WASHINGTON (AP) —The human species has topped 8 billion, with longer lifespans offsetting fewer births, but world population growth continues a long-term trend of slowing down, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/growth-population-demographics-race-hispanic-f563ebc4537f83792f3f91ba5d7cdade" target="_blank">U.S. Census Bureau</a>&nbsp;said Thursday.

The bureau estimates the global population exceeded the threshold Sept. 26, a precise date the agency said to take with a grain of salt.

The United Nations estimated the number was passed 10 months earlier, having declared November 22, 2022, the “Day of 8 Billion,” the Census Bureau pointed out in a statement.

The discrepancy is due to countries counting people differently — or not at all. Many lack systems to record births and deaths. Some of the most populous countries, such as India and Nigeria, haven’t conducted censuses in over a decade, according to the bureau.

While world population growth remains brisk, growing from 6 billion to 8 billion since the turn of the millennium, the rate has slowed since doubling between 1960 and 2000.

People living to older ages account for much of the recent increase. The global median age, now 32, has been rising in a trend expected to continue toward 39 in 2060.

Countries such as Canada have been aging with declining older-age mortality, while countries such as Nigeria have seen dramatic declines in deaths of children under 5.

Fertility rates, or the rate of births per woman of childbearing age, are meanwhile declining, falling below replacement level in much of the world and contributing to a more than 50-year trend, on average, of slimmer increases in population growth.

The minimum number of such births necessary to replace both the father and mother for neutral world population is 2.1, demographers say. Almost three-quarters of people now live in countries with fertility rates around or below that level.

Countries with fertility rates around replacement level include India, Tunisia and Argentina.

About 15% of people live in places with fertility rates below replacement level. Countries with low fertility rates include Brazil, Mexico, the U.S. and Sweden, while those with very low fertility rates include China, South Korea and Spain.

Israel, Ethiopia and Papua New Guinea rank among countries with higher-than-replacement fertility rates of up to 5. Such countries have almost one-quarter of the world’s population.

Only about 4% of the world’s population lives in countries with fertility rates above 5. All are in Africa.

Global fertility rates are projected to decline at least through 2060, with no country projected to have a rate higher than 4 by then, according to the bureau.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/6/1560272142634.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —The human species has topped 8 billion, with longer lifespans offsetting fewer births, but world population growth continues a long-term trend of slowing down, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/growth-population-demographics-race-hispanic-f563ebc4537f83792f3f91ba5d7cdade" target="_blank">U.S. Census Bureau</a>&nbsp;said Thursday.The bureau estimates the global population exceeded the threshold Sept. 26, a precise date the agency said to take with a grain of salt.The United Nations estimated the number was passed 10 months earlier, having declared November 22, 2022, the “Day of 8 Billion,” the Census Bureau pointed out in a statement.The discrepancy is due to countries counting people differently — or not at all. Many lack systems to record births and deaths. Some of the most populous countries, such as India and Nigeria, haven’t conducted censuses in over a decade, according to the bureau.While world population growth remains brisk, growing from 6 billion to 8 billion since the turn of the millennium, the rate has slowed since doubling between 1960 and 2000.People living to older ages account for much of the recent increase. The global median age, now 32, has been rising in a trend expected to continue toward 39 in 2060.Countries such as Canada have been aging with declining older-age mortality, while countries such as Nigeria have seen dramatic declines in deaths of children under 5.Fertility rates, or the rate of births per woman of childbearing age, are meanwhile declining, falling below replacement level in much of the world and contributing to a more than 50-year trend, on average, of slimmer increases in population growth.The minimum number of such births necessary to replace both the father and mother for neutral world population is 2.1, demographers say. Almost three-quarters of people now live in countries with fertility rates around or below that level.Countries with fertility rates around replacement level include India, Tunisia and Argentina.About 15% of people live in places with fertility rates below replacement level. Countries with low fertility rates include Brazil, Mexico, the U.S. and Sweden, while those with very low fertility rates include China, South Korea and Spain.Israel, Ethiopia and Papua New Guinea rank among countries with higher-than-replacement fertility rates of up to 5. Such countries have almost one-quarter of the world’s population.Only about 4% of the world’s population lives in countries with fertility rates above 5. All are in Africa.Global fertility rates are projected to decline at least through 2060, with no country projected to have a rate higher than 4 by then, according to the bureau.

Feeling crowded? World’s population has passed 8 billion

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nehawka-farmer-ordered-to-pay-500000-spend-30-days-in-jail-for-overstating-assets/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — A 34-year-old Nehawka, Nebraska, farmer has been sentenced in federal court to 30 days in jail and ordered to pay $500,206 in restitution for overstating his farm assets to obtain a bank loan.

The farmer, Nolan Balfour, admitted that he had inflated the amount of crops he had harvested and the number of cattle he was raising after he had filed for bankruptcy in 2018.

The bank fraud occurred in 2017, when Balfour submitted a financial statement to First Nebraska Bank to renew a $1.1 million operating loan.

The bank suffered an undisclosed financial loss, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Paul Hammel<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nehawka-farmer-ordered-to-pay-500000-spend-30-days-in-jail-for-overstating-assets/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — A 34-year-old Nehawka, Nebraska, farmer has been sentenced in federal court to 30 days in jail and ordered to pay $500,206 in restitution for overstating his farm assets to obtain a bank loan.The farmer, Nolan Balfour, admitted that he had inflated the amount of crops he had harvested and the number of cattle he was raising after he had filed for bankruptcy in 2018.The bank fraud occurred in 2017, when Balfour submitted a financial statement to First Nebraska Bank to renew a $1.1 million operating loan.The bank suffered an undisclosed financial loss, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.The case was investigated by the FBI.

Nehawka farmer ordered to pay $500,000, spend 30 days in jail for overstating assets

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (AP) — A man was arrested early Friday in the alleged assault of former U.S. Sen.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/former-us-senator-martha-mcsally-assault-f1aee835f802b3d12d7499d94effefc7">Martha McSally</a>&nbsp;of Arizona, who says she was molested as she jogged along the Missouri River in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Council Bluffs police said in a statement that the 25-year-old suspect from Papillion, Nebraska, was spotted by officers in Omaha, Nebraska, at 3:23 a.m. and arrested. Police said the man will be extradited back to Council Bluffs.

"You picked the wrong target," McSally wrote of the attacker in a Facebook post. She earlier described the Wednesday morning attack in a video she posted&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/marthamcsally">online</a>.

“A man came up behind me and he engulfed me in a bear hug and he molested and fondled me until I fought him off,” she said. “I then chased him down. I said a lot of swear words in this moment. I was in a fight, flight or freeze. And I chose to fight.”

After McSally chased the man into the brush at Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park, she called police. She lost sight of the man and he got away, but police said video surveillance and other investigative work led them to the suspect.

The former senator who failed to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-martha-mcsally-senate-elections-arizona-john-mccain-e05cc7d6400e10f43a56eb77d7d2ea9d">win reelection</a>&nbsp;in Arizona in 2020 said she was in the Omaha area to deliver a speech about courage in Omaha on Wednesday night. Omaha and Council Bluffs are just 5 miles (8 kilometers) apart.

