LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen issued a statement following a personal phone call with the Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, in which the Secretary indicated that railway crossings and rail operations will resume at the southern border, effective immediately.

“I am grateful Sec. Mayorkas took the time to hear Nebraska’s concerns and issued a quick response, before we suffered the consequences of suspending rail operations,” said Gov. Pillen. “As a country, we must work together to solve the crisis at the southern border, however, we cannot solve it by suspending essential transportation operations. This action would have implications to trade agreements and cause negative impacts to our economy. I look forward to continuing to work with federal partners to ensure decisions made do not adversely affect Nebraska.”

Earlier this week, Gov. Pillen requested a call with Sec. Mayorkas to express concerns with the rail closure. The Governor stressed how this action would adversely impact Nebraska-based rail operations and the trade of agriculture products with Mexico. He is grateful for Sec. Mayorkas’s willingness to promptly meet and his quick response to the request to reopen U.S. – Mexico rail crossings.

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen issued a statement following a personal phone call with the Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, in which the Secretary indicated that railway crossings and rail operations will resume at the southern border, effective immediately.“I am grateful Sec. Mayorkas took the time to hear Nebraska’s concerns and issued a quick response, before we suffered the consequences of suspending rail operations,” said Gov. Pillen. “As a country, we must work together to solve the crisis at the southern border, however, we cannot solve it by suspending essential transportation operations. This action would have implications to trade agreements and cause negative impacts to our economy. I look forward to continuing to work with federal partners to ensure decisions made do not adversely affect Nebraska.”Earlier this week, Gov. Pillen requested a call with Sec. Mayorkas to express concerns with the rail closure. The Governor stressed how this action would adversely impact Nebraska-based rail operations and the trade of agriculture products with Mexico. He is grateful for Sec. Mayorkas’s willingness to promptly meet and his quick response to the request to reopen U.S. – Mexico rail crossings.

Gov. Pillen Commends Sec. Mayorkas for Swiftly Answering the Request to Resume Rail Operations at the Southern Border

By Jim Garamone&nbsp;, Department of Defense

Houthi attacks on vessels transiting the Red Sea are attacks on the international community and the international community is coming together to defend against the missiles and drones aimed at their vessels, said Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder at a Pentagon news conference.&nbsp;

The press secretary detailed how Operation Prosperity Guardian will work and called on the Houthis, an Iranian proxy group, to cease targeting international commerce.&nbsp;

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III&nbsp;<a href="https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3622360/austin-lauds-key-partnerships-in-middle-east/">announced the operation</a>&nbsp;during a trip to the Middle East that ended last night. The secretary met with leaders in Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and Israel during the trip. "The secretary emphasized the strong and enduring partnership between the United States and his key partner nations towards furthering our shared goals of security and stability throughout the Middle East region," Ryder said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Austin discussed the importance of freedom of navigation in international waterways and the threat the Houthi attacks against commercial shipping in the Red Sea pose to world commerce. Between 10 and 15 percent of global shipping flows through the Red Sea, "and these attacks are impacting global trade and commerce, negatively impacting the economies of nations around the world and costing commercial shipping firms billions of dollars," Ryder said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In Bahrain, Austin announced Operation Prosperity Guardian. The operation is a new multinational security operation under the umbrella the Combined Maritime Forces and the leadership of Task Force 153, which focuses on security in the Red Sea.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Austin further convened a virtual ministerial from Bahrain with ministers, chiefs of defense and senior representatives from more than 40 countries as well as representatives from the European Union and NATO to discuss the increased threat to maritime security in the Red Sea.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Austin used the forum to highlight the effects of the Houthi attacks and called on the representatives to act collectively. The nations must come together "to address this issue collectively, emphasizing that this is an international problem that requires an international response," Ryder said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

There have been solid results: To date more than 20 nations have signed on to participate, Ryder said. "In the days ahead, the United States will continue to consult closely with our allies and partners who share the fundamental principle of freedom of navigation, and we expect to see the coalition continue to grow," he said.&nbsp;

The operation is a global answer to an international issue and the United States will continue to "work with this coalition of the willing where countries will be able to contribute what they feel that they can," Ryder said. Some of these contributions are military assets like ships and aircraft and other contributions include staff and other types of support.&nbsp;

"It's very important to understand that the Houthis aren't attacking just one country, they're really attacking the international community," Ryder said. "They are attacking the economic well-being and prosperity of nations around the world. So in effect, they really become bandits along the international highway that is the Red Sea."&nbsp;

To further this analogy, the forces assigned to Operation Prosperity Guardian, will serve the highway patrol in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden "to respond to and assist as necessary commercial vessels that are transiting this vital international waterway," the general said. "It's a defensive coalition meant to reassure global shipping and mariners that the international community is there to help with safe passage."&nbsp;

The area is large, roughly the distance between Boston and Washington, D.C., and the operation will work to assure safe passage all along the way.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Last thing I'd say on this is that the Houthis need to stop these attacks, and they need to stop them now," Ryder said. "That's clear and simple. They really need to ask themselves if they've bitten off more than they can chew, when it comes to taking on the entire international community and negatively impacting billions and billions, billions of dollars in global trade, economic prosperity and international law."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703248865569.png" alt="-The guided-missile destroyer USS Mason sails alongside the Japanese destroyer Akebono in the Gulf of Aden, Nov. 25, 2023. Sailors from both ships trained on visit, board, search and seizure procedures, helicopter operations, and division tactic exercises, increasing interoperability between the two allies. The USS Mason is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to support maritime security and stability in the Middle East.&nbsp;Photo By:Petty Officer 3rd Class Samantha Alaman" />
 <figcaption>-The guided-missile destroyer USS Mason sails alongside the Japanese destroyer Akebono in the Gulf of Aden, Nov. 25, 2023. Sailors from both ships trained on visit, board, search and seizure procedures, helicopter operations, and division tactic exercises, increasing interoperability between the two allies. The USS Mason is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to support maritime security and stability in the Middle East.&nbsp;Photo By:Petty Officer 3rd Class Samantha Alaman</figcaption>
 </figure>By Jim Garamone&nbsp;, Department of DefenseHouthi attacks on vessels transiting the Red Sea are attacks on the international community and the international community is coming together to defend against the missiles and drones aimed at their vessels, said Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder at a Pentagon news conference.&nbsp;The press secretary detailed how Operation Prosperity Guardian will work and called on the Houthis, an Iranian proxy group, to cease targeting international commerce.&nbsp;Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III&nbsp;<a href="https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3622360/austin-lauds-key-partnerships-in-middle-east/">announced the operation</a>&nbsp;during a trip to the Middle East that ended last night. The secretary met with leaders in Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and Israel during the trip. "The secretary emphasized the strong and enduring partnership between the United States and his key partner nations towards furthering our shared goals of security and stability throughout the Middle East region," Ryder said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Austin discussed the importance of freedom of navigation in international waterways and the threat the Houthi attacks against commercial shipping in the Red Sea pose to world commerce. Between 10 and 15 percent of global shipping flows through the Red Sea, "and these attacks are impacting global trade and commerce, negatively impacting the economies of nations around the world and costing commercial shipping firms billions of dollars," Ryder said.&nbsp;&nbsp;In Bahrain, Austin announced Operation Prosperity Guardian. The operation is a new multinational security operation under the umbrella the Combined Maritime Forces and the leadership of Task Force 153, which focuses on security in the Red Sea.&nbsp;&nbsp;Austin further convened a virtual ministerial from Bahrain with ministers, chiefs of defense and senior representatives from more than 40 countries as well as representatives from the European Union and NATO to discuss the increased threat to maritime security in the Red Sea.&nbsp;&nbsp;Austin used the forum to highlight the effects of the Houthi attacks and called on the representatives to act collectively. The nations must come together "to address this issue collectively, emphasizing that this is an international problem that requires an international response," Ryder said.&nbsp;&nbsp;There have been solid results: To date more than 20 nations have signed on to participate, Ryder said. "In the days ahead, the United States will continue to consult closely with our allies and partners who share the fundamental principle of freedom of navigation, and we expect to see the coalition continue to grow," he said.&nbsp;The operation is a global answer to an international issue and the United States will continue to "work with this coalition of the willing where countries will be able to contribute what they feel that they can," Ryder said. Some of these contributions are military assets like ships and aircraft and other contributions include staff and other types of support.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I spoke with 🇫🇷 Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/SebLecornu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SebLecornu</a> yesterday to discuss the ongoing threat posed by Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. France and the U.S. are working in concert to address these reckless and illegal attacks and ensure the safety of mariners and global shipping.…&mdash; Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (@SecDef) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecDef/status/1737915918770950445?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>"It's very important to understand that the Houthis aren't attacking just one country, they're really attacking the international community," Ryder said. "They are attacking the economic well-being and prosperity of nations around the world. So in effect, they really become bandits along the international highway that is the Red Sea."&nbsp;To further this analogy, the forces assigned to Operation Prosperity Guardian, will serve the highway patrol in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden "to respond to and assist as necessary commercial vessels that are transiting this vital international waterway," the general said. "It's a defensive coalition meant to reassure global shipping and mariners that the international community is there to help with safe passage."&nbsp;The area is large, roughly the distance between Boston and Washington, D.C., and the operation will work to assure safe passage all along the way.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Last thing I'd say on this is that the Houthis need to stop these attacks, and they need to stop them now," Ryder said. "That's clear and simple. They really need to ask themselves if they've bitten off more than they can chew, when it comes to taking on the entire international community and negatively impacting billions and billions, billions of dollars in global trade, economic prosperity and international law."

Details revealed on US effort to stop attacks in the Red Sea

WASHINGTON (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;said Friday that it will not immediately take up a plea by special counsel Jack Smith to rule on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-trump-prosecution-immunity-f3e7206bdf169c9faa15a19084541824">whether former President Donald Trump can be prosecuted</a>&nbsp;for his actions to overturn the 2020 election results.

The issue will now be decided by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, which has signaled it will act quickly to decide the case. Special counsel Jack Smith had cautioned that even a rapid appellate decision might not get to the Supreme Court in time for review and final word before the court’s traditional summer break.

