LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A Lincoln, Nebraska, police officer shot and wounded a man who drove a Jeep at the officer and ran over a woman in the process, police said.

The woman was hospitalized with injuries described by police as serious but not life threatening. The driver was treated for minor injuries. The officer was unhurt.

Police said the officer was at a motel Tuesday looking for a man wanted for an alleged probation violation for possession of a weapon. The man pulled into the motel parking lot, and the officer approached the Jeep.

Police said the 35-year-old suspect put the Jeep in reverse and rammed the police cruiser, then did it again before driving at the officer, who fired into the Jeep, striking the driver. As that was happening, a 39-year-old female passenger got out of the Jeep and was run over. She had to be extricated from beneath the vehicle.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A Lincoln, Nebraska, police officer shot and wounded a man who drove a Jeep at the officer and ran over a woman in the process, police said.The woman was hospitalized with injuries described by police as serious but not life threatening. The driver was treated for minor injuries. The officer was unhurt.Police said the officer was at a motel Tuesday looking for a man wanted for an alleged probation violation for possession of a weapon. The man pulled into the motel parking lot, and the officer approached the Jeep.Police said the 35-year-old suspect put the Jeep in reverse and rammed the police cruiser, then did it again before driving at the officer, who fired into the Jeep, striking the driver. As that was happening, a 39-year-old female passenger got out of the Jeep and was run over. She had to be extricated from beneath the vehicle.

Lincoln officer shoots man who allegedly drove at him; woman jumped from Jeep and was run over

WASHINGTON (AP) — A major Iranian-backed militant group in Iraq warned it may strike additional U.S. targets after U.S. warplanes killed multiple militants in response to the first use of short-range ballistic missiles against U.S. forces at Al-Asad Air Base Monday and shot down drones over the Red Sea.

U.S. fighter jets struck a Kataib Hezbollah operations center and a Kataib Hezbollah command and control node near Al Anbar and Jurf al Saqr, south of Baghdad, on Tuesday, two defense officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity to provide additional sensitive details of the attacks.

There were Kataib Hezbollah personnel at both sites at the time of the strikes, but the officials said they could not yet confirm whether anyone there was killed.

Militia officials in Iraq said the attack had killed eight Kataib Hezbollah members.

The U.S. airstrikes followed an earlier retaliatory strike by an AC-130 gunship that was in the air when the Iranian-backed militants fired two short-range ballistic missiles at Al-Asad Air Base in Iraq late Monday evening. The gunship was able to locate the origin of the missiles, and fired on several militants who had fled in a vehicle, killing several of them.

Kataib Hezbollah in a statement meanwhile said it was considering “expanding the scope of targets” if the U.S. military continues with its strikes, adding that the attack “will not go unpunished”.

The dangerous back-and-forth strikes have escalated since Iranian-backed militant groups under the umbrella group called the Islamic Resistance in Iraq and Syria began striking U.S. facilities Oct. 17, the date that a blast at a hospital in Gaza killed hundreds. The attacks have continued unabated since, with at least 66 rocket and missile attacks hitting U.S. facilities and wounding at least 62 service members.

The Monday attack stood out in that it was the first time militants had used ballistic missiles, and the U.S. response inside Iraq was immediate.

It was also noteworthy because the previous planned counterattacks by U.S. warplanes had focused on militant weapons caches and training centers in Syria, due to political sensitivities in Iraq.

The office of Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, who rose to power through the backing of an Iran-backed political coalition, called the recent escalations “a dangerous development," reflecting the delicate balance the government must strike between Iranian factions and U.S. military presence.

In a statement, Sudani called the the U.S. attack a violation of the country’s sovereignty and of the U.S.-led coalition’s mission to combat Islamic State militants on Iraqi soil, given that the attack was done without giving Iraq notice. Over the past month however, the Iraqi premier has also called for the authorities to pursue the attackers of U.S. bases in Iraq, as he tries to maintain a delicate balance in maintaining positive ties with both Washington and Tehran.

On Tuesday evening, U.S. officials speaking on background said the U.S. is trying to communicate that it does not seek wider conflict, but that the Iran-backed attacks against American forces must stop and that the U.S. will take further action if needed. The U.S. has moved considerable assets to the region — two carrier groups, multiple squadrons of warplanes and U.S. personnel to try and dissuade factions from turning the crisis between Israel and Hamas into a regional war.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A major Iranian-backed militant group in Iraq warned it may strike additional U.S. targets after U.S. warplanes killed multiple militants in response to the first use of short-range ballistic missiles against U.S. forces at Al-Asad Air Base Monday and shot down drones over the Red Sea.U.S. fighter jets struck a Kataib Hezbollah operations center and a Kataib Hezbollah command and control node near Al Anbar and Jurf al Saqr, south of Baghdad, on Tuesday, two defense officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity to provide additional sensitive details of the attacks.There were Kataib Hezbollah personnel at both sites at the time of the strikes, but the officials said they could not yet confirm whether anyone there was killed.Militia officials in Iraq said the attack had killed eight Kataib Hezbollah members.The U.S. airstrikes followed an earlier retaliatory strike by an AC-130 gunship that was in the air when the Iranian-backed militants fired two short-range ballistic missiles at Al-Asad Air Base in Iraq late Monday evening. The gunship was able to locate the origin of the missiles, and fired on several militants who had fled in a vehicle, killing several of them.Kataib Hezbollah in a statement meanwhile said it was considering “expanding the scope of targets” if the U.S. military continues with its strikes, adding that the attack “will not go unpunished”.The dangerous back-and-forth strikes have escalated since Iranian-backed militant groups under the umbrella group called the Islamic Resistance in Iraq and Syria began striking U.S. facilities Oct. 17, the date that a blast at a hospital in Gaza killed hundreds. The attacks have continued unabated since, with at least 66 rocket and missile attacks hitting U.S. facilities and wounding at least 62 service members.The Monday attack stood out in that it was the first time militants had used ballistic missiles, and the U.S. response inside Iraq was immediate.It was also noteworthy because the previous planned counterattacks by U.S. warplanes had focused on militant weapons caches and training centers in Syria, due to political sensitivities in Iraq.The office of Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, who rose to power through the backing of an Iran-backed political coalition, called the recent escalations “a dangerous development," reflecting the delicate balance the government must strike between Iranian factions and U.S. military presence.In a statement, Sudani called the the U.S. attack a violation of the country’s sovereignty and of the U.S.-led coalition’s mission to combat Islamic State militants on Iraqi soil, given that the attack was done without giving Iraq notice. Over the past month however, the Iraqi premier has also called for the authorities to pursue the attackers of U.S. bases in Iraq, as he tries to maintain a delicate balance in maintaining positive ties with both Washington and Tehran.On Tuesday evening, U.S. officials speaking on background said the U.S. is trying to communicate that it does not seek wider conflict, but that the Iran-backed attacks against American forces must stop and that the U.S. will take further action if needed. The U.S. has moved considerable assets to the region — two carrier groups, multiple squadrons of warplanes and U.S. personnel to try and dissuade factions from turning the crisis between Israel and Hamas into a regional war.

Iranian-backed terrorists issue threat if U.S. airstrikes continue

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;- Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen announced a whole-of-government strategy to fight antisemitism and issued a suit of actions to condemn surging antisemitism, enhance public safety and re-emphasize the State of Nebraska’s strong support for the State of Israel as it defends itself against barbaric Iran-backed terrorism.&nbsp;

“From the day Hamas started this war, Nebraskans have stood in strong support of Israel,” Gov. Pillen said. “Now more than ever, we must recommit our support for America’s greatest ally. Tragically, despite the clear justifications for Israel’s defensive action in Gaza, activists and politicians have used propaganda and misinformation to try to deceive people into believing a false equivalence between Israeli military efforts and Hamas terror. This has fueled antisemitism across the country and must be stopped immediately.”

Gov. Pillen has issued a proclamation that condemns antisemitism and unequivocally reaffirms the State of Nebraska’s support for the safety and security of Israeli civilians and Nebraska’s Jewish communities. It specifically condemns public statements and demonstrations that seek to normalize or justify terrorist violence and support for Hamas, and it denounces statements by any politician or activist which seek to draw a false equivalence between Hamas’ barbaric terror attacks and Israel’s legitimate defensive actions to protect its people.

The proclamation also reaffirms the State of Nebraska’s adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism. Gov. Pillen has directed that all state code agencies charged with enforcing non-discrimination laws utilize IHRA when investigating complaints of anti-Semitic harassment and discrimination to the extent consistent with Nebraska and federal law.

Gov. Pillen has designated Lieutenant Governor Joe Kelly to serve as liaison between Nebraska’s Jewish and other faith communities and state law enforcement authorities to ensure that as security threats against those communities emerge, they are channeled to and addressed promptly by the appropriate officials. Lt. Gov. Kelly, as a lifelong prosecutor, brings valuable experience to this role, having served as Lancaster County Attorney, United States Attorney for the District of Nebraska, and Nebraska Department of Justice Criminal Bureau Chief. He also serves as the state’s Director of Homeland Security and Chairman of the Governor’s Homeland Security Policy Group.

