<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/state-auditor-slams-riverboat-gamble-with-defunct-red-way-airline-saying-the-deal-clearly-violated-law-drained-700000-in-taxpayer-funds/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — State Auditor Mike Foley, in a forensic audit released Thursday, slammed a “riverboat gamble” Lincoln officials made with the now-defunct Red Way Airlines, saying it cost local taxpayers $700,000 and that ticket holders still haven’t been reimbursed for cancelled flights.

The Lincoln Airport Authority had contracted with Red Way to provide new destinations from the Lincoln Airport, pledging, with approval of the Lincoln City Council and Lancaster County Board, $3 million in pandemic-related, federal American Rescue Plan Act funds for the venture.

But the Colorado-based startup shut down in August after only three months of operation, after flights drew far fewer passengers than projected, despite offering one-way tickets for as little as $9.

Foley, in an<a target="_blank" href="https://auditors.nebraska.gov/APA_Reports/2023/OE550201-12142023-December_14_2023_Lincoln_Airport_Authority_Letter.pdf">&nbsp;84-page report</a>&nbsp;to the Airport Authority, said that Red Way “clearly violated” federal regulations by draining a $1.5 million escrow account intended to repay customers for tickets purchased on flights that were cancelled.

The audit also estimated that, despite earlier news reports, Red Way probably still owes jilted customers more than $100,000.

Overall, Foley said that the Lincoln Airport Authority provided more than $700,000 in local public funds under its control to assist Red Way, as well as waiving tens of thousands of dollars in fees that the airline would have been obligated to pay.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“In the final analysis, Red Way was a failed riverboat gamble bankrolled by taxpayers,” the auditor said in a press release.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Had the Red Way business plan been prepared for the eyes of a reputable commercial bank lender, its proponents would not have gotten past the junior teller,” Foley added. “The cavalier treatment of government funds as monopoly money paved the way for the plan to be sold as a worthy risk to elected officials, who accepted it with few questions asked.”

In September, the Lincoln Airport Authority told&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://journalstar.com/news/local/business/inside-look-at-red-way-airlines-failure/article_5a9fb522-4814-11ee-9dc2-976ab4feea49.html">the Lincoln Journal-Star</a>&nbsp;that the Red Way deal was a risk, to expand service at the airport, that didn’t work out. Officials there set up an interview with the Examiner later Thursday.

Calls and an email to Red Way CEO Nick Wangler were not immediately returned on Thursday afternoon. Wangler formed Fly Next LLC, of which Red Way was its trade name, in February.

Initially, Red Way offered flights to Orlando, Florida; Las Vegas, Nevada; Atlanta, Georgia; Dallas/Fort Worth and Austin, Texas; Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota; and Nashville, Tennessee.

Instead of owning its own aircraft, Red Way leased planes from an Florida company, Global Crossing. According to the audit, Red Way paid that firm $4.3 million by September 12.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702589121988.jpeg" alt=" The Lincoln Airport’s “Red Way Airlines” is the subject of a state audity. Red Way shut down Aug. 31 after just three months of service. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption> The Lincoln Airport’s “Red Way Airlines” is the subject of a state audity. Red Way shut down Aug. 31 after just three months of service. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Paul Hammel<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/state-auditor-slams-riverboat-gamble-with-defunct-red-way-airline-saying-the-deal-clearly-violated-law-drained-700000-in-taxpayer-funds/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — State Auditor Mike Foley, in a forensic audit released Thursday, slammed a “riverboat gamble” Lincoln officials made with the now-defunct Red Way Airlines, saying it cost local taxpayers $700,000 and that ticket holders still haven’t been reimbursed for cancelled flights.The Lincoln Airport Authority had contracted with Red Way to provide new destinations from the Lincoln Airport, pledging, with approval of the Lincoln City Council and Lancaster County Board, $3 million in pandemic-related, federal American Rescue Plan Act funds for the venture.But the Colorado-based startup shut down in August after only three months of operation, after flights drew far fewer passengers than projected, despite offering one-way tickets for as little as $9.Foley, in an<a target="_blank" href="https://auditors.nebraska.gov/APA_Reports/2023/OE550201-12142023-December_14_2023_Lincoln_Airport_Authority_Letter.pdf">&nbsp;84-page report</a>&nbsp;to the Airport Authority, said that Red Way “clearly violated” federal regulations by draining a $1.5 million escrow account intended to repay customers for tickets purchased on flights that were cancelled.The audit also estimated that, despite earlier news reports, Red Way probably still owes jilted customers more than $100,000.Overall, Foley said that the Lincoln Airport Authority provided more than $700,000 in local public funds under its control to assist Red Way, as well as waiving tens of thousands of dollars in fees that the airline would have been obligated to pay.&nbsp;&nbsp;“In the final analysis, Red Way was a failed riverboat gamble bankrolled by taxpayers,” the auditor said in a press release.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Had the Red Way business plan been prepared for the eyes of a reputable commercial bank lender, its proponents would not have gotten past the junior teller,” Foley added. “The cavalier treatment of government funds as monopoly money paved the way for the plan to be sold as a worthy risk to elected officials, who accepted it with few questions asked.”In September, the Lincoln Airport Authority told&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://journalstar.com/news/local/business/inside-look-at-red-way-airlines-failure/article_5a9fb522-4814-11ee-9dc2-976ab4feea49.html">the Lincoln Journal-Star</a>&nbsp;that the Red Way deal was a risk, to expand service at the airport, that didn’t work out. Officials there set up an interview with the Examiner later Thursday.Calls and an email to Red Way CEO Nick Wangler were not immediately returned on Thursday afternoon. Wangler formed Fly Next LLC, of which Red Way was its trade name, in February.Initially, Red Way offered flights to Orlando, Florida; Las Vegas, Nevada; Atlanta, Georgia; Dallas/Fort Worth and Austin, Texas; Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota; and Nashville, Tennessee.Instead of owning its own aircraft, Red Way leased planes from an Florida company, Global Crossing. According to the audit, Red Way paid that firm $4.3 million by September 12.

State auditor slams ‘riverboat gamble’ with defunct Red Way Airline, saying the deal ‘clearly violated’ law, drained $700,000 in taxpayer funds

WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress was departing Washington on Thursday without a deal to pass wartime support for Ukraine, but Senate negotiators and President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden’s</a>&nbsp;administration were still racing to wrap up a border security compromise to unlock the stalemate before the end of the year.

The Senate planned to come back next week in hopes of passing the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-ukraine-israel-budget-3762a0bdf00653e3c8a38175d3c3d3cb">$110 billion package of aid</a>&nbsp;for Ukraine, Israel and other national security and finalizing a deal to place new restrictions on asylum claims at the U.S. border. But the House showed no sign of returning to push the legislation through the full Congress.

Lawmakers leaving the impasse unresolved through the holidays would mean the Biden administration would have to rely on a dwindling supply of funds for Ukraine. The wartime aid has so far been vital to Ukraine’s defending against Russia’s invasion, but an emboldened Russian President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/putin-russia-press-conference-moscow-ukraine-ef4e88fda50e6ad75b8a1979b95d9fcc">Vladimir Putin earlier Thursday</a>&nbsp;recommitted to his goals in the war.

Repelling Russia has been one of Biden’s chief foreign policy goals. But the Democratic president is facing stiff opposition from Republicans in Congress — both from populist conservatives who no longer want to fund the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">nearly two-year-old conflict</a>&nbsp;and GOP senators who have been traditional allies to Ukraine’s defense but insist that the U.S. also enact policies aimed at cutting the historic number of migrants who are arriving at the U.S. border with Mexico.

Top administration officials, including White House chief of staff Jeff Zients and Biden’s legislative affairs director Shuwanza Goff, met with Senate negotiators Thursday evening. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat, rescheduled the Senate to return to Washington on Monday to give negotiators more time to reach the framework of a deal.

“We have to get this done,” Schumer said, adding that he would push for a Senate vote on the funding package next week even if an agreement is not in place.

In an earlier speech on the Senate floor, Schumer said that the deadlock in Congress has left “Putin mocking our resolve.” He cast the decisions facing lawmakers as a potential turning point of history: “There is too much on the line for Ukraine, for America, for Western democracy, to throw in the towel right now.”

But the House ended work and departed for the holidays, with Republican Speaker Mike Johnson showing no sign he will have members return until the second week of January.

In fact, Johnson’s office sent around a clip from a Zelenskyy interview suggesting aid could wait until the new year.

Senate Republicans also expressed doubt there was time left this year to both reach an agreement and work through writing the text of legislation, with Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio saying there would be a “revolt” by Republicans if they were forced into a quick vote.

A core group of Senate negotiators and Biden administration officials were expected to work through the weekend narrowing a list of priorities aimed at curtailing the number of migrants applying for asylum at the U.S. border.

“We are making progress, I feel more confident today than I did yesterday,” Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, an Arizona independent who has often been central to Senate deal-making, told The Associated Press.

Faced with historic numbers of migrants at the U.S. border with Mexico, the White House has negotiated a change to the law that would allow Homeland Security officials to stop migrants from applying for asylum if the number of total crossings exceeded a certain capacity.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-ukraine-israel-funding-us-mexico-border-e1da808689aeef52308d19010a5e3cfa">Negotiators have also considered several other policies</a>&nbsp;that resemble those pursued under former President Donald Trump’s administration, 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.

Sinema declined to discuss details of the talks but said her aim was to craft a package that has both the policy and funding to “create an orderly, safe, secure and humane process” for seeking asylum or immigrating for “other legal reasons.” She added that negotiators understand they will lose support from wings of both conservatives and progressives, but were aiming to pass the package in the Senate with majorities of both parties.

“There will probably be folks on the edges of the political spectrum who are not happy with a solution that secures our border, brings order and is humane,” Sinema said.

In one friction point in talks, the White House has resisted Republican demands to curtail&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-biden-haiti-cuba-nicaragua-venezuela-trial-982e96527e266b46dc95388f31a93824">a humanitarian parole program</a>&nbsp;that has allowed tens of thousands of migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela to enter the U.S., often at ports of entry other than the border, according to several people familiar with the talks who discussed them only on the condition of anonymity.

Still, immigration advocates have been dismayed at the White House’s concessions in the talks.

Sen. Alex Padilla, the California Democrat who has spearheaded Senate resistance to the plans, said he has told Biden “to be careful because Republicans are hellbent on dragging us into harmful policy territory.”

Congress has struggled for decades to find any agreement on border and immigration policy, yet Republicans argue that the Biden administration opened the door for a policy negotiation both by including border-related funding in the national security package and openly calling for Congress to take up reforms.