Smith had pressed the Supreme Court to intervene over concerns that the legal fight over the issue could delay the start of Trump’s trial, now scheduled for March 4, beyond next year’s presidential election.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-indictment-judge-tanya-chutkan-capitol-riot-9ba5c18d315697d759521425ea203012">U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan</a>&nbsp;has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-justice-department-january-6-appeal-20726ba42ac87cd2f3a3ffc6a2145490">put the case on hold</a>&nbsp;while Trump pursues his claim in higher courts that he is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elections-lawsuits-donald-trump-election-2020-congress-5cd9c285faf1b08567d565440fcfff5b">immune from prosecution</a>. Chutkan raised the possibility of keeping the March date if the case promptly returns to her court.

She already has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-capitol-riot-immunity-donald-trump-a98872759762c95fa925ff831df27388">rejected the Trump team’s arguments</a>&nbsp;that an ex-president could not be prosecuted over acts that fall within the official duties of the job.

“Former presidents enjoy no special conditions on their federal criminal liability,” Chutkan wrote in her Dec. 1 ruling. “Defendant may be subject to federal investigation, indictment, prosecution, conviction, and punishment for any criminal acts undertaken while in office.”

The Supreme Court separately has agreed to hear a case over the charge of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-capitol-riot-obstruction-charge-trump-5cf0db4a71766f0b40ec199dd0d5a1ab">obstruction of an official proceeding</a>&nbsp;that has been brought against Trump as well as more than 300 of his supporters who stormed the Capitol on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">Jan. 6, 2021</a>.

In the immunity case, Smith had tried to persuade the justices to take up the matter directly, bypassing the appeals court.

“This case presents a fundamental question at the heart of our democracy: whether a former president is absolutely immune from federal prosecution for crimes committed while in office or is constitutionally protected from federal prosecution when he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-impeachment-vote-capitol-siege-0a6f2a348a6e43f27d5e1dc486027860">has been impeached</a>&nbsp;but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-capitol-siege-riots-trials-impeachments-b245b52fd7d4a079ae199c954baba452">not convicted</a>&nbsp;before the criminal proceedings begin,” prosecutors wrote.

Underscoring the urgency for prosecutors in securing a quick resolution that can push the case forward, Smith and his team wrote: “It is of imperative public importance that respondent’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-capitol-riot-immunity-9528a29b2dbebb6ee4a4ebd26780f98c">claims of immunity</a>&nbsp;be resolved by this Court and that respondent’s trial proceed as promptly as possible if his claim of immunity is rejected.”

Justice Department policy prohibits the indictment of a sitting president. Though there’s no such bar against prosecution for a former commander in chief, lawyers for Trump say that he cannot be charged for actions that fell within his official duties as president — a claim that prosecutors have vigorously rejected.

Trump faces charges accusing him of working&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jan-6-hearings-trump-capitol-10351fe6d555eaee7554379ceed8bb24">to overturn the results</a>&nbsp;of the 2020 election he lost to Democrat Joe Biden before the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">violent riot</a>&nbsp;by his supporters at the U.S. Capitol. He has denied any wrongdoing.

The high court still could act quickly once the appeals court issues its decision. A Supreme Court case usually lasts several months, but on rare occasions, the justices shift into high gear.

Nearly 50 years ago, the justices acted within two months of being asked to force President Richard Nixon to turn over Oval Office recordings in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/john-dean-richard-nixon-government-and-politics-crime-c7a7b99cca7c685cfc239f5e08b53378">the Watergate scandal</a>. The tapes were then used later in 1974 in the corruption prosecutions of Nixon’s former aides.

It took the high court just a few days to effectively decide the 2000 presidential election for Republican George W. Bush over Democrat Al Gore

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692923629903.png" alt="Trump faces charges accusing him of working&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jan-6-hearings-trump-capitol-10351fe6d555eaee7554379ceed8bb24">to overturn the results</a>&nbsp;of the 2020 election he lost to Democrat Joe Biden before the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">violent riot</a>&nbsp;by his supporters at the U.S. Capitol. He has denied any wrongdoing.-file photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Trump faces charges accusing him of working&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jan-6-hearings-trump-capitol-10351fe6d555eaee7554379ceed8bb24">to overturn the results</a>&nbsp;of the 2020 election he lost to Democrat Joe Biden before the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">violent riot</a>&nbsp;by his supporters at the U.S. Capitol. He has denied any wrongdoing.-file photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;said Friday that it will not immediately take up a plea by special counsel Jack Smith to rule on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-trump-prosecution-immunity-f3e7206bdf169c9faa15a19084541824">whether former President Donald Trump can be prosecuted</a>&nbsp;for his actions to overturn the 2020 election results.The issue will now be decided by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, which has signaled it will act quickly to decide the case. Special counsel Jack Smith had cautioned that even a rapid appellate decision might not get to the Supreme Court in time for review and final word before the court’s traditional summer break.Smith had pressed the Supreme Court to intervene over concerns that the legal fight over the issue could delay the start of Trump’s trial, now scheduled for March 4, beyond next year’s presidential election.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-indictment-judge-tanya-chutkan-capitol-riot-9ba5c18d315697d759521425ea203012">U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan</a>&nbsp;has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-justice-department-january-6-appeal-20726ba42ac87cd2f3a3ffc6a2145490">put the case on hold</a>&nbsp;while Trump pursues his claim in higher courts that he is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elections-lawsuits-donald-trump-election-2020-congress-5cd9c285faf1b08567d565440fcfff5b">immune from prosecution</a>. Chutkan raised the possibility of keeping the March date if the case promptly returns to her court.She already has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-capitol-riot-immunity-donald-trump-a98872759762c95fa925ff831df27388">rejected the Trump team’s arguments</a>&nbsp;that an ex-president could not be prosecuted over acts that fall within the official duties of the job.“Former presidents enjoy no special conditions on their federal criminal liability,” Chutkan wrote in her Dec. 1 ruling. “Defendant may be subject to federal investigation, indictment, prosecution, conviction, and punishment for any criminal acts undertaken while in office.”The Supreme Court separately has agreed to hear a case over the charge of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-capitol-riot-obstruction-charge-trump-5cf0db4a71766f0b40ec199dd0d5a1ab">obstruction of an official proceeding</a>&nbsp;that has been brought against Trump as well as more than 300 of his supporters who stormed the Capitol on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">Jan. 6, 2021</a>.In the immunity case, Smith had tried to persuade the justices to take up the matter directly, bypassing the appeals court.“This case presents a fundamental question at the heart of our democracy: whether a former president is absolutely immune from federal prosecution for crimes committed while in office or is constitutionally protected from federal prosecution when he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-impeachment-vote-capitol-siege-0a6f2a348a6e43f27d5e1dc486027860">has been impeached</a>&nbsp;but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-capitol-siege-riots-trials-impeachments-b245b52fd7d4a079ae199c954baba452">not convicted</a>&nbsp;before the criminal proceedings begin,” prosecutors wrote.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">BREAKING: We have filed a brief at the United States Supreme Court to halt Jack Smith’s move to circumvent the appeals process in his prosecution of President Trump. The DOJ’s attempt to accelerate the prosecution is blatantly partisan, and SCOTUS must reject it. <a href="https://t.co/kJw2krar6U">pic.twitter.com/kJw2krar6U</a>&mdash; Attorney General Andrew Bailey (@AGAndrewBailey) <a href="https://twitter.com/AGAndrewBailey/status/1737857405445353754?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Underscoring the urgency for prosecutors in securing a quick resolution that can push the case forward, Smith and his team wrote: “It is of imperative public importance that respondent’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-capitol-riot-immunity-9528a29b2dbebb6ee4a4ebd26780f98c">claims of immunity</a>&nbsp;be resolved by this Court and that respondent’s trial proceed as promptly as possible if his claim of immunity is rejected.”Justice Department policy prohibits the indictment of a sitting president. Though there’s no such bar against prosecution for a former commander in chief, lawyers for Trump say that he cannot be charged for actions that fell within his official duties as president — a claim that prosecutors have vigorously rejected.Trump faces charges accusing him of working&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jan-6-hearings-trump-capitol-10351fe6d555eaee7554379ceed8bb24">to overturn the results</a>&nbsp;of the 2020 election he lost to Democrat Joe Biden before the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">violent riot</a>&nbsp;by his supporters at the U.S. Capitol. He has denied any wrongdoing.The high court still could act quickly once the appeals court issues its decision. A Supreme Court case usually lasts several months, but on rare occasions, the justices shift into high gear.Nearly 50 years ago, the justices acted within two months of being asked to force President Richard Nixon to turn over Oval Office recordings in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/john-dean-richard-nixon-government-and-politics-crime-c7a7b99cca7c685cfc239f5e08b53378">the Watergate scandal</a>. The tapes were then used later in 1974 in the corruption prosecutions of Nixon’s former aides.It took the high court just a few days to effectively decide the 2000 presidential election for Republican George W. Bush over Democrat Al Gore

Supreme Court declines to fast-track Trump immunity dispute

JERUSALEM (AP) — An Israel-American man thought to have been taken hostage in the Oct. 7 Hamas attack has been declared dead.

The death of Gadi Haggai, 73, was announced Friday by Kibbutz Nir Oz, which said it had been determined that Haggai was killed in the kibbutz on Oct. 7 and his body was taken to Gaza.

He is the first American to die in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nationalreview.com/news/hamas-close-to-reaching-deal-with-israel-to-release-hostages-terror-group-chief-says/">Hamas captivity</a>, according to the Hostages and Missing Persons Families Forum.

Haggai had been thought to be among the more than 100 Israeli hostages still alive in Gaza. The announcement did not say how his death had been determined.

It described Haggai as a “gifted wind instrument player … connected to the earth, a chef and a follower of a healthy vegan diet and sports.” It said his wife, Judy Weinstein, was wounded and remains in captivity in Gaza.

Nir Oz was among the hardest hit communities on Oct. 7, with roughly a quarter of its residents taken hostage or killed.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;The U.N. Security Council passed a new resolution that calls for speeding up&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cyprus-israel-gaza-humanitarian-aid-maritime-corridor-28ab035dcaa18413ddfa36929dd1b457">humanitarian aid deliveries</a>&nbsp;into Gaza, but without the original call for an “urgent suspension of hostilities” between Israel and Hamas.

The United States and Russia abstained from Friday's vote, which was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-gaza-humanitarian-un-resolution-security-council-0a490667ff6ae96a299c9133aa2b054b">delayed for days</a>&nbsp;as diplomats sought to avoid a veto by the U.S., Israel’s closest ally.

The U.N. says more than a half-million people are starving in Gaza because not enough food has entered the besieged territory as Israel keeps up its blistering campaign of airstrikes and ground operations for over 10 weeks.

