News brief

Republicans sue Biden over gun rule. More than two dozen Republican state attorneys general sued the Biden administration on May 1 to stop a new rule that would require gun dealers to obtain licenses and conduct background checks when selling firearms at gun shows and online. The lawsuits challenge a rule finalized last month that U.S. Justice Department officials said is aimed at closing the “gun show loophole.” Under the rule, those selling weapons at gun shows, other venues, and over the internet are subject to the same requirements as gun stores to check the backgrounds of potential buyers.

Safety is essential to civilization. A shootout that left four officers dead in North Carolina is a blow to the police community itself, at a time of strain between some officers and politicians over gun laws.