The first woman to fly a fighter plane in combat said in the video that she was OK, but that the assault “tapped into a nerve of other sexual abuse and assault that I’ve been through in the past.”

McSally disclosed during a 2019 Senate hearing on sexual assault in the military that she had been raped by a superior officer in the Air Force. She didn’t report that assault at the time because she didn’t trust the system, but she said Wednesday: “I took my power back. He tried to take power from me, but I turned it on him and he was running from me instead of the other way around.”

McSally served in the Air Force from 1988 until 2010 and rose to the rank of colonel before entering politics. She served two terms in the House before narrowly losing a bid to represent Arizona in the Senate against Democrat Kyrsten Sinema.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (AP) — A man was arrested early Friday in the alleged assault of former U.S. Sen.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/former-us-senator-martha-mcsally-assault-f1aee835f802b3d12d7499d94effefc7">Martha McSally</a>&nbsp;of Arizona, who says she was molested as she jogged along the Missouri River in Council Bluffs, Iowa.Council Bluffs police said in a statement that the 25-year-old suspect from Papillion, Nebraska, was spotted by officers in Omaha, Nebraska, at 3:23 a.m. and arrested. Police said the man will be extradited back to Council Bluffs."You picked the wrong target," McSally wrote of the attacker in a Facebook post. She earlier described the Wednesday morning attack in a video she posted&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/marthamcsally">online</a>.“A man came up behind me and he engulfed me in a bear hug and he molested and fondled me until I fought him off,” she said. “I then chased him down. I said a lot of swear words in this moment. I was in a fight, flight or freeze. And I chose to fight.”After McSally chased the man into the brush at Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park, she called police. She lost sight of the man and he got away, but police said video surveillance and other investigative work led them to the suspect.The former senator who failed to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-martha-mcsally-senate-elections-arizona-john-mccain-e05cc7d6400e10f43a56eb77d7d2ea9d">win reelection</a>&nbsp;in Arizona in 2020 said she was in the Omaha area to deliver a speech about courage in Omaha on Wednesday night. Omaha and Council Bluffs are just 5 miles (8 kilometers) apart.The first woman to fly a fighter plane in combat said in the video that she was OK, but that the assault “tapped into a nerve of other sexual abuse and assault that I’ve been through in the past.”McSally disclosed during a 2019 Senate hearing on sexual assault in the military that she had been raped by a superior officer in the Air Force. She didn’t report that assault at the time because she didn’t trust the system, but she said Wednesday: “I took my power back. He tried to take power from me, but I turned it on him and he was running from me instead of the other way around.”McSally served in the Air Force from 1988 until 2010 and rose to the rank of colonel before entering politics. She served two terms in the House before narrowly losing a bid to represent Arizona in the Senate against Democrat Kyrsten Sinema.

Man arrested in Nebraska in alleged assault of former US Sen. Martha McSally

Lincoln, NE (November 10, 2023) –&nbsp;The Nebraska Sports Council (NSC) presented awards Tuesday to several top athletes and volunteers at its annual awards banquet at the Graduate Hotel in Lincoln.&nbsp;

Cornhusker State Games (CSG) 2023 Athletes of the Year included: Youth Female -- Anna Midyett, 10, Bennington, Youth Golf; Youth Male – Rudy Rodriguez, 16, Grand Island, Wrestling; Female – Becky Mantonya, 51, Lincoln, Swimming; Male – Emmett Hassenstab,&nbsp;19,&nbsp;Omaha, Track and Field; Senior Female –Susan Benson, 74, Blair, Archery; Senior Male – Larry Allen, 75, Cozad, Martial Arts-Taekwondo.

Midyett won two gold medals:&nbsp;one in the Summer Youth State Championship and one in Youth Stroke Play. She is now a two-time gold medalist for both events. She also recently qualified for the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals at Augusta National Golf Course for the second straight year.

Rodriguez won four gold medals in the following wrestling categories: Scholastic, Beach, Freestyle, and Greco. He also won the Outstanding Wrestler Plaque.

Mantonya has earned well over 50 medals in her 25 years of competing in the CSG. She has participated in open water swimming and the triathlon and has even medaled in the gravel grinder. This year, she won four gold medals in the Women’s Master Swim meet including the 50 meter back; 100 meter back; 200 meter free and the 800 meter free.&nbsp;

Bensen walked away with two gold medals. She won the Indoor Archery 450, which now makes her a two-time gold medalist in this event, and she also won the outdoor Target Archery 760. Her achievements are especially remarkable given she took up archery just two years ago at the age of 72.&nbsp;

Allen won 1st&nbsp;and 2nd&nbsp;place medals in the Sparring and Forms competition. He has now earned 70 gold and silver medals in 35 appearances at the CSG.

Hassenstab, who also received the National Athlete of the Year Award, has been competing with his family in the CSG for several years before he suffered a spinal cord injury in 2021. Emmett's inspiring story of resilience and determination captured the hearts of many. He defied the odds and embarked on a remarkable journey of rehabilitation. His triumphant return to competitive sports culminated in a gold medal win as the anchor of the Family 4x100 relay at the Cornhusker State Games. Emmett's story is one of courage and the unyielding spirit of a true athlete.

Aaron and Jeri Lyn Rogge received the Joe Neal Memorial Volunteer of the Year Award for years of dedicated service as HAM radio operators and over-seeing volunteer lunch deliveries.

Mike Catron and Hilary Catron won the Russ White Memorial Sport Director of the Year Award. They’ve served 18 years as the CSG Taekwondo Sport Directors.

The John Axe Memorial Board Service was presented to three outgoing Board members: Stephanie Mattoon, 10 years; Jeff Maul, 17 years; and Ed Swotek, 22 years.

Volleyball Director Daryl Korinek and his wife,&nbsp;DeAnn,&nbsp;were honored, and received a standing ovation, for 35 years&nbsp;of service.&nbsp;Other Sport Director Service Awards included: Five-Year – Dave Case, Cornhole; Larry Pape, Shore Fishing; Erik Gustafson, Miniature Golf; Rick Royers, Karate; Dena Noe, CSG Walk; and David Charroin, Wrestling. 10-Year – Matt and Becky Carmin, Archery.&nbsp;15-Year – Brian Gorman, Karate. 20-Year – Mike Jochum, BB Gun and Air Rifle/Pistol. 25-Year – Anita Jackson, Disc Golf.

The Awards Banquet was sponsored by&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0012jUzaC4JRTWexd2ASES4dqy6iJbFCAN3ojNS8iR-TLegn9_iypIZ1zli1Jf94lzc344_zda_td5fyf9C9X_HuV-LeZ9G1VfiG_FYjUZbV6JSbPgYwtbSYDlsqTo7ehUQSxU6OFXE2qCXySLGxs8GtA==&amp;c=gYQMj48nks-dcQvKskp4yUAQN5RBOl8LvK5dLWdfLvSg_UCvGdGkYg==&amp;ch=VUKsvKRbhoT1EQX8REVkOFXSB6PryMjHIOFPFpnciiywDx8NVhb6-Q==" target="_blank">Lincoln Federal Savings Bank</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;The Graduate. Contributing Partners include:&nbsp;University of Nebraska – College of Journalism and Mass Communications, Kinkaider Brewing Company, Single Barrel and the Nebraska Pork Producers Association.