Palestinian officials said Friday that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-12-22-2023-7453c6f92d74eb1e12e506489031b91b">the death toll has now exceeded 20,000</a>&nbsp;— around 1% of the territory's prewar population. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-gaza-health-ministry-health-death-toll-59470820308b31f1faf73c703400b033">Health Ministry in Gaza</a>&nbsp;does not differentiate between civilian and combatant deaths. Israel says more than 130 of its soldiers have died in its ground offensive after Hamas&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-attack-military-war-a8f63b07641212f0de61861844e5e71e">raided southern Israel</a>&nbsp;on Oct. 7, killing about 1,200 people — mostly civilians — and taking&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hostages-gaza-b6ffc286ca7d4b48caaada43e9c6e411">about 240 hostages</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703271147260.png" alt="Haggai-photo courtesy&nbsp;Hostages and Missing Persons Families Forum." />
 <figcaption>Haggai-photo courtesy&nbsp;Hostages and Missing Persons Families Forum.</figcaption>
 </figure>JERUSALEM (AP) — An Israel-American man thought to have been taken hostage in the Oct. 7 Hamas attack has been declared dead.The death of Gadi Haggai, 73, was announced Friday by Kibbutz Nir Oz, which said it had been determined that Haggai was killed in the kibbutz on Oct. 7 and his body was taken to Gaza.He is the first American to die in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nationalreview.com/news/hamas-close-to-reaching-deal-with-israel-to-release-hostages-terror-group-chief-says/">Hamas captivity</a>, according to the Hostages and Missing Persons Families Forum.Haggai had been thought to be among the more than 100 Israeli hostages still alive in Gaza. The announcement did not say how his death had been determined.It described Haggai as a “gifted wind instrument player … connected to the earth, a chef and a follower of a healthy vegan diet and sports.” It said his wife, Judy Weinstein, was wounded and remains in captivity in Gaza.Nir Oz was among the hardest hit communities on Oct. 7, with roughly a quarter of its residents taken hostage or killed.Meanwhile,&nbsp;The U.N. Security Council passed a new resolution that calls for speeding up&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cyprus-israel-gaza-humanitarian-aid-maritime-corridor-28ab035dcaa18413ddfa36929dd1b457">humanitarian aid deliveries</a>&nbsp;into Gaza, but without the original call for an “urgent suspension of hostilities” between Israel and Hamas.The United States and Russia abstained from Friday's vote, which was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-gaza-humanitarian-un-resolution-security-council-0a490667ff6ae96a299c9133aa2b054b">delayed for days</a>&nbsp;as diplomats sought to avoid a veto by the U.S., Israel’s closest ally.The U.N. says more than a half-million people are starving in Gaza because not enough food has entered the besieged territory as Israel keeps up its blistering campaign of airstrikes and ground operations for over 10 weeks.Palestinian officials said Friday that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-12-22-2023-7453c6f92d74eb1e12e506489031b91b">the death toll has now exceeded 20,000</a>&nbsp;— around 1% of the territory's prewar population. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-gaza-health-ministry-health-death-toll-59470820308b31f1faf73c703400b033">Health Ministry in Gaza</a>&nbsp;does not differentiate between civilian and combatant deaths. Israel says more than 130 of its soldiers have died in its ground offensive after Hamas&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-attack-military-war-a8f63b07641212f0de61861844e5e71e">raided southern Israel</a>&nbsp;on Oct. 7, killing about 1,200 people — mostly civilians — and taking&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hostages-gaza-b6ffc286ca7d4b48caaada43e9c6e411">about 240 hostages</a>.

First American citizen is confirmed killed in Gaza

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/12/21/state-labor-court-hears-arguments-over-requested-delay-in-pillens-order-to-end-remote-work/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — A state labor court on Thursday took under advisement a request by the state employees’ union to delay an&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/11/13/governor-orders-end-to-remote-work-directs-state-workers-back-to-offices/">executive order by Gov. Jim Pillen</a>&nbsp;to end most remote or hybrid work arrangements by Jan. 2.

Such an order, union representatives argued Thursday, would create “chaos” for state workers and the taxpayers they serve because of adjustments employees would have to adopt quickly or because of an expected exodus of workers to private jobs that allow working from home.

Justin Hubly, executive director of the Nebraska Association of Public Employees, said that more than one out of every five state jobs are already vacant, and ending remote working arrangements would exacerbate the labor shortage.

“That’s a scary number,” Hubly said of the&nbsp; vacancy rate.

An attorney representing the Pillen administration rejected the “parade of horribles” predicted by the union and said NAPE is making an “extraordinary” attempt to usurp the governor’s power to manage state employees.

Mark Fahleson, a Lincoln attorney appointed by the state to handle the labor dispute, said the state’s labor contract allows the governor to change “the site” of the workforce without bargaining with the union.

Fahleson added that NAPE had submitted a proposal on remote work during collective bargaining a year ago but withdrew it after winning “record (high) salary increases.”

“They’re asking the commission to award them something they voluntarily gave up,” he told the Nebraska Commission of Industrial Relations.

William Blake, the commission’s head, said that a three-member panel of commissioners would work quickly to rule on the request for a temporary injunction against Pillen’s order going into effect.

Blake also asked attorneys for the NAPE and Pillen to submit written briefs on whether a state law already prohibits any change in “employment status … in any way” while a grievance is being considered by the commission.

On Nov. 9, Pillen issued his back-to-office order, saying that the COVID-19 pandemic is over and that the “common-sense expectation” of the public is that state employees are working in a state office.

It prompted an immediate outcry from the union, which represents about 8,000 state workers, and appeals to the industrial relations commission, which decides labor disputes.

NAPE argues that remote work was allowed prior to the pandemic and that it has, in some cases, saved the state money and helped fill jobs that don’t require meeting the public. The union maintains that any change in conditions of employment must be subject to bargaining.

The order allowed for several exemptions, such as if office space wasn’t available. But&nbsp;Abby Osborn, a Lincoln attorney who represented NAPE, told commissioners the conditions for allowing the exemptions aren’t clear. She predicted that the CIR will be dealing with a flood of grievances over why some workers were allowed to work at home and others weren’t.

Osborn added that the state statute requiring no changes in employment while the CIR hears a grievance is “pretty clear.”

Hubly said about 1,300 state employees work remotely, which is a relatively small number.

He added that the union dropped its request for remote work a year ago as the deadline for signing a labor contract with the state was nearing and after the state offered generous raises.

Fahleson asked the commission not to consider an email survey taken of dues-paying NAPE members that showed that 1,390 of 1,700 respondents are considering or actively looking to leave state jobs due to the order.

He said that should be regarded as “hearsay” because NAPE polled&nbsp;only its 2,600 dues-paying members, while it represents 8,200 state employees.

Overall, Fahleson argued that the governor’s order allows exceptions, if necessary, to work from a state office but that most remote and hybrid work arrangements allowed during the pandemic should end.

He added that there has been no change in the “status quo” because the governor has had the “legitimate” power all along to dictate state employees’ work sites.

One CIR Commissioner, Patricia Vannoy, was unable to attend Thursday’s oral arguments due to illness. But Blake said she will be provided with the arguments and will participate in the commission’s ruling, which is anticipated as soon as late next week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703223974235.jpeg" alt="Members of the Nebraska Commission of Industrial Relations — a state labor court — heard arguments Thursday over whether Gov. Jim Pillen’s order to end remote work should be suspended. Pictured are commissioners William Blake, center, and Dallas Jones, at right. A third member of the panel, Patricia Vannoy, was ill and could not attend. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Members of the Nebraska Commission of Industrial Relations — a state labor court — heard arguments Thursday over whether Gov. Jim Pillen’s order to end remote work should be suspended. Pictured are commissioners William Blake, center, and Dallas Jones, at right. A third member of the panel, Patricia Vannoy, was ill and could not attend. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Paul Hammel<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/12/21/state-labor-court-hears-arguments-over-requested-delay-in-pillens-order-to-end-remote-work/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — A state labor court on Thursday took under advisement a request by the state employees’ union to delay an&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/11/13/governor-orders-end-to-remote-work-directs-state-workers-back-to-offices/">executive order by Gov. Jim Pillen</a>&nbsp;to end most remote or hybrid work arrangements by Jan. 2.Such an order, union representatives argued Thursday, would create “chaos” for state workers and the taxpayers they serve because of adjustments employees would have to adopt quickly or because of an expected exodus of workers to private jobs that allow working from home.Justin Hubly, executive director of the Nebraska Association of Public Employees, said that more than one out of every five state jobs are already vacant, and ending remote working arrangements would exacerbate the labor shortage.“That’s a scary number,” Hubly said of the&nbsp; vacancy rate.An attorney representing the Pillen administration rejected the “parade of horribles” predicted by the union and said NAPE is making an “extraordinary” attempt to usurp the governor’s power to manage state employees.Mark Fahleson, a Lincoln attorney appointed by the state to handle the labor dispute, said the state’s labor contract allows the governor to change “the site” of the workforce without bargaining with the union.<h2>Union withdrew proposal on remote work</h2>Fahleson added that NAPE had submitted a proposal on remote work during collective bargaining a year ago but withdrew it after winning “record (high) salary increases.”“They’re asking the commission to award them something they voluntarily gave up,” he told the Nebraska Commission of Industrial Relations.William Blake, the commission’s head, said that a three-member panel of commissioners would work quickly to rule on the request for a temporary injunction against Pillen’s order going into effect.Blake also asked attorneys for the NAPE and Pillen to submit written briefs on whether a state law already prohibits any change in “employment status … in any way” while a grievance is being considered by the commission.<h2>‘Common-sense expectation’</h2>On Nov. 9, Pillen issued his back-to-office order, saying that the COVID-19 pandemic is over and that the “common-sense expectation” of the public is that state employees are working in a state office.It prompted an immediate outcry from the union, which represents about 8,000 state workers, and appeals to the industrial relations commission, which decides labor disputes.NAPE argues that remote work was allowed prior to the pandemic and that it has, in some cases, saved the state money and helped fill jobs that don’t require meeting the public. The union maintains that any change in conditions of employment must be subject to bargaining.The order allowed for several exemptions, such as if office space wasn’t available. But&nbsp;Abby Osborn, a Lincoln attorney who represented NAPE, told commissioners the conditions for allowing the exemptions aren’t clear. She predicted that the CIR will be dealing with a flood of grievances over why some workers were allowed to work at home and others weren’t.<h2>State statute called ‘pretty clear’</h2>Osborn added that the state statute requiring no changes in employment while the CIR hears a grievance is “pretty clear.”Hubly said about 1,300 state employees work remotely, which is a relatively small number.He added that the union dropped its request for remote work a year ago as the deadline for signing a labor contract with the state was nearing and after the state offered generous raises.Fahleson asked the commission not to consider an email survey taken of dues-paying NAPE members that showed that 1,390 of 1,700 respondents are considering or actively looking to leave state jobs due to the order.<h2>CIR urged to disregard survey</h2>He said that should be regarded as “hearsay” because NAPE polled&nbsp;only its 2,600 dues-paying members, while it represents 8,200 state employees.Overall, Fahleson argued that the governor’s order allows exceptions, if necessary, to work from a state office but that most remote and hybrid work arrangements allowed during the pandemic should end.He added that there has been no change in the “status quo” because the governor has had the “legitimate” power all along to dictate state employees’ work sites.One CIR Commissioner, Patricia Vannoy, was unable to attend Thursday’s oral arguments due to illness. But Blake said she will be provided with the arguments and will participate in the commission’s ruling, which is anticipated as soon as late next week.

