the downtown shooting. The street was blocked as federal and local officers talked to residents. One home was cordoned off with caution tape.

“I’m almost speechless. You see it on the news but not at home,” said Kami Cooper, 38, who lives in the neighborhood.

A man who fled the building during the shooting&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ryo15N5f830">told WHAS-TV</a>&nbsp;that the shooter opened fire with a long rifle in a conference room in the back of the building's first floor.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681158692747.png" alt="Officer Nickolas Wilt, 26, is listed in critical condition and just graduated from the LMPD Police Academy on March 31.(LMPD)" />
 <figcaption>Officer Nickolas Wilt, 26, is listed in critical condition and just graduated from the LMPD Police Academy on March 31.(LMPD)</figcaption>
 </figure>LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — A 23-year-old bank employee armed with a rifle opened fire at his Louisville workplace Monday morning, killing four people — including a close friend of the governor — while livestreaming the attack, authorities said.“Let’s be clear about what this was,” Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said. “This was an evil act of targeted violence.”The shooting, the 15th&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mass-shootings-list-us-53011c9a7f052adb4a7254f116e178d3">mass killing</a>&nbsp;in the country this year, comes just two weeks after a former student killed three children and three adults at a Christian elementary school in Nashville, Tennessee, about 160 miles&nbsp; to the south. That state's governor and his wife&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nashville-school-shooting-covenant-school-03aa394109a5e682877403c0c3e52aa7">also had friends killed</a>&nbsp;in that shooting.Police arrived as shots were still being fired inside Old National Bank and killed the shooter in an exchange of gunfire, Louisville Metro Police Department Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel said at a news conference.“The suspect shot at officers,” the police chief said. “We then returned fire and stopped that threat.”The chief identified the shooter as Connor Sturgeon, who she said was livestreaming during the attack.“That’s tragic to know that that incident was out there and captured," she said. “We're hopeful that we can have that incident removed, that footage removed.”Nine people, including two police officers, were treated for injuries from the shooting, University of Louisville Hospital spokeswoman Heather Fountaine said in an email.One of the officers, a 26-year-old Nickolas Witt, who had graduated from the police academy on March 31, was in critical condition after being shot in the head and having surgery, the police chief said. At least three patients had been discharged.An emotional Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said he lost one of his closest friends in the shooting in the building on East Main Street not far from the minor league ballpark Louisville Slugger Field and Waterfront Park.“These are irreplaceable, amazing individuals that a terrible act of violence tore from all of us,” the governor said of the victims.It was the second time that Beshear was personally touched by a mass tragedy since becoming governor.In late 2021, one of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tornadoes-kentucky-illinois-arkansas-tennessee-missouri-e1ae21e0b7521c28411f8c360b756700">towns devastated by tornadoes</a>&nbsp;that tore through Kentucky was Dawson Springs, the hometown of Beshear’s father, former two-term Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear. Andy Beshear frequently visited Dawson Springs as a boy and has talked emotionally about his father’s hometown.Beshear spoke as the investigation in Louisville continued and police searched for a motive. Crime scene investigators could be seen marking and photographing numerous bullet holes in the windows near the bank’s front door.As part of the investigation, police descended on a neighborhood about 5 miles (8 kilometers) south of the downtown shooting. The street was blocked as federal and local officers talked to residents. One home was cordoned off with caution tape.“I’m almost speechless. You see it on the news but not at home,” said Kami Cooper, 38, who lives in the neighborhood.A man who fled the building during the shooting&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ryo15N5f830">told WHAS-TV</a>&nbsp;that the shooter opened fire with a long rifle in a conference room in the back of the building's first floor.“Whoever was next to me got shot — blood is on me from it,” he told the news station, pointing to his shirt. He said he fled to a break room and shut the door.Deputy Police Chief Paul Humphrey said the actions of responding police officers undoubtedly saved lives.“This is a tragic event,” he said. “But it was it was the heroic response of officers that made sure that no more people were more seriously injured than what happened.”Just a few hours later and blocks away,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shooting-louisville-near-community-college-jctc-32e2762dbb656a66821caebfc515ad88">an unrelated shooting</a>&nbsp;killed one man and wounded a woman outside a community college, police said.The 15 mass shootings this year are the most during the first 100 days of a calendar year since 2009, when 16 had occurred by April 10, according to a mass killings database maintained by The Associated Press and USA Today in partnership with Northeastern University.Going back to 2006, the first year for which data has been compiled, the years with the most mass killings were 2019 and 2022, with 45 and 42 mass killings recorded during the entire calendar year. The pace in 2009 slowed later in the year, with 32 mass killings recorded that year.___