KANSAS CITY – Seven area residents, including the leader and several members of the Galloping Goose Motorcycle Club, have been indicted by a federal grand jury for their roles in an ongoing criminal enterprise that involved acts of violence, drug trafficking, and illegally possessing firearms, according to the United State's Attorney.

Tonka Way Con Ponder, 53, and his wife, Carolynn L. Ponder, 47, both of Preston, Mo., and Tretch Lucius Lawrence, also known as “Travis Dewain Shankle,” 48, Keith Dewayne Nolen Jr., also known as “Seg,” 34, Paul Leon Gardner, 52, Daniel Scot Kurtzenborn, 41, and Robert Russell Warren, also known as “Russ,” 54, all of whom have unknown addresses, were charged in a 25-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury on June 18.

That indictment was unsealed and made public&nbsp; following the arrests of six of the defendants (with the exception of Warren). Tonka Ponder, Lawrence, Nolen and Kurtzeborn remain detained in federal custody pending a detention hearing on Tuesday, June 25. Gardner and Carolynn Ponder were released on bond.

The federal indictment alleges that Tonka Ponder, Lawrence, Nolen, Gardner and Kurtzeborn are members of the Lake of the Ozarks chapter of the Galloping Goose outlaw motorcycle gang, an organized criminal enterprise. Members of the Galloping Goose, says the indictment, engaged in acts of violence, including assault, attempted robbery, and extortion.

According to the indictment, Tonka Ponder was the leader of the local chapter of the Galloping Goose, which has a clubhouse in Camdenton, Missouri.

The federal indictment charges Tonka Ponder, Lawrence, Shankle, Nolen, Kurtzeborn and Gardner with committing a violent crime in aid of racketeering. They allegedly assaulted another person with a deadly weapon on Dec. 12, 2020.

The federal indictment charges Tonka Ponder, Lawrence, Nolen, and Kurtzeborn with committing a violent crime in aid of racketeering. They allegedly conspired to assault members of the Mongols Motorcycle Club and the Iron Celtics Motorcycle Association, resulting in serious physical injuries, on July 15, 2021.

Tonka Ponder is charged with two counts of committing a violent crime in aid of racketeering and two counts of discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Tonka Ponder allegedly shot two persons, resulting in serious physical injury, on July 15, 2021.

Kurtzeborn is charged with one count of committing a violent crime in aid of racketeering and one count of discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Kurtzeborn allegedly attempted to assault a victim by shooting at him on July 15, 2021.

Tonka Ponder and Lawrence are charged with one count of attempted extortion. The indictment alleges that, from July 1, 2020, to July 15, 2021, they attempted to obtain the property of the Iron Celtics Motorcycle Association by threatened use of force, violence, and fear.

The federal indictment charges Tonka Ponder, Carolynn Ponder, and Warren with participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Camden and Miller Counties from Aug. 1 to Oct. 31, 2022. Tonka Ponder is also charged with five counts of distributing methamphetamine, one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and four counts of traveling across state lines to facilitate the illegal distribution of methamphetamine.

Tonka Ponder is charged with two counts of using his cell phone to facilitate a drug-trafficking conspiracy. Carolynn Ponder is charged with one count of using her cell phone to facilitate a drug-trafficking conspiracy.

Kurtzeborn and Nolen are each charged with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Kurtzeborn allegedly possessed a Taurus .357-caliber revolver on July 15, 2021. Nolen allegedly possessed a Taurus 9mm handgun on Aug. 24, 2023.

The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719351678953.png" alt="Ponder from an earlier arrest in Miller Co." />
 <figcaption>Ponder from an earlier arrest in Miller Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY – Seven area residents, including the leader and several members of the Galloping Goose Motorcycle Club, have been indicted by a federal grand jury for their roles in an ongoing criminal enterprise that involved acts of violence, drug trafficking, and illegally possessing firearms, according to the United State's Attorney.Tonka Way Con Ponder, 53, and his wife, Carolynn L. Ponder, 47, both of Preston, Mo., and Tretch Lucius Lawrence, also known as “Travis Dewain Shankle,” 48, Keith Dewayne Nolen Jr., also known as “Seg,” 34, Paul Leon Gardner, 52, Daniel Scot Kurtzenborn, 41, and Robert Russell Warren, also known as “Russ,” 54, all of whom have unknown addresses, were charged in a 25-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury on June 18.That indictment was unsealed and made public&nbsp; following the arrests of six of the defendants (with the exception of Warren). Tonka Ponder, Lawrence, Nolen and Kurtzeborn remain detained in federal custody pending a detention hearing on Tuesday, June 25. Gardner and Carolynn Ponder were released on bond.The federal indictment alleges that Tonka Ponder, Lawrence, Nolen, Gardner and Kurtzeborn are members of the Lake of the Ozarks chapter of the Galloping Goose outlaw motorcycle gang, an organized criminal enterprise. Members of the Galloping Goose, says the indictment, engaged in acts of violence, including assault, attempted robbery, and extortion.According to the indictment, Tonka Ponder was the leader of the local chapter of the Galloping Goose, which has a clubhouse in Camdenton, Missouri.The federal indictment charges Tonka Ponder, Lawrence, Shankle, Nolen, Kurtzeborn and Gardner with committing a violent crime in aid of racketeering. They allegedly assaulted another person with a deadly weapon on Dec. 12, 2020.The federal indictment charges Tonka Ponder, Lawrence, Nolen, and Kurtzeborn with committing a violent crime in aid of racketeering. They allegedly conspired to assault members of the Mongols Motorcycle Club and the Iron Celtics Motorcycle Association, resulting in serious physical injuries, on July 15, 2021.Tonka Ponder is charged with two counts of committing a violent crime in aid of racketeering and two counts of discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Tonka Ponder allegedly shot two persons, resulting in serious physical injury, on July 15, 2021.Kurtzeborn is charged with one count of committing a violent crime in aid of racketeering and one count of discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Kurtzeborn allegedly attempted to assault a victim by shooting at him on July 15, 2021.Tonka Ponder and Lawrence are charged with one count of attempted extortion. The indictment alleges that, from July 1, 2020, to July 15, 2021, they attempted to obtain the property of the Iron Celtics Motorcycle Association by threatened use of force, violence, and fear.The federal indictment charges Tonka Ponder, Carolynn Ponder, and Warren with participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Camden and Miller Counties from Aug. 1 to Oct. 31, 2022. Tonka Ponder is also charged with five counts of distributing methamphetamine, one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and four counts of traveling across state lines to facilitate the illegal distribution of methamphetamine.Tonka Ponder is charged with two counts of using his cell phone to facilitate a drug-trafficking conspiracy. Carolynn Ponder is charged with one count of using her cell phone to facilitate a drug-trafficking conspiracy.Kurtzeborn and Nolen are each charged with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Kurtzeborn allegedly possessed a Taurus .357-caliber revolver on July 15, 2021. Nolen allegedly possessed a Taurus 9mm handgun on Aug. 24, 2023.The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

Leader, members of motorcycle gang accused of violent criminal activity

BROWN COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on drug allegations.

Just before 4:30p.m. June 22,&nbsp;Brown County and the Kansas Department for Children and Familes went to a residence in Morrill on a welfare check, according to Sheriff John Merchant.

Upon conclusion of the interaction, Alicia Jennings, 33&nbsp; and Patrick Perkins 38 both of Morrill were arrested on requested charges of Possession of Meth and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.&nbsp; 

The children in the home were placed in Police Protective Custody.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719261171231.png" alt="Perkins- Brown Co." />
 <figcaption>Perkins- Brown Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BROWN COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on drug allegations.Just before 4:30p.m. June 22,&nbsp;Brown County and the Kansas Department for Children and Familes went to a residence in Morrill on a welfare check, according to Sheriff John Merchant.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719261130683.png" alt="Jennings-Brown Co." />
 <figcaption>Jennings-Brown Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Upon conclusion of the interaction, Alicia Jennings, 33&nbsp; and Patrick Perkins 38 both of Morrill were arrested on requested charges of Possession of Meth and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.&nbsp; The children in the home were placed in Police Protective Custody.

Children placed into protective custody after Kan. drug bust

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. surgeon general on Tuesday declared gun violence a public health crisis, driven by the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gun-violence-science-health-covid-mental-20f5e2cb5fb50ff747fe316fdc4db5c4">fast-growing number of injuries and deaths</a>&nbsp;involving firearms in the country.

The advisory issued by Dr. Vivek Murthy, the nation's top doctor, came as the U.S. grappled with another summer weekend marked by mass shootings that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/violence-mass-shootings-summer-b004331ee7d3da95bce6646547f8d43f">left dozens of people dead or wounded</a>.

“People want to be able to walk through their neighborhoods and be safe," Murthy told The Associated Press in a phone interview. “America should be a place where all of us can go to school, go to work, go to the supermarket, go to our house of worship, without having to worry that that's going to put our life at risk.”

To drive down gun deaths, Murthy calls on the U.S. to ban&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gun-violence-politics-shootings-congress-fd91c092aef91a992ee959399ba6f222">automatic rifles</a>, introduce universal background checks for purchasing guns, regulate the industry, pass laws that would restrict their use in public spaces and penalize people who fail to safely store their weapons.