But the complicated and contentious nature of the issue prompted many GOP senators to conclude that there would be no deal for Ukraine aid this year, even as they pledged to prove Putin wrong for doubting U.S. support for Ukraine.

“Sometimes democracies take a little more time, but the resolve is real,” said Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D.

Some Democrats fretted that leaving the funding deadlock hanging for weeks could precipitate the deal’s collapse.

“Actions speak louder than words,” said Sen. Michael Bennet of Colorado.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702600274009.png" alt="Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer says there will be a vote next week on the national security supplemental aid request for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, as well as border security.-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer says there will be a vote next week on the national security supplemental aid request for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, as well as border security.-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress was departing Washington on Thursday without a deal to pass wartime support for Ukraine, but Senate negotiators and President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden’s</a>&nbsp;administration were still racing to wrap up a border security compromise to unlock the stalemate before the end of the year.The Senate planned to come back next week in hopes of passing the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-ukraine-israel-budget-3762a0bdf00653e3c8a38175d3c3d3cb">$110 billion package of aid</a>&nbsp;for Ukraine, Israel and other national security and finalizing a deal to place new restrictions on asylum claims at the U.S. border. But the House showed no sign of returning to push the legislation through the full Congress.Lawmakers leaving the impasse unresolved through the holidays would mean the Biden administration would have to rely on a dwindling supply of funds for Ukraine. The wartime aid has so far been vital to Ukraine’s defending against Russia’s invasion, but an emboldened Russian President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/putin-russia-press-conference-moscow-ukraine-ef4e88fda50e6ad75b8a1979b95d9fcc">Vladimir Putin earlier Thursday</a>&nbsp;recommitted to his goals in the war.Repelling Russia has been one of Biden’s chief foreign policy goals. But the Democratic president is facing stiff opposition from Republicans in Congress — both from populist conservatives who no longer want to fund the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">nearly two-year-old conflict</a>&nbsp;and GOP senators who have been traditional allies to Ukraine’s defense but insist that the U.S. also enact policies aimed at cutting the historic number of migrants who are arriving at the U.S. border with Mexico.Top administration officials, including White House chief of staff Jeff Zients and Biden’s legislative affairs director Shuwanza Goff, met with Senate negotiators Thursday evening. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat, rescheduled the Senate to return to Washington on Monday to give negotiators more time to reach the framework of a deal.“We have to get this done,” Schumer said, adding that he would push for a Senate vote on the funding package next week even if an agreement is not in place.In an earlier speech on the Senate floor, Schumer said that the deadlock in Congress has left “Putin mocking our resolve.” He cast the decisions facing lawmakers as a potential turning point of history: “There is too much on the line for Ukraine, for America, for Western democracy, to throw in the towel right now.”But the House ended work and departed for the holidays, with Republican Speaker Mike Johnson showing no sign he will have members return until the second week of January.In fact, Johnson’s office sent around a clip from a Zelenskyy interview suggesting aid could wait until the new year.Senate Republicans also expressed doubt there was time left this year to both reach an agreement and work through writing the text of legislation, with Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio saying there would be a “revolt” by Republicans if they were forced into a quick vote.A core group of Senate negotiators and Biden administration officials were expected to work through the weekend narrowing a list of priorities aimed at curtailing the number of migrants applying for asylum at the U.S. border.“We are making progress, I feel more confident today than I did yesterday,” Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, an Arizona independent who has often been central to Senate deal-making, told The Associated Press.Faced with historic numbers of migrants at the U.S. border with Mexico, the White House has negotiated a change to the law that would allow Homeland Security officials to stop migrants from applying for asylum if the number of total crossings exceeded a certain capacity.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-ukraine-israel-funding-us-mexico-border-e1da808689aeef52308d19010a5e3cfa">Negotiators have also considered several other policies</a>&nbsp;that resemble those pursued under former President Donald Trump’s administration, 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.Sinema declined to discuss details of the talks but said her aim was to craft a package that has both the policy and funding to “create an orderly, safe, secure and humane process” for seeking asylum or immigrating for “other legal reasons.” She added that negotiators understand they will lose support from wings of both conservatives and progressives, but were aiming to pass the package in the Senate with majorities of both parties.“There will probably be folks on the edges of the political spectrum who are not happy with a solution that secures our border, brings order and is humane,” Sinema said.In one friction point in talks, the White House has resisted Republican demands to curtail&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-biden-haiti-cuba-nicaragua-venezuela-trial-982e96527e266b46dc95388f31a93824">a humanitarian parole program</a>&nbsp;that has allowed tens of thousands of migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela to enter the U.S., often at ports of entry other than the border, according to several people familiar with the talks who discussed them only on the condition of anonymity.Still, immigration advocates have been dismayed at the White House’s concessions in the talks.Sen. Alex Padilla, the California Democrat who has spearheaded Senate resistance to the plans, said he has told Biden “to be careful because Republicans are hellbent on dragging us into harmful policy territory.”Congress has struggled for decades to find any agreement on border and immigration policy, yet Republicans argue that the Biden administration opened the door for a policy negotiation both by including border-related funding in the national security package and openly calling for Congress to take up reforms.But the complicated and contentious nature of the issue prompted many GOP senators to conclude that there would be no deal for Ukraine aid this year, even as they pledged to prove Putin wrong for doubting U.S. support for Ukraine.“Sometimes democracies take a little more time, but the resolve is real,” said Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D.Some Democrats fretted that leaving the funding deadlock hanging for weeks could precipitate the deal’s collapse.“Actions speak louder than words,” said Sen. Michael Bennet of Colorado.

Senators delay holiday to work on $110B funding for Ukraine, Israel

FORT CALHOUN, Neb. (AP) — The suspect in the stabbing death of a Catholic priest in eastern Nebraska had no connection to the priest or the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nebraska-catholic-priest-killed-gutgsell-e634b68f496074893b58eb45229805ed">small town where the stabbing occurred</a>&nbsp;last week, prosecutors said during a court hearing Thursday.

Kierre Williams, 43, was ordered held without bond while he awaits trial on first-degree murder, burglary and two felony weapons counts in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nebraska-catholic-priest-stabbed-rectory-gutgsell-c48a12fd9ad044709e8ebbb8f53e4eab">Sunday killing</a>&nbsp;of the Rev. Stephen Gutgsell in the rectory next door to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Fort Calhoun.

The 65-year-old priest called 911 before dawn Sunday to report that a man had broken into the rectory and was in his kitchen holding a knife. When a deputy arrived at the home minutes later, he said he found Gutgsell lying near the kitchen, bleeding profusely from stab wounds. Gutgsell was rushed to a hospital in nearby Omaha, where he died of his wounds.

The murder charge alone carries a possible death penalty, the judge noted.

Williams, who attended the hearing via video conference wearing a jail-issued orange jumpsuit, appeared taken aback by the mention of the murder charge being a capital punishment crime. He said he was told by his lawyer, Brian Craig of the Nebraska Commission on Public Advocacy, that he faced a sentence of life in prison if convicted of the murder charge.

County Attorney Scott VanderSchaaf, the lead prosecutor in the case, did not immediately return phone and email messages Thursday asking whether he intends to seek the death penalty or when that decision will be made.

Gutgsell’s stabbing is the second killing this year in the normally quiet Omaha bedroom community of Fort Calhoun, home to about 1,000 people. Investigators have said both killings happened during break-ins where there was no clear connection between the intruders and the victims.

FORT CALHOUN, Neb. (AP) — The suspect in the stabbing death of a Catholic priest in eastern Nebraska had no connection to the priest or the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nebraska-catholic-priest-killed-gutgsell-e634b68f496074893b58eb45229805ed">small town where the stabbing occurred</a>&nbsp;last week, prosecutors said during a court hearing Thursday.Kierre Williams, 43, was ordered held without bond while he awaits trial on first-degree murder, burglary and two felony weapons counts in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nebraska-catholic-priest-stabbed-rectory-gutgsell-c48a12fd9ad044709e8ebbb8f53e4eab">Sunday killing</a>&nbsp;of the Rev. Stephen Gutgsell in the rectory next door to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Fort Calhoun.The 65-year-old priest called 911 before dawn Sunday to report that a man had broken into the rectory and was in his kitchen holding a knife. When a deputy arrived at the home minutes later, he said he found Gutgsell lying near the kitchen, bleeding profusely from stab wounds. Gutgsell was rushed to a hospital in nearby Omaha, where he died of his wounds.The murder charge alone carries a possible death penalty, the judge noted.Williams, who attended the hearing via video conference wearing a jail-issued orange jumpsuit, appeared taken aback by the mention of the murder charge being a capital punishment crime. He said he was told by his lawyer, Brian Craig of the Nebraska Commission on Public Advocacy, that he faced a sentence of life in prison if convicted of the murder charge.County Attorney Scott VanderSchaaf, the lead prosecutor in the case, did not immediately return phone and email messages Thursday asking whether he intends to seek the death penalty or when that decision will be made.Gutgsell’s stabbing is the second killing this year in the normally quiet Omaha bedroom community of Fort Calhoun, home to about 1,000 people. Investigators have said both killings happened during break-ins where there was no clear connection between the intruders and the victims.

Suspect in stabbing death of eastern Nebraska priest had no connection to priest, prosecutor says

MISSOULA, Mont. (AP) — A federal grand jury in Montana has indicted two men accused of killing about 3,600 birds, including bald eagles and golden eagles, and selling them on the black market.

The indictment returned in U.S. District Court last week charges Simon Paul and Travis John Branson with 13 counts of unlawful trafficking of bald and golden eagles and one count each of conspiracy and violating the Lacey Act, which prohibits trafficking of illegally taken wildlife.

“The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act was enacted in 1940 to protect the bald eagle, recognizing that the bald eagle is not merely a bird of biological interest, but this country’s national symbol which reflects America’s ideals of freedom,” the indictment states. The act was extended in 1962 to include golden eagles.

Branson, Paul and others hunted and killed thousands of birds, including eagles, on the Flathead Indian Reservation and elsewhere, then illegally sold them for significant sums of cash across the United States and elsewhere, the indictment states.

Investigators found messages from Branson and others describing the illegal taking of eagles, saying he was “committing felonies” and telling buyers he was “on a killing spree” to collect more eagle tail feathers for future sales, according to the indictment.

The indictment alleges that Paul and Branson conspired to kill and sell the eagles illegally near Ronan, Montana, from 2015 and 2021. From 2019 and 2021, Branson traveled from Washington state to the reservation to shoot the eagles, and Paul, who lived near the reservation, was a shooter and shipper for Branson.