The Nebraska Sports Council has one remaining event in 2023, the Heartland Havoc Wrestling Tournament Nov. 11-12 at Lincoln Sports Complex in Lincoln. Thus far in 2023, more than&nbsp;25,000&nbsp;Nebraskans from more than&nbsp;80&nbsp;Nebraska counties have participated in NSC events.&nbsp;

The Nebraska Sports Council is a 501 c 3 non-profit organization whose mission is to promote healthy/active lifestyle choices and provide quality competition for athletes of all ages and abilities. Platinum Partners include Pepsi-Cola of Lincoln, Farmers Mutual, The Nebraska Medical Association and Nebraska Orthopedic Center.&nbsp;Learn more at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0012jUzaC4JRTWexd2ASES4dqy6iJbFCAN3ojNS8iR-TLegn9_iypIZ11WcCq_bpn5N0tf6MgLJYQ74KoNKd328KQRRa0aPsJja6gWM_PtFz_g3toBmRh5EGyBlqTXu2fMG3pnmBrnek9jPGY4DYCSg4MLNlQpmMAyv&amp;c=gYQMj48nks-dcQvKskp4yUAQN5RBOl8LvK5dLWdfLvSg_UCvGdGkYg==&amp;ch=VUKsvKRbhoT1EQX8REVkOFXSB6PryMjHIOFPFpnciiywDx8NVhb6-Q==" target="_blank">NebraskaSportsCouncil.com</a>.

Nebraska Sports CouncilLincoln, NE (November 10, 2023) –&nbsp;The Nebraska Sports Council (NSC) presented awards Tuesday to several top athletes and volunteers at its annual awards banquet at the Graduate Hotel in Lincoln.&nbsp;Cornhusker State Games (CSG) 2023 Athletes of the Year included: Youth Female -- Anna Midyett, 10, Bennington, Youth Golf; Youth Male – Rudy Rodriguez, 16, Grand Island, Wrestling; Female – Becky Mantonya, 51, Lincoln, Swimming; Male – Emmett Hassenstab,&nbsp;19,&nbsp;Omaha, Track and Field; Senior Female –Susan Benson, 74, Blair, Archery; Senior Male – Larry Allen, 75, Cozad, Martial Arts-Taekwondo.Midyett won two gold medals:&nbsp;one in the Summer Youth State Championship and one in Youth Stroke Play. She is now a two-time gold medalist for both events. She also recently qualified for the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals at Augusta National Golf Course for the second straight year.Rodriguez won four gold medals in the following wrestling categories: Scholastic, Beach, Freestyle, and Greco. He also won the Outstanding Wrestler Plaque.Mantonya has earned well over 50 medals in her 25 years of competing in the CSG. She has participated in open water swimming and the triathlon and has even medaled in the gravel grinder. This year, she won four gold medals in the Women’s Master Swim meet including the 50 meter back; 100 meter back; 200 meter free and the 800 meter free.&nbsp;Bensen walked away with two gold medals. She won the Indoor Archery 450, which now makes her a two-time gold medalist in this event, and she also won the outdoor Target Archery 760. Her achievements are especially remarkable given she took up archery just two years ago at the age of 72.&nbsp;Allen won 1st&nbsp;and 2nd&nbsp;place medals in the Sparring and Forms competition. He has now earned 70 gold and silver medals in 35 appearances at the CSG.Hassenstab, who also received the National Athlete of the Year Award, has been competing with his family in the CSG for several years before he suffered a spinal cord injury in 2021. Emmett's inspiring story of resilience and determination captured the hearts of many. He defied the odds and embarked on a remarkable journey of rehabilitation. His triumphant return to competitive sports culminated in a gold medal win as the anchor of the Family 4x100 relay at the Cornhusker State Games. Emmett's story is one of courage and the unyielding spirit of a true athlete.Aaron and Jeri Lyn Rogge received the Joe Neal Memorial Volunteer of the Year Award for years of dedicated service as HAM radio operators and over-seeing volunteer lunch deliveries.Mike Catron and Hilary Catron won the Russ White Memorial Sport Director of the Year Award. They’ve served 18 years as the CSG Taekwondo Sport Directors.The John Axe Memorial Board Service was presented to three outgoing Board members: Stephanie Mattoon, 10 years; Jeff Maul, 17 years; and Ed Swotek, 22 years.Volleyball Director Daryl Korinek and his wife,&nbsp;DeAnn,&nbsp;were honored, and received a standing ovation, for 35 years&nbsp;of service.&nbsp;Other Sport Director Service Awards included: Five-Year – Dave Case, Cornhole; Larry Pape, Shore Fishing; Erik Gustafson, Miniature Golf; Rick Royers, Karate; Dena Noe, CSG Walk; and David Charroin, Wrestling. 10-Year – Matt and Becky Carmin, Archery.&nbsp;15-Year – Brian Gorman, Karate. 20-Year – Mike Jochum, BB Gun and Air Rifle/Pistol. 25-Year – Anita Jackson, Disc Golf.The Awards Banquet was sponsored by&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0012jUzaC4JRTWexd2ASES4dqy6iJbFCAN3ojNS8iR-TLegn9_iypIZ1zli1Jf94lzc344_zda_td5fyf9C9X_HuV-LeZ9G1VfiG_FYjUZbV6JSbPgYwtbSYDlsqTo7ehUQSxU6OFXE2qCXySLGxs8GtA==&amp;c=gYQMj48nks-dcQvKskp4yUAQN5RBOl8LvK5dLWdfLvSg_UCvGdGkYg==&amp;ch=VUKsvKRbhoT1EQX8REVkOFXSB6PryMjHIOFPFpnciiywDx8NVhb6-Q==" target="_blank">Lincoln Federal Savings Bank</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;The Graduate. Contributing Partners include:&nbsp;University of Nebraska – College of Journalism and Mass Communications, Kinkaider Brewing Company, Single Barrel and the Nebraska Pork Producers Association.The Nebraska Sports Council has one remaining event in 2023, the Heartland Havoc Wrestling Tournament Nov. 11-12 at Lincoln Sports Complex in Lincoln. Thus far in 2023, more than&nbsp;25,000&nbsp;Nebraskans from more than&nbsp;80&nbsp;Nebraska counties have participated in NSC events.&nbsp;The Nebraska Sports Council is a 501 c 3 non-profit organization whose mission is to promote healthy/active lifestyle choices and provide quality competition for athletes of all ages and abilities. Platinum Partners include Pepsi-Cola of Lincoln, Farmers Mutual, The Nebraska Medical Association and Nebraska Orthopedic Center.&nbsp;Learn more at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0012jUzaC4JRTWexd2ASES4dqy6iJbFCAN3ojNS8iR-TLegn9_iypIZ11WcCq_bpn5N0tf6MgLJYQ74KoNKd328KQRRa0aPsJja6gWM_PtFz_g3toBmRh5EGyBlqTXu2fMG3pnmBrnek9jPGY4DYCSg4MLNlQpmMAyv&amp;c=gYQMj48nks-dcQvKskp4yUAQN5RBOl8LvK5dLWdfLvSg_UCvGdGkYg==&amp;ch=VUKsvKRbhoT1EQX8REVkOFXSB6PryMjHIOFPFpnciiywDx8NVhb6-Q==" target="_blank">NebraskaSportsCouncil.com</a>.

