Nebraska Association of Meat Processors

Meat processors from across Nebraska and neighboring states, industry suppliers and other meat processing professionals gathered in Lincoln, NE, for the Nebraska Association of Meat Processors 85th Convention and Suppliers Exhibition. The convention, held March 15-16 at the Graduate Lincoln Hotel, was attended by approximately 180 people.&nbsp;

This year’s convention featured a number of&nbsp;&nbsp;humane processing and plant sanitation. There was also a field trip to the University of Nebraska&nbsp;Lincoln, where attendees observed demonstrations&nbsp;on beef cutting, sausage manufacturing&nbsp;and jerky production, among other&nbsp;&nbsp;topics. Included in the event was a busy trade show hall, where processing industry suppliers were on hand to display and discuss innovations in processing, packaging, food safety and ingredients. One of the suppliers, UltraSource&nbsp;&nbsp;Beef-cutting demonstration at the University of Nebraska Lincoln. LLC, won the Butcher Block Award for the highest recruitment of new NAMP members in 2023. One of the show’s highlights was NAMP’s Cured&nbsp;&nbsp;

Meats Contest. This year’s competition saw more than 200 products entered across 20 different&nbsp; categories. This Best in Show product was a bone-in ham from Elmwood Meat Plant, of Elmwood.&nbsp; The Traveling Sweepstakes Trophy, which goes to the processor that had the best overall&nbsp; performance in the contest, went to Den’s Country Meats in Table Rock. Den’s Country Meats also&nbsp; won the Taste of Nebraska, the people’s choice vote, in the category of best non-traditional small diameter sausage. The overall results (first place) for this year’s Cured Meat Contest are: (all winners are located in Nebraska unless otherwise noted)&nbsp;

• Bone-In Ham: Elmwood Meat Plant, Elmwood&nbsp;

• Boneless Ham: Den’s Country Meats, Table Rock&nbsp;

• Commercial Ham: Den’s Country Meats, Table Rock&nbsp;

• Bacon: Den’s Country Meats, Table Rock&nbsp;

• Flavored Bacon: H’s Custom Cuts, Wheatland, WY&nbsp;

• Dried Beef: Elmwood Meat Plant, Elmwood&nbsp;

• Fermented Summer Sausage: Ord Locker, Ord&nbsp;

• Summer Sausage, Non-Fermented: McLean Beef, York&nbsp;

• Cooked Sausage, Small Diameter, Traditional: Faltin Meat Market, Howells • Cooked Sausage, Small Diameter, Non-Traditional: Den’s Country Meats, Table Rock • Frankfurters and Hotdogs: H’s Custom Cuts, Wheatland, WY&nbsp;

• Cooked Sausage, Large Diameter: Den’s Country Meats, Table Rock&nbsp;

• Ring Bologna: Elmwood Meat Plant, Elmwood&nbsp;

• Bratwurst: Gentert Packing Co., Holstein&nbsp;

• Liver Products: Gentert Packing Co., Holstein&nbsp;

• Jerky, Whole Muscle: McLean Beef, York&nbsp;

• Jerky, Restructured: H’s Custom Cuts, Wheatland, WY&nbsp;

• Meat Snack Sticks: Faltin Meat Market, Howells&nbsp;

• Smoked Turkey: Super Saver #17, Lincoln&nbsp;

• Meat Specialties: Wahoo Locker, Wahoo&nbsp;

During the NAMP business meeting, the 2024-2025 Board was&nbsp;&nbsp;

President: Seth Shreve, Den’s Country Meats, 1st Vice President; Jeremy Borchard, Dundy County Processors, 2nd&nbsp;Vice President; Jacob Emswiler, Wahoo Locker, Immediate Past President; Mary Baumert, Faltin Meat Market, Executive Secretary/Treasurer; Blake Jackson, Pickrell Locker &amp; Smokehouse; Jaime Roush, Paraclipse; Derick Schroeder,&nbsp;&nbsp;UltraSource; Ace VanDeWalle, Ord Locker; Ryan Baumert, Faltin Meat Market; Kevin Barnhill, The Blair Meat Market; and Derick&nbsp;Rufenacht, ChuckWagon Meats.&nbsp;

"We had a great turnout this year, and our cured meats&nbsp;&nbsp;contest grew to the highest number of entries we've seen in a&nbsp;&nbsp;number of years! Our Board of Directors were successful in planning a great convention, and everyone enjoyed the weekend,” said Mary Baumert, Executive Secretary of NAMP.&nbsp;

Dennis Schardt, of Den's Country Meats, with&nbsp; the NAMP Traveling Trophy.

“Thank you to everyone who came and specifically those who sponsored our event. Also, thanks go out to UNL’s Animal/Meat Science department, specifically Dr. Jordan Wicks&nbsp;&amp; Dr. Gary Sullivan, for orchestrating an amazing day at UNL. We hope to see everyone next year!”&nbsp;

The Nebraska Association of Meat Processors, founded in 1939, represents small and very small, independent meat processors throughout the state. Each year, NAMP holds a convention where members can attend educational seminars, a trade show, take part in the Cured Meats Competition, and attend the awards banquet. The Nebraska Association of Meat Processors is associated with the American Association of Meat Processors (AAMP) a national trade organization.&nbsp;

Nebraska Association of Meat ProcessorsMeat processors from across Nebraska and neighboring states, industry suppliers and other meat processing professionals gathered in Lincoln, NE, for the Nebraska Association of Meat Processors 85th Convention and Suppliers Exhibition. The convention, held March 15-16 at the Graduate Lincoln Hotel, was attended by approximately 180 people.&nbsp;This year’s convention featured a number of&nbsp;&nbsp;humane processing and plant sanitation. There was also a field trip to the University of Nebraska&nbsp;Lincoln, where attendees observed demonstrations&nbsp;on beef cutting, sausage manufacturing&nbsp;and jerky production, among other&nbsp;&nbsp;topics. Included in the event was a busy trade show hall, where processing industry suppliers were on hand to display and discuss innovations in processing, packaging, food safety and ingredients. One of the suppliers, UltraSource&nbsp;&nbsp;Beef-cutting demonstration at the University of Nebraska Lincoln. LLC, won the Butcher Block Award for the highest recruitment of new NAMP members in 2023. One of the show’s highlights was NAMP’s Cured&nbsp;&nbsp;Meats Contest. This year’s competition saw more than 200 products entered across 20 different&nbsp; categories. This Best in Show product was a bone-in ham from Elmwood Meat Plant, of Elmwood.&nbsp; The Traveling Sweepstakes Trophy, which goes to the processor that had the best overall&nbsp; performance in the contest, went to Den’s Country Meats in Table Rock. Den’s Country Meats also&nbsp; won the Taste of Nebraska, the people’s choice vote, in the category of best non-traditional small diameter sausage. The overall results (first place) for this year’s Cured Meat Contest are: (all winners are located in Nebraska unless otherwise noted)&nbsp;• Bone-In Ham: Elmwood Meat Plant, Elmwood&nbsp;• Boneless Ham: Den’s Country Meats, Table Rock&nbsp;• Commercial Ham: Den’s Country Meats, Table Rock&nbsp;• Bacon: Den’s Country Meats, Table Rock&nbsp;• Flavored Bacon: H’s Custom Cuts, Wheatland, WY&nbsp;• Dried Beef: Elmwood Meat Plant, Elmwood&nbsp;• Fermented Summer Sausage: Ord Locker, Ord&nbsp;• Summer Sausage, Non-Fermented: McLean Beef, York&nbsp;• Cooked Sausage, Small Diameter, Traditional: Faltin Meat Market, Howells • Cooked Sausage, Small Diameter, Non-Traditional: Den’s Country Meats, Table Rock • Frankfurters and Hotdogs: H’s Custom Cuts, Wheatland, WY&nbsp;• Cooked Sausage, Large Diameter: Den’s Country Meats, Table Rock&nbsp;• Ring Bologna: Elmwood Meat Plant, Elmwood&nbsp;• Bratwurst: Gentert Packing Co., Holstein&nbsp;• Liver Products: Gentert Packing Co., Holstein&nbsp;• Jerky, Whole Muscle: McLean Beef, York&nbsp;• Jerky, Restructured: H’s Custom Cuts, Wheatland, WY&nbsp;• Meat Snack Sticks: Faltin Meat Market, Howells&nbsp;• Smoked Turkey: Super Saver #17, Lincoln&nbsp;• Meat Specialties: Wahoo Locker, Wahoo&nbsp;During the NAMP business meeting, the 2024-2025 Board was&nbsp;&nbsp;President: Seth Shreve, Den’s Country Meats, 1st Vice President; Jeremy Borchard, Dundy County Processors, 2nd&nbsp;Vice President; Jacob Emswiler, Wahoo Locker, Immediate Past President; Mary Baumert, Faltin Meat Market, Executive Secretary/Treasurer; Blake Jackson, Pickrell Locker &amp; Smokehouse; Jaime Roush, Paraclipse; Derick Schroeder,&nbsp;&nbsp;UltraSource; Ace VanDeWalle, Ord Locker; Ryan Baumert, Faltin Meat Market; Kevin Barnhill, The Blair Meat Market; and Derick&nbsp;Rufenacht, ChuckWagon Meats.&nbsp;"We had a great turnout this year, and our cured meats&nbsp;&nbsp;contest grew to the highest number of entries we've seen in a&nbsp;&nbsp;number of years! Our Board of Directors were successful in planning a great convention, and everyone enjoyed the weekend,” said Mary Baumert, Executive Secretary of NAMP.&nbsp;Dennis Schardt, of Den's Country Meats, with&nbsp; the NAMP Traveling Trophy.“Thank you to everyone who came and specifically those who sponsored our event. Also, thanks go out to UNL’s Animal/Meat Science department, specifically Dr. Jordan Wicks&nbsp;&amp; Dr. Gary Sullivan, for orchestrating an amazing day at UNL. We hope to see everyone next year!”&nbsp;The Nebraska Association of Meat Processors, founded in 1939, represents small and very small, independent meat processors throughout the state. Each year, NAMP holds a convention where members can attend educational seminars, a trade show, take part in the Cured Meats Competition, and attend the awards banquet. The Nebraska Association of Meat Processors is associated with the American Association of Meat Processors (AAMP) a national trade organization.&nbsp;