In another action, Gov. Pillen has directed the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) State Personnel Division to conduct a review of all anti-harassment and anti-discrimination training provided to state public servants to ensure Jewish identity and antisemitism are sufficiently covered by such training. The DAS State Purchasing Bureau has also been asked to develop a policy which will provide that the state not procure from companies or firms involved in the anti-Israel “Boycott, Divest, Sanction” (BDS) movement. Pursuant to this policy, vendors being paid with public funds will be required to attest that they are compliant with this requirement at the time of bid.

With antisemitism surging in the wake of the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks against Israel and Israel’s corresponding defensive actions in Gaza, actions that reinforce support for Jewish Nebraskans come at a critical time when strong, principled support for Israel is needed from leaders at every level of American government.

“I'm thankful for Gov. Pillen’s actions to support Israel and protect the local Jewish community,” said Bob Goldberg, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. “Fighting antisemitism and all forms of hate is all of our work, and we appreciate the State of Nebraska for partnering with us in this endeavor.”

The proclamation and other actions issued by Gov. Pillen are effective immediately.&nbsp;

<a href="https://governor.nebraska.gov/sites/governor.nebraska.gov/files/doc/press/Israel-Proc_0.pdf">Proclamation condemning antisemitism</a>

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;- Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen announced a whole-of-government strategy to fight antisemitism and issued a suit of actions to condemn surging antisemitism, enhance public safety and re-emphasize the State of Nebraska’s strong support for the State of Israel as it defends itself against barbaric Iran-backed terrorism.&nbsp;“From the day Hamas started this war, Nebraskans have stood in strong support of Israel,” Gov. Pillen said. “Now more than ever, we must recommit our support for America’s greatest ally. Tragically, despite the clear justifications for Israel’s defensive action in Gaza, activists and politicians have used propaganda and misinformation to try to deceive people into believing a false equivalence between Israeli military efforts and Hamas terror. This has fueled antisemitism across the country and must be stopped immediately.”Gov. Pillen has issued a proclamation that condemns antisemitism and unequivocally reaffirms the State of Nebraska’s support for the safety and security of Israeli civilians and Nebraska’s Jewish communities. It specifically condemns public statements and demonstrations that seek to normalize or justify terrorist violence and support for Hamas, and it denounces statements by any politician or activist which seek to draw a false equivalence between Hamas’ barbaric terror attacks and Israel’s legitimate defensive actions to protect its people.The proclamation also reaffirms the State of Nebraska’s adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism. Gov. Pillen has directed that all state code agencies charged with enforcing non-discrimination laws utilize IHRA when investigating complaints of anti-Semitic harassment and discrimination to the extent consistent with Nebraska and federal law.Gov. Pillen has designated Lieutenant Governor Joe Kelly to serve as liaison between Nebraska’s Jewish and other faith communities and state law enforcement authorities to ensure that as security threats against those communities emerge, they are channeled to and addressed promptly by the appropriate officials. Lt. Gov. Kelly, as a lifelong prosecutor, brings valuable experience to this role, having served as Lancaster County Attorney, United States Attorney for the District of Nebraska, and Nebraska Department of Justice Criminal Bureau Chief. He also serves as the state’s Director of Homeland Security and Chairman of the Governor’s Homeland Security Policy Group.In another action, Gov. Pillen has directed the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) State Personnel Division to conduct a review of all anti-harassment and anti-discrimination training provided to state public servants to ensure Jewish identity and antisemitism are sufficiently covered by such training. The DAS State Purchasing Bureau has also been asked to develop a policy which will provide that the state not procure from companies or firms involved in the anti-Israel “Boycott, Divest, Sanction” (BDS) movement. Pursuant to this policy, vendors being paid with public funds will be required to attest that they are compliant with this requirement at the time of bid.With antisemitism surging in the wake of the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks against Israel and Israel’s corresponding defensive actions in Gaza, actions that reinforce support for Jewish Nebraskans come at a critical time when strong, principled support for Israel is needed from leaders at every level of American government.“I'm thankful for Gov. Pillen’s actions to support Israel and protect the local Jewish community,” said Bob Goldberg, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. “Fighting antisemitism and all forms of hate is all of our work, and we appreciate the State of Nebraska for partnering with us in this endeavor.”The proclamation and other actions issued by Gov. Pillen are effective immediately.&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.nebraska.gov/sites/governor.nebraska.gov/files/doc/press/Israel-Proc_0.pdf">Proclamation condemning antisemitism</a>

Gov. Pillen Issues Proclamation, Announces Actions to Fight Antisemitism and Support Nebraska’s Jewish Communities

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/teacher-who-grew-up-on-southeast-nebraska-farm-is-surprised-with-national-milken-educator-award-and-25000/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

OMAHA — A fifth-grade teacher who grew up on a farm outside Syracuse, in southeastern Nebraska, and now teaches at the local middle school was surprised Tuesday with a national Milken Educator Award, and the $25,000 prize that comes with it.

Leslie McIntosh’s hands flew up to her cheeks when hearing her name and realizing she was the reason for the all-school assembly.

Students cheered as she took center stage and let her colleagues and students know that she learns from them.

“I love my job,” she said. “I can’t imagine being anywhere else.”

McIntosh has been a teacher for 12 years, the last six teaching reading and language arts to fifth graders at the Syracuse-Dunbar-Avoca Middle School.

In a recorded account of the event, she said her hometown school district might not be “real flashy,” but it makes her proud.

“We’re a hidden gem in Nebraska, and I am just so proud to have grown up here and come back to be a teacher here for all of you.”&nbsp;

Sponsors of the<a target="_blank" href="https://www.milkeneducatorawards.org/about/home/">&nbsp;award, touted as the “Oscar</a>&nbsp;of Teaching,” focused on McIntosh’s roots in her community and in the profession.

She graduated from Syracuse-Dunbar-Avoca High School, and her mother is a “seasoned educator” in the same district.

Stephanie Bishop, Milken Educator Awards vice president, said McIntosh empowers students and “uplifts her entire community.”

“Her journey is a testament to the transformative power of education and the enduring legacy of an educator who goes above and beyond to inspire and lead,” Bishop said.

When student scores in English Language Arts declined, McIntosh developed a plan, presented it to the school board and tried the tactics on fifth-graders.&nbsp;

“Her dedication paid off,” a media release said. Last year, 59% of fifth-graders showed proficiency under her guidance, compared to 46% of students statewide.

Among other achievements noted, McIntosh spearheads an annual weeklong summer school program known as “Summer Blast,” which offers kids science lab, computer coding, sewing, furniture-making and more.&nbsp;

Proceeds from the camp go to the school, and last year it raised more than $10,000.

McIntosh is the second and final recipient on the Milken Educator Awards tour in Nebraska this school year.<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/bellevue-math-teacher-is-surprised-with-prestigious-milken-award-and-25000-prize/">&nbsp;Jacob Eitzen, a math teacher a</a>t Bellevue West High School, received the award Nov. 16.

Up to 75 recipients across the nation will get the award this year, which is kept hush-hush until announced at each school assembly.

More than $144 million has been invested in the Milken Educator Award national network overall, the organization said. The intent is to celebrate the K-12 profession and inspire young people to pursue teaching as a career.

Recipients are sought out while in early-to-mid-career for achievements and the promise of what they will accomplish. In addition to $25,000 to do with as they wish, honorees get mentorship opportunities and get all expenses paid to a networking conference in Los Angeles.&nbsp;

McIntosh received a bachelor of arts degree in elementary education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2011. She attended Doane University for postgraduate education, earning two master of education degrees.