Sports Council Honors Top Athletes and Volunteers

OTTAWA COUNTY, Kan. —One person died in an accident just after 9:30a.m. Friday in Ottawa County, Kansas.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Peterbilt semi driven by Brent William Reed, 58, Fairmount, Nebraska was northbound on U.S.81 just north of Limestone Road.

The semi entered the median, traveled down the embankment and struck a concrete bridge support.

Reed was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Wilson Family Funeral Home. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

OTTAWA COUNTY, Kan. —One person died in an accident just after 9:30a.m. Friday in Ottawa County, Kansas.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Peterbilt semi driven by Brent William Reed, 58, Fairmount, Nebraska was northbound on U.S.81 just north of Limestone Road.The semi entered the median, traveled down the embankment and struck a concrete bridge support.Reed was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Wilson Family Funeral Home. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Neb. man dies after semi struck concrete bridge support 

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/11/09/nebraska-lawmakers-eye-film-industry-for-youth-retention-economic-development/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN —&nbsp;A Nebraska seventh grader told a legislative committee Thursday that growing the state’s film industry could help young people such as him stay to pursue their passion.

Raven Wiley of Western, Nebraska, a village of about 250 people in Saline County, told the Revenue Committee he’s acted, co-produced and directed films in the state. A friend he has acted with through local productions recently procured an agent, Wiley said, which cost thousands of dollars and required the friend to fly to California for acting gigs.

Wiley, who said he’s 12 years old, said many youths feel they must go to California or New York to pursue a film career. However, he said, he hopes a legislative study about possibly expanding and providing tax incentives for the Nebraska film industry could bring new opportunities.

“It would also provide kids like me a real future in something they feel so passionately about without having to leave their home or family,” Wiley testified.

State Sen. Rita Sanders of Bellevue introduced&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=54097">Legislative Resolution 243</a>&nbsp;for the interim study, which came Thursday, coincidentally on the same day the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://variety.com/2023/biz/news/sag-aftra-tentative-deal-historic-strike-1235771894/?sub_action=logged_in">longest actors’ strike against film and TV studios in Hollywood history ended</a>. Nebraska’s interim study is designed to see how efforts could also increase the state’s tourism industry and bring in more revenue dollars.

Rachel Hause, who presented the resolution on Sanders’ behalf as her legislative aide, said possible solutions could increase the tax base, continue partnerships with colleges and universities in film education, showcase Nebraska’s environment in films and increase tourism.

Stacy Heatherly, film commissioner for the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.filminnebraska.com/">Eastern Nebraska Film Office</a>&nbsp;in Fremont, said creating a budget for the Nebraska Film Office and its partners could also build the film industry.

The volunteer-based Fremont office is active in recruiting film production through two goals: finding opportunity for economic impact in the rural community and giving young people an opportunity for hands-on experience.

Heatherly said a 2012 law sponsored by State Sen. Colby Coash explicitly included businesses that&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=15772">produced films, commercials and TV programs</a>&nbsp;for eligibility in the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/DED-LB-840-Guide-Aug-2022.pdf">Local Option Municipal Economic Development Act</a>&nbsp;of 1991.

Fremont has used provisions of that act for filmmaking with possible next steps being tax incentives or regulating on-set child labor, Heatherly said.

The Nebraska Film Office is currently seeking&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nebraska-film-office-seeks-city-to-host-part-of-international-competition/">applications for a host city</a>&nbsp;for The 48 Hour Film Project, an international film contest that will have more than 100 local-level competitions. Applications are due Dec. 8.

Ishma Yusaf Valenti I, a teacher and public servant for over 19 years, said the legislative resolution could positively impact young people such as Wiley, who he’s worked with as part of film camps through The Digg Site Productions, a nonprofit in Fremont.

Valenti said he’s seen young people who are vibrant and exuberant about the industry and want to make positive, impactful films leave Nebraska to chase their dreams in places such as California, Georgia or Canada, which have robust film incentives.

It’s a blessing to see children identify their strengths and points of happiness, Valenti added, transforming from a loner, misfit or outlier to finding their place and passion.

“Really, that’s all you can ask for as a teacher is when you can find a student that’s able to be fulfilled by something that makes them truly happy,” Valenti said.

Similar to Valenti, Randy J. Goodwin of Fallen Giant Films said that Nebraska is his home and that he wants to return to the state to nurture young creatives.&nbsp;

Goodwin has&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fallengiantfilms.com/about-4">at least 28 years of Hollywood credits</a>, such as producing, writing or directing more than 60 network TV shows or feature films, including “Dynasty,” “NCIS,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “911” and “The Vampire Diaries.”

Valenti said film work also provided self-confidence and purpose to a young Nebraskan a couple of years ago when they were thinking about taking their life and had previously attempted suicide.

“We’re not just positively impacting the state,” Valenti said. “We’re also saving lives, keeping the talent for our young people in Nebraska and also being able to expand our opportunities to tell equitable stories from a diverse population to be able to tell what Nebraska is and what we’re about.”