Nebraska Association of Meat Processors Completes Successful Convention

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;&nbsp;Several family members of hostages held by Hamas met with U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris at the White House on Tuesday and urged for a deal that would release their loved ones and implement a temporary cease-fire in Gaza.

“The only hope for peace is through the release of all the hostages now,” said Jonathan Dekel-Chen, the father of American hostage Sagui Dekel-Chen. On a potential hostage agreement, Dekel-Chen stressed that the world is waiting for “Hamas to get to yes.”

Rachel Goldberg, the mother of American hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin, called the meeting with Harris “very productive.” She expressed gratitude to the White House and lawmakers for their support, but added: “We need results. We need our people home.”

“You can believe as we do that it is horrible that innocent civilians in Gaza are suffering,” Goldberg said. “And at the same time, you can also know that it is horrible and against international law for hostages to be held against their will.”

During the meeting, Harris emphasized that she and President Joe Biden “have no higher priority than reuniting the hostages with their loved ones,” according to a White House readout, as she gave an update on the administration’s efforts on a hostage deal.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;the last wish of a dying mother, to be with her hostage daughter once more. But&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-gaza-war-oct-7-327bfeb7bfce5cb0de1568bf41a0ff06">six months</a>&nbsp;into&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel's war against Hamas</a>, time is running out for Liora Argamani, who hopes to stay alive long enough to see her kidnapped daughter&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hostages-hamas-gaza-israel-freed-6395a6113301e677bcac713f8db914b1">come home</a>.

“I want to see her one more time. Talk to her one more time,” said Argamani, 61, who has stage four brain cancer. “I don’t have a lot of time left in this world.”

Noa Argamani was abducted from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-music-festival-6a55aae2375944f10ecc4c52d05f2ffe">a music festival</a>&nbsp;Oct. 7 when Hamas-led militants&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-11fb98655c256d54ecb5329284fc37d2">stormed into southern Israel</a>, killing some 1,200 people and taking around 250 hostage. The video of her abduction was among the first to surface, images of her horrified face widely shared — Noa detained between two men on a motorcycle, one arm outstretched and the other held down as she screams “Don't kill me!”

There's been little news about Noa, 26. But in mid-January, Hamas released a video of her in captivity. She appears gaunt and under duress, speaking about other hostages killed in airstrikes and frantically calling on Israel to bring her and others home.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-gaza-war-statistics-95a6407fac94e9d589be234708cd5005">Half a year</a>&nbsp;into Israel’s war, agonized families such as the Argamanis are in a race against time.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-11-27-2023-852065d35c4643f4c874fb5993313b13">In November</a>, a weeklong cease-fire deal saw the release of more than 100 hostages. But the war is dragging on, with no end in sight and no serious hostage deal on the table. Israel says more than 130 hostages remain, with about a quarter of those believed dead, and divisions are deepening in the country over the best way to bring them home.

<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/benjamin-netanyahu">Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu</a>&nbsp;has vowed to both eliminate Hamas and bring all the hostages back, but he's made little progress.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/netanyahu-israel-gaza-hamas-war-political-campaign-f40539425a1d6b6928a99a9d2e6d977c">He faces</a>&nbsp;pressure to resign, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-netanyahu-3591fb5f82b22cf8e5d1060fccaef115">the U.S. has threatened</a>&nbsp;to scale back its support over the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Israelis are divided into two main camps: those who want the government to put the war on hold and free the hostages, and others who think the hostages are an unfortunate price to pay for eradicating Hamas.

“They have these two goals and the assessment of the type of risk they’re willing to take to get the hostages back — this is where you see divisions,” said Shmuel Rosner, a senior fellow at the Jewish People Policy Institute and analyst for Israeli public television station Kan News.

On-and-off negotiations mediated by Qatar, the United States and Egypt have yielded little. If a viable deal emerges, decisions will become harder and the divisions sharper, Rosner said.

But for most families and friends whose loved ones are in captivity, there is no choice but to bring them home. Many are concerned in particular about the women held in Gaza and say, based on testimonies from freed hostages, they fear those remaining could be suffering from sexual abuse.

Before a recent parliamentary committee meeting, attendees held posters showing the hostages. Yarden Gonen, whose 23-year-old sister, Romi, also was taken from the Oct. 7 music festival, criticized what she said was the government's inaction.

“What are we fighting for?" she said. "What is more important than this?”

Outside an art installation&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-tunnels-warfare-15453b5729e38aeb55af5b419835a5eb">mimicking the Gaza tunnels</a>&nbsp;where some hostages are believed to be held, Romi’s mother said she can’t believe it’s been half a year, with much of the world wanting to forget or ignore such a horrible situation.

“We are doing everything we can so the world will not forget," Merav Leshem Gonen said. “Every day we wake up and take a big breath, deep breath, and continue walking, continue doing the things that will bring her back.”

When Yonatan Levi saw the video of his friend Noa Argamani in captivity, he said he could barely recognize the smart, free spirit of the woman who loved parties and traveling and was studying computer science.

“When I saw that video, I thought maybe she’s living physically but has died inside,” said Levi, who met Argamani during a diving course in the southern Israeli city of Eilat.

A few months before her abduction, Argamani asked Levi to help navigate insurance issues for her mom, he said. As an only child, she was a big part of her mother's life and care, and she seemed hopeful she would be OK, Levi said.

But Liora Argamani's cancer has worsened, according to a video released by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum.

In it, Liora and her husband tearfully thumb through childhood photos of Noa. From her wheelchair, Liora addresses the camera — and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">U.S. President Joe Biden directly</a>. Behind her rests an enlarged photo of Noa's pained face as she's dragged into Gaza, on a posterboard with her words overtop: “DON'T KILL ME!”

“My heart really hurts,” Liora, a Chinese immigrant, says slowly in accented Hebrew. “I am asking you, President Joe Biden. ... I am really begging you."

The stress of missing a loved one like Noa is hard on the healthiest of people, and it will only exacerbate a condition like cancer, said Ofrit Shapira Berman, a psychoanalyst who heads a group of health professionals treating freed hostages, families and survivors.

“The fact that so much of her psychic energy is invested in her daughter’s trauma leaves her lesser chance to survive,” Berman said.

In the video, Noa's father, Yaakov Argamami, strokes the family photo albums and chokes back tears.

