<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/10/20/my-comments-are-my-comments-gov-pillen-responds-to-criticism-of-outright-racist-remarks/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

Editor’s note: This has been updated with comments from Matt Wynn with the&nbsp;Nebraska Journalism Trust.

LINCOLN —&nbsp;Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen on Friday addressed for the first time&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/10/18/nebraska-gov-pillen-faces-national-criticism-after-dismissing-reporter-by-country-of-origin/">national criticism</a>&nbsp;he has faced after dismissing a Chinese reporter’s work because of her nationality.

Pillen told reporters following an event in Lincoln that he is “100% focused on being the governor of all Nebraskans” and would not get involved in a “political sideshow.” He did not address calls for him to apologize and declined to speak more specificity.

“I’m not going to talk about any reporter. I’m not going to talk about any sideshows,” Pillen said. “I’m focused on my job.”

The national criticism came after Pillen, during an&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/139-kfabs-morning-news-28366287/episode/gov-pillen-updates-on-trade-mission-122970278/">appearance with 1110 KFAB radio</a>&nbsp;in September, responded to a question about Flatwater Free Press investigative reporter Yanqi Xu. Xu reported that&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://flatwaterfreepress.org/pillens-water-high-nitrate-detected-on-hog-farms-owned-by-nebraskas-governor/">16 hog farms within Pillen Family Farms</a>&nbsp;— owned by the governor’s family&nbsp;—&nbsp;recorded nitrate levels more than five times higher than what is considered safe to drink.

“Number one, I didn’t read it. And I won’t,” Pillen told KFAB’s Gary Sadlemyer. “Number two, all you got to do is look at the author. The author is from communist China. What more do you need to know?”

Matt Wynn, executive director of the Nebraska Journalism Trust, which launched and funds Flatwater,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://flatwaterfreepress.org/governors-comments-about-ffp-reporter-are-in-a-word-wrong/">fired back</a>&nbsp;at Pillen on Tuesday, describing his comments as infuriating and dead wrong.

“Had Governor Pillen spoken to the facts Yanqi found, I wouldn’t be writing this now,” Wynn wrote. “Elected officials deserve the chance to respond to findings. We offered every opportunity for him to do so before we ran the story. He declined them all.”

Wynn told the Nebraska Examiner on Friday, after listening to a recording of the exchange between reporters and Pillen, that he is heartened the governor mentions immigrants and glad that he takes pride in that chapter of Nebraska’s history.

“The opportunity is still there for an apology,” Wynn added. “I think it is the right and decent thing to do.”

Pillen said that across the state immigrants have been involved in agriculture, and he pointed to Japanese immigrants coming to build railroads 120 years ago in Nebraska. Over a century ago,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/news/news-articles/learning-lessons-from-japanese-immigrants-a-century-ago/#:~:text=Over%20a%20century%20ago%2C%20western,%2C%20but%20growing%2C%20immigrant%20population.">more than 1,000 Japanese immigrants</a>&nbsp;worked on the railroads and in sugar beet fields.

Research indicates&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://history.stanford.edu/news/forgotten-history-chinese-who-helped-build-americas-railroads">Chinese immigrants</a>&nbsp;made up&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2019/jul/18/forgotten-by-society-how-chinese-migrants-built-the-transcontinental-railroad#:~:text=Chinese%20workers%20made%20up%20most,shortage%20threatened%20the%20railroad's%20completion.">most of the workforce</a>&nbsp;in building railroads nationwide.

“The proof’s in the pudding,” Pillen said. “People on the sideshows can make any kind of comments they want.”

During his appearance with KFAB, Pillen said Nebraska is the “most welcoming” state in the nation. National and local groups have since said that notion is undermined by Pillen’s remarks.

Rep. Judy Chu, D-Calif., and chair of the Congressional Pacific American Caucus, told NBC News that Pillen should apologize for a “baseless xenophobic attack.” Norman Chen, CEO of The Asian American Foundation in San Francisco, described the comments as “not only appalling but also outright racist.”

Chen noted Asian Americans are the fastest-growing minority group in Nebraska, at about 3.5%, and said Pillen should apologize and work with local AAPI leaders to understand the implications of his remarks and rebuild trust within the community.

“Anti-Chinese rhetoric skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to have dangerous consequences for the safety of the whole Asian American community,” Chen said. “For the Governor, the highest leader in the state, to publicly degrade a journalist based on her ethnicity fosters an environment where AAPIs cannot feel safe and do not feel like they belong.”

Xu grew up in Guangzhou, China, and left for Beijing to study English and international journalism. She came to the United States in 2017 for a master’s degree, and she has reported in four states and Washington, D.C. This includes North Carolina Policy Watch (now NC Newsline), part of the States Newsroom network of nonprofit news outlets, which include the Nebraska Examiner.

Xu has received support from numerous journalists and organizations nationwide, including the Asian American Journalists Association. She has described the support as emotional and told NBC News this week that it’s important to speak up, though it can be hard at first as it makes someone the center of the story.

“Especially as a woman of color, if the other person who made such a comment about you is the most powerful person in the state, how do you respond?” Xu told NBC. “But I think for me, I found myself coming back to this point of: If I don’t do it, who would?”

When asked Friday by the Nebraska Examiner what policies he would support to curb&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/09/16/environmental-group-continues-fight-against-contaminants-nitrates-in-nebraskas-water/">nitrate levels</a>&nbsp;and promote safe water, Pillen said he is working to develop policy and plans to have a master plan for improvement. Education on how nitrates get into Nebraska water will also be involved.

“Water is a gift, just like God’s grace is a gift,” Pillen said.

Pillen said he is focused on kids, taxes, agriculture and values. He declined to comment further on whether Nebraskans deserved to hear more about the controversy with Flatwater, whether he stood by his initial comments or what his comments mean for other minorities in the state.

“My comments were my comments,” Pillen said. “That’s what I have to say about it.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697973897309.jpeg" alt=" Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen talks to reporters after an event Friday, Oct. 20, 2023, in Lincoln. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption> Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen talks to reporters after an event Friday, Oct. 20, 2023, in Lincoln. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/10/20/my-comments-are-my-comments-gov-pillen-responds-to-criticism-of-outright-racist-remarks/">Nebraska Examiner</a>Editor’s note: This has been updated with comments from Matt Wynn with the&nbsp;Nebraska Journalism Trust.LINCOLN —&nbsp;Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen on Friday addressed for the first time&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/10/18/nebraska-gov-pillen-faces-national-criticism-after-dismissing-reporter-by-country-of-origin/">national criticism</a>&nbsp;he has faced after dismissing a Chinese reporter’s work because of her nationality.Pillen told reporters following an event in Lincoln that he is “100% focused on being the governor of all Nebraskans” and would not get involved in a “political sideshow.” He did not address calls for him to apologize and declined to speak more specificity.“I’m not going to talk about any reporter. I’m not going to talk about any sideshows,” Pillen said. “I’m focused on my job.”The national criticism came after Pillen, during an&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/139-kfabs-morning-news-28366287/episode/gov-pillen-updates-on-trade-mission-122970278/">appearance with 1110 KFAB radio</a>&nbsp;in September, responded to a question about Flatwater Free Press investigative reporter Yanqi Xu. Xu reported that&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://flatwaterfreepress.org/pillens-water-high-nitrate-detected-on-hog-farms-owned-by-nebraskas-governor/">16 hog farms within Pillen Family Farms</a>&nbsp;— owned by the governor’s family&nbsp;—&nbsp;recorded nitrate levels more than five times higher than what is considered safe to drink.“Number one, I didn’t read it. And I won’t,” Pillen told KFAB’s Gary Sadlemyer. “Number two, all you got to do is look at the author. The author is from communist China. What more do you need to know?”<h2>‘The proof’s in the pudding’</h2>Matt Wynn, executive director of the Nebraska Journalism Trust, which launched and funds Flatwater,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://flatwaterfreepress.org/governors-comments-about-ffp-reporter-are-in-a-word-wrong/">fired back</a>&nbsp;at Pillen on Tuesday, describing his comments as infuriating and dead wrong.“Had Governor Pillen spoken to the facts Yanqi found, I wouldn’t be writing this now,” Wynn wrote. “Elected officials deserve the chance to respond to findings. We offered every opportunity for him to do so before we ran the story. He declined them all.”Wynn told the Nebraska Examiner on Friday, after listening to a recording of the exchange between reporters and Pillen, that he is heartened the governor mentions immigrants and glad that he takes pride in that chapter of Nebraska’s history.“The opportunity is still there for an apology,” Wynn added. “I think it is the right and decent thing to do.”Pillen said that across the state immigrants have been involved in agriculture, and he pointed to Japanese immigrants coming to build railroads 120 years ago in Nebraska. Over a century ago,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/news/news-articles/learning-lessons-from-japanese-immigrants-a-century-ago/#:~:text=Over%20a%20century%20ago%2C%20western,%2C%20but%20growing%2C%20immigrant%20population.">more than 1,000 Japanese immigrants</a>&nbsp;worked on the railroads and in sugar beet fields.Research indicates&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://history.stanford.edu/news/forgotten-history-chinese-who-helped-build-americas-railroads">Chinese immigrants</a>&nbsp;made up&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2019/jul/18/forgotten-by-society-how-chinese-migrants-built-the-transcontinental-railroad#:~:text=Chinese%20workers%20made%20up%20most,shortage%20threatened%20the%20railroad's%20completion.">most of the workforce</a>&nbsp;in building railroads nationwide.“The proof’s in the pudding,” Pillen said. “People on the sideshows can make any kind of comments they want.”<h2>Comments blasted as xenophobic, racist</h2>During his appearance with KFAB, Pillen said Nebraska is the “most welcoming” state in the nation. National and local groups have since said that notion is undermined by Pillen’s remarks.Rep. Judy Chu, D-Calif., and chair of the Congressional Pacific American Caucus, told NBC News that Pillen should apologize for a “baseless xenophobic attack.” Norman Chen, CEO of The Asian American Foundation in San Francisco, described the comments as “not only appalling but also outright racist.”Chen noted Asian Americans are the fastest-growing minority group in Nebraska, at about 3.5%, and said Pillen should apologize and work with local AAPI leaders to understand the implications of his remarks and rebuild trust within the community.“Anti-Chinese rhetoric skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to have dangerous consequences for the safety of the whole Asian American community,” Chen said. “For the Governor, the highest leader in the state, to publicly degrade a journalist based on her ethnicity fosters an environment where AAPIs cannot feel safe and do not feel like they belong.”Xu grew up in Guangzhou, China, and left for Beijing to study English and international journalism. She came to the United States in 2017 for a master’s degree, and she has reported in four states and Washington, D.C. This includes North Carolina Policy Watch (now NC Newsline), part of the States Newsroom network of nonprofit news outlets, which include the Nebraska Examiner.Xu has received support from numerous journalists and organizations nationwide, including the Asian American Journalists Association. She has described the support as emotional and told NBC News this week that it’s important to speak up, though it can be hard at first as it makes someone the center of the story.“Especially as a woman of color, if the other person who made such a comment about you is the most powerful person in the state, how do you respond?” Xu told NBC. “But I think for me, I found myself coming back to this point of: If I don’t do it, who would?”<h2>‘My comments were my comments’</h2>When asked Friday by the Nebraska Examiner what policies he would support to curb&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/09/16/environmental-group-continues-fight-against-contaminants-nitrates-in-nebraskas-water/">nitrate levels</a>&nbsp;and promote safe water, Pillen said he is working to develop policy and plans to have a master plan for improvement. Education on how nitrates get into Nebraska water will also be involved.“Water is a gift, just like God’s grace is a gift,” Pillen said.Pillen said he is focused on kids, taxes, agriculture and values. He declined to comment further on whether Nebraskans deserved to hear more about the controversy with Flatwater, whether he stood by his initial comments or what his comments mean for other minorities in the state.“My comments were my comments,” Pillen said. “That’s what I have to say about it.”