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<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699634953996.jpeg" alt=" The Nebraska State Capitol is shown in December 2022. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption> The Nebraska State Capitol is shown in December 2022. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/11/09/nebraska-lawmakers-eye-film-industry-for-youth-retention-economic-development/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN —&nbsp;A Nebraska seventh grader told a legislative committee Thursday that growing the state’s film industry could help young people such as him stay to pursue their passion.Raven Wiley of Western, Nebraska, a village of about 250 people in Saline County, told the Revenue Committee he’s acted, co-produced and directed films in the state. A friend he has acted with through local productions recently procured an agent, Wiley said, which cost thousands of dollars and required the friend to fly to California for acting gigs.Wiley, who said he’s 12 years old, said many youths feel they must go to California or New York to pursue a film career. However, he said, he hopes a legislative study about possibly expanding and providing tax incentives for the Nebraska film industry could bring new opportunities.“It would also provide kids like me a real future in something they feel so passionately about without having to leave their home or family,” Wiley testified.State Sen. Rita Sanders of Bellevue introduced&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=54097">Legislative Resolution 243</a>&nbsp;for the interim study, which came Thursday, coincidentally on the same day the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://variety.com/2023/biz/news/sag-aftra-tentative-deal-historic-strike-1235771894/?sub_action=logged_in">longest actors’ strike against film and TV studios in Hollywood history ended</a>. Nebraska’s interim study is designed to see how efforts could also increase the state’s tourism industry and bring in more revenue dollars.Rachel Hause, who presented the resolution on Sanders’ behalf as her legislative aide, said possible solutions could increase the tax base, continue partnerships with colleges and universities in film education, showcase Nebraska’s environment in films and increase tourism.<h2>Filmmaking next steps</h2>Stacy Heatherly, film commissioner for the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.filminnebraska.com/">Eastern Nebraska Film Office</a>&nbsp;in Fremont, said creating a budget for the Nebraska Film Office and its partners could also build the film industry.The volunteer-based Fremont office is active in recruiting film production through two goals: finding opportunity for economic impact in the rural community and giving young people an opportunity for hands-on experience.Heatherly said a 2012 law sponsored by State Sen. Colby Coash explicitly included businesses that&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=15772">produced films, commercials and TV programs</a>&nbsp;for eligibility in the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/DED-LB-840-Guide-Aug-2022.pdf">Local Option Municipal Economic Development Act</a>&nbsp;of 1991.Fremont has used provisions of that act for filmmaking with possible next steps being tax incentives or regulating on-set child labor, Heatherly said.The Nebraska Film Office is currently seeking&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nebraska-film-office-seeks-city-to-host-part-of-international-competition/">applications for a host city</a>&nbsp;for The 48 Hour Film Project, an international film contest that will have more than 100 local-level competitions. Applications are due Dec. 8.<h2>Finding purpose, place and passion</h2>Ishma Yusaf Valenti I, a teacher and public servant for over 19 years, said the legislative resolution could positively impact young people such as Wiley, who he’s worked with as part of film camps through The Digg Site Productions, a nonprofit in Fremont.Valenti said he’s seen young people who are vibrant and exuberant about the industry and want to make positive, impactful films leave Nebraska to chase their dreams in places such as California, Georgia or Canada, which have robust film incentives.It’s a blessing to see children identify their strengths and points of happiness, Valenti added, transforming from a loner, misfit or outlier to finding their place and passion.“Really, that’s all you can ask for as a teacher is when you can find a student that’s able to be fulfilled by something that makes them truly happy,” Valenti said.Similar to Valenti, Randy J. Goodwin of Fallen Giant Films said that Nebraska is his home and that he wants to return to the state to nurture young creatives.&nbsp;Goodwin has&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fallengiantfilms.com/about-4">at least 28 years of Hollywood credits</a>, such as producing, writing or directing more than 60 network TV shows or feature films, including “Dynasty,” “NCIS,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “911” and “The Vampire Diaries.”Valenti said film work also provided self-confidence and purpose to a young Nebraskan a couple of years ago when they were thinking about taking their life and had previously attempted suicide.“We’re not just positively impacting the state,” Valenti said. “We’re also saving lives, keeping the talent for our young people in Nebraska and also being able to expand our opportunities to tell equitable stories from a diverse population to be able to tell what Nebraska is and what we’re about.”GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

Nebraska lawmakers eye film industry for youth retention, economic development

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/xi-jinping">Chinese President Xi Jinping</a>&nbsp;will meet Wednesday in California for talks on trade,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/taiwan">Taiwan</a>&nbsp;and managing fraught U.S.-Chinese relations in the first engagement between the leaders of the world's two biggest economies in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-taiwan-indonesia-xi-jinping-government-and-politics-961bb4680962cc53b4375af3bcbc4927">a year</a>.

The White House has said for weeks that it anticipated Biden and Xi would meet on the sidelines of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/asia-pacific-economic-cooperation">the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit</a>&nbsp;in San Francisco, but negotiations went down to the eve of the gathering, which kicks off Saturday.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement the leaders would discuss the “continued importance of maintaining open lines of communication” and how the they “can continue to responsibly manage competition and work together where our interests align, particularly on transnational challenges that affect the international community.”

China’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement Friday that Xi would attend APEC from Tuesday to Nov. 17 at Biden’s invitation and would take part in the U.S.-China summit.

Two senior Biden administration officials, who earlier briefed reporters on the condition of anonymity under ground rules set by the White House, said that the leaders would meet in the San Francisco Bay area but declined to offer further details because of security concerns. Thousands of protesters are expected to descend on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/apec-summit-san-francisco-5182a80875c37ff69dade8ce50f25963">San Francisco</a>&nbsp;during the summit.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yellen-china-biden-white-house-trade-04e57bc5256b3e71cb00b2d4ea1ae7d1">met on Thursday</a>&nbsp;in the San Francisco, the latest in a string of senior level engagements between the nations in recent months aimed at easing tensions. Yellen and He are set to continue talks on Friday.

The Biden-Xi meeting is not expected to lead to many, if any, major announcements, and differences between the two powers certainly won't be resolved. Instead, one official said, Biden is looking toward “managing the competition, preventing the downside risk of conflict and ensuring channels of communication are open.” The officials said they believed it would be Xi's first visit to San Francisco since he was a young Communist Party leader.

The agenda includes no shortage of difficult issues.

Differences in the already complicated U.S.-Chinese relationship have only sharpened in the last year, with Beijing bristling over new U.S. export controls on advanced technology; Biden ordering&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-united-states-government-china-antony-blinken-51e49202f2a0a50541cde059934c4cfb">the shooting down</a>&nbsp;of a Chinese spy balloon after it traversed the continental United States; and Chinese anger over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taiwan-tsai-us-visit-china-warnings-updates-652813f8ce4d9804f372fd05ccaab435">a stopover</a>&nbsp;in the U.S. by Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen earlier this year, among other issues. China claims the island as its territory.

Biden will also likely press Xi on using China's influence on North Korea, during heightened anxiety over an increased pace of ballistic missile tests by North Korea as well as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-russia-us-munitions-ukraine-war-7091eaba254b680888a9b1ec8a68135f">Pyongyang providing munitions to Russia</a>&nbsp;for its war in Ukraine.

The Democratic president is also expected to let Xi know that he would like China to use its burgeoning sway over Iran to make clear that Tehran or its proxies should not take action that could lead to expansion of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">the Israel-Hamas war</a>. His administration believes the Chinese, a big buyer of Iranian oil, have considerable leverage with Iran, which is a major backer of Hamas.

Biden and Xi last met nearly a year ago on the sidelines of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-taiwan-indonesia-xi-jinping-government-and-politics-961bb4680962cc53b4375af3bcbc4927">the Group of 20 summit</a>&nbsp;in Bali, Indonesia. In the nearly three-hour meeting, Biden objected directly to China’s ”coercive and increasingly aggressive actions” toward Taiwan and discussed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and other issues. Xi stressed that "the Taiwan question is at the very core of China’s core interests, the bedrock of the political foundation of China-U.S. relations, and the first red line that must not be crossed in China-U.S. relations.”

The Chinese foreign ministry said this time Biden and Xi would focus on “in-depth communications on the strategic, overall and directional issues of the China-US relations as well as major issues concerning world peace and development."

Next week's meeting comes as the United States braces for a potentially bumpy year for U.S.-Chinese relations, with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taiwan-china-politics-tsai-ing-wen-peace-db344d155e1b33b02a9ab18cc9e7e8de">Taiwan set to hold a presidential election</a>&nbsp;in January and the U.S. holding its own presidential election next November.

Beijing sees official American contact with Taiwan as encouragement to make the island’s decades-old de facto independence permanent, a step U.S. leaders say they don’t support. Under&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-china-united-states-xi-jinping-taiwan-3055a4fba210ab6dd3d59c109ac9038e">the “One China” policy</a>, the U.S. recognizes Beijing as the government of China and doesn’t have diplomatic relations with Taiwan, but it has maintained that Taipei is an important partner in the Indo-Pacific. Biden intends to reaffirm the U.S. wants no change in the status quo, one official said.