“The success of her students shows the impact she is making every day,” said Nebraska Commissioner of Education Brian Maher. “We are thrilled to celebrate her work and are excited to see what she does in the future.”&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700665845355.jpeg" alt=" Fifth-grade teacher Leslie McIntosh is stunned as she realizes she is the reason that an all-school assembly was called, to name her a Milken Educator Award winner. The teaching recognition comes with $25,000 to do with as she pleases. (Courtesy of Milken Family Foundation)" />
 <figcaption> Fifth-grade teacher Leslie McIntosh is stunned as she realizes she is the reason that an all-school assembly was called, to name her a Milken Educator Award winner. The teaching recognition comes with $25,000 to do with as she pleases. (Courtesy of Milken Family Foundation)</figcaption>
 </figure>Cindy Gonzalez<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/teacher-who-grew-up-on-southeast-nebraska-farm-is-surprised-with-national-milken-educator-award-and-25000/">Nebraska Examiner</a>OMAHA — A fifth-grade teacher who grew up on a farm outside Syracuse, in southeastern Nebraska, and now teaches at the local middle school was surprised Tuesday with a national Milken Educator Award, and the $25,000 prize that comes with it.Leslie McIntosh’s hands flew up to her cheeks when hearing her name and realizing she was the reason for the all-school assembly.Students cheered as she took center stage and let her colleagues and students know that she learns from them.“I love my job,” she said. “I can’t imagine being anywhere else.”McIntosh has been a teacher for 12 years, the last six teaching reading and language arts to fifth graders at the Syracuse-Dunbar-Avoca Middle School.In a recorded account of the event, she said her hometown school district might not be “real flashy,” but it makes her proud.“We’re a hidden gem in Nebraska, and I am just so proud to have grown up here and come back to be a teacher here for all of you.”&nbsp;Sponsors of the<a target="_blank" href="https://www.milkeneducatorawards.org/about/home/">&nbsp;award, touted as the “Oscar</a>&nbsp;of Teaching,” focused on McIntosh’s roots in her community and in the profession.She graduated from Syracuse-Dunbar-Avoca High School, and her mother is a “seasoned educator” in the same district.Stephanie Bishop, Milken Educator Awards vice president, said McIntosh empowers students and “uplifts her entire community.”“Her journey is a testament to the transformative power of education and the enduring legacy of an educator who goes above and beyond to inspire and lead,” Bishop said.When student scores in English Language Arts declined, McIntosh developed a plan, presented it to the school board and tried the tactics on fifth-graders.&nbsp;“Her dedication paid off,” a media release said. Last year, 59% of fifth-graders showed proficiency under her guidance, compared to 46% of students statewide.Among other achievements noted, McIntosh spearheads an annual weeklong summer school program known as “Summer Blast,” which offers kids science lab, computer coding, sewing, furniture-making and more.&nbsp;Proceeds from the camp go to the school, and last year it raised more than $10,000.McIntosh is the second and final recipient on the Milken Educator Awards tour in Nebraska this school year.<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/bellevue-math-teacher-is-surprised-with-prestigious-milken-award-and-25000-prize/">&nbsp;Jacob Eitzen, a math teacher a</a>t Bellevue West High School, received the award Nov. 16.Up to 75 recipients across the nation will get the award this year, which is kept hush-hush until announced at each school assembly.More than $144 million has been invested in the Milken Educator Award national network overall, the organization said. The intent is to celebrate the K-12 profession and inspire young people to pursue teaching as a career.Recipients are sought out while in early-to-mid-career for achievements and the promise of what they will accomplish. In addition to $25,000 to do with as they wish, honorees get mentorship opportunities and get all expenses paid to a networking conference in Los Angeles.&nbsp;McIntosh received a bachelor of arts degree in elementary education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2011. She attended Doane University for postgraduate education, earning two master of education degrees.“The success of her students shows the impact she is making every day,” said Nebraska Commissioner of Education Brian Maher. “We are thrilled to celebrate her work and are excited to see what she does in the future.”&nbsp;

Teacher who grew up on southeast Nebraska farm is surprised with national Milken Educator Award, and $25,000

“At Thanksgiving I have much to be thankful for,” Warren Buffet said in a statement Tuesday, announcing that he had&nbsp;<a href="https://berkshirehathaway.com/news/nov2123.pdf">gifted 2.4 million Class B shares</a>&nbsp;of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/warren-buffett-berkshire-hathaway-profit-earnings-24f65f1d2df9bf734d7faefce7ee85e3">Berkshire Hathaway</a>&nbsp;stock to charitable foundations run by his children.

The gifts to The Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, The Sherwood Foundation, The Howard G. Buffett Foundation and NoVo Foundation total approximately $876 million and are in addition to the regular donations he makes each summer to those foundations and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-science-health-united-nations-climate-and-environment-aca7d06500b6c0b2ebc3d4d6d3ea1b34">Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation</a>.

This is the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-philanthropy-nebraska-omaha-warren-buffett-fe3405ede25adb124c4f900c1720b02b">second year</a>&nbsp;that Buffett has made additional gifts to the family foundations around Thanksgiving.

"My children, along with their father, have a common belief that dynastic wealth, though both legal and common in much of the world including the United States, is not desirable," Buffett said in the statement, adding that after his death, his children would act as trustees of a charitable trust that would inherit 99% of his wealth.

The “testamentary trust will be self-liquidating after a decade or so and operate with a lean staff,” Buffett said. His will will be available for inspection at the county courthouse in Omaha, he said. Buffett first committed to giving away his fortune in 2006, and in 2012, he increased the annual donations he made to the foundations.

The Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation is named after Buffett's first wife who has since passed away. His children are Susie, Howard and Peter Buffett.

In 2021, Warren Buffett estimated that he had&nbsp;<a href="https://berkshirehathaway.com/donate/jun2321.pdf">given away about half of his wealth</a>&nbsp;as counted by the number of Berkshire Hathaway shares that he holds. The remaining shares, he said, were valued at around $100 billion.

Associated Press“At Thanksgiving I have much to be thankful for,” Warren Buffet said in a statement Tuesday, announcing that he had&nbsp;<a href="https://berkshirehathaway.com/news/nov2123.pdf">gifted 2.4 million Class B shares</a>&nbsp;of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/warren-buffett-berkshire-hathaway-profit-earnings-24f65f1d2df9bf734d7faefce7ee85e3">Berkshire Hathaway</a>&nbsp;stock to charitable foundations run by his children.The gifts to The Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, The Sherwood Foundation, The Howard G. Buffett Foundation and NoVo Foundation total approximately $876 million and are in addition to the regular donations he makes each summer to those foundations and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-science-health-united-nations-climate-and-environment-aca7d06500b6c0b2ebc3d4d6d3ea1b34">Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation</a>.This is the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-philanthropy-nebraska-omaha-warren-buffett-fe3405ede25adb124c4f900c1720b02b">second year</a>&nbsp;that Buffett has made additional gifts to the family foundations around Thanksgiving."My children, along with their father, have a common belief that dynastic wealth, though both legal and common in much of the world including the United States, is not desirable," Buffett said in the statement, adding that after his death, his children would act as trustees of a charitable trust that would inherit 99% of his wealth.The “testamentary trust will be self-liquidating after a decade or so and operate with a lean staff,” Buffett said. His will will be available for inspection at the county courthouse in Omaha, he said. Buffett first committed to giving away his fortune in 2006, and in 2012, he increased the annual donations he made to the foundations.+The Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation is named after Buffett's first wife who has since passed away. His children are Susie, Howard and Peter Buffett.In 2021, Warren Buffett estimated that he had&nbsp;<a href="https://berkshirehathaway.com/donate/jun2321.pdf">given away about half of his wealth</a>&nbsp;as counted by the number of Berkshire Hathaway shares that he holds. The remaining shares, he said, were valued at around $100 billion.

Warren Buffet donates Berkshire Hathaway shares to children's foundations at Thanksgiving

JERUSALEM —On the morning of November 23, the USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116) shot down multiple one-way attack drones launched from Houthi controlled areas in Yemen, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.

The drones were shot down while the U.S. warship was on patrol in the Red Sea. The ship and crew sustained no damage or injury.

This is the second similar incident involving the the USS Thomas Hudner in the past week.

On November 15, the naval destroyer down a drone that was heading toward the it as it sailed in the southern Red Sea.

The Hudner was sailing toward the Bab-el-Mandeb strait when the crew saw the drone, which originated in Yemen. The ship shot down the drone over the water. Officials said the crew took action to ensure the safety of U.S. personnel, and there were no casualties or damage to the ship. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss ongoing military operations.

According to a initial intelligence assessment, the drone was likely targeting the ship, said one of the officials. The U.S. did not directly blame the Iran-backed Houthi rebels for launching the unmanned aircraft. But the early Wednesday incident comes less than a week after Houthis shot down a U.S. drone over the Red Sea. Officials said the MQ-9 Reaper was in international airspace. The Houthis said it was in Yemeni airspace and was shot down by air defenses.

The Houthis have launched at least six aerial attacks against Israel since Oct. 7 and, according to the group’s leader, Abdul Malik al-Houthi, have vowed to target ships operating in the Red Sea.

Another Navy destroyer, the USS Carney, took similar strikes on drones coming from Yemen on Oct. 19. The ship took out three missiles and several drones. It wasn’t certain if they were aimed at Israel. One of the officials said the U.S. does not believe the missiles were aimed at the ship.

The Houthi are staunch foes of Israel and regularly hold huge demonstrations in support of Palestinians, during peacetime and wartime.

-The Associated Press contributed to this story.