State labor court hears arguments over requested delay in Pillen’s order to end remote work

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is making thousands of people who were convicted of use and simple possession of marijuana on federal lands and in the District of Columbia eligible for pardons, the White House said Friday, in his latest round of executive clemencies meant to rectify racial disparities in the justice system.

The categorical pardon Friday builds on a similar round issued&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-marijuana-government-and-politics-2d5e3d9e2cfbbbe3ee114536738894a8">just before the 2022 midterm elections</a>&nbsp;that made thousands convicted of simple possession on federal lands eligible for pardons. Friday’s action adds additional criminal offenses to those eligible for a pardon, making even more people eligible to have their convictions expunged. Biden is also <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/12/22/clemency-recipient-list-5/">granting clemency to 11 people</a> serving what the White House called “disproportionately long” sentences for nonviolent drug offenses.

Biden, in a statement, said his actions would help make the “promise of equal justice a reality.”

“Criminal records for marijuana use and possession have imposed needless barriers to employment, housing, and educational opportunities,” Biden said. “Too many lives have been upended because of our failed approach to marijuana. It’s time that we right these wrongs.”

No one was freed from prison under last year's action, but the pardons were meant to help thousands overcome obstacles to renting a home or finding a job. Similarly, no federal prisoners are eligible for release as a result of Friday's action.

Biden's order applies only to marijuana, which has been decriminalized or legalized in many states for some or all uses, but remains a controlled substance under federal law. U.S. regulators are studying&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marijuana-federal-regulation-reclassifying-health-b0b5fc3d34a83d2c95db1665f8149d42">reclassifying</a>&nbsp;the drug from the category of drugs deemed to have “no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse," known as “Schedule I,” to the less tightly regulated “Schedule III.”

The pardon also does not apply to those in the U.S. unlawfully at the time of their offense.

Those eligible can submit applications to the Justice Department's pardon attorney office, which issues certificates of pardon.

Biden on Friday reiterated his call on governors and local leaders to take similar steps to erase marijuana convictions.

“Just as no one should be in a federal prison solely due to the use or possession of marijuana, no one should be in a local jail or state prison for that reason, either,” Biden said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683929680797.png" alt="Biden, in a statement, said his actions would help make the “promise of equal justice a reality.” White House file photo" />
 <figcaption>Biden, in a statement, said his actions would help make the “promise of equal justice a reality.” White House file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is making thousands of people who were convicted of use and simple possession of marijuana on federal lands and in the District of Columbia eligible for pardons, the White House said Friday, in his latest round of executive clemencies meant to rectify racial disparities in the justice system.The categorical pardon Friday builds on a similar round issued&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-marijuana-government-and-politics-2d5e3d9e2cfbbbe3ee114536738894a8">just before the 2022 midterm elections</a>&nbsp;that made thousands convicted of simple possession on federal lands eligible for pardons. Friday’s action adds additional criminal offenses to those eligible for a pardon, making even more people eligible to have their convictions expunged. Biden is also <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/12/22/clemency-recipient-list-5/">granting clemency to 11 people</a> serving what the White House called “disproportionately long” sentences for nonviolent drug offenses.Biden, in a statement, said his actions would help make the “promise of equal justice a reality.”“Criminal records for marijuana use and possession have imposed needless barriers to employment, housing, and educational opportunities,” Biden said. “Too many lives have been upended because of our failed approach to marijuana. It’s time that we right these wrongs.”No one was freed from prison under last year's action, but the pardons were meant to help thousands overcome obstacles to renting a home or finding a job. Similarly, no federal prisoners are eligible for release as a result of Friday's action.Biden's order applies only to marijuana, which has been decriminalized or legalized in many states for some or all uses, but remains a controlled substance under federal law. U.S. regulators are studying&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marijuana-federal-regulation-reclassifying-health-b0b5fc3d34a83d2c95db1665f8149d42">reclassifying</a>&nbsp;the drug from the category of drugs deemed to have “no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse," known as “Schedule I,” to the less tightly regulated “Schedule III.”The pardon also does not apply to those in the U.S. unlawfully at the time of their offense.Those eligible can submit applications to the Justice Department's pardon attorney office, which issues certificates of pardon.Biden on Friday reiterated his call on governors and local leaders to take similar steps to erase marijuana convictions.“Just as no one should be in a federal prison solely due to the use or possession of marijuana, no one should be in a local jail or state prison for that reason, either,” Biden said.

Biden pardoning thousands convicted of marijuana charges

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — The ACLU of Montana has filed a lawsuit challenging a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-birth-certificate-define-sex-male-female-e17e5eae36991f8ca1d197ddebad0b72">law that defines the word “sex” throughout state code</a>&nbsp;as either male or female, based on a person's biology at birth. The plaintiffs argue the law denies legal recognition and protections to people who are gender non-conforming.

The plaintiffs — a transgender man, a two spirit Native American, a nonbinary person, an intersex individual and a nurse practitioner — also moved for a summary judgement in Monday's filing in state court in Missoula, asking for the law to be declared unconstitutional.

Republican lawmakers who supported the bill “seem to think they can simply legislate away the diversity of Montana's residents,” Akilah Deernose, the executive director of the ACLU of Montana, said in a statement.

The sponsor of the legislation said it was needed to clarify from a legal standpoint that the words “sex” and “gender” aren't interchangeable. That was in response to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-gay-rights-montana-billings-0a6f84a837a8987e532ac3a7aeb50e55">ruling by a state judge</a>&nbsp;in 2021 that overturned a law that said people had to have a surgical procedure before they could change their sex on their birth certificate. The judge ruled the law was vague because it didn't define what type of surgery was needed and that transgender individuals should be able to change their gender on such documents.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-licenses-birth-certificates-tennessee-5af6317b1646fc42e10bf88e0133c847">Tennessee</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-rights-oklahoma-governor-67dc0c4a9d769066ccb1b9835c71449f">Oklahoma</a>, North Dakota,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nebraska-executive-order-defining-sex-transgender-f8747f4298bd25a7ba2be13eebcca584">Nebraska</a>&nbsp;and Kansas have similar provisions in place. In Kansas, a law defining male and female has prevented Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s administration from allowing transgender people to change their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-birth-certificates-kansas-8424f36613c05d03b7d4eb8f82229ee6">driver’s licenses and birth certificates</a>, but transgender residents are challenging its constitutionality.

Another&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-health-gender-north-carolina-lawsuits-92eaeb6779de7fd651ce22bd6d51854e">lawsuit challenging the same Montana law</a>&nbsp;was filed in October. The Attorney General's office said the law “reflects scientific reality," provides “objective definitions of terms used widely in Montana law,” and is meant to protect victims of sexual assault, the safety of females in sports and ensure the separation of prison populations by sex for safety.

The ACLU lawsuit argues the definitions of male and female in Montana's law are “scientifically imprecise and erroneous."

The law defines a female as having XX chromosomes, and a reproductive and endocrine system that produces or would produce ova, or eggs. Plaintiff Linda Troyer, a nurse practitioner, argues the definition of female is scientifically incorrect because females are born with all the eggs they will ever have, do not “produce” them, and therefore she does not fall under the definition of female.

Male is defined as having XY chromosomes and a biological system that produces or would produce sperm.

The law, which took effect Oct. 1, also says anyone who would fall under the definition of either male or female, “but for a biological or genetic condition,” would be classified under their initial determination of male or female at birth.

A plaintiff, identified as Jane Doe, said it was clear lawmakers didn't understand what it means to be intersex, the ACLU statement said.

For thousands of years, Indigenous communities have recognized people who are two-spirit — neither male nor female — said Dandilion Cloverdale, another plaintiff, but Montana's law does not recognize that gender identity.

Cloverdale has a federal passport listing their gender identity as “X," or nonbinary, and a California birth certificate that identifies them as nonbinary, but Montana requires them to identify as either male or female before obtaining a state identification, the complaint states.

The lawsuit also alleges the bill violates the state Constitution's requirement that legislation must contain only one subject, noting it amended 41 sections in 20 different titles in state law including education, human rights and social services and how the words “female,” “male” and “sex” are defined on birth certificates, driver's licenses, insurance documents, cemetery records, marriage certificates and wills.