Disinformation experts testifying before the Senate Intelligence Committee&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/disinformation-china-us-xinjiang-global-opinion-c9e033f22622841935a2b1bc1060c01b">have warned</a>&nbsp;that Beijing could aim to target the U.S., sowing discord that might influence election results at the local level, especially in districts with large numbers of Chinese-American voters.

The Biden administration has sought to make clear to the Chinese that any actions or interference in the 2024 election “would raise extremely strong concerns from our side,” according to one official.

The officials also noted that Biden is determined to restore military-to-military communications that Beijing largely withdrew from after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-asia-beijing-malaysia-a5a6acc391511c99b1b4c2d69e67b133">then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan</a>&nbsp;in August 2022.

All the while, the number of unsafe or provocative encounters involving the two nations’ ships and aircraft have spiked.

Last month, the U.S. military released a video of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-south-china-sea-military-jet-bomber-0af848de95db435276e7642a4a401939">a Chinese fighter jet flying within 10 feet</a>&nbsp;(3 meters) of an American B-52 bomber over the South China Sea, nearly causing an accident. Earlier that month, the Pentagon released footage of some of the more than 180 intercepts of U.S. warplanes by Chinese aircraft that occurred in the last two years, part of a trend U.S. military officials call concerning.

Gen. CQ Brown Jr., the top U.S. military commander, told reporters in Tokyo on Friday that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/japan-us-china-military-top-general-e4e85c6f82a8fadbf3a5611bd6ee91d6">restoration of military-to-military contacts</a>&nbsp;is “hugely important” to “ensure there is no miscalculation” between the sides. He said he conveyed his desire to restart the dialogue in a letter to his Chinese counterpart.

The officials also said Biden would underscore U.S. commitment to the Philippines, following a recent episode in which Chinese ships&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/south-china-sea-philippines-collision-67aa7e2ca5df4f4e3a7c3bceff46c26f">blocked and collided with two Filipino vessels</a>&nbsp;off a contested shoal in the South China Sea.

The Philippines and other neighbors of China are resisting Beijing’s sweeping territorial claims over virtually the entire sea.

“I want to be very clear,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-australia-albanese-state-visit-b8b86f334f8107b2eb04ed96ddb9128b">Biden said in October</a>. "The United States’ defense commitment to the Philippines is iron clad.”

Both sides appeared to be carefully considering security for the meeting, declining to publicize the venue of the much-anticipated talks.

Thousands of people protesting climate destruction, corporate practices, the Israel-Hamas war and other issues are expected to descend on San Francisco during the summit.

San Francisco Police Department Chief Bill Scott said his department expects several protests a day but doesn't know which ones will materialize where and when. He said the city respects people’s right to mobilize peacefully but will not tolerate property destruction, violence or any other crime.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668436660078.png" alt="Two senior Biden administration officials, who earlier briefed reporters on the condition of anonymity under ground rules set by the White House, said that the leaders would meet in the San Francisco Bay area but declined to offer further details because of security concerns-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>Two senior Biden administration officials, who earlier briefed reporters on the condition of anonymity under ground rules set by the White House, said that the leaders would meet in the San Francisco Bay area but declined to offer further details because of security concerns-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/xi-jinping">Chinese President Xi Jinping</a>&nbsp;will meet Wednesday in California for talks on trade,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/taiwan">Taiwan</a>&nbsp;and managing fraught U.S.-Chinese relations in the first engagement between the leaders of the world's two biggest economies in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-taiwan-indonesia-xi-jinping-government-and-politics-961bb4680962cc53b4375af3bcbc4927">a year</a>.The White House has said for weeks that it anticipated Biden and Xi would meet on the sidelines of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/asia-pacific-economic-cooperation">the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit</a>&nbsp;in San Francisco, but negotiations went down to the eve of the gathering, which kicks off Saturday.White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement the leaders would discuss the “continued importance of maintaining open lines of communication” and how the they “can continue to responsibly manage competition and work together where our interests align, particularly on transnational challenges that affect the international community.”China’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement Friday that Xi would attend APEC from Tuesday to Nov. 17 at Biden’s invitation and would take part in the U.S.-China summit.Two senior Biden administration officials, who earlier briefed reporters on the condition of anonymity under ground rules set by the White House, said that the leaders would meet in the San Francisco Bay area but declined to offer further details because of security concerns. Thousands of protesters are expected to descend on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/apec-summit-san-francisco-5182a80875c37ff69dade8ce50f25963">San Francisco</a>&nbsp;during the summit.Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yellen-china-biden-white-house-trade-04e57bc5256b3e71cb00b2d4ea1ae7d1">met on Thursday</a>&nbsp;in the San Francisco, the latest in a string of senior level engagements between the nations in recent months aimed at easing tensions. Yellen and He are set to continue talks on Friday.The Biden-Xi meeting is not expected to lead to many, if any, major announcements, and differences between the two powers certainly won't be resolved. Instead, one official said, Biden is looking toward “managing the competition, preventing the downside risk of conflict and ensuring channels of communication are open.” The officials said they believed it would be Xi's first visit to San Francisco since he was a young Communist Party leader.The agenda includes no shortage of difficult issues.Differences in the already complicated U.S.-Chinese relationship have only sharpened in the last year, with Beijing bristling over new U.S. export controls on advanced technology; Biden ordering&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-united-states-government-china-antony-blinken-51e49202f2a0a50541cde059934c4cfb">the shooting down</a>&nbsp;of a Chinese spy balloon after it traversed the continental United States; and Chinese anger over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taiwan-tsai-us-visit-china-warnings-updates-652813f8ce4d9804f372fd05ccaab435">a stopover</a>&nbsp;in the U.S. by Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen earlier this year, among other issues. China claims the island as its territory.Biden will also likely press Xi on using China's influence on North Korea, during heightened anxiety over an increased pace of ballistic missile tests by North Korea as well as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-russia-us-munitions-ukraine-war-7091eaba254b680888a9b1ec8a68135f">Pyongyang providing munitions to Russia</a>&nbsp;for its war in Ukraine.The Democratic president is also expected to let Xi know that he would like China to use its burgeoning sway over Iran to make clear that Tehran or its proxies should not take action that could lead to expansion of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">the Israel-Hamas war</a>. His administration believes the Chinese, a big buyer of Iranian oil, have considerable leverage with Iran, which is a major backer of Hamas.Biden and Xi last met nearly a year ago on the sidelines of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-taiwan-indonesia-xi-jinping-government-and-politics-961bb4680962cc53b4375af3bcbc4927">the Group of 20 summit</a>&nbsp;in Bali, Indonesia. In the nearly three-hour meeting, Biden objected directly to China’s ”coercive and increasingly aggressive actions” toward Taiwan and discussed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and other issues. Xi stressed that "the Taiwan question is at the very core of China’s core interests, the bedrock of the political foundation of China-U.S. relations, and the first red line that must not be crossed in China-U.S. relations.”The Chinese foreign ministry said this time Biden and Xi would focus on “in-depth communications on the strategic, overall and directional issues of the China-US relations as well as major issues concerning world peace and development."Next week's meeting comes as the United States braces for a potentially bumpy year for U.S.-Chinese relations, with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taiwan-china-politics-tsai-ing-wen-peace-db344d155e1b33b02a9ab18cc9e7e8de">Taiwan set to hold a presidential election</a>&nbsp;in January and the U.S. holding its own presidential election next November.Beijing sees official American contact with Taiwan as encouragement to make the island’s decades-old de facto independence permanent, a step U.S. leaders say they don’t support. Under&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-china-united-states-xi-jinping-taiwan-3055a4fba210ab6dd3d59c109ac9038e">the “One China” policy</a>, the U.S. recognizes Beijing as the government of China and doesn’t have diplomatic relations with Taiwan, but it has maintained that Taipei is an important partner in the Indo-Pacific. Biden intends to reaffirm the U.S. wants no change in the status quo, one official said.Disinformation experts testifying before the Senate Intelligence Committee&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/disinformation-china-us-xinjiang-global-opinion-c9e033f22622841935a2b1bc1060c01b">have warned</a>&nbsp;that Beijing could aim to target the U.S., sowing discord that might influence election results at the local level, especially in districts with large numbers of Chinese-American voters.The Biden administration has sought to make clear to the Chinese that any actions or interference in the 2024 election “would raise extremely strong concerns from our side,” according to one official.The officials also noted that Biden is determined to restore military-to-military communications that Beijing largely withdrew from after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-asia-beijing-malaysia-a5a6acc391511c99b1b4c2d69e67b133">then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan</a>&nbsp;in August 2022.All the while, the number of unsafe or provocative encounters involving the two nations’ ships and aircraft have spiked.Last month, the U.S. military released a video of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-south-china-sea-military-jet-bomber-0af848de95db435276e7642a4a401939">a Chinese fighter jet flying within 10 feet</a>&nbsp;(3 meters) of an American B-52 bomber over the South China Sea, nearly causing an accident. Earlier that month, the Pentagon released footage of some of the more than 180 intercepts of U.S. warplanes by Chinese aircraft that occurred in the last two years, part of a trend U.S. military officials call concerning.Gen. CQ Brown Jr., the top U.S. military commander, told reporters in Tokyo on Friday that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/japan-us-china-military-top-general-e4e85c6f82a8fadbf3a5611bd6ee91d6">restoration of military-to-military contacts</a>&nbsp;is “hugely important” to “ensure there is no miscalculation” between the sides. He said he conveyed his desire to restart the dialogue in a letter to his Chinese counterpart.The officials also said Biden would underscore U.S. commitment to the Philippines, following a recent episode in which Chinese ships&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/south-china-sea-philippines-collision-67aa7e2ca5df4f4e3a7c3bceff46c26f">blocked and collided with two Filipino vessels</a>&nbsp;off a contested shoal in the South China Sea.The Philippines and other neighbors of China are resisting Beijing’s sweeping territorial claims over virtually the entire sea.“I want to be very clear,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-australia-albanese-state-visit-b8b86f334f8107b2eb04ed96ddb9128b">Biden said in October</a>. "The United States’ defense commitment to the Philippines is iron clad.”Both sides appeared to be carefully considering security for the meeting, declining to publicize the venue of the much-anticipated talks.Thousands of people protesting climate destruction, corporate practices, the Israel-Hamas war and other issues are expected to descend on San Francisco during the summit.San Francisco Police Department Chief Bill Scott said his department expects several protests a day but doesn't know which ones will materialize where and when. He said the city respects people’s right to mobilize peacefully but will not tolerate property destruction, violence or any other crime.