‘My comments were my comments’: Gov. Pillen responds to criticism of ‘outright racist’ remarks

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen proclaimed the month of October as&nbsp;Developmental Disabilities Employment Awareness Month&nbsp;and highlighted the contributions of capable and eager individuals who are ready to join the workforce and help the state’s economy grow.

“Creating a welcoming and supportive workplace is not only beneficial for individuals with disabilities, it’s also a benefit to Nebraska businesses,” said Governor Pillen. “Although our state continues to have one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation, individuals with disabilities are an underutilized resource who can help fill workplace gaps in our communities.”

One of the businesses highlighted for hiring such workers was the Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel. The hotel’s program, Project Search, works with individuals who have intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to develop transferable skills that can be used in the community. Workers fill a variety of roles at the Cornhusker – dishwashers, prep cooks, banquet and valet assistants, plus more.

“The Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel is proud of the contributions our associates with disabilities make to our&nbsp; hotel and the positive impact they have to our culture,” said Human Resources Director Codie Meehan. “We are happy to be an inclusive workplace in the Lincoln community and hope to inspire other businesses to employ our Project Search graduates and others with disabilities.”

By hiring individuals with disabilities, a business can expand its talent pool and strengthen its workforce. According to a national survey by National Core Indicators, 54% of individuals with IDD in Nebraska do not have a community job, but would like one.

“All Nebraskans deserve to live, love, work, play, and pursue their life aspirations,” said Tony Green, director of the division of developmental disabilities at the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). “Many individuals with disabilities are willing, ready, and excited to work. Employment provides an opportunity for individuals with disabilities to be contributing members of their communities while helping businesses strengthen their workforce and increase their overall bottom line.”

One of the resources available for employers who are interested in hiring individuals with IDD is Nebraska Vocational Rehabilitation (VR). The organization works with businesses to find and retain talent, and also works with individuals to make sure their new at-work match is a positive one. &nbsp;That includes identifying on and off-site job supports and tools that can help make the worker more successful in their new role.

“Nebraska VR is proud to be a part of this year’s&nbsp;Developmental Disability Employment Awareness Month,” said Nebraska VR Director Lindy Foley. “This year is the 50th&nbsp;Anniversary of the Rehabilitation Act which underscores the importance of our work to advance access to build a workforce including the skills and talents of all individuals, including individuals with disabilities.”

Hands of the Heartland is another community resource offering a variety of services to individuals with IDD. Employment services include working with individuals on job coaching, interview skills, and identifying specific employment opportunities that fit the person’s interests. One client, Desi, has been a standout employee at the Stewart Seed Lab at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln (UNL).

“We at Hands of Heartland take great pride in helping individuals secure, succeed, and maintain wonderful working relationships with their employers,” said Erin Ruskamp, employment administrator. &nbsp;“The University of Nebraska has been nothing short of accommodating and wonderful to work with. We are proud to partner with Desi and the University to make all of her dreams come true.”&nbsp;

Employers who are interested in learning about the resources available to them are encouraged to contact&nbsp;<a href="http://www.vr.nebraska.gov/business/contact_us.html" target="_blank">Nebraska VR</a>. Individuals with disabilities who are interested in seeking employment should reach out to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.vr.nebraska.gov/offices/" target="_blank">their local Nebraska VR Service Office</a>&nbsp;or their service coordinator.

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen proclaimed the month of October as&nbsp;Developmental Disabilities Employment Awareness Month&nbsp;and highlighted the contributions of capable and eager individuals who are ready to join the workforce and help the state’s economy grow.“Creating a welcoming and supportive workplace is not only beneficial for individuals with disabilities, it’s also a benefit to Nebraska businesses,” said Governor Pillen. “Although our state continues to have one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation, individuals with disabilities are an underutilized resource who can help fill workplace gaps in our communities.”One of the businesses highlighted for hiring such workers was the Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel. The hotel’s program, Project Search, works with individuals who have intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to develop transferable skills that can be used in the community. Workers fill a variety of roles at the Cornhusker – dishwashers, prep cooks, banquet and valet assistants, plus more.“The Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel is proud of the contributions our associates with disabilities make to our&nbsp; hotel and the positive impact they have to our culture,” said Human Resources Director Codie Meehan. “We are happy to be an inclusive workplace in the Lincoln community and hope to inspire other businesses to employ our Project Search graduates and others with disabilities.”By hiring individuals with disabilities, a business can expand its talent pool and strengthen its workforce. According to a national survey by National Core Indicators, 54% of individuals with IDD in Nebraska do not have a community job, but would like one.“All Nebraskans deserve to live, love, work, play, and pursue their life aspirations,” said Tony Green, director of the division of developmental disabilities at the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). “Many individuals with disabilities are willing, ready, and excited to work. Employment provides an opportunity for individuals with disabilities to be contributing members of their communities while helping businesses strengthen their workforce and increase their overall bottom line.”One of the resources available for employers who are interested in hiring individuals with IDD is Nebraska Vocational Rehabilitation (VR). The organization works with businesses to find and retain talent, and also works with individuals to make sure their new at-work match is a positive one. &nbsp;That includes identifying on and off-site job supports and tools that can help make the worker more successful in their new role.“Nebraska VR is proud to be a part of this year’s&nbsp;Developmental Disability Employment Awareness Month,” said Nebraska VR Director Lindy Foley. “This year is the 50th&nbsp;Anniversary of the Rehabilitation Act which underscores the importance of our work to advance access to build a workforce including the skills and talents of all individuals, including individuals with disabilities.”Hands of the Heartland is another community resource offering a variety of services to individuals with IDD. Employment services include working with individuals on job coaching, interview skills, and identifying specific employment opportunities that fit the person’s interests. One client, Desi, has been a standout employee at the Stewart Seed Lab at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln (UNL).“We at Hands of Heartland take great pride in helping individuals secure, succeed, and maintain wonderful working relationships with their employers,” said Erin Ruskamp, employment administrator. &nbsp;“The University of Nebraska has been nothing short of accommodating and wonderful to work with. We are proud to partner with Desi and the University to make all of her dreams come true.”&nbsp;Employers who are interested in learning about the resources available to them are encouraged to contact&nbsp;<a href="http://www.vr.nebraska.gov/business/contact_us.html" target="_blank">Nebraska VR</a>. Individuals with disabilities who are interested in seeking employment should reach out to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.vr.nebraska.gov/offices/" target="_blank">their local Nebraska VR Service Office</a>&nbsp;or their service coordinator.

Gov. Pillen Encourages Businesses to Hire Individuals with Disabilities

Recent world events have highlighted the need to ensure America is secure and stands ready to respond to aggression from rogue actors that threaten Americans. Along with reinforcing the readiness of our military and standing firmly with allies like Israel, a significant aspect of safeguarding the American homeland is securing our borders.

Sadly, we see the crisis on our Southern Border worsening as the Biden administration seemingly turns a blind eye to the national security threat and humanitarian cost of ineffective border policy. According to statistics from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), authorities have encountered more than 2.8 million individuals seeking to cross the border in Fiscal Year 2023, including over 150 individuals on the federal terror watchlist and more than 210,000 apprehensions in the month of September. This increase in apprehensions is not a marker of success for CBP; unfortunately, it corresponds with an increase in illegal crossings which have gone unapprehended.

Realizing the severity of the crisis, a number of high-profile Democrats have joined the calls for increased security. In addition to the historic number of migrants seeking shelter and straining local resources across the country, the risk of our adversaries taking advantage of an overwhelmed border must not be overlooked. The risk of escalation of tensions around the world is serious, and the United States must do everything possible to ensure vulnerabilities on our borders are addressed and our allies are supported.

Considering the support Iran has supplied to Hamas terrorists who perpetrated the recent attacks on Israel, the United States must be hypervigilant in its approach to Iran. October 18 marked the day when certain restrictions on Iran’s nuclear and missile programs were due to be lifted under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA). The agreement the Obama administration entered with Iran in 2015 was misguided from the start.

Additionally, the Biden administration should have never moved forward with unfreezing $6 billion for Iran. I am a cosponsor of legislation to block Iran from accessing these funds. The United States must never again show weakness where its adversaries have shown a desire to increase aggression.

I am grateful support for Israel following the horrific attacks by Hamas has been bipartisan. The task Israel has before it is extremely difficult. We must stand firmly for Israel’s right to defend itself and provide necessary military and humanitarian assistance.

After 20 months since Vladimir Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, fighting rages on. The fact that Russia has not been able to overwhelm Ukraine and extend aggression further into Eastern Europe is significant; however, this conflict continues to have the potential to escalate as Putin attempts to involve other nations. This week, for example, Putin visited Beijing to meet with Chinese head of state Xi Jinping. Since the Russian offensive began in February 2022, Putin has also personally met with the leaders of North Korea, Syria, Turkey, and Iran. This is very concerning.

At the same time, China continues its aggressive posturing. This week, 13 Chinese military aircraft passed through Taiwanese airspace. Because of the importance of the United States’ relationship with Taiwan, I recently joined with a bipartisan group of members from the Ways and Means Committee, on which I serve, to introduce legislation to strengthen ties with Taiwan and encourage economic development by relieving double-taxation on investments between our countries.

Unrest globally reminds us peace and freedom are delicate and do not come without cost. This is why it’s so disappointing the House has not been able to come together and elect a speaker. I supported Kevin McCarthy when he was the nominee, I would have supported Steve Scalise had his nomination for speaker come to a vote, and I supported Jim Jordan on the House floor – three times. We must stop the nonsense and immediately elect a Speaker of the House so we can get back to work. It’s important in a time like this for the federal government to come together and show a united front. Our adversaries around the world are closely watching our&nbsp;response.

