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.

“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.

<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.___

Officer critical after Louisville mass killing that was livestreamed 

WASHINGTON (AP) — The nation's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/xavier-becerra">top health official</a>&nbsp;said Sunday that a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pill-lawsuit-mifepristone-misoprostol-kacsmaryk-74cb1c4cfab2c04f6cf2696151bc86ef">court ruling</a>&nbsp;threatening the availability of a main drug used in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/how-medication-abortion-works-f913375ec6f8ebcb1f1055e57a3aef63?utm_source=apnews&amp;utm_medium=relatedcontentmodule">medication abortion</a>&nbsp;was “not America" and he did not rule out defying the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-judge-matthew-kacsmaryk-abortion-pill-fda-75964b777ef09593a1ad948c6cfc0237">judge's order</a>&nbsp;if necessary.

“We want the courts to overturn this reckless decision,” Xavier Becerra, President Joe Biden's health secretary, told CNN's “State of the Union.” “We want, yes, that women continue to have access to a drug that’s proven itself safe. Millions of women have used this drug around the world.”

He stressed that for now, women do have access to the abortion medication mifepristone after a federal judge in Texas, Donald Trump-appointee Matthew Kacsmaryk, put his ruling from Friday on hold for a week so federal officials could file a challenge. The drug was approved in 2000 by the Food and Drug Administration, which is overseen by the Health and Human Services Department headed by Becerra.

“For America's sake and for women's sake, we have to prevail in this,” he said.

Biden has said his administration would fight the Texas ruling. Kacsmaryk's 67-page order gave the government seven days to appeal.

“We intend to do everything to make sure it’s available to them not just in a week, but moving forward, period, because mifepristone is one of the safest and most effective medicines that we have seen over the last 20 years to help women with their health care, especially abortion care,” Becerra said.

Asked whether he might recommend that the FDA ignore a ban, Becerra said, “Everything is on the table."

There is uncertainty about access to the most commonly used method of abortion in the United States following two separate and conflicting court rulings in Texas and Washington over the legality of mifepristone.

Kacsmaryk's decision ordering a hold on federal approval of mifepristone overruled decades of scientific approval. But a ruling at nearly the same time in Washington state from that U.S. District Judge Thomas O. Rice, a Barack Obama appointee, directed 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.

Becerra said Kacsmaryk's order could have dire ramifications for the legality of any FDA-approved drug, such as vaccines, insulin or new Alzheimer's drugs coming onto the market because it seeks to “turn upside down” the entire FDA approval process.

The former California attorney general acknowledged a “good chance” that the case will ultimately be decided by the Supreme Court,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0#:~:text=WASHINGTON%20(AP)%20%E2%80%94%20The%20Supreme,century%20under%20Roe%20v.%20Wade.">which last year overturned Roe v. Wade</a>&nbsp;and curtailed access to abortion across the country.

“If a judge decides to substitute his preference, his personal opinion for that of scientists and medical professionals, what drug isn’t subject to some kind of legal challenge? So we have to go to court,” he said.

Alluding to Kacsmaryk, the Cabinet secretary said: “What you saw by that one judge in that one court, in that one state, that’s not America. America goes by the evidence. America does what’s fair. America does what is transparent and we can show that what we do is for the right reasons.”