JERUSALEM —On the morning of November 23, the USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116) shot down multiple one-way attack drones launched from Houthi controlled areas in Yemen, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.The drones were shot down while the U.S. warship was on patrol in the Red Sea. The ship and crew sustained no damage or injury.This is the second similar incident involving the the USS Thomas Hudner in the past week.On November 15, the naval destroyer down a drone that was heading toward the it as it sailed in the southern Red Sea.The Hudner was sailing toward the Bab-el-Mandeb strait when the crew saw the drone, which originated in Yemen. The ship shot down the drone over the water. Officials said the crew took action to ensure the safety of U.S. personnel, and there were no casualties or damage to the ship. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss ongoing military operations.According to a initial intelligence assessment, the drone was likely targeting the ship, said one of the officials. The U.S. did not directly blame the Iran-backed Houthi rebels for launching the unmanned aircraft. But the early Wednesday incident comes less than a week after Houthis shot down a U.S. drone over the Red Sea. Officials said the MQ-9 Reaper was in international airspace. The Houthis said it was in Yemeni airspace and was shot down by air defenses.The Houthis have launched at least six aerial attacks against Israel since Oct. 7 and, according to the group’s leader, Abdul Malik al-Houthi, have vowed to target ships operating in the Red Sea.Another Navy destroyer, the USS Carney, took similar strikes on drones coming from Yemen on Oct. 19. The ship took out three missiles and several drones. It wasn’t certain if they were aimed at Israel. One of the officials said the U.S. does not believe the missiles were aimed at the ship.The Houthi are staunch foes of Israel and regularly hold huge demonstrations in support of Palestinians, during peacetime and wartime.-The Associated Press contributed to this story.

U.S. warship shot down multiple attack drones over the Red Sea

With its festive floats, massive balloon characters and famous performers, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a holiday tradition like no other.

Roughly 3.5 million spectators are expected to line the 2.5-mile parade route in New York City and millions more will watch the 97th annual event live on NBC.

University of Nebraska at Kearney alumnus Brock Persson will be in the middle of it all.

A music teacher at Todd County High School in South Dakota, Persson is part of The Band Directors Marching Band that will perform during the parade.

“Oh man, I’m ecstatic,” he said earlier this month. “It’s going to be so awesome.”

One of 11 marching bands in this year’s parade lineup, The Band Directors Marching Band is comprised of band directors and music educators from across the country who donate their time and expertise to promote the inspirational power of music. It’s part of Saluting America’s Band Directors, a project created by the Michael D. Sewell Memorial Foundation to recognize the extraordinary dedication and accomplishments of band directors everywhere and carry on the legacy of the late Mike Sewell, a longtime band director in the Pickerington, Ohio, school system.

The program’s motto is “We teach music. We teach life,” something Persson truly believes in.

A Kearney High School graduate, Persson was part of the Pride of the Plains Marching Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Loper Low Brass Ensemble and Men’s Chorus at UNK, where he earned a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unk.edu/academics/music/undergraduate-programs/music-education-k-12.php">bachelor’s degree in music education</a>&nbsp;in December 2015.

He’s currently in his eighth year with the Todd County School District, which is located within the Rosebud Reservation in south-central South Dakota.

Persson views music education as a way to positively impact lives and provide the support many students need.

“The way I feel about teaching music is if I can get one student to school every single day, I know that they’re safe,” he said. “I know that they have an opportunity that they would not have if they stayed at home.”

Persson, who teaches high school band, choir and digital music production, applied for Saluting America’s Band Directors so he could inspire his own students and spread the message about the importance of music programs on Native American reservations and settlements.

Earlier this year, he co-founded Music Directors for Indigenous Students, a nonprofit that supports music education and teacher recruitment and retention in these schools.

“I want students to have a lifelong love of music,” he said. “You don’t have to stop playing after high school. It can be a lifelong experience. Look for every opportunity to play. Look for every opportunity to collaborate with others.”

As a member of The Band Directors Marching Band, Persson’s first major performance was actually on New Year’s Day 2022, when the group was part of the 133rd annual Rose Parade in Pasadena, California.

A total of 270 band directors and music educators came together for that event, which is also viewed by millions of people around the world.

“It was amazing,” Persson said of the performance. “That wall of sound, just glorious.”

The 5.5-mile route was a challenge for the sousaphone player, but definitely worth the effort.

“Oh man, it was a long parade,” he said with a laugh. “That’s the longest parade I’ve ever had. Oh my goodness. There’s a hill that you go down and it’s miles of people on both sides of the street. It was definitely mind over matter.”

The Band Directors Marching Band received the Showmanship Award during that parade.

“After the Rose Parade, it just blew up,” Persson said. “People were like, ‘How did I not know about this? Where do I sign up?’”

Approximately 400 members are currently in New York City for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Persson arrived Sunday with his wife Kalinda, also a UNK graduate and an elementary teacher at Todd County, and their young daughter.

The band performed “Amazing Grace” during a ceremony at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum and there are sightseeing opportunities ahead of Thursday’s big event.

Persson, who lives in Valentine, hopes his moment in the spotlight motivates young musicians back home.

“My students are really, really excited to know someone who is going to be on national TV,” he said. “I’m proud that I can represent them and serve as a role model for music.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700677725321.jpeg" alt="A UNK graduate and music teacher at Todd County High School in South Dakota, Brock Persson will perform during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>A UNK graduate and music teacher at Todd County High School in South Dakota, Brock Persson will perform during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>Tyler EllysonUNK CommunicationsWith its festive floats, massive balloon characters and famous performers, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a holiday tradition like no other.Roughly 3.5 million spectators are expected to line the 2.5-mile parade route in New York City and millions more will watch the 97th annual event live on NBC.University of Nebraska at Kearney alumnus Brock Persson will be in the middle of it all.A music teacher at Todd County High School in South Dakota, Persson is part of The Band Directors Marching Band that will perform during the parade.“Oh man, I’m ecstatic,” he said earlier this month. “It’s going to be so awesome.”One of 11 marching bands in this year’s parade lineup, The Band Directors Marching Band is comprised of band directors and music educators from across the country who donate their time and expertise to promote the inspirational power of music. It’s part of Saluting America’s Band Directors, a project created by the Michael D. Sewell Memorial Foundation to recognize the extraordinary dedication and accomplishments of band directors everywhere and carry on the legacy of the late Mike Sewell, a longtime band director in the Pickerington, Ohio, school system.The program’s motto is “We teach music. We teach life,” something Persson truly believes in.<h2>POSITIVE IMPACT</h2>A Kearney High School graduate, Persson was part of the Pride of the Plains Marching Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Loper Low Brass Ensemble and Men’s Chorus at UNK, where he earned a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unk.edu/academics/music/undergraduate-programs/music-education-k-12.php">bachelor’s degree in music education</a>&nbsp;in December 2015.He’s currently in his eighth year with the Todd County School District, which is located within the Rosebud Reservation in south-central South Dakota.Persson views music education as a way to positively impact lives and provide the support many students need.“The way I feel about teaching music is if I can get one student to school every single day, I know that they’re safe,” he said. “I know that they have an opportunity that they would not have if they stayed at home.”Persson, who teaches high school band, choir and digital music production, applied for Saluting America’s Band Directors so he could inspire his own students and spread the message about the importance of music programs on Native American reservations and settlements.Earlier this year, he co-founded Music Directors for Indigenous Students, a nonprofit that supports music education and teacher recruitment and retention in these schools.“I want students to have a lifelong love of music,” he said. “You don’t have to stop playing after high school. It can be a lifelong experience. Look for every opportunity to play. Look for every opportunity to collaborate with others.”<h2>REWARDING EXPERIENCE</h2>As a member of The Band Directors Marching Band, Persson’s first major performance was actually on New Year’s Day 2022, when the group was part of the 133rd annual Rose Parade in Pasadena, California.A total of 270 band directors and music educators came together for that event, which is also viewed by millions of people around the world.“It was amazing,” Persson said of the performance. “That wall of sound, just glorious.”The 5.5-mile route was a challenge for the sousaphone player, but definitely worth the effort.“Oh man, it was a long parade,” he said with a laugh. “That’s the longest parade I’ve ever had. Oh my goodness. There’s a hill that you go down and it’s miles of people on both sides of the street. It was definitely mind over matter.”The Band Directors Marching Band received the Showmanship Award during that parade.“After the Rose Parade, it just blew up,” Persson said. “People were like, ‘How did I not know about this? Where do I sign up?’”Approximately 400 members are currently in New York City for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Persson arrived Sunday with his wife Kalinda, also a UNK graduate and an elementary teacher at Todd County, and their young daughter.The band performed “Amazing Grace” during a ceremony at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum and there are sightseeing opportunities ahead of Thursday’s big event.Persson, who lives in Valentine, hopes his moment in the spotlight motivates young musicians back home.“My students are really, really excited to know someone who is going to be on national TV,” he said. “I’m proud that I can represent them and serve as a role model for music.”

Kearney native, UNK graduate Brock Persson performing in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

WASHINGTON (AP) — More children were apparently sickened by apple puree pouches recently recalled due to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wanabana-lead-poisoning-cinnamon-fruit-pouch-fda-736695be83554147723147759cb7ddae">dangerous lead contamination</a>, the Food and Drug Administration said.