Adrian SmithRecent world events have highlighted the need to ensure America is secure and stands ready to respond to aggression from rogue actors that threaten Americans. Along with reinforcing the readiness of our military and standing firmly with allies like Israel, a significant aspect of safeguarding the American homeland is securing our borders.Sadly, we see the crisis on our Southern Border worsening as the Biden administration seemingly turns a blind eye to the national security threat and humanitarian cost of ineffective border policy. According to statistics from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), authorities have encountered more than 2.8 million individuals seeking to cross the border in Fiscal Year 2023, including over 150 individuals on the federal terror watchlist and more than 210,000 apprehensions in the month of September. This increase in apprehensions is not a marker of success for CBP; unfortunately, it corresponds with an increase in illegal crossings which have gone unapprehended.Realizing the severity of the crisis, a number of high-profile Democrats have joined the calls for increased security. In addition to the historic number of migrants seeking shelter and straining local resources across the country, the risk of our adversaries taking advantage of an overwhelmed border must not be overlooked. The risk of escalation of tensions around the world is serious, and the United States must do everything possible to ensure vulnerabilities on our borders are addressed and our allies are supported.Considering the support Iran has supplied to Hamas terrorists who perpetrated the recent attacks on Israel, the United States must be hypervigilant in its approach to Iran. October 18 marked the day when certain restrictions on Iran’s nuclear and missile programs were due to be lifted under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA). The agreement the Obama administration entered with Iran in 2015 was misguided from the start.Additionally, the Biden administration should have never moved forward with unfreezing $6 billion for Iran. I am a cosponsor of legislation to block Iran from accessing these funds. The United States must never again show weakness where its adversaries have shown a desire to increase aggression.I am grateful support for Israel following the horrific attacks by Hamas has been bipartisan. The task Israel has before it is extremely difficult. We must stand firmly for Israel’s right to defend itself and provide necessary military and humanitarian assistance.After 20 months since Vladimir Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, fighting rages on. The fact that Russia has not been able to overwhelm Ukraine and extend aggression further into Eastern Europe is significant; however, this conflict continues to have the potential to escalate as Putin attempts to involve other nations. This week, for example, Putin visited Beijing to meet with Chinese head of state Xi Jinping. Since the Russian offensive began in February 2022, Putin has also personally met with the leaders of North Korea, Syria, Turkey, and Iran. This is very concerning.At the same time, China continues its aggressive posturing. This week, 13 Chinese military aircraft passed through Taiwanese airspace. Because of the importance of the United States’ relationship with Taiwan, I recently joined with a bipartisan group of members from the Ways and Means Committee, on which I serve, to introduce legislation to strengthen ties with Taiwan and encourage economic development by relieving double-taxation on investments between our countries.Unrest globally reminds us peace and freedom are delicate and do not come without cost. This is why it’s so disappointing the House has not been able to come together and elect a speaker. I supported Kevin McCarthy when he was the nominee, I would have supported Steve Scalise had his nomination for speaker come to a vote, and I supported Jim Jordan on the House floor – three times. We must stop the nonsense and immediately elect a Speaker of the House so we can get back to work. It’s important in a time like this for the federal government to come together and show a united front. Our adversaries around the world are closely watching our&nbsp;response.

Prioritizing Security

WASHINGTON —Following detailed discussions with President Biden on recent escalations by Iran and its proxy forces across the Middle East Region, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin late Saturday directed a series of additional steps to further strengthen the Department of Defense posture in the region, according to a statement from the agency.

These steps will bolster regional deterrence efforts, increase force protection for U.S. forces in the region, and assist in the defense of Israel.

The Defense Secretary redirected the movement of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group to the Central Command area of responsibility. This carrier strike group is in addition to the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, which is currently operating in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. It will further increase our force posture and strengthen our capabilities and ability to respond to a range of contingencies.&nbsp;

Austin also activated the deployment of a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery as well as additional Patriot battalions to locations throughout the region to increase force protection for U.S. forces.

He also placed an additional number of forces on prepare to deploy orders as part of prudent contingency planning, to increase their readiness and ability to quickly respond as required.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697765298614.png" alt="The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Carney transits the Suez Canal, Oct. 18. Carney is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to help ensure maritime security and stability in the Middle East region. photo By:Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Aaron Lau" />
 <figcaption>The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Carney transits the Suez Canal, Oct. 18. Carney is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to help ensure maritime security and stability in the Middle East region. photo By:Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Aaron Lau</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —Following detailed discussions with President Biden on recent escalations by Iran and its proxy forces across the Middle East Region, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin late Saturday directed a series of additional steps to further strengthen the Department of Defense posture in the region, according to a statement from the agency.These steps will bolster regional deterrence efforts, increase force protection for U.S. forces in the region, and assist in the defense of Israel.The Defense Secretary redirected the movement of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group to the Central Command area of responsibility. This carrier strike group is in addition to the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, which is currently operating in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. It will further increase our force posture and strengthen our capabilities and ability to respond to a range of contingencies.&nbsp;Austin also activated the deployment of a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery as well as additional Patriot battalions to locations throughout the region to increase force protection for U.S. forces.He also placed an additional number of forces on prepare to deploy orders as part of prudent contingency planning, to increase their readiness and ability to quickly respond as required.&nbsp;

Iran threat: Pentagon sending additional forces to the Middle East

WASHINGTON&nbsp; (AP)— President Joe Biden spoke on the phone with two freed Americans who had been held hostage by Hamas in Gaza.

Judith Raanan and her 17-year-old daughter, Natalie, were released Friday. It was the first such hostage release from among the roughly 200 people the militant group abducted from Israel during its Oct. 7 rampage.

Video of Biden speaking with them by phone was posted Saturday on the X platform, formerly known as Twitter. He told the mother and daughter that he was glad they had been released.

“We’re going to get them all out, God willing,” he said.

Natalie thanked Biden for his “services” to Israel. Judith said they are in good health.

Hamas said it released the mother and daughter for humanitarian reasons in an agreement with the Qatari government.

Family members have said Judith and Natalie had been on a trip from their home in the Chicago suburb of Evanston to Israel to celebrate Judith’s mother’s birthday and the Jewish holidays.

EVANSTON, Ill. (AP) — The father of freed American teen hostage Natalie Raanan said Friday she’s doing well following two weeks in captivity after she and her mother were abducted in Israel by Hamas and held in Gaza.

Uri Raanan of Illinois told The Associated Press that he spoke to his daughter Friday by telephone. “She’s doing good. She’s doing very good,” said Uri, who lives in the Chicago suburbs. “I’m in tears, and I feel very, very good.”

The 71-year-old said he saw on the news earlier Friday that an American mother and daughter would be released by Hamas, and he spent the day hoping that meant his daughter and her mother, Judith.

Knowing Natalie may be able to celebrate her 18th birthday next week at home with family and friends feels “wonderful. The best news,” Uri Raanan said.

He said he believes Natalie and Judith to be in transit to Tel Aviv to reunite with relatives, and that both will be back in the U.S. early next week.

U.S. President Joe Biden was among the many celebrating the stunning news that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-war-ed6875f15ea0d2bc196e4033b54b7194">the Raanans had been freed.</a>

An Israeli army spokesman said the two Americans were out of the Gaza Strip and with the Israeli military.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/israel-hamas-war-news-10-19-2023">Hamas said Friday</a>&nbsp;it released them for humanitarian reasons in an agreement with the Qatari government.

They were the first hostages to be released since Hamas militants, according to Israel, abducted roughly 200 people during their Oct. 7 rampage.

“I am overjoyed that they will soon be reunited with their family, who has been wracked with fear,” Biden said in Washington. The president spoke Friday with Judith and Natalie and "relayed that they will have the full support of the U.S. government as they recover from this terrible ordeal,” the White House said.

The International Committee of the Red Cross, which transported the freed Americans from Gaza to Israel, said their release offered "a sliver of hope” for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hostages-israel-hamas-war-what-to-know-406920c384818fa4fe3525327adf3f50">those still being held</a>.

Judith and Natalie Ranaan had been on a trip from their home in the Chicago suburb of Evanston to Israel to celebrate the Jewish holidays, according to family members. They were in Nahal Oz, near Gaza, on Oct. 7 for Simchat Torah, a festive Jewish holiday, when Hamas militants stormed into southern Israeli towns, killing hundreds of people and abducting others.

Their family had heard nothing from them since the attack and were later told by U.S. and Israeli officials that they were being held in Gaza, Natalie’s brother Ben has said.

“The news that Judith and Natalie have been released from the hands of Hamas is overwhelming. It brings us a tremendous amount of gratitude to the Almighty, to God, for this incredible miracle,” Meir Hecht, Judith Raanan’s rabbi, said at a press conference outside his home in Evanston on Friday afternoon.

“At the same time we hold our pain very deep,” said Hecht, who called for the other hostages to be released as soon as possible. “We need to continue besieging whoever we can and however we can, and praying for their release.”

Judith came regularly to Meir’s congregation and felt like “part of our family,” the rabbi said.

Natalie Raanan loves art, makeup, fashion, and DoorDash -- “she hates eating at home,” according to her brother Ben, who is based in Denver. She graduated from high school this year and was deciding between going to college to study interior or fashion design and taking an apprenticeship with a tattoo shop.

Ben Raanan described Natalie as “just a very loving, kind person.” Their middle brother, Adam, is nonverbal and much older than she is, but Natalie makes it a priority to maintain a strong bond with him, he explained.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth expressed relief at news of the Raanans’ release while asking people to remember other families whose relatives were abducted.

“They are now safe and receiving necessary medical treatment,” Pritzker said of Natalie and Judith. “I cannot wait to welcome them back home after demonstrating immense strength and bravery in the face of unthinkable terror.”

French President Emmanuel Macron said the release of the two Americans is “a very good result” and expressed hope it could help pave the way for others to be freed, including French-Israelis feared held in Gaza.

Qatar said it would continue its dialogue with Israel and Hamas in hopes of winning the release of all hostages “with the ultimate aim of de-escalating the current crisis and restoring peace.”