Appearing after Becerra on CNN, Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, said “it’s important that we take care of women” and have “real discussions on women’s health care” but “get off the abortion conversation. Women have a whole lot more other issues than just abortion. ... Let's talk about the other things that are happening in this world.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680967457500.png" alt="Boxes of the drug mifepristone.&nbsp;About 60% of abortions in Kansas involve the abortion pill. (AP Photo/Allen G. Breed, File)" />
 <figcaption>Boxes of the drug mifepristone.&nbsp;About 60% of abortions in Kansas involve the abortion pill. (AP Photo/Allen G. Breed, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The nation's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/xavier-becerra">top health official</a>&nbsp;said Sunday that a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pill-lawsuit-mifepristone-misoprostol-kacsmaryk-74cb1c4cfab2c04f6cf2696151bc86ef">court ruling</a>&nbsp;threatening the availability of a main drug used in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/how-medication-abortion-works-f913375ec6f8ebcb1f1055e57a3aef63?utm_source=apnews&amp;utm_medium=relatedcontentmodule">medication abortion</a>&nbsp;was “not America" and he did not rule out defying the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-judge-matthew-kacsmaryk-abortion-pill-fda-75964b777ef09593a1ad948c6cfc0237">judge's order</a>&nbsp;if necessary.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">&quot;We want the courts to overturn this reckless decision.&quot; US Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra explains the Biden administration&#39;s plan after a federal judge issued a ruling that could prevent access to an abortion-inducing medication. <a href="https://twitter.com/CNNSotu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CNNSotu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CNNSOTU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CNNSOTU</a> <a href="https://t.co/HnJi5J5M90">pic.twitter.com/HnJi5J5M90</a>&mdash; CNN (@CNN) <a href="https://twitter.com/CNN/status/1645055147419095041?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Joined <a href="https://twitter.com/DanaBashCNN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DanaBashCNN</a> on <a href="https://twitter.com/CNNSotu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CNNSotu</a> to talk about our Administration’s efforts to protect access to reproductive health care in the wake of the TX district court ruling. This ruling by a single court in a single state will have a disastrous impact across America if not overturned. <a href="https://t.co/Pfhn5iUu6l">pic.twitter.com/Pfhn5iUu6l</a>&mdash; Secretary Xavier Becerra (@SecBecerra) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecBecerra/status/1645064158994415620?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“We want the courts to overturn this reckless decision,” Xavier Becerra, President Joe Biden's health secretary, told CNN's “State of the Union.” “We want, yes, that women continue to have access to a drug that’s proven itself safe. Millions of women have used this drug around the world.”He stressed that for now, women do have access to the abortion medication mifepristone after a federal judge in Texas, Donald Trump-appointee Matthew Kacsmaryk, put his ruling from Friday on hold for a week so federal officials could file a challenge. The drug was approved in 2000 by the Food and Drug Administration, which is overseen by the Health and Human Services Department headed by Becerra.“For America's sake and for women's sake, we have to prevail in this,” he said.Biden has said his administration would fight the Texas ruling. Kacsmaryk's 67-page order gave the government seven days to appeal.“We intend to do everything to make sure it’s available to them not just in a week, but moving forward, period, because mifepristone is one of the safest and most effective medicines that we have seen over the last 20 years to help women with their health care, especially abortion care,” Becerra said.Asked whether he might recommend that the FDA ignore a ban, Becerra said, “Everything is on the table."There is uncertainty about access to the most commonly used method of abortion in the United States following two separate and conflicting court rulings in Texas and Washington over the legality of mifepristone.Kacsmaryk's decision ordering a hold on federal approval of mifepristone overruled decades of scientific approval. But a ruling at nearly the same time in Washington state from that U.S. District Judge Thomas O. Rice, a Barack Obama appointee, directed 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.Becerra said Kacsmaryk's order could have dire ramifications for the legality of any FDA-approved drug, such as vaccines, insulin or new Alzheimer's drugs coming onto the market because it seeks to “turn upside down” the entire FDA approval process.The former California attorney general acknowledged a “good chance” that the case will ultimately be decided by the Supreme Court,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0#:~:text=WASHINGTON%20(AP)%20%E2%80%94%20The%20Supreme,century%20under%20Roe%20v.%20Wade.">which last year overturned Roe v. Wade</a>&nbsp;and curtailed access to abortion across the country.“If a judge decides to substitute his preference, his personal opinion for that of scientists and medical professionals, what drug isn’t subject to some kind of legal challenge? So we have to go to court,” he said.<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>Alluding to Kacsmaryk, the Cabinet secretary said: “What you saw by that one judge in that one court, in that one state, that’s not America. America goes by the evidence. America does what’s fair. America does what is transparent and we can show that what we do is for the right reasons.”Appearing after Becerra on CNN, Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, said “it’s important that we take care of women” and have “real discussions on women’s health care” but “get off the abortion conversation. Women have a whole lot more other issues than just abortion. ... Let's talk about the other things that are happening in this world.”

🎥 FDA may ignore judge's ruling to ban abortion pill 

WASHINGTON (AP) — Not even the annual White House Easter Egg Roll is safe from presidential politics.

President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>, the host of Monday's festivities on the South Lawn, said he plans to participate in “at least three or four more Easter egg rolls, maybe five.”

Biden was alluding to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-politics-united-states-government-us-republican-party-democratic-b6a4d89a5629e768e92485067a220797">his expected reelection bid</a>&nbsp;but when pressed for news by Al Roker of NBC's “Today” show, the president gave no ground. He repeated what he's been saying for months.