The agency has received 52 reports of elevated lead levels among children who reportedly consumed the products, which is up from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wanabana-lead-poisoning-cinnamon-fruit-pouch-fda-736695be83554147723147759cb7ddae">34 cases reported last week</a>. The reports span 22 states and involve children between the ages of 1 to 4, according to the FDA's online update on the investigation.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wanabana-lead-poisoning-children-cdc-applesauce-puree-793c33aa66544044ae6413f8d34e169a">pouches</a>&nbsp;were marketed to parents and children under three brands: WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree and Schnucks and Weis cinnamon applesauce pouches. They were sold by national grocery chains, including Dollar Tree, and online retailers such as Amazon.

The FDA said it is still working with Dollar Tree to get the recalled products off of shelves in several states.

“This product should not be available for sale and consumers should not purchase or consume this product,” the agency said.

Parents should dispose of the pouches by emptying the contents into the trash and discarding the packaging, the agency said.

The FDA said Wednesday it is investigating the source of the contamination in cooperation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The agency previously said cinnamon imported from a manufacturer in Ecuador was the “likely source” of the lead contamination.

Lead exposure can lead to serious learning and behavior problems. Heavy metals like lead can get into food products from soil, air, water or industrial processes, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

There’s no safe level of lead exposure, but the CDC uses a marker of 3.5 micrograms per deciliter to identify children with higher levels than most. The affected children’s blood lead levels ranged from 4 to 29 micrograms per deciliter.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699279077387.png" alt="FDA image" />
 <figcaption>FDA image</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — More children were apparently sickened by apple puree pouches recently recalled due to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wanabana-lead-poisoning-cinnamon-fruit-pouch-fda-736695be83554147723147759cb7ddae">dangerous lead contamination</a>, the Food and Drug Administration said.The agency has received 52 reports of elevated lead levels among children who reportedly consumed the products, which is up from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wanabana-lead-poisoning-cinnamon-fruit-pouch-fda-736695be83554147723147759cb7ddae">34 cases reported last week</a>. The reports span 22 states and involve children between the ages of 1 to 4, according to the FDA's online update on the investigation.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wanabana-lead-poisoning-children-cdc-applesauce-puree-793c33aa66544044ae6413f8d34e169a">pouches</a>&nbsp;were marketed to parents and children under three brands: WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree and Schnucks and Weis cinnamon applesauce pouches. They were sold by national grocery chains, including Dollar Tree, and online retailers such as Amazon.The FDA said it is still working with Dollar Tree to get the recalled products off of shelves in several states.“This product should not be available for sale and consumers should not purchase or consume this product,” the agency said.Parents should dispose of the pouches by emptying the contents into the trash and discarding the packaging, the agency said.The FDA said Wednesday it is investigating the source of the contamination in cooperation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The agency previously said cinnamon imported from a manufacturer in Ecuador was the “likely source” of the lead contamination.Lead exposure can lead to serious learning and behavior problems. Heavy metals like lead can get into food products from soil, air, water or industrial processes, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.There’s no safe level of lead exposure, but the CDC uses a marker of 3.5 micrograms per deciliter to identify children with higher levels than most. The affected children’s blood lead levels ranged from 4 to 29 micrograms per deciliter.___

FDA: More children sickened by fruit pouches tainted with lead

BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">JENNIFER SHUTT</a>&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

WASHINGTON — The Democratic and Republican nominees for president would debate three times next year if both candidates agree to a schedule released Monday by the nonpartisan Commission on Presidential Debates.

“The United States’ general election debates, watched live worldwide, are a model for many other countries: the opportunity to hear and see leading candidates address serious issues in a fair and neutral setting,” co-chairs Frank Fahrenkopf and Antonia Hernández said in a written statement. “This tradition remains unbroken since 1976.”

The first presidential debate is scheduled for Sept. 16 at Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas.

That would be followed on Oct. 1 by a debate at Virginia State University in Petersburg, Virginia. And a third presidential debate would be held on Oct. 9 at The University of Utah in Salt Lake City.

The vice presidential candidates are scheduled to have their debate on Sept. 25 at Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania.

The debate at Virginia State University would be the first presidential debate hosted by a Historically Black College or University.

The Democratic nominee will likely be President Joe Biden and at the moment former President Donald Trump is leading in the GOP polls, though he has several challengers.

Trump has not attended any of the Republican primary debates, often choosing to hold rallies instead.

It wasn’t immediately clear Monday if any of the candidates running for president had committed to participating in the debates.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700582027830.png" alt="The 2020 presidential debate stage -photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>The 2020 presidential debate stage -photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">JENNIFER SHUTT</a>&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>WASHINGTON — The Democratic and Republican nominees for president would debate three times next year if both candidates agree to a schedule released Monday by the nonpartisan Commission on Presidential Debates.“The United States’ general election debates, watched live worldwide, are a model for many other countries: the opportunity to hear and see leading candidates address serious issues in a fair and neutral setting,” co-chairs Frank Fahrenkopf and Antonia Hernández said in a written statement. “This tradition remains unbroken since 1976.”The first presidential debate is scheduled for Sept. 16 at Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas.That would be followed on Oct. 1 by a debate at Virginia State University in Petersburg, Virginia. And a third presidential debate would be held on Oct. 9 at The University of Utah in Salt Lake City.The vice presidential candidates are scheduled to have their debate on Sept. 25 at Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania.The debate at Virginia State University would be the first presidential debate hosted by a Historically Black College or University.The Democratic nominee will likely be President Joe Biden and at the moment former President Donald Trump is leading in the GOP polls, though he has several challengers.Trump has not attended any of the Republican primary debates, often choosing to hold rallies instead.It wasn’t immediately clear Monday if any of the candidates running for president had committed to participating in the debates.

3 presidential debates, one VP debate set ahead of 2024 election

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/man-who-breached-security-at-omaha-airport-sentenced-to-prison/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — A 21-year-old Omaha man who was able to breach security areas and run onto the tarmac at Eppley Airfield was sentenced last week to 15 months in prison.

On April 7, according to the U.S. Attorney’s office, Chol Magwit forced open two separate doors to restricted areas and made it onto the tarmac at the airfield.

Magwit was tackled before he made it to the active operating area, authorities said.

He did not appear impaired after he was arrested, authorities said, but told them that he wanted to go to Egypt. During the arrest, Magwit bit a security officer on the hand, who required medical attention.

U.S. District Judge Brian Buescher sentenced Magwit to 15 months’ imprisonment and a three-year term of supervised release for interfering with airport security.

The FBI, Omaha police and Omaha Airport Authority police investigated the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700594678171.jpeg" alt="Rendering of Eppley Airfield after a multimillion-dollar terminal and canopy project that is to be completed in spring 2025. (Courtesy of Omaha Airport Authority)" />
 <figcaption>Rendering of Eppley Airfield after a multimillion-dollar terminal and canopy project that is to be completed in spring 2025. (Courtesy of Omaha Airport Authority)</figcaption>
 </figure>Paul Hammel<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/man-who-breached-security-at-omaha-airport-sentenced-to-prison/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — A 21-year-old Omaha man who was able to breach security areas and run onto the tarmac at Eppley Airfield was sentenced last week to 15 months in prison.On April 7, according to the U.S. Attorney’s office, Chol Magwit forced open two separate doors to restricted areas and made it onto the tarmac at the airfield.Magwit was tackled before he made it to the active operating area, authorities said.He did not appear impaired after he was arrested, authorities said, but told them that he wanted to go to Egypt. During the arrest, Magwit bit a security officer on the hand, who required medical attention.U.S. District Judge Brian Buescher sentenced Magwit to 15 months’ imprisonment and a three-year term of supervised release for interfering with airport security.The FBI, Omaha police and Omaha Airport Authority police investigated the case.

Man who breached security at Omaha airport sentenced to prison

DALLAS (AP) — Just minutes after President John F. Kennedy was fatally shot as his motorcade rolled through downtown Dallas, Associated Press reporter Peggy Simpson rushed to the scene and immediately attached herself to the police officers who had converged on the building from which a sniper's bullets had been fired.

"I was sort of under their armpit," Simpson said, noting that every time she was able to get any information from them, she would rush to a pay phone to call her editors, and then "go back to the cops."

Simpson, now 84, is among the last surviving witnesses who are sharing their stories as the nation marks the 60th anniversary of the Nov. 22, 1963, assassination on Wednesday.

"A tangible link to the past is going to be lost when the last voices from that time period are gone," said Stephen Fagin, curator at The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, which tells the story of the assassination from the Texas School Book Depository, where Lee Harvey Oswald's sniper's perch was found.

"So many of the voices that were here, even 10 years ago, to share their memories — law enforcement officials, reporters, eyewitnesses — so many of those folks have passed away," he said.

Simpson, former U.S. Secret Service Agent Clint Hill and others are featured in "JFK: One Day in America," a three-part series from National Geographic released this month that pairs their recollections with archival footage, some of which has been colorized for the first time. Director Ella Wright said that hearing from those who were there helps tell the "behind the scenes" story that augments archival footage.