“When Branson arrived on the Flathead Indian Reservation, Paul would meet and help kill, transport, and ship bald and golden eagles for future sales on the black market,” the indictment states.

Paul and Branson were issued summons to appear for arraignments on Jan. 8.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670010827440.jpeg" alt="photo MODOC" />
 <figcaption>photo MODOC</figcaption>
 </figure>MISSOULA, Mont. (AP) — A federal grand jury in Montana has indicted two men accused of killing about 3,600 birds, including bald eagles and golden eagles, and selling them on the black market.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702572574202.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The indictment returned in U.S. District Court last week charges Simon Paul and Travis John Branson with 13 counts of unlawful trafficking of bald and golden eagles and one count each of conspiracy and violating the Lacey Act, which prohibits trafficking of illegally taken wildlife.“The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act was enacted in 1940 to protect the bald eagle, recognizing that the bald eagle is not merely a bird of biological interest, but this country’s national symbol which reflects America’s ideals of freedom,” the indictment states. The act was extended in 1962 to include golden eagles.Branson, Paul and others hunted and killed thousands of birds, including eagles, on the Flathead Indian Reservation and elsewhere, then illegally sold them for significant sums of cash across the United States and elsewhere, the indictment states.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702572624186.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Investigators found messages from Branson and others describing the illegal taking of eagles, saying he was “committing felonies” and telling buyers he was “on a killing spree” to collect more eagle tail feathers for future sales, according to the indictment.The indictment alleges that Paul and Branson conspired to kill and sell the eagles illegally near Ronan, Montana, from 2015 and 2021. From 2019 and 2021, Branson traveled from Washington state to the reservation to shoot the eagles, and Paul, who lived near the reservation, was a shooter and shipper for Branson.“When Branson arrived on the Flathead Indian Reservation, Paul would meet and help kill, transport, and ship bald and golden eagles for future sales on the black market,” the indictment states.Paul and Branson were issued summons to appear for arraignments on Jan. 8.

Two charged with killing, selling bald and golden eagles

WASHINGTON — First lady Jill Biden shared a unique video on social media Wednesday featuring the Dorrance Dance talented tappers at the White House with "their playful interpretation of The Nutcracker Suite."

&nbsp;Viewers shared a variety of positive and negative reviews of the "bit of magic, wonder, and joy,”&nbsp; as described by the first lady.&nbsp; She hopes viewers enjoy it.

WASHINGTON — First lady Jill Biden shared a unique video on social media Wednesday featuring the Dorrance Dance talented tappers at the White House with "their playful interpretation of The Nutcracker Suite."<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A bit of magic, wonder, and joy brought to you by the talented tappers of Dorrance Dance, performing their playful interpretation of The Nutcracker Suite. Enjoy! 💕 <a href="https://t.co/qXtCm4t37o">pic.twitter.com/qXtCm4t37o</a>&mdash; Jill Biden (@FLOTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/FLOTUS/status/1735074586721468855?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>&nbsp;Viewers shared a variety of positive and negative reviews of the "bit of magic, wonder, and joy,”&nbsp; as described by the first lady.&nbsp; She hopes viewers enjoy it.

🎥First lady shares unusual White House Christmas video

OMAHA, NE&nbsp;— Today,&nbsp;the Platte Institute&nbsp;released a new episode of the Nebraskanomics&nbsp;podcast featuring three former state senators&nbsp;who are on Platte’s&nbsp;staff;&nbsp;Jim Smith, Chief Strategy Officer, Laura Ebke, Senior Fellow, and Nicole Fox, Director of Government Relations. During the episode,&nbsp;the three former senators along with host of Nebraskanomics, Jim Vokal,&nbsp;discuss Platte’s priorities going into 2024, expectations from the legislative body, and potential challenges to overcome. &nbsp;

“Having three former state senators on Platte’s staff is an invaluable resource that comes with a tremendous amount of experience and knowledge” said Jim Vokal, Chief Executive Officer of Platte Institute. “I am excited to share some of this experience with our listeners&nbsp;as they hear our conversation&nbsp;and learn more about what we expect from this upcoming session.” &nbsp;&nbsp;

Heading into the 2024 Legislative Session, Platte’s&nbsp;top priorities are:&nbsp;

“Given the turbulence that we all watched this year&nbsp;during the longer 90-day session,&nbsp;I think there&nbsp;is a big question mark surrounding whether the body will be as successful as it was&nbsp;in its’ first session. We believe it can and will be.” added Vokal.&nbsp;“Our team remains focused and ready to support legislators as we work to keep up the momentum heading into 2024.” &nbsp;&nbsp;

To&nbsp;listen to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics, click&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/7sdjwHnGJr5xQDEetH5H2m?si=fb42068dd90049f9" target="_blank">here</a>. For more information on this&nbsp;episode, Platte’s priorities&nbsp;heading into 2024, or to schedule an interview, please contact Ryan Kopsa at (402) 366-4432 or write to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:rkopsa@platteinstitute.org" target="_blank">rkopsa@platteinstitute.org</a>.&nbsp;

The Platte Institute advances policies that remove barriers to growth and opportunity in Nebraska. Discover more about our policies, initiatives, and resources at PlatteInstitute.org.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Platte Institute&nbsp;OMAHA, NE&nbsp;— Today,&nbsp;the Platte Institute&nbsp;released a new episode of the Nebraskanomics&nbsp;podcast featuring three former state senators&nbsp;who are on Platte’s&nbsp;staff;&nbsp;Jim Smith, Chief Strategy Officer, Laura Ebke, Senior Fellow, and Nicole Fox, Director of Government Relations. During the episode,&nbsp;the three former senators along with host of Nebraskanomics, Jim Vokal,&nbsp;discuss Platte’s priorities going into 2024, expectations from the legislative body, and potential challenges to overcome. &nbsp;“Having three former state senators on Platte’s staff is an invaluable resource that comes with a tremendous amount of experience and knowledge” said Jim Vokal, Chief Executive Officer of Platte Institute. “I am excited to share some of this experience with our listeners&nbsp;as they hear our conversation&nbsp;and learn more about what we expect from this upcoming session.” &nbsp;&nbsp;Heading into the 2024 Legislative Session, Platte’s&nbsp;top priorities are:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Removing workforce barriers and promoting entrepreneurship&nbsp;by passing universal recognition&nbsp;and expanding&nbsp;Nebraska’s&nbsp;cottage foods&nbsp;law.&nbsp;</li><li>Continued tax relief for economic competitiveness&nbsp;by ending the inheritance tax, adopting full expensing, improving the way we treat remote works, and strengthening Nebraska’s Truth in Taxation&nbsp;law. &nbsp;</li><li>Cutting regulations&nbsp;by passing legislation requiring state courts to interpret regulations based on legislative intent instead of deferring&nbsp;to regulators for clarity. &nbsp;</li>
 </ul>“Given the turbulence that we all watched this year&nbsp;during the longer 90-day session,&nbsp;I think there&nbsp;is a big question mark surrounding whether the body will be as successful as it was&nbsp;in its’ first session. We believe it can and will be.” added Vokal.&nbsp;“Our team remains focused and ready to support legislators as we work to keep up the momentum heading into 2024.” &nbsp;&nbsp;To&nbsp;listen to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics, click&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/7sdjwHnGJr5xQDEetH5H2m?si=fb42068dd90049f9" target="_blank">here</a>. For more information on this&nbsp;episode, Platte’s priorities&nbsp;heading into 2024, or to schedule an interview, please contact Ryan Kopsa at (402) 366-4432 or write to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:rkopsa@platteinstitute.org" target="_blank">rkopsa@platteinstitute.org</a>.&nbsp;The Platte Institute advances policies that remove barriers to growth and opportunity in Nebraska. Discover more about our policies, initiatives, and resources at PlatteInstitute.org.&nbsp;

 Platte Institute Releases New Episode of Nebraskanomics Podcast; Former State Senators Give Insight into 2024 Session 

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nebraska-lawmaker-and-spouse-create-unl-scholarship-for-lgbtqa-champions/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — A Nebraska lawmaker and his husband have created an annual endowed scholarship to support “LGBTQA+ champions” at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

State Sen. John Fredrickson of Omaha and Jeff Formanek announced the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://gsc.unl.edu/scholarships">Fredrickson-Formanek Scholars Fund</a>&nbsp;on Thursday. The fund will provide permanent financial support to first-year UNL students who are champions and supporters of LGBTQA+ causes and rights.

The couple created the scholarship in an effort to combat divisive rhetoric surrounding&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/03/01/lgbtq-protections-at-crossroads-in-nebraska-legislature/">LGBTQ issues</a>, according to a news release.&nbsp;

“Nebraska’s state motto is ‘Equality before the law,’” Fredrickson said in a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/johnforne/status/1735297438372561242?s=46&amp;t=nEvCDsjpl9tOsLlqg0nx9A">video announcing the scholarship</a>. “We feel so fortunate that this new program will have a real impact on building a brighter future for Nebraska and Nebraskans.”

A $2,000 scholarship —&nbsp;split evenly over a fall and spring semester —&nbsp;will be awarded to a student beginning in fall 2024 through UNL’s Gender and Sexuality Center. The scholarship is available through the annual scholarship application process.

Recipients must carry at least 12 credit hours per semester while the scholarship is provided.

Preference may be given to students who are Nebraska high school graduates or who demonstrate financial need.

Pat Tetreault, director of the Gender and Sexuality Center, said they are grateful for the leadership and generosity through the gift. It demonstrates the support, recognition and commitment the center offers at UNL, she added.

“The generosity and courage of State Sen. Fredrickson and Mr. Formanek highlights the opportunities for LGBTQA+ youth to thrive at UNL and in Nebraska,” Tetreault said in a statement to the Nebraska Examiner.

The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nufoundation.org/fund/01164840/">endowed fund</a>&nbsp;is created through a $50,000 gift to the University of Nebraska Foundation. As the endowment grows, more than one annual scholarship may be available.

The gift is made as part of efforts to engage at least 150,000 benefactors to give $3 billion to support the University of Nebraska —&nbsp;“<a target="_blank" href="https://onlyinnebraska.org/">Only in Nebraska: A Campaign for Our University’s Future</a>.” The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraska.edu/news-and-events/news/2022/11/university-of-nebraska-launches-only-in-nebraska-campaign-to-address-future-needs-of-the-state">campaign</a>&nbsp;has raised more than $2 billion from more than 130,000 unique donors.