“I'm planning on running, Al, but we're not prepared to announce it yet,” Biden told Roker.

After making an early appearance on the lawn to speak with Roker after the gates opened at 7 a.m., Biden and first lady Jill Biden will also address the crowd from the White House balcony before joining the “egg-citement.” Some 30,000 people, mostly children, were expected, in nine waves of participants, ending at 7 p.m.

“Anything’s possible in America," Biden said in brief remarks welcoming guests to the South Lawn, “if we remember who we are and we do it together.”

The first lady's theme is “EGGucation.” Jill Biden is a teacher and she has incorporated numerous learning opportunities into the event. “Learning doesn't only happen in a classroom, there are so many fun opportunities to learn around us every day,” she said, explaining that's why they turned the South Lawn into a “school community.”

The White House Easter Egg Roll dates to 1878, when President Rutherford B. Hayes opened the White House lawn to children after they were kicked off the grounds of the U.S. Capitol.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681139726547.png" alt="“I'm planning on running, Al, but we're not prepared to announce it yet,” Biden told&nbsp; Al Roker.-White House image" />
 <figcaption>“I'm planning on running, Al, but we're not prepared to announce it yet,” Biden told&nbsp; Al Roker.-White House image</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Not even the annual White House Easter Egg Roll is safe from presidential politics.President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>, the host of Monday's festivities on the South Lawn, said he plans to participate in “at least three or four more Easter egg rolls, maybe five.”Biden was alluding to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-politics-united-states-government-us-republican-party-democratic-b6a4d89a5629e768e92485067a220797">his expected reelection bid</a>&nbsp;but when pressed for news by Al Roker of NBC's “Today” show, the president gave no ground. He repeated what he's been saying for months.“I'm planning on running, Al, but we're not prepared to announce it yet,” Biden told Roker.After making an early appearance on the lawn to speak with Roker after the gates opened at 7 a.m., Biden and first lady Jill Biden will also address the crowd from the White House balcony before joining the “egg-citement.” Some 30,000 people, mostly children, were expected, in nine waves of participants, ending at 7 p.m.“Anything’s possible in America," Biden said in brief remarks welcoming guests to the South Lawn, “if we remember who we are and we do it together.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Folks, the 2023 White House Easter EGGucation Roll is here. <a href="https://t.co/216uciD6te">pic.twitter.com/216uciD6te</a>&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1645489330977161217?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The first lady's theme is “EGGucation.” Jill Biden is a teacher and she has incorporated numerous learning opportunities into the event. “Learning doesn't only happen in a classroom, there are so many fun opportunities to learn around us every day,” she said, explaining that's why they turned the South Lawn into a “school community.”The White House Easter Egg Roll dates to 1878, when President Rutherford B. Hayes opened the White House lawn to children after they were kicked off the grounds of the U.S. Capitol.

Biden talks re-election bid during annual Easter egg roll 

UNION — More than 75 firefighters from 26 departments continue to work the Waconda Fire located just south of Lake Waconda in Cass County, which has burned more than 650 acres. The fire started in Iowa on Saturday and jumped across the Missouri River into Nebraska at approximately 6 p.m.

Cass County declared a disaster Sunday and requested state assistance to help with response to the brush fire.&nbsp;Gov. Jim Pillen&nbsp;approved a state disaster that allows funds from the Governor’s Emergency Fund to be used to assist in the response. Cass County Emergency Management and Incident Command requested that the Nebraska Incident Management Assistance Team integrate with local responders to help with the response. 

The Nebraska National Guard sent a hand crew to work on the ground and a UH60 helicopter to drop water on the fire Sunday afternoon, the Nebraska State Patrol’s drone team arrived Sunday morning to provide aerial footage of the fire and members of the Wildland Incident Response Assistant Team arrived Saturday and Sunday to provide technical support on control and management of the fire.

According to Incident Commander&nbsp;Shane Adams&nbsp;of the Nehawka Volunteer Department fire command, the fire rapidly spread south to the area of East Union Road. Requests for all available units were immediately called as the fire was rapidly moving.&nbsp;

Adams reported that fire departments from across Cass County responded and assisted in fighting the fire. Additional units from across the entire State of Nebraska brought UTVs with water supply to reach the areas where full-size fire

“The terrain of this fire is treacherous,” Adams said. “Relief from local fire departments arrived late into the night and continued to fight fire all through the night. No structures have been affected at this time.”