Israeli military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said Israel was continuing to work to return hostages and find the missing, and its goals had not changed. “We are continuing the war against Hamas and ready for the next stage of the war,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697842903063.png" alt="In this photo provided by the Government of Israel, Judith Raanan, right, and her 17-year-old daughter Natalie are escorted by Israeli soldiers and Gal Hirsch, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's special coordinator for returning the hostages, as they return to Israel from captivity in the Gaza Strip, Friday, Oct. 20, 2023. Hamas released the pair in what it said was a goodwill gesture late Friday, nearly two weeks after they were captured in a bloody cross-border raid by the Islamic militant group. The Hamas attack sparked a war that is entering its third week, and Hamas is believed to still be holding some 200 people hostage. (Government of Israel via AP Photo)" />
 <figcaption>In this photo provided by the Government of Israel, Judith Raanan, right, and her 17-year-old daughter Natalie are escorted by Israeli soldiers and Gal Hirsch, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's special coordinator for returning the hostages, as they return to Israel from captivity in the Gaza Strip, Friday, Oct. 20, 2023. Hamas released the pair in what it said was a goodwill gesture late Friday, nearly two weeks after they were captured in a bloody cross-border raid by the Islamic militant group. The Hamas attack sparked a war that is entering its third week, and Hamas is believed to still be holding some 200 people hostage. (Government of Israel via AP Photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON&nbsp; (AP)— President Joe Biden spoke on the phone with two freed Americans who had been held hostage by Hamas in Gaza.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Judith and Natalie, I’m so glad you’re coming home. <a href="https://t.co/c7az0PcYXn">pic.twitter.com/c7az0PcYXn</a>&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1715740319772295519?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Judith Raanan and her 17-year-old daughter, Natalie, were released Friday. It was the first such hostage release from among the roughly 200 people the militant group abducted from Israel during its Oct. 7 rampage.Video of Biden speaking with them by phone was posted Saturday on the X platform, formerly known as Twitter. He told the mother and daughter that he was glad they had been released.“We’re going to get them all out, God willing,” he said.Natalie thanked Biden for his “services” to Israel. Judith said they are in good health.Hamas said it released the mother and daughter for humanitarian reasons in an agreement with the Qatari government.Family members have said Judith and Natalie had been on a trip from their home in the Chicago suburb of Evanston to Israel to celebrate Judith’s mother’s birthday and the Jewish holidays.-----------<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697827658899.png" alt="In this undated photo provided by Rabbi Meir Hecht on behalf of the Raanan family is Judith Raanan, left, and her daughter Natalie, 18, after Natalie's recent high school graduation. Judith and Natalie are missing while visiting relatives in Nahal Oz for Simchat Torah, a festive Jewish holiday that marks the conclusion of the annual reading of the Torah. (Raanan Family via AP)" />
 <figcaption>In this undated photo provided by Rabbi Meir Hecht on behalf of the Raanan family is Judith Raanan, left, and her daughter Natalie, 18, after Natalie's recent high school graduation. Judith and Natalie are missing while visiting relatives in Nahal Oz for Simchat Torah, a festive Jewish holiday that marks the conclusion of the annual reading of the Torah. (Raanan Family via AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>EVANSTON, Ill. (AP) — The father of freed American teen hostage Natalie Raanan said Friday she’s doing well following two weeks in captivity after she and her mother were abducted in Israel by Hamas and held in Gaza.Uri Raanan of Illinois told The Associated Press that he spoke to his daughter Friday by telephone. “She’s doing good. She’s doing very good,” said Uri, who lives in the Chicago suburbs. “I’m in tears, and I feel very, very good.”The 71-year-old said he saw on the news earlier Friday that an American mother and daughter would be released by Hamas, and he spent the day hoping that meant his daughter and her mother, Judith.Knowing Natalie may be able to celebrate her 18th birthday next week at home with family and friends feels “wonderful. The best news,” Uri Raanan said.He said he believes Natalie and Judith to be in transit to Tel Aviv to reunite with relatives, and that both will be back in the U.S. early next week.U.S. President Joe Biden was among the many celebrating the stunning news that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-war-ed6875f15ea0d2bc196e4033b54b7194">the Raanans had been freed.</a>An Israeli army spokesman said the two Americans were out of the Gaza Strip and with the Israeli military.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/israel-hamas-war-news-10-19-2023">Hamas said Friday</a>&nbsp;it released them for humanitarian reasons in an agreement with the Qatari government.They were the first hostages to be released since Hamas militants, according to Israel, abducted roughly 200 people during their Oct. 7 rampage.“I am overjoyed that they will soon be reunited with their family, who has been wracked with fear,” Biden said in Washington. The president spoke Friday with Judith and Natalie and "relayed that they will have the full support of the U.S. government as they recover from this terrible ordeal,” the White House said.The International Committee of the Red Cross, which transported the freed Americans from Gaza to Israel, said their release offered "a sliver of hope” for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hostages-israel-hamas-war-what-to-know-406920c384818fa4fe3525327adf3f50">those still being held</a>.Judith and Natalie Ranaan had been on a trip from their home in the Chicago suburb of Evanston to Israel to celebrate the Jewish holidays, according to family members. They were in Nahal Oz, near Gaza, on Oct. 7 for Simchat Torah, a festive Jewish holiday, when Hamas militants stormed into southern Israeli towns, killing hundreds of people and abducting others.Their family had heard nothing from them since the attack and were later told by U.S. and Israeli officials that they were being held in Gaza, Natalie’s brother Ben has said.“The news that Judith and Natalie have been released from the hands of Hamas is overwhelming. It brings us a tremendous amount of gratitude to the Almighty, to God, for this incredible miracle,” Meir Hecht, Judith Raanan’s rabbi, said at a press conference outside his home in Evanston on Friday afternoon.“At the same time we hold our pain very deep,” said Hecht, who called for the other hostages to be released as soon as possible. “We need to continue besieging whoever we can and however we can, and praying for their release.”Judith came regularly to Meir’s congregation and felt like “part of our family,” the rabbi said.Natalie Raanan loves art, makeup, fashion, and DoorDash -- “she hates eating at home,” according to her brother Ben, who is based in Denver. She graduated from high school this year and was deciding between going to college to study interior or fashion design and taking an apprenticeship with a tattoo shop.Ben Raanan described Natalie as “just a very loving, kind person.” Their middle brother, Adam, is nonverbal and much older than she is, but Natalie makes it a priority to maintain a strong bond with him, he explained.Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth expressed relief at news of the Raanans’ release while asking people to remember other families whose relatives were abducted.“They are now safe and receiving necessary medical treatment,” Pritzker said of Natalie and Judith. “I cannot wait to welcome them back home after demonstrating immense strength and bravery in the face of unthinkable terror.”French President Emmanuel Macron said the release of the two Americans is “a very good result” and expressed hope it could help pave the way for others to be freed, including French-Israelis feared held in Gaza.Qatar said it would continue its dialogue with Israel and Hamas in hopes of winning the release of all hostages “with the ultimate aim of de-escalating the current crisis and restoring peace.”Israeli military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said Israel was continuing to work to return hostages and find the missing, and its goals had not changed. “We are continuing the war against Hamas and ready for the next stage of the war,” he said.

🎧 Listen to Biden phone call with 2 freed American hostages

<a>MINNEAPOLIS&nbsp;</a>– The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Omaha Division hosted its second annual Family Summit at the U.S. Attorneys Office in Minneapolis October 19, bringing together 27 families from Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota&nbsp;who lost loved ones to a fentanyl poisoning.

DEA Omaha Division Special Agent in Charge Justin C. King welcomed families both returning and new and spoke to the fentanyl crisis facing Americans.

“The Family Summit provides an opportunity for a two-way conversation between families who have suffered a devastating loss and members of law enforcement,” DEA Omaha Division Special Agent in Charge Justin C. King said to families in attendance. “This is a heavy day, but we are learning from one another. We want to learn from your story. We want to be here for you.”

Three U.S. Attorneys from within the five state DEA Omaha Division addressed the concerns of family members including U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota, Andrew M. Luger, U.S. Attorney for the District of North Dakota, Mac Schneider and U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota, Alison J. Ramsdell. In addition, Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt and members of the DEA and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota spoke on the topics of narcotics investigations, the availability of educational resources and the effectiveness of the opioid overdose reversal spray, Naloxone. Six mothers, whose children ranged in age from 17 to 58 at the time of their death, rounded out the Summit by sharing their tragic stories of loss.

“These families are searching for ways to ensure that the loss they suffered is not one others will have to experience,” King said. “Our hope is that DEA can play a role in expanding awareness and education on the life-altering consequences of fentanyl.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 110,000 people died by drug poisoning in the United States in 2022&nbsp;with fentanyl accounting for nearly 70 percent of these deaths. DEA laboratory testing now indicates that 7 out of every 10 pills seized by DEA contain a lethal dose of fentanyl, an increase from 4 out of 10 pills noted in 2021. This year alone, DEA has seized a record 62 million fentanyl pills, exceeding last year’s total of 58 million.

Omaha Field Division<a>MINNEAPOLIS&nbsp;</a>– The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Omaha Division hosted its second annual Family Summit at the U.S. Attorneys Office in Minneapolis October 19, bringing together 27 families from Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota&nbsp;who lost loved ones to a fentanyl poisoning.DEA Omaha Division Special Agent in Charge Justin C. King welcomed families both returning and new and spoke to the fentanyl crisis facing Americans.“The Family Summit provides an opportunity for a two-way conversation between families who have suffered a devastating loss and members of law enforcement,” DEA Omaha Division Special Agent in Charge Justin C. King said to families in attendance. “This is a heavy day, but we are learning from one another. We want to learn from your story. We want to be here for you.”Three U.S. Attorneys from within the five state DEA Omaha Division addressed the concerns of family members including U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota, Andrew M. Luger, U.S. Attorney for the District of North Dakota, Mac Schneider and U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota, Alison J. Ramsdell. In addition, Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt and members of the DEA and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota spoke on the topics of narcotics investigations, the availability of educational resources and the effectiveness of the opioid overdose reversal spray, Naloxone. Six mothers, whose children ranged in age from 17 to 58 at the time of their death, rounded out the Summit by sharing their tragic stories of loss.“These families are searching for ways to ensure that the loss they suffered is not one others will have to experience,” King said. “Our hope is that DEA can play a role in expanding awareness and education on the life-altering consequences of fentanyl.”According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 110,000 people died by drug poisoning in the United States in 2022&nbsp;with fentanyl accounting for nearly 70 percent of these deaths. DEA laboratory testing now indicates that 7 out of every 10 pills seized by DEA contain a lethal dose of fentanyl, an increase from 4 out of 10 pills noted in 2021. This year alone, DEA has seized a record 62 million fentanyl pills, exceeding last year’s total of 58 million.

DEA Summit Brings Together Families Suffering Tragic Losses from Fentanyl

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen ordered that U.S. and Nebraska flags are to be flown at half-staff honoring first responders across the state. The announcement follows the death this week of an employee with the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT), who was killed by a passing vehicle on Highway 34, west of Aurora.

David Schwartz was a 42-year employee of the department. On Tuesday, Oct. 17 he was assisting local law enforcement at the scene of a spill involving corn mash, when he was struck. He died at the scene.&nbsp;

Gov. Pillen has ordered flags be flown at half-staff from sunrise until sunset on Saturday, Oct. 21, the day of Schwartz’ funeral, in remembrance and recognition of all first responders who act heroically to keep the public safe on Nebraska roadways.

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen ordered that U.S. and Nebraska flags are to be flown at half-staff honoring first responders across the state. The announcement follows the death this week of an employee with the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT), who was killed by a passing vehicle on Highway 34, west of Aurora.David Schwartz was a 42-year employee of the department. On Tuesday, Oct. 17 he was assisting local law enforcement at the scene of a spill involving corn mash, when he was struck. He died at the scene.&nbsp;Gov. Pillen has ordered flags be flown at half-staff from sunrise until sunset on Saturday, Oct. 21, the day of Schwartz’ funeral, in remembrance and recognition of all first responders who act heroically to keep the public safe on Nebraska roadways.

Flags to Fly at Half-Staff Recognizing DOT Worker & First Responders

&nbsp; LINCOLN, Neb. – The Niobrara National Scenic River received an official “<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=7a0dff9c5a&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Quiet Trail</a>” award Friday, Oct. 20 from Quiet Parks International in recognition of the river corridor’s pristine natural soundscape largely free from man-made noise. The ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. CT at the Niobrara National Scenic River visitor center in Valentine, Nebraska.

“The Niobrara Council has representatives from all four counties within the scenic designation and we are proud to receive the award for the Niobrara National Scenic River,” stated Kalli Kieborz, Executive Director of the Niobrara Council.Quiet Parks International, a non-profit organization based in California, studies and recognizes quiet places worldwide, encouraging everyone to safeguard these areas for future enjoyment. Cuifeng Lake Circular Trail, Taipingshan National Forest, Taiwan became the world’s first Quiet Trail in 2022. 

Niobrara National Scenic Trail will become the second Quiet Trail in the world and first in North America. The Award culminates a two-year process that included paddling the full length of the designated Niobrara Wild and Scenic River to collect qualitative and quantitative acoustic data.