"We wanted people to really understand what it felt like to be back there and to experience the emotional impact of those events," Wright said.

People still flock to Dealey Plaza, which the presidential motorcade was passing through when Kennedy was killed.

"The assassination certainly defined a generation," Fagin said. "For those people who lived through it and came of age in the 1960s, it represented a significant shift in American culture."

On the day of the assassination, Simpson had originally been assigned to attend an evening fundraising dinner for Kennedy in Austin. With time on her hands before she needed to leave Dallas, she was sent to watch the presidential motorcade, but she wasn't near Dealey Plaza.

Simpson had no idea that anything out of the ordinary had happened until she arrived at The Dallas Times Herald's building where the AP's office was located. Stepping off an elevator, she heard a newspaper receptionist say, "All we know is that the president has been shot," and then heard the paper's editor briefing the staff.

She raced to the AP office in time to watch over the bureau chief's shoulder as he filed the news to the world, and then ran out to the Texas School Book Depository to track down more information.

Later, at police headquarters, she said, she witnessed "just a wild, crazy chaotic, unfathomable scene." Reporters had filled the hallways where an officer walked through with Lee Harvey Oswald 's rifle held aloft. The suspect's mother and wife arrived, and at one point authorities held a news conference where Oswald was asked questions by reporters.

"I was just with a great mass of other reporters, just trying to find any bit of information," she said.

Two days later, Simpson was covering Oswald's transfer from police headquarters to the county jail, when nightclub owner Jack Ruby burst forth from a gaggle of news reporters and shot the suspect dead.

As police officers wrestled with Ruby on the floor, Simpson rushed to a nearby bank of phones "and started dictating everything I saw to the AP editors," she said. In that moment, she was just thinking about getting out the news.

"As an AP reporter, you just go for the phone, you can't process anything at that point," she said.

Simpson said she must have heard the gunshot but she can't remember it.

"Probably Ruby was 2 or 3 feet away from me but I didn't know him, didn't see him, didn't see him come out from the crowd of reporters," she said.

Simpson's recollections are included in an oral history collection at the Sixth Floor Museum that now includes about 2,500 recordings, according to Fagin.

The museum curator said Simpson is "a terrific example of somebody who was just where the action was that weekend and got caught up in truly historic events while simply doing her job as a professional journalist."

Fagin said oral histories are still being recorded. Many of the more recent ones have been with people who were children in the '60s and remembered hearing about the assassination while at school.

"It's a race against time really to try to capture these recollections," Fagin said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700660048156.png" alt="Peggy Simpson holds a photograph of law enforcement carrying Lee Harvey Oswald's gun through a hallway packed with reporters, Friday, Nov. 17, 2023, at her home in Washington. Simpson, a former Associated Press reporter, is among the last surviving witnesses to the events surrounding the assassination of Kennedy are among those sharing their stories as the nation marks the 60th anniversary. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)" />
 <figcaption>Peggy Simpson holds a photograph of law enforcement carrying Lee Harvey Oswald's gun through a hallway packed with reporters, Friday, Nov. 17, 2023, at her home in Washington. Simpson, a former Associated Press reporter, is among the last surviving witnesses to the events surrounding the assassination of Kennedy are among those sharing their stories as the nation marks the 60th anniversary. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMIE STENGLE&nbsp;&nbsp;DALLAS (AP) — Just minutes after President John F. Kennedy was fatally shot as his motorcade rolled through downtown Dallas, Associated Press reporter Peggy Simpson rushed to the scene and immediately attached herself to the police officers who had converged on the building from which a sniper's bullets had been fired."I was sort of under their armpit," Simpson said, noting that every time she was able to get any information from them, she would rush to a pay phone to call her editors, and then "go back to the cops."Simpson, now 84, is among the last surviving witnesses who are sharing their stories as the nation marks the 60th anniversary of the Nov. 22, 1963, assassination on Wednesday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700660678254.png" alt="FILE - In this Nov. 22, 1963 file photo, President John F. Kennedy waves from his car in a motorcade approximately one minute before he was shot in Dallas. Riding with Kennedy are First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, right, Nellie Connally, second from left, and her husband, Texas Gov. John Connally, far left. (AP Photo/Jim Altgens, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - In this Nov. 22, 1963 file photo, President John F. Kennedy waves from his car in a motorcade approximately one minute before he was shot in Dallas. Riding with Kennedy are First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, right, Nellie Connally, second from left, and her husband, Texas Gov. John Connally, far left. (AP Photo/Jim Altgens, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>"A tangible link to the past is going to be lost when the last voices from that time period are gone," said Stephen Fagin, curator at The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, which tells the story of the assassination from the Texas School Book Depository, where Lee Harvey Oswald's sniper's perch was found."So many of the voices that were here, even 10 years ago, to share their memories — law enforcement officials, reporters, eyewitnesses — so many of those folks have passed away," he said.Simpson, former U.S. Secret Service Agent Clint Hill and others are featured in "JFK: One Day in America," a three-part series from National Geographic released this month that pairs their recollections with archival footage, some of which has been colorized for the first time. Director Ella Wright said that hearing from those who were there helps tell the "behind the scenes" story that augments archival footage."We wanted people to really understand what it felt like to be back there and to experience the emotional impact of those events," Wright said.People still flock to Dealey Plaza, which the presidential motorcade was passing through when Kennedy was killed."The assassination certainly defined a generation," Fagin said. "For those people who lived through it and came of age in the 1960s, it represented a significant shift in American culture."On the day of the assassination, Simpson had originally been assigned to attend an evening fundraising dinner for Kennedy in Austin. With time on her hands before she needed to leave Dallas, she was sent to watch the presidential motorcade, but she wasn't near Dealey Plaza.Simpson had no idea that anything out of the ordinary had happened until she arrived at The Dallas Times Herald's building where the AP's office was located. Stepping off an elevator, she heard a newspaper receptionist say, "All we know is that the president has been shot," and then heard the paper's editor briefing the staff.She raced to the AP office in time to watch over the bureau chief's shoulder as he filed the news to the world, and then ran out to the Texas School Book Depository to track down more information.Later, at police headquarters, she said, she witnessed "just a wild, crazy chaotic, unfathomable scene." Reporters had filled the hallways where an officer walked through with Lee Harvey Oswald 's rifle held aloft. The suspect's mother and wife arrived, and at one point authorities held a news conference where Oswald was asked questions by reporters."I was just with a great mass of other reporters, just trying to find any bit of information," she said.Two days later, Simpson was covering Oswald's transfer from police headquarters to the county jail, when nightclub owner Jack Ruby burst forth from a gaggle of news reporters and shot the suspect dead.As police officers wrestled with Ruby on the floor, Simpson rushed to a nearby bank of phones "and started dictating everything I saw to the AP editors," she said. In that moment, she was just thinking about getting out the news."As an AP reporter, you just go for the phone, you can't process anything at that point," she said.Simpson said she must have heard the gunshot but she can't remember it."Probably Ruby was 2 or 3 feet away from me but I didn't know him, didn't see him, didn't see him come out from the crowd of reporters," she said.Simpson's recollections are included in an oral history collection at the Sixth Floor Museum that now includes about 2,500 recordings, according to Fagin.The museum curator said Simpson is "a terrific example of somebody who was just where the action was that weekend and got caught up in truly historic events while simply doing her job as a professional journalist."Fagin said oral histories are still being recorded. Many of the more recent ones have been with people who were children in the '60s and remembered hearing about the assassination while at school."It's a race against time really to try to capture these recollections," Fagin said.

JFK assassination remembered 60 years later by surviving witnesses to history

BAGHDAD (AP)— The United States military said Wednesday that it has carried out strikes against Iran-backed groups in Iraq that have launched attacks on U.S. forces.

The U.S. Central Command said in a statement Wednesday that its forces had “conducted discrete, precision strikes against two facilities in Iraq … in direct response to the attacks against U.S. and Coalition forces by Iran and Iran-backed groups,” including one on Tuesday involving the use of close-range ballistic missiles.

Two officials with Iranian-backed militias in Iraq said the strikes hit three locations in the area of Jurf al-Sakhar south of Baghdad, killing eight members of the Kataeb Hezbollah militant group. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media.

Iranian-backed militants have launched dozens of attacks on bases and facilities housing U.S. personnel in Iraq and Syria since Oct. 17. While most of the more than five dozen attacks have been ineffective, at least 60 U.S. personnel have reported minor injuries. The militant groups have said the strikes are in retaliation for U.S. support of Israel in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.