Adams estimated the fire is zero percent contained. He reports that firefighters will remain on scene overnight to monitor and control the fire.&nbsp;

<div><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/RmhpXWTy-oVs1oZUT.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="4-9-fire Drone Video" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>Nebraska Incident Management TeamUNION — More than 75 firefighters from 26 departments continue to work the Waconda Fire located just south of Lake Waconda in Cass County, which has burned more than 650 acres. The fire started in Iowa on Saturday and jumped across the Missouri River into Nebraska at approximately 6 p.m.Cass County declared a disaster Sunday and requested state assistance to help with response to the brush fire.&nbsp;Gov. Jim Pillen&nbsp;approved a state disaster that allows funds from the Governor’s Emergency Fund to be used to assist in the response. Cass County Emergency Management and Incident Command requested that the Nebraska Incident Management Assistance Team integrate with local responders to help with the response. The Nebraska National Guard sent a hand crew to work on the ground and a UH60 helicopter to drop water on the fire Sunday afternoon, the Nebraska State Patrol’s drone team arrived Sunday morning to provide aerial footage of the fire and members of the Wildland Incident Response Assistant Team arrived Saturday and Sunday to provide technical support on control and management of the fire.<div><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/jWGihctP-oVs1oZUT.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="4-9-fire Drone Video - Thermal" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>According to Incident Commander&nbsp;Shane Adams&nbsp;of the Nehawka Volunteer Department fire command, the fire rapidly spread south to the area of East Union Road. Requests for all available units were immediately called as the fire was rapidly moving.&nbsp;Adams reported that fire departments from across Cass County responded and assisted in fighting the fire. Additional units from across the entire State of Nebraska brought UTVs with water supply to reach the areas where full-size fire“The terrain of this fire is treacherous,” Adams said. “Relief from local fire departments arrived late into the night and continued to fight fire all through the night. No structures have been affected at this time.”Adams estimated the fire is zero percent contained. He reports that firefighters will remain on scene overnight to monitor and control the fire.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681149859247.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681150904255.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681150918604.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681150936572.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

DRONE 🎥 Crews continue to work Easter Nebraska wildfire

LINCOLN, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested two people after a pursuit in North Lincoln overnight.

At approximately 1:10 a.m. Monday, NSP received information that a vehicle had fled an attempted traffic stop with the Lincoln Police Department. The vehicle was reportedly stolen. A short time later, a trooper observed the vehicle, a Dodge Caravan, as it was speeding on Waverly Road near Highway 77, north of Lincoln. The trooper attempted a traffic stop, but the driver refused to yield and fled. The trooper initiated a pursuit.

The suspect vehicle fled southbound on Highway 77 toward Lincoln. The driver then turned eastbound on Fletcher at which time a trooper attempted a tactical vehicle intervention. The driver was able to regain control of the vehicle and continued fleeing, striking another trooper’s patrol unit in the process. The vehicle continued southbound on Highway 77 and troopers continued the pursuit.

The vehicle turned eastbound on Havelock Avenue and eventually turned northbound on 70th&nbsp;Street. At the intersection of 70th&nbsp;and Burlington Avenue, a trooper successfully performed a tactical vehicle intervention to bring the vehicle to a stop. The driver and passenger were then taken into custody without further incident.

The driver, Robert Allen, 37, of York, was arrested for willful reckless driving, assault on a peace officer, flight to avoid arrest, unauthorized use of a vehicle, possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana – less than one ounce, and driving with a revoked license. The passenger, Angel Hauschild, 27, of Shelton, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine and an outstanding warrant. Both were lodged in Lancaster County Jail.

The entire pursuit lasted approximately 10 minutes. The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office and Lincoln Police Department assisted in the incident. No officers were injured.