“I miss everything about her,” he says. “Her hug. The hug I wanted to ...”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712432799591.png" alt="Noa Argamani photo Hostages and Missing Families Forum" />
 <figcaption>Noa Argamani photo Hostages and Missing Families Forum</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;&nbsp;Several family members of hostages held by Hamas met with U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris at the White House on Tuesday and urged for a deal that would release their loved ones and implement a temporary cease-fire in Gaza.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Edan Alexander. Sagui Dekel-Chen. Hersh Goldberg-Polin. Omer Neutra. Keith Siegel. These are innocent Americans who were brutally taken hostage by Hamas 186 days ago. As I told their loved ones today: <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> and I are doing everything we can to reunite these hostages with their… <a href="https://t.co/BYeYeHyfgv">pic.twitter.com/BYeYeHyfgv</a>&mdash; Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) <a href="https://twitter.com/VP/status/1777814452668108925?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“The only hope for peace is through the release of all the hostages now,” said Jonathan Dekel-Chen, the father of American hostage Sagui Dekel-Chen. On a potential hostage agreement, Dekel-Chen stressed that the world is waiting for “Hamas to get to yes.”Rachel Goldberg, the mother of American hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin, called the meeting with Harris “very productive.” She expressed gratitude to the White House and lawmakers for their support, but added: “We need results. We need our people home.”“You can believe as we do that it is horrible that innocent civilians in Gaza are suffering,” Goldberg said. “And at the same time, you can also know that it is horrible and against international law for hostages to be held against their will.”During the meeting, Harris emphasized that she and President Joe Biden “have no higher priority than reuniting the hostages with their loved ones,” according to a White House readout, as she gave an update on the administration’s efforts on a hostage deal.Meanwhile,&nbsp;the last wish of a dying mother, to be with her hostage daughter once more. But&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-gaza-war-oct-7-327bfeb7bfce5cb0de1568bf41a0ff06">six months</a>&nbsp;into&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel's war against Hamas</a>, time is running out for Liora Argamani, who hopes to stay alive long enough to see her kidnapped daughter&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hostages-hamas-gaza-israel-freed-6395a6113301e677bcac713f8db914b1">come home</a>.“I want to see her one more time. Talk to her one more time,” said Argamani, 61, who has stage four brain cancer. “I don’t have a lot of time left in this world.”Noa Argamani was abducted from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-music-festival-6a55aae2375944f10ecc4c52d05f2ffe">a music festival</a>&nbsp;Oct. 7 when Hamas-led militants&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-11fb98655c256d54ecb5329284fc37d2">stormed into southern Israel</a>, killing some 1,200 people and taking around 250 hostage. The video of her abduction was among the first to surface, images of her horrified face widely shared — Noa detained between two men on a motorcycle, one arm outstretched and the other held down as she screams “Don't kill me!”There's been little news about Noa, 26. But in mid-January, Hamas released a video of her in captivity. She appears gaunt and under duress, speaking about other hostages killed in airstrikes and frantically calling on Israel to bring her and others home.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-gaza-war-statistics-95a6407fac94e9d589be234708cd5005">Half a year</a>&nbsp;into Israel’s war, agonized families such as the Argamanis are in a race against time.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-11-27-2023-852065d35c4643f4c874fb5993313b13">In November</a>, a weeklong cease-fire deal saw the release of more than 100 hostages. But the war is dragging on, with no end in sight and no serious hostage deal on the table. Israel says more than 130 hostages remain, with about a quarter of those believed dead, and divisions are deepening in the country over the best way to bring them home.<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/benjamin-netanyahu">Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu</a>&nbsp;has vowed to both eliminate Hamas and bring all the hostages back, but he's made little progress.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/netanyahu-israel-gaza-hamas-war-political-campaign-f40539425a1d6b6928a99a9d2e6d977c">He faces</a>&nbsp;pressure to resign, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-netanyahu-3591fb5f82b22cf8e5d1060fccaef115">the U.S. has threatened</a>&nbsp;to scale back its support over the humanitarian situation in Gaza.Israelis are divided into two main camps: those who want the government to put the war on hold and free the hostages, and others who think the hostages are an unfortunate price to pay for eradicating Hamas.“They have these two goals and the assessment of the type of risk they’re willing to take to get the hostages back — this is where you see divisions,” said Shmuel Rosner, a senior fellow at the Jewish People Policy Institute and analyst for Israeli public television station Kan News.On-and-off negotiations mediated by Qatar, the United States and Egypt have yielded little. If a viable deal emerges, decisions will become harder and the divisions sharper, Rosner said.But for most families and friends whose loved ones are in captivity, there is no choice but to bring them home. Many are concerned in particular about the women held in Gaza and say, based on testimonies from freed hostages, they fear those remaining could be suffering from sexual abuse.Before a recent parliamentary committee meeting, attendees held posters showing the hostages. Yarden Gonen, whose 23-year-old sister, Romi, also was taken from the Oct. 7 music festival, criticized what she said was the government's inaction.“What are we fighting for?" she said. "What is more important than this?”Outside an art installation&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-tunnels-warfare-15453b5729e38aeb55af5b419835a5eb">mimicking the Gaza tunnels</a>&nbsp;where some hostages are believed to be held, Romi’s mother said she can’t believe it’s been half a year, with much of the world wanting to forget or ignore such a horrible situation.“We are doing everything we can so the world will not forget," Merav Leshem Gonen said. “Every day we wake up and take a big breath, deep breath, and continue walking, continue doing the things that will bring her back.”When Yonatan Levi saw the video of his friend Noa Argamani in captivity, he said he could barely recognize the smart, free spirit of the woman who loved parties and traveling and was studying computer science.“When I saw that video, I thought maybe she’s living physically but has died inside,” said Levi, who met Argamani during a diving course in the southern Israeli city of Eilat.A few months before her abduction, Argamani asked Levi to help navigate insurance issues for her mom, he said. As an only child, she was a big part of her mother's life and care, and she seemed hopeful she would be OK, Levi said.But Liora Argamani's cancer has worsened, according to a video released by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum.In it, Liora and her husband tearfully thumb through childhood photos of Noa. From her wheelchair, Liora addresses the camera — and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">U.S. President Joe Biden directly</a>. Behind her rests an enlarged photo of Noa's pained face as she's dragged into Gaza, on a posterboard with her words overtop: “DON'T KILL ME!”“My heart really hurts,” Liora, a Chinese immigrant, says slowly in accented Hebrew. “I am asking you, President Joe Biden. ... I am really begging you."The stress of missing a loved one like Noa is hard on the healthiest of people, and it will only exacerbate a condition like cancer, said Ofrit Shapira Berman, a psychoanalyst who heads a group of health professionals treating freed hostages, families and survivors.“The fact that so much of her psychic energy is invested in her daughter’s trauma leaves her lesser chance to survive,” Berman said.In the video, Noa's father, Yaakov Argamami, strokes the family photo albums and chokes back tears.“I miss everything about her,” he says. “Her hug. The hug I wanted to ...”

6 months of Israel war: A race against time for families of hostages

St. Edwards, Neb. - The&nbsp;Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced it will be investigating the death of a 17-year-old that was found unresponsive at the Beaver Valley Pork Company near St. Edwards in early April. OSHA has six months to complete its investigation.

On April 1st, around 11:30am, the Boone County Sheriff's Office received a 911 call regarding an unresponsive 17-year-old juvenile at a hog unit at Beaver Valley Pork Company according to officials.

Sarah Pillen, Co-CEO of Pillen Family Farms identified the teenager as Zach Panther. Pillen stated "The loss of Zach Panther has left us profoundly saddened.  Though his employment with our Team was very brief, he positively impacted those he worked with."

"We deeply mourn Zach's passing and extend our prayers to his loved ones during this very difficult time." Pillen added.

An autopsy has been ordered and officials said that during the initial investigation, foul play was not indicated.

North Platte PostSt. Edwards, Neb. - The&nbsp;Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced it will be investigating the death of a 17-year-old that was found unresponsive at the Beaver Valley Pork Company near St. Edwards in early April. OSHA has six months to complete its investigation.On April 1st, around 11:30am, the Boone County Sheriff's Office received a 911 call regarding an unresponsive 17-year-old juvenile at a hog unit at Beaver Valley Pork Company according to officials.Sarah Pillen, Co-CEO of Pillen Family Farms identified the teenager as Zach Panther. Pillen stated "The loss of Zach Panther has left us profoundly saddened. Though his employment with our Team was very brief, he positively impacted those he worked with.""We deeply mourn Zach's passing and extend our prayers to his loved ones during this very difficult time." Pillen added.An autopsy has been ordered and officials said that during the initial investigation, foul play was not indicated.

OSHA investigating teens death at Pillen Family Farm near St. Edwards

Nebraska Department of Transportation

April 10, 2024 (Lincoln, Neb.) — The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) require each state highway agency to develop a Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). The STIP must list all highway and transit projects that will be using federal funds, as well as all regionally significant transportation projects using non-federal funding sources. 

It covers a period of four years and in Nebraska is updated every year on Oct. 1st. Periodically, the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) must amend the STIP to add or remove projects, to make adjustments to funding sources or estimates, or to update a project’s scope of work.

An amendment, referred to as Amendment 5 to the 2024-2027 STIP, is available for public comment on the NDOT website <a href="https://dot.nebraska.gov/projects/publications/stip/">ndot.info/stip</a> from Wednesday, April 10, 2024 to 5:00 p.m. CST on Tuesday, April 16, 2024. The FHWA and the FTA will not approve the revision until the public comment period has ended and comments have been evaluated and incorporated in the revision as appropriate.

Copies of the Public Involvement Plan for the Nebraska Department of Transportation’s STIP are available from one of the eight district offices. A map with district office locations and contact information is attached.

A copy of the proposed STIP Public Involvement Plan may be obtained upon request to the Communications &amp; Public Policy Office, 1500 Nebraska Parkway, PO Box 94759, Lincoln, NE 68509-4759, or by calling (402) 479-4512 or email jeni.campana@nebraska.gov.

Under federal legislation, the Nebraska Department of Transportation is required to have a public involvement plan for the STIP in place. This plan can be viewed at: <a href="https://dot.nebraska.gov/projects/publications/stip/">ndot.info/stip</a>.