None of those suggestions can be implemented nationwide without legislation passed by Congress, which typically&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-texas-government-and-politics-gun-violence-shootings-d3485526acd9a04bcdd5b9186557f4cc">recoils</a>&nbsp;at gun control measures. Some state legislatures, however, have enacted or may consider some of the surgeon general's proposals.

Surgeon General Murthy said there is “broad agreement” that gun violence is a problem, citing a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kff.org/other/poll-finding/americans-experiences-with-gun-related-violence-injuries-and-deaths/">poll</a>&nbsp;last year that found most Americans worry at least sometimes that a loved one might be injured by a firearm. More than 48,000 Americans died from gun injuries in 2022.

Doctors quickly praised Murthy's advisory. The American Academy of Family Physicians, for example, has considered gun violence a public health epidemic for over a decade.

“Family physicians have long understood, and have seen first hand, the devastating impact firearm violence has on our patients and the communities we serve,” the group's president, Steven Furr, said in a statement.

Murthy's advisory, however, promises to be controversial with the gun lobby and will certainly incense Republican lawmakers, most of whom opposed his confirmation — twice — to the job over his statements on gun violence.

The National Rifle Association promptly rebuked Murthy's advisory.

“This is an extension of the Biden Administration's war on law-abiding gun owners,” Randy Kozuch, the organization's president, said in a statement on X.

It was the NRA, and Republicans who enjoy the powerful gun lobby's support, that almost derailed Murthy's confirmation as surgeon general a decade ago. Murthy became quieter on the issue of gun violence after his past statements almost cost him the job. He ended up promising the Senate that he did “not intend to use my office as surgeon general as a bully pulpit on gun control.”

Then-President Donald Trump dismissed Murthy in 2017, but President Joe Biden nominated him again to the position in 2021.

Murthy has published warnings about troubling health trends in American life, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/surgeon-general-loneliness-334450f7bb5a77e88d8085b178340e19">loneliness</a>&nbsp;and social media use. In an opinion piece in The New York Times this month, he said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/surgeon-general-social-media-mental-health-df321c791493863001754401676f165c">social media has contributed to a mental health crisis</a>&nbsp;among the country's young people and asked Congress to require warning labels on social media platforms similar to those on cigarette boxes.

But he also has faced mounting pressure from some doctors and Democratic advocacy groups to speak out more. A group of four former surgeon generals asked the Biden administration to produce a report on the problem in 2022.

“It is now time for us to take this issue out of the realm of politics and put it in the realm of public health, the way we did with smoking more than a half century ago,” Murthy told the AP.

It was a 1964&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/smoking-vaping-surgeon-general-db81e873c256e38433734e86d6a50f7e">report</a>&nbsp;from the surgeon general that raised awareness about the dangers of smoking is largely credited with reducing tobacco use and precipitating regulations on the industry.

Murthy now hopes his advisory on guns will shift the conversation, too, on this issue. He has been encouraged by some developments in Congress, including the passage of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act in 2022 that enhanced background checks for firearms.

A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-gun-safety-law-7733f5cab2614f39288b0dc157573651">White House report</a>&nbsp;obtained by The Associated Press says that more thorough background checks have stopped roughly 800 sales of firearms to people under age 21. Additionally, more than 500 people, including some linked to transnational cartels and organized crime rings, have been charged with gun trafficking and other crimes under the landmark gun safety legislation.

Children and younger Americans, in particular, are suffering from gun violence, Murthy notes in his advisory called “Firearm Violence: A Public Health Crisis in America.” Suicide by gun rates have increased by nearly 70% for those between the ages of 10 to 14. Children in the U.S. are far more likely to die from gun wounds than children in other countries, the research he gathered shows.

For pediatricians, talking with families about locking up their guns away from their children has become a routine part of well visits, said Benjamin Hoffman, the president of the American Academy of Pediatrics. When children can't get access to a gun, it prevents a large chunk of gun deaths and injuries — accidental shootings and suicides.

“Having access to a firearm for a child who is experiencing a behavioral health crisis is an absolute recipe for the most tragic things you can imagine,” Hoffman said.

Even when children are not direct victims of a gun shooting, they may suffer from mental health blowback of gun violence, the report says. About half of teens in the U.S. worry about a school shooting. And in areas that have been exposed to a fatal shooting at a school, youth antidepressant use jumps by more than 20%.

In addition to new regulations, Murthy calls for an increase in gun violence research and for the health system to promote and educate patients about gun safety and proper storage during checkups.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. surgeon general on Tuesday declared gun violence a public health crisis, driven by the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gun-violence-science-health-covid-mental-20f5e2cb5fb50ff747fe316fdc4db5c4">fast-growing number of injuries and deaths</a>&nbsp;involving firearms in the country.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">NEW: Today, for the first time in the history of our office, I am issuing a Surgeon General’s Advisory on Firearm Violence. Firearm violence is a public health crisis in America that poses a serious threat to the health and well-being of our country. <a href="https://t.co/bNS7xDa96X">https://t.co/bNS7xDa96X</a> 1/10 <a href="https://t.co/1w43IMMpxA">pic.twitter.com/1w43IMMpxA</a>&mdash; Dr. Vivek Murthy, U.S. Surgeon General (@Surgeon_General) <a href="https://twitter.com/Surgeon_General/status/1805555386247954664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The advisory issued by Dr. Vivek Murthy, the nation's top doctor, came as the U.S. grappled with another summer weekend marked by mass shootings that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/violence-mass-shootings-summer-b004331ee7d3da95bce6646547f8d43f">left dozens of people dead or wounded</a>.“People want to be able to walk through their neighborhoods and be safe," Murthy told The Associated Press in a phone interview. “America should be a place where all of us can go to school, go to work, go to the supermarket, go to our house of worship, without having to worry that that's going to put our life at risk.”To drive down gun deaths, Murthy calls on the U.S. to ban&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gun-violence-politics-shootings-congress-fd91c092aef91a992ee959399ba6f222">automatic rifles</a>, introduce universal background checks for purchasing guns, regulate the industry, pass laws that would restrict their use in public spaces and penalize people who fail to safely store their weapons.None of those suggestions can be implemented nationwide without legislation passed by Congress, which typically&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-texas-government-and-politics-gun-violence-shootings-d3485526acd9a04bcdd5b9186557f4cc">recoils</a>&nbsp;at gun control measures. Some state legislatures, however, have enacted or may consider some of the surgeon general's proposals.Surgeon General Murthy said there is “broad agreement” that gun violence is a problem, citing a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kff.org/other/poll-finding/americans-experiences-with-gun-related-violence-injuries-and-deaths/">poll</a>&nbsp;last year that found most Americans worry at least sometimes that a loved one might be injured by a firearm. More than 48,000 Americans died from gun injuries in 2022.Doctors quickly praised Murthy's advisory. The American Academy of Family Physicians, for example, has considered gun violence a public health epidemic for over a decade.“Family physicians have long understood, and have seen first hand, the devastating impact firearm violence has on our patients and the communities we serve,” the group's president, Steven Furr, said in a statement.Murthy's advisory, however, promises to be controversial with the gun lobby and will certainly incense Republican lawmakers, most of whom opposed his confirmation — twice — to the job over his statements on gun violence.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">NRA Statement on the Surgeon General&#39;s Advisory <a href="https://t.co/UotMVmE7D1">https://t.co/UotMVmE7D1</a> <a href="https://t.co/DoU8mVHEqU">pic.twitter.com/DoU8mVHEqU</a>&mdash; NRA (@NRA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NRA/status/1805596320628928968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The National Rifle Association promptly rebuked Murthy's advisory.“This is an extension of the Biden Administration's war on law-abiding gun owners,” Randy Kozuch, the organization's president, said in a statement on X.It was the NRA, and Republicans who enjoy the powerful gun lobby's support, that almost derailed Murthy's confirmation as surgeon general a decade ago. Murthy became quieter on the issue of gun violence after his past statements almost cost him the job. He ended up promising the Senate that he did “not intend to use my office as surgeon general as a bully pulpit on gun control.”Then-President Donald Trump dismissed Murthy in 2017, but President Joe Biden nominated him again to the position in 2021.Murthy has published warnings about troubling health trends in American life, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/surgeon-general-loneliness-334450f7bb5a77e88d8085b178340e19">loneliness</a>&nbsp;and social media use. In an opinion piece in The New York Times this month, he said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/surgeon-general-social-media-mental-health-df321c791493863001754401676f165c">social media has contributed to a mental health crisis</a>&nbsp;among the country's young people and asked Congress to require warning labels on social media platforms similar to those on cigarette boxes.But he also has faced mounting pressure from some doctors and Democratic advocacy groups to speak out more. A group of four former surgeon generals asked the Biden administration to produce a report on the problem in 2022.“It is now time for us to take this issue out of the realm of politics and put it in the realm of public health, the way we did with smoking more than a half century ago,” Murthy told the AP.It was a 1964&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/smoking-vaping-surgeon-general-db81e873c256e38433734e86d6a50f7e">report</a>&nbsp;from the surgeon general that raised awareness about the dangers of smoking is largely credited with reducing tobacco use and precipitating regulations on the industry.Murthy now hopes his advisory on guns will shift the conversation, too, on this issue. He has been encouraged by some developments in Congress, including the passage of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act in 2022 that enhanced background checks for firearms.A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-gun-safety-law-7733f5cab2614f39288b0dc157573651">White House report</a>&nbsp;obtained by The Associated Press says that more thorough background checks have stopped roughly 800 sales of firearms to people under age 21. Additionally, more than 500 people, including some linked to transnational cartels and organized crime rings, have been charged with gun trafficking and other crimes under the landmark gun safety legislation.Children and younger Americans, in particular, are suffering from gun violence, Murthy notes in his advisory called “Firearm Violence: A Public Health Crisis in America.” Suicide by gun rates have increased by nearly 70% for those between the ages of 10 to 14. Children in the U.S. are far more likely to die from gun wounds than children in other countries, the research he gathered shows.For pediatricians, talking with families about locking up their guns away from their children has become a routine part of well visits, said Benjamin Hoffman, the president of the American Academy of Pediatrics. When children can't get access to a gun, it prevents a large chunk of gun deaths and injuries — accidental shootings and suicides.“Having access to a firearm for a child who is experiencing a behavioral health crisis is an absolute recipe for the most tragic things you can imagine,” Hoffman said.Even when children are not direct victims of a gun shooting, they may suffer from mental health blowback of gun violence, the report says. About half of teens in the U.S. worry about a school shooting. And in areas that have been exposed to a fatal shooting at a school, youth antidepressant use jumps by more than 20%.In addition to new regulations, Murthy calls for an increase in gun violence research and for the health system to promote and educate patients about gun safety and proper storage during checkups.