By Nebraska State PatrolLINCOLN, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested two people after a pursuit in North Lincoln overnight.At approximately 1:10 a.m. Monday, NSP received information that a vehicle had fled an attempted traffic stop with the Lincoln Police Department. The vehicle was reportedly stolen. A short time later, a trooper observed the vehicle, a Dodge Caravan, as it was speeding on Waverly Road near Highway 77, north of Lincoln. The trooper attempted a traffic stop, but the driver refused to yield and fled. The trooper initiated a pursuit.The suspect vehicle fled southbound on Highway 77 toward Lincoln. The driver then turned eastbound on Fletcher at which time a trooper attempted a tactical vehicle intervention. The driver was able to regain control of the vehicle and continued fleeing, striking another trooper’s patrol unit in the process. The vehicle continued southbound on Highway 77 and troopers continued the pursuit.The vehicle turned eastbound on Havelock Avenue and eventually turned northbound on 70th&nbsp;Street. At the intersection of 70th&nbsp;and Burlington Avenue, a trooper successfully performed a tactical vehicle intervention to bring the vehicle to a stop. The driver and passenger were then taken into custody without further incident.The driver, Robert Allen, 37, of York, was arrested for willful reckless driving, assault on a peace officer, flight to avoid arrest, unauthorized use of a vehicle, possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana – less than one ounce, and driving with a revoked license. The passenger, Angel Hauschild, 27, of Shelton, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine and an outstanding warrant. Both were lodged in Lancaster County Jail.The entire pursuit lasted approximately 10 minutes. The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office and Lincoln Police Department assisted in the incident. No officers were injured.

2 arrested after pursuit in north Lincoln

KEARNEY — At approximately 8:54 p.m. Sunday, Kearney Police Department Officers
received a report of a shooting in the 2800 block of Avenue M. 

The victim was a 37-year-old
male from Kearney who was transported to CHI Good Samaritan Hospital by private vehicle
with non-life-threatening injuries. Preliminary information indicates there may be multiple
witnesses with knowledge of the incident. The case is still in the early stages of investigation.


Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Kearney Police
Department (308) 237-2104, Buffalo County Crimestoppers (308) 237-3424, or through the
See It Say It Send It App.


Kearney PDKEARNEY — At approximately 8:54 p.m. Sunday, Kearney Police Department Officers
received a report of a shooting in the 2800 block of Avenue M. The victim was a 37-year-old
male from Kearney who was transported to CHI Good Samaritan Hospital by private vehicle
with non-life-threatening injuries. Preliminary information indicates there may be multiple
witnesses with knowledge of the incident. The case is still in the early stages of investigation.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Kearney Police
Department (308) 237-2104, Buffalo County Crimestoppers (308) 237-3424, or through the
See It Say It Send It App.

Kearney Police Department investigating Sunday shooting

By CINDY GONZALEZ <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nebraska-icon-chief-standing-bear-to-be-on-18-million-postage-stamps/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN
 — The story of Chief Standing Bear, which has reached new levels of 
prominence in Nebraska of late, now will be spread further through the 
U.S. mail.

A “Forever” commemorative stamp 
bearing the likeness of the Ponca leader is to be issued and become 
available for use nationwide May 12. The U.S. Postal Service says it is 
printing 18 million of the postage stamps.

A dedication ceremony is to be held 
in Lincoln that day with Anton Hajjar, vice chair of the U.S. Postal 
Service Board of Governors; Candace Schmidt, chairwoman of the Ponca 
Tribe of Nebraska; and Judi gaiashkibos, executive director of the 
Nebraska Commission on Indian Affairs.

The Chief Standing Bear stamp features a portrait by illustrator <a target="_blank" href="https://www.thomasblackshearii.com/aboutthomas">Thomas Blackshear II</a>,
 who created the image based on a black-and-white photograph taken in 
1877. At that time, Standing Bear was in Washington, D.C., as part of a 
delegation of Ponca chiefs appealing to government officials for the 
right to return to their homeland.

The colors of Standing Bear’s 
clothing were based mainly on contemporary descriptions. Art director 
Derry Noyes designed the stamp.

In a media advisory, the U.S. Postal 
Service said it “holds reverence for Chief Standing Bear by honoring him
 with a forever stamp.”

The statement notes how in 1879, 
Standing Bear won a landmark court ruling that determined a Native 
American was a person under the law, with an inherent right to life, 
liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Two years earlier, in 1877, the U.S. 
Army had forcibly relocated some 700 Ponca to Indian Territory in 
Oklahoma after the federal government had given away the tribe’s 
homeland in the Niobrara River Valley in northeastern Nebraska.

Standing Bear sued the government for
 his freedom after being arrested, along with other Ponca, for 
attempting to return to his homeland to fulfill a promise to his son, 
Bear Shield, who had died in the aftermath of having to walk some 600 
miles to that arid Indian Territory.