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — The ACLU of Montana has filed a lawsuit challenging a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-birth-certificate-define-sex-male-female-e17e5eae36991f8ca1d197ddebad0b72">law that defines the word “sex” throughout state code</a>&nbsp;as either male or female, based on a person's biology at birth. The plaintiffs argue the law denies legal recognition and protections to people who are gender non-conforming.The plaintiffs — a transgender man, a two spirit Native American, a nonbinary person, an intersex individual and a nurse practitioner — also moved for a summary judgement in Monday's filing in state court in Missoula, asking for the law to be declared unconstitutional.Republican lawmakers who supported the bill “seem to think they can simply legislate away the diversity of Montana's residents,” Akilah Deernose, the executive director of the ACLU of Montana, said in a statement.The sponsor of the legislation said it was needed to clarify from a legal standpoint that the words “sex” and “gender” aren't interchangeable. That was in response to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-gay-rights-montana-billings-0a6f84a837a8987e532ac3a7aeb50e55">ruling by a state judge</a>&nbsp;in 2021 that overturned a law that said people had to have a surgical procedure before they could change their sex on their birth certificate. The judge ruled the law was vague because it didn't define what type of surgery was needed and that transgender individuals should be able to change their gender on such documents.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-licenses-birth-certificates-tennessee-5af6317b1646fc42e10bf88e0133c847">Tennessee</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-rights-oklahoma-governor-67dc0c4a9d769066ccb1b9835c71449f">Oklahoma</a>, North Dakota,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nebraska-executive-order-defining-sex-transgender-f8747f4298bd25a7ba2be13eebcca584">Nebraska</a>&nbsp;and Kansas have similar provisions in place. In Kansas, a law defining male and female has prevented Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s administration from allowing transgender people to change their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-birth-certificates-kansas-8424f36613c05d03b7d4eb8f82229ee6">driver’s licenses and birth certificates</a>, but transgender residents are challenging its constitutionality.Another&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-health-gender-north-carolina-lawsuits-92eaeb6779de7fd651ce22bd6d51854e">lawsuit challenging the same Montana law</a>&nbsp;was filed in October. The Attorney General's office said the law “reflects scientific reality," provides “objective definitions of terms used widely in Montana law,” and is meant to protect victims of sexual assault, the safety of females in sports and ensure the separation of prison populations by sex for safety.The ACLU lawsuit argues the definitions of male and female in Montana's law are “scientifically imprecise and erroneous."The law defines a female as having XX chromosomes, and a reproductive and endocrine system that produces or would produce ova, or eggs. Plaintiff Linda Troyer, a nurse practitioner, argues the definition of female is scientifically incorrect because females are born with all the eggs they will ever have, do not “produce” them, and therefore she does not fall under the definition of female.Male is defined as having XY chromosomes and a biological system that produces or would produce sperm.The law, which took effect Oct. 1, also says anyone who would fall under the definition of either male or female, “but for a biological or genetic condition,” would be classified under their initial determination of male or female at birth.A plaintiff, identified as Jane Doe, said it was clear lawmakers didn't understand what it means to be intersex, the ACLU statement said.For thousands of years, Indigenous communities have recognized people who are two-spirit — neither male nor female — said Dandilion Cloverdale, another plaintiff, but Montana's law does not recognize that gender identity.Cloverdale has a federal passport listing their gender identity as “X," or nonbinary, and a California birth certificate that identifies them as nonbinary, but Montana requires them to identify as either male or female before obtaining a state identification, the complaint states.The lawsuit also alleges the bill violates the state Constitution's requirement that legislation must contain only one subject, noting it amended 41 sections in 20 different titles in state law including education, human rights and social services and how the words “female,” “male” and “sex” are defined on birth certificates, driver's licenses, insurance documents, cemetery records, marriage certificates and wills.

ACLU of Montana challenges law defining the word 'sex' in state code as only male or female

NEW YORK (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/rudolph-giuliani">Rudy Giulian</a>i&nbsp;has filed for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rudy-giuliani-georgia-election-workers-defamation-case-cde7186493b3a1bd9ab89bc65f0f5b06">bankruptcy</a>, days after being ordered to pay $148 million in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/giuliani-2020-election-georgia-defamation-moss-freeman-6f6446c4f5224f521db8ff7763fb12d1">defamation lawsuit</a>&nbsp;brought by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rudy-giuliani-election-workers-georgia-defamation-damages-98592d54dff8785518f288405c722398">two former election workers in Georgia</a>&nbsp;who said his targeting of them led to death threats that made them fear for their lives.

In his filing Thursday, the former New York City mayor, who was one referred to as 'America's Mayor', listed nearly $153 million in existing or potential debts, including close to a million dollars in tax liabilities, money he owes his lawyers and many millions of dollars in potential legal judgements in lawsuits against him. He estimated his assets to be between $1 million and $10 million.

The biggest debt is the $148 million he was ordered to pay a week ago for making false statements about the election workers in Georgia stemming from the 2020 presidential contest.

Ted Goodman, a political adviser and spokesperson for Giuliani, a one-time Republican presidential candidate and high-ranking Justice Department official, said in a statement that the filing “should be a surprise to no one.”

“No person could have reasonably believed that Mayor Giuliani would be able to pay such a high punitive amount,” Goodman said. He said the bankruptcy filing would give Giuliani “the opportunity and time to pursue an appeal, while providing transparency for his finances under the supervision of the bankruptcy court, to ensure all creditors are treated equally and fairly throughout the process.”

But declaring bankruptcy likely will not erase the $148 million in damages a jury awarded to the former Georgia election workers, Ruby Freeman and Wandrea’ “Shaye” Moss. Bankruptcy law does not allow for the dissolution of debts that come from a “willful and malicious injury” inflicted on someone else.

Last week’s jury verdict was the latest and costliest sign of Giuliani’s mounting financial strain, exacerbated by investigations, lawsuits, fines, sanctions, and damages related to his work helping then-Republican President Donald Trump try to overturn the 2020 election that he lost to Democrat Joe Biden.

In September, Giuliani’s former lawyer Robert Costello sued him for about $1.4 million in unpaid legal bills, alleging that Giuliani breached his retainer agreement by failing to pay invoices in full and a timely fashion. Giuliani has asked a judge to dismiss the case, claiming he never received the invoices at issue. The case is pending.

Costello represented Giuliani from November 2019 to this past July in matters ranging from an investigation into his business dealings in Ukraine, which resulted in an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rudy-giuliani-2021-federal-raid-ukraine-57bac6d437b86a3ff5bb1f4b5db5aaf5">FBI raid on his home and office</a>&nbsp;in April 2021, to state and federal investigations of his work in the wake of Trump’s 2020 election loss.

In August, the IRS filed a $549,435 tax lien against Giuliani for the 2021 tax year.

Copies were filed in Palm Beach County, Florida, where he owns a condominium and New York, under the name of his outside accounting firm, Mazars USA LLP. That’s the same firm that Trump used for years before it dropped him as a client amid questions about his financial statements.

Giuliani, still somewhat popular among conservatives in the city he once ran, hosts a daily radio show in his hometown on a station owned by a local Republican grocery store magnate. Giuliani also hosts a nightly streaming show watched by a few hundred people on social media, which he calls “America’s Mayor Live.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692827609455.png" alt="Giuliani-photo Fulton County" />
 <figcaption>Giuliani-photo Fulton County</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/rudolph-giuliani">Rudy Giulian</a>i&nbsp;has filed for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rudy-giuliani-georgia-election-workers-defamation-case-cde7186493b3a1bd9ab89bc65f0f5b06">bankruptcy</a>, days after being ordered to pay $148 million in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/giuliani-2020-election-georgia-defamation-moss-freeman-6f6446c4f5224f521db8ff7763fb12d1">defamation lawsuit</a>&nbsp;brought by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rudy-giuliani-election-workers-georgia-defamation-damages-98592d54dff8785518f288405c722398">two former election workers in Georgia</a>&nbsp;who said his targeting of them led to death threats that made them fear for their lives.In his filing Thursday, the former New York City mayor, who was one referred to as 'America's Mayor', listed nearly $153 million in existing or potential debts, including close to a million dollars in tax liabilities, money he owes his lawyers and many millions of dollars in potential legal judgements in lawsuits against him. He estimated his assets to be between $1 million and $10 million.The biggest debt is the $148 million he was ordered to pay a week ago for making false statements about the election workers in Georgia stemming from the 2020 presidential contest.Ted Goodman, a political adviser and spokesperson for Giuliani, a one-time Republican presidential candidate and high-ranking Justice Department official, said in a statement that the filing “should be a surprise to no one.”“No person could have reasonably believed that Mayor Giuliani would be able to pay such a high punitive amount,” Goodman said. He said the bankruptcy filing would give Giuliani “the opportunity and time to pursue an appeal, while providing transparency for his finances under the supervision of the bankruptcy court, to ensure all creditors are treated equally and fairly throughout the process.”But declaring bankruptcy likely will not erase the $148 million in damages a jury awarded to the former Georgia election workers, Ruby Freeman and Wandrea’ “Shaye” Moss. Bankruptcy law does not allow for the dissolution of debts that come from a “willful and malicious injury” inflicted on someone else.Last week’s jury verdict was the latest and costliest sign of Giuliani’s mounting financial strain, exacerbated by investigations, lawsuits, fines, sanctions, and damages related to his work helping then-Republican President Donald Trump try to overturn the 2020 election that he lost to Democrat Joe Biden.In September, Giuliani’s former lawyer Robert Costello sued him for about $1.4 million in unpaid legal bills, alleging that Giuliani breached his retainer agreement by failing to pay invoices in full and a timely fashion. Giuliani has asked a judge to dismiss the case, claiming he never received the invoices at issue. The case is pending.Costello represented Giuliani from November 2019 to this past July in matters ranging from an investigation into his business dealings in Ukraine, which resulted in an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rudy-giuliani-2021-federal-raid-ukraine-57bac6d437b86a3ff5bb1f4b5db5aaf5">FBI raid on his home and office</a>&nbsp;in April 2021, to state and federal investigations of his work in the wake of Trump’s 2020 election loss.In August, the IRS filed a $549,435 tax lien against Giuliani for the 2021 tax year.Copies were filed in Palm Beach County, Florida, where he owns a condominium and New York, under the name of his outside accounting firm, Mazars USA LLP. That’s the same firm that Trump used for years before it dropped him as a client amid questions about his financial statements.Giuliani, still somewhat popular among conservatives in the city he once ran, hosts a daily radio show in his hometown on a station owned by a local Republican grocery store magnate. Giuliani also hosts a nightly streaming show watched by a few hundred people on social media, which he calls “America’s Mayor Live.”

'America's Mayor' filed for bankruptcy after $148 million court loss

Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced the extradition of Afeez Akinloye, 42, a Nigerian national, from South Africa to the District of Nebraska on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and access device fraud filed in July 2018. The United States requested Akinloye’s extradition in November 2021, and South African authorities arrested him based on the U.S. request in September 2022. 

Subsequently, a South African court ordered his extradition in May 2023, and the Minister of Justice ordered his surrender in September. In coordination with the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, South African authorities ultimately surrendered Akinloye to the United States on December 8, 2023. 

Akinloye had an initial appearance on the Indictment on December 12, 2023. United States Magistrate Judge Michael D. Nelson ordered Akinloye remain detained pending trial.