California summit: Biden, Chinese president talk next week

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/11/09/nu-on-verge-of-naming-chris-kabourek-interim-president-after-carter-leaves/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — The University of Nebraska Board of Regents has landed on a temporary replacement for outgoing NU President Ted Carter.

The regents expect to name Chris Kabourek, NU’s vice president for business and finance, as interim president during their Dec. 1 meeting, NU officials confirmed Thursday.&nbsp;

Carter leaves in January to lead Ohio State University. He announced his departure in August, after the regents moved oversight of University of Nebraska-Lincoln athletics into the NU president’s office.&nbsp;

The next NU president will inherit a projected $58 million shortfall over the next two years, as higher education nationally prepares for flat or declining enrollment.

Kabourek and Carter are already working together with the campus chancellors in Kearney, Lincoln and Omaha to cut their way back to financial balance. Each faces faculty and student pushback.

Carter expects chancellors to submit budget cut recommendations to him by Dec. 1. Campus-level discussions are already underway about potential losses of programs and services.

Carter said NU will “be in good hands with Chris Kabourek at the helm.” He said he brings “steady leadership” and offered him “wise and candid counsel” during his tenure leading NU.

Kabourek earned his master’s degree in business administration at UNL and started work at NU as a budget and research analyst. He now helps NU manage a $3.3 billion operating budget.

An NU news release applauded his work developing the university’s approach to regularly setting aside money to address deferred maintenance of buildings and facilities.

Kabourek won’t be a candidate for the permanent job, NU officials confirmed Thursday.

Kabourek described being considered as an interim leader for his university “humbling.” He said he plans to keep making progress on plans developed by Carter and the regents to improve the university.

“I will do whatever I can to support the University of Nebraska,” he said.

Kabourek moonlights as a college basketball referee. He and his wife, Jamie, have three sons, including one attending the University of Nebraska at Omaha.&nbsp;

NU Board of Regents Chairman Tim Clare said NU faces a “critical juncture,” with opportunities and challenges ahead. He said the university will “benefit greatly from Chris’ experience.”&nbsp;

“All of us will need to step up to make sure we don’t lose momentum during the leadership transition,” Clare said. “I know he will work hand-in-hand with our entire leadership team to keep us moving forward.”