Gordon Hempton, Co-Founder of Quiet Parks International, shared, “Our testing process is very exact. Beyond collecting standard acoustic data, each team member must agree, unanimously and unhesitatingly, that natural quite prevailed throughout the testing period. The Niobrara River’s splendid geologic landscape, unusual atmospheric conditions, and outstanding wildlife all contributed towards a positive outcome.” 

Hundreds of springs and wetlands throughout the Sandhills—one of the largest grass-stabilized dune regions in the world – drain into the Niobrara River, and more than 230 waterfalls are featured in the river’s western stretch. Six major ecosystems converge in the river valley in a unique way, resulting in a special mix of about 160 plant and animal species. This combination of ecological importance, stunning natural beauty and recreational appeal makes the Niobrara National Scenic River a compelling destination.

“Nebraska is filled with unique, even one-of-a-kind opportunities for the curious and adventurous visitor, and adding this Quiet Park award to the list is quite an honor,” said John Ricks, Nebraska Tourism Commission executive director. “From stargazing to serene natural escapes, it highlights experiences that Nebraska is becoming known for that cannot be enjoyed in many other places.”

“Quiet is rare globally, as 97% of the U.S. population faces noise pollution from sources like aviation and highways. Destinations where one can experience the pure sounds of nature are becoming increasingly scarce, so we are thrilled to be able to offer this at Niobrara National Scenic River,” stated Superintendent Susan Cook.Rural states offer an opportunity to showcase quiet, unspoiled areas amidst a noisy world. Today, as people increasingly become inundated with noise, the intentional seeking-out of quiet areas is on the rise and with it, the opportunity to engage new travelers in visiting the beautiful, yet still largely hidden gems of the state of Nebraska.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697825770143.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp; LINCOLN, Neb. – The Niobrara National Scenic River received an official “<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=7a0dff9c5a&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Quiet Trail</a>” award Friday, Oct. 20 from Quiet Parks International in recognition of the river corridor’s pristine natural soundscape largely free from man-made noise. The ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. CT at the Niobrara National Scenic River visitor center in Valentine, Nebraska. “The Niobrara Council has representatives from all four counties within the scenic designation and we are proud to receive the award for the Niobrara National Scenic River,” stated Kalli Kieborz, Executive Director of the Niobrara Council.Quiet Parks International, a non-profit organization based in California, studies and recognizes quiet places worldwide, encouraging everyone to safeguard these areas for future enjoyment. Cuifeng Lake Circular Trail, Taipingshan National Forest, Taiwan became the world’s first Quiet Trail in 2022. Niobrara National Scenic Trail will become the second Quiet Trail in the world and first in North America. The Award culminates a two-year process that included paddling the full length of the designated Niobrara Wild and Scenic River to collect qualitative and quantitative acoustic data.Gordon Hempton, Co-Founder of Quiet Parks International, shared, “Our testing process is very exact. Beyond collecting standard acoustic data, each team member must agree, unanimously and unhesitatingly, that natural quite prevailed throughout the testing period. The Niobrara River’s splendid geologic landscape, unusual atmospheric conditions, and outstanding wildlife all contributed towards a positive outcome.” Hundreds of springs and wetlands throughout the Sandhills—one of the largest grass-stabilized dune regions in the world – drain into the Niobrara River, and more than 230 waterfalls are featured in the river’s western stretch. Six major ecosystems converge in the river valley in a unique way, resulting in a special mix of about 160 plant and animal species. This combination of ecological importance, stunning natural beauty and recreational appeal makes the Niobrara National Scenic River a compelling destination.“Nebraska is filled with unique, even one-of-a-kind opportunities for the curious and adventurous visitor, and adding this Quiet Park award to the list is quite an honor,” said John Ricks, Nebraska Tourism Commission executive director. “From stargazing to serene natural escapes, it highlights experiences that Nebraska is becoming known for that cannot be enjoyed in many other places.”“Quiet is rare globally, as 97% of the U.S. population faces noise pollution from sources like aviation and highways. Destinations where one can experience the pure sounds of nature are becoming increasingly scarce, so we are thrilled to be able to offer this at Niobrara National Scenic River,” stated Superintendent Susan Cook.Rural states offer an opportunity to showcase quiet, unspoiled areas amidst a noisy world. Today, as people increasingly become inundated with noise, the intentional seeking-out of quiet areas is on the rise and with it, the opportunity to engage new travelers in visiting the beautiful, yet still largely hidden gems of the state of Nebraska.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Niobrara National Scenic River receives Quiet Parks International award

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697842903063.png" alt="In this photo provided by the Government of Israel, Judith Raanan, right, and her 17-year-old daughter Natalie are escorted by Israeli soldiers and Gal Hirsch, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's special coordinator for returning the hostages, as they return to Israel from captivity in the Gaza Strip, Friday, Oct. 20, 2023. Hamas released the pair in what it said was a goodwill gesture late Friday, nearly two weeks after they were captured in a bloody cross-border raid by the Islamic militant group. The Hamas attack sparked a war that is entering its third week, and Hamas is believed to still be holding some 200 people hostage. (Government of Israel via AP Photo)" />
 <figcaption>In this photo provided by the Government of Israel, Judith Raanan, right, and her 17-year-old daughter Natalie are escorted by Israeli soldiers and Gal Hirsch, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's special coordinator for returning the hostages, as they return to Israel from captivity in the Gaza Strip, Friday, Oct. 20, 2023. Hamas released the pair in what it said was a goodwill gesture late Friday, nearly two weeks after they were captured in a bloody cross-border raid by the Islamic militant group. The Hamas attack sparked a war that is entering its third week, and Hamas is believed to still be holding some 200 people hostage. (Government of Israel via AP Photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>EVANSTON, Ill. (AP) — The father of freed American teen hostage Natalie Raanan said Friday she’s doing well following two weeks in captivity after she and her mother were abducted in Israel by Hamas and held in Gaza.Uri Raanan of Illinois told The Associated Press that he spoke to his daughter Friday by telephone. “She’s doing good. She’s doing very good,” said Uri, who lives in the Chicago suburbs. “I’m in tears, and I feel very, very good.”The 71-year-old said he saw on the news earlier Friday that an American mother and daughter would be released by Hamas, and he spent the day hoping that meant his daughter and her mother, Judith.Knowing Natalie may be able to celebrate her 18th birthday next week at home with family and friends feels “wonderful. The best news,” Uri Raanan said.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I just spoke with the two Americans released today after being held hostage by Hamas. I let them know that their government will fully support them as they recover and heal. Jill and I will continue holding close in our hearts all the families of unaccounted for Americans. <a href="https://t.co/oXk6gfrD8M">pic.twitter.com/oXk6gfrD8M</a>&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1715489606722801704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>He said he believes Natalie and Judith to be in transit to Tel Aviv to reunite with relatives, and that both will be back in the U.S. early next week.U.S. President Joe Biden was among the many celebrating the stunning news that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-war-ed6875f15ea0d2bc196e4033b54b7194">the Raanans had been freed.</a>An Israeli army spokesman said the two Americans were out of the Gaza Strip and with the Israeli military.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/israel-hamas-war-news-10-19-2023">Hamas said Friday</a>&nbsp;it released them for humanitarian reasons in an agreement with the Qatari government.They were the first hostages to be released since Hamas militants, according to Israel, abducted roughly 200 people during their Oct. 7 rampage.“I am overjoyed that they will soon be reunited with their family, who has been wracked with fear,” Biden said in Washington. The president spoke Friday with Judith and Natalie and "relayed that they will have the full support of the U.S. government as they recover from this terrible ordeal,” the White House said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697827658899.png" alt="In this undated photo provided by Rabbi Meir Hecht on behalf of the Raanan family is Judith Raanan, left, and her daughter Natalie, 18, after Natalie's recent high school graduation. Judith and Natalie are missing while visiting relatives in Nahal Oz for Simchat Torah, a festive Jewish holiday that marks the conclusion of the annual reading of the Torah. (Raanan Family via AP)" />
 <figcaption>In this undated photo provided by Rabbi Meir Hecht on behalf of the Raanan family is Judith Raanan, left, and her daughter Natalie, 18, after Natalie's recent high school graduation. Judith and Natalie are missing while visiting relatives in Nahal Oz for Simchat Torah, a festive Jewish holiday that marks the conclusion of the annual reading of the Torah. (Raanan Family via AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>The International Committee of the Red Cross, which transported the freed Americans from Gaza to Israel, said their release offered "a sliver of hope” for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hostages-israel-hamas-war-what-to-know-406920c384818fa4fe3525327adf3f50">those still being held</a>.Judith and Natalie Ranaan had been on a trip from their home in the Chicago suburb of Evanston to Israel to celebrate the Jewish holidays, according to family members. They were in Nahal Oz, near Gaza, on Oct. 7 for Simchat Torah, a festive Jewish holiday, when Hamas militants stormed into southern Israeli towns, killing hundreds of people and abducting others.Their family had heard nothing from them since the attack and were later told by U.S. and Israeli officials that they were being held in Gaza, Natalie’s brother Ben has said.“The news that Judith and Natalie have been released from the hands of Hamas is overwhelming. It brings us a tremendous amount of gratitude to the Almighty, to God, for this incredible miracle,” Meir Hecht, Judith Raanan’s rabbi, said at a press conference outside his home in Evanston on Friday afternoon.“At the same time we hold our pain very deep,” said Hecht, who called for the other hostages to be released as soon as possible. “We need to continue besieging whoever we can and however we can, and praying for their release.”Judith came regularly to Meir’s congregation and felt like “part of our family,” the rabbi said.Natalie Raanan loves art, makeup, fashion, and DoorDash -- “she hates eating at home,” according to her brother Ben, who is based in Denver. She graduated from high school this year and was deciding between going to college to study interior or fashion design and taking an apprenticeship with a tattoo shop.Ben Raanan described Natalie as “just a very loving, kind person.” Their middle brother, Adam, is nonverbal and much older than she is, but Natalie makes it a priority to maintain a strong bond with him, he explained.Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth expressed relief at news of the Raanans’ release while asking people to remember other families whose relatives were abducted.“They are now safe and receiving necessary medical treatment,” Pritzker said of Natalie and Judith. “I cannot wait to welcome them back home after demonstrating immense strength and bravery in the face of unthinkable terror.”French President Emmanuel Macron said the release of the two Americans is “a very good result” and expressed hope it could help pave the way for others to be freed, including French-Israelis feared held in Gaza.Qatar said it would continue its dialogue with Israel and Hamas in hopes of winning the release of all hostages “with the ultimate aim of de-escalating the current crisis and restoring peace.”Israeli military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said Israel was continuing to work to return hostages and find the missing, and its goals had not changed. “We are continuing the war against Hamas and ready for the next stage of the war,” he said.

Father of freed American teen hostage says she's "doing very good”

DETROIT (AP) — United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain said Friday that while Detroit’s automakers have increased their wage and benefit offers, he believes the union can gain more if it holds out longer in contract talks.

In a Facebook Live appearance, Fain didn’t announce any more factories to add to those that have been on strike for up to five weeks. But he warned that the UAW could announce such an expansion of its strikes at any time, depending on how much progress it makes in its negotiations with the automakers.

In the past 24 hours, Fain said, Stellantis and GM have made wage offers that matched Ford’s 23% over the life of a four year contract. But, speaking in his characteristic sharp tones, the union president insisted that the companies can go further.