Fredrickson, a mental health professional, is an Omaha native and the first openly gay and second openly LGBTQ state lawmaker in Nebraska history. Fredrickson and Formanek, director of the Royal Bank of Canada’s Capital Markets division, met while working in New York.

The couple decided to return to Fredrickson’s home state to raise their son.

“To the young LGBTQ people across Nebraska: We’re here. We see you,” Formanek said in the launch video. “And we want you to know that there are so many people who have your back and are investing in all the amazing possibilities that the future may hold for you.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702582979653.jpeg" alt=" State Sen. John Fredrickson of Omaha, at right, and his husband, Jeff Formanek, have created an annual endowed scholarship for first-year University of Nebraska-Lincoln students. (Courtesy of BCom in Lincoln)" />
 <figcaption> State Sen. John Fredrickson of Omaha, at right, and his husband, Jeff Formanek, have created an annual endowed scholarship for first-year University of Nebraska-Lincoln students. (Courtesy of BCom in Lincoln)</figcaption>
 </figure>Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nebraska-lawmaker-and-spouse-create-unl-scholarship-for-lgbtqa-champions/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — A Nebraska lawmaker and his husband have created an annual endowed scholarship to support “LGBTQA+ champions” at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.State Sen. John Fredrickson of Omaha and Jeff Formanek announced the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://gsc.unl.edu/scholarships">Fredrickson-Formanek Scholars Fund</a>&nbsp;on Thursday. The fund will provide permanent financial support to first-year UNL students who are champions and supporters of LGBTQA+ causes and rights.The couple created the scholarship in an effort to combat divisive rhetoric surrounding&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/03/01/lgbtq-protections-at-crossroads-in-nebraska-legislature/">LGBTQ issues</a>, according to a news release.&nbsp;“Nebraska’s state motto is ‘Equality before the law,’” Fredrickson said in a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/johnforne/status/1735297438372561242?s=46&amp;t=nEvCDsjpl9tOsLlqg0nx9A">video announcing the scholarship</a>. “We feel so fortunate that this new program will have a real impact on building a brighter future for Nebraska and Nebraskans.”A $2,000 scholarship —&nbsp;split evenly over a fall and spring semester —&nbsp;will be awarded to a student beginning in fall 2024 through UNL’s Gender and Sexuality Center. The scholarship is available through the annual scholarship application process.Recipients must carry at least 12 credit hours per semester while the scholarship is provided.Preference may be given to students who are Nebraska high school graduates or who demonstrate financial need.Pat Tetreault, director of the Gender and Sexuality Center, said they are grateful for the leadership and generosity through the gift. It demonstrates the support, recognition and commitment the center offers at UNL, she added.“The generosity and courage of State Sen. Fredrickson and Mr. Formanek highlights the opportunities for LGBTQA+ youth to thrive at UNL and in Nebraska,” Tetreault said in a statement to the Nebraska Examiner.The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nufoundation.org/fund/01164840/">endowed fund</a>&nbsp;is created through a $50,000 gift to the University of Nebraska Foundation. As the endowment grows, more than one annual scholarship may be available.The gift is made as part of efforts to engage at least 150,000 benefactors to give $3 billion to support the University of Nebraska —&nbsp;“<a target="_blank" href="https://onlyinnebraska.org/">Only in Nebraska: A Campaign for Our University’s Future</a>.” The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraska.edu/news-and-events/news/2022/11/university-of-nebraska-launches-only-in-nebraska-campaign-to-address-future-needs-of-the-state">campaign</a>&nbsp;has raised more than $2 billion from more than 130,000 unique donors.Fredrickson, a mental health professional, is an Omaha native and the first openly gay and second openly LGBTQ state lawmaker in Nebraska history. Fredrickson and Formanek, director of the Royal Bank of Canada’s Capital Markets division, met while working in New York.The couple decided to return to Fredrickson’s home state to raise their son.“To the young LGBTQ people across Nebraska: We’re here. We see you,” Formanek said in the launch video. “And we want you to know that there are so many people who have your back and are investing in all the amazing possibilities that the future may hold for you.”

Nebraska lawmaker and spouse create UNL scholarship for ‘LGBTQA+ champions’

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House passed a defense policy bill Thursday that authorizes the biggest pay raise for troops in more than two decades, overcoming objections from some conservatives concerned the measure did not do enough to restrict the Pentagon's diversity initiatives, abortion travel policy and gender-affirming health care for transgender service members.

The $886 billion bill was approved by a vote of 310-118 and now goes to President Joe Biden after the Senate had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/defense-bill-pay-raise-abortion-transgender-21616bf1fd228c84d8d0046d25a19b01#:~:text=WASHINGTON%20(AP)%20%E2%80%94%20The%20Senate,what%20is%20traditionally%20a%20strongly">overwhelmingly passed</a>&nbsp;it Wednesday. All members of the Nebraska delegation voted for the measure.

Kansas Representatives Ron Estes and Tracey Man voted against the bill. The rest of the Kansas delegation including Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall voted for the bill.

It is likely the last piece of major legislation Congress will consider before leaving for the holiday break, though negotiations continue on a bill to aid Ukraine and Israel and boost border security.

The spending called for represents about a 3% increase from the prior year. The bill serves as a blueprint for programs Congress will seek to fund through follow-up spending bills.

Lawmakers have been negotiating a final defense policy bill for months after each chamber passed strikingly different versions in July. Some of the priorities championed by social conservatives were a no-go for Democrats. Negotiators dropped them from the final version to get it over the finish line.

That did not go over well with some Republican lawmakers, though most did end up voting for a bill that traditionally has broad, bipartisan support. About twice as many Republicans voted for the bill as voted against it.

“You almost feel like a parent who's sent a child off to summer camp and they came back a monster,” Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., said in opposing the bill. “That's what we've done. This bill came back in far worse shape.”

As an example, Gaetz said the House bill eliminated the position of the chief diversity officer at the Defense Department, but the final measure did not include that provision.

Washington Rep. Adam Smith, the ranking Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, chided the bill's critics for what he described as an unwillingness to compromise.

“Apparently, you don't like democracy because that's what democracy is. You compromise and you work with people and you do it all the time,” Smith said.

Most notably, the bill does not include language sought by House Republicans to restrict gender-affirming health care for transgender service members and it does not block the Pentagon’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-biden-lloyd-austin-government-and-politics-dc6a0317775596ffc7945acc79b7559e">abortion travel</a>&nbsp;policy, which allows reimbursement for travel expenses when a service member has to go out of state for an abortion or other reproductive care.

Republicans did win some concessions on diversity and inclusion training in the military. For example, the bill freezes hiring for such training until a full accounting of the programming and costs is completed and reported to Congress.

One of the most divisive aspects of the bill was a short-term extension of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fbi-surveillance-fisa-702-congress-reform-7dc1b506b58ce74de0d7983dfba98909">surveillance program</a>&nbsp;aimed at preventing terrorism and catching spies. The program has detractors on both sides of the political aisle who view it as a threat to the privacy of ordinary Americans.

Some House Republicans were incensed that the extension was included in the defense policy bill and not voted upon separately through other legislation that included proposed changes to Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, or FISA.

The extension continues a tool that permits the U.S. government to collect without a warrant the communications of non-Americans located outside the country, in an effort to gather foreign intelligence.

U.S. officials have said the tool, first authorized in 2008 and renewed several times since then, is crucial in disrupting terror attacks, cyber intrusions and other national security threats. It has produced vital intelligence that the U.S. has relied on for specific operations, such as the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/afghanistan-ayman-al-zawahri-qaida-biden-united-states-171556fce4719d012726fb979a14cc81">killing last year</a>&nbsp;of al-Qaida leader Ayman al-Zawahri.

But the administration’s efforts to secure reauthorization of the program have encountered strong bipartisan pushback. Lawmakers are demanding better privacy protections for those Americans caught up in the monitoring. They wanted a separate vote on legislation making changes to the program.

“The FBI under President Biden has been weaponized against the American people and major reform is needed,” said Rep. Matt Rosendale, R-Mont. “FISA should not be combined with our national defense. And it is unacceptable that leadership is bypassing regular order to jam members by forcing them to vote on two unrelated bills with one vote.”

Matthew G. Olsen, an assistant attorney general at the Justice Department, praised the passage of the extension.

He said: “We cannot afford to be blinded to the many threats we face from foreign adversaries, including Iran and China, as well as terrorist organizations like Hamas and ISIS," or the Islamic State group.

Enough opposition to the bill had developed within the GOP ranks that it forced House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., to tee up the defense policy bill for a vote through a process generally reserved for noncontroversial legislation.

Under that process, at least two-thirds of the House had to vote in favor of the legislation for it to pass, but going that route avoided the prospect of a small number of Republicans blocking it from the floor.

Consideration of the bill comes at a dangerous time for the world, with wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, and as China increasingly flexes its military might in the South China Sea.

On Ukraine, the bill includes the creation of a special inspector general for Ukraine to address concerns about whether taxpayer dollars are being spent in Ukraine as intended. That’s on top of oversight work already being conducted by other agency watchdogs.

“We will continue to stay on top of this, but I want to assure my colleagues that there has been no evidence of diversion of weapons provided to Ukraine or any other assistance,” GOP Rep. Mike Rogers of Alabama, chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, told lawmakers this week in advocating for the bill.