Nebraska Examiner reporter Zach Wendling contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699625926822.jpeg" alt="Chris Kabourek, senior vice president and chief financial officer for the University of Nebraska, is set to be named interim president of NU. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Chris Kabourek, senior vice president and chief financial officer for the University of Nebraska, is set to be named interim president of NU. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Aaron Sanderford<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/11/09/nu-on-verge-of-naming-chris-kabourek-interim-president-after-carter-leaves/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — The University of Nebraska Board of Regents has landed on a temporary replacement for outgoing NU President Ted Carter.The regents expect to name Chris Kabourek, NU’s vice president for business and finance, as interim president during their Dec. 1 meeting, NU officials confirmed Thursday.&nbsp;Carter leaves in January to lead Ohio State University. He announced his departure in August, after the regents moved oversight of University of Nebraska-Lincoln athletics into the NU president’s office.&nbsp;The next NU president will inherit a projected $58 million shortfall over the next two years, as higher education nationally prepares for flat or declining enrollment.Kabourek and Carter are already working together with the campus chancellors in Kearney, Lincoln and Omaha to cut their way back to financial balance. Each faces faculty and student pushback.Carter expects chancellors to submit budget cut recommendations to him by Dec. 1. Campus-level discussions are already underway about potential losses of programs and services.<h2>‘In good hands’</h2>Carter said NU will “be in good hands with Chris Kabourek at the helm.” He said he brings “steady leadership” and offered him “wise and candid counsel” during his tenure leading NU.Kabourek earned his master’s degree in business administration at UNL and started work at NU as a budget and research analyst. He now helps NU manage a $3.3 billion operating budget.An NU news release applauded his work developing the university’s approach to regularly setting aside money to address deferred maintenance of buildings and facilities.Kabourek won’t be a candidate for the permanent job, NU officials confirmed Thursday.Kabourek described being considered as an interim leader for his university “humbling.” He said he plans to keep making progress on plans developed by Carter and the regents to improve the university.“I will do whatever I can to support the University of Nebraska,” he said.Kabourek moonlights as a college basketball referee. He and his wife, Jamie, have three sons, including one attending the University of Nebraska at Omaha.&nbsp;NU Board of Regents Chairman Tim Clare said NU faces a “critical juncture,” with opportunities and challenges ahead. He said the university will “benefit greatly from Chris’ experience.”&nbsp;“All of us will need to step up to make sure we don’t lose momentum during the leadership transition,” Clare said. “I know he will work hand-in-hand with our entire leadership team to keep us moving forward.”Nebraska Examiner reporter Zach Wendling contributed to this report.

NU on verge of naming Chris Kabourek interim president after Carter leaves

Lester Martínez-López, MD, assistant secretary of defense for health affairs, joined by Air Force officials, toured the UNMC campus at the end of October as part of an ongoing partnership between the military and the university.

Dr. Martínez spent the morning with campus leaders before touring the Global Center for Health Security’s facilities, iEXCEL and the Nebraska Biocontainment Unit. He was joined by Brig. Gen. Robert Bogart, commander of the 711th&nbsp;Human Performance Wing; Col. Tory Woodard, commander of the&nbsp;U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine; and Col. Leslie Wood, chair of the en route care training department at the&nbsp;U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine; and others who oversee C-STARS sites across the nation, including in Omaha.

Dr. Martínez, with more than 30 years of military health experience, said he saw “a healthy relationship between the university and the Department of Defense, particularly the Air Force,” one that “sets the stage for further collaboration.”

During the tour, Dr. Martínez engaged with university officials, often asking questions at tour stops. He visited the National Quarantine Unit, took a look at ISTARI devices and enjoyed a presentation in the iEXCEL’s state-of-the-art holographic theater.

The visit was a chance to bring together critically important collaborators to discuss current initiatives and future opportunities, said Chris Kratochvil, MD, interim vice chancellor of external relations.

UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, MD, met with the group&nbsp;at several points during the visit.

“The partnership between UNMC and the military continues to benefit our community and the country,” Dr. Gold said. “This visit allowed us to illustrate the results of several decades of that partnership and paved a way to expand that relationship in the future. The opportunity to serve the health security needs of our nation continues to be very important.”

Dr. Martínez and his team also heard from Lt. Col. Elizabeth Schnaubelt, MD, director of C-STARS Omaha. The visit was a chance to showcase work being done on campus, she said.

“It’s an opportunity to highlight our collaborative successes with our Nebraska partners and how we can better prepare our Department of Defense personnel,” Dr. Schnaubelt said. “The extraordinary accomplishments of Nebraska Medicine and UNMC in biocontainment care, education and training, research and innovation, provide a model and roadmap to advance readiness for high consequence infections and biological incidents.”

“Our partnership with UNMC is an opportunity to glean greater scientific knowledge,” Brig. Gen. Bogart said. “We as a nation are benefitting from it.”

“The country can really count on Nebraska and the university to help us with tough issues we’re going to be facing. There’s a true commitment, not just to Nebraska, but to the country.”

Photo caption:&nbsp;Lester Martínez-López, MD, assistant secretary of defense for Health Affairs tours iEXCEL during a recent visit to the UNMC campus. (Photo by Nicholas Harnack, 55th&nbsp;Wing Public Affairs, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699625657028.jpeg" alt="Lester Martínez-López, MD, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs" />
 <figcaption>Lester Martínez-López, MD, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs</figcaption>
 </figure>UNMCLester Martínez-López, MD, assistant secretary of defense for health affairs, joined by Air Force officials, toured the UNMC campus at the end of October as part of an ongoing partnership between the military and the university.Dr. Martínez spent the morning with campus leaders before touring the Global Center for Health Security’s facilities, iEXCEL and the Nebraska Biocontainment Unit. He was joined by Brig. Gen. Robert Bogart, commander of the 711th&nbsp;Human Performance Wing; Col. Tory Woodard, commander of the&nbsp;U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine; and Col. Leslie Wood, chair of the en route care training department at the&nbsp;U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine; and others who oversee C-STARS sites across the nation, including in Omaha.Dr. Martínez, with more than 30 years of military health experience, said he saw “a healthy relationship between the university and the Department of Defense, particularly the Air Force,” one that “sets the stage for further collaboration.”During the tour, Dr. Martínez engaged with university officials, often asking questions at tour stops. He visited the National Quarantine Unit, took a look at ISTARI devices and enjoyed a presentation in the iEXCEL’s state-of-the-art holographic theater.The visit was a chance to bring together critically important collaborators to discuss current initiatives and future opportunities, said Chris Kratochvil, MD, interim vice chancellor of external relations.UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, MD, met with the group&nbsp;at several points during the visit.“The partnership between UNMC and the military continues to benefit our community and the country,” Dr. Gold said. “This visit allowed us to illustrate the results of several decades of that partnership and paved a way to expand that relationship in the future. The opportunity to serve the health security needs of our nation continues to be very important.”Dr. Martínez and his team also heard from Lt. Col. Elizabeth Schnaubelt, MD, director of C-STARS Omaha. The visit was a chance to showcase work being done on campus, she said.“It’s an opportunity to highlight our collaborative successes with our Nebraska partners and how we can better prepare our Department of Defense personnel,” Dr. Schnaubelt said. “The extraordinary accomplishments of Nebraska Medicine and UNMC in biocontainment care, education and training, research and innovation, provide a model and roadmap to advance readiness for high consequence infections and biological incidents.”“Our partnership with UNMC is an opportunity to glean greater scientific knowledge,” Brig. Gen. Bogart said. “We as a nation are benefitting from it.”Dr. Martínez agreed.“The country can really count on Nebraska and the university to help us with tough issues we’re going to be facing. There’s a true commitment, not just to Nebraska, but to the country.”Photo caption:&nbsp;Lester Martínez-López, MD, assistant secretary of defense for Health Affairs tours iEXCEL during a recent visit to the UNMC campus. (Photo by Nicholas Harnack, 55th&nbsp;Wing Public Affairs, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska)

Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs tours UNMC campus

BEIJING (AP) — A financial services business of China’s biggest bank says it was hit by a ransomware attack that reportedly disrupted trading in the U.S. Treasury market.

Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Financial Services handles trades and other services for financial institutions. A statement on its website seen Friday said the ransomware attack this week disrupted some of its systems but that it had disconnected parts of the affected systems to limit the impact from