“We’ve got cards left to play, and they’ve got money left to spend,” he said.

Arguing that Ford “pretends they can’t afford what we’re asking for,” Fain noted that the company has complained about the union's walkout at the Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville, which has had to shut down. That plant is the largest and most profitable Ford factory in the world.

Though Fain said the UAW will make an aggressive push to secure better contract offers, he contended that the companies are trying to divide union members.

“They just want to wait us out,” he said. "They want to divide. They want fear and they want uncertainty. What we have is solidarity.”

While the companies keep touting that they have made record offers to the UAW, Fain said they are insufficient to make up for how much ground workers have lost during the past two decades. Every time the automakers make an offer, Fain said, they insist it's the best they can do, only to return days later with a better offer.

“What that should tell you," Fain said, is that “there's room to move.”

In a statement, GM said it made an offer Friday with “substantial movement in all key areas in an effort to reach a final agreement with the UAW and get our people back to work.”

The company says the offer raises pay for most of the work force to $40.39 per hour, or about $84,000 per year by the end of a four-year contract. That's a 23% increase over the $32.32 per hour that most factory workers make. Compounded annually it's 25%.

The company also said it reinstated cost of living raises for many employees in the first year of the contract, boosting the pay increase to over 30% by September of 2027. Workers gave up the inflation-fighting raises in 2007 when the companies were in financial trouble.

GM previously had offered to contribute 8% of a worker's salary into 401(k) defined contribution plans.

The UAW had been seeking 36% raises over the four years.

Stephen McCray, one of the striking GM workers at a factory in Wentzville, Missouri near St. Louis, said the company's latest offer seems to be good, but he is suspicious that GM will wait a year to give cost of living increases.

A former temporary worker, he's concerned that part-time temps won't be converted to full time in the deal. That said, McCray thinks workers will ratify the contract because of the raises, cost of living pay, and other benefits, if Fain tells workers this is the best deal he could get.

“If this is what he's going to bring to the table, after everything that has been going on since September, I believe it will be ratified,” McCray said. “This might be the best that they might bring out.”

But Adrian Mitchell, a striking worker at GM's parts warehouse in Van Buren Township, Michigan, said increases in the 401(k) payment and for retirement health care aren't big enough. He doesn't think there's enough yet for a tentative agreement. “I think he should maybe fight a little more at the table to try to get a few more things,” Mitchell said.

It's not clear just when Fain may call on more workers to strike and join the 34,000 already off the job at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/auto-workers-uaw-strikes-layoffs-factories-60f444a85a51b1261b093fdaaae4bdb4">six vehicle assembly plants and 38 parts distribution warehouses.</a>

Masters said in order to settle with all three, Ford and Stellantis will have to join&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/auto-workers-strike-general-motors-battery-plants-a6ad7d6b9c3f42c24f3c7dbe21f4b694">GM in agreeing to include future electric vehicle battery factories</a>&nbsp;in the UAW national agreement. That would essentially ensure that the factories of the future would be represented by the union, a key point for the UAW.

Last week, before GM agreed to the battery plant provisions, the union had threatened to close a GM factory in Arlington, Texas, which makes highly profitable large SUVs.

The union's strikes at targeted plants at each company began on Sept. 15 and are nearing the start of their sixth week.

The UAW also is seeking restoration of defined benefit pensions that workers gave up in the Great Recession, pension increases for retirees, an end to varying tiers of wages for workers and other items. GM's offer appears to end the tiers in the last year of the new contract.

GM said Thursday that it can't give Fain everything he wants because it needs profits to invest in future vehicles and factories. Ford and Stellantis have made similar comments, with Ford saying&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bill-ford-executive-chairman-uaw-contract-talks-27b702b36599bf1706e1c692ccfda1c6">it has reached the limit</a>&nbsp;on how much it can spend to settle the strike.

The union, however, says labor expenses are only about 5% of a vehicle's costs, and the companies can divert money from profits and stock buybacks to pay for raises that cover inflation and make up for years of contracts without significant increases.

The strikes&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/auto-workers-targeted-strikes-general-motors-stellantis-ford-a0b4b8b66e2001230fda0f2114ef78a0">started with one assembly plant from each compan</a>, and the union later added the parts warehouses, then one assembly plant each from Ford and GM. Last week the union made a surprise move, escalating the strikes by adding a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/auto-workers-uaw-strikes-layoffs-factories-60f444a85a51b1261b093fdaaae4bdb4">huge Ford pickup truck and SUV plant in Louisville, Kentucky</a>.

About 23% of the union's 146,000 members employed by the three automakers are on strike.

DETROIT (AP) — United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain said Friday that while Detroit’s automakers have increased their wage and benefit offers, he believes the union can gain more if it holds out longer in contract talks.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fuaw.union%2Fvideos%2F858429455979292%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=830" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>In a Facebook Live appearance, Fain didn’t announce any more factories to add to those that have been on strike for up to five weeks. But he warned that the UAW could announce such an expansion of its strikes at any time, depending on how much progress it makes in its negotiations with the automakers.In the past 24 hours, Fain said, Stellantis and GM have made wage offers that matched Ford’s 23% over the life of a four year contract. But, speaking in his characteristic sharp tones, the union president insisted that the companies can go further.“We’ve got cards left to play, and they’ve got money left to spend,” he said.Arguing that Ford “pretends they can’t afford what we’re asking for,” Fain noted that the company has complained about the union's walkout at the Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville, which has had to shut down. That plant is the largest and most profitable Ford factory in the world.Though Fain said the UAW will make an aggressive push to secure better contract offers, he contended that the companies are trying to divide union members.“They just want to wait us out,” he said. "They want to divide. They want fear and they want uncertainty. What we have is solidarity.”While the companies keep touting that they have made record offers to the UAW, Fain said they are insufficient to make up for how much ground workers have lost during the past two decades. Every time the automakers make an offer, Fain said, they insist it's the best they can do, only to return days later with a better offer.“What that should tell you," Fain said, is that “there's room to move.”In a statement, GM said it made an offer Friday with “substantial movement in all key areas in an effort to reach a final agreement with the UAW and get our people back to work.”The company says the offer raises pay for most of the work force to $40.39 per hour, or about $84,000 per year by the end of a four-year contract. That's a 23% increase over the $32.32 per hour that most factory workers make. Compounded annually it's 25%.The company also said it reinstated cost of living raises for many employees in the first year of the contract, boosting the pay increase to over 30% by September of 2027. Workers gave up the inflation-fighting raises in 2007 when the companies were in financial trouble.GM previously had offered to contribute 8% of a worker's salary into 401(k) defined contribution plans.The UAW had been seeking 36% raises over the four years.Stephen McCray, one of the striking GM workers at a factory in Wentzville, Missouri near St. Louis, said the company's latest offer seems to be good, but he is suspicious that GM will wait a year to give cost of living increases.A former temporary worker, he's concerned that part-time temps won't be converted to full time in the deal. That said, McCray thinks workers will ratify the contract because of the raises, cost of living pay, and other benefits, if Fain tells workers this is the best deal he could get.“If this is what he's going to bring to the table, after everything that has been going on since September, I believe it will be ratified,” McCray said. “This might be the best that they might bring out.”But Adrian Mitchell, a striking worker at GM's parts warehouse in Van Buren Township, Michigan, said increases in the 401(k) payment and for retirement health care aren't big enough. He doesn't think there's enough yet for a tentative agreement. “I think he should maybe fight a little more at the table to try to get a few more things,” Mitchell said.It's not clear just when Fain may call on more workers to strike and join the 34,000 already off the job at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/auto-workers-uaw-strikes-layoffs-factories-60f444a85a51b1261b093fdaaae4bdb4">six vehicle assembly plants and 38 parts distribution warehouses.</a>Masters said in order to settle with all three, Ford and Stellantis will have to join&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/auto-workers-strike-general-motors-battery-plants-a6ad7d6b9c3f42c24f3c7dbe21f4b694">GM in agreeing to include future electric vehicle battery factories</a>&nbsp;in the UAW national agreement. That would essentially ensure that the factories of the future would be represented by the union, a key point for the UAW.Last week, before GM agreed to the battery plant provisions, the union had threatened to close a GM factory in Arlington, Texas, which makes highly profitable large SUVs.The union's strikes at targeted plants at each company began on Sept. 15 and are nearing the start of their sixth week.The UAW also is seeking restoration of defined benefit pensions that workers gave up in the Great Recession, pension increases for retirees, an end to varying tiers of wages for workers and other items. GM's offer appears to end the tiers in the last year of the new contract.GM said Thursday that it can't give Fain everything he wants because it needs profits to invest in future vehicles and factories. Ford and Stellantis have made similar comments, with Ford saying&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bill-ford-executive-chairman-uaw-contract-talks-27b702b36599bf1706e1c692ccfda1c6">it has reached the limit</a>&nbsp;on how much it can spend to settle the strike.The union, however, says labor expenses are only about 5% of a vehicle's costs, and the companies can divert money from profits and stock buybacks to pay for raises that cover inflation and make up for years of contracts without significant increases.The strikes&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/auto-workers-targeted-strikes-general-motors-stellantis-ford-a0b4b8b66e2001230fda0f2114ef78a0">started with one assembly plant from each compan</a>, and the union later added the parts warehouses, then one assembly plant each from Ford and GM. Last week the union made a surprise move, escalating the strikes by adding a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/auto-workers-uaw-strikes-layoffs-factories-60f444a85a51b1261b093fdaaae4bdb4">huge Ford pickup truck and SUV plant in Louisville, Kentucky</a>.About 23% of the union's 146,000 members employed by the three automakers are on strike.

🎥Head of auto workers union says strikes will continue

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/10/19/steep-increase-and-spread-of-slot-machine-like-skill-games-prompt-concern/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — The poster on the side of the U-Stop convenience store in south Lincoln proclaims “win big.” Just inside the business, another sign flashes “win cash.”

The messages don’t refer to the loaves of breads and six-packs of beer that fill the aisles of the store, but to three so-called “skill games” tucked in a corner.

“It’s something to do,” said 28-year-old Gregorio Seda, who, on his day off, was pushing the buttons on a video machine called “The Buffalo Game,” causing figures of buffalo, eagles and deer to tumble on the screen like a video slot machine.

Seda wasn’t winning today, but he said he once put $3 into a machine in Norfolk and, on plays costing 25 cents each, eventually lined up the characters to win $6,000.

“It’s a little rush when you win,” he said. “It’s hard to stop.”

What’s not hard now is finding one of these skill games.

State statistics indicate that&nbsp;4,752 such video machines are now located in nearly 1,600 retail locations across Nebraska, from convenience stores, to grocery stores, to restaurants and bars.

Since Jan. 1, an additional 1,113 skill games have been installed across the state — a growth rate of 27%. And about 900 more skill games have obtained state permits and have yet to be installed.

The rapid expansion is drawing the concern of state legislators, people who counsel problem gamblers and operators of the state’s fledgling casino industry, who see skill games as unregulated and under-taxed competition.

“For a state that’s so anti-gambling, to have something that’s the equivalent of a slot machine everywhere, it really is astounding,” said Lance Morgan, president and CEO of Ho-Chunk Inc., which&nbsp;operates the 1-year-old WarHorse Casino in Lincoln.