U.S. Surgeon General declares gun violence a health emergency; NRA responds

SHAWNEE COUNTY — A woman accused in the death of child in Shawnee County has also died.

&nbsp;Shyla M. Goracke, 29, Topeka, died Monday, according to Shawnee County Sheriff's Deputy Abigail Christian.

Shortly after 11:30 a.m. June 20, the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call regarding an incident on SW Worwick Town Road. First responders found a child later identified as 9-year-old&nbsp; Zerick I. Ozuna, located inside the residence, suffering from multiple wounds to the chest and neck. The boy was pronounced deceased at the scene.

&nbsp;Deputies took Goracke, the mother of the boy into custody, and she was transported to a hospital.&nbsp; &nbsp;The sheriff's office released no additional details on the cause of her death or the result of an autopsy on the 9-year-old.&nbsp; &nbsp; Check the Post for more information as it is released.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718926405051.png" alt="Deputies at the scene of the investigation June 20. Photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Deputies at the scene of the investigation June 20. Photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY — A woman accused in the death of child in Shawnee County has also died.&nbsp;Shyla M. Goracke, 29, Topeka, died Monday, according to Shawnee County Sheriff's Deputy Abigail Christian.Shortly after 11:30 a.m. June 20, the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call regarding an incident on SW Worwick Town Road. First responders found a child later identified as 9-year-old&nbsp; Zerick I. Ozuna, located inside the residence, suffering from multiple wounds to the chest and neck. The boy was pronounced deceased at the scene.&nbsp;Deputies took Goracke, the mother of the boy into custody, and she was transported to a hospital.&nbsp; &nbsp;The sheriff's office released no additional details on the cause of her death or the result of an autopsy on the 9-year-old.&nbsp; &nbsp; Check the Post for more information as it is released.----------------

Kan. mother accused of killing 9-year-old dies in the hospital

Snapchill LLC (Snapchill) of Wisconsin is voluntarily recalling all canned coffee products manufactured by the company, within expiration date, because their current process could lead to the growth and production of the deadly toxin, botulinum toxin, in low acid canned foods, according to a statement from the Food and Drug Administration.

<a href="https://www.fda.gov/media/179493/download?attachment">Click here to see a complete</a> list of products included

Botulism, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning, can cause the following symptoms: general weakness, dizziness, double-vision and trouble with speaking or swallowing. Difficulty in breathing, weakness of other muscles, abdominal distension and constipation may also be common symptoms. Symptoms can begin from six hours to two weeks after eating food that contains botulinum toxin. People experiencing these problems should seek immediate medical attention.

The products were distributed nationwide through various coffee roasters and retail locations, as well as through direct online purchase from Snapchill. The problem was identified when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notified Snapchill that the low acid canned foods process for manufacturing the recalled products was not filed with FDA, as is required by regulation. No illnesses have been reported to-date, and Snapchill is not aware of any instances in which the company’s products contained botulin toxin. Snapchill is working on filing the appropriate notification with FDA.

The products are sold under a range of roaster and brand names, in variety of metal can sizes ranging from 7 oz to 12 oz. The products are identifiable by the language “Produced and distributed by Snapchill LLC” underneath the nutrition facts panel. Some of the products can also be identified by the text “Snapchill Coffee” on the label. The specific products subject to this voluntary recall are listed at the end of this notice.

This voluntary recall is being made with the knowledge of FDA.

Consumers should either destroy the products or return the product to Snapchill or the place of purchase for a refund. Snapchill will offer full refunds for any of these products, with appropriate proof of purchase including a picture of the product(s) before being destroyed. Full information about the return and refund will be available at Compliance@Snapchill.com.

Consumers with questions may contact the company any time by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Compliance@snapchill.com">Compliance@snapchill.com</a>, or by phone, Monday through Friday between 8:00am and 4:00pm Central Time, at (920) 632-6018.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719331741764.png" alt="Among the hundreds of coffee products included in the recall" />
 <figcaption>Among the hundreds of coffee products included in the recall</figcaption>
 </figure>Snapchill LLC (Snapchill) of Wisconsin is voluntarily recalling all canned coffee products manufactured by the company, within expiration date, because their current process could lead to the growth and production of the deadly toxin, botulinum toxin, in low acid canned foods, according to a statement from the Food and Drug Administration.<a href="https://www.fda.gov/media/179493/download?attachment">Click here to see a complete</a> list of products includedBotulism, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning, can cause the following symptoms: general weakness, dizziness, double-vision and trouble with speaking or swallowing. Difficulty in breathing, weakness of other muscles, abdominal distension and constipation may also be common symptoms. Symptoms can begin from six hours to two weeks after eating food that contains botulinum toxin. People experiencing these problems should seek immediate medical attention.The products were distributed nationwide through various coffee roasters and retail locations, as well as through direct online purchase from Snapchill. The problem was identified when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notified Snapchill that the low acid canned foods process for manufacturing the recalled products was not filed with FDA, as is required by regulation. No illnesses have been reported to-date, and Snapchill is not aware of any instances in which the company’s products contained botulin toxin. Snapchill is working on filing the appropriate notification with FDA.The products are sold under a range of roaster and brand names, in variety of metal can sizes ranging from 7 oz to 12 oz. The products are identifiable by the language “Produced and distributed by Snapchill LLC” underneath the nutrition facts panel. Some of the products can also be identified by the text “Snapchill Coffee” on the label. The specific products subject to this voluntary recall are listed at the end of this notice.This voluntary recall is being made with the knowledge of FDA.Consumers should either destroy the products or return the product to Snapchill or the place of purchase for a refund. Snapchill will offer full refunds for any of these products, with appropriate proof of purchase including a picture of the product(s) before being destroyed. Full information about the return and refund will be available at Compliance@Snapchill.com.Consumers with questions may contact the company any time by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Compliance@snapchill.com">Compliance@snapchill.com</a>, or by phone, Monday through Friday between 8:00am and 4:00pm Central Time, at (920) 632-6018.

Risk of fatal food poisoning: Hundreds of coffee products recalled 

DOUGLAS COUNTY —After asking the public for help with information, sheriff's deputies received tips and were able to identify the driver and locate the vehicle from this incident.

Authorities released no additional details.

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a hit-and-run accident and looking for a vehicle involved in an accident that occurred just after 6p.m. Sunday near Bloomington Beach, according to a social media report from the Douglas County Sheriff.

The driver of a vehicle – believed to be a Mitsubishi Eclipse – struck the a pickup truck causing significant damage and then left the scene. No one in the pickup truck needed to be transported from the scene.

The white vehicle sustained significant damage to the rear driver’s side and rear bumper.

Anyone with information can contact the Sheriff’s Office at 785-841-0007.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719277884846.png" alt="Photo Douglas Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo Douglas Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY —After asking the public for help with information, sheriff's deputies received tips and were able to identify the driver and locate the vehicle from this incident.Authorities released no additional details.--------DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a hit-and-run accident and looking for a vehicle involved in an accident that occurred just after 6p.m. Sunday near Bloomington Beach, according to a social media report from the Douglas County Sheriff.The driver of a vehicle – believed to be a Mitsubishi Eclipse – struck the a pickup truck causing significant damage and then left the scene. No one in the pickup truck needed to be transported from the scene.The white vehicle sustained significant damage to the rear driver’s side and rear bumper.Anyone with information can contact the Sheriff’s Office at 785-841-0007.

Tip helps Kan. deputies locate hit-and-run crash suspect 

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/planned-parenthood">Planned Parenthood</a>&nbsp;will spend $40 million ahead of November's elections to bolster President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;and leading congressional Democrats, betting that voters angry at Republican-led efforts to further restrict access to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/abortion">abortion</a>&nbsp;can be the difference in key races around the country.