Nebraska Department of TransportationApril 10, 2024 (Lincoln, Neb.) — The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) require each state highway agency to develop a Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). The STIP must list all highway and transit projects that will be using federal funds, as well as all regionally significant transportation projects using non-federal funding sources. It covers a period of four years and in Nebraska is updated every year on Oct. 1st. Periodically, the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) must amend the STIP to add or remove projects, to make adjustments to funding sources or estimates, or to update a project’s scope of work.An amendment, referred to as Amendment 5 to the 2024-2027 STIP, is available for public comment on the NDOT website <a href="https://dot.nebraska.gov/projects/publications/stip/">ndot.info/stip</a> from Wednesday, April 10, 2024 to 5:00 p.m. CST on Tuesday, April 16, 2024. The FHWA and the FTA will not approve the revision until the public comment period has ended and comments have been evaluated and incorporated in the revision as appropriate.Copies of the Public Involvement Plan for the Nebraska Department of Transportation’s STIP are available from one of the eight district offices. A map with district office locations and contact information is attached.A copy of the proposed STIP Public Involvement Plan may be obtained upon request to the Communications &amp; Public Policy Office, 1500 Nebraska Parkway, PO Box 94759, Lincoln, NE 68509-4759, or by calling (402) 479-4512 or email jeni.campana@nebraska.gov.Under federal legislation, the Nebraska Department of Transportation is required to have a public involvement plan for the STIP in place. This plan can be viewed at: <a href="https://dot.nebraska.gov/projects/publications/stip/">ndot.info/stip</a>.

State Transportation Improvement Plan Amendment Announced

In partnership with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.medica.com/" target="_blank">Medica</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://nlc.nebraska.gov/scripts/calendar/eventshow.asp?ProgID=23587" target="_blank">Nebraska Library Commission</a>&nbsp;(NLC) can assist Nebraska’s public libraries with the purchase and installation of new network technology to improve Internet access and digital equity for their communities. The funding provided by Medica will be utilized to provide libraries with up-to-date and secure networks and WiFi for public use that can support current and future high-speed Internet connections. “Medica is pleased to provide funding to the Nebraska Library Commission to help local libraries improve internet access and digital equity in their communities,” said Pat Bourne, Medica Market Leader for Nebraska.

Many of Nebraska’s small and rural public libraries have challenges accessing the funds and resources needed to select, purchase, and install new technology. The funding provided by Medica combined with the technical resources provided by the NLC will provide the assistance these libraries need to support their communities in this increasingly connected world.

The NLC will initially be contacting libraries that may need assistance with their networks based on the recent Public Library Survey results or have an identified need via the Technology Reviews that have been conducted so far. Libraries interested in upgrading their network can contact Andrew “Sherm” Sherman to arrange for a Technology Review so the current state of their networks can be determined and needed upgrades identified.

As the state library agency, the Nebraska Library Commission is an advocate for the library and information needs of all Nebraskans. The mission of the Library Commission is statewide promotion, development, and coordination of library and information services, “bringing together people and information.”

Andrew ShermanIn partnership with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.medica.com/" target="_blank">Medica</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://nlc.nebraska.gov/scripts/calendar/eventshow.asp?ProgID=23587" target="_blank">Nebraska Library Commission</a>&nbsp;(NLC) can assist Nebraska’s public libraries with the purchase and installation of new network technology to improve Internet access and digital equity for their communities. The funding provided by Medica will be utilized to provide libraries with up-to-date and secure networks and WiFi for public use that can support current and future high-speed Internet connections. “Medica is pleased to provide funding to the Nebraska Library Commission to help local libraries improve internet access and digital equity in their communities,” said Pat Bourne, Medica Market Leader for Nebraska.Many of Nebraska’s small and rural public libraries have challenges accessing the funds and resources needed to select, purchase, and install new technology. The funding provided by Medica combined with the technical resources provided by the NLC will provide the assistance these libraries need to support their communities in this increasingly connected world.The NLC will initially be contacting libraries that may need assistance with their networks based on the recent Public Library Survey results or have an identified need via the Technology Reviews that have been conducted so far. Libraries interested in upgrading their network can contact Andrew “Sherm” Sherman to arrange for a Technology Review so the current state of their networks can be determined and needed upgrades identified.As the state library agency, the Nebraska Library Commission is an advocate for the library and information needs of all Nebraskans. The mission of the Library Commission is statewide promotion, development, and coordination of library and information services, “bringing together people and information.”

Nebraska Library Commission Partners with Medica to Improve Public Libraries’ Internet Access

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/09/lawmakers-seek-to-hold-public-schools-state-employees-liable-for-child-sexual-assault-and-abuse/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN —&nbsp;Officials in public schools or other Nebraska political subdivisions could be held liable if they fail to protect children in their care through a proposal inching forward in the Legislature.

<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=50137">Legislative Bill 25</a>, introduced by State Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha, was the subject of multiple days of debate and negotiations that ultimately resulted in a replacement of Hastings State Sen. Steve Halloran’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=49731">LB 341</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday to become Wayne’s LB 25. The changes also leaned closer in some provisions involving legal liability to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=50202">LB 325</a>&nbsp;from State Sen. George Dungan of Lincoln.

The amended LB 25 could allow lawsuits — in the case of child abuse or sexual assault of a child — against political subdivisions or their employees who have a duty to protect children against the crimes.&nbsp;

The harm must be a “proximate result” of the political subdivision’s failure or an employee’s failure to exercise “reasonable care” to care for a child in their care or custody.

“Nothing is going to make these individuals completely whole,” Wayne told the Nebraska Examiner after the votes. “We’re just trying to provide the best remedy we can under the law.”

Wayne offered the amendment, which was adopted&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_votes.php?KeyID=10836">32-15</a>. Lawmakers then voted to advance LB 25 on a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_votes.php?KeyID=10839">26-14 vote</a>, with eight lawmakers “present, not voting.”

State Sen. Carolyn Bosn of Lincoln, a former prosecutor, led opposition to the measure, arguing that if school officials have knowledge of wrongdoing and fail to investigate, which is required under “reasonable care,” they can already be held accountable. She ultimately did not vote on LB 25 or any amendments.&nbsp;

Dungan and Wayne, who are also&nbsp; lawyers, disagreed that the law Bosn pointed to would be adequate.

Bosn said she negotiated on a possible amendment with State Sens. Ben Hansen of Blair and Mike Jacobson of North Platte, possibly to cap recovery damages at $500,000.

Jacobson said those conversations also included whether to limit the scope of the bill to K-12 schools or add options for victims beyond lawsuits. Bosn said she wanted support on the front end and not after a harm has occurred.&nbsp;

LB 25 could favor attorneys representing families or children who have been harmed, Jacobson argued, as lawyers would be looking for “deep pockets.”

“I’m just saying you’re opening up Pandora’s Box when you go this route,” Jacobson said.

Dungan said there may always be “ambulance chasers” seeking money, but he joined Wayne in stating that lawyers have an ethical duty not to file frivolous lawsuits and noted that judges can throw cases out if they determine the actions are frivolous.

State Sens. Steve Erdman of Bayard and Julie Slama of Dunbar both criticized opponents to Wayne’s bill who have said they want to protect children but voted against Wayne’s bill.

Erdman, who often is closely aligned with Halloran, defended the effort as targeting schools that aren’t doing everything right. If they are, “they have nothing to fear.”&nbsp;

He said he couldn’t understand why LB 25 was controversial and that when he returns to his district in western Nebraska, he can say he did everything to protect Nebraska’s most vulnerable while some of his colleagues thought protecting the state was more important.

“When you vote, you will clarify to the voters, to the public, where you really stand on protecting children,” Erdman said.

Slama pointed to other bills that were debated this session with a stated goal to protect children from&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/03/20/obscenity-bill-that-could-criminalize-nebraska-librarians-teachers-fails-to-advance/">certain library books</a>&nbsp;or to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/05/bathroom-sports-team-restrictions-fall-short-in-nebraska-legislature/">define public K-12 bathrooms and sports teams as male or female</a>&nbsp;based on students’ sex at birth. The introducers of those bills, State Sens. Joni Albrecht of Thurston and Kathleen Kauth of Omaha, opposed Wayne’s amendment and voted against advancing LB 25.

Halloran told the Examiner he was happy there would be some parity to hold public schools accountable when similar lawsuits are already allowed against private schools.

Some opponents argued allowing lawsuits against public schools would increase property taxes.

Slama challenged opponents on that point.

“How many child molesters is your school district employing if it’s going to impact your bottom line?” she asked.

State Sen. Christy Armendariz of Omaha said she supports suing any entity if its employees&nbsp; commit crimes against children but wanted LB 25 to be more refined, such as more closely targeting criminals.

“We have very little, if any, control over policies, hiring, employee practices within a school building,” Armendariz said. “To reach out to the taxpayer to pay the financial penalty would be extremely ineffective at changing the culture we’re trying to change.”

Armendariz told the Examiner that LB 25 is an opportunity to put everyone on notice that harming a child is “absolutely not acceptable,” but she said the bill “completely misses that point.”

She said holding employees financially accountable could change a culture and suggested that lawmakers should allow victims to go after funds the employee may be connected to, such as employee unions or health care and pension plans.

“That’s outside of the box thinking, but maybe those pension funds need to be held accountable to the offenders that they support,” Armendariz said.