BAGHDAD (AP)— The United States military said Wednesday that it has carried out strikes against Iran-backed groups in Iraq that have launched attacks on U.S. forces.The U.S. Central Command said in a statement Wednesday that its forces had “conducted discrete, precision strikes against two facilities in Iraq … in direct response to the attacks against U.S. and Coalition forces by Iran and Iran-backed groups,” including one on Tuesday involving the use of close-range ballistic missiles.Two officials with Iranian-backed militias in Iraq said the strikes hit three locations in the area of Jurf al-Sakhar south of Baghdad, killing eight members of the Kataeb Hezbollah militant group. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media.Iranian-backed militants have launched dozens of attacks on bases and facilities housing U.S. personnel in Iraq and Syria since Oct. 17. While most of the more than five dozen attacks have been ineffective, at least 60 U.S. personnel have reported minor injuries. The militant groups have said the strikes are in retaliation for U.S. support of Israel in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.

Swift, deadly: U.S. retaliates for missile strike attack in Iraq

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel’s Cabinet on Wednesday approved a cease-fire deal with the Hamas militant group that would bring a temporary halt to a devastating war that has stretched on for over six weeks and release dozens of hostages being held in the Gaza Strip in exchange for Palestinians in Israeli prisons.

Under the deal, Hamas is to free 50 of the roughly 240 hostages it is holding in the Gaza Strip over a four-day period, the Israeli government said Wednesday. It said it would extend the lull by an additional day for every 10 hostages released.

The government said the first hostages to be released would be women and children.

Ahead of Wednesday morning’s Cabinet vote, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would resume its offensive against Hamas after the cease-fire expires.

It was not immediately clear when the truce would go into effect.

Netanyahu convened his Cabinet for the vote late Tuesday. The meeting stretched well into the early hours Wednesday, underscoring the sensitivity of a proposal that would suspend an Israeli offensive against Hamas before it has reached its goals.

Ahead of the vote, Netanyahu sought to assure the government ministers that the break was only tactical, vowing to resume the offensive after the truce expires. Top security officials also attended the meeting.

“We are at war, and we will continue the war,” Netanyahu said. “We will continue until we achieve all our goals.”

Israel has vowed to continue the war until it destroys Hamas’ military capabilities and returns all hostages.

Netanyahu said that during the lull, intelligence efforts will be maintained, allowing the army to prepare for the next stages of battle. He said the battle would continue until “Gaza will not threaten Israel.”

The announcement came as Israeli troops&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">battled Palestinian militants</a>&nbsp;in an urban refugee camp in northern Gaza and around hospitals overcrowded with patients and sheltering families.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696679013332.png" alt="File photo -Palestinians wave their national flag and celebrate by a destroyed Israeli tank at the Gaza Strip fence east of Khan Younis southern Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. (AP Photo/Yousef Masoud)" />
 <figcaption>File photo -Palestinians wave their national flag and celebrate by a destroyed Israeli tank at the Gaza Strip fence east of Khan Younis southern Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. (AP Photo/Yousef Masoud)</figcaption>
 </figure>JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel’s Cabinet on Wednesday approved a cease-fire deal with the Hamas militant group that would bring a temporary halt to a devastating war that has stretched on for over six weeks and release dozens of hostages being held in the Gaza Strip in exchange for Palestinians in Israeli prisons.Under the deal, Hamas is to free 50 of the roughly 240 hostages it is holding in the Gaza Strip over a four-day period, the Israeli government said Wednesday. It said it would extend the lull by an additional day for every 10 hostages released.The government said the first hostages to be released would be women and children.Ahead of Wednesday morning’s Cabinet vote, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would resume its offensive against Hamas after the cease-fire expires.It was not immediately clear when the truce would go into effect.Netanyahu convened his Cabinet for the vote late Tuesday. The meeting stretched well into the early hours Wednesday, underscoring the sensitivity of a proposal that would suspend an Israeli offensive against Hamas before it has reached its goals.Ahead of the vote, Netanyahu sought to assure the government ministers that the break was only tactical, vowing to resume the offensive after the truce expires. Top security officials also attended the meeting.“We are at war, and we will continue the war,” Netanyahu said. “We will continue until we achieve all our goals.”Israel has vowed to continue the war until it destroys Hamas’ military capabilities and returns all hostages.Netanyahu said that during the lull, intelligence efforts will be maintained, allowing the army to prepare for the next stages of battle. He said the battle would continue until “Gaza will not threaten Israel.”The announcement came as Israeli troops&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">battled Palestinian militants</a>&nbsp;in an urban refugee camp in northern Gaza and around hospitals overcrowded with patients and sheltering families.

Israel approves cease-fire hostage deal with Hamas

On November 18 at approximately 11:00 p. m. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068922951021&amp;__cft__[0]=AZUuUHvhAUIfWeMwp6IJ4x3JW4OEje_UBecngkwLvxwLszNERfmQxeJHxIC6wz62l_jiLcq21j-LQJAULpA4ZjxUu5OkVeFxlAFQYYHiN4qlLY4D2TFIv8p7TwDZmwLCNd-KTMf5hZK3dDJXHv_9UHyOkBuwwC67Z0aBesy3D9iedOYH_agOL_REMqkXitm7-9k&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Scottsbluff Police Department</a> Police Officers, already present at Regional West Medical Center, were alerted by medical staff of a gun shot victim that they were currently treating. The victim was Wilson George Coleman III, who had been shot in the chest, and later succumbed to his injuries.

Sunday, November 19, 2023, a suspect, Anibal Domingo Jr. was arrested and is currently incarcerated on the charges of Murder 2nd Degree, and Use of a Deadly Weapon to Commit a Felony. This is an isolated event between known individuals. There is no further threat to the community. 

The shooting occurred in the 1000 block of 15th Ave in Scottsbluff. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Scottsbluff Police Department at (308) 630-6261 or the Scotts Bluff County Communication Center (308) 632-7176.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Scottsbluff Police DepartmentOn November 18 at approximately 11:00 p. m. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068922951021&amp;__cft__[0]=AZUuUHvhAUIfWeMwp6IJ4x3JW4OEje_UBecngkwLvxwLszNERfmQxeJHxIC6wz62l_jiLcq21j-LQJAULpA4ZjxUu5OkVeFxlAFQYYHiN4qlLY4D2TFIv8p7TwDZmwLCNd-KTMf5hZK3dDJXHv_9UHyOkBuwwC67Z0aBesy3D9iedOYH_agOL_REMqkXitm7-9k&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Scottsbluff Police Department</a> Police Officers, already present at Regional West Medical Center, were alerted by medical staff of a gun shot victim that they were currently treating. The victim was Wilson George Coleman III, who had been shot in the chest, and later succumbed to his injuries.Sunday, November 19, 2023, a suspect, Anibal Domingo Jr. was arrested and is currently incarcerated on the charges of Murder 2nd Degree, and Use of a Deadly Weapon to Commit a Felony. This is an isolated event between known individuals. There is no further threat to the community. The shooting occurred in the 1000 block of 15th Ave in Scottsbluff. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Scottsbluff Police Department at (308) 630-6261 or the Scotts Bluff County Communication Center (308) 632-7176.&nbsp;&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpermalink.php%3Fstory_fbid%3Dpfbid02dkAYB7aSRfBCAyise4Ds2kF9xzMxKJqLA7TJWJiVgyZrX2Pof9S4AmopBtS6mcdZl%26id%3D100068922951021&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="737" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

Scottsbluff Police Departments investigates weekend shooting

Lincoln, November 21, 2023- The Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC) will release alist of areas available for bid as well as starting prices for bidding units for its upcoming 2024Reverse Auction (<a href="https://www.nebraska.gov/psc/orders/telecom/2023-11-07%20NUSF-131%20PO%202%20Order%20Revising%20Reverse%20Auction%20Procedures%20and%20Issuing%202024%20Reverse%20Auction%20Schedule.pdf" target="_blank">NUSF-131/P.O.2</a>).&nbsp; Funds utilized in the Reverse Auction are made availablethrough the redistribution of Nebraska Universal Service Fund (NUSF) support.

Beginning in January, the 2024 NUSF Reverse Auction will seek to provide broadband capablevoice service to rural areas where telecommunication carriers Frontier and Windstream havetraditionally provided only voice service. More than $21 million in NUSF support that was eitherunused or withheld from the two companies will be available in the 2024 proceeding.

Interested providers are encouraged to complete a pre-auction application form. The form can befound and downloaded on the&nbsp;<a href="https://psc.nebraska.gov/telecommunications/reverse-auction-nusf-131" target="_blank">Reverse Auction NUSF-131 page</a>&nbsp;of the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.psc.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">PSC website</a>.&nbsp;

A reverse auction begins with an established starting price for each bidding unit, with thewinning bidder required to provide service of at least 100 megabits per second up and down toselect areas. During successive rounds of the auction the price for the bidding unit is lowereduntil there is a winning bidder. Bidding ends when there is one bidder remaining for any givenbidding unit, and the overall bids for areas are under the $21 million available budget.