The political and advocacy arms of the nation's leading reproductive health-care provider and abortion rights advocacy organization shared the announcement with The Associated Press before its wider release Monday.

The group will initially target eight states: Arizona, Georgia, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, where Biden is seeking to defend 2020 victories, as well as North Carolina, which the Democratic president's campaign hopes to flip after Republican Donald Trump won it four years ago, and Montana, New Hampshire and New York, which have races that could help determine control of the Senate and House.

The push will try to reach voters with volunteer and paid canvassing programs, phone banking and digital, TV, and mail advertising.

“Abortion will be the message of this election, and it will be how we energize voters," said Jenny Lawson, executive director of Planned Parenthood Votes. “It will be what enables us to win.”

The spending plan is not an election cycle record for the group. It spent $45 million ahead of Biden defeating&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Trump</a>&nbsp;in 2020 and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-2022-midterm-elections-health-congress-71871318f3c725a7df0bbe183e6c84be">$50 million</a>&nbsp;before the 2022 midterms.

Planned Parenthood's advocacy arms focused on pouring money into contests where access to abortion was on the ballot after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade</a>, the landmark 1973 case that created a constitutional right to have an abortion, a decision handed down two years ago Monday.

“We continue to see the devastation that comes when anti-abortion politicians have power,” Lawson said of the years since. “It’s just gotten worse.”

Abortion continues to be one of the nation’s most important political issues, but dynamics around it have changed since the Supreme Court ruling. After the ruling,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-ballot-amendment-ban-protection-states-2024-052ff9846f8416efb725240af22b92ec">most Republican-controlled states imposed new abortion restrictions</a>, including some bans at every stage of pregnancy.

Meanwhile, voters in seven states — California, Michigan and Vermont, as well as usually reliably Republican Kansas, Kentucky, Montana and Ohio — sided with abortion-rights supporters on ballot measures.

In November, voters in several other states, including battleground Arizona and Nevada, will have abortion referendums on the ballot, as will Florida, a onetime presidential bellwether that has gotten increasingly Republican in recent cycles but where Biden’s campaign is hoping turnout for the abortion ballot initiative can make things closer.

SBA Pro-Life America, one of the country’s most prominent groups opposed to abortion rights, announced in February that it plans to spend $92 million targeting voters in eight battleground states: Arizona, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Montana and Georgia.

In addition to national efforts, local Planned Parenthood advocacy and political organizations in California, Florida, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, North Carolina and Ohio are planning advocacy campaigns ahead of November.

Planned Parenthood advocacy efforts also will focus on some down-ballot rates, like aiding Democrats seeking a supermajority in the Nevada statehouse, or opposing two state supreme court justices up for reelection in Arizona after they voted to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arizona-abortion-restrictions-1864-9c68866d69dca38c728dd27b80592e8f#:~:text=Arizona%20can%20enforce%20an%201864%20law%20criminalizing%20nearly%20all%20abortions%2C%20court%20says&amp;text=An%20Arizona%20Supreme%20Court%20decision,in%20a%20critical%202024%20battleground.">allow officials to enforce an 1864 law</a>&nbsp;criminalizing nearly all abortions, which the state legislature has since voted to repeal.

“We can’t just vote for ballot initiatives," said Lindsey Harmon, executive director for Nevada Advocates for Planned Parenthood Affiliates PAC. “We also have to support the infrastructure that makes abortion access possible.”

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/planned-parenthood">Planned Parenthood</a>&nbsp;will spend $40 million ahead of November's elections to bolster President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;and leading congressional Democrats, betting that voters angry at Republican-led efforts to further restrict access to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/abortion">abortion</a>&nbsp;can be the difference in key races around the country.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">2 years ago, Trump’s Supreme Court overturned our federal right to abortion. Today Planned Parenthood Votes announced that PP political &amp; advocacy orgs will spend $40 M during the 2024 election to defend abortion access and get out the vote. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeDecide?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeDecide</a> <a href="https://t.co/jaDxaudt9o">pic.twitter.com/jaDxaudt9o</a>&mdash; Planned Parenthood Action (@PPact) <a href="https://twitter.com/PPact/status/1805247280812900683?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The political and advocacy arms of the nation's leading reproductive health-care provider and abortion rights advocacy organization shared the announcement with The Associated Press before its wider release Monday.The group will initially target eight states: Arizona, Georgia, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, where Biden is seeking to defend 2020 victories, as well as North Carolina, which the Democratic president's campaign hopes to flip after Republican Donald Trump won it four years ago, and Montana, New Hampshire and New York, which have races that could help determine control of the Senate and House.The push will try to reach voters with volunteer and paid canvassing programs, phone banking and digital, TV, and mail advertising.“Abortion will be the message of this election, and it will be how we energize voters," said Jenny Lawson, executive director of Planned Parenthood Votes. “It will be what enables us to win.”The spending plan is not an election cycle record for the group. It spent $45 million ahead of Biden defeating&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Trump</a>&nbsp;in 2020 and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-2022-midterm-elections-health-congress-71871318f3c725a7df0bbe183e6c84be">$50 million</a>&nbsp;before the 2022 midterms.Planned Parenthood's advocacy arms focused on pouring money into contests where access to abortion was on the ballot after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade</a>, the landmark 1973 case that created a constitutional right to have an abortion, a decision handed down two years ago Monday.“We continue to see the devastation that comes when anti-abortion politicians have power,” Lawson said of the years since. “It’s just gotten worse.”Abortion continues to be one of the nation’s most important political issues, but dynamics around it have changed since the Supreme Court ruling. After the ruling,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-ballot-amendment-ban-protection-states-2024-052ff9846f8416efb725240af22b92ec">most Republican-controlled states imposed new abortion restrictions</a>, including some bans at every stage of pregnancy.Meanwhile, voters in seven states — California, Michigan and Vermont, as well as usually reliably Republican Kansas, Kentucky, Montana and Ohio — sided with abortion-rights supporters on ballot measures.In November, voters in several other states, including battleground Arizona and Nevada, will have abortion referendums on the ballot, as will Florida, a onetime presidential bellwether that has gotten increasingly Republican in recent cycles but where Biden’s campaign is hoping turnout for the abortion ballot initiative can make things closer.SBA Pro-Life America, one of the country’s most prominent groups opposed to abortion rights, announced in February that it plans to spend $92 million targeting voters in eight battleground states: Arizona, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Montana and Georgia.In addition to national efforts, local Planned Parenthood advocacy and political organizations in California, Florida, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, North Carolina and Ohio are planning advocacy campaigns ahead of November.Planned Parenthood advocacy efforts also will focus on some down-ballot rates, like aiding Democrats seeking a supermajority in the Nevada statehouse, or opposing two state supreme court justices up for reelection in Arizona after they voted to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arizona-abortion-restrictions-1864-9c68866d69dca38c728dd27b80592e8f#:~:text=Arizona%20can%20enforce%20an%201864%20law%20criminalizing%20nearly%20all%20abortions%2C%20court%20says&amp;text=An%20Arizona%20Supreme%20Court%20decision,in%20a%20critical%202024%20battleground.">allow officials to enforce an 1864 law</a>&nbsp;criminalizing nearly all abortions, which the state legislature has since voted to repeal.“We can’t just vote for ballot initiatives," said Lindsey Harmon, executive director for Nevada Advocates for Planned Parenthood Affiliates PAC. “We also have to support the infrastructure that makes abortion access possible.”

Planned Parenthood will spend millions on abortion rights ahead of election

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after an altercation at a convenience store.

Just before 5a.m. Tuesday, employees from the KWIK Stop gas station at 1727 West Crawford Street in Salina reported to police that a man walked into the store naked and began battering employees with a stick in each hand, according to Salina Police Captain James Feldman 

The man assaulted three employees, the first at the back door of the convenience store and the second and third inside store.

When officers arrived at the store, employees had already subdued the subject, who SPD officers identified as 42-year-old Joshua Renfro of Salina.

The first employee Renfro allegedly assaulted was a 60-year-old employee Renfro pushed past to enter the store from the backdoor.

"There was a 55-year-old employee who heard a commotion in the business, and as he was at the back at the coolers, he observed the naked male who had two sticks in his hands," Feldman said. 

"This employee told Renfro he needed to leave the business. Renfro then allegedly struck the victim several times in the head with one of the sticks and that employee suffered several cuts to his forehead and left eye.

Another employee, a 51-year-old woman, moved to assist her two coworkers when Renfro pushed her to the ground and caused an injury to her left elbow and an injury on her thigh, according to Feldman.

Emergency responders transported the 51-year-old woman to Salina Regional Health Center to treat the potentially broken elbow.

"Officers ended up wrapping the subject and transporting him to the hospital because they believe there's an influence of drugs," Feldman said. "I don't know if he's out [of the hospital], but he is facing charges&nbsp; of aggravated battery and a count of simple battery.

Renfro did not attempt to steal any items at Kwik Shop — he only attacked employees in the convenience store.