It was during the ensuing trial that 
Standing Bear spoke the long-remembered words: “The blood that will flow
 from mine will be of the same color as yours. I am a man. The same God 
made us both.”

The forever stamp follows local 
developments to honor the Ponca chief’s legacy, including last summer’s 
dedication of the Chief Standing Bear Justice Administration Building.

State lawmakers allocated funding for a Standing Bear documentary. A new Lincoln high school bears his name.

In 2019, state lawmakers placed a statue of the chief in the U.S. Capitol, as one of two representatives of Nebraska.

In the two years prior, similar 
statues were placed in Niobrara, the headquarters of the Ponca Tribe of 
Nebraska, and near the State Capitol.&nbsp;

Forever stamps can be used to mail a 
one-ounce letter no matter how prices change in the future and no matter
 when they are purchased or used. Subjects typically come as a 
recommendation to the U.S. Postmaster General from a citizens stamp 
advisory committee.

The committee says it welcomes and 
reviews suggestions for stamp subjects that celebrate the American 
experience. Subjects may be considered if the subject had a significant 
impact on American history, culture or environment.

The Chief Standing Bear stamp will soon be available to <a target="_blank" href="https://store.usps.com/store/results/new-releases/forever-63/stamps/_/N-1vbtavtZ1qcg0puZ9y93lv?Ns=product.displayName%7C0">pre-purchase online,</a> but won’t be delivered until after the official reveal.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681136824568.png" alt="Ponca Chief Standing Bear is featured on a U.S. postal stamp. (Courtesy of the U.S. Postal Service)" />
 <figcaption>Ponca Chief Standing Bear is featured on a U.S. postal stamp. (Courtesy of the U.S. Postal Service)</figcaption>
 </figure>By CINDY GONZALEZ <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nebraska-icon-chief-standing-bear-to-be-on-18-million-postage-stamps/">Nebraska Examiner</a> LINCOLN
 — The story of Chief Standing Bear, which has reached new levels of 
prominence in Nebraska of late, now will be spread further through the 
U.S. mail.A “Forever” commemorative stamp 
bearing the likeness of the Ponca leader is to be issued and become 
available for use nationwide May 12. The U.S. Postal Service says it is 
printing 18 million of the postage stamps.A dedication ceremony is to be held 
in Lincoln that day with Anton Hajjar, vice chair of the U.S. Postal 
Service Board of Governors; Candace Schmidt, chairwoman of the Ponca 
Tribe of Nebraska; and Judi gaiashkibos, executive director of the 
Nebraska Commission on Indian Affairs.The Chief Standing Bear stamp features a portrait by illustrator <a target="_blank" href="https://www.thomasblackshearii.com/aboutthomas">Thomas Blackshear II</a>,
 who created the image based on a black-and-white photograph taken in 
1877. At that time, Standing Bear was in Washington, D.C., as part of a 
delegation of Ponca chiefs appealing to government officials for the 
right to return to their homeland.The colors of Standing Bear’s 
clothing were based mainly on contemporary descriptions. Art director 
Derry Noyes designed the stamp.In a media advisory, the U.S. Postal 
Service said it “holds reverence for Chief Standing Bear by honoring him
 with a forever stamp.”The statement notes how in 1879, 
Standing Bear won a landmark court ruling that determined a Native 
American was a person under the law, with an inherent right to life, 
liberty and the pursuit of happiness.Two years earlier, in 1877, the U.S. 
Army had forcibly relocated some 700 Ponca to Indian Territory in 
Oklahoma after the federal government had given away the tribe’s 
homeland in the Niobrara River Valley in northeastern Nebraska.Standing Bear sued the government for
 his freedom after being arrested, along with other Ponca, for 
attempting to return to his homeland to fulfill a promise to his son, 
Bear Shield, who had died in the aftermath of having to walk some 600 
miles to that arid Indian Territory.It was during the ensuing trial that 
Standing Bear spoke the long-remembered words: “The blood that will flow
 from mine will be of the same color as yours. I am a man. The same God 
made us both.”The forever stamp follows local 
developments to honor the Ponca chief’s legacy, including last summer’s 
dedication of the Chief Standing Bear Justice Administration Building.State lawmakers allocated funding for a Standing Bear documentary. A new Lincoln high school bears his name.In 2019, state lawmakers placed a statue of the chief in the U.S. Capitol, as one of two representatives of Nebraska.In the two years prior, similar 
statues were placed in Niobrara, the headquarters of the Ponca Tribe of 
Nebraska, and near the State Capitol.&nbsp;Forever stamps can be used to mail a 
one-ounce letter no matter how prices change in the future and no matter
 when they are purchased or used. Subjects typically come as a 
recommendation to the U.S. Postmaster General from a citizens stamp 
advisory committee.The committee says it welcomes and 
reviews suggestions for stamp subjects that celebrate the American 
experience. Subjects may be considered if the subject had a significant 
impact on American history, culture or environment.The Chief Standing Bear stamp will soon be available to <a target="_blank" href="https://store.usps.com/store/results/new-releases/forever-63/stamps/_/N-1vbtavtZ1qcg0puZ9y93lv?Ns=product.displayName%7C0">pre-purchase online,</a> but won’t be delivered until after the official reveal.