Wayne said once a perpetrator is behind bars, there may be no financial recovery left, but he said a bigger issue is whether schools, cities or counties are aware that harm is possible and that if they don’t act, that should come with some liability.

“I’m proud of this Legislature today, and I think we’re passing a bill that can help kids,” Wayne said.

With three days left in the legislative session, LB 25 will need to return for debate sometime Wednesday. If it advances, the final vote will be taken on the last day of the session: April 18.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712759701814.jpeg" alt="State Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha. Feb. 22, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>State Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha. Feb. 22, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/09/lawmakers-seek-to-hold-public-schools-state-employees-liable-for-child-sexual-assault-and-abuse/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN —&nbsp;Officials in public schools or other Nebraska political subdivisions could be held liable if they fail to protect children in their care through a proposal inching forward in the Legislature.<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=50137">Legislative Bill 25</a>, introduced by State Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha, was the subject of multiple days of debate and negotiations that ultimately resulted in a replacement of Hastings State Sen. Steve Halloran’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=49731">LB 341</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday to become Wayne’s LB 25. The changes also leaned closer in some provisions involving legal liability to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=50202">LB 325</a>&nbsp;from State Sen. George Dungan of Lincoln.The amended LB 25 could allow lawsuits — in the case of child abuse or sexual assault of a child — against political subdivisions or their employees who have a duty to protect children against the crimes.&nbsp;The harm must be a “proximate result” of the political subdivision’s failure or an employee’s failure to exercise “reasonable care” to care for a child in their care or custody.“Nothing is going to make these individuals completely whole,” Wayne told the Nebraska Examiner after the votes. “We’re just trying to provide the best remedy we can under the law.”Wayne offered the amendment, which was adopted&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_votes.php?KeyID=10836">32-15</a>. Lawmakers then voted to advance LB 25 on a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_votes.php?KeyID=10839">26-14 vote</a>, with eight lawmakers “present, not voting.”<h2>Opening ‘Pandora’s Box’</h2>State Sen. Carolyn Bosn of Lincoln, a former prosecutor, led opposition to the measure, arguing that if school officials have knowledge of wrongdoing and fail to investigate, which is required under “reasonable care,” they can already be held accountable. She ultimately did not vote on LB 25 or any amendments.&nbsp;Dungan and Wayne, who are also&nbsp; lawyers, disagreed that the law Bosn pointed to would be adequate.Bosn said she negotiated on a possible amendment with State Sens. Ben Hansen of Blair and Mike Jacobson of North Platte, possibly to cap recovery damages at $500,000.Jacobson said those conversations also included whether to limit the scope of the bill to K-12 schools or add options for victims beyond lawsuits. Bosn said she wanted support on the front end and not after a harm has occurred.&nbsp;LB 25 could favor attorneys representing families or children who have been harmed, Jacobson argued, as lawyers would be looking for “deep pockets.”“I’m just saying you’re opening up Pandora’s Box when you go this route,” Jacobson said.Dungan said there may always be “ambulance chasers” seeking money, but he joined Wayne in stating that lawyers have an ethical duty not to file frivolous lawsuits and noted that judges can throw cases out if they determine the actions are frivolous.<h2>Goals of ‘protecting children’</h2>State Sens. Steve Erdman of Bayard and Julie Slama of Dunbar both criticized opponents to Wayne’s bill who have said they want to protect children but voted against Wayne’s bill.Erdman, who often is closely aligned with Halloran, defended the effort as targeting schools that aren’t doing everything right. If they are, “they have nothing to fear.”&nbsp;He said he couldn’t understand why LB 25 was controversial and that when he returns to his district in western Nebraska, he can say he did everything to protect Nebraska’s most vulnerable while some of his colleagues thought protecting the state was more important.“When you vote, you will clarify to the voters, to the public, where you really stand on protecting children,” Erdman said.Slama pointed to other bills that were debated this session with a stated goal to protect children from&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/03/20/obscenity-bill-that-could-criminalize-nebraska-librarians-teachers-fails-to-advance/">certain library books</a>&nbsp;or to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/05/bathroom-sports-team-restrictions-fall-short-in-nebraska-legislature/">define public K-12 bathrooms and sports teams as male or female</a>&nbsp;based on students’ sex at birth. The introducers of those bills, State Sens. Joni Albrecht of Thurston and Kathleen Kauth of Omaha, opposed Wayne’s amendment and voted against advancing LB 25.Halloran told the Examiner he was happy there would be some parity to hold public schools accountable when similar lawsuits are already allowed against private schools.Some opponents argued allowing lawsuits against public schools would increase property taxes.Slama challenged opponents on that point.“How many child molesters is your school district employing if it’s going to impact your bottom line?” she asked.<h2>Accountability and recovery</h2>State Sen. Christy Armendariz of Omaha said she supports suing any entity if its employees&nbsp; commit crimes against children but wanted LB 25 to be more refined, such as more closely targeting criminals.“We have very little, if any, control over policies, hiring, employee practices within a school building,” Armendariz said. “To reach out to the taxpayer to pay the financial penalty would be extremely ineffective at changing the culture we’re trying to change.”Armendariz told the Examiner that LB 25 is an opportunity to put everyone on notice that harming a child is “absolutely not acceptable,” but she said the bill “completely misses that point.”She said holding employees financially accountable could change a culture and suggested that lawmakers should allow victims to go after funds the employee may be connected to, such as employee unions or health care and pension plans.“That’s outside of the box thinking, but maybe those pension funds need to be held accountable to the offenders that they support,” Armendariz said.Wayne said once a perpetrator is behind bars, there may be no financial recovery left, but he said a bigger issue is whether schools, cities or counties are aware that harm is possible and that if they don’t act, that should come with some liability.“I’m proud of this Legislature today, and I think we’re passing a bill that can help kids,” Wayne said.With three days left in the legislative session, LB 25 will need to return for debate sometime Wednesday. If it advances, the final vote will be taken on the last day of the session: April 18.

Lawmakers seek to hold public schools, state employees liable for child sexual assault and abuse

OMAHA, NE — The Platte Institute, a champion for increased opportunity and
 removing barriers to success in Nebraska, celebrates the Nebraska Legislature's decision to advance LB 1402 from general file. This pivotal bill, which enables tax credit opportunity scholarships, protects expanding educational opportunities for families and
 students across the state.&nbsp;


Jim Vokal, Chief Executive Officer of the Platte Institute, expressed his support
 for the legislation, stating, "The passage of LB 1402 replaces LB753 which was a monumental shift away from the outdated, one-size-fits-all approach to education, affirming our belief that such policies do not serve the best interests of Nebraska's children.
 Every child is unique, with distinct needs, talents, and dreams. This legislation acknowledges that reality by empowering parents with the freedom to choose educational environments that best fit their child's individuality.”&nbsp;


As the debate on LB 1402 continues, the Platte Institute remains dedicated
 to working with policymakers, educators, families, and stakeholders to advocate for policies that enhance educational freedom and choice. We commend the Nebraska Legislature for its forward-thinking approach and urge continued support for LB 1402 as it progresses
 through the legislative process.&nbsp;

For further information, to request an interview, or to discuss the implications
 of LB 1402, please contact Ryan Kopsa at (402) 366-4432 or via email at <a href="mailto:rkopsa@platteinstitute.org" target="_blank">rkopsa@platteinstitute.org</a>.&nbsp;


The Platte Institute is committed to advancing policies that remove barriers
 to growth and opportunity in Nebraska, ensuring a brighter future for all its residents. For more insights, visit PlatteInstitute.org.&nbsp;

Platte InsituteOMAHA, NE — The Platte Institute, a champion for increased opportunity and
 removing barriers to success in Nebraska, celebrates the Nebraska Legislature's decision to advance LB 1402 from general file. This pivotal bill, which enables tax credit opportunity scholarships, protects expanding educational opportunities for families and
 students across the state.&nbsp;
Jim Vokal, Chief Executive Officer of the Platte Institute, expressed his support
 for the legislation, stating, "The passage of LB 1402 replaces LB753 which was a monumental shift away from the outdated, one-size-fits-all approach to education, affirming our belief that such policies do not serve the best interests of Nebraska's children.
 Every child is unique, with distinct needs, talents, and dreams. This legislation acknowledges that reality by empowering parents with the freedom to choose educational environments that best fit their child's individuality.”&nbsp;
As the debate on LB 1402 continues, the Platte Institute remains dedicated
 to working with policymakers, educators, families, and stakeholders to advocate for policies that enhance educational freedom and choice. We commend the Nebraska Legislature for its forward-thinking approach and urge continued support for LB 1402 as it progresses
 through the legislative process.&nbsp;
For further information, to request an interview, or to discuss the implications
 of LB 1402, please contact Ryan Kopsa at (402) 366-4432 or via email at <a href="mailto:rkopsa@platteinstitute.org" target="_blank">rkopsa@platteinstitute.org</a>.&nbsp;
The Platte Institute is committed to advancing policies that remove barriers
 to growth and opportunity in Nebraska, ensuring a brighter future for all its residents. For more insights, visit PlatteInstitute.org.&nbsp;

 Platte Institute Applauds Advancement of LB 1402 Enabling Tax Credit  Opportunity Scholarships 

PHOENIX (AP) — Arizona will soon join 14 other states that have banned abortion at all stages of pregnancy after a state Supreme Court ruling Tuesday found that officials may enforce an 1864 law criminalizing all abortions except when a woman's life is at stake.