On China, the bill establishes a new training program with Taiwan, requires a plan to accelerate deliveries of Harpoon anti-ship missiles to Taiwan, and approves&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/australia-united-states-nuclear-submarines-biden-aukus-64a1d6c416ad9206153ad601c177869b">an agreement</a>&nbsp;that enables Australia to access nuclear-powered submarines, which are stealthier and more capable than conventionally powered vessels.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702582014813.png" alt="Kansas congressman Jake LaTurner presided over the House Floor Thursday during the vote on the National Defense Authorization Act." />
 <figcaption>Kansas congressman Jake LaTurner presided over the House Floor Thursday during the vote on the National Defense Authorization Act.</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The House passed a defense policy bill Thursday that authorizes the biggest pay raise for troops in more than two decades, overcoming objections from some conservatives concerned the measure did not do enough to restrict the Pentagon's diversity initiatives, abortion travel policy and gender-affirming health care for transgender service members.The $886 billion bill was approved by a vote of 310-118 and now goes to President Joe Biden after the Senate had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/defense-bill-pay-raise-abortion-transgender-21616bf1fd228c84d8d0046d25a19b01#:~:text=WASHINGTON%20(AP)%20%E2%80%94%20The%20Senate,what%20is%20traditionally%20a%20strongly">overwhelmingly passed</a>&nbsp;it Wednesday. All members of the Nebraska delegation voted for the measure.Kansas Representatives Ron Estes and Tracey Man voted against the bill. The rest of the Kansas delegation including Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall voted for the bill.It is likely the last piece of major legislation Congress will consider before leaving for the holiday break, though negotiations continue on a bill to aid Ukraine and Israel and boost border security.The spending called for represents about a 3% increase from the prior year. The bill serves as a blueprint for programs Congress will seek to fund through follow-up spending bills.Lawmakers have been negotiating a final defense policy bill for months after each chamber passed strikingly different versions in July. Some of the priorities championed by social conservatives were a no-go for Democrats. Negotiators dropped them from the final version to get it over the finish line.That did not go over well with some Republican lawmakers, though most did end up voting for a bill that traditionally has broad, bipartisan support. About twice as many Republicans voted for the bill as voted against it.“You almost feel like a parent who's sent a child off to summer camp and they came back a monster,” Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., said in opposing the bill. “That's what we've done. This bill came back in far worse shape.”As an example, Gaetz said the House bill eliminated the position of the chief diversity officer at the Defense Department, but the final measure did not include that provision.Washington Rep. Adam Smith, the ranking Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, chided the bill's critics for what he described as an unwillingness to compromise.“Apparently, you don't like democracy because that's what democracy is. You compromise and you work with people and you do it all the time,” Smith said.Most notably, the bill does not include language sought by House Republicans to restrict gender-affirming health care for transgender service members and it does not block the Pentagon’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-biden-lloyd-austin-government-and-politics-dc6a0317775596ffc7945acc79b7559e">abortion travel</a>&nbsp;policy, which allows reimbursement for travel expenses when a service member has to go out of state for an abortion or other reproductive care.Republicans did win some concessions on diversity and inclusion training in the military. For example, the bill freezes hiring for such training until a full accounting of the programming and costs is completed and reported to Congress.One of the most divisive aspects of the bill was a short-term extension of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fbi-surveillance-fisa-702-congress-reform-7dc1b506b58ce74de0d7983dfba98909">surveillance program</a>&nbsp;aimed at preventing terrorism and catching spies. The program has detractors on both sides of the political aisle who view it as a threat to the privacy of ordinary Americans.Some House Republicans were incensed that the extension was included in the defense policy bill and not voted upon separately through other legislation that included proposed changes to Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, or FISA.The extension continues a tool that permits the U.S. government to collect without a warrant the communications of non-Americans located outside the country, in an effort to gather foreign intelligence.U.S. officials have said the tool, first authorized in 2008 and renewed several times since then, is crucial in disrupting terror attacks, cyber intrusions and other national security threats. It has produced vital intelligence that the U.S. has relied on for specific operations, such as the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/afghanistan-ayman-al-zawahri-qaida-biden-united-states-171556fce4719d012726fb979a14cc81">killing last year</a>&nbsp;of al-Qaida leader Ayman al-Zawahri.But the administration’s efforts to secure reauthorization of the program have encountered strong bipartisan pushback. Lawmakers are demanding better privacy protections for those Americans caught up in the monitoring. They wanted a separate vote on legislation making changes to the program.“The FBI under President Biden has been weaponized against the American people and major reform is needed,” said Rep. Matt Rosendale, R-Mont. “FISA should not be combined with our national defense. And it is unacceptable that leadership is bypassing regular order to jam members by forcing them to vote on two unrelated bills with one vote.”Matthew G. Olsen, an assistant attorney general at the Justice Department, praised the passage of the extension.He said: “We cannot afford to be blinded to the many threats we face from foreign adversaries, including Iran and China, as well as terrorist organizations like Hamas and ISIS," or the Islamic State group.Enough opposition to the bill had developed within the GOP ranks that it forced House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., to tee up the defense policy bill for a vote through a process generally reserved for noncontroversial legislation.Under that process, at least two-thirds of the House had to vote in favor of the legislation for it to pass, but going that route avoided the prospect of a small number of Republicans blocking it from the floor.Consideration of the bill comes at a dangerous time for the world, with wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, and as China increasingly flexes its military might in the South China Sea.On Ukraine, the bill includes the creation of a special inspector general for Ukraine to address concerns about whether taxpayer dollars are being spent in Ukraine as intended. That’s on top of oversight work already being conducted by other agency watchdogs.“We will continue to stay on top of this, but I want to assure my colleagues that there has been no evidence of diversion of weapons provided to Ukraine or any other assistance,” GOP Rep. Mike Rogers of Alabama, chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, told lawmakers this week in advocating for the bill.On China, the bill establishes a new training program with Taiwan, requires a plan to accelerate deliveries of Harpoon anti-ship missiles to Taiwan, and approves&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/australia-united-states-nuclear-submarines-biden-aukus-64a1d6c416ad9206153ad601c177869b">an agreement</a>&nbsp;that enables Australia to access nuclear-powered submarines, which are stealthier and more capable than conventionally powered vessels.

Unanimous: Neb delegation votes for $886 billion defense bill 

Kearney Police Department has been actively investigating the attempted ATM theft that occurred at Heritage Bank and the related vehicle theft in July.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On Saturday, July 15, 2023 at approximately 7:30 a.m, Kearney Police Department Officers&nbsp; responded to Heritage Bank located at 315 West 60th Street, regarding a possible theft from&nbsp; the ATM. Responding Officers discovered the ATM machine had been ripped off its foundation in an attempt to steal the cash inside. The cash was accounted for inside the ATM and the&nbsp; suspects were not successful in taking any cash.&nbsp;&nbsp;

While Officers were investigating the scene, additional KPD officers located a 2006 GMC Sierra&nbsp; pickup at Sterling Apartments. Officers contacted the registered owner and it was determined&nbsp; the pickup had been stolen from Grandview Apartments earlier in the night. Evidence at the&nbsp; scene of the stolen pickup indicated the pickup had been used to pull the ATM off its pedestal.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Officers located four additional pickups damaged at Grandview Apartments during the same&nbsp; timeframe the recovered pickup was stolen. The damage to the other four pickups was&nbsp; indicative and consistent with attempts to steal the pickups.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Utilizing the city-wide FLOCK Safety Automated License Plate Reader system and area&nbsp; security cameras, Investigators identified another vehicle and license plate believed to be&nbsp; associated with the attempted ATM theft and theft of the 2006 GMC pickup.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A nationwide search of the FLOCK Safety Automated License Plate Reader system located&nbsp; the same vehicle in Ardmore, Oklahoma on July 13, 2023 when Ardmore Police Department&nbsp; had contact with the vehicle. The vehicle had also been located in Oklahoma City, and Houston,&nbsp; Texas during the same timeframe. Kearney Police Investigators worked with Ardmore&nbsp; Oklahoma Police Department, Oklahoma City Police Department, Houston Police Department&nbsp; and the Waukesha Wisconsin Police Department to identify the subjects who were in the&nbsp; additional vehicle associated with the stolen pickup and attempted ATM theft.&nbsp;&nbsp;

KPD investigators worked with the Buffalo County Attorney’s office, Ardmore Police&nbsp; Department, Oklahoma City Police Department, Houston Police Department and Waukesha&nbsp; Wisconsin Police Department to obtain an arrest warrant for Trevion Rayshad Jackson, a 27- year-old male from Houston, Texas for Theft by Unlawful Taking, a Class IIA Felony,&nbsp; Possession of Burglar’s Tools, a Class IV Felony, Criminal Mischief-Intentional Property&nbsp;

Damage, a Class IV Felony and Attempted Theft by Unlawful Taking, a Class IIIA Felony.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, December 12, 2023 Trevion Rayshad Jackson was located in Texas and arrested&nbsp; on the warrant. Trevion Jackson is currently being held in the Harris County Texas Sheriff’s&nbsp; Office Jail awaiting extradition. 

Kearney Police DepartmentKearney Police Department has been actively investigating the attempted ATM theft that occurred at Heritage Bank and the related vehicle theft in July.&nbsp;&nbsp;On Saturday, July 15, 2023 at approximately 7:30 a.m, Kearney Police Department Officers&nbsp; responded to Heritage Bank located at 315 West 60th Street, regarding a possible theft from&nbsp; the ATM. Responding Officers discovered the ATM machine had been ripped off its foundation in an attempt to steal the cash inside. The cash was accounted for inside the ATM and the&nbsp; suspects were not successful in taking any cash.&nbsp;&nbsp;While Officers were investigating the scene, additional KPD officers located a 2006 GMC Sierra&nbsp; pickup at Sterling Apartments. Officers contacted the registered owner and it was determined&nbsp; the pickup had been stolen from Grandview Apartments earlier in the night. Evidence at the&nbsp; scene of the stolen pickup indicated the pickup had been used to pull the ATM off its pedestal.&nbsp;&nbsp;Officers located four additional pickups damaged at Grandview Apartments during the same&nbsp; timeframe the recovered pickup was stolen. The damage to the other four pickups was&nbsp; indicative and consistent with attempts to steal the pickups.&nbsp;&nbsp;Utilizing the city-wide FLOCK Safety Automated License Plate Reader system and area&nbsp; security cameras, Investigators identified another vehicle and license plate believed to be&nbsp; associated with the attempted ATM theft and theft of the 2006 GMC pickup.&nbsp;&nbsp;A nationwide search of the FLOCK Safety Automated License Plate Reader system located&nbsp; the same vehicle in Ardmore, Oklahoma on July 13, 2023 when Ardmore Police Department&nbsp; had contact with the vehicle. The vehicle had also been located in Oklahoma City, and Houston,&nbsp; Texas during the same timeframe. Kearney Police Investigators worked with Ardmore&nbsp; Oklahoma Police Department, Oklahoma City Police Department, Houston Police Department&nbsp; and the Waukesha Wisconsin Police Department to identify the subjects who were in the&nbsp; additional vehicle associated with the stolen pickup and attempted ATM theft.&nbsp;&nbsp;KPD investigators worked with the Buffalo County Attorney’s office, Ardmore Police&nbsp; Department, Oklahoma City Police Department, Houston Police Department and Waukesha&nbsp; Wisconsin Police Department to obtain an arrest warrant for Trevion Rayshad Jackson, a 27- year-old male from Houston, Texas for Theft by Unlawful Taking, a Class IIA Felony,&nbsp; Possession of Burglar’s Tools, a Class IV Felony, Criminal Mischief-Intentional Property&nbsp;Damage, a Class IV Felony and Attempted Theft by Unlawful Taking, a Class IIIA Felony.&nbsp;On Tuesday, December 12, 2023 Trevion Rayshad Jackson was located in Texas and arrested&nbsp; on the warrant. Trevion Jackson is currently being held in the Harris County Texas Sheriff’s&nbsp; Office Jail awaiting extradition.