Nebraska icon Chief Standing Bear to be on 18M postage stamps

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — A shooting at a bank in downtown Louisville killed at least four people and wounded at least eight others Monday, police said. The suspected shooter was also dead.

The shooting, the 15th mass killing 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, about 160 mile (260 kilometers) to the south.

Police arrived as gunshots were still being fired inside the Old National Bank and exchanged fire with the shooter, Louisville Metro Police Department Deputy Chief Paul Humphrey said at a news conference. It wasn't clear whether the shooter killed himself or was shot by officers.

“We believe this is a lone gunman involved in this that did have a connection to the bank. We’re trying to establish what that connection was to the business, but it appears he was a previous employee,” Humphrey said.

Humphrey said that at least eight people were being treated at a hospital for wounds, including two police officers, one of whom was in critical condition.

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

“This is awful,” he said. “I have a very close friend who didn’t make it today. And I have another close friend who didn’t, either. And one who’s at the hospital that I hope is going to make it through.”

In late 2021, one of the towns devastated by tornadoes 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.

Humphrey, the deputy chief, said the actions of responding police officers in Louisville on Monday morning had undoubtedly saved lives.

This year's 15 mass shootings is the most during the first 100 days of a calendar year since 2009, when 16 incidents 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.\

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — A shooting Monday at a bank in downtown Louisville killed at least four people and wounded at least eight others, police said. The suspected lone shooter was also dead.

Louisville Metro Police Department Deputy Chief Paul Humphrey told reporters officers who arrived on the scene “encountered active gunshots still being fired inside the location at that time.”

Officers exchanged gunfire with the shooter, who appeared to be a former employee of the bank, but it wasn't clear how he died.

“We do not know exactly the circumstances of his death at this time,” Humphrey said.

Humphrey said at least eight people were being treated for wounds, including two police officers. One officer and another of the wounded were in critical condition.

Police later said on a twitter that officers we’re on the scene of the shooting within minutes. Calls first came in for the shooting at the Old National Bank about 8:30 a.m.

In a tweet, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said he was heading to the scene.

“Please pray for all of the families impacted and for the city of Louisville,” Beshear said.

The FBI said its agents were also responding to the shooting.

The shooting happened in a building on East Main Street not far from the Louisville Slugger Field and Waterfront Park.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — A shooting Monday at a bank building in downtown Louisville killed five people and wounded at least six others, police said. The suspected shooter was also dead, police said.

“The shooter was confirmed to be dead on the scene,” Humphrey said. “We do not know exactly the circumstances of his death at this time.”

Humphrey said at least six wounded people, including one police officer, were taken to a hospital but he had no details on their conditions.

Witnesses who left the building told Louisville station WHAS-TV they heard gunfire inside the building and television footage showed numerous police vehicles in the area.

The shooting happened in a building on East Main Street that houses the Old National Bank not far from the Louisville Slugger Field and Waterfront Park.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Police are reporting “multiple casualties” as they respond to a shooting in a bank building in downtown Louisville.

The Louisville Metro Police Department said Monday on Twitter there was an ongoing situation and asked people to avoid the area. "There are multiple casualties," police said in the tweet. Police described it as an “active aggressor.”

Witnesses who left the building told WHAS-TV they heard gunfire inside the building.