A list of available areas and starting prices will be posted on the&nbsp;<a href="https://psc.nebraska.gov/telecommunications/reverse-auction-nusf-131" target="_blank">Reverse Auction NUSF-131page</a>&nbsp;by Wednesday, November 22

Deb CollinsLincoln, November 21, 2023- The Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC) will release alist of areas available for bid as well as starting prices for bidding units for its upcoming 2024Reverse Auction (<a href="https://www.nebraska.gov/psc/orders/telecom/2023-11-07%20NUSF-131%20PO%202%20Order%20Revising%20Reverse%20Auction%20Procedures%20and%20Issuing%202024%20Reverse%20Auction%20Schedule.pdf" target="_blank">NUSF-131/P.O.2</a>).&nbsp; Funds utilized in the Reverse Auction are made availablethrough the redistribution of Nebraska Universal Service Fund (NUSF) support.Beginning in January, the 2024 NUSF Reverse Auction will seek to provide broadband capablevoice service to rural areas where telecommunication carriers Frontier and Windstream havetraditionally provided only voice service. More than $21 million in NUSF support that was eitherunused or withheld from the two companies will be available in the 2024 proceeding.Interested providers are encouraged to complete a pre-auction application form. The form can befound and downloaded on the&nbsp;<a href="https://psc.nebraska.gov/telecommunications/reverse-auction-nusf-131" target="_blank">Reverse Auction NUSF-131 page</a>&nbsp;of the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.psc.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">PSC website</a>.&nbsp;A reverse auction begins with an established starting price for each bidding unit, with thewinning bidder required to provide service of at least 100 megabits per second up and down toselect areas. During successive rounds of the auction the price for the bidding unit is lowereduntil there is a winning bidder. Bidding ends when there is one bidder remaining for any givenbidding unit, and the overall bids for areas are under the $21 million available budget.A list of available areas and starting prices will be posted on the&nbsp;<a href="https://psc.nebraska.gov/telecommunications/reverse-auction-nusf-131" target="_blank">Reverse Auction NUSF-131page</a>&nbsp;by Wednesday, November 22

PSC PREPARES FOR 2024 REVERSE AUCTION

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/inspector-general-controversy-aired-at-nebraska-college-of-law-discussion/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers stood his ground Monday amid criticism of his recent legal opinion that has blocked access to information for two legislatively created inspectors general offices.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/08/16/attorney-generals-opinion-casts-doubt-on-powers-of-legislatures-inspectors-general/">non-binding opinion,</a>&nbsp;issued in August, stated that the inspectors generals of corrections and child welfare unconstitutionally infringed on the powers of executive branch agencies by having unfettered access to their computer records and properties.

During a panel discussion at the University of Nebraska College of Law, State Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln called the legal opinion “a political stunt” that has blocked the State Legislature from its duties overseeing operations of state agencies and as a check and balance on executive powers.

Jennifer Carter, the Inspector General of Child Welfare, said that since the August opinion, state agencies have obstructed her office from getting information about deaths and cases of abuse within the state child welfare system, blocking her statutory obligation to invest and report on the performance of state agencies in such instances.

University of Nebraska law professor Anthony Schulz also rapped Hilgers, saying that the 38-page opinion didn’t rely enough on the Nebraska Constitution, which is “dramatically” different than the U.S. Constitution that provided most of the basis of the opinion.

Hilgers, during a panel discussion with the trio at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Law, joked that he didn’t realize he had so many “friends” of his opinion.

This is not a constitutional question. It's a political stunt that's beneath the office of the Attorney General

– State Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700587478657.jpeg" alt="Jennifer Carter, far right, the state’s Inspector General of Child Welfare, speaks during a panel discussion on the powers of the inspectors general offices. Other panelists, from left, were Anthony Schulz of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Law, Attorney General Mike Hilgers and State Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Jennifer Carter, far right, the state’s Inspector General of Child Welfare, speaks during a panel discussion on the powers of the inspectors general offices. Other panelists, from left, were Anthony Schulz of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Law, Attorney General Mike Hilgers and State Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Paul Hammel<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/inspector-general-controversy-aired-at-nebraska-college-of-law-discussion/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers stood his ground Monday amid criticism of his recent legal opinion that has blocked access to information for two legislatively created inspectors general offices.The&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/08/16/attorney-generals-opinion-casts-doubt-on-powers-of-legislatures-inspectors-general/">non-binding opinion,</a>&nbsp;issued in August, stated that the inspectors generals of corrections and child welfare unconstitutionally infringed on the powers of executive branch agencies by having unfettered access to their computer records and properties.During a panel discussion at the University of Nebraska College of Law, State Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln called the legal opinion “a political stunt” that has blocked the State Legislature from its duties overseeing operations of state agencies and as a check and balance on executive powers.<h2>Can’t do our job</h2>Jennifer Carter, the Inspector General of Child Welfare, said that since the August opinion, state agencies have obstructed her office from getting information about deaths and cases of abuse within the state child welfare system, blocking her statutory obligation to invest and report on the performance of state agencies in such instances.University of Nebraska law professor Anthony Schulz also rapped Hilgers, saying that the 38-page opinion didn’t rely enough on the Nebraska Constitution, which is “dramatically” different than the U.S. Constitution that provided most of the basis of the opinion.Hilgers, during a panel discussion with the trio at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Law, joked that he didn’t realize he had so many “friends” of his opinion.This is not a constitutional question. It's a political stunt that's beneath the office of the Attorney General– State Sen. Danielle Conrad of LincolnBut, he said, “any fair reading” of the statutes that set up the inspector general offices “makes clear” that their powers violate the separation of powers between the legislative and executive branches.“These are powers that go far beyond what legislators themselves have,” Hilgers said.The panel discussion went past its allotted hour and filled to overflowing a lecture hall at the law college. More than 75 people listened to the discussion, including the state’s Corrections director, Rob Jeffreys, who had asked for the legal opinion, at least three state senators, and Gov. Jim Pillen’s chief of staff, Dave Lopez.Just look at the statutory scheme ... any fair reading of it ... makes clear that this goes too far.– Attorney General Mike HilgersThe legal opinion<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/09/27/state-watchdogs-say-theyre-still-doing-their-job-albeit-slower-since-legal-opinion/">has become more controversial</a>since its issuance because the inspectors generals have been blocked from obtaining information from state agencies, including information about an inmate’s suspicious death at the Tecumseh State Prison last month, and background on the near starvation of a state ward.The two offices were created over the last decade due to problems within state prisons and the state welfare system, problems that include two deadly riots at the Tecumseh prison and the hiring, and later firing, of&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/08/11/fbi-moves-to-seize-bank-deposits-in-alleged-10-million-fraud-of-kansas-foster-care-provider/">Saint Francis Ministries to oversee child welfare</a>, even after an extra infusion of $110 million in state funding.<h2>Near unanimous support</h2>Conrad, who served in the Legislature when the inspector general offices were created in 2012 (child welfare) and 2015 (corrections), said the bills won the nearly unanimous support of state lawmakers and relied on a 1981 Attorney General’s legal opinion that buttressed the Legislature’s authority to oversee state operations via its state ombudsman’s office, which includes the inspectors general.“This is not a constitutional question,” the state senator, a lawyer, said, calling the political implications of the August opinion “beneath the office of the Attorney General.”Hilgers’ office could have followed up its legal opinion by filing a lawsuit to clarify the issue — as it did in a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/attorney-general-mike-hilgers-refiles-challenge-to-criminal-justice-bill-after-nebraska-supreme-court-declines-to-hear-issue/">recent dispute over some criminal justice legislation</a>&nbsp;— but didn’t, Conrad said.Hilgers later said they were different issues.He said that his office found that Nebraska was the only state in which a legislature had set up an inspector general’s office. Typically, such inspectors reside under the executive branch, thus removing the issue of separation of powers.<h2>Other ways to obtain information</h2>Hilgers, a former Speaker of the Legislature, said state lawmakers have other options to obtain needed information from state agencies. One is its subpoena power, he said, which requires approval by the Legislature, unlike the investigative powers given to the inspectors general.Another, Hilgers said, would be having the Performance Audit Committee of the Legislature conduct audits of corrections or the Department of Health and Human Services.Carter, however, said doing a performance audit, which a panel of state lawmakers must approve, would inject politics into such inquiries.The inspector general offices were set up, she said, to provide independent investigations into whether state agencies and actors were performing as the Legislature expected, free of political motives. Access to agency computer records was allowed, Carter said, as a convenience so that agencies didn’t have to deliver boxes of documents.She added that inspectors general cannot direct agencies to do anything, but said they can lead to improvements in the functioning of state agencies by “shining a light” on a problem.<h2>What’s next for this controversy?</h2>Conrad said she expects several bills to be introduced during the 2024 session to clarify the investigative powers of the inspectors general.She said the inspectors have been essential in providing information to state lawmakers, rattling off a handful of recent problems reported in the child welfare and state prison systems.“And the attorney general and the executive branch have not lifted a finger to address those issues,” Conrad said.