The Indictment charges Akinloye with conspiracy to commit wire fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code Section, 1349 and with access device fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1029. It is alleged that Akinloye participated in a business email compromise (BEC) scheme from September 2016 to June 2017. The BEC scheme involved real estate transactions. Akinloye and his co-conspirators would learn of a real estate transaction closing and send fraudulent emails to have the wire proceeds wired to accounts they could access. As a result of this scheme, business in Nebraska and elsewhere were defrauded of over $1,850,000.

Akinloye is the first of the co-conspirators to appear on the Indictment.

This case was investigated by&nbsp;the Federal Bureau of Investigation.&nbsp;The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance in securing the arrest and extradition of Akinloye.

Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced the extradition of Afeez Akinloye, 42, a Nigerian national, from South Africa to the District of Nebraska on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and access device fraud filed in July 2018. The United States requested Akinloye’s extradition in November 2021, and South African authorities arrested him based on the U.S. request in September 2022. Subsequently, a South African court ordered his extradition in May 2023, and the Minister of Justice ordered his surrender in September. In coordination with the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, South African authorities ultimately surrendered Akinloye to the United States on December 8, 2023. Akinloye had an initial appearance on the Indictment on December 12, 2023. United States Magistrate Judge Michael D. Nelson ordered Akinloye remain detained pending trial.The Indictment charges Akinloye with conspiracy to commit wire fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code Section, 1349 and with access device fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1029. It is alleged that Akinloye participated in a business email compromise (BEC) scheme from September 2016 to June 2017. The BEC scheme involved real estate transactions. Akinloye and his co-conspirators would learn of a real estate transaction closing and send fraudulent emails to have the wire proceeds wired to accounts they could access. As a result of this scheme, business in Nebraska and elsewhere were defrauded of over $1,850,000.Akinloye is the first of the co-conspirators to appear on the Indictment.This case was investigated by&nbsp;the Federal Bureau of Investigation.&nbsp;The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance in securing the arrest and extradition of Akinloye.

Nigerian Extradited to the District of Nebraska on Business Email Compromise Fraud Scheme

NEW YORK (AP) — Honda Motor’s American arm is recalling more than 2.5 million vehicles in the U.S. due to a fuel pump defect that can increase risks of engine failure or stalling while driving.

According to documents published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the fuel pump impeller used for in 2017-2020 Acura and Honda vehicles was improperly molded. This results in low-density impellers, which “can deform and interfere with the fuel pump body” over time, regulators said, leading to an inoperative fuel pump.

If the fuel pump module doesn’t work, the car’s engine may not start or can stall while driving, the NHTSA said, increasing crash and injury risks. Honda says it has not received any crash or injury reports related to this recall to date.

The automaker said Thursday that it will replace fuel pumps for all vehicles impacted by the recall at no cost in separate phases, with the first batch of owner notification letters going out in February.

“Countermeasure replacement parts are not available in sufficient quantities for all recalled vehicles at the time of this announcement, and American Honda intends to notify vehicle owners in stages,” Honda wrote.

Dealer notification was scheduled to kick off earlier this week, according to NHTSA documents.

Drivers can confirm if their specific vehicle is included in this recall using the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls" target="_blank">NHTSA site</a>&nbsp;and/or&nbsp;<a href="https://owners.honda.com/service-maintenance/recalls" target="_blank">Honda</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://owners.acura.com/service-maintenance/recalls" target="_blank">Acura’s</a>&nbsp;recall lookup platforms. The models impacted are:

NEW YORK (AP) — Honda Motor’s American arm is recalling more than 2.5 million vehicles in the U.S. due to a fuel pump defect that can increase risks of engine failure or stalling while driving.According to documents published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the fuel pump impeller used for in 2017-2020 Acura and Honda vehicles was improperly molded. This results in low-density impellers, which “can deform and interfere with the fuel pump body” over time, regulators said, leading to an inoperative fuel pump.If the fuel pump module doesn’t work, the car’s engine may not start or can stall while driving, the NHTSA said, increasing crash and injury risks. Honda says it has not received any crash or injury reports related to this recall to date.The automaker said Thursday that it will replace fuel pumps for all vehicles impacted by the recall at no cost in separate phases, with the first batch of owner notification letters going out in February.“Countermeasure replacement parts are not available in sufficient quantities for all recalled vehicles at the time of this announcement, and American Honda intends to notify vehicle owners in stages,” Honda wrote.Dealer notification was scheduled to kick off earlier this week, according to NHTSA documents.Drivers can confirm if their specific vehicle is included in this recall using the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls" target="_blank">NHTSA site</a>&nbsp;and/or&nbsp;<a href="https://owners.honda.com/service-maintenance/recalls" target="_blank">Honda</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://owners.acura.com/service-maintenance/recalls" target="_blank">Acura’s</a>&nbsp;recall lookup platforms. The models impacted are:1. 2018-2020 Honda Accord2. 2017-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid3. 2018-2020 Honda Civic 4D4. 2018-2020 Honda Civic 2D5. 2018-2020 Honda Civic 5D6. 2018-2020 Honda Civic Type R7. 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV8. 2018-2020 Honda CR-V9. 2020-2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid10. 2018-2019 Honda Fit11. 2018-2020 Honda HR-V12. 2018-2020 Acura ILX13. 2019-2020 Honda Insight14. 2018-2020 Acura MDX15. 2018-2020 Acura MDX Hybrid16. 2017-2020 Acura NSX17. 2018-2020 Honda Odyssey18. 2019-2020 Honda Passport19. 2018-2020 Acura RDX20. 2018-2020 Honda Ridgeline21. 2018-2020 Acura RLX22. 2018-2020 Acura TLX

Honda recalling 2.5 million vehicles in U.S. over fuel pump issue

FORT CALHOUN, Neb. (AP) — The grisly killings of a retiree and then&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nebraska-catholic-priest-stabbed-rectory-gutgsell-c48a12fd9ad044709e8ebbb8f53e4eab">a priest</a>&nbsp;has shocked everyone in tiny Fort Calhoun, Nebraska, including Sheriff Mike Robinson.

He’s lived in the community just north of Omaha for 62 years and can’t recall a single homicide before these two.

“It really is out of character,” Robinson said. “It’s a good town, good place to live, good place to raise your family.”

Robinson says people have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nebraska-catholic-priest-killed-gutgsell-e634b68f496074893b58eb45229805ed">been troubled</a>&nbsp;not only by the killings, but by the awful details of how their neighbors died in what appear to be random attacks.

Linda Childers, 71, was killed Aug. 13, when she was shot with a crossbow three times and her throat was slit at her isolated home near a creek about a mile north of Fort Calhoun. Less than four months later, on Dec. 10, the Rev. Stephen Gutgsell, 65, was fatally stabbed during a break-in at the rectory next door to St. John the Baptist Church, where he had been set to lead Mass later that day.

The brutal killings have shaken residents who have grown accustomed to a certain peacefulness in Fort Calhoun, a single-stoplight town of 1,100 nestled in rolling hills along the Missouri River. The town is only 8 miles (nearly 13 kilometers) from Omaha but seemingly a world away from the state’s biggest city and its nearly half-million residents.

The killings undercut Adam Schutte's “warm and cozy” image of a small town.

“It’s scary,” said Schutte, while having a drink recently at the Longhorn Bar and Grill. ”It makes you wonder for sure.”

Usually, the talk in Fort Calhoun revolves around topics like the high school boys basketball team and its improbable run to the state tournament last spring for the first time in 99 years. But such milestones have taken a back seat lately.

Denise O’Neel has been spending one week a month at her fiance's home in Fort Calhoun for years, so she knows it well. She’s not as confident in its safety anymore.

“As soon as he goes off to work my door is locked now,” O’Neel said. “I just know little Fort Calhoun doesn’t feel as safe as it used to."

Fort Calhoun traces its roots to a meeting between explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark and the Oto and Missouri tribes in August 1804 — 63 years before Nebraska became a state.

The community has long offered a window into the past through living history programs at a reconstructed fort that dates to 1820. Volunteers dress up in clothing from the Old West and act out scenes from the period when the area was first settled. The high school sports teams are called the Pioneers.

At the time of her death, Linda Childers had lived in Fort Calhoun for nearly 50 years. Police arrested William Collins, 30, about two weeks after she was killed. He was found in Texas with Childers’ car and some of her property.

Kierre Williams, 43, was arrested in Gutgsell's home. When a deputy arrived, Williams was sprawled across the priest, who was bleeding profusely.

Both men face murder, burglary and weapons charges, and are due back in court early next month. Authorities say Williams had a job at a meatpacking plant in Sioux City, Iowa, while Collins was a self-described “minimalist” who was camping out near the river for about a week.

It’s not clear what brought either of them to Fort Calhoun and investigators haven’t found any connection between them and the victims.

Collins’ attorney has said he plans to plead not guilty but declined to discuss the case. Williams’ attorney with the Nebraska Commission on Public Advocacy didn’t respond to a message.

For some, the deaths have shaken their belief that Fort Calhoun is inoculated from the violence they hear of in Omaha and other big cities.

Childers’ stepdaughter, Wendy Sue Childers, spent much of her childhood in Fort Calhoun with her dad and stepmother, who she considered her best friend. Now a Missouri resident, she said the news of Gutgsell’s killing so soon after her stepmother’s death has her questioning whether any place is truly safe.

“I don’t know what’s happening,” she said. “It’s just spreading. It is spilling over into the rural communities that are quiet and peaceful and minding their own business.”

The priest’s killing resonated so deeply that people who don’t regularly attend St. John the Baptist mixed with his parishioners to fill the small church at a vigil the day he died. On Monday, mourners nearly filled an 1,000-seat cathedral in Omaha for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqfrpAa1LH8">Gutgsell’s funeral</a>, where he was remembered as a movie buff who was deeply concerned about making sure people were ready to meet God, particularly when they died violently like he did.

Longtime resident Mike Cimino said the killings have been jarring, but they haven’t changed how he feels about Fort Calhoun. He’s always liked that he could get his kids to their Catholic school in central Omaha in only 20 minutes or so, and anytime he needs to make a Costco run, the big city is just minutes away.

“I would feel probably less safe in a bigger city than here,” he said. “I think it’s just a coincidence that this had happened.”

Robinson, the sheriff, notes Fort Calhoun is safe by nearly any measure, with almost no thefts, burglaries or vandalism.

“I’m sure that they’re concerned and they’re scared,” Robinson said of residents. “We just try to reassure them that they’re just as safe now as they were for the last 10, 15, 20 years.”