Numerous police vehicles were seen on television footage. WHAS reporters said they saw people being taken from the scene in ambulances.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681145559978.png" alt="Police said that at least eight people were being treated at a hospital for wounds, including two police officers, one of whom was in critical condition.-photo courtesy WLKY TV" />
 <figcaption>Police said that at least eight people were being treated at a hospital for wounds, including two police officers, one of whom was in critical condition.-photo courtesy WLKY TV</figcaption>
 </figure>LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — A shooting at a bank in downtown Louisville killed at least four people and wounded at least eight others Monday, police said. The suspected shooter was also dead.The shooting, the 15th mass killing 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, about 160 mile (260 kilometers) to the south.Police arrived as gunshots were still being fired inside the Old National Bank and exchanged fire with the shooter, Louisville Metro Police Department Deputy Chief Paul Humphrey said at a news conference. It wasn't clear whether the shooter killed himself or was shot by officers.“We believe this is a lone gunman involved in this that did have a connection to the bank. We’re trying to establish what that connection was to the business, but it appears he was a previous employee,” Humphrey said.Humphrey said that at least eight people were being treated at a hospital for wounds, including two police officers, one of whom was in critical condition.An emotional Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said he lost friends in the shooting in the building on East Main Street not far from the Louisville Slugger Field and Waterfront Park.“This is awful,” he said. “I have a very close friend who didn’t make it today. And I have another close friend who didn’t, either. And one who’s at the hospital that I hope is going to make it through.”It was the second time that Beshear was personally touched by a mass tragedy since becoming governor.In late 2021, one of the towns devastated by tornadoes 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.Humphrey, the deputy chief, said the actions of responding police officers in Louisville on Monday morning had 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.”This year's 15 mass shootings is the most during the first 100 days of a calendar year since 2009, when 16 incidents 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.\<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681137523415.png" alt="Police on the scene Monday morning in downtown Louisville -photo courtesy WLKY TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene Monday morning in downtown Louisville -photo courtesy WLKY TV</figcaption>
 </figure>------------LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — A shooting Monday at a bank in downtown Louisville killed at least four people and wounded at least eight others, police said. The suspected lone shooter was also dead.Louisville Metro Police Department Deputy Chief Paul Humphrey told reporters officers who arrived on the scene “encountered active gunshots still being fired inside the location at that time.”Officers exchanged gunfire with the shooter, who appeared to be a former employee of the bank, but it wasn't clear how he died.“We do not know exactly the circumstances of his death at this time,” Humphrey said.Humphrey said at least eight people were being treated for wounds, including two police officers. One officer and another of the wounded were in critical condition.Police later said on a twitter that officers we’re on the scene of the shooting within minutes. Calls first came in for the shooting at the Old National Bank about 8:30 a.m.In a tweet, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said he was heading to the scene.“Please pray for all of the families impacted and for the city of Louisville,” Beshear said.The FBI said its agents were also responding to the shooting.The shooting happened in a building on East Main Street not far from the Louisville Slugger Field and Waterfront Park.-----------LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — A shooting Monday at a bank building in downtown Louisville killed five people and wounded at least six others, police said. The suspected shooter was also dead, police said.Louisville Metro Police Department Deputy Chief Paul Humphrey told reporters officers who arrived on the scene “encountered active gunshots still being fired inside the location at that time.”“The shooter was confirmed to be dead on the scene,” Humphrey said. “We do not know exactly the circumstances of his death at this time.”Humphrey said at least six wounded people, including one police officer, were taken to a hospital but he had no details on their conditions.Witnesses who left the building told Louisville station WHAS-TV they heard gunfire inside the building and television footage showed numerous police vehicles in the area.In a tweet, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said he was heading to the scene.“Please pray for all of the families impacted and for the city of Louisville,” Beshear said.The FBI said its agents were also responding to the shooting.The shooting happened in a building on East Main Street that houses the Old National Bank not far from the Louisville Slugger Field and Waterfront Park.-----------LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Police are reporting “multiple casualties” as they respond to a shooting in a bank building in downtown Louisville.The Louisville Metro Police Department said Monday on Twitter there was an ongoing situation and asked people to avoid the area. "There are multiple casualties," police said in the tweet. Police described it as an “active aggressor.”Witnesses who left the building told WHAS-TV they heard gunfire inside the building.Numerous police vehicles were seen on television footage. WHAS reporters said they saw people being taken from the scene in ambulances.In a tweet, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said he was heading to the scene.“Please pray for all of the families impacted and for the city of Louisville,” Beshear said.The FBI said its agents were also responding to the shooting.The shooting happened in a building on East Main Street that houses the Old National Bank not far from the Louisville Slugger Field and Waterfront Park.