KPD announces an arrest has been made in July 15, 2023 Attempted ATM Theft, Vehicle Theft 

DOVER, Del. (AP) — Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway will not be allowed to use allegations that billionaire Jimmy Haslam&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/warren-buffett-haslam-pilot-bribery-berkshire-hathaway-d32258912c4dc773ced286cc802da629">tried to bribe employees</a>&nbsp;at the Pilot truck stop chain to inflate the company’s value as Berkshire defends itself in a dispute over the company’s accounting practices, a Delaware judge said Wednesday.

The ruling came in a lawsuit in which Pilot Corp. claims that Berkshire Hathaway, which holds 80% of Pilot Travel Centers, has used accounting changes to try to artificially depress the price Berkshire would have to pay for the Haslam family’s remaining 20% stake in the truck-stop chain.

Berkshire responded to the lawsuit by claiming that Jimmy Haslam, the owner of the Cleveland Browns, tried to bribe more than two dozen Pilot employees to get them to inflate the company’s profits this year. Berkshire alleges that Haslam wanted to artificially inflate profits so Berkshire would have to pay more for the remaining stake in Pilot held by the Haslam family, which also includes former Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam.

Following a hearing Wednesday, Vice Chancellor Morgan Zurn ruled that Berkshire could not use the bribery allegations as part of an “unclean hands” defense at an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/warren-buffett-haslam-berkshire-hathaway-pilot-lawsuit-35238b34cdf8f65938c2002c74056cbc">expedited trial next month</a>. She also said any related depositions would not be allowed, noting that the bribery allegations do not have an “immediate and proper nexus” to Pilot’s underlying claims.

While granting Pilot’s motions to restrict Berkshire’s defenses, Zurn also indicated that she may deny Berkshire’s request to amend its answers and defenses. Among the new information Berkshire wants to use are allegations that Pilot’s controller, David Clothier, used his spouse’s cell phone to secretly communicate with Haslam, was offered an illicit payment by Haslam, and tried to retroactively alter financial statements to change or delete references to the accounting changes.

Meanwhile, an attorney for Pilot told Zurn that federal prosecutors have begun an investigation based on Berkshire’s bribery allegations.

“We have no reason to believe that that investigation is going to impede the progress of this case,” said attorney Bradley Wilson. Wilson noted, however, that Pilot was asked to postpone some depositions in the case in order to allow people to hire lawyers.

Pilot alleges that, after taking control of the company, Berkshire adopted “pushdown accounting,” which forced Pilot to take on higher depreciation and amortization costs and resulted in lower net income. Pilot claims that a 2017 LLC agreement prevents Berkshire from making such an accounting change without Pilot’s consent.

In an effort to resolve the dispute Jimmy Haslam and his father, Pilot founder Jim Haslam, presented a resolution to the board in August but were outvoted by the five Berkshire members of the board.

Berkshire bought 38.6% of Pilot in 2017 for $2.76 billion before more than doubling that to 80% this year for an additional $8.2 billion.

Under an investor rights agreement with Berkshire, the Haslams have an annual option, starting Jan. 1, 2024, to sell their remaining 20% interest in Pilot to Berkshire. The agreement gives the Haslams 60 days from the start of each year to make that decision, meaning they must decide by Feb. 29 whether to exercise the option.

Pilot argues that with the first opportunity to exercise the sell option just weeks away, Berkshire has used accounting changes to try to lower the price it would have to pay for the Haslams’ remaining stake.

DOVER, Del. (AP) — Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway will not be allowed to use allegations that billionaire Jimmy Haslam&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/warren-buffett-haslam-pilot-bribery-berkshire-hathaway-d32258912c4dc773ced286cc802da629">tried to bribe employees</a>&nbsp;at the Pilot truck stop chain to inflate the company’s value as Berkshire defends itself in a dispute over the company’s accounting practices, a Delaware judge said Wednesday.The ruling came in a lawsuit in which Pilot Corp. claims that Berkshire Hathaway, which holds 80% of Pilot Travel Centers, has used accounting changes to try to artificially depress the price Berkshire would have to pay for the Haslam family’s remaining 20% stake in the truck-stop chain.Berkshire responded to the lawsuit by claiming that Jimmy Haslam, the owner of the Cleveland Browns, tried to bribe more than two dozen Pilot employees to get them to inflate the company’s profits this year. Berkshire alleges that Haslam wanted to artificially inflate profits so Berkshire would have to pay more for the remaining stake in Pilot held by the Haslam family, which also includes former Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam.Following a hearing Wednesday, Vice Chancellor Morgan Zurn ruled that Berkshire could not use the bribery allegations as part of an “unclean hands” defense at an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/warren-buffett-haslam-berkshire-hathaway-pilot-lawsuit-35238b34cdf8f65938c2002c74056cbc">expedited trial next month</a>. She also said any related depositions would not be allowed, noting that the bribery allegations do not have an “immediate and proper nexus” to Pilot’s underlying claims.While granting Pilot’s motions to restrict Berkshire’s defenses, Zurn also indicated that she may deny Berkshire’s request to amend its answers and defenses. Among the new information Berkshire wants to use are allegations that Pilot’s controller, David Clothier, used his spouse’s cell phone to secretly communicate with Haslam, was offered an illicit payment by Haslam, and tried to retroactively alter financial statements to change or delete references to the accounting changes.Meanwhile, an attorney for Pilot told Zurn that federal prosecutors have begun an investigation based on Berkshire’s bribery allegations.“We have no reason to believe that that investigation is going to impede the progress of this case,” said attorney Bradley Wilson. Wilson noted, however, that Pilot was asked to postpone some depositions in the case in order to allow people to hire lawyers.Pilot alleges that, after taking control of the company, Berkshire adopted “pushdown accounting,” which forced Pilot to take on higher depreciation and amortization costs and resulted in lower net income. Pilot claims that a 2017 LLC agreement prevents Berkshire from making such an accounting change without Pilot’s consent.In an effort to resolve the dispute Jimmy Haslam and his father, Pilot founder Jim Haslam, presented a resolution to the board in August but were outvoted by the five Berkshire members of the board.Berkshire bought 38.6% of Pilot in 2017 for $2.76 billion before more than doubling that to 80% this year for an additional $8.2 billion.Under an investor rights agreement with Berkshire, the Haslams have an annual option, starting Jan. 1, 2024, to sell their remaining 20% interest in Pilot to Berkshire. The agreement gives the Haslams 60 days from the start of each year to make that decision, meaning they must decide by Feb. 29 whether to exercise the option.Pilot argues that with the first opportunity to exercise the sell option just weeks away, Berkshire has used accounting changes to try to lower the price it would have to pay for the Haslams’ remaining stake.

Berkshire can't use bribery allegations against Haslam in Pilot truck stop chain accounting dispute

WASHINGTON —The FBI and the Department of&nbsp;Homeland Security&nbsp;issued a warning to the public this week of heightened threats to public safety this holiday season and through winter associated with the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, according to a joint statement from the agencies.

The National Counterterrorism Center joins those portions of this Announcement that concern international terrorism; general terrorist tactics, techniques, and procedures; and threats posed by foreign violent extremists and those violent extremists they inspire.

FBI, DHS, and NCTC assess that ongoing tensions related to the conflict between Israel and HAMAS likely heighten the threat of lone actor violence targeting large public gatherings throughout the winter, including holiday-related, faith-based, New Year's Eve, and First Amendment protected events related to the conflict. 

Although this announcement is not in response to any specific plotting activity, these targets likely remain attractive to lone actors inspired by a range of ideologies due to their accessibility and symbolic nature.

Since the HAMAS attack on Israel on 7 October, various foreign terrorist media organizations have called for lone actor attacks in the United States. Racially or ethnically motivated violent extremists (RMVEs) have also increased calls for violence and celebrated attacks on the Jewish community. 

Lone actors may seek to disrupt or escalate violence at large gatherings, high profile events, or symbolic or religious locations throughout the winter. Such gatherings could become a convenient target for those inspired to commit violence against Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and Arab communities. 

Hate crime perpetrators have also played a role in violence and threats of violence. There has been a spike in reporting on potential hate crimes or other criminal violations from the public, local law enforcement partners, and other private or public sector partners since 7 October. We have also observed an increase in hoax bomb and active shooter threats targeting synagogues across the United States, likely intended to disrupt services and intimidate congregants.

Calls for violence may increase in the days leading up to the holidays and before other notable events this winter. Factors that could further exacerbate the threat of violence include escalations in the conflict between Israel and HAMAS and notable instances of violence in the Homeland inspiring copycat or retaliatory attacks. We therefore urge everyone to remain vigilant and to report any threats of violence or suspicious activity to law enforcement.

FBI and DHS are particularly attuned in this environment to the concerns of the Jewish, Arab American, and Muslim communities and will continue to engage directly with leaders in these communities to ensure that available resources are utilized.

To help mitigate potential risks in today's dynamic and rapidly evolving threat environment, DHS has compiled several resources for communities and faith leaders, including the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) compendium of resources for securing mass gatherings and public spaces.

Additionally, resources for law enforcement also are available to increase our nation's ability to prevent acts of violence and increase our resilience to evolving threats.

To report any leads, threats, or suspected criminal activity, FBI and DHS urge the public to visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ic3.gov/Home/Egress?url=https://tips.fbi.gov&amp;h=3B5447CBE68501BB8AE43C84FF9EE49983854F6FB8EA6201529B83F13768FB7E">tips.fbi.gov</a>&nbsp;or contact their local FBI Office:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ic3.gov/Home/Egress?url=https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices&amp;h=6DDC52DF2049F96DACAD3C0D64DF610D1248D1F7728544240271B9025CB9383F">www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices</a>. For emergencies or an immediate threat to life, please call 911.

For tips on identifying concerning behavior which may be connected to violent extremism, the FBI, DHS, and NCTC published an updated U.S. Violent Extremist Mobilization Indicators booklet in 2021.

If You See Something, Say Something®&nbsp;- Report suspicious activity and threats of violence, including online threats, to local law enforcement, FBI Field Offices, or your local Fusion Center.