Morgan said it galls him that a skill game machine — which is considered a game of “skill” rather than a game of “chance” like a slot machine — can be installed after obtaining a $250 state sticker. Meanwhile, it cost his organization&nbsp;$5 million to obtain a state casino license to allow slot machines.

“I could have just skipped the casinos and bought a bunch of gas stations,” he said. “It would have been a lot cheaper.”

On Friday, the State Legislature’s committee that oversees gambling issues will hold a public, interim hearing at 9:30 a.m. at the State Capitol.

State Sen. John Lowe of Kearney, who chairs the General Affairs Committee, said he called for a hearing this Friday after hearing complaints about the proliferation of the slot machine-type games. The hearing is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. at the State Capitol.

“I just want to find out the reasoning, why we see so many,” Lowe said. “Did we create a whole new industry here?”

&nbsp;In Lincoln, 769 skill games are now installed across the state’s second-largest city compared to 400 slot machines at Morgan’s casino along U.S. 77. If customers get tired of the WarHorse slot machines, they can walk across the road to a U-Stop where there’s a grouping of skill games.

Promoters of skill games say that comparing them to slot machines is like comparing an apple to an orange. Skill games, they maintain, require some level of skill to win, and some people are skilled enough to regularly win money. Slot machines, by comparison, pay out based on a random number of plays and are programmed to provide payouts every so often to reinforce additional wagers.

But when it comes to problem gambling, the head of the state’s program that offers help to compulsive gamblers says there’s no real difference.

“We’re seeing just about as many people who are in trouble with playing on those (skill) things as there are playing slot machines in a casino,” said David Geier, the director of the Nebraska Gamblers Assistance Program.

Skill games are an addictive form of gambling, and those who play then, tend to play them a lot, he said.

A growing concern in the problem gambling arena, Geier said, is that gamblers are starting at a younger and younger age. About 68% the new clients seeking help from his program started at age 18 or younger, he said.

One problem with skill games, Geier said, is that younger kids can easily play them because they are in public places, not well-monitored casinos.

“There isn’t anyone checking identification at those places,” he said, of the locations where skill games can be found.

Seda, as he punched the button on his skill game, said he’s seen younger kids play the games, though not at the Lincoln convenience store where he was playing.

Just a few feet from where he played, there was a sign saying that no one under 19 years of age is permitted in that corner of the U-Stop. Another sign promoted how to contact the problem gamblers program.

A&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=50492">bill to increase regulation, and taxes,</a>&nbsp;on skill machines was introduced this spring by Albion Sen. Tom Briese, who recently was appointed State Treasurer, but it failed to advance.

Morgan, the casino operator, said the Legislature should at least increase regulation of the machines and shift enforcement to the State Racing and Gaming Commission.

Right now, the Nebraska Department of Revenue issues the $250 stickers that permit the skill games, much like the stickers issued for regular video games that are installed in bars and restaurants. Locations are limited in the number of skill games they can install based on their square footage.

Whether a new bill will come out of Friday’s interim hearing, as is usually the case, is unclear.

Sen. Lowe said he has “no agenda” at this point.

The original intent of such skill games, he said, was to allow American Legion clubs and other charities a way to raise money to pay rent and other expenses.

“And maybe have a few at some of the C stores,” Lowe added. “They all have them now.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697813883130.jpeg" alt=" So-called “skill games,” like these at the Daily Double keno parlor in Denton, have proliferated across the state. They are not considered “gambling” because it takes some level of skill to win. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption> So-called “skill games,” like these at the Daily Double keno parlor in Denton, have proliferated across the state. They are not considered “gambling” because it takes some level of skill to win. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Paul Hammel<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/10/19/steep-increase-and-spread-of-slot-machine-like-skill-games-prompt-concern/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — The poster on the side of the U-Stop convenience store in south Lincoln proclaims “win big.” Just inside the business, another sign flashes “win cash.”The messages don’t refer to the loaves of breads and six-packs of beer that fill the aisles of the store, but to three so-called “skill games” tucked in a corner.“It’s something to do,” said 28-year-old Gregorio Seda, who, on his day off, was pushing the buttons on a video machine called “The Buffalo Game,” causing figures of buffalo, eagles and deer to tumble on the screen like a video slot machine.<h2>‘It’s a rush’</h2>Seda wasn’t winning today, but he said he once put $3 into a machine in Norfolk and, on plays costing 25 cents each, eventually lined up the characters to win $6,000.“It’s a little rush when you win,” he said. “It’s hard to stop.”What’s not hard now is finding one of these skill games.State statistics indicate that&nbsp;4,752 such video machines are now located in nearly 1,600 retail locations across Nebraska, from convenience stores, to grocery stores, to restaurants and bars.Since Jan. 1, an additional 1,113 skill games have been installed across the state — a growth rate of 27%. And about 900 more skill games have obtained state permits and have yet to be installed.The rapid expansion is drawing the concern of state legislators, people who counsel problem gamblers and operators of the state’s fledgling casino industry, who see skill games as unregulated and under-taxed competition.<h2>‘Astounding’ increase</h2>“For a state that’s so anti-gambling, to have something that’s the equivalent of a slot machine everywhere, it really is astounding,” said Lance Morgan, president and CEO of Ho-Chunk Inc., which&nbsp;operates the 1-year-old WarHorse Casino in Lincoln.Morgan said it galls him that a skill game machine — which is considered a game of “skill” rather than a game of “chance” like a slot machine — can be installed after obtaining a $250 state sticker. Meanwhile, it cost his organization&nbsp;$5 million to obtain a state casino license to allow slot machines.“I could have just skipped the casinos and bought a bunch of gas stations,” he said. “It would have been a lot cheaper.”On Friday, the State Legislature’s committee that oversees gambling issues will hold a public, interim hearing at 9:30 a.m. at the State Capitol.State Sen. John Lowe of Kearney, who chairs the General Affairs Committee, said he called for a hearing this Friday after hearing complaints about the proliferation of the slot machine-type games. The hearing is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. at the State Capitol.<h2>‘Why so many?’</h2>“I just want to find out the reasoning, why we see so many,” Lowe said. “Did we create a whole new industry here?”&nbsp;In Lincoln, 769 skill games are now installed across the state’s second-largest city compared to 400 slot machines at Morgan’s casino along U.S. 77. If customers get tired of the WarHorse slot machines, they can walk across the road to a U-Stop where there’s a grouping of skill games.Promoters of skill games say that comparing them to slot machines is like comparing an apple to an orange. Skill games, they maintain, require some level of skill to win, and some people are skilled enough to regularly win money. Slot machines, by comparison, pay out based on a random number of plays and are programmed to provide payouts every so often to reinforce additional wagers.But when it comes to problem gambling, the head of the state’s program that offers help to compulsive gamblers says there’s no real difference.<h2>A leading cause of problem gambling</h2>“We’re seeing just about as many people who are in trouble with playing on those (skill) things as there are playing slot machines in a casino,” said David Geier, the director of the Nebraska Gamblers Assistance Program.Skill games are an addictive form of gambling, and those who play then, tend to play them a lot, he said.A growing concern in the problem gambling arena, Geier said, is that gamblers are starting at a younger and younger age. About 68% the new clients seeking help from his program started at age 18 or younger, he said.One problem with skill games, Geier said, is that younger kids can easily play them because they are in public places, not well-monitored casinos.<h2>Young gamblers a problem</h2>“There isn’t anyone checking identification at those places,” he said, of the locations where skill games can be found.Seda, as he punched the button on his skill game, said he’s seen younger kids play the games, though not at the Lincoln convenience store where he was playing.Just a few feet from where he played, there was a sign saying that no one under 19 years of age is permitted in that corner of the U-Stop. Another sign promoted how to contact the problem gamblers program.A&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=50492">bill to increase regulation, and taxes,</a>&nbsp;on skill machines was introduced this spring by Albion Sen. Tom Briese, who recently was appointed State Treasurer, but it failed to advance.Morgan, the casino operator, said the Legislature should at least increase regulation of the machines and shift enforcement to the State Racing and Gaming Commission.Right now, the Nebraska Department of Revenue issues the $250 stickers that permit the skill games, much like the stickers issued for regular video games that are installed in bars and restaurants. Locations are limited in the number of skill games they can install based on their square footage.Whether a new bill will come out of Friday’s interim hearing, as is usually the case, is unclear.Sen. Lowe said he has “no agenda” at this point.The original intent of such skill games, he said, was to allow American Legion clubs and other charities a way to raise money to pay rent and other expenses.“And maybe have a few at some of the C stores,” Lowe added. “They all have them now.”

Steep increase and spread of slot machine-like ‘skill games’ prompt concern

WASHINGTON (AP)— President Joe Biden is celebrating the release of a Chicago-area woman and her teenage daughter who had been visiting Israel when they were taken hostage by Hamas militants Oct. 7.

The Israeli military said Judith Raanan and her 17-year-old daughter Natalie, were released to the Israeli military Friday. Hamas said the Qatari government was instrumental in securing their release.

“Our fellow citizens have endured a terrible ordeal these past 14 days, and I am overjoyed that they will soon be reunited with their family, who has been wracked with fear,” Biden said in a statement.

Thanking the governments of Qatar and Israel for their help, Biden said the White House had been “working around-the-clock” to secure the release of American hostages “and we have not ceased our efforts to secure the release of those who are still being held.”

KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) — Hamas militants on Friday freed two Americans -- a mother and her teenage daughter who had been held hostage in Gaza since militants rampaged through Israel two weeks ago, the Israeli government said.

The pair, who also hold Israeli citizenship, were the first hostages to be released, and more than 200 are still being held.

Hamas said it was releasing them in an agreement with the Qatari government for humanitarian reasons.

Relatives of other captives welcomed the release and appealed for others to be freed.

“We call on world leaders and the international community to exert their full power in order to act for the release of all the hostages and missing,’’ the statement said.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below.

KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israel said Friday it does not plan to take long-term control over the Gaza Strip after an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-gaza-hamas-military-urban-battle-89e45b149f3b88cd647cf6376dbfe0ac">expected ground offensive</a>&nbsp;to root out Hamas militants that rule the territory. The Israeli military punished Gaza with airstrikes, authorities inched closer to bringing aid to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-war-refugees-6cf0ff04e513ecec12cf9152656ac1b6">desperate families and hospitals</a>, and Muslims around the world protested in solidarity with Palestinians.

Israel&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/israel-hamas-war-news-10-19-2023">bombed areas in southern Gaza</a>&nbsp;where Palestinians had been told to seek safety while it tries to destroy Hamas in retaliation for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-conflict-endgame-1bfcc187d826596e78090ec6cbf6516c">its brutal rampage in Israel</a>&nbsp;two weeks ago. Fighting between Israel and militants in neighboring Lebanon also raged,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lebanon-israel-conflict-displaced-tyre-hamas-hezbollah-schools-3e704f45e99b83d7516134d6b7801582">prompting evacuations</a>&nbsp;of Lebanese and Israeli border towns as fears of a widening conflict grew.

Speaking to lawmakers about Israel’s long-term plans for Gaza, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant laid out a three-stage plan that seemed to suggest that Israel did not intend to reoccupy the territory it left in 2005.