The court said enforcement won't begin for at least two weeks. However, it could be up to two months, based on an agreement reached in a related case in Arizona, according to state Attorney General Kris Mayes and Planned Parenthood, the plaintiffs in the current case.

The law provides no exceptions for rape or incest.

Under a near-total ban, the number of abortions in the state is expected to drop from about 1,100 monthly — as estimated by a survey for the Society of Family Planning — to almost zero. The forecast is based on what has happened in other states that ban abortion at all stages of pregnancy.

Arizona Sen. Eva Burch, who has had an abortion since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arizona-senator-senate-abortion-eva-burch-280e95049fa230e83c6edb3724b244a7">announcing on the Senate floor last month</a>&nbsp;that she was seeking one because her pregnancy wasn’t viable, criticized GOP lawmakers who back the ban.

“The fight for reproductive rights is not over in Arizona,” she said, referring to a statewide petition campaign to put the issue on the ballot this fall. “This moment must not slow us down.”

According to AP VoteCast, 6 out of 10 Arizona voters in the 2022 midterm elections said they would favor guaranteeing access to legal abortion nationwide.

Planned Parenthood officials vowed to continue providing abortions for the short time they are still legal and said they will reinforce networks that help women travel out of state to places like New Mexico and California to access abortion.

“Even with today’s ruling, Planned Parenthood Arizona will continue to provide abortion through 15 weeks for a very short period of time,” said Angela Florez, president of the organization's Arizona chapter.

Arizona State University student Katarina White welcomed the ruling.

“I was overcome by joy and happy to know that all these babies that could potentially be aborted aren’t going to be aborted,” the Tempe resident said. “It just made me really proud to be an Arizonan.”

Brittany Crawford, a mother of three who owns a hair salon in Phoenix, said the high court's ruling could have far-reaching consequences.

“You are going to have a lot of desperate girls doing whatever they can to get rid of their babies," Crawford said. "Some could end up dead.”

She herself had an abortion at 18, right out of high school, and said she suffered extreme emotional trauma.

“I still think I should have the right to decide whether I do have a child, or whether I don’t have a child,” she said.

The Center for Arizona Policy, a longtime backer of anti-abortion proposals before the Legislature, said the state’s highest court reached the appropriate conclusion.

“Today’s outcome acknowledges the sanctity of all human life and spares women the physical and emotional harms of abortion,” the group said in a statement.

Nearly every state ban on abortions has been challenged with a lawsuit. Courts have blocked enforcing some restrictions, including prohibitions throughout pregnancy in Utah and Wyoming.

The Arizona ruling suggests doctors can be prosecuted for performing the procedure, and the 1864 law carries a sentence of two to five years in prison for doctors or anyone else who assists in an abortion.

“In light of this Opinion, physicians are now on notice that all abortions, except those necessary to save a woman’s life, are illegal,” the Arizona Supreme Court said in its decision, adding that additional criminal and regulatory sanctions may apply to abortions performed after 15 weeks.

Jill Gibson, chief medical officer at Planned Parenthood Arizona, said that means legal considerations are now likely to weigh heavily on any decision about abortion.

“It just creates this environment that makes it really impossible for a physician to understand her risk in taking care of her patients,” Gibson said. “Rather than, you know, making clinical decisions based on what my patients are telling me, I will be phoning my lawyers for guidance on what I can do.”

Planned Parenthood said it will continue to offer abortion services up to 15 weeks for at least two more months, in line with an agreement in the related case not to immediately enforce a near-total ban if upheld by the Arizona Supreme Court.

Since the U.S. Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-politics-health-5101ede97957cbf5f4f8aac1d5e5b4fa">overturned Roe v. Wade</a>&nbsp;in 2022, most Republican-controlled states have started enforcing new bans or restrictions, and most Democratic-dominated ones have sought to protect abortion access.

Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich, a Republican, persuaded a state judge in Tucson to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-us-supreme-court-health-arizona-legislature-8120658e7f965855fba3f23b950321f0">lift a restriction on enforcing the state's 1864 law</a>. Mayes, Brnovich’s Democratic successor, had urged the state’s high court to hold the line against it.

“Today’s decision to reimpose a law from a time when Arizona wasn’t a state, the Civil War was raging, and women couldn’t even vote will go down in history as a stain on our state,” Mayes said Tuesday.

Former Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey, a Republican who signed the state's current law restricting abortion after 15 weeks, posted on the social platform X saying that the state Supreme Court's ruling was not the outcome he would have wanted.

“I signed the 15-week law as governor because it is thoughtful policy, and an approach to this very sensitive issue that Arizonans can actually agree on,” he said.

PHOENIX (AP) — Arizona will soon join 14 other states that have banned abortion at all stages of pregnancy after a state Supreme Court ruling Tuesday found that officials may enforce an 1864 law criminalizing all abortions except when a woman's life is at stake.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The Arizona Supreme Court ruling allows an 1864 abortion ban to go into effect. There are no exceptions for rape and incest, and it threatens doctors and nurses with prison time. It does not have to be this way. Congress must restore the protections of Roe. <a href="https://t.co/JGdA7RNI2W">pic.twitter.com/JGdA7RNI2W</a>&mdash; Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) <a href="https://twitter.com/VP/status/1777778284438118621?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The court said enforcement won't begin for at least two weeks. However, it could be up to two months, based on an agreement reached in a related case in Arizona, according to state Attorney General Kris Mayes and Planned Parenthood, the plaintiffs in the current case.The law provides no exceptions for rape or incest.Under a near-total ban, the number of abortions in the state is expected to drop from about 1,100 monthly — as estimated by a survey for the Society of Family Planning — to almost zero. The forecast is based on what has happened in other states that ban abortion at all stages of pregnancy.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Arizonans will soon live under a more extreme abortion ban that fails to protect women when their health is at risk or in cases of rape or incest. It was first enacted in 1864. And it’s back because of Republican elected officials committed to ripping away women’s freedom. <a href="https://t.co/iK5rRbGzWG">https://t.co/iK5rRbGzWG</a>&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1777799901398626386?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Arizona Sen. Eva Burch, who has had an abortion since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arizona-senator-senate-abortion-eva-burch-280e95049fa230e83c6edb3724b244a7">announcing on the Senate floor last month</a>&nbsp;that she was seeking one because her pregnancy wasn’t viable, criticized GOP lawmakers who back the ban.“The fight for reproductive rights is not over in Arizona,” she said, referring to a statewide petition campaign to put the issue on the ballot this fall. “This moment must not slow us down.”According to AP VoteCast, 6 out of 10 Arizona voters in the 2022 midterm elections said they would favor guaranteeing access to legal abortion nationwide.Planned Parenthood officials vowed to continue providing abortions for the short time they are still legal and said they will reinforce networks that help women travel out of state to places like New Mexico and California to access abortion.“Even with today’s ruling, Planned Parenthood Arizona will continue to provide abortion through 15 weeks for a very short period of time,” said Angela Florez, president of the organization's Arizona chapter.Arizona State University student Katarina White welcomed the ruling.“I was overcome by joy and happy to know that all these babies that could potentially be aborted aren’t going to be aborted,” the Tempe resident said. “It just made me really proud to be an Arizonan.”Brittany Crawford, a mother of three who owns a hair salon in Phoenix, said the high court's ruling could have far-reaching consequences.“You are going to have a lot of desperate girls doing whatever they can to get rid of their babies," Crawford said. "Some could end up dead.”She herself had an abortion at 18, right out of high school, and said she suffered extreme emotional trauma.“I still think I should have the right to decide whether I do have a child, or whether I don’t have a child,” she said.The Center for Arizona Policy, a longtime backer of anti-abortion proposals before the Legislature, said the state’s highest court reached the appropriate conclusion.“Today’s outcome acknowledges the sanctity of all human life and spares women the physical and emotional harms of abortion,” the group said in a statement.Nearly every state ban on abortions has been challenged with a lawsuit. Courts have blocked enforcing some restrictions, including prohibitions throughout pregnancy in Utah and Wyoming.The Arizona ruling suggests doctors can be prosecuted for performing the procedure, and the 1864 law carries a sentence of two to five years in prison for doctors or anyone else who assists in an abortion.“In light of this Opinion, physicians are now on notice that all abortions, except those necessary to save a woman’s life, are illegal,” the Arizona Supreme Court said in its decision, adding that additional criminal and regulatory sanctions may apply to abortions performed after 15 weeks.Jill Gibson, chief medical officer at Planned Parenthood Arizona, said that means legal considerations are now likely to weigh heavily on any decision about abortion.“It just creates this environment that makes it really impossible for a physician to understand her risk in taking care of her patients,” Gibson said. “Rather than, you know, making clinical decisions based on what my patients are telling me, I will be phoning my lawyers for guidance on what I can do.”Planned Parenthood said it will continue to offer abortion services up to 15 weeks for at least two more months, in line with an agreement in the related case not to immediately enforce a near-total ban if upheld by the Arizona Supreme Court.Since the U.S. Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-politics-health-5101ede97957cbf5f4f8aac1d5e5b4fa">overturned Roe v. Wade</a>&nbsp;in 2022, most Republican-controlled states have started enforcing new bans or restrictions, and most Democratic-dominated ones have sought to protect abortion access.Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich, a Republican, persuaded a state judge in Tucson to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-us-supreme-court-health-arizona-legislature-8120658e7f965855fba3f23b950321f0">lift a restriction on enforcing the state's 1864 law</a>. Mayes, Brnovich’s Democratic successor, had urged the state’s high court to hold the line against it.“Today’s decision to reimpose a law from a time when Arizona wasn’t a state, the Civil War was raging, and women couldn’t even vote will go down in history as a stain on our state,” Mayes said Tuesday.Former Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey, a Republican who signed the state's current law restricting abortion after 15 weeks, posted on the social platform X saying that the state Supreme Court's ruling was not the outcome he would have wanted.“I signed the 15-week law as governor because it is thoughtful policy, and an approach to this very sensitive issue that Arizonans can actually agree on,” he said.

