WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Friday preserved women’s access to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/how-medication-abortion-works-f913375ec6f8ebcb1f1055e57a3aef63">drug used in the most common method of abortion</a>, rejecting lower-court restrictions while a lawsuit continues.

The justices granted emergency requests from the Biden administration and New York-based Danco Laboratories, maker of the drug mifepristone. They are appealing a lower court ruling that would roll back Food and Drug Administration approval of mifepristone.

President Biden in a statement from his office said, "the Supreme Court granted the Department of Justice’s emergency stay application in&nbsp;Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine v. FDA, preventing a lower court decision from going into effect that would have undermined FDA’s medical judgment and put women’s health at risk."

"As a result of the Supreme Court’s stay, mifepristone remains available and approved for safe and effective use while we continue this fight in the courts. I continue to stand by FDA’s evidence-based approval of mifepristone, and my Administration will continue to defend FDA’s independent, expert authority to review, approve, and regulate a wide range of prescription drugs."

"The stakes could not be higher for women across America. I will continue to fight politically-driven attacks on women’s health. But let’s be clear – the American people must continue to use their vote as their voice, and elect a Congress who will pass a law restoring the protections of&nbsp;Roe v Wade."

The drug has been approved for use in the U.S. since 2000 and more than 5 million people have used it. Mifepristone is used in combination with a second drug, misoprostol, in more than half of all abortions in the U.S.

The court's action Friday almost certainly will leave access to mifepristone unchanged at least into next year, as appeals play out, including a potential appeal to the high court. The next stop for the case is at the New Orleans-based U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit, which has set arguments in the case for May 17.

-The Associated Press contributed to this report.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Friday preserved women’s access to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/how-medication-abortion-works-f913375ec6f8ebcb1f1055e57a3aef63">drug used in the most common method of abortion</a>, rejecting lower-court restrictions while a lawsuit continues.The justices granted emergency requests from the Biden administration and New York-based Danco Laboratories, maker of the drug mifepristone. They are appealing a lower court ruling that would roll back Food and Drug Administration approval of mifepristone.President Biden in a statement from his office said, "the Supreme Court granted the Department of Justice’s emergency stay application in&nbsp;Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine v. FDA, preventing a lower court decision from going into effect that would have undermined FDA’s medical judgment and put women’s health at risk.""As a result of the Supreme Court’s stay, mifepristone remains available and approved for safe and effective use while we continue this fight in the courts. I continue to stand by FDA’s evidence-based approval of mifepristone, and my Administration will continue to defend FDA’s independent, expert authority to review, approve, and regulate a wide range of prescription drugs.""The stakes could not be higher for women across America. I will continue to fight politically-driven attacks on women’s health. But let’s be clear – the American people must continue to use their vote as their voice, and elect a Congress who will pass a law restoring the protections of&nbsp;Roe v Wade."<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We welcome the Supreme Court’s decision to grant a stay. Access to mifepristone is preserved for now — and our fight to defend reproductive freedom continues. <a href="https://t.co/SkHvBNUpa3">pic.twitter.com/SkHvBNUpa3</a>&mdash; Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) <a href="https://twitter.com/VP/status/1649568985619341313?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The drug has been approved for use in the U.S. since 2000 and more than 5 million people have used it. Mifepristone is used in combination with a second drug, misoprostol, in more than half of all abortions in the U.S.The court's action Friday almost certainly will leave access to mifepristone unchanged at least into next year, as appeals play out, including a potential appeal to the high court. The next stop for the case is at the New Orleans-based U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit, which has set arguments in the case for May 17.-The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Biden vows to keep fighting after court's abortion pill decision

Bank CEOs report loss of deposits; two-thirds oppose bailouts&nbsp;

April 2023 Survey Results at a Glance:

OMAHA —
 After declining below growth neural for March, the overall Rural 
Mainstreet Index expanded above the threshold for the month, according 
to the April monthly survey of bank CEOs in rural areas of a 10-state 
region dependent on agriculture and/or energy.

Overall:
The region’s overall reading in April climbed to 50.1 from March’s 45.6.
The index ranges between 0 and 100, with a reading of 50.0 representing growth neutral.&nbsp;

“The Rural Mainstreet economy continues to experience slow, to no, to negative
 economic growth. Only 8% of
 bankers reported improving economic conditions for the month with 84% 
indicating no change in economic conditions from March’s
negative growth,” said Ernie Goss, PhD, Jack A. MacAllister Chair in Regional Economics at Creighton University’s
Heider College of Business.


Mike
 Van Erdewyk, CEO of Breda Savings Bank in Breda, Iowa, said, “It seems
 like a self-fulfilling prophecy that they will say higher rates stopped
 inflation when it may be more of unprecedented government actions not 
letting the market sort it out.”

Farming and ranching land prices:
<a></a><a>The region’s farmland price index rose to 64.6 from March’s 63.0.
</a><a>This was the 31st straight month</a>
 that the index has advanced above 50.0.&nbsp;

<a>Farm equipment sales:</a>
 As a result of solid farm financial conditions, the farm equipment-sales index fell to a still solid 54.3 from 59.5 in March.
The index has risen above growth neutral for 27 of the last 29 months.

Banking:
The April loan volume index slipped to a still healthy 62.5 from 63.0 in March.
The checking-deposit index plummeted to a record low 25.0 from 
March’s 40.9, while the index for certificates of deposit and other 
savings instruments dipped to 74.0 from March’s record high 75.0.

The
 record low checking deposit index is a real concern. According to 
Jeffrey
 Gerhart, former Chair of the Independent Community Bankers of America, 
“Depositors may move money around in order to keep under the $250,000 
FDIC limit. This goes on frequently, so I don’t consider this a 
concern.”&nbsp;


Additionally, Gerhart advises depositors to visit with their bank about the
 various options available to reduce depositor risks.&nbsp; 

Bank CEOs were asked several questions regarding the recent bank failures
 of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank:

Larry Winum, CEO of Glenwood State Bank in Glenwood Iowa, said, “How many
 times is our government going to bail out banks and make all banks pay for it through increased FDIC premiums and assessments?”

Winum argues that the FDIC should listen to community banks and establish
 “risk based” premium fee structures. “The current methodology punishes community banks,” said Winum.


Jeff
 Bonnett, CEO of Havana National Bank in Havana, Ill., said, “Although
 I am a firm believer in capitalism and all the positive and negative 
consequences (bank/business failures) that go with such an economic 
system, I do believe that the FDIC and the banking industry needs to 
evaluate and make changes to the current system of
 deposit insurance.” 

Bonnett argues that large corporate and organizational deposit accounts such
 as payroll and operating accounts need a separate format of FDIC insurance.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 


Hiring:
 The new hiring index for April climbed to 54.2 from 45.5 in March. 
Labor shortages continue to be a significant issue constraining growth 
for Rural Mainstreet businesses. Over the past 12 months, the Rural 
Mainstreet Economy has expanded jobs by 2.8% compared
 to a lower 2.1% for urban areas of the same 10 states.

Confidence:
The slowing economy, higher
 borrowing costs and labor shortages continued to constrain the business
 confidence index to a weak 38.0, down from March’s 39.1. “Over the past 12 months, the regional confidence index has fallen to levels
 indicating a very negative outlook,” said Goss.

Home and retail sales:
 Home-sales climbed to 44.0 from March’s 36.4. “This is the eleventh 
straight month that the home-sales index has fallen below growth 
neutral. A slowing economy, higher mortgage rates and low housing 
inventories for the past year slowed home sales in the region
 over that time period,” said Goss.

The retail-sales index for April increased slightly to a weak 41.7 from March’s
 41.3. “<a>Bankers were pessimistic regarding the economic outlook for retail sales for the second quarter after an anemic quarter one,</a>” said Goss.

The
 survey represents an early snapshot of the economy of rural 
agriculturally
 and energy-dependent portions of the nation. The Rural Mainstreet Index
 is a unique index covering 10 regional states, focusing on 
approximately 200 rural communities with an average population of 1,300.
 The index provides the most current real-time analysis
 of the rural economy. Goss and Bill McQuillan, former Chairman of the 
Independent Community Banks of America, created the monthly economic 
survey and launched it in January 2006.

Nebraska:&nbsp;The Nebraska RMI climbed above growth neutral to 52.7 from 48.3 in March. The state’s farmland-price index for April rose to 65.4 from March’s 63.4. Nebraska’s April new-hiring index grew to 57.8 from 46.8 in March. Over the past 12 months, the state’s Rural Mainstreet Economy expanded jobs by 4.8% compared to 1.2% for urban areas of the state.

Colorado:
 Colorado’s RMI for April rose to 53.1 from March’s 50.3. The farmland- 
and ranchland-price index for April advanced to 65.6 from 64.3 in March.
 The state’s new hiring index was 54.9, up from 47.8 for March.
Over the past 12 months, the state’s Rural Mainstreet Economy expanded jobs by 4.5% compared to
 1.4% for urban areas of the state.

Iowa:
 Iowa’s April RMI slumped to 44.8 from 46.7 in March. Iowa’s 
farmland-price index increased to 57.4 from March’s 55.6. Iowa’s 
new-hiring index for April moved higher to 44.8 from 37.1 in March.
Over the past 12 months, 
the state’s Rural Mainstreet Economy expanded jobs by 0.7% compared to 
2.0% for urban areas of the state.

Kansas:
 The Kansas RMI for April climbed to 52.1 from March’s 43.6. The state’s
 farmland-price index increased to 63.3 from 61.4 in March. The April 
new-hiring index for Kansas rose to 52.1 from 44.3 in March.
Over the past 12 months, 
the state’s Rural Mainstreet Economy expanded jobs by 4.0% compared to 
2.7% for urban areas of the state.