As she picked up a few gift bags at the Dollar Tree, Debbie Shultz said she still feels safe but acknowledged the deaths weigh heavily.

By Associated PressFORT CALHOUN, Neb. (AP) — The grisly killings of a retiree and then&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nebraska-catholic-priest-stabbed-rectory-gutgsell-c48a12fd9ad044709e8ebbb8f53e4eab">a priest</a>&nbsp;has shocked everyone in tiny Fort Calhoun, Nebraska, including Sheriff Mike Robinson.He’s lived in the community just north of Omaha for 62 years and can’t recall a single homicide before these two.“It really is out of character,” Robinson said. “It’s a good town, good place to live, good place to raise your family.”Robinson says people have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nebraska-catholic-priest-killed-gutgsell-e634b68f496074893b58eb45229805ed">been troubled</a>&nbsp;not only by the killings, but by the awful details of how their neighbors died in what appear to be random attacks.Linda Childers, 71, was killed Aug. 13, when she was shot with a crossbow three times and her throat was slit at her isolated home near a creek about a mile north of Fort Calhoun. Less than four months later, on Dec. 10, the Rev. Stephen Gutgsell, 65, was fatally stabbed during a break-in at the rectory next door to St. John the Baptist Church, where he had been set to lead Mass later that day.The brutal killings have shaken residents who have grown accustomed to a certain peacefulness in Fort Calhoun, a single-stoplight town of 1,100 nestled in rolling hills along the Missouri River. The town is only 8 miles (nearly 13 kilometers) from Omaha but seemingly a world away from the state’s biggest city and its nearly half-million residents.The killings undercut Adam Schutte's “warm and cozy” image of a small town.“It’s scary,” said Schutte, while having a drink recently at the Longhorn Bar and Grill. ”It makes you wonder for sure.”Usually, the talk in Fort Calhoun revolves around topics like the high school boys basketball team and its improbable run to the state tournament last spring for the first time in 99 years. But such milestones have taken a back seat lately.Denise O’Neel has been spending one week a month at her fiance's home in Fort Calhoun for years, so she knows it well. She’s not as confident in its safety anymore.“As soon as he goes off to work my door is locked now,” O’Neel said. “I just know little Fort Calhoun doesn’t feel as safe as it used to."Fort Calhoun traces its roots to a meeting between explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark and the Oto and Missouri tribes in August 1804 — 63 years before Nebraska became a state.The community has long offered a window into the past through living history programs at a reconstructed fort that dates to 1820. Volunteers dress up in clothing from the Old West and act out scenes from the period when the area was first settled. The high school sports teams are called the Pioneers.At the time of her death, Linda Childers had lived in Fort Calhoun for nearly 50 years. Police arrested William Collins, 30, about two weeks after she was killed. He was found in Texas with Childers’ car and some of her property.Kierre Williams, 43, was arrested in Gutgsell's home. When a deputy arrived, Williams was sprawled across the priest, who was bleeding profusely.Both men face murder, burglary and weapons charges, and are due back in court early next month. Authorities say Williams had a job at a meatpacking plant in Sioux City, Iowa, while Collins was a self-described “minimalist” who was camping out near the river for about a week.It’s not clear what brought either of them to Fort Calhoun and investigators haven’t found any connection between them and the victims.Collins’ attorney has said he plans to plead not guilty but declined to discuss the case. Williams’ attorney with the Nebraska Commission on Public Advocacy didn’t respond to a message.For some, the deaths have shaken their belief that Fort Calhoun is inoculated from the violence they hear of in Omaha and other big cities.Childers’ stepdaughter, Wendy Sue Childers, spent much of her childhood in Fort Calhoun with her dad and stepmother, who she considered her best friend. Now a Missouri resident, she said the news of Gutgsell’s killing so soon after her stepmother’s death has her questioning whether any place is truly safe.“I don’t know what’s happening,” she said. “It’s just spreading. It is spilling over into the rural communities that are quiet and peaceful and minding their own business.”The priest’s killing resonated so deeply that people who don’t regularly attend St. John the Baptist mixed with his parishioners to fill the small church at a vigil the day he died. On Monday, mourners nearly filled an 1,000-seat cathedral in Omaha for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqfrpAa1LH8">Gutgsell’s funeral</a>, where he was remembered as a movie buff who was deeply concerned about making sure people were ready to meet God, particularly when they died violently like he did.Longtime resident Mike Cimino said the killings have been jarring, but they haven’t changed how he feels about Fort Calhoun. He’s always liked that he could get his kids to their Catholic school in central Omaha in only 20 minutes or so, and anytime he needs to make a Costco run, the big city is just minutes away.“I would feel probably less safe in a bigger city than here,” he said. “I think it’s just a coincidence that this had happened.”Robinson, the sheriff, notes Fort Calhoun is safe by nearly any measure, with almost no thefts, burglaries or vandalism.“I’m sure that they’re concerned and they’re scared,” Robinson said of residents. “We just try to reassure them that they’re just as safe now as they were for the last 10, 15, 20 years.”As she picked up a few gift bags at the Dollar Tree, Debbie Shultz said she still feels safe but acknowledged the deaths weigh heavily.

After 2 grisly killings, a small Nebraska community wonders if any place is really safe

WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden’s</a>&nbsp;push to have Congress replenish wartime aid for Ukraine as part of a deal on border and immigration policy changes will drag into next year.

The Senate, which had postponed its holiday recess, returned to Washington on Monday after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/border-security-ukraine-congress-senate-biden-cb8d4e3ad8271323cfd9294b527d6615">negotiators worked through the weekend</a>&nbsp;on the border legislation, trying to reach an agreement that could unlock the Republican votes for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-ukraine-israel-budget-3762a0bdf00653e3c8a38175d3c3d3cb">Biden’s $110 billion package of aid</a>&nbsp;for Ukraine, Israel and other security priorities.

The biggest line item in the funding request&nbsp;$61.4 billion to support Ukraine. Some of that money would go to replenishing Pentagon stockpiles of weapons that have already been provided.

Barely half of the senators returned for a Monday evening vote. Kansas Senior U.S. Senator Jerry Moran was in western Kansas for a ribbon cutting at a VA clinic.

“Obviously we need time,” said Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut, the top Democratic negotiator.

The delay heaps more uncertainty on the future of the Biden administration's priority of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-war-funding-weapons-2153375d4394d5783fad73858b51e993">providing support against Russia's invasion</a>. It also puts a potential pause on politically fraught negotiations over immigration and border security policy, though Senate negotiators planned to continue working on the package.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said the negotiations were “among the most difficult things we’ve done in recent memory.”

“Everyone knows that something should be done to fix our broken immigration system,” he said in a Senate floor speech to start the week. “But we can’t do so by compromising our values. Finding the middle ground is exceptionally hard.”

The House has already departed for the year as Congress settles into a long winter's break. Lawmakers aren't scheduled to return until the second week of January, and they will then need to tend to other matters besides the Ukraine funding, including facing a partial shutdown in mid-January if Congress can't pass a government funding package.

But as the Senate undertook the first substantial rewrite of immigration and border security law in decades, Republicans insisted they would not agree to rushing legislation.

“Getting this agreement right and producing legislative text is going to require some time,” Republican Leader Mitch McConnell said on the Senate floor.

Schumer said both Republicans and Democrats would need to make more concessions and it would take “some more time to get it done.”

Members of the core Senate negotiating group — Murphy and Sens. Kyrsten Sinema, an Arizona independent, and James Lankford, an Oklahoma Republican — met with White House staff on Monday.

“We’re all going to be back in January, but it’s going to take a while to be able to finish up all the text,” Lankford said.

The weeks-long wait comes as the Defense Department says it has nearly run out of available funds for supporting Ukraine's defense. In a letter to Congress, the Pentagon notified lawmakers last week that will soon be transferring more than $1 billion to replenish stockpiles sent to Ukraine, with no further funds available as it maintains the United States’ own military readiness.

“Once these funds are obligated, the Department will have exhausted the funding available to us for security assistance to Ukraine,” according to the letter obtained by The Associated Press.

The department said “it is essential that Congress act without delay” on the pending supplemental request.

Ukrainian forces tried to launch a counteroffensive this year, but faced dug-in Russian troops, minefields and other hazards. They struggled to make any significant gains.

As the conflict grinds towards the end of a second year, U.S. public support has waned for sending billions of dollars more in weapons and economic aid. The European Union, too, had to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/eu-ukraine-aid-orban-membership-summit-dd194ead36abf3affab6e2c322d1f75a">push into the new year</a>&nbsp;a plan to supply Ukraine with $54.5 billion after a veto from Hungarian Prime Minister&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/viktor-orban">Viktor Orban</a>, a right-wing leader who is on good terms with Russian President Vladimir Putin as well as Donald Trump, the former president and front-runner for the Republican nomination next year.

As his country scrapes low on money to repel Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has traveled the world to ask for support. He elicited praise from Republicans after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-zelenskyy-washington-congress-biden-5796a2429169d01959510f318fbc968a">meeting with them in the Capitol</a>&nbsp;last week, but the conservatives remained unmoved and in no hurry to approve Biden's emergency funding request.

Republicans have said there is still time to redouble support before Ukraine's defense suffers. Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa said that since the European Union put off sending Kyiv more money until the new year, he thinks the U.S. can as well.

“If it’s OK for them, it’s surely OK for us,” he said.

Dozens of Republican House members have signaled they won't support continued Ukraine aid, and even GOP senators who in the past have been stalwart advocates of the Ukraine war effort have insisted that Congress also pass new border restrictions.

Biden has offered to compromise on border and immigration policy, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-immigration-border-congress-ukraine-asylum-69007f56dca2977a2204c22cbc5cbef0">top White House officials have joined</a>&nbsp;the Senate negotiations, including Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-ukraine-israel-funding-us-mexico-border-e1da808689aeef52308d19010a5e3cfa">Negotiators have closed in on a list</a>&nbsp;of immigration enforcement measures, including detaining people who claim asylum at the border and granting nationwide authority to quickly remove migrants who have been in the U.S. for less than two years. They have also agreed on raising the initial threshold for people to enter an asylum claim in credible fear screenings.

The White House has tried to preserve an immigration program known as humanitarian parole. The Biden administration has leaned heavily on the use of humanitarian parole as part of its policy of providing legal pathways for some migrants to enter the country while beefing up consequences for those who don’t use those pathways. But Republicans have objected — and even sued to stop it — saying that the administration is essentially bypassing Congress and improperly letting migrants into the country who normally wouldn’t qualify.