White House rips ruling as Arizona returns to 1864 abortion law

JERUSALEM —U.S. Forces have overcome another significant attack in the Red Sea.

At approximately <a href="https://twitter.com/CENTCOM/status/1777849458530648295?t=180">3</a>a.m. Tuesday, USS Mason (DDG 87) successfully engaged and destroyed one inbound anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) launched by Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists from Yemen over the Gulf of Aden, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.


The missile was likely targeting the MV Yorktown, a U.S.-flagged, U.S.-owned vessel being escorted by a U.S. warship USS Laboon (DDG 58) and USS Mason (DDG 87). 

There were no injuries or damage reported by U.S., coalition, or commercial ships.

It was determined the ABSM presented an imminent threat to U.S., coalition, and merchant vessels in the region. These actions are taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S, coalition, and merchant vessels.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;U.S. President Joe Biden says Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s approach to the war against Hamas is mistaken.

Biden’s remarks in a television interview that aired late Tuesday deepen an already growing rift between the two staunch allies over the war, now in its seventh month. Those disagreements have compounded over the worsening humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, Israel’s expected offensive in the city of Rafah and Israel’s recent strike on a humanitarian convoy, which killed seven aid workers, most of them foreigners.

“What he’s doing is a mistake. I don’t agree with his approach,” Biden told U.S. Spanish-language broadcaster Univision in an interview conducted on April 3, two days after the strike on the World Central Kitchen aid convoy. He was responding to a question about whether Netanyahu was letting political considerations steer his decision-making in the war.

Biden said Israel should agree to a cease-fire, flood beleaguered Gaza with aid for the next six to eight weeks and allow regional countries to help distribute the aid. “It should be done now,” he said.

International efforts to broker a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas are taking place in Cairo this week.

Israel’s bombardment and ground offensives in Gaza over the past six months have killed at least 33,360 Palestinians and wounded 74,993, Gaza’s Health Ministry said Tuesday. The ministry&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-gaza-health-ministry-health-death-toll-59470820308b31f1faf73c703400b033">doesn’t differentiate</a>&nbsp;between civilians and combatants in its tally, but says&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/women-children-gaza-war-victims-un-inequality-f0f89a724543b99c2c22439e7af09405">women and children</a>&nbsp;make up two-thirds of the dead.

The war began Oct. 7 when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking around 250 people hostage.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709685344452.png" alt="File Photo U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>File Photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>JERUSALEM —U.S. Forces have overcome another significant attack in the Red Sea.At approximately <a href="https://twitter.com/CENTCOM/status/1777849458530648295?t=180">3</a>a.m. Tuesday, USS Mason (DDG 87) successfully engaged and destroyed one inbound anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) launched by Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists from Yemen over the Gulf of Aden, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.
The missile was likely targeting the MV Yorktown, a U.S.-flagged, U.S.-owned vessel being escorted by a U.S. warship USS Laboon (DDG 58) and USS Mason (DDG 87). There were no injuries or damage reported by U.S., coalition, or commercial ships.

It was determined the ABSM presented an imminent threat to U.S., coalition, and merchant vessels in the region. These actions are taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S, coalition, and merchant vessels.Meanwhile,&nbsp;U.S. President Joe Biden says Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s approach to the war against Hamas is mistaken.Biden’s remarks in a television interview that aired late Tuesday deepen an already growing rift between the two staunch allies over the war, now in its seventh month. Those disagreements have compounded over the worsening humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, Israel’s expected offensive in the city of Rafah and Israel’s recent strike on a humanitarian convoy, which killed seven aid workers, most of them foreigners.“What he’s doing is a mistake. I don’t agree with his approach,” Biden told U.S. Spanish-language broadcaster Univision in an interview conducted on April 3, two days after the strike on the World Central Kitchen aid convoy. He was responding to a question about whether Netanyahu was letting political considerations steer his decision-making in the war.Biden said Israel should agree to a cease-fire, flood beleaguered Gaza with aid for the next six to eight weeks and allow regional countries to help distribute the aid. “It should be done now,” he said.International efforts to broker a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas are taking place in Cairo this week.Israel’s bombardment and ground offensives in Gaza over the past six months have killed at least 33,360 Palestinians and wounded 74,993, Gaza’s Health Ministry said Tuesday. The ministry&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-gaza-health-ministry-health-death-toll-59470820308b31f1faf73c703400b033">doesn’t differentiate</a>&nbsp;between civilians and combatants in its tally, but says&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/women-children-gaza-war-victims-un-inequality-f0f89a724543b99c2c22439e7af09405">women and children</a>&nbsp;make up two-thirds of the dead.The war began Oct. 7 when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking around 250 people hostage.

U.S. forces stop new ballistic missile threat in the Red Sea

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/09/pipeline-company-environmental-group-strike-unique-community-benefits-agreement/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — The developer of a carbon-dioxide pipeline and an environmental group have struck a “one-of-a-kind” agreement to ensure “community benefits” from the pipeline as well as support for the project.

While similar CO2 pipeline projects in Iowa and the Dakotas have&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/01/09/hundreds-of-co2-pipeline-critics-converge-on-capitol-ahead-of-legislative-session/">spawned protests and harsh opposition</a>, a peace treaty of sorts has been struck for a $1.5 billion pipeline project that crosses Nebraska.

“This agreement is exactly what all communities should have,” said Jane Kleeb, founder of Bold Alliance. “Real money is being left behind in these communities.”

“This is truly remarkable,” said Steven Davidson, a spokesman for Tallgrass, who said it’s the first agreement of its kind that he’s aware of involving a pipeline project.

Kansas-based Tallgrass, which is converting a 392-mile-long natural gas pipeline to transport CO2, announced the agreement Tuesday with Bold Alliance, whose subsidiary, Bold Nebraska, was a leading opponent of the Keystone XL crude-oil pipeline.

Tallgrass is converting the former Trailblazer Pipeline — which runs from Beatrice, Nebraska, to eastern Wyoming — to carry carbon dioxide generated by ethanol plants for sequestration deep underground in Wyoming. The goal is to meet the demand for less carbon-intense biofuels in states seeking environmental benefits.

Under the “community benefits agreement,” Bold will not oppose the project in exchange for Tallgrass’ commitment to spend $600,000 to train and equip first responders on the pipeline route and to donate $500,000 to nonprofits in the counties on the route.

In addition, landowners will have the option to receive yearly royalty checks, based on the volume of carbon dioxide being shipped, rather than a lump-sum payment for right of way upfront. And they will have the option of having Tallgrass remove the pipe and reclaim the land if the pipeline is later decommissioned.

Kleeb said that Bold, realizing that most of the Tallgrass project was using existing pipeline, focused on getting the best deal for local landowners and communities, and to make sure first responders were prepared in the event of a pipeline leak.

She said Tallgrass is the first pipeline company that has been willing to “engage proactively, acknowledge the need for landowner benefits … and genuinely commit itself to addressing those benefits in a written agreement.”

“The question is, what will other pipeline companies now do?” she asked. “This sets a pretty high bar.”

The agreement, Kleeb said, “sets a standard” for future energy infrastructure projects of all kinds, including renewable energy.

Kyle Quackenbush, a segment president with Tallgrass, said the company was willing to seek “common ground,” given the importance of the project to the economy of Nebraska.

“This project is a critical element of Nebraska’s bio-economy — creating new markets and increased value for the biofuels industry, the family farms who supply them and the communities they call home,” he said.

The community benefits agreement, Quackenbush added, “is an excellent avenue for us to demonstrate our committee to safety, landowner rights and accountability.”