First, Israeli airstrikes and “maneuvering” — a presumed reference to a ground attack — would aim to root out Hamas. Next will come a lower intensity fight to defeat remaining pockets of resistance. And, finally, a new “security regime” will be created in Gaza along with “the removal of Israel’s responsibility for life in the Gaza Strip,” Gallant said.

Gallant did not say who Israel expected to run Gaza if Hamas is toppled or what the new security regime would entail.

Israel occupied Gaza from 1967 until 2005, when it pulled up settlements and withdrew soldiers. Two years later, Hamas took over. Some Israelis blame the withdrawal from Gaza for the sporadic violence that has persisted since then.

More than 1,400 people in Israel have been killed since Hamas attacked on Oct. 7 — mostly civilians slain during the incursion that shattered Israelis sense of security and resulted in 203 hostages taken into Gaza.

The Health Ministry run by Hamas says more than 4,100 people have been killed in Gaza since the war began. That includes a disputed number of people who died in a hospital explosion earlier this week.

The humanitarian crisis worsened for Gaza's 2.3 million civilians, as workers along its border with Egypt repaired the border crossing in a first step to bring aid to Palestinians running out of fuel, food, water and medicine.

Over a million people have been displaced in Gaza.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hospital-explosion-3d255725997c4e2757372b3ee2fc8859">Many heeded Israel’s orders to evacuate</a>&nbsp;the northern part of the sealed-off enclave on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Although Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called areas in southern Gaza “safe zones” earlier this week, Israeli military spokesman Nir Dinar said Friday: “There are no safe zones.”

U.N. officials said that with the bombings across all of Gaza, some Palestinians who had fled the north appeared to be going back.

“The strikes, coupled with extremely difficult living conditions in the south, appear to have pushed some to return to the north, despite the continuing heavy bombing there,” Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the U.N. human rights office, said.

Gaza’s overwhelmed hospitals were rationing their dwindling resources, as authorities worked out logistics for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-war-biden-hospital-d9606e0ead1f8c4e9fd00b602ed14a38">a desperately needed aid delivery from Egypt</a>.

Generators in Shifa Hospital, Gaza’s largest, were operating at the lowest setting to conserve fuel while providing power to vital departments such as intensive care, hospital director Mohammed Abu Selmia said. Others worked in darkness.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697827658899.png" alt="In this undated photo provided by Rabbi Meir Hecht on behalf of the Raanan family is Judith Raanan, left, and her daughter Natalie, 18, after Natalie's recent high school graduation. Judith and Natalie are missing while visiting relatives in Nahal Oz for Simchat Torah, a festive Jewish holiday that marks the conclusion of the annual reading of the Torah. (Raanan Family via AP)" />
 <figcaption>In this undated photo provided by Rabbi Meir Hecht on behalf of the Raanan family is Judith Raanan, left, and her daughter Natalie, 18, after Natalie's recent high school graduation. Judith and Natalie are missing while visiting relatives in Nahal Oz for Simchat Torah, a festive Jewish holiday that marks the conclusion of the annual reading of the Torah. (Raanan Family via AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP)— President Joe Biden is celebrating the release of a Chicago-area woman and her teenage daughter who had been visiting Israel when they were taken hostage by Hamas militants Oct. 7.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Today, we have secured the release of two Americans taken hostage by Hamas during the horrific terrorist assault against Israel. Our fellow citizens have endured a terrible ordeal these past 14 days, and I am overjoyed that they will soon be reunited with their family.&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1715457670935728145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Israeli military said Judith Raanan and her 17-year-old daughter Natalie, were released to the Israeli military Friday. Hamas said the Qatari government was instrumental in securing their release.“Our fellow citizens have endured a terrible ordeal these past 14 days, and I am overjoyed that they will soon be reunited with their family, who has been wracked with fear,” Biden said in a statement.Thanking the governments of Qatar and Israel for their help, Biden said the White House had been “working around-the-clock” to secure the release of American hostages “and we have not ceased our efforts to secure the release of those who are still being held.”-------------------KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) — Hamas militants on Friday freed two Americans -- a mother and her teenage daughter who had been held hostage in Gaza since militants rampaged through Israel two weeks ago, the Israeli government said.The pair, who also hold Israeli citizenship, were the first hostages to be released, and more than 200 are still being held.Hamas said it was releasing them in an agreement with the Qatari government for humanitarian reasons.Relatives of other captives welcomed the release and appealed for others to be freed.“We call on world leaders and the international community to exert their full power in order to act for the release of all the hostages and missing,’’ the statement said.THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below.KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israel said Friday it does not plan to take long-term control over the Gaza Strip after an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-gaza-hamas-military-urban-battle-89e45b149f3b88cd647cf6376dbfe0ac">expected ground offensive</a>&nbsp;to root out Hamas militants that rule the territory. The Israeli military punished Gaza with airstrikes, authorities inched closer to bringing aid to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-war-refugees-6cf0ff04e513ecec12cf9152656ac1b6">desperate families and hospitals</a>, and Muslims around the world protested in solidarity with Palestinians.Israel&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/israel-hamas-war-news-10-19-2023">bombed areas in southern Gaza</a>&nbsp;where Palestinians had been told to seek safety while it tries to destroy Hamas in retaliation for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-conflict-endgame-1bfcc187d826596e78090ec6cbf6516c">its brutal rampage in Israel</a>&nbsp;two weeks ago. Fighting between Israel and militants in neighboring Lebanon also raged,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lebanon-israel-conflict-displaced-tyre-hamas-hezbollah-schools-3e704f45e99b83d7516134d6b7801582">prompting evacuations</a>&nbsp;of Lebanese and Israeli border towns as fears of a widening conflict grew.Speaking to lawmakers about Israel’s long-term plans for Gaza, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant laid out a three-stage plan that seemed to suggest that Israel did not intend to reoccupy the territory it left in 2005.First, Israeli airstrikes and “maneuvering” — a presumed reference to a ground attack — would aim to root out Hamas. Next will come a lower intensity fight to defeat remaining pockets of resistance. And, finally, a new “security regime” will be created in Gaza along with “the removal of Israel’s responsibility for life in the Gaza Strip,” Gallant said.Gallant did not say who Israel expected to run Gaza if Hamas is toppled or what the new security regime would entail.Israel occupied Gaza from 1967 until 2005, when it pulled up settlements and withdrew soldiers. Two years later, Hamas took over. Some Israelis blame the withdrawal from Gaza for the sporadic violence that has persisted since then.More than 1,400 people in Israel have been killed since Hamas attacked on Oct. 7 — mostly civilians slain during the incursion that shattered Israelis sense of security and resulted in 203 hostages taken into Gaza.The Health Ministry run by Hamas says more than 4,100 people have been killed in Gaza since the war began. That includes a disputed number of people who died in a hospital explosion earlier this week.The humanitarian crisis worsened for Gaza's 2.3 million civilians, as workers along its border with Egypt repaired the border crossing in a first step to bring aid to Palestinians running out of fuel, food, water and medicine.Over a million people have been displaced in Gaza.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hospital-explosion-3d255725997c4e2757372b3ee2fc8859">Many heeded Israel’s orders to evacuate</a>&nbsp;the northern part of the sealed-off enclave on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Although Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called areas in southern Gaza “safe zones” earlier this week, Israeli military spokesman Nir Dinar said Friday: “There are no safe zones.”U.N. officials said that with the bombings across all of Gaza, some Palestinians who had fled the north appeared to be going back.“The strikes, coupled with extremely difficult living conditions in the south, appear to have pushed some to return to the north, despite the continuing heavy bombing there,” Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the U.N. human rights office, said.Gaza’s overwhelmed hospitals were rationing their dwindling resources, as authorities worked out logistics for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-war-biden-hospital-d9606e0ead1f8c4e9fd00b602ed14a38">a desperately needed aid delivery from Egypt</a>.Generators in Shifa Hospital, Gaza’s largest, were operating at the lowest setting to conserve fuel while providing power to vital departments such as intensive care, hospital director Mohammed Abu Selmia said. Others worked in darkness.“I don’t know how long (the fuel) will last. Every day we evaluate the situation,” he said.The lack of medical supplies and water are making it difficult to treat the mass of victims from the Israeli strikes, he said.The deal to get aid into Gaza through the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-gaza-palestinians-egypt-sinai-war-894d45535fed1049a0076453ca99c555">territory’s only entry point not controlled by Israel</a>&nbsp;remained fragile. Israel said the supplies could only go to civilians and that it would “thwart” any diversions by Hamas. It was unclear if fuel for the hospital generators would be allowed to enter.Work continued Friday to repair the road at the Rafah border between Egypt and Gaza that had been damaged in airstrikes. Trucks unloaded gravel, and bulldozers and other equipment was used to fill in large craters.A U.S. official who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss a rapidly changing situation said aid had been delayed because of ongoing road repairs, and that it was expected to move across the border Saturday. More than 200 trucks and some 3,000 tons of aid were positioned near the crossing.U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres visited the crossing Friday and appealed for the quick movement of aid into Gaza, calling it “the difference between life and death.”Israel has evacuated its own communities near Gaza and Lebanon, putting residents up in hotels elsewhere in the country. The Defense Ministry announced evacuation plans Friday for Kiryat Shmona, a town of more than 20,000 residents near the Lebanese border. Three Israelis including a 5-year-old girl were wounded in a rocket attack there Thursday, according to Israeli health services.Lebanon’s Hezbollah militant group, which has a massive arsenal of long-range rockets,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lebanon-israel-hezbollah-clashes-cadccde8c6ce5400ee36fd12d3bfea52">has traded fire with Israel along the border</a>&nbsp;on a near-daily basis and hinted it might join the war if Israel seeks to annihilate Hamas. Iran supports both armed groups.The violence in Gaza has also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-gaza-hospital-jordan-egypt-protests-590f24d154fb3cb256ec1707ec78b816">sparked protests across the region</a>, including in Arab countries allied with the U.S.Palestinians in Gaza reported heavy airstrikes in Khan Younis, a town in the territory’s south, and ambulances carrying men, women and children streamed into the local Nasser Hospital.Late Thursday, an Israeli airstrike hit a Greek Orthodox church in Gaza City housing displaced Palestinians. The military said it had targeted a Hamas command center nearby, causing damage to a church wall. Gaza’s Hamas-run Health Ministry said 16 Palestinian Christians were killed.The Greek Orthodox Patriarchy of Jerusalem condemned the attack and said it would “not abandon its religious and humanitarian duty” to provide assistance.Palestinian militants have launched unrelenting rocket attacks into Israel — more than 6,900 since Oct. 7, according to Israel — and tensions have flared in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.Israel has targeted militants in raids across the occupied territory. On Friday, two Palestinian teenagers were killed in clashes in the West Bank, where more than 80 Palestinians have been killed over the past two weeks.An unclassified U.S. intelligence assessment estimated casualties in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hospital-explosion-3d255725997c4e2757372b3ee2fc8859">an explosion at a Gaza City hospital</a>&nbsp;this week on the “low end” of 100 to 300 deaths. It said intelligence officials were still assessing the evidence and the casualty estimate may evolve.The report echoed earlier assessments by U.S. officials that the massive blast at the al-Ahli hospital was not caused by an Israeli airstrike, as Hamas has reported. Israel has presented video, audio and other evidence it says proves the blast was caused by a rocket misfired by Palestinian militants.