Missouri:
 The state’s April RMI dropped to 41.3 from 44.5 in March. The 
farmland-price index fell to 60.6 from March’s 61.8. The state’s new 
hiring gauge rose to 53.2 from 44.8 in March. Over the past 12 months, 
the state’s Rural Mainstreet Economy experienced job losses
 of 0.2% compared to a gain of 2.4% for urban areas of the state.

South Dakota:
 The April RMI for South Dakota slumped to 39.5 from 47.2 in March. The 
state’s farmland-price index increased to 59.8 from March’s 58.8. South 
Dakota’s April new hiring index expanded to 47.8 from 41.0 in March. 
Over the past 12 months, the state’s Rural Mainstreet
 Economy expanded jobs by 1.2% compared to 3.4% for urban areas of the 
state.

Wyoming:
 The April RMI for Wyoming grew to 44.5 from 41.7 in March. The April 
farmland- and ranchland-price index increased to 61.9 from 60.6 in 
March. Wyoming’s new-hiring index expanded to 50.5 from March’s 43.3. 
Over the past 12 months, the state’s Rural Mainstreet
 Economy expanded jobs by 2.7% compared to 2.3% for urban areas of the 
state.

Next month’s survey results
 will be released on May 18.

<h2>Bank CEOs report loss of deposits; two-thirds oppose bailouts&nbsp;</h2>April 2023 Survey Results at a Glance:<ul>
 <li>
April’s overall reading, the Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI), rose above growth neutral for the month.
</li><li>
More than three of four, or 76.2%, of bank CEOs oppose the recent “bailout” of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank.</li><li>
Two-thirds of bank CEOs oppose all bank bailouts (i.e., community, regional and multibillion dollar banks).
</li><li>
Approximately 64% of bankers reported depositors exiting due to higher financial risks.
</li><li>
Checking deposits plummeted to a record low.
</li><li>
Farmland prices expanded for the 31st straight month.</li>
 </ul>Creighton UniversityOMAHA —
 After declining below growth neural for March, the overall Rural 
Mainstreet Index expanded above the threshold for the month, according 
to the April monthly survey of bank CEOs in rural areas of a 10-state 
region dependent on agriculture and/or energy.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1622642233344.jpeg" alt="Ernie Goss" />
 <figcaption>Ernie Goss</figcaption>
 </figure>Overall:
The region’s overall reading in April climbed to 50.1 from March’s 45.6.
The index ranges between 0 and 100, with a reading of 50.0 representing growth neutral.&nbsp;
“The Rural Mainstreet economy continues to experience slow, to no, to negative
 economic growth. Only 8% of
 bankers reported improving economic conditions for the month with 84% 
indicating no change in economic conditions from March’s
negative growth,” said Ernie Goss, PhD, Jack A. MacAllister Chair in Regional Economics at Creighton University’s
Heider College of Business.
Mike
 Van Erdewyk, CEO of Breda Savings Bank in Breda, Iowa, said, “It seems
 like a self-fulfilling prophecy that they will say higher rates stopped
 inflation when it may be more of unprecedented government actions not 
letting the market sort it out.”Farming and ranching land prices:
<a></a><a>The region’s farmland price index rose to 64.6 from March’s 63.0.
</a><a>This was the 31st straight month</a>
 that the index has advanced above 50.0.&nbsp; <a>Farm equipment sales:</a>
 As a result of solid farm financial conditions, the farm equipment-sales index fell to a still solid 54.3 from 59.5 in March.
The index has risen above growth neutral for 27 of the last 29 months.
Banking:
The April loan volume index slipped to a still healthy 62.5 from 63.0 in March.
The checking-deposit index plummeted to a record low 25.0 from 
March’s 40.9, while the index for certificates of deposit and other 
savings instruments dipped to 74.0 from March’s record high 75.0.The
 record low checking deposit index is a real concern. According to 
Jeffrey
 Gerhart, former Chair of the Independent Community Bankers of America, 
“Depositors may move money around in order to keep under the $250,000 
FDIC limit. This goes on frequently, so I don’t consider this a 
concern.”&nbsp;
Additionally, Gerhart advises depositors to visit with their bank about the
 various options available to reduce depositor risks.&nbsp; Bank CEOs were asked several questions regarding the recent bank failures
 of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank:<ul>
 <li>
More
 than three of four, or 76.2%, of bank CEOs oppose the recent 
Biden/Yellen/Fed bank bailout of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank.</li><li>
Two-thirds of bank CEOs oppose all bank bailouts (i.e., community, regional and multibillion dollar banks).
</li><li>
Approximately 29.1% support bailouts of all banks posing systemic risks.
</li><li>
Approximately 64% reported depositors exiting due to higher financial risks.</li>
 </ul>Larry Winum, CEO of Glenwood State Bank in Glenwood Iowa, said, “How many
 times is our government going to bail out banks and make all banks pay for it through increased FDIC premiums and assessments?”Winum argues that the FDIC should listen to community banks and establish
 “risk based” premium fee structures. “The current methodology punishes community banks,” said Winum.
Jeff
 Bonnett, CEO of Havana National Bank in Havana, Ill., said, “Although
 I am a firm believer in capitalism and all the positive and negative 
consequences (bank/business failures) that go with such an economic 
system, I do believe that the FDIC and the banking industry needs to 
evaluate and make changes to the current system of
 deposit insurance.” Bonnett argues that large corporate and organizational deposit accounts such
 as payroll and operating accounts need a separate format of FDIC insurance.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
Hiring:
 The new hiring index for April climbed to 54.2 from 45.5 in March. 
Labor shortages continue to be a significant issue constraining growth 
for Rural Mainstreet businesses. Over the past 12 months, the Rural 
Mainstreet Economy has expanded jobs by 2.8% compared
 to a lower 2.1% for urban areas of the same 10 states. Confidence:
The slowing economy, higher
 borrowing costs and labor shortages continued to constrain the business
 confidence index to a weak 38.0, down from March’s 39.1. “Over the past 12 months, the regional confidence index has fallen to levels
 indicating a very negative outlook,” said Goss.Home and retail sales:
 Home-sales climbed to 44.0 from March’s 36.4. “This is the eleventh 
straight month that the home-sales index has fallen below growth 
neutral. A slowing economy, higher mortgage rates and low housing 
inventories for the past year slowed home sales in the region
 over that time period,” said Goss.The retail-sales index for April increased slightly to a weak 41.7 from March’s
 41.3. “<a>Bankers were pessimistic regarding the economic outlook for retail sales for the second quarter after an anemic quarter one,</a>” said Goss.The
 survey represents an early snapshot of the economy of rural 
agriculturally
 and energy-dependent portions of the nation. The Rural Mainstreet Index
 is a unique index covering 10 regional states, focusing on 
approximately 200 rural communities with an average population of 1,300.
 The index provides the most current real-time analysis
 of the rural economy. Goss and Bill McQuillan, former Chairman of the 
Independent Community Banks of America, created the monthly economic 
survey and launched it in January 2006.Below are the state reports:Nebraska:&nbsp;The Nebraska RMI climbed above growth neutral to 52.7 from 48.3 in March. The state’s farmland-price index for April rose to 65.4 from March’s 63.4. Nebraska’s April new-hiring index grew to 57.8 from 46.8 in March. Over the past 12 months, the state’s Rural Mainstreet Economy expanded jobs by 4.8% compared to 1.2% for urban areas of the state.Colorado:
 Colorado’s RMI for April rose to 53.1 from March’s 50.3. The farmland- 
and ranchland-price index for April advanced to 65.6 from 64.3 in March.
 The state’s new hiring index was 54.9, up from 47.8 for March.
Over the past 12 months, the state’s Rural Mainstreet Economy expanded jobs by 4.5% compared to
 1.4% for urban areas of the state. Iowa:
 Iowa’s April RMI slumped to 44.8 from 46.7 in March. Iowa’s 
farmland-price index increased to 57.4 from March’s 55.6. Iowa’s 
new-hiring index for April moved higher to 44.8 from 37.1 in March.
Over the past 12 months, 
the state’s Rural Mainstreet Economy expanded jobs by 0.7% compared to 
2.0% for urban areas of the state.
Kansas:
 The Kansas RMI for April climbed to 52.1 from March’s 43.6. The state’s
 farmland-price index increased to 63.3 from 61.4 in March. The April 
new-hiring index for Kansas rose to 52.1 from 44.3 in March.
Over the past 12 months, 
the state’s Rural Mainstreet Economy expanded jobs by 4.0% compared to 
2.7% for urban areas of the state.
Missouri:
 The state’s April RMI dropped to 41.3 from 44.5 in March. The 
farmland-price index fell to 60.6 from March’s 61.8. The state’s new 
hiring gauge rose to 53.2 from 44.8 in March. Over the past 12 months, 
the state’s Rural Mainstreet Economy experienced job losses
 of 0.2% compared to a gain of 2.4% for urban areas of the state. South Dakota:
 The April RMI for South Dakota slumped to 39.5 from 47.2 in March. The 
state’s farmland-price index increased to 59.8 from March’s 58.8. South 
Dakota’s April new hiring index expanded to 47.8 from 41.0 in March. 
Over the past 12 months, the state’s Rural Mainstreet
 Economy expanded jobs by 1.2% compared to 3.4% for urban areas of the 
state. 
Wyoming:
 The April RMI for Wyoming grew to 44.5 from 41.7 in March. The April 
farmland- and ranchland-price index increased to 61.9 from 60.6 in 
March. Wyoming’s new-hiring index expanded to 50.5 from March’s 43.3. 
Over the past 12 months, the state’s Rural Mainstreet
 Economy expanded jobs by 2.7% compared to 2.3% for urban areas of the 
state. 
Next month’s survey results
 will be released on May 18.

GOSS: Rural Main Street economy records moves higher

The court's action Friday almost certainly will leave access to mifepristone unchanged at least into next year, as appeals play out, including a potential appeal to the high court.

Justices Samuel Alito, the author of last year’s decision overturning Roe v. Wade, and Clarence Thomas voted to allow&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-abortion-pill-appeal-fe13d36218f1fb43590aff29b5ba4e9c">restrictions</a>&nbsp;to take effect. No other justices commented.

President Joe Biden praised the high court for keeping mifepristone available while the court fight continues.

“The stakes could not be higher for women across America. I will continue to fight politically-driven attacks on women’s health. But let’s be clear — the American people must continue to use their vote as their voice, and elect a Congress who will pass a law restoring the protections of Roe v. Wade,” Biden said in a statement.

The justices weighed arguments that allowing restrictions contained in lower-court rulings to take effect would severely disrupt the availability of mifepristone.

The Supreme Court had initially said it would decide by Wednesday whether the restrictions could take effect while the case continues. A one-sentence order signed by Alito on Wednesday gave the justices two additional days, without explanation.

The challenge to mifepristone, brought by abortion foes, is the first&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/abortion">abortion</a>&nbsp;controversy to reach the nation's highest court since its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">conservative majority overturned Roe v. Wade</a>&nbsp;10 months ago and allowed more than a dozen states to effectively ban abortion outright.

In his majority opinion last June, Alito said one reason for overturning Roe was to remove federal courts from the abortion fight. “It is time to heed the Constitution and return the issue of abortion to the people’s elected representatives,” he wrote.

But even with their court victory,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-mifepristone-abortion-drug-3855bb5d5c791e4c0465958bae94519e">abortion opponents</a>&nbsp;returned to federal court with a new target: medication abortions, which make up more than half of all abortions in the United States.

Women seeking to end their pregnancies in the first 10 weeks without more invasive surgical abortion can take mifepristone, along with misoprostol. The FDA has eased the terms of mifepristone's use over the years, including allowing it to be sent through the mail in states that allow access.

The abortion opponents filed suit in Texas in November, asserting that the FDA's original approval of mifepristone 23 years ago and subsequent changes were flawed.

They won a ruling on April 7 by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-judge-matthew-kacsmaryk-abortion-pill-fda-75964b777ef09593a1ad948c6cfc0237">U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk</a>, an appointee of former President Donald Trump, revoking FDA approval of mifepristone. The judge gave the Biden administration and Danco Laboratories a week to appeal and seek to keep his ruling on hold.

Responding to a quick appeal, two more Trump appointees on the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/23774813-5th-circuit-abortion-pill-stay-order">the FDA's original approval would stand for now</a>. But Judges Andrew Oldham and Kurt Englehardt said most of the rest of Kacsmaryk's ruling could take effect while the case winds through federal courts.

Their ruling would effectively nullify changes made by the FDA starting in 2016, including extending from seven to 10 weeks of pregnancy when mifepristone can be safely used. The court also said that the drug can’t be mailed or dispensed as a generic and that patients who seek it need to make three in-person visits with a doctor. Women also might be required to take a higher dosage of the drug than the FDA says is necessary.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-abortion-pill-mifepristone-ff152a443d8439e8fa5d9376070822b2">The administration and Danco</a>&nbsp;have said that chaos would ensue if those restrictions were to take effect while the case proceeds. Potentially adding to the confusion, a federal judge in Washington has ordered the FDA to preserve access to mifepristone under the current rules in 17 Democratic-led states and the District of Columbia that filed a separate lawsuit.

The Biden administration has said the rulings conflict and create an untenable situation for the FDA.

And a new legal wrinkle threatened even more complications. GenBioPro, which makes the generic version of mifepristone, filed a lawsuit Wednesday to preemptively block the FDA from removing its drug from the market, in the event that the Supreme Court doesn’t intervene.

The Supreme Court was only being asked to block the lower-court rulings through the end of the legal case.

The New Orleans-based 5th circuit already has ordered an accelerated schedule for hearing the case, with arguments set for May 17. The court gave no timetable for a ruling.

Any appeal to the Supreme Court would follow within three months of a ruling, but with no deadline for the justices to decide whether to review the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680967457500.png" alt="About 60% of abortions in Kansas involve the abortion pill. photo Associated Press" />
 <figcaption>About 60% of abortions in Kansas involve the abortion pill. photo Associated Press</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Friday preserved women’s access to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/how-medication-abortion-works-f913375ec6f8ebcb1f1055e57a3aef63">drug used in the most common method of abortion</a>, rejecting lower-court restrictions while a lawsuit continues.The justices granted emergency requests from the Biden administration and New York-based Danco Laboratories, maker of the drug mifepristone. They are appealing a lower court ruling that would roll back Food and Drug Administration approval of mifepristone.The drug has been approved for use in the U.S. since 2000 and more than 5 million people have used it. Mifepristone is used in combination with a second drug, misoprostol, in more than half of all abortions in the U.S.The court's action Friday almost certainly will leave access to mifepristone unchanged at least into next year, as appeals play out, including a potential appeal to the high court.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Today, the Supreme Court stayed a decision that would have undermined FDA’s medical judgment and put women’s health at risk. As a result, mifepristone, an FDA-approved drug for medication abortion, remains available and approved.&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1649557287634124802?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Justices Samuel Alito, the author of last year’s decision overturning Roe v. Wade, and Clarence Thomas voted to allow&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-abortion-pill-appeal-fe13d36218f1fb43590aff29b5ba4e9c">restrictions</a>&nbsp;to take effect. No other justices commented.President Joe Biden praised the high court for keeping mifepristone available while the court fight continues.“The stakes could not be higher for women across America. I will continue to fight politically-driven attacks on women’s health. But let’s be clear — the American people must continue to use their vote as their voice, and elect a Congress who will pass a law restoring the protections of Roe v. Wade,” Biden said in a statement.The justices weighed arguments that allowing restrictions contained in lower-court rulings to take effect would severely disrupt the availability of mifepristone.The Supreme Court had initially said it would decide by Wednesday whether the restrictions could take effect while the case continues. A one-sentence order signed by Alito on Wednesday gave the justices two additional days, without explanation.The challenge to mifepristone, brought by abortion foes, is the first&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/abortion">abortion</a>&nbsp;controversy to reach the nation's highest court since its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">conservative majority overturned Roe v. Wade</a>&nbsp;10 months ago and allowed more than a dozen states to effectively ban abortion outright.In his majority opinion last June, Alito said one reason for overturning Roe was to remove federal courts from the abortion fight. “It is time to heed the Constitution and return the issue of abortion to the people’s elected representatives,” he wrote.But even with their court victory,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-mifepristone-abortion-drug-3855bb5d5c791e4c0465958bae94519e">abortion opponents</a>&nbsp;returned to federal court with a new target: medication abortions, which make up more than half of all abortions in the United States.Women seeking to end their pregnancies in the first 10 weeks without more invasive surgical abortion can take mifepristone, along with misoprostol. The FDA has eased the terms of mifepristone's use over the years, including allowing it to be sent through the mail in states that allow access.The abortion opponents filed suit in Texas in November, asserting that the FDA's original approval of mifepristone 23 years ago and subsequent changes were flawed.They won a ruling on April 7 by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-judge-matthew-kacsmaryk-abortion-pill-fda-75964b777ef09593a1ad948c6cfc0237">U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk</a>, an appointee of former President Donald Trump, revoking FDA approval of mifepristone. The judge gave the Biden administration and Danco Laboratories a week to appeal and seek to keep his ruling on hold.Responding to a quick appeal, two more Trump appointees on the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/23774813-5th-circuit-abortion-pill-stay-order">the FDA's original approval would stand for now</a>. But Judges Andrew Oldham and Kurt Englehardt said most of the rest of Kacsmaryk's ruling could take effect while the case winds through federal courts.Their ruling would effectively nullify changes made by the FDA starting in 2016, including extending from seven to 10 weeks of pregnancy when mifepristone can be safely used. The court also said that the drug can’t be mailed or dispensed as a generic and that patients who seek it need to make three in-person visits with a doctor. Women also might be required to take a higher dosage of the drug than the FDA says is necessary.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-abortion-pill-mifepristone-ff152a443d8439e8fa5d9376070822b2">The administration and Danco</a>&nbsp;have said that chaos would ensue if those restrictions were to take effect while the case proceeds. Potentially adding to the confusion, a federal judge in Washington has ordered the FDA to preserve access to mifepristone under the current rules in 17 Democratic-led states and the District of Columbia that filed a separate lawsuit.The Biden administration has said the rulings conflict and create an untenable situation for the FDA.And a new legal wrinkle threatened even more complications. GenBioPro, which makes the generic version of mifepristone, filed a lawsuit Wednesday to preemptively block the FDA from removing its drug from the market, in the event that the Supreme Court doesn’t intervene.The Supreme Court was only being asked to block the lower-court rulings through the end of the legal case.The New Orleans-based 5th circuit already has ordered an accelerated schedule for hearing the case, with arguments set for May 17. The court gave no timetable for a ruling.Any appeal to the Supreme Court would follow within three months of a ruling, but with no deadline for the justices to decide whether to review the case.

Supreme Court preserves access to abortion pill for now

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Prosecutors have formally dismissed an involuntary manslaughter charge against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/alec-baldwin">Alec Baldwin</a>&nbsp;in the fatal 2021 shooting of a cinematographer on the set of the Western film&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alec-baldwin-rust-shooting-f2d4db6806efe59e0de726b8f4860e6e">“Rust,</a>&nbsp;” citing new evidence and the need for more time to investigate.

In a stunning turnaround for the 65-year-old A-list actor, special prosecutors Kari Morrisey and Jason Lewis filed the notice to dismiss the only charge against Baldwin on Friday in state District Court in Santa Fe. Prosecutors say the investigation is ongoing.

An involuntary manslaughter charge against Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the weapons supervisor on the film, is unchanged.

An online status hearing was scheduled for Friday afternoon in state District Court in the case against Gutierrez-Reed. Baldwin's involvement in the hearing was called off with no charge pending against him.

Friday's court filing echoed early statements from prosecutors that new facts had been revealed in the investigation that demand further investigation and forensic analysis, with little time left before evidentiary hearings scheduled to start on May 3.

On Thursday, the special prosecutors said that the “decision does not absolve Mr. Baldwin of criminal culpability and charges may be refiled.” They have declined further comment.

Los Angeles-based entertainment litigator and defense attorney Kate Mangels, who is not involved in the “Rust” case, said opportunities for further charges against Baldwin are narrowing.

“If they don’t have the evidence now, I don’t see what evidence they could obtain or that could develop. … It looks like they already had 30 people on a witness list, a cooperative (codefendant) witness, investigations done by various law enforcement agencies. It seems like this has already been pretty well investigated. I can’t imagine what would arise to bring new charges.”

Lawyers for Baldwin were first to announce that prosecutors were changing course, in a sharp turnaround for the Hollywood luminary who just a few months ago was confronting the possibility of a yearslong prison sentence.

Baldwin was pointing a pistol at cinematographer Halyna Hutchins during a rehearsal when it went off, killing her and wounding director Joel Souza.

Baldwin has said the gun fired accidentally and he did not pull the trigger. An FBI forensic report found the weapon could not have fired unless the trigger was pulled, however.

In March, “Rust” safety coordinator and assistant director David Halls&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alec-baldwin-movie-set-shooting-rust-c378be51e3c886d099ac08dbd7ddd2f6">pleaded no contest to a conviction for unsafe handling of a firearm</a>&nbsp;and a suspended sentence of six months of probation. He agreed to cooperate in further inquiries into the fatal shooting.

A defense attorney for Halls said Friday that he is happy for Baldwin and also wishes the best for the Hutchins family.

“Mr. Halls never believed Mr. Baldwin should be charged with a crime. It was a tragic accident that is best resolved out of criminal court,” defense attorney Lisa Torraco said in an email.

When the manslaughter charges were announced in January, Santa Fe District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies said the case was about equal justice under the law and accountability in Hutchins’ death, regardless of the fame or fortune of those involved. She said the Ukrainian-born cinematographer’s death was tragic — and preventable.

A new legal team took over prosecution of Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed in late March, after the original special prosecutor appointed in the case resigned.

The dismissal of the charge against Baldwin, also a coproducer on “Rust,” abruptly changes the tenor of the investigation, said John Day, a Santa Fe-based criminal defense attorney who is not involved with the case.

“It does give the impression that the people left holding the bag are the lowest people on that chain,” Day said.

When word of the dismissal came, Baldwin was at Yellowstone Film Ranch on the set of a rebooted “Rust” production, a representative for Rust Movie Productions said. Preparations for filming were underway at the film's new location in Montana, 18 months after the shooting shut it down.

Gutierrez-Reed’s attorneys said they fully expect her to be exonerated in the judicial process.

“The truth about what happened will come out and the questions that we have long sought answers for will be answered,” the lawyers, Jason Bowles and Todd Bullion, said in a statement.

Before Friday's dismissal, the case against Baldwin had already been diminishing. In February,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-legal-proceedings-prop-gun-shooting-santa-fe-e9391bd29426e8ffb839c031517d59e7">a weapons enhancement to the manslaughter charge was dropped</a>, reducing the maximum prison sentence from five years to 18 months.

Baldwin's 40-year career has included the early blockbuster “The Hunt for Red October” and a starring role in the sitcom “30 Rock,” as well as iconic appearances in Martin Scorsese’s “The Departed” and a film adaptation of David Mamet’s “Glengarry Glen Ross.” In recent years he was known for his impression of former President Donald Trump on “Saturday Night Live."

Baldwin has worked little as an actor since the shooting, but hardly went into hiding. He stayed active on social media,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cq_Yp6_sDuP/?hl=en">making Instagram videos</a>, posting podcast interviews and pictures of his wife and seven children.

Plans to resume filming were outlined last year by the cinematographer's widower, Matthew Hutchins, in a proposed settlement to a wrongful death lawsuit that would make him an executive producer. Souza has said he will return to directing “Rust” to honor the legacy of Halyna Hutchins.

After a scathing safety review by regulators in New Mexico that detailed ignored complaints and misfires before Hutchins' death in October 2021, the production company agreed to pay a $100,000 fine.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674247011938.jpg" alt="-Baldwin thought the gun was loaded with blanks, ammunition that contains powder but not a bullet. Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>-Baldwin thought the gun was loaded with blanks, ammunition that contains powder but not a bullet. Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Prosecutors have formally dismissed an involuntary manslaughter charge against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/alec-baldwin">Alec Baldwin</a>&nbsp;in the fatal 2021 shooting of a cinematographer on the set of the Western film&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alec-baldwin-rust-shooting-f2d4db6806efe59e0de726b8f4860e6e">“Rust,</a>&nbsp;” citing new evidence and the need for more time to investigate.In a stunning turnaround for the 65-year-old A-list actor, special prosecutors Kari Morrisey and Jason Lewis filed the notice to dismiss the only charge against Baldwin on Friday in state District Court in Santa Fe. Prosecutors say the investigation is ongoing.An involuntary manslaughter charge against Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the weapons supervisor on the film, is unchanged.An online status hearing was scheduled for Friday afternoon in state District Court in the case against Gutierrez-Reed. Baldwin's involvement in the hearing was called off with no charge pending against him.Friday's court filing echoed early statements from prosecutors that new facts had been revealed in the investigation that demand further investigation and forensic analysis, with little time left before evidentiary hearings scheduled to start on May 3.On Thursday, the special prosecutors said that the “decision does not absolve Mr. Baldwin of criminal culpability and charges may be refiled.” They have declined further comment.Los Angeles-based entertainment litigator and defense attorney Kate Mangels, who is not involved in the “Rust” case, said opportunities for further charges against Baldwin are narrowing.“If they don’t have the evidence now, I don’t see what evidence they could obtain or that could develop. … It looks like they already had 30 people on a witness list, a cooperative (codefendant) witness, investigations done by various law enforcement agencies. It seems like this has already been pretty well investigated. I can’t imagine what would arise to bring new charges.”Lawyers for Baldwin were first to announce that prosecutors were changing course, in a sharp turnaround for the Hollywood luminary who just a few months ago was confronting the possibility of a yearslong prison sentence.Baldwin was pointing a pistol at cinematographer Halyna Hutchins during a rehearsal when it went off, killing her and wounding director Joel Souza.Baldwin has said the gun fired accidentally and he did not pull the trigger. An FBI forensic report found the weapon could not have fired unless the trigger was pulled, however.In March, “Rust” safety coordinator and assistant director David Halls&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alec-baldwin-movie-set-shooting-rust-c378be51e3c886d099ac08dbd7ddd2f6">pleaded no contest to a conviction for unsafe handling of a firearm</a>&nbsp;and a suspended sentence of six months of probation. He agreed to cooperate in further inquiries into the fatal shooting.A defense attorney for Halls said Friday that he is happy for Baldwin and also wishes the best for the Hutchins family.“Mr. Halls never believed Mr. Baldwin should be charged with a crime. It was a tragic accident that is best resolved out of criminal court,” defense attorney Lisa Torraco said in an email.When the manslaughter charges were announced in January, Santa Fe District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies said the case was about equal justice under the law and accountability in Hutchins’ death, regardless of the fame or fortune of those involved. She said the Ukrainian-born cinematographer’s death was tragic — and preventable.A new legal team took over prosecution of Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed in late March, after the original special prosecutor appointed in the case resigned.The dismissal of the charge against Baldwin, also a coproducer on “Rust,” abruptly changes the tenor of the investigation, said John Day, a Santa Fe-based criminal defense attorney who is not involved with the case.“It does give the impression that the people left holding the bag are the lowest people on that chain,” Day said.When word of the dismissal came, Baldwin was at Yellowstone Film Ranch on the set of a rebooted “Rust” production, a representative for Rust Movie Productions said. Preparations for filming were underway at the film's new location in Montana, 18 months after the shooting shut it down.Gutierrez-Reed’s attorneys said they fully expect her to be exonerated in the judicial process.“The truth about what happened will come out and the questions that we have long sought answers for will be answered,” the lawyers, Jason Bowles and Todd Bullion, said in a statement.Before Friday's dismissal, the case against Baldwin had already been diminishing. In February,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-legal-proceedings-prop-gun-shooting-santa-fe-e9391bd29426e8ffb839c031517d59e7">a weapons enhancement to the manslaughter charge was dropped</a>, reducing the maximum prison sentence from five years to 18 months.Baldwin's 40-year career has included the early blockbuster “The Hunt for Red October” and a starring role in the sitcom “30 Rock,” as well as iconic appearances in Martin Scorsese’s “The Departed” and a film adaptation of David Mamet’s “Glengarry Glen Ross.” In recent years he was known for his impression of former President Donald Trump on “Saturday Night Live."Baldwin has worked little as an actor since the shooting, but hardly went into hiding. He stayed active on social media,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cq_Yp6_sDuP/?hl=en">making Instagram videos</a>, posting podcast interviews and pictures of his wife and seven children.Plans to resume filming were outlined last year by the cinematographer's widower, Matthew Hutchins, in a proposed settlement to a wrongful death lawsuit that would make him an executive producer. Souza has said he will return to directing “Rust” to honor the legacy of Halyna Hutchins.After a scathing safety review by regulators in New Mexico that detailed ignored complaints and misfires before Hutchins' death in October 2021, the production company agreed to pay a $100,000 fine.---------------

Charge against Alec Baldwin in fatal movie set shooting dismissed

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (AP) — Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin said Friday that the American military has deployed forces and is developing options to assist in the potential evacuation of U.S. Embassy personnel from Sudan, where the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sudan-fighting-ceasefire-trapped-civilians-evacuations-foreigners-983cb600ea3f878c5f4907965b4d5d3d">security situation</a>&nbsp;is deteriorating due to fighting between two warring factions.

The aim is "to ensure that we provide as many options as possible, if we are called on to do something. We haven’t been called on to do anything yet,” Austin said at a news conference in Germany, where he and U.S. Army Gen. Mark Milley, the Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman, met with defense leaders from other countries to discuss&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abrams-tanks-ukraine-training-war-russia-aid-6de94897aad37e6d30e744df0dad07bd">additional support for Ukraine</a>.

According to an American official, a small number of U.S. troops&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/united-states-sudan-djibouti-evacuation-2773f4922611aeed462652f178745688">have begun arriving</a>&nbsp;in the Horn of Africa nation of Djibouti, where the U.S. is pre-positioning forces and equipment to assist in any potential evacuation of embassy staff from Sudan. The official said Army soldiers are being tapped for the task.

The U.S. troops are being moved to Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti. Evacuation planning for Sudan got underway in earnest on Monday after a U.S. Embassy convoy was attacked in Khartoum, the Sudanese capital.

The conflict between Sudan’s military and a rival paramilitary force is worsening. The military has ruled out negotiations and said it would only accept surrender as a temporary cease-fire ended, raising the likelihood of a renewed surge in the nearly weeklong violence that has killed hundreds.

The U.S. official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to describe private deliberations, said Milley discussed the situation with defense officials from Germany, Italy and Canada, among others. One topic was ensuring that any potential evacuation efforts did not conflict.

The U.S. State Department said Friday that an American citizen had died in Sudan, but did not have further details.

“We are in touch with the family and offer our deepest condolences to them on their loss. Out of respect for the family during this difficult time, we have nothing further to add,” the department said in a statement.

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (AP) — Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin said Friday that the American military has deployed forces and is developing options to assist in the potential evacuation of U.S. Embassy personnel from Sudan, where the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sudan-fighting-ceasefire-trapped-civilians-evacuations-foreigners-983cb600ea3f878c5f4907965b4d5d3d">security situation</a>&nbsp;is deteriorating due to fighting between two warring factions.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Security Alert The Embassy continues to closely monitor the situation in Khartoum and surrounding areas, where there is ongoing fighting, gunfire, and security forces activity. There have also been reports of assaults, home invasions, and looting. U.S. citizens are strongly… <a href="https://t.co/u6LwySN867">pic.twitter.com/u6LwySN867</a>&mdash; U.S. Embassy Khartoum (@USEmbassyKRT) <a href="https://twitter.com/USEmbassyKRT/status/1649060263864291329?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The aim is "to ensure that we provide as many options as possible, if we are called on to do something. We haven’t been called on to do anything yet,” Austin said at a news conference in Germany, where he and U.S. Army Gen. Mark Milley, the Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman, met with defense leaders from other countries to discuss&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abrams-tanks-ukraine-training-war-russia-aid-6de94897aad37e6d30e744df0dad07bd">additional support for Ukraine</a>.According to an American official, a small number of U.S. troops&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/united-states-sudan-djibouti-evacuation-2773f4922611aeed462652f178745688">have begun arriving</a>&nbsp;in the Horn of Africa nation of Djibouti, where the U.S. is pre-positioning forces and equipment to assist in any potential evacuation of embassy staff from Sudan. The official said Army soldiers are being tapped for the task.The U.S. troops are being moved to Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti. Evacuation planning for Sudan got underway in earnest on Monday after a U.S. Embassy convoy was attacked in Khartoum, the Sudanese capital.The conflict between Sudan’s military and a rival paramilitary force is worsening. The military has ruled out negotiations and said it would only accept surrender as a temporary cease-fire ended, raising the likelihood of a renewed surge in the nearly weeklong violence that has killed hundreds.The U.S. official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to describe private deliberations, said Milley discussed the situation with defense officials from Germany, Italy and Canada, among others. One topic was ensuring that any potential evacuation efforts did not conflict.The U.S. State Department said Friday that an American citizen had died in Sudan, but did not have further details.“We are in touch with the family and offer our deepest condolences to them on their loss. Out of respect for the family during this difficult time, we have nothing further to add,” the department said in a statement.

Pentagon: US troops ready to support possible Sudan evacuation

ALLEN COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges after an accident Thursday in Allen County.

According to the Allen County Sheriff, the 30-year-old driver of a Ford Ranger told the investigating deputy he was driving with his knees and lost control as he was trying to light his (marijuana) as he drove home after work on U.S. Highway 54 just west of Gas, Kansas just before 5:30 p.m. 

The driver didn't hit any vehicles as he crossed over 3 lanes, traveled into the ditch and was stopped by a cement culvert, a large fence corner-post, a telephone junction box and a utility pole. 

The driver also was not wearing a seat belt and was tossed around inside the cab and received minor injuries. 

The deputy took the driver into custody for Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. The sheriff's department did not release his name.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682089612348.png" alt="photo Allen County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>photo Allen County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>ALLEN COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges after an accident Thursday in Allen County.According to the Allen County Sheriff, the 30-year-old driver of a Ford Ranger told the investigating deputy he was driving with his knees and lost control as he was trying to light his (marijuana) as he drove home after work on U.S. Highway 54 just west of Gas, Kansas just before 5:30 p.m. The driver didn't hit any vehicles as he crossed over 3 lanes, traveled into the ditch and was stopped by a cement culvert, a large fence corner-post, a telephone junction box and a utility pole. The driver also was not wearing a seat belt and was tossed around inside the cab and received minor injuries. The deputy took the driver into custody for Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. The sheriff's department did not release his name.

Sheriff: Kansas man crashed while lighting his marijuana 

NEW YORK (AP) — The NFL suspended five players for violating the league’s gambling policy on Friday.

Detroit Lions wide receiver Quintez Cephus and safety C.J. Moore and Washington Commanders defensive end Shaka Toney were suspended indefinitely, while Lions wide receivers Stanley Berryhill and Jameson Williams were suspended six games.

Cephus, Moore and Toney are suspended indefinitely through at least the conclusion of the 2023 season for betting on NFL games in the 2022 season, and may petition for reinstatement at the conclusion of the 2023 season.

Berryhill and Williams were suspended for betting from an NFL facility on non-NFL games. They are eligible to participate in all offseason and preseason activities, including preseason games., and their suspensions will take effect at the final roster cutdown.

In a release, the NFL said that a “league review uncovered no evidence indicating any inside information was used or that any game was compromised in any way.”

The Lions released Cephus and Moore on Friday.

Detroit Lions executive vice president and general manager Brad Holmes said in a statement that the players “exhibited decision making that is not consistent with our organizational values and violates league rules.”

Holmes also said that the team will work with Stanley and Jameson "to ensure they understand the severity of these violations and have clarity on the league rules moving forward.”

The Commanders said in a statement that the team has “cooperated fully with the NFL’s investigation since receiving notice and support the league’s findings and actions."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578051322956.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — The NFL suspended five players for violating the league’s gambling policy on Friday.Detroit Lions wide receiver Quintez Cephus and safety C.J. Moore and Washington Commanders defensive end Shaka Toney were suspended indefinitely, while Lions wide receivers Stanley Berryhill and Jameson Williams were suspended six games.Cephus, Moore and Toney are suspended indefinitely through at least the conclusion of the 2023 season for betting on NFL games in the 2022 season, and may petition for reinstatement at the conclusion of the 2023 season.Berryhill and Williams were suspended for betting from an NFL facility on non-NFL games. They are eligible to participate in all offseason and preseason activities, including preseason games., and their suspensions will take effect at the final roster cutdown.In a release, the NFL said that a “league review uncovered no evidence indicating any inside information was used or that any game was compromised in any way.”The Lions released Cephus and Moore on Friday.Detroit Lions executive vice president and general manager Brad Holmes said in a statement that the players “exhibited decision making that is not consistent with our organizational values and violates league rules.”Holmes also said that the team will work with Stanley and Jameson "to ensure they understand the severity of these violations and have clarity on the league rules moving forward.”The Commanders said in a statement that the team has “cooperated fully with the NFL’s investigation since receiving notice and support the league’s findings and actions."

NFL suspends 5 players for violating gambling policy

By AARON SANDERFORD <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/04/20/nebraska-settles-lawsuit-involving-400-current-and-former-state-troopers/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — The State of Nebraska has 
settled a 12-year lawsuit involving more than 400 current and former 
State Troopers, agreeing to pay them a combined $18.75 million.

Attorney General Mike Hilgers and 
Gov. Jim Pillen announced the settlement Thursday with Gary Young, a 
lawyer representing the State Troopers Association of Nebraska.

The Troopers sued the state in 2011 
after the Legislature changed the contribution rates Troopers made to 
their pensions after signing contracts for lower contributions when 
hired.

Hilgers called the settlement 
“historic.” Pillen was “excited to get this lawsuit behind us … and move
 on.” Both said they wanted State Patrol Troopers to feel supported.

Investigator Dan Fiala, the president
 of the Troopers’ union who is based out of Grand Island, said the 
settlement is “a huge morale booster” for people who worried it might 
never end.

“It’s just a huge confidence booster 
for everybody,” Fiala said, adding that Troopers’ families needed that 
money. “This will let them get caught up. It will make living a little 
bit easier.”

According to the lawsuit, some of the
 Troopers who sued had signed contracts saying they would contribute as 
little as 8% of their pay toward their pensions and ended up paying as 
much as 19%.

Today, most Troopers contribute 16% of their pay toward pensions. New hires to pay 17%.

The lawsuit covers 28 years of payroll, back to 1995.

Hilgers, the state’s top prosecutor, 
said the case was ready to head to trial. That, he said, could have 
taken another three years and risked costing taxpayers more in the end.

“This is a very good result for the 
State of Nebraska,” Hilgers said. “This takes away the cloud of 
uncertainty for both sides and gives us the opportunity to close the 
chapter and unify.”

The typical civil case lasts a year 
or two, he said. This one started under former Gov. Dave Heineman and 
stretched through both of former Gov. Pete Ricketts’ terms.&nbsp;

Several of the litigants have since 
died, Hilgers and Young said, and one of the judges involved in the case
 has retired. Young and Hilgers credited Pillen for changing the tone.

Hilgers said Pillen was receptive to 
settlement negotiations. After Pillen took office in January, he 
negotiated a 22% raise for Troopers, whose pay had trailed that of 
competitors.&nbsp;

Pillen said he was “proud” to support
 law enforcement. He said people who put their lives on the line for 
others know to watch what people do, not what they say.

“We Nebraskans don’t say thank you 
enough for what you and your team do to put yourselves in harm’s way,” 
he said. “Twelve years — for crying out loud, it’s time.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682086647868.png" alt="New headquarters of the Nebraska State Patrol. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>New headquarters of the Nebraska State Patrol. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>By AARON SANDERFORD <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/04/20/nebraska-settles-lawsuit-involving-400-current-and-former-state-troopers/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — The State of Nebraska has 
settled a 12-year lawsuit involving more than 400 current and former 
State Troopers, agreeing to pay them a combined $18.75 million.Attorney General Mike Hilgers and 
Gov. Jim Pillen announced the settlement Thursday with Gary Young, a 
lawyer representing the State Troopers Association of Nebraska.The Troopers sued the state in 2011 
after the Legislature changed the contribution rates Troopers made to 
their pensions after signing contracts for lower contributions when 
hired.Hilgers called the settlement 
“historic.” Pillen was “excited to get this lawsuit behind us … and move
 on.” Both said they wanted State Patrol Troopers to feel supported.Investigator Dan Fiala, the president
 of the Troopers’ union who is based out of Grand Island, said the 
settlement is “a huge morale booster” for people who worried it might 
never end.“It’s just a huge confidence booster 
for everybody,” Fiala said, adding that Troopers’ families needed that 
money. “This will let them get caught up. It will make living a little 
bit easier.”According to the lawsuit, some of the
 Troopers who sued had signed contracts saying they would contribute as 
little as 8% of their pay toward their pensions and ended up paying as 
much as 19%.Today, most Troopers contribute 16% of their pay toward pensions. New hires to pay 17%.The lawsuit covers 28 years of payroll, back to 1995.Hilgers, the state’s top prosecutor, 
said the case was ready to head to trial. That, he said, could have 
taken another three years and risked costing taxpayers more in the end.“This is a very good result for the 
State of Nebraska,” Hilgers said. “This takes away the cloud of 
uncertainty for both sides and gives us the opportunity to close the 
chapter and unify.”The typical civil case lasts a year 
or two, he said. This one started under former Gov. Dave Heineman and 
stretched through both of former Gov. Pete Ricketts’ terms.&nbsp;Several of the litigants have since 
died, Hilgers and Young said, and one of the judges involved in the case
 has retired. Young and Hilgers credited Pillen for changing the tone.Hilgers said Pillen was receptive to 
settlement negotiations. After Pillen took office in January, he 
negotiated a 22% raise for Troopers, whose pay had trailed that of 
competitors.&nbsp;Pillen said he was “proud” to support
 law enforcement. He said people who put their lives on the line for 
others know to watch what people do, not what they say.“We Nebraskans don’t say thank you 
enough for what you and your team do to put yourselves in harm’s way,” 
he said. “Twelve years — for crying out loud, it’s time.”

Nebraska settles lawsuit involving 400 current, former state troopers

By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/04/20/senators-open-debate-on-bill-seeking-greater-use-of-corn-based-ethanol/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — An effort to increase use of higher blends of corn-based ethanol ran into an unusual group of opponents Thursday.

State Sens. Megan Hunt of Omaha and Jane Raybould of Lincoln — two of
 the more liberal senators in the Nebraska Legislature — joined with the
 conservative Americans for Prosperity in arguing that mandating what 
kind of gas pumps businesses should provide was government overreach.

“Government should not tell businesses what to sell,” said Hunt. “The
 ethanol industry can stand on its own without a government mandate.”

Raybould, whose family owns a chain of supermarkets that include gas 
pumps, said forcing retailers to have higher blend E-15 pumps was 
wrong-headed.

“Why are we making the taxpayers subsidize the ethanol 
industry?” Raybould asked. “Why doesn’t the (Nebraska) corn board or 
ethanol board have skin in this game?”

The comments came as the Unicameral opened debate on Legislative Bill 562, the priority bill of Adams Sen. Myron Dorn, a farmer.

It touched on one of the state’s largest industries, but one facing 
some headwinds given the growing switch to electric vehicles. In 
response, Nebraska’s <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/11/30/fischers-year-round-15-plus-ethanol-bill-has-oil-backing/">federal delegation has also been pushing legislation</a> to increase use of ethanol.

Nebraska is the second largest producer of ethanol in the country, 
and farmers who live in the vicinity of the state’s 24 ethanol plants 
get an estimated 21 cents a bushel more for their corn.

That boosts profits for farmers in what is a $10 billion industry and
 provides a valuable byproduct, cattle feed, for livestock producers. 
Advocates said ethanol plants also provide good-paying jobs in rural 
areas across the state.

Glenvil Sen. Dave Murman noted that Nebraska is an agricultural 
state. An estimated 40% of the state’s corn crop goes to ethanol plants.

“We need to support our own economy. And this is a bill that will do that,” Murman said.

Dorn said the goal of LB 562 was to increase use of ethanol. 
Currently, he said, just under 10% of the fuel sold in Nebraska is 
ethanol, and the bill aims to increase that to 14% by 2027.

Beginning Jan. 1, any new gasoline outlet, or any outlet replacing 
more than 80% of its pumps, would be required to have 50% of its pumps 
provide E-15, a blend that contains 15% ethanol.

Tax credits, capped at $5 million a year statewide, would be provided
 to retailers who provide E-15 pumps. The credit would start at 8 cents 
per gallon sold, a boost over a 5 cents a gallon credit approved last 
year.

Under a <a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/108/PDF/AM/AM1248.pdf">proposed amendment</a>
 to LB 562, smaller gas retailers, or those facing expensive replacement
 of pumps and storage tanks, could be exempted from the mandate.

But if the state’s ethanol use doesn’t grow to at least 14% of all 
fuel by 2027, then every retailer in the state would be required to have
 at least one E-15 pump.

Americans for Prosperity opposed the bill because it dictated what 
businesses should do. Proponents of the measure argued that it wasn’t a 
mandate because it only increased “access” to the higher blend fuel.

Dorn said that when E-15 pumps are provided, consumers rapidly switch
 to it from the E-10 that stations commonly carry. About 10% of the 
state’s gas stations and convenience stores now offer E-15, he said.

Dorn estimated that the bill would increase statewide ethanol 
production by 40 million gallons, or about 5%, and, because E-15 
averages about 17 cents a gallon cheaper, consumers could save up to $52
 million.

Raybould said that shoppers at her family’s supermarkets aren’t 
asking for E-15 and that retailers are in the business of providing what
 customers want.

Since gas pumps typically offer only three dispensers, she said 
retailers would be looking at replacing the highest selling option, 
E-10, or undertaking an expensive replacement of pumps. Some storage 
tanks, Raybould added, can’t hold the more corrosive E-15.

Hunt also raised concerns about whether ethanol had a long-term future, given the push to switch to electric vehicles.

“This is another handout to ag producers,” the senator said, questioning whether ethanol was becoming “an obsolete industry.”

She filed an amendment to the bill to provide $150,000 to the 
University of Nebraska to study the short- and long-term prospects for 
ethanol, as well as the impact on the environment and water resources in
 growing corn.

Hastings Sen. Steve Halloran complained that there was too much 
“gnashing of teeth” over LB 562 and that retailers could easily and 
inexpensively comply with the bill by switching pumps from E-10 to E-15.

Lawmakers adjourned for a four-day weekend before getting to a vote 
on Hunt’s amendment. But senators did reject her motion to kill LB 562 
on a 38-1 vote.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682086433463.png" alt="An estimated 40% of Nebraska’s corn is sold to ethanol plants. This corn field, pictured last summer, was in Saunders County, Nebraska, just outside of Ashland. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner) " />
 <figcaption>An estimated 40% of Nebraska’s corn is sold to ethanol plants. This corn field, pictured last summer, was in Saunders County, Nebraska, just outside of Ashland. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner) </figcaption>
 </figure>By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/04/20/senators-open-debate-on-bill-seeking-greater-use-of-corn-based-ethanol/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — An effort to increase use of higher blends of corn-based ethanol ran into an unusual group of opponents Thursday.State Sens. Megan Hunt of Omaha and Jane Raybould of Lincoln — two of
 the more liberal senators in the Nebraska Legislature — joined with the
 conservative Americans for Prosperity in arguing that mandating what 
kind of gas pumps businesses should provide was government overreach.“Government should not tell businesses what to sell,” said Hunt. “The
 ethanol industry can stand on its own without a government mandate.”Raybould, whose family owns a chain of supermarkets that include gas 
pumps, said forcing retailers to have higher blend E-15 pumps was 
wrong-headed.<h2>‘Why subsidize ethanol?’</h2>“Why are we making the taxpayers subsidize the ethanol 
industry?” Raybould asked. “Why doesn’t the (Nebraska) corn board or 
ethanol board have skin in this game?”The comments came as the Unicameral opened debate on Legislative Bill 562, the priority bill of Adams Sen. Myron Dorn, a farmer.It touched on one of the state’s largest industries, but one facing 
some headwinds given the growing switch to electric vehicles. In 
response, Nebraska’s <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/11/30/fischers-year-round-15-plus-ethanol-bill-has-oil-backing/">federal delegation has also been pushing legislation</a> to increase use of ethanol.Nebraska is the second largest producer of ethanol in the country, 
and farmers who live in the vicinity of the state’s 24 ethanol plants 
get an estimated 21 cents a bushel more for their corn.<h2>Supports local economy</h2>That boosts profits for farmers in what is a $10 billion industry and
 provides a valuable byproduct, cattle feed, for livestock producers. 
Advocates said ethanol plants also provide good-paying jobs in rural 
areas across the state.Glenvil Sen. Dave Murman noted that Nebraska is an agricultural 
state. An estimated 40% of the state’s corn crop goes to ethanol plants.“We need to support our own economy. And this is a bill that will do that,” Murman said.Dorn said the goal of LB 562 was to increase use of ethanol. 
Currently, he said, just under 10% of the fuel sold in Nebraska is 
ethanol, and the bill aims to increase that to 14% by 2027.<h2>50% of pumps must provide E-15</h2>Beginning Jan. 1, any new gasoline outlet, or any outlet replacing 
more than 80% of its pumps, would be required to have 50% of its pumps 
provide E-15, a blend that contains 15% ethanol.Tax credits, capped at $5 million a year statewide, would be provided
 to retailers who provide E-15 pumps. The credit would start at 8 cents 
per gallon sold, a boost over a 5 cents a gallon credit approved last 
year.Under a <a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/108/PDF/AM/AM1248.pdf">proposed amendment</a>
 to LB 562, smaller gas retailers, or those facing expensive replacement
 of pumps and storage tanks, could be exempted from the mandate.But if the state’s ethanol use doesn’t grow to at least 14% of all 
fuel by 2027, then every retailer in the state would be required to have
 at least one E-15 pump.Americans for Prosperity opposed the bill because it dictated what 
businesses should do. Proponents of the measure argued that it wasn’t a 
mandate because it only increased “access” to the higher blend fuel.Dorn said that when E-15 pumps are provided, consumers rapidly switch
 to it from the E-10 that stations commonly carry. About 10% of the 
state’s gas stations and convenience stores now offer E-15, he said.Dorn estimated that the bill would increase statewide ethanol 
production by 40 million gallons, or about 5%, and, because E-15 
averages about 17 cents a gallon cheaper, consumers could save up to $52
 million.<h2>Would need to replace E-10 with E-15</h2>Raybould said that shoppers at her family’s supermarkets aren’t 
asking for E-15 and that retailers are in the business of providing what
 customers want.Since gas pumps typically offer only three dispensers, she said 
retailers would be looking at replacing the highest selling option, 
E-10, or undertaking an expensive replacement of pumps. Some storage 
tanks, Raybould added, can’t hold the more corrosive E-15.Hunt also raised concerns about whether ethanol had a long-term future, given the push to switch to electric vehicles.“This is another handout to ag producers,” the senator said, questioning whether ethanol was becoming “an obsolete industry.”She filed an amendment to the bill to provide $150,000 to the 
University of Nebraska to study the short- and long-term prospects for 
ethanol, as well as the impact on the environment and water resources in
 growing corn.Hastings Sen. Steve Halloran complained that there was too much 
“gnashing of teeth” over LB 562 and that retailers could easily and 
inexpensively comply with the bill by switching pumps from E-10 to E-15.Lawmakers adjourned for a four-day weekend before getting to a vote 
on Hunt’s amendment. But senators did reject her motion to kill LB 562 
on a 38-1 vote.

Neb. senators open debate on bill seeking greater use of ethanol

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court is facing a self-imposed Friday night deadline to decide whether women's access to a widely used&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/how-medication-abortion-works-f913375ec6f8ebcb1f1055e57a3aef63">abortion pill</a>&nbsp;will stay unchanged or be restricted while a legal challenge to its Food and Drug Administration approval goes on.

The justices are weighing arguments that allowing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-abortion-pill-appeal-fe13d36218f1fb43590aff29b5ba4e9c">restrictions</a>&nbsp;contained in lower-court rulings to take effect would severely disrupt the availability of the drug, mifepristone, which is used in the most common abortion method in the United States.

It has repeatedly been found to be safe and effective, and has been used by more than 5 million women in the U.S. since the FDA approved it in 2000.

The Supreme Court had initially said it would decide by Wednesday whether the restrictions could take effect while the case continues. A one-sentence order signed by Justice Samuel Alito on Wednesday gave the justices two additional days, without explanation.

The justices are scheduled to meet for a private conference Friday, where they could talk about the issue. The additional time could be part of an effort to craft an order that has broad support among the justices. Or one or more justices might be writing a separate opinion, and asked for a couple of extra days.

In his majority opinion, Alito said one reason for overturning Roe was to remove federal courts from the abortion fight. “It is time to heed the Constitution and return the issue of abortion to the people’s elected representatives,” he wrote.

The abortion opponents filed suit in Texas in November, asserting that FDA's original approval of mifepristone 23 years ago and subsequent changes were flawed.

They won a ruling on April 7 by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-judge-matthew-kacsmaryk-abortion-pill-fda-75964b777ef09593a1ad948c6cfc0237">U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk</a>, an appointee of former President Donald Trump, revoking FDA approval of mifepristone. The judge gave the Biden administration and New York-based Danco Laboratories, mifepristone's maker, a week to appeal and seek to keep his ruling on hold.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-abortion-pill-mifepristone-ff152a443d8439e8fa5d9376070822b2">The administration and Danco</a>&nbsp;have said that chaos will result if those restrictions take effect while the case proceeds. Potentially adding to the confusion, a federal judge in Washington has ordered the FDA to preserve access to mifepristone under the current rules in 17 Democratic-led states and the District of Columbia that filed a separate lawsuit.

And a new legal wrinkle threatens even more complications. GenBioPro, which makes the generic version of mifepristone, filed a lawsuit Wednesday to preemptively block the FDA from removing its drug from the market, in the event that the Supreme Court doesn’t intervene.

For now, the Supreme Court is only being asked to block the lower-court rulings through the end of the legal case. But the administration and Danco have a fallback argument if the court doesn't agree. They are asking the court to take up the challenge to mifepristone, hear arguments and decide the case by early summer.

The court only rarely takes such a step before at least one appeals court has thoroughly examined the legal issues involved.

The New Orleans-based 5th circuit already has ordered an accelerated schedule for hearing the case, with arguments set for May 17.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680967457500.png" alt="About 60% of abortions in Kansas involve the abortion pill. photo Associated Press" />
 <figcaption>About 60% of abortions in Kansas involve the abortion pill. photo Associated Press</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court is facing a self-imposed Friday night deadline to decide whether women's access to a widely used&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/how-medication-abortion-works-f913375ec6f8ebcb1f1055e57a3aef63">abortion pill</a>&nbsp;will stay unchanged or be restricted while a legal challenge to its Food and Drug Administration approval goes on.The justices are weighing arguments that allowing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-abortion-pill-appeal-fe13d36218f1fb43590aff29b5ba4e9c">restrictions</a>&nbsp;contained in lower-court rulings to take effect would severely disrupt the availability of the drug, mifepristone, which is used in the most common abortion method in the United States.It has repeatedly been found to be safe and effective, and has been used by more than 5 million women in the U.S. since the FDA approved it in 2000.The Supreme Court had initially said it would decide by Wednesday whether the restrictions could take effect while the case continues. A one-sentence order signed by Justice Samuel Alito on Wednesday gave the justices two additional days, without explanation.The justices are scheduled to meet for a private conference Friday, where they could talk about the issue. The additional time could be part of an effort to craft an order that has broad support among the justices. Or one or more justices might be writing a separate opinion, and asked for a couple of extra days.The challenge to mifepristone, brought by abortion foes, is the first&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/abortion">abortion</a>&nbsp;controversy to reach the nation's highest court since its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">conservative majority overturned Roe v. Wade</a>&nbsp;10 months ago and allowed more than a dozen states to effectively ban abortion outright.In his majority opinion, Alito said one reason for overturning Roe was to remove federal courts from the abortion fight. “It is time to heed the Constitution and return the issue of abortion to the people’s elected representatives,” he wrote.But even with their court victory,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-mifepristone-abortion-drug-3855bb5d5c791e4c0465958bae94519e">abortion opponents</a>&nbsp;returned to federal court with a new target: medication abortions, which make up more than half of all abortions in the United States.Women seeking to end their pregnancies in the first 10 weeks without more invasive surgical abortion can take mifepristone, along with misoprostol. The FDA has eased the terms of mifepristone's use over the years, including allowing it to be sent through the mail in states that allow access.The abortion opponents filed suit in Texas in November, asserting that FDA's original approval of mifepristone 23 years ago and subsequent changes were flawed.They won a ruling on April 7 by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-judge-matthew-kacsmaryk-abortion-pill-fda-75964b777ef09593a1ad948c6cfc0237">U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk</a>, an appointee of former President Donald Trump, revoking FDA approval of mifepristone. The judge gave the Biden administration and New York-based Danco Laboratories, mifepristone's maker, a week to appeal and seek to keep his ruling on hold.Responding to a quick appeal, two more Trump appointees on the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/23774813-5th-circuit-abortion-pill-stay-order">the FDA's original approval would stand for now</a>. But Judges Andrew Oldham and Kurt Englehardt said most of the rest of Kacsmaryk's ruling could take effect while the case winds through federal courts.Their ruling would effectively nullify changes made by the FDA starting in 2016, including extending from seven to 10 weeks of pregnancy when mifepristone can be safely used. The court also said that the drug can’t be mailed or dispensed as a generic and that patients who seek it need to make three in-person visits with a doctor. Women also might be required to take a higher dosage of the drug than the FDA says is necessary.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-abortion-pill-mifepristone-ff152a443d8439e8fa5d9376070822b2">The administration and Danco</a>&nbsp;have said that chaos will result if those restrictions take effect while the case proceeds. Potentially adding to the confusion, a federal judge in Washington has ordered the FDA to preserve access to mifepristone under the current rules in 17 Democratic-led states and the District of Columbia that filed a separate lawsuit.The Biden administration has said the rulings conflict and create an untenable situation for the FDA.And a new legal wrinkle threatens even more complications. GenBioPro, which makes the generic version of mifepristone, filed a lawsuit Wednesday to preemptively block the FDA from removing its drug from the market, in the event that the Supreme Court doesn’t intervene.For now, the Supreme Court is only being asked to block the lower-court rulings through the end of the legal case. But the administration and Danco have a fallback argument if the court doesn't agree. They are asking the court to take up the challenge to mifepristone, hear arguments and decide the case by early summer.The court only rarely takes such a step before at least one appeals court has thoroughly examined the legal issues involved.The New Orleans-based 5th circuit already has ordered an accelerated schedule for hearing the case, with arguments set for May 17.

Abortion access and health care in America on the line Friday

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden will formally announce his 2024 reelection campaign as soon as next week, three people briefed on the discussions said Thursday.

The people, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations, said they were not aware that a final decision on timing had been made, but that Biden had been eyeing Tuesday, April 25,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-pa-state-wire-joe-biden-ap-top-news-donald-trump-d5c415b99a6945dbbecf60d57bcf68cb">four years to the day since the Democrat entered the 2020 race</a>. The upcoming announcement is expected to be in the form of a video released to supporters.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-2024-presidential-reelection-campaign-announcement-trump-e64cd5649d9486291715388db3e8e386">Biden, 80, has repeatedly said he intends to run</a>&nbsp;for a second term but advisers say he has felt little need to jump into campaigning because he faces no significant opposition to his party’s nomination.

It’ll be a markedly different experience from four years ago, as when Biden was written off by much of the political establishment until he consolidated support as the candidate Democrats believed was best positioned to defeat then-President Donald Trump while the coronavirus pandemic raged. This time around, he will have to juggle the challenge of running for reelection while also running the country.

Biden in recent months has been focused on implementing the massive infrastructure, technology investment and climate laws passed during his first two years in office and drawing a sharp contrast with Republicans as Washington gears up for a fight over raising the nation’s borrowing limit. Aides believe those priorities will burnish his image ahead of his reelection campaign.

The president, already the oldest person ever elected the job, will also need to contend with voter concerns about his fitness for the job. He has brushed aside those concerns, telling voters to “watch me,” and aides say he plans to mount a robust campaign ahead of what they expect to be a close general election owing to the country’s polarization, no matter who emerges as the GOP standard-bearer.

Biden has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-donors-democrats-election-2024-133f053e66c361e147921cc49372b251">summoned top Democratic donors</a>&nbsp;to Washington next week for what was expected to be a dinner with him and a strategy session with his chief political advisers.

The Washington Post first reported on the expected timing of the announcement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681082649192.png" alt="The president, already the oldest person ever elected to the job, will also need to contend with voter concerns about his fitness for the job. White House photo" />
 <figcaption>The president, already the oldest person ever elected to the job, will also need to contend with voter concerns about his fitness for the job. White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden will formally announce his 2024 reelection campaign as soon as next week, three people briefed on the discussions said Thursday.The people, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations, said they were not aware that a final decision on timing had been made, but that Biden had been eyeing Tuesday, April 25,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-pa-state-wire-joe-biden-ap-top-news-donald-trump-d5c415b99a6945dbbecf60d57bcf68cb">four years to the day since the Democrat entered the 2020 race</a>. The upcoming announcement is expected to be in the form of a video released to supporters.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-2024-presidential-reelection-campaign-announcement-trump-e64cd5649d9486291715388db3e8e386">Biden, 80, has repeatedly said he intends to run</a>&nbsp;for a second term but advisers say he has felt little need to jump into campaigning because he faces no significant opposition to his party’s nomination.It’ll be a markedly different experience from four years ago, as when Biden was written off by much of the political establishment until he consolidated support as the candidate Democrats believed was best positioned to defeat then-President Donald Trump while the coronavirus pandemic raged. This time around, he will have to juggle the challenge of running for reelection while also running the country.Biden in recent months has been focused on implementing the massive infrastructure, technology investment and climate laws passed during his first two years in office and drawing a sharp contrast with Republicans as Washington gears up for a fight over raising the nation’s borrowing limit. Aides believe those priorities will burnish his image ahead of his reelection campaign.The president, already the oldest person ever elected the job, will also need to contend with voter concerns about his fitness for the job. He has brushed aside those concerns, telling voters to “watch me,” and aides say he plans to mount a robust campaign ahead of what they expect to be a close general election owing to the country’s polarization, no matter who emerges as the GOP standard-bearer.Biden has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-donors-democrats-election-2024-133f053e66c361e147921cc49372b251">summoned top Democratic donors</a>&nbsp;to Washington next week for what was expected to be a dinner with him and a strategy session with his chief political advisers.The Washington Post first reported on the expected timing of the announcement.

Biden 2024 re-election announcement coming next week

LINCOLN COUNTY, Nebraska—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man for alleged kidnapping. Authorities found the missing 14-year-old girl safe.

Cameron Quintin, 26, Topeka, Kan., was taken into custody on requested charges of kidnapping and violation of child custody. He is being held in Shawnee County without bond.

On Wednesday morning, police reported 14-year-old Gertie Werkmeister was missing. She had last been seen wearing a light blue hooded sweat shirt and black sweatpants. She left Adams Middle School and met with a white male dressed in all black in his mid- to late-20s at the Rec Center.

Just after 10:30 a.m., the two&nbsp; left the Rec Center traveling eastbound on Francis Street in a dark-colored Toyota Tacoma with out-of-state plates.

The North Platte 911 Center issued a citywide RAVE alert to all cell phones and land lines registered with the Smart 911 system. The North Platte Police Department, along with the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office and the Nebraska State Patrol searched for her.&nbsp;The Topeka Police Department, The FBI, and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation assisted in the search.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682021004720.png" alt="Quintin-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Quintin-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN COUNTY, Nebraska—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man for alleged kidnapping. Authorities found the missing 14-year-old girl safe.Cameron Quintin, 26, Topeka, Kan., was taken into custody on requested charges of kidnapping and violation of child custody. He is being held in Shawnee County without bond.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681932643124.jpeg" alt="Gertie Werkeister&nbsp; photo North Platte PD" />
 <figcaption>Gertie Werkeister&nbsp; photo North Platte PD</figcaption>
 </figure>On Wednesday morning, police reported 14-year-old Gertie Werkmeister was missing. She had last been seen wearing a light blue hooded sweat shirt and black sweatpants. She left Adams Middle School and met with a white male dressed in all black in his mid- to late-20s at the Rec Center.Just after 10:30 a.m., the two&nbsp; left the Rec Center traveling eastbound on Francis Street in a dark-colored Toyota Tacoma with out-of-state plates.The North Platte 911 Center issued a citywide RAVE alert to all cell phones and land lines registered with the Smart 911 system. The North Platte Police Department, along with the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office and the Nebraska State Patrol searched for her.&nbsp;The Topeka Police Department, The FBI, and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation assisted in the search.

Kansas man accused of kidnapping Nebraska teen  

By CINDY GONZALEZ <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/event-marks-30-years-since-murder-of-young-transgender-man-brandon-teena-in-nebraska/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — It’s been 30 years since 
the murder of Brandon Teena, a 21-year-old transgender man and Lincoln 
native, in rural Falls City, Nebraska.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682018090396.png" alt="“The Brandon Teena Story” is to be aired May 1 at free event in Lincoln, preceded by a panel discussion including a Nebraska state senator and the documentary filmmakers. (Courtesy of filmmakers Susan Muska and Greta Olafsdottir)" />
 <figcaption>“The Brandon Teena Story” is to be aired May 1 at free event in Lincoln, preceded by a panel discussion including a Nebraska state senator and the documentary filmmakers. (Courtesy of filmmakers Susan Muska and Greta Olafsdottir)</figcaption>
 </figure>By CINDY GONZALEZ <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/event-marks-30-years-since-murder-of-young-transgender-man-brandon-teena-in-nebraska/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — It’s been 30 years since 
the murder of Brandon Teena, a 21-year-old transgender man and Lincoln 
native, in rural Falls City, Nebraska.Marking the anniversary of the 
tragedy, the American Civil Liberties Union of Nebraska and OutNebraska 
teamed up to host a free screening of the documentary, “The Brandon 
Teena Story,” on May 1 at Lincoln’s Ross Media Arts Center.&nbsp;The 7 p.m. event starts with a panel 
discussion featuring documentary filmmakers Susan Muska and Greta 
Olafsdottir, State Sen. George Dungan of Lincoln and transgender speaker
 and author Ryan Sallans.Organizers have invited all 49 Nebraska state senators to attend, according to an ACLU media statement.The conversation is to cover 
Brandon’s life, progress in trans rights and visibility since 1993 and 
challenges impacting rights of trans people today, including current 
measures in the Nebraska Legislature.The 1998 documentary to be shown features interviews with people involved in the case and footage of the Falls City scene.&nbsp;The story of Brandon’s rape and subsequent murder was dramatized in a movie that was released a year after the documentary.Tickets are required and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.aclunebraska.org/en/events/brandon-teena-story-community-conversation-screening">can be obtained online</a>.&nbsp;The ACLU said the documentary is not 
rated. It includes discussion of murder, sexual violence and other 
difficult topics. Viewer discretion is advised.