The agreement does not impact individual landowners who don’t want to sell right-of-way for the pipeline, the officials said. However, Kleeb said, it outlines “best practices” for negotiating with landowners that Bold had been seeking from state lawmakers.

Lawsuits over eminent domain still possible

Lawsuits over eminent domain could still happen, and Kleeb said the agreement doesn’t change Bold’s opposition to the use of eminent domain for pipelines that blaze new routes.

Quackenbush said that using a court order to obtain land is the company’s “last resort.” Already, he said, Tallgrass has worked “hundreds of reroutes” after finding landowners who didn’t want a pipeline across their land.

Unlike other carbon pipelines being proposed in the Midwest, the Tallgrass/Trailblazer project utilizes an existing pipeline that’s being converted to handle CO2, though some new laterals will be built to ethanol plants.

Officials said the total number of miles of laterals is still undetermined. So far, Tallgrass has announced agreements to serve two Nebraska ethanol plants, one in Columbus and one in Aurora, but more announcements are coming, they said.

Nebraska is second in the nation — behind Iowa — in the production of ethanol, with 24 plants that can produce up to 2.3 billion gallons of the corn-based fuel each year.

About 40% of the corn grown in the state is purchased by ethanol plants, which support 6,000 full-time jobs and contribute $4.5 billion to the state’s GDP each year.

Farmers who live close to an ethanol plant get an estimated 21 cents a bushel more for their corn and the added benefit of waste grains from the plants that are valuable livestock feed.

Ethanol advocates insist that carbon sequestration is a must for the corn-based fuel to fully expand into states that demand greener forms of energy.

The Tallgrass/Trailblazer project has a capacity of carrying and storing 10 million metric tons of CO2 annually, which the company says is equivalent to eliminating the emissions of 2 million passenger vehicles.

Such community benefit agreements are legally binding. They are most often used to resolve differences between urban developers and local groups and landowners opposed to a project.

Under the contract between Tallgrass and Bold Alliance, non-compliance could result in a lawsuit seeking enforcement of the provisions.

Eleven farm groups also signed the 10-page, 10-year agreement as supporters, including the Nebraska Farm Bureau, the Nebraska Farmers Union and Renewable Fuels Nebraska.

Unlike the States of Iowa and South Dakota, Nebraska has no state statutes concerning the routing of carbon-dioxide pipelines, though&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/02/21/northeast-nebraska-county-delivers-blow-to-plans-for-carbon-pipeline/">some counties have set requirements</a>.

<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/01/17/owner-of-prairie-seed-farm-and-a-state-senator-say-regulations-needed-for-co2-pipelines/">A bill was introduced in the Nebraska Legislature this yea</a>r but was withdrawn by its sponsor, State Sen. Steve Erdman of Bayard, after he said he learned more about the pipeline projects.

Kleeb said several of the obligations made by Tallgrass were ones Bold had unsuccessfully sought in the Nebraska Legislature.

“Hopefully this will serve as an example for senators,” she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712668801415.jpeg" alt=" An ethanol plant near Aberdeen, South Dakota. (Joshua Haiar/South Dakota Searchlight)" />
 <figcaption> An ethanol plant near Aberdeen, South Dakota. (Joshua Haiar/South Dakota Searchlight)</figcaption>
 </figure>Paul Hammel<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/09/pipeline-company-environmental-group-strike-unique-community-benefits-agreement/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — The developer of a carbon-dioxide pipeline and an environmental group have struck a “one-of-a-kind” agreement to ensure “community benefits” from the pipeline as well as support for the project.While similar CO2 pipeline projects in Iowa and the Dakotas have&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/01/09/hundreds-of-co2-pipeline-critics-converge-on-capitol-ahead-of-legislative-session/">spawned protests and harsh opposition</a>, a peace treaty of sorts has been struck for a $1.5 billion pipeline project that crosses Nebraska.“This agreement is exactly what all communities should have,” said Jane Kleeb, founder of Bold Alliance. “Real money is being left behind in these communities.”<h2>‘Truly remarkable’</h2>“This is truly remarkable,” said Steven Davidson, a spokesman for Tallgrass, who said it’s the first agreement of its kind that he’s aware of involving a pipeline project.Kansas-based Tallgrass, which is converting a 392-mile-long natural gas pipeline to transport CO2, announced the agreement Tuesday with Bold Alliance, whose subsidiary, Bold Nebraska, was a leading opponent of the Keystone XL crude-oil pipeline.Tallgrass is converting the former Trailblazer Pipeline — which runs from Beatrice, Nebraska, to eastern Wyoming — to carry carbon dioxide generated by ethanol plants for sequestration deep underground in Wyoming. The goal is to meet the demand for less carbon-intense biofuels in states seeking environmental benefits.Under the “community benefits agreement,” Bold will not oppose the project in exchange for Tallgrass’ commitment to spend $600,000 to train and equip first responders on the pipeline route and to donate $500,000 to nonprofits in the counties on the route.In addition, landowners will have the option to receive yearly royalty checks, based on the volume of carbon dioxide being shipped, rather than a lump-sum payment for right of way upfront. And they will have the option of having Tallgrass remove the pipe and reclaim the land if the pipeline is later decommissioned.Kleeb said that Bold, realizing that most of the Tallgrass project was using existing pipeline, focused on getting the best deal for local landowners and communities, and to make sure first responders were prepared in the event of a pipeline leak.She said Tallgrass is the first pipeline company that has been willing to “engage proactively, acknowledge the need for landowner benefits … and genuinely commit itself to addressing those benefits in a written agreement.”<h2>‘Sets a high bar’</h2>“The question is, what will other pipeline companies now do?” she asked. “This sets a pretty high bar.”The agreement, Kleeb said, “sets a standard” for future energy infrastructure projects of all kinds, including renewable energy.Kyle Quackenbush, a segment president with Tallgrass, said the company was willing to seek “common ground,” given the importance of the project to the economy of Nebraska.“This project is a critical element of Nebraska’s bio-economy — creating new markets and increased value for the biofuels industry, the family farms who supply them and the communities they call home,” he said.The community benefits agreement, Quackenbush added, “is an excellent avenue for us to demonstrate our committee to safety, landowner rights and accountability.”The agreement does not impact individual landowners who don’t want to sell right-of-way for the pipeline, the officials said. However, Kleeb said, it outlines “best practices” for negotiating with landowners that Bold had been seeking from state lawmakers.<h2>Lawsuits over eminent domain still possible</h2>Lawsuits over eminent domain could still happen, and Kleeb said the agreement doesn’t change Bold’s opposition to the use of eminent domain for pipelines that blaze new routes.Quackenbush said that using a court order to obtain land is the company’s “last resort.” Already, he said, Tallgrass has worked “hundreds of reroutes” after finding landowners who didn’t want a pipeline across their land.Unlike other carbon pipelines being proposed in the Midwest, the Tallgrass/Trailblazer project utilizes an existing pipeline that’s being converted to handle CO2, though some new laterals will be built to ethanol plants.Officials said the total number of miles of laterals is still undetermined. So far, Tallgrass has announced agreements to serve two Nebraska ethanol plants, one in Columbus and one in Aurora, but more announcements are coming, they said.Nebraska is second in the nation — behind Iowa — in the production of ethanol, with 24 plants that can produce up to 2.3 billion gallons of the corn-based fuel each year.About 40% of the corn grown in the state is purchased by ethanol plants, which support 6,000 full-time jobs and contribute $4.5 billion to the state’s GDP each year.Farmers who live close to an ethanol plant get an estimated 21 cents a bushel more for their corn and the added benefit of waste grains from the plants that are valuable livestock feed.Ethanol advocates insist that carbon sequestration is a must for the corn-based fuel to fully expand into states that demand greener forms of energy.<h2>Equivalent of 2 million cars</h2>The Tallgrass/Trailblazer project has a capacity of carrying and storing 10 million metric tons of CO2 annually, which the company says is equivalent to eliminating the emissions of 2 million passenger vehicles.Such community benefit agreements are legally binding. They are most often used to resolve differences between urban developers and local groups and landowners opposed to a project.Under the contract between Tallgrass and Bold Alliance, non-compliance could result in a lawsuit seeking enforcement of the provisions.Eleven farm groups also signed the 10-page, 10-year agreement as supporters, including the Nebraska Farm Bureau, the Nebraska Farmers Union and Renewable Fuels Nebraska.Unlike the States of Iowa and South Dakota, Nebraska has no state statutes concerning the routing of carbon-dioxide pipelines, though&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/02/21/northeast-nebraska-county-delivers-blow-to-plans-for-carbon-pipeline/">some counties have set requirements</a>.<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/01/17/owner-of-prairie-seed-farm-and-a-state-senator-say-regulations-needed-for-co2-pipelines/">A bill was introduced in the Nebraska Legislature this yea</a>r but was withdrawn by its sponsor, State Sen. Steve Erdman of Bayard, after he said he learned more about the pipeline projects.Kleeb said several of the obligations made by Tallgrass were ones Bold had unsuccessfully sought in the Nebraska Legislature.“Hopefully this will serve as an example for senators,” she said.