Still, Biden's willingness to make concessions in the negotiations has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/senate-border-immigration-biden-66531bcefb908d5440a52b54c543b006">alarmed immigration advocates and drawn criticism from influential Hispanic Democrats</a>.

On a conference call with reporters Monday, advocates decried the policies under consideration as a return to the strategies pursued by Trump that left large numbers of migrants waiting in Mexico to apply for asylum in the U.S.

“If you have asylum seekers pushed back into Mexico, it’s going to be extremely dangerous,” said Kerri Talbot, executive director of The Immigration Hub.

The senators have also described their work as a complex undertaking as they delve into laws that for years have been at the center of intense legal and political fights.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The next roll call vote in the Senate is expected at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, January 8, 2024.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702427915109.png" alt="President Joe Biden shakes hands with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as they meet in the Oval Office of the White House Dec. 12-photo courtesy CSPAN&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>President Joe Biden shakes hands with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as they meet in the Oval Office of the White House Dec. 12-photo courtesy CSPAN&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden’s</a>&nbsp;push to have Congress replenish wartime aid for Ukraine as part of a deal on border and immigration policy changes will drag into next year.The Senate, which had postponed its holiday recess, returned to Washington on Monday after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/border-security-ukraine-congress-senate-biden-cb8d4e3ad8271323cfd9294b527d6615">negotiators worked through the weekend</a>&nbsp;on the border legislation, trying to reach an agreement that could unlock the Republican votes for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-ukraine-israel-budget-3762a0bdf00653e3c8a38175d3c3d3cb">Biden’s $110 billion package of aid</a>&nbsp;for Ukraine, Israel and other security priorities.The biggest line item in the funding request&nbsp;$61.4 billion to support Ukraine. Some of that money would go to replenishing Pentagon stockpiles of weapons that have already been provided.Barely half of the senators returned for a Monday evening vote. Kansas Senior U.S. Senator Jerry Moran was in western Kansas for a ribbon cutting at a VA clinic.“Obviously we need time,” said Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut, the top Democratic negotiator.The delay heaps more uncertainty on the future of the Biden administration's priority of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-war-funding-weapons-2153375d4394d5783fad73858b51e993">providing support against Russia's invasion</a>. It also puts a potential pause on politically fraught negotiations over immigration and border security policy, though Senate negotiators planned to continue working on the package.Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said the negotiations were “among the most difficult things we’ve done in recent memory.”“Everyone knows that something should be done to fix our broken immigration system,” he said in a Senate floor speech to start the week. “But we can’t do so by compromising our values. Finding the middle ground is exceptionally hard.”The House has already departed for the year as Congress settles into a long winter's break. Lawmakers aren't scheduled to return until the second week of January, and they will then need to tend to other matters besides the Ukraine funding, including facing a partial shutdown in mid-January if Congress can't pass a government funding package.But as the Senate undertook the first substantial rewrite of immigration and border security law in decades, Republicans insisted they would not agree to rushing legislation.“Getting this agreement right and producing legislative text is going to require some time,” Republican Leader Mitch McConnell said on the Senate floor.Schumer said both Republicans and Democrats would need to make more concessions and it would take “some more time to get it done.”Members of the core Senate negotiating group — Murphy and Sens. Kyrsten Sinema, an Arizona independent, and James Lankford, an Oklahoma Republican — met with White House staff on Monday.“We’re all going to be back in January, but it’s going to take a while to be able to finish up all the text,” Lankford said.The weeks-long wait comes as the Defense Department says it has nearly run out of available funds for supporting Ukraine's defense. In a letter to Congress, the Pentagon notified lawmakers last week that will soon be transferring more than $1 billion to replenish stockpiles sent to Ukraine, with no further funds available as it maintains the United States’ own military readiness.“Once these funds are obligated, the Department will have exhausted the funding available to us for security assistance to Ukraine,” according to the letter obtained by The Associated Press.The department said “it is essential that Congress act without delay” on the pending supplemental request.Ukrainian forces tried to launch a counteroffensive this year, but faced dug-in Russian troops, minefields and other hazards. They struggled to make any significant gains.As the conflict grinds towards the end of a second year, U.S. public support has waned for sending billions of dollars more in weapons and economic aid. The European Union, too, had to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/eu-ukraine-aid-orban-membership-summit-dd194ead36abf3affab6e2c322d1f75a">push into the new year</a>&nbsp;a plan to supply Ukraine with $54.5 billion after a veto from Hungarian Prime Minister&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/viktor-orban">Viktor Orban</a>, a right-wing leader who is on good terms with Russian President Vladimir Putin as well as Donald Trump, the former president and front-runner for the Republican nomination next year.As his country scrapes low on money to repel Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has traveled the world to ask for support. He elicited praise from Republicans after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-zelenskyy-washington-congress-biden-5796a2429169d01959510f318fbc968a">meeting with them in the Capitol</a>&nbsp;last week, but the conservatives remained unmoved and in no hurry to approve Biden's emergency funding request.Republicans have said there is still time to redouble support before Ukraine's defense suffers. Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa said that since the European Union put off sending Kyiv more money until the new year, he thinks the U.S. can as well.“If it’s OK for them, it’s surely OK for us,” he said.Dozens of Republican House members have signaled they won't support continued Ukraine aid, and even GOP senators who in the past have been stalwart advocates of the Ukraine war effort have insisted that Congress also pass new border restrictions.Biden has offered to compromise on border and immigration policy, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-immigration-border-congress-ukraine-asylum-69007f56dca2977a2204c22cbc5cbef0">top White House officials have joined</a>&nbsp;the Senate negotiations, including Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-ukraine-israel-funding-us-mexico-border-e1da808689aeef52308d19010a5e3cfa">Negotiators have closed in on a list</a>&nbsp;of immigration enforcement measures, including detaining people who claim asylum at the border and granting nationwide authority to quickly remove migrants who have been in the U.S. for less than two years. They have also agreed on raising the initial threshold for people to enter an asylum claim in credible fear screenings.The White House has tried to preserve an immigration program known as humanitarian parole. The Biden administration has leaned heavily on the use of humanitarian parole as part of its policy of providing legal pathways for some migrants to enter the country while beefing up consequences for those who don’t use those pathways. But Republicans have objected — and even sued to stop it — saying that the administration is essentially bypassing Congress and improperly letting migrants into the country who normally wouldn’t qualify.Still, Biden's willingness to make concessions in the negotiations has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/senate-border-immigration-biden-66531bcefb908d5440a52b54c543b006">alarmed immigration advocates and drawn criticism from influential Hispanic Democrats</a>.On a conference call with reporters Monday, advocates decried the policies under consideration as a return to the strategies pursued by Trump that left large numbers of migrants waiting in Mexico to apply for asylum in the U.S.“If you have asylum seekers pushed back into Mexico, it’s going to be extremely dangerous,” said Kerri Talbot, executive director of The Immigration Hub.The senators have also described their work as a complex undertaking as they delve into laws that for years have been at the center of intense legal and political fights.&nbsp;&nbsp;The next roll call vote in the Senate is expected at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, January 8, 2024.

Unhappy holiday: No $61 billion Ukraine funding from U.S. Senate

BAGHDAD&nbsp; — At approximately 7:30 a.m. (Iraq time) on Wednesday a 122mm rocket was fired at al Assad Air Base in Iraq –the US military's largest in the country. The there were no injuries or damage caused, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.

Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve located the point of origin and passed the location to the Iraqi Security Forces who moved to the site to investigate. The ISF seized a flatbed truck modified to launch up to 5 x 122mm rockets that was located at the site.

Meanwhile, at least 46 people were killed and more than 100 wounded&nbsp; Wednesday after Israel bombarded the urban Jabaliya refugee camp near Gaza City, according to Munir al-Bursh, a senior official in the Health Ministry in Hamas-run Gaza.

The Israeli military said its troops have located “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-12-20-2023-81b80e4716b53756c8fab96c183089ef">a vast tunnel network</a>&nbsp;” under Gaza City that included command and control positions, meeting rooms and hideout apartments for the most senior leaders of Hamas, including Yahya Sinwar and Ismail Haniyeh.

There were new signs of progress Wednesday in negotiations to halt the war in Gaza and secure the release of at least some of the estimated 129 Israeli captives held by Palestinian militants. Hamas said that Haniyeh, who is believed to be based in Qatar, was in Cairo on Wednesday to discuss the war, without providing more details.

BAGHDAD&nbsp; — At approximately 7:30 a.m. (Iraq time) on Wednesday a 122mm rocket was fired at al Assad Air Base in Iraq –the US military's largest in the country. The there were no injuries or damage caused, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve located the point of origin and passed the location to the Iraqi Security Forces who moved to the site to investigate. The ISF seized a flatbed truck modified to launch up to 5 x 122mm rockets that was located at the site.Meanwhile, at least 46 people were killed and more than 100 wounded&nbsp; Wednesday after Israel bombarded the urban Jabaliya refugee camp near Gaza City, according to Munir al-Bursh, a senior official in the Health Ministry in Hamas-run Gaza.The Israeli military said its troops have located “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-12-20-2023-81b80e4716b53756c8fab96c183089ef">a vast tunnel network</a>&nbsp;” under Gaza City that included command and control positions, meeting rooms and hideout apartments for the most senior leaders of Hamas, including Yahya Sinwar and Ismail Haniyeh.There were new signs of progress Wednesday in negotiations to halt the war in Gaza and secure the release of at least some of the estimated 129 Israeli captives held by Palestinian militants. Hamas said that Haniyeh, who is believed to be based in Qatar, was in Cairo on Wednesday to discuss the war, without providing more details.Nearly 20,000 Palestinians have been killed since Israel declared war on Hamas, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-gaza-health-ministry-health-death-toll-59470820308b31f1faf73c703400b033">Health Ministry in Gaza</a>, which does not differentiate between civilian and combatant deaths. Thousands more lie buried&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-buried-rubble-airstrikes-89c0e8d0934d573d94d2fbfeba44d933">under the rubble</a>&nbsp;of Gaza, the U.N. estimates. Israel says more than 130 of its soldiers have died in its ground offensive after Hamas&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-attack-military-war-a8f63b07641212f0de61861844e5e71e">raided southern Israel</a>&nbsp;on Oct. 7, killing about 1,200 people — mostly civilians — and taking&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hostages-gaza-b6ffc286ca7d4b48caaada43e9c6e411">about 240 hostages</a>.