WASHINGTON —The FBI and the Department of&nbsp;Homeland Security&nbsp;issued a warning to the public this week of heightened threats to public safety this holiday season and through winter associated with the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, according to a joint statement from the agencies.The National Counterterrorism Center joins those portions of this Announcement that concern international terrorism; general terrorist tactics, techniques, and procedures; and threats posed by foreign violent extremists and those violent extremists they inspire.FBI, DHS, and NCTC assess that ongoing tensions related to the conflict between Israel and HAMAS likely heighten the threat of lone actor violence targeting large public gatherings throughout the winter, including holiday-related, faith-based, New Year's Eve, and First Amendment protected events related to the conflict. Although this announcement is not in response to any specific plotting activity, these targets likely remain attractive to lone actors inspired by a range of ideologies due to their accessibility and symbolic nature.Since the HAMAS attack on Israel on 7 October, various foreign terrorist media organizations have called for lone actor attacks in the United States. Racially or ethnically motivated violent extremists (RMVEs) have also increased calls for violence and celebrated attacks on the Jewish community. Lone actors may seek to disrupt or escalate violence at large gatherings, high profile events, or symbolic or religious locations throughout the winter. Such gatherings could become a convenient target for those inspired to commit violence against Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and Arab communities. Hate crime perpetrators have also played a role in violence and threats of violence. There has been a spike in reporting on potential hate crimes or other criminal violations from the public, local law enforcement partners, and other private or public sector partners since 7 October. We have also observed an increase in hoax bomb and active shooter threats targeting synagogues across the United States, likely intended to disrupt services and intimidate congregants.Calls for violence may increase in the days leading up to the holidays and before other notable events this winter. Factors that could further exacerbate the threat of violence include escalations in the conflict between Israel and HAMAS and notable instances of violence in the Homeland inspiring copycat or retaliatory attacks. We therefore urge everyone to remain vigilant and to report any threats of violence or suspicious activity to law enforcement.FBI and DHS are particularly attuned in this environment to the concerns of the Jewish, Arab American, and Muslim communities and will continue to engage directly with leaders in these communities to ensure that available resources are utilized.To help mitigate potential risks in today's dynamic and rapidly evolving threat environment, DHS has compiled several resources for communities and faith leaders, including the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) compendium of resources for securing mass gatherings and public spaces.Additionally, resources for law enforcement also are available to increase our nation's ability to prevent acts of violence and increase our resilience to evolving threats.To report any leads, threats, or suspected criminal activity, FBI and DHS urge the public to visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ic3.gov/Home/Egress?url=https://tips.fbi.gov&amp;h=3B5447CBE68501BB8AE43C84FF9EE49983854F6FB8EA6201529B83F13768FB7E">tips.fbi.gov</a>&nbsp;or contact their local FBI Office:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ic3.gov/Home/Egress?url=https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices&amp;h=6DDC52DF2049F96DACAD3C0D64DF610D1248D1F7728544240271B9025CB9383F">www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices</a>. For emergencies or an immediate threat to life, please call 911.For tips on identifying concerning behavior which may be connected to violent extremism, the FBI, DHS, and NCTC published an updated U.S. Violent Extremist Mobilization Indicators booklet in 2021.If You See Something, Say Something®&nbsp;- Report suspicious activity and threats of violence, including online threats, to local law enforcement, FBI Field Offices, or your local Fusion Center.

Federal officials warn of threat to public safety during the holidays

WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden" target="_blank">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday held his first in-person meeting with families of some of the eight Americans still unaccounted for and presumed taken captive by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war" target="_blank">Hamas during its deadly Oct. 7 attack on Israel</a>, reassuring the families that his administration was committed to reuniting them with their loved ones.

The family members said in a statement following the meeting that they urged Biden to do “everything in his power to negotiate a swift and total release of the remaining hostages,” and they in turn offered to do “anything he needs” to win the hostages’ release.

“We felt before and we’re only reinforced in seeing and believing that we could have no better friend in Washington or in the White House than President Biden himself and his administration,” said Jonathan Dekel-Chen, whose son Sagui is among the Americans believed to be held by Hamas.

The two-hour meeting came a day after Biden appeared to sharpen criticism of Israel’s execution of its retaliatory strikes in Gaza,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-12-12-2023-b52ae70a89443728517f1d3d7508992c" target="_blank">warning that the Israelis were</a>&nbsp;losing international support because of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-israel-hamas-oct-7-44c4229d4c1270d9cfa484b664a22071" target="_blank">“indiscriminate bombing</a>.”

White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Biden’s comments reflected “a concern that we have had for some time and will continue to have as this military operation proceeds about the need for reducing civilian harm and being as precise and careful and deliberate as possible.”

Israeli officials on Wednesday sought to play down the signs of strain between Biden and the Netanyahu government.

“I have great respect for President Biden, for Defense Secretary Austin and all the top American government officials. They are doing a lot,” said Israeli Defense Minister Yov Gallant. He added, ”Conversations are ongoing. I think we will find a way to help the Americans help us. That’s the key and the base. They want our success, and we are aware we must do so while taking their needs into account, and without giving up on the goals of the war.”

Secretary of State Antony Blinken and principal deputy national security adviser Jon Finer joined Biden for Wednesday’s meeting. Thirteen of the family members attended in person, while three others joined the conversation with the president and his advisers by phone, according to the White House.

The Democratic president has previously met with some family members virtually and spoken to others on the phone. White House officials said Wednesday’s engagement was emotional for the president.

“I reassured them that I will continue doing everything possible to secure the release of their family members,” Biden said in a posting on the social media site X. “And that we will not give up hope.”

Dekel-Chen declined to offer information on what, if any, details Biden and other administration officials offered the group about U.S. efforts to win their loved ones’ release. He said, however, that the administration made clear that it “is completely committed to getting the hostages out.”

Biden’s meeting with the families came as his national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, was to head to Israel on Thursday to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, members of his war cabinet, and Israeli President Isaac Herzog.

The eight Americans remain unaccounted for after Hamas’ surprise air, sea and land incursion into Israeli towns, where the group killed about 1,200 Israelis, mostly civilians, and took more than 240 people hostage. The White House has said that at least 31 Americans were killed by Hamas and other militant groups&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-11fb98655c256d54ecb5329284fc37d2" target="_blank">on Oct. 7</a>.

Kirby said Biden “was moved by their stories, by the love they feel, by the hope that they still harbor and he harbors that hope too.”

Liz Naftali, the great aunt of 4-year-old Abigail Edan, who was released late last month after spending weeks in Hamas captivity, took part in the White House meeting and said the families are hoping for a “Christmas miracle.” The child, who was taken hostage after her parents were killed, was released during last month’s temporary cease-fire to facilitate the swapping of hostages for Palestinian prisoners.

The meeting came as Pope Francis on Wednesday renewed his call for a humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza and for the return of hostages taken by Hamas.

“As we come to the Christmas holiday, I hope that the pope continues to speak and others around the world not only pray, but pray for us, pray for our families, pray for our leaders, pray for the president,” said Naftali.

Four Americans were released as part of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-11-27-2023-852065d35c4643f4c874fb5993313b13" target="_blank">a U.S.-negotiated cease-fire in Israel’s war against Hamas</a>&nbsp;in Gaza that was brokered with the assistance of Qatar and Egypt.

One American woman was supposed to be released by Hamas under the terms of last month’s cease-fire, but she remains unaccounted for — a development that contributed to the end of the temporary pause in the fighting.

“We know that they are working 24 hours a day, and they are going to work through the holidays and they are going to do everything they can to make sure that all of our loved ones—real people—come home to us and to the families across the world and Israel,” Naftali said.

While Dekel-Chen and Naftali expressed hope, the families in their statement also expressed concern about the mental and physical pain the hostages are enduring.

“Every day, we worry that they are dying a little bit more. We implore our government, the Israeli government, and governments around the world to find a way to bring them home before it is too late,” the families said.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden" target="_blank">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday held his first in-person meeting with families of some of the eight Americans still unaccounted for and presumed taken captive by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war" target="_blank">Hamas during its deadly Oct. 7 attack on Israel</a>, reassuring the families that his administration was committed to reuniting them with their loved ones.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I just sat down with the loved ones of Americans taken hostage by Hamas to hear their stories. I reassured them that I will continue doing everything possible to secure the release of their family members. And that we will not give up hope. <a href="https://t.co/eZLrlW63LI">pic.twitter.com/eZLrlW63LI</a>&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1735028071818801268?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The family members said in a statement following the meeting that they urged Biden to do “everything in his power to negotiate a swift and total release of the remaining hostages,” and they in turn offered to do “anything he needs” to win the hostages’ release.“We felt before and we’re only reinforced in seeing and believing that we could have no better friend in Washington or in the White House than President Biden himself and his administration,” said Jonathan Dekel-Chen, whose son Sagui is among the Americans believed to be held by Hamas.The two-hour meeting came a day after Biden appeared to sharpen criticism of Israel’s execution of its retaliatory strikes in Gaza,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-12-12-2023-b52ae70a89443728517f1d3d7508992c" target="_blank">warning that the Israelis were</a>&nbsp;losing international support because of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-israel-hamas-oct-7-44c4229d4c1270d9cfa484b664a22071" target="_blank">“indiscriminate bombing</a>.”White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Biden’s comments reflected “a concern that we have had for some time and will continue to have as this military operation proceeds about the need for reducing civilian harm and being as precise and careful and deliberate as possible.”Israeli officials on Wednesday sought to play down the signs of strain between Biden and the Netanyahu government.“I have great respect for President Biden, for Defense Secretary Austin and all the top American government officials. They are doing a lot,” said Israeli Defense Minister Yov Gallant. He added, ”Conversations are ongoing. I think we will find a way to help the Americans help us. That’s the key and the base. They want our success, and we are aware we must do so while taking their needs into account, and without giving up on the goals of the war.”Secretary of State Antony Blinken and principal deputy national security adviser Jon Finer joined Biden for Wednesday’s meeting. Thirteen of the family members attended in person, while three others joined the conversation with the president and his advisers by phone, according to the White House.The Democratic president has previously met with some family members virtually and spoken to others on the phone. White House officials said Wednesday’s engagement was emotional for the president.“I reassured them that I will continue doing everything possible to secure the release of their family members,” Biden said in a posting on the social media site X. “And that we will not give up hope.”Dekel-Chen declined to offer information on what, if any, details Biden and other administration officials offered the group about U.S. efforts to win their loved ones’ release. He said, however, that the administration made clear that it “is completely committed to getting the hostages out.”Biden’s meeting with the families came as his national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, was to head to Israel on Thursday to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, members of his war cabinet, and Israeli President Isaac Herzog.The eight Americans remain unaccounted for after Hamas’ surprise air, sea and land incursion into Israeli towns, where the group killed about 1,200 Israelis, mostly civilians, and took more than 240 people hostage. The White House has said that at least 31 Americans were killed by Hamas and other militant groups&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-11fb98655c256d54ecb5329284fc37d2" target="_blank">on Oct. 7</a>.Kirby said Biden “was moved by their stories, by the love they feel, by the hope that they still harbor and he harbors that hope too.”Liz Naftali, the great aunt of 4-year-old Abigail Edan, who was released late last month after spending weeks in Hamas captivity, took part in the White House meeting and said the families are hoping for a “Christmas miracle.” The child, who was taken hostage after her parents were killed, was released during last month’s temporary cease-fire to facilitate the swapping of hostages for Palestinian prisoners.The meeting came as Pope Francis on Wednesday renewed his call for a humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza and for the return of hostages taken by Hamas.“As we come to the Christmas holiday, I hope that the pope continues to speak and others around the world not only pray, but pray for us, pray for our families, pray for our leaders, pray for the president,” said Naftali.Four Americans were released as part of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-11-27-2023-852065d35c4643f4c874fb5993313b13" target="_blank">a U.S.-negotiated cease-fire in Israel’s war against Hamas</a>&nbsp;in Gaza that was brokered with the assistance of Qatar and Egypt.One American woman was supposed to be released by Hamas under the terms of last month’s cease-fire, but she remains unaccounted for — a development that contributed to the end of the temporary pause in the fighting.“We know that they are working 24 hours a day, and they are going to work through the holidays and they are going to do everything they can to make sure that all of our loved ones—real people—come home to us and to the families across the world and Israel,” Naftali said.While Dekel-Chen and Naftali expressed hope, the families in their statement also expressed concern about the mental and physical pain the hostages are enduring.“Every day, we worry that they are dying a little bit more. We implore our government, the Israeli government, and governments around the world to find a way to bring them home before it is too late,” the families said.