After Renfro is released from the hospital,&nbsp; police will consider further charges for the incident.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718801355216.png" alt="Renfro -photo from an arrest earlier this month for alleged DUI. He was jailed for alleged battery in Salina in July of 2023, according to online jail records." />
 <figcaption>Renfro -photo from an arrest earlier this month for alleged DUI. He was jailed for alleged battery in Salina in July of 2023, according to online jail records.</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after an altercation at a convenience store.Just before 5a.m. Tuesday, employees from the KWIK Stop gas station at 1727 West Crawford Street in Salina reported to police that a man walked into the store naked and began battering employees with a stick in each hand, according to Salina Police Captain James Feldman The man assaulted three employees, the first at the back door of the convenience store and the second and third inside store.When officers arrived at the store, employees had already subdued the subject, who SPD officers identified as 42-year-old Joshua Renfro of Salina.The first employee Renfro allegedly assaulted was a 60-year-old employee Renfro pushed past to enter the store from the backdoor."There was a 55-year-old employee who heard a commotion in the business, and as he was at the back at the coolers, he observed the naked male who had two sticks in his hands," Feldman said. "This employee told Renfro he needed to leave the business. Renfro then allegedly struck the victim several times in the head with one of the sticks and that employee suffered several cuts to his forehead and left eye.Another employee, a 51-year-old woman, moved to assist her two coworkers when Renfro pushed her to the ground and caused an injury to her left elbow and an injury on her thigh, according to Feldman.Emergency responders transported the 51-year-old woman to Salina Regional Health Center to treat the potentially broken elbow."Officers ended up wrapping the subject and transporting him to the hospital because they believe there's an influence of drugs," Feldman said. "I don't know if he's out [of the hospital], but he is facing charges&nbsp; of aggravated battery and a count of simple battery.Renfro did not attempt to steal any items at Kwik Shop — he only attacked employees in the convenience store.After Renfro is released from the hospital,&nbsp; police will consider further charges for the incident.

Police: Naked man attacked Kan. convenience store staff

SHAWNEE COUNTY– Law enforcement are investigating another deadly shooting in Topeka.

Just after 9:30p.m. Monday, police&nbsp;responded to the area of 13th and Western Avenue in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Edward Stanley.

First responders located one individual suffering from a gunshot wound. This individual was pronounced deceased at the scene. Police released no suspect information or reported an arrest.

This is the eighth homicide of 2024 in Topeka.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719332552824.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY– Law enforcement are investigating another deadly shooting in Topeka.Just after 9:30p.m. Monday, police&nbsp;responded to the area of 13th and Western Avenue in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Edward Stanley.First responders located one individual suffering from a gunshot wound. This individual was pronounced deceased at the scene. Police released no suspect information or reported an arrest.This is the eighth homicide of 2024 in Topeka.

Homicide: Police investigate deadly Kansas shooting

NEW YORK (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;has narrowed his vice presidential shortlist to a handful of contenders as he prepares to announce his pick in the days before — or perhaps even at —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/republican-national-convention">next month’s Republican National Convention</a>.

He told reporters Saturday that he already has made his decision and that the person will be in attendance Thursday night in Atlanta at the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/debate-trump-biden-cnn-camp-david-florida-2f67b119f58136b310b625e42fad3d3a">first debate of the general election campaign</a>&nbsp;against Democratic President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>.

Trump's choice would likely become the immediate front-runner for the Republican presidential nomination four years from now if Trump were to win a second term, the constitutional limit. But that No. 2 will be under immense pressure from Trump and his allies to show loyalty at all times.

Trump turned on his first vice president, Mike Pence, after Pence&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mike-pence-electoral-vote-d27490021b4203087043df1939b82f8b">rebuffed his boss’ efforts to overturn the results</a>&nbsp;of the 2020 election,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-2020-election-lies-debunked-4fc26546b07962fdbf9d66e739fbb50d">based on false theories</a>&nbsp;promoted by the then-president after his loss to Biden.

Pence has declined to endorse Trump this time around.

Trump has said his top consideration for a vice president is whether someone is qualified to take over as commander in chief.

But other factors at play: Who can raise money? Who performs well on television? Who will be most effective on the debate stage against Vice President Kamala Harris? Who risks overshadowing Trump, as a lame-duck if he is elected in November, with talk soon of 2028? And who has “the look"?

Trump's campaign has repeatedly cautioned that anyone "claiming to know who or when President Trump will choose his VP is lying, unless the person is named Donald J. Trump.”

And given Trump's penchant for unpredictability and drama, the best-laid plans could change.

A look at the top contenders heading into the convention in Milwaukee that will begin July 15.

Trump likes rich people. North Dakota's two-term governor is most definitely rich.

Before his time as governor, Burgum led a software company that was acquired by Microsoft for more than $1 billion. He also has worked in real estate development and venture capital and spent millions on his own White House bid.

Burgum had initially run against Trump for the 2024 nomination, but the little-known governor from a sparsely-populated state gained little traction. When Burgum&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/doug-burgum-republican-presidential-campaign-north-dakota-88d7335748c5c936a328dae96fef780e">dropped his bid</a>, he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/doug-burgum-donald-trump-endorsement-iowa-99c20a435000816823140902cd9333f2">quickly endorsed the former president</a>. Since then, Burgum has become one of Trump’s most visible defenders, appearing frequently on television, joining him at fundraisers, and traveling to New York for Trump's criminal trial.

But more than that, Trump and Burgum have hit it off personally.

Burgum and his wife, Kathryn, are said to get along especially well with Trump and his team — the kind of rapport that has particular currency in Trump's orbit. It does not hurt that Trump thinks Burgum looks the part — a “central casting” pick.

Selecting Burgum would, in some ways, echo Pence: a staid, uncontroversial governor with lesser national name recognition. Burgum, 67, would be unlikely to compete with Trump for the spotlight or to immediately overshadow him with 2028 talk.

Burgum also brings money and rich friends to the table.

But does the Republican Party want two older white guys atop the ticket?

Swept to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-kentucky-poverty-jd-vance-ohio-52901ab3819b5da35dda7b7921f6841a">national prominence by his bestselling memoir</a>, “Hillbilly Elegy,” Vance has held office for less than two years. But during his short time in the Senate, the former venture capitalist from Ohio has established himself as one of the fiercest defenders of Trump's “Make America Great Again” agenda, especially when it comes to foreign policy, trade and immigration.

Despite his early criticism of Trump, Vance has become personally close with the former president and his son Donald Trump Jr., who has talked up the senator. Vance has become a fixture of the conservative media circuit, frequently spars with reporters on Capitol Hill and has appeared with Trump at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-court-allies-jd-vance-2666cc432e5291e8fa7dd7fba9c2ffad">recent fundraisers and at court</a>.

At 39, Vance, would inject some millennial energy into a race that features an 81-year-old (Biden) and a 78-year-old (Trump) at the top of the major parties' tickets. And a debate with Harris would certainly be heated.

But will Trump be able to get over Vance's record of past insults, which he mentions still?

In 2016, Vance was one of Trump's fiercest critics, casting the then-reality TV star as “a total fraud" and “moral disaster” and calling him “America’s Hitler."

Vance has said he was proved wrong by Trump’s performance in office and the senator now castigates the liberals who made his book a bestseller as they sought a window into understanding Trumpism.

If picking Vance would excite Trump's base, choosing the Florida senator might expand the ticket's appeal, particularly among deep-pocketed donors and more establishment-minded and moderate Republicans turned off by Trump's rhetoric and extremism.

Rubio, once seen as a GOP hotshot, is now a well-respected voice on foreign policy and national security issues in his party. The son of Cuban immigrants, he speaks Spanish and could help Trump win over the Hispanic voters that his campaign is eagerly courting.

Rubio is also seen as a skilled debater who could hold his own against Harris.

Running alongside Trump might once have seemed unlikely possibility, given that the two were bitter rivals in 2016 for the GOP nomination and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/events-united-states-presidential-election-bed7f2e0ab8e410d8e0a8d7a584677f0">viciously attacked one another</a>. Trump belittled Rubio as “Little Marco,” mocked him for drinking water during speeches and called him a “nervous basket case," who was “disgusting." Rubio said Trump was a “con man” who tried to “swindle” the Republican Party and Rubio tried to question Trump's manhood.

“You know what they say about men with small hands,” Rubio quipped at one point during that campaign.

But then there is Rubio’s Florida "problem,” as Trump has called it.

The Constitution says two candidates from the same state cannot run as president and vice president, meaning Rubio would need to change his residency — something he is reportedly willing to do.

But does he really want the job? Rubio has been noticeably less present, publicly, than some of the others vying to be Trump's No. 2 and did not appear with Trump at his criminal trial.

The only Black Republican in the Senate, the South Carolinian would bring&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tim-scott-republican-presidential-candidate-race-black-0861ed7c4343b007d82ecbb79a9a7e46">racial and stylistic diversity to the GOP ticket</a>&nbsp;as well as a preacher's touch. The self-described “born-again believer” often quotes Scripture in political speeches that often reach a crescendo of call-and-response.

Scott and Trump worked closely together while Trump was in the White House on a host of policy issues, including Trump's tax cuts, opportunity zones, and criminal justice reform legislation.

Though Scott ran against Trump for the nomination this year, the senator largely declined to criticize the former president. After failing to gain traction despite millions spent on his behalf by high-profile donors, Scott endorsed Trump over fellow South Carolinian Nikki Haley, Trump's U.N. ambassador, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tim-scott-trump-vice-president-south-carolina-30fef13f5690cd9b2a9f6db33c2a9eae">immediately began enthusiastically campaigning</a>&nbsp;across New Hampshire and South Carolina on Trump's behalf.

He continues to make frequent appearances on television and recently launched&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tim-scott-black-outreach-trump-minority-voters-3a4b94d3afd0049d5cc08ca09671843b">a $14 million campaign to win over minority voters in seven key swing states</a>.

Trump has often joked that Scott has made a far better surrogate than he did a candidate.

But that has also raised questions about how Scott might perform on a debate stage with Harris later this year.

The only woman on his shortlist, the New York congresswoman could help Trump win over skeptical college-educated and suburban women who sided with Biden in 2020.

Stefanik was once an aide to former House Speaker Paul Ryan and served in President George W. Bush's White House, working for two Republicans now shunned by Trump loyalists. But she transformed during Trump's four years in office into a fully-fledged Trump acolyte.

She&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/e6b64edf8a444cdf8b76c6c18c474af4">defended him vigorously</a>&nbsp;in both of his impeachment trials and railed against his criminal indictments. In 2022, Stefanik was the first member of Republican House leadership to endorse Trump's campaign, and did so before he had even announced.

She saw her profile rise after her&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/rep-elise-stefanik-presses-mit-harvard-and-penn-presidents-about-antisemitism-on-campuses-0000018c4a9ddd90a58ccbbfce2d0000">aggressive questioning in December of a trio of university presidents</a>&nbsp;over antisemitism on campus that led to two of their resignations. Trump has repeatedly praised that performance.

Stefanik has spent years ingratiating herself with Trump and positioning herself as one of his most trusted allies and confidantes on Capitol Hill. And at 39, she would bring new energy to the ticket.

But is the leap from House member to VP too big?

Relationships and trust matter to Trump. Carson, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/events-united-states-presidential-election-general-news-9f312a7447b84cc78a047fdfdff94bc4">served as secretary of housing and urban development</a>&nbsp;during Trump's administration, has developed a strong bond with the former president over the years, despite a contentious start as 2016 rivals.

A soft-spoken former renowned neurosurgeon, Carson, 72, could help Trump win over minority voters as the first Black person to be named to a Republican presidential ticket. Given Carson's age and demeanor, there is little chance of him overshadowing Trump or stealing the spotlight.

But Carson also has a history of controversial comments on abortion, guns and other issues that could cause headaches for the ticket.

The Florida congressman has become one of Trump's most prominent conservative Black supporters and a reliable surrogate on television and at events.

His selection could help bolster Trump's appeal with Black voters, especially the younger Black men that the campaign has been courting as it tries to eat into Biden's 2020 coalition.

At 45, Donalds is also the kind of fresh face who would serve a marked contrast to the men at the top of both parties' tickets.

But like Rubio, Donalds would likely need to move to join the ticket. And he, too, has a history of controversial statements, including at a recent “Congress, Cognac, and Cigars” event in Philadelphia, where he seemed to reflect favorably on the Jim Crow era as he talked about “the reinvigoration” of the Black family.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708812713486.png" alt="Former President Donald Trump and Senator Tim Scott during the South Carolina Primary in January- image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Former President Donald Trump and Senator Tim Scott during the South Carolina Primary in January- image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;has narrowed his vice presidential shortlist to a handful of contenders as he prepares to announce his pick in the days before — or perhaps even at —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/republican-national-convention">next month’s Republican National Convention</a>.He told reporters Saturday that he already has made his decision and that the person will be in attendance Thursday night in Atlanta at the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/debate-trump-biden-cnn-camp-david-florida-2f67b119f58136b310b625e42fad3d3a">first debate of the general election campaign</a>&nbsp;against Democratic President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>.Trump's choice would likely become the immediate front-runner for the Republican presidential nomination four years from now if Trump were to win a second term, the constitutional limit. But that No. 2 will be under immense pressure from Trump and his allies to show loyalty at all times.Trump turned on his first vice president, Mike Pence, after Pence&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mike-pence-electoral-vote-d27490021b4203087043df1939b82f8b">rebuffed his boss’ efforts to overturn the results</a>&nbsp;of the 2020 election,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-2020-election-lies-debunked-4fc26546b07962fdbf9d66e739fbb50d">based on false theories</a>&nbsp;promoted by the then-president after his loss to Biden.Pence has declined to endorse Trump this time around.Trump has said his top consideration for a vice president is whether someone is qualified to take over as commander in chief.But other factors at play: Who can raise money? Who performs well on television? Who will be most effective on the debate stage against Vice President Kamala Harris? Who risks overshadowing Trump, as a lame-duck if he is elected in November, with talk soon of 2028? And who has “the look"?Trump's campaign has repeatedly cautioned that anyone "claiming to know who or when President Trump will choose his VP is lying, unless the person is named Donald J. Trump.”And given Trump's penchant for unpredictability and drama, the best-laid plans could change.A look at the top contenders heading into the convention in Milwaukee that will begin July 15.<h2>Doug Burgum</h2>Trump likes rich people. North Dakota's two-term governor is most definitely rich.Before his time as governor, Burgum led a software company that was acquired by Microsoft for more than $1 billion. He also has worked in real estate development and venture capital and spent millions on his own White House bid.Burgum had initially run against Trump for the 2024 nomination, but the little-known governor from a sparsely-populated state gained little traction. When Burgum&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/doug-burgum-republican-presidential-campaign-north-dakota-88d7335748c5c936a328dae96fef780e">dropped his bid</a>, he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/doug-burgum-donald-trump-endorsement-iowa-99c20a435000816823140902cd9333f2">quickly endorsed the former president</a>. Since then, Burgum has become one of Trump’s most visible defenders, appearing frequently on television, joining him at fundraisers, and traveling to New York for Trump's criminal trial.But more than that, Trump and Burgum have hit it off personally.Burgum and his wife, Kathryn, are said to get along especially well with Trump and his team — the kind of rapport that has particular currency in Trump's orbit. It does not hurt that Trump thinks Burgum looks the part — a “central casting” pick.Selecting Burgum would, in some ways, echo Pence: a staid, uncontroversial governor with lesser national name recognition. Burgum, 67, would be unlikely to compete with Trump for the spotlight or to immediately overshadow him with 2028 talk.Burgum also brings money and rich friends to the table.But does the Republican Party want two older white guys atop the ticket?<h2>JD Vance</h2>Swept to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-kentucky-poverty-jd-vance-ohio-52901ab3819b5da35dda7b7921f6841a">national prominence by his bestselling memoir</a>, “Hillbilly Elegy,” Vance has held office for less than two years. But during his short time in the Senate, the former venture capitalist from Ohio has established himself as one of the fiercest defenders of Trump's “Make America Great Again” agenda, especially when it comes to foreign policy, trade and immigration.Despite his early criticism of Trump, Vance has become personally close with the former president and his son Donald Trump Jr., who has talked up the senator. Vance has become a fixture of the conservative media circuit, frequently spars with reporters on Capitol Hill and has appeared with Trump at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-court-allies-jd-vance-2666cc432e5291e8fa7dd7fba9c2ffad">recent fundraisers and at court</a>.At 39, Vance, would inject some millennial energy into a race that features an 81-year-old (Biden) and a 78-year-old (Trump) at the top of the major parties' tickets. And a debate with Harris would certainly be heated.But will Trump be able to get over Vance's record of past insults, which he mentions still?In 2016, Vance was one of Trump's fiercest critics, casting the then-reality TV star as “a total fraud" and “moral disaster” and calling him “America’s Hitler."Vance has said he was proved wrong by Trump’s performance in office and the senator now castigates the liberals who made his book a bestseller as they sought a window into understanding Trumpism.<h2>Marco Rubio</h2>If picking Vance would excite Trump's base, choosing the Florida senator might expand the ticket's appeal, particularly among deep-pocketed donors and more establishment-minded and moderate Republicans turned off by Trump's rhetoric and extremism.Rubio, once seen as a GOP hotshot, is now a well-respected voice on foreign policy and national security issues in his party. The son of Cuban immigrants, he speaks Spanish and could help Trump win over the Hispanic voters that his campaign is eagerly courting.Rubio is also seen as a skilled debater who could hold his own against Harris.Running alongside Trump might once have seemed unlikely possibility, given that the two were bitter rivals in 2016 for the GOP nomination and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/events-united-states-presidential-election-bed7f2e0ab8e410d8e0a8d7a584677f0">viciously attacked one another</a>. Trump belittled Rubio as “Little Marco,” mocked him for drinking water during speeches and called him a “nervous basket case," who was “disgusting." Rubio said Trump was a “con man” who tried to “swindle” the Republican Party and Rubio tried to question Trump's manhood.“You know what they say about men with small hands,” Rubio quipped at one point during that campaign.But then there is Rubio’s Florida "problem,” as Trump has called it.The Constitution says two candidates from the same state cannot run as president and vice president, meaning Rubio would need to change his residency — something he is reportedly willing to do.But does he really want the job? Rubio has been noticeably less present, publicly, than some of the others vying to be Trump's No. 2 and did not appear with Trump at his criminal trial.<h2>Tim Scott</h2>The only Black Republican in the Senate, the South Carolinian would bring&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tim-scott-republican-presidential-candidate-race-black-0861ed7c4343b007d82ecbb79a9a7e46">racial and stylistic diversity to the GOP ticket</a>&nbsp;as well as a preacher's touch. The self-described “born-again believer” often quotes Scripture in political speeches that often reach a crescendo of call-and-response.Scott and Trump worked closely together while Trump was in the White House on a host of policy issues, including Trump's tax cuts, opportunity zones, and criminal justice reform legislation.Though Scott ran against Trump for the nomination this year, the senator largely declined to criticize the former president. After failing to gain traction despite millions spent on his behalf by high-profile donors, Scott endorsed Trump over fellow South Carolinian Nikki Haley, Trump's U.N. ambassador, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tim-scott-trump-vice-president-south-carolina-30fef13f5690cd9b2a9f6db33c2a9eae">immediately began enthusiastically campaigning</a>&nbsp;across New Hampshire and South Carolina on Trump's behalf.He continues to make frequent appearances on television and recently launched&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tim-scott-black-outreach-trump-minority-voters-3a4b94d3afd0049d5cc08ca09671843b">a $14 million campaign to win over minority voters in seven key swing states</a>.Trump has often joked that Scott has made a far better surrogate than he did a candidate.But that has also raised questions about how Scott might perform on a debate stage with Harris later this year.<h2>Elise Stefanik</h2>The only woman on his shortlist, the New York congresswoman could help Trump win over skeptical college-educated and suburban women who sided with Biden in 2020.Stefanik was once an aide to former House Speaker Paul Ryan and served in President George W. Bush's White House, working for two Republicans now shunned by Trump loyalists. But she transformed during Trump's four years in office into a fully-fledged Trump acolyte.She&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/e6b64edf8a444cdf8b76c6c18c474af4">defended him vigorously</a>&nbsp;in both of his impeachment trials and railed against his criminal indictments. In 2022, Stefanik was the first member of Republican House leadership to endorse Trump's campaign, and did so before he had even announced.She saw her profile rise after her&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/rep-elise-stefanik-presses-mit-harvard-and-penn-presidents-about-antisemitism-on-campuses-0000018c4a9ddd90a58ccbbfce2d0000">aggressive questioning in December of a trio of university presidents</a>&nbsp;over antisemitism on campus that led to two of their resignations. Trump has repeatedly praised that performance.Stefanik has spent years ingratiating herself with Trump and positioning herself as one of his most trusted allies and confidantes on Capitol Hill. And at 39, she would bring new energy to the ticket.But is the leap from House member to VP too big?<h2>Ben Carson</h2>Relationships and trust matter to Trump. Carson, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/events-united-states-presidential-election-general-news-9f312a7447b84cc78a047fdfdff94bc4">served as secretary of housing and urban development</a>&nbsp;during Trump's administration, has developed a strong bond with the former president over the years, despite a contentious start as 2016 rivals.A soft-spoken former renowned neurosurgeon, Carson, 72, could help Trump win over minority voters as the first Black person to be named to a Republican presidential ticket. Given Carson's age and demeanor, there is little chance of him overshadowing Trump or stealing the spotlight.But Carson also has a history of controversial comments on abortion, guns and other issues that could cause headaches for the ticket.<h2>Byron Donalds</h2>The Florida congressman has become one of Trump's most prominent conservative Black supporters and a reliable surrogate on television and at events.His selection could help bolster Trump's appeal with Black voters, especially the younger Black men that the campaign has been courting as it tries to eat into Biden's 2020 coalition.At 45, Donalds is also the kind of fresh face who would serve a marked contrast to the men at the top of both parties' tickets.But like Rubio, Donalds would likely need to move to join the ticket. And he, too, has a history of controversial statements, including at a recent “Congress, Cognac, and Cigars” event in Philadelphia, where he seemed to reflect favorably on the Jim Crow era as he talked about “the reinvigoration” of the Black family.

A look at Trump's VP shortlist and why each contender may get picked or fall short

LYON COUNTY — Cattle had to be euthanized after a trailer accident just before 10a.m. Monday in northern Lyon County.

A 1998 Peterbilt semi driven by Thomas Romano of New York was hauling 123 cows on U.S. 56 in Lyon County, according to Sheriff's Deputy Fernando Zuniga.

Romano&nbsp; attempted to make a right turn onto Road K. The rear passenger side axle dropped into the ditch, preventing the semi from moving. A local farmer attempted to pull vehicle using a tractor but was unsuccessful and the trailer flipped over on its right side.

Approximately 19 cows had to be euthanized on scene, according to Zuniga. There were no other injuries.

LYON COUNTY — Cattle had to be euthanized after a trailer accident just before 10a.m. Monday in northern Lyon County.A 1998 Peterbilt semi driven by Thomas Romano of New York was hauling 123 cows on U.S. 56 in Lyon County, according to Sheriff's Deputy Fernando Zuniga.Romano&nbsp; attempted to make a right turn onto Road K. The rear passenger side axle dropped into the ditch, preventing the semi from moving. A local farmer attempted to pull vehicle using a tractor but was unsuccessful and the trailer flipped over on its right side.Approximately 19 cows had to be euthanized on scene, according to Zuniga. There were no other injuries.

Cattle euthanized after trailer accident in Kansas

DETROIT (AP) — Ford is recalling more than 550,000 pickup trucks in the U.S. because the transmissions can unexpectedly downshift to first gear no matter how fast the trucks are going.

The recall&nbsp;<a href="https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2024/RCAK-24V444-7911.pdf">covers certain F-150 pickups</a>&nbsp;from the 2014 model year. Ford's F-Series pickups are the top-selling vehicles in the U.S.

Ford says in&nbsp;<a href="https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2024/RCLRPT-24V444-2781.PDF">documents posted Tuesday</a>&nbsp;by U.S. safety regulators that the downshifting can cause drivers to lose control of the trucks, increasing the risk of a crash.

The recalls come after U.S. auto safety regulators in March&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ford-f150-transmission-downshift-investigation-558a5ad5cefb8533fc9beb6acdcf756e">began investigating complaints</a>&nbsp;that more than 540,000 Ford pickup trucks from 2014 can abruptly downshift to a lower gear and increase the risk of a crash.

Documents say the problem is caused by a lost signal between a transmission speed sensor and the powertrain control computer. There also could be corrosion and problems with connector pins.

Dealers will update the powertrain control software at no cost to owners, who will be notified by letters in early July.

In a statement Tuesday, Ford said it expects repairs to be available in the third quarter of this year. Owners will be able to use mobile service or pickup and delivery at participating dealers.

Ford says in documents posted Tuesday by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that it has 396 warranty and field reports and 124 customer complaints about the problem, covering 482 trucks.

The Dearborn, Michigan, automaker says it knows of 130 complaints to the government, with 52 alleging that rear wheels locked up or that drivers lost control of the trucks. Two of the complainants reported injuries and one reported a crash that could have been caused by the problem, Ford said.

Ford's statement said that before the trucks downshift, drivers could see a malfunction indicator light on the dashboard. In some cases, signals can be restored while the trucks are moving, and they can be driven normally. In other cases drivers may need to stop and restart the engine to get the transmissions to work properly.

The company says it expects fewer than 1% of the recalled vehicles to have the problem.

NHTSA said it started its investigation in March after getting complaints about sudden downshifts in the trucks’ automatic transmissions.

The agency is looking into whether those trucks should have been included in previous recalls for the problem.

Ford started recalling trucks and other vehicles from the 2011 and 2012 model years in 2016, and added two recalls in 2019 covering pickups from the 2011 to 2013 model years. The recalls covered about 1.5 million vehicles.

DETROIT (AP) — Ford is recalling more than 550,000 pickup trucks in the U.S. because the transmissions can unexpectedly downshift to first gear no matter how fast the trucks are going.The recall&nbsp;<a href="https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2024/RCAK-24V444-7911.pdf">covers certain F-150 pickups</a>&nbsp;from the 2014 model year. Ford's F-Series pickups are the top-selling vehicles in the U.S.Ford says in&nbsp;<a href="https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2024/RCLRPT-24V444-2781.PDF">documents posted Tuesday</a>&nbsp;by U.S. safety regulators that the downshifting can cause drivers to lose control of the trucks, increasing the risk of a crash.The recalls come after U.S. auto safety regulators in March&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ford-f150-transmission-downshift-investigation-558a5ad5cefb8533fc9beb6acdcf756e">began investigating complaints</a>&nbsp;that more than 540,000 Ford pickup trucks from 2014 can abruptly downshift to a lower gear and increase the risk of a crash.Documents say the problem is caused by a lost signal between a transmission speed sensor and the powertrain control computer. There also could be corrosion and problems with connector pins.Dealers will update the powertrain control software at no cost to owners, who will be notified by letters in early July.In a statement Tuesday, Ford said it expects repairs to be available in the third quarter of this year. Owners will be able to use mobile service or pickup and delivery at participating dealers.Ford says in documents posted Tuesday by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that it has 396 warranty and field reports and 124 customer complaints about the problem, covering 482 trucks.The Dearborn, Michigan, automaker says it knows of 130 complaints to the government, with 52 alleging that rear wheels locked up or that drivers lost control of the trucks. Two of the complainants reported injuries and one reported a crash that could have been caused by the problem, Ford said.Ford's statement said that before the trucks downshift, drivers could see a malfunction indicator light on the dashboard. In some cases, signals can be restored while the trucks are moving, and they can be driven normally. In other cases drivers may need to stop and restart the engine to get the transmissions to work properly.The company says it expects fewer than 1% of the recalled vehicles to have the problem.NHTSA said it started its investigation in March after getting complaints about sudden downshifts in the trucks’ automatic transmissions.The agency is looking into whether those trucks should have been included in previous recalls for the problem.Ford started recalling trucks and other vehicles from the 2011 and 2012 model years in 2016, and added two recalls in 2019 covering pickups from the 2011 to 2013 model years. The recalls covered about 1.5 million vehicles.