Biden reaffirms commitment to freeing American hostages in Gaza

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hunter-biden">Hunter Biden</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday defied a congressional subpoena to appear privately for a deposition before Republican investigators who have been digging into his business dealings. He insisted he would only testify in public.

The Democratic president’s son slammed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-joe-biden-impeachment-congress-subpoena-37fe9652539c2c501d8b8bd8c3cc8901">the GOP-issued subpoena</a>&nbsp;for the closed-door testimony, arguing that information from those interviews can be selectively leaked and manipulated.

“Republicans do not want an open process where Americans can see their tactics, expose their baseless inquiry, or hear what I have to say,” Biden said outside the Capitol in a rare public statement. “What are they afraid of? I am here.”

GOP Rep. James Comer of Kentucky, chairman of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee, has said Republicans expect “full cooperation” with the private deposition. Comer and Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, who leads the House Judiciary Committee, told reporters later Wednesday that they will begin looking at contempt of Congress proceedings in response to Hunter Biden's lack of cooperation.

"He just got into more trouble today,” Comer said.

For months, Republicans have pursued&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mccarthy-biden-impeachment-shutdown-house-republicans-b187202be8814f7acbdd6e2e937e23d4">an impeachment inquiry</a>&nbsp;seeking to tie President Joe Biden to his son's business dealings. So far, GOP lawmakers have failed to uncover evidence directly implicating the elder Biden in any wrongdoing.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the president was familiar with what his son would say. “I think that what you saw was from the heart, from his son,” she said. “They are proud of their son.”

Democrats have been united against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-impeachment-inquiry-mike-johnson-94884b322da40ca9315ac5f4e73a3e86">the Republican impeachment push</a>, saying it's “an illegitimate exercise” merely meant to distract from GOP chaos and dysfunction.

“We are at a remarkable juncture for the U.S. House of Representatives,” said Rep. Jamie Raskin, the top Democrat on the Oversight and Accountability Committee. “Because this is an impeachment inquiry where no one has been able to define what criminal or constitutional offense they’re looking for.”

But questions have arisen about the ethics surrounding the Biden family’s international business, and lawmakers insist their evidence paints a troubling picture of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-congress-oversight-republicans-devon-archer-4b706443a04e0c40a80c65e24d7d69dc">“influence peddling” in their business dealings</a>, particularly with clients overseas.

“There is no evidence to support the allegations that my father was financially involved in my business because it did not happen," Hunter Biden said.

The White House has chalked up the whole process as a “partisan smear campaign” that Republicans are pushing ahead with “despite the fact that members of their own party have admitted there is no evidence to support impeaching President Biden.”

While Republicans have maintained that their impeachment inquiry is ultimately focused on the president himself, they have taken particular interest in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hunter-biden">Hunter Biden</a>&nbsp;and his overseas business dealings, from which they accuse the president of personally benefiting. Republicans have also focused a large part of their investigation on whistleblower allegations of interference in the long-running Justice Department investigation into the younger Biden’s taxes and his gun use.

Hunter Biden is currently facing criminal charges in two states from the special counsel investigation. He’s charged with firearm counts in Delaware, alleging he broke laws against drug users having guns in 2018, a period when he has acknowledged struggling with addiction. Special counsel David Weiss filed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-tax-charges-special-counsel-75b2aa05f247535677454ff2dfa7c71f">additional charges</a>&nbsp;last week, alleging he failed to pay about $1.4 million in taxes over a three-year period.

Later Wednesday, the House&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-impeachment-inquiry-mike-johnson-94884b322da40ca9315ac5f4e73a3e86">authorized the impeachment inquiry</a>. House Republicans hoped a vote to formalize their investigation would help their legal standing when enforcing subpoenas to Hunter Biden and other Biden family members.

“Mr. Biden’s counsel and the White House have both argued that the reason he couldn’t come for a deposition was because there wasn’t a formal vote for an impeachment inquiry,” Jordan told reporters. “Well, that’s going to happen in a few hours.”

He added, “And when that happens, we’ll see what their excuse is then.”

Democrats and the White House have defended the president and his administration’s cooperation with the investigation thus far, saying it has already made dozens of witnesses and a massive trove of documents available.

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hunter-biden">Hunter Biden</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday defied a congressional subpoena to appear privately for a deposition before Republican investigators who have been digging into his business dealings. He insisted he would only testify in public.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">WATCH: Hunter Biden news conference. <a href="https://t.co/MovQT3qMLJ">pic.twitter.com/MovQT3qMLJ</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1735054990631125216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Democratic president’s son slammed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-joe-biden-impeachment-congress-subpoena-37fe9652539c2c501d8b8bd8c3cc8901">the GOP-issued subpoena</a>&nbsp;for the closed-door testimony, arguing that information from those interviews can be selectively leaked and manipulated.“Republicans do not want an open process where Americans can see their tactics, expose their baseless inquiry, or hear what I have to say,” Biden said outside the Capitol in a rare public statement. “What are they afraid of? I am here.”GOP Rep. James Comer of Kentucky, chairman of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee, has said Republicans expect “full cooperation” with the private deposition. Comer and Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, who leads the House Judiciary Committee, told reporters later Wednesday that they will begin looking at contempt of Congress proceedings in response to Hunter Biden's lack of cooperation."He just got into more trouble today,” Comer said.For months, Republicans have pursued&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mccarthy-biden-impeachment-shutdown-house-republicans-b187202be8814f7acbdd6e2e937e23d4">an impeachment inquiry</a>&nbsp;seeking to tie President Joe Biden to his son's business dealings. So far, GOP lawmakers have failed to uncover evidence directly implicating the elder Biden in any wrongdoing.White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the president was familiar with what his son would say. “I think that what you saw was from the heart, from his son,” she said. “They are proud of their son.”Democrats have been united against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-impeachment-inquiry-mike-johnson-94884b322da40ca9315ac5f4e73a3e86">the Republican impeachment push</a>, saying it's “an illegitimate exercise” merely meant to distract from GOP chaos and dysfunction.“We are at a remarkable juncture for the U.S. House of Representatives,” said Rep. Jamie Raskin, the top Democrat on the Oversight and Accountability Committee. “Because this is an impeachment inquiry where no one has been able to define what criminal or constitutional offense they’re looking for.”But questions have arisen about the ethics surrounding the Biden family’s international business, and lawmakers insist their evidence paints a troubling picture of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-congress-oversight-republicans-devon-archer-4b706443a04e0c40a80c65e24d7d69dc">“influence peddling” in their business dealings</a>, particularly with clients overseas.“There is no evidence to support the allegations that my father was financially involved in my business because it did not happen," Hunter Biden said.The White House has chalked up the whole process as a “partisan smear campaign” that Republicans are pushing ahead with “despite the fact that members of their own party have admitted there is no evidence to support impeaching President Biden.”While Republicans have maintained that their impeachment inquiry is ultimately focused on the president himself, they have taken particular interest in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hunter-biden">Hunter Biden</a>&nbsp;and his overseas business dealings, from which they accuse the president of personally benefiting. Republicans have also focused a large part of their investigation on whistleblower allegations of interference in the long-running Justice Department investigation into the younger Biden’s taxes and his gun use.Hunter Biden is currently facing criminal charges in two states from the special counsel investigation. He’s charged with firearm counts in Delaware, alleging he broke laws against drug users having guns in 2018, a period when he has acknowledged struggling with addiction. Special counsel David Weiss filed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-tax-charges-special-counsel-75b2aa05f247535677454ff2dfa7c71f">additional charges</a>&nbsp;last week, alleging he failed to pay about $1.4 million in taxes over a three-year period.Later Wednesday, the House&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-impeachment-inquiry-mike-johnson-94884b322da40ca9315ac5f4e73a3e86">authorized the impeachment inquiry</a>. House Republicans hoped a vote to formalize their investigation would help their legal standing when enforcing subpoenas to Hunter Biden and other Biden family members.“Mr. Biden’s counsel and the White House have both argued that the reason he couldn’t come for a deposition was because there wasn’t a formal vote for an impeachment inquiry,” Jordan told reporters. “Well, that’s going to happen in a few hours.”He added, “And when that happens, we’ll see what their excuse is then.”Democrats and the White House have defended the president and his administration’s cooperation with the investigation thus far, saying it has already made dozens of witnesses and a massive trove of documents available.Congressional investigators have obtained nearly 40,000 pages of subpoenaed bank records, dozens of hours of testimony from key witnesses, including several high-ranking Justice Department officials currently tasked with investigating Hunter Biden.