Ford recalls F-150 pickups to fix transmission problem

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Federal judges in Kansas and Missouri on Monday together blocked much of a Biden administration student loan&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-politics-united-states-government-miguel-cardona-business-73dcbf54ddb3b53c9c3c5468cfdec3b9">repayment plan</a>&nbsp;that provides a faster path to cancellation and lower monthly payments for millions of borrowers.

The judges’ rulings prevent the U.S. Department of Education from helping many of the intended borrowers ease their loan repayment burdens going forward under a rule set to go into effect July 1. The decisions do not cancel assistance already provided to borrowers.

In Kansas, U.S. District Judge Daniel Crabtree ruled in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-loan-cancellation-debt-lawsuit-republicans-biden-b60d13539b2f2aef2869d56e63f33a3b">a lawsuit filed by the state’s attorney general,</a>&nbsp;Kris Kobach, on behalf of his state and 10 others. In his ruling, Crabtree allowed parts of the program that allow students who borrowed $12,000 or less to have the rest of their loans forgiven if they make 10 years’ worth of payments, instead of the standard 25.

But Crabtree said that the Department of Education won’t be allowed to implement parts of the program meant to help students who had larger loans and could have their monthly payments lowered and their required payment period reduced from 25 years to 20 years.

In Missouri, U.S. District Judge John Ross’ order applies to different parts of the program than Crabtree’s. His order says that the U.S. Department of Education cannot forgive loan balances going forward. He said the department still could lower monthly payments.

Ross issued a ruling in a lawsuit filed by Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey on behalf of his state and six others.

Together, the two rulings, each by a judge appointed by former President Barack Obama, a Democrat, appeared to greatly limit the scope of the Biden administration’s efforts to help borrowers after the U.S. Supreme Court last year rejected the Democratic president’s first attempt at a forgiveness plan. Both judges said Education Secretary Miguel Cardona exceeded the authority granted by Congress in laws dealing with students loans.

Bailey and Kobach each hailed the decision from their state's judge as a major legal victory against the Biden administration and argue, as many Republicans do, that forgiving some students' loans shifts the cost of repaying them to taxpayers.

“Only Congress has the power of the purse, not the President,” Bailey said in a statement. "Today’s ruling was a huge win for the rule of law, and for every American who Joe Biden was about to force to pay off someone else’s debt.”

The White House said it strongly disagrees with the judges’ rulings and would continue to defend the program, and use every available tool to give relief to students and borrowers.

In a statement, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the Biden administration “will never stop fighting for students and borrowers — no matter how many roadblocks Republican elected officials and special interests put in our way.”

In a statement posted on the social media platform X, leaders of the Student Borrower Protection Center, which advocates for eliminating student debt, called the decisions “partisan lawfare” and “a recipe for chaos across the student loan system.”

“Millions of borrowers are now in limbo as they struggle to make sense of their rights under the law and the information being provided by the government and their student loan companies,” said the group’s executive director, Mike Pierce.

In both lawsuits, the suing states sought to invalidate the entire program, which the Biden administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-loans-debt-college-cancellation-forgiveness-34152bb5000128a413efd2287887a37a">first made available</a>&nbsp;to borrowers in July 2023, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-student-loan-forgiveness-2024-california-cc23ba93a733b583f3ee8963cdd02566">at least 150,000</a>&nbsp;have had their loans canceled. But the judges noted that the lawsuits weren't filed until late March in Kansas and early April in Missouri.

“So the court doesn’t see how plaintiffs can complain of irreparable harm from them,” Crabtree wrote in his opinion.

Both orders are preliminary, meaning the injunctions imposed by the judges would remain in effect through a trial of the separate lawsuits. However, to issue a temporary order each judge had to conclude that the states were likely to prevail in a trial.

Kobach framed the Biden plan as “unconstitutional” and an affront to “blue collar Kansas workers who didn’t go to college."

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Federal judges in Kansas and Missouri on Monday together blocked much of a Biden administration student loan&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-politics-united-states-government-miguel-cardona-business-73dcbf54ddb3b53c9c3c5468cfdec3b9">repayment plan</a>&nbsp;that provides a faster path to cancellation and lower monthly payments for millions of borrowers.The judges’ rulings prevent the U.S. Department of Education from helping many of the intended borrowers ease their loan repayment burdens going forward under a rule set to go into effect July 1. The decisions do not cancel assistance already provided to borrowers.In Kansas, U.S. District Judge Daniel Crabtree ruled in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-loan-cancellation-debt-lawsuit-republicans-biden-b60d13539b2f2aef2869d56e63f33a3b">a lawsuit filed by the state’s attorney general,</a>&nbsp;Kris Kobach, on behalf of his state and 10 others. In his ruling, Crabtree allowed parts of the program that allow students who borrowed $12,000 or less to have the rest of their loans forgiven if they make 10 years’ worth of payments, instead of the standard 25.But Crabtree said that the Department of Education won’t be allowed to implement parts of the program meant to help students who had larger loans and could have their monthly payments lowered and their required payment period reduced from 25 years to 20 years.In Missouri, U.S. District Judge John Ross’ order applies to different parts of the program than Crabtree’s. His order says that the U.S. Department of Education cannot forgive loan balances going forward. He said the department still could lower monthly payments.Ross issued a ruling in a lawsuit filed by Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey on behalf of his state and six others.Together, the two rulings, each by a judge appointed by former President Barack Obama, a Democrat, appeared to greatly limit the scope of the Biden administration’s efforts to help borrowers after the U.S. Supreme Court last year rejected the Democratic president’s first attempt at a forgiveness plan. Both judges said Education Secretary Miguel Cardona exceeded the authority granted by Congress in laws dealing with students loans.Bailey and Kobach each hailed the decision from their state's judge as a major legal victory against the Biden administration and argue, as many Republicans do, that forgiving some students' loans shifts the cost of repaying them to taxpayers.“Only Congress has the power of the purse, not the President,” Bailey said in a statement. "Today’s ruling was a huge win for the rule of law, and for every American who Joe Biden was about to force to pay off someone else’s debt.”The White House said it strongly disagrees with the judges’ rulings and would continue to defend the program, and use every available tool to give relief to students and borrowers.In a statement, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the Biden administration “will never stop fighting for students and borrowers — no matter how many roadblocks Republican elected officials and special interests put in our way.”In a statement posted on the social media platform X, leaders of the Student Borrower Protection Center, which advocates for eliminating student debt, called the decisions “partisan lawfare” and “a recipe for chaos across the student loan system.”“Millions of borrowers are now in limbo as they struggle to make sense of their rights under the law and the information being provided by the government and their student loan companies,” said the group’s executive director, Mike Pierce.In both lawsuits, the suing states sought to invalidate the entire program, which the Biden administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-loans-debt-college-cancellation-forgiveness-34152bb5000128a413efd2287887a37a">first made available</a>&nbsp;to borrowers in July 2023, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-student-loan-forgiveness-2024-california-cc23ba93a733b583f3ee8963cdd02566">at least 150,000</a>&nbsp;have had their loans canceled. But the judges noted that the lawsuits weren't filed until late March in Kansas and early April in Missouri.“So the court doesn’t see how plaintiffs can complain of irreparable harm from them,” Crabtree wrote in his opinion.Both orders are preliminary, meaning the injunctions imposed by the judges would remain in effect through a trial of the separate lawsuits. However, to issue a temporary order each judge had to conclude that the states were likely to prevail in a trial.Kobach framed the Biden plan as “unconstitutional” and an affront to “blue collar Kansas workers who didn’t go to college."There was some irony in Crabtree's decision: Kansas is no longer a party to the lawsuit Kobach filed. Earlier this month, Crabtree ruled that Kansas and seven other states in the lawsuit — Alabama, Idaho, Iowa, Lousiana, Montana, Nebraska and Utah — couldn't show that they'd been harmed by the new program and dismissed them as plaintiffs.That left Alaska, South Carolina and Texas, and Crabtree said they could sue because each has a state agency that services student loans.But Crabtree said that lowering monthly payments and shortening the period of required payments to earn loan forgiveness “overreach any generosity Congress has authorized before.”In the Missouri ruling, Ross said repayment schedules and “are well within the wheelhouse” of the department but the “plain text” of U.S. law doesn’t give it authority to forgive loans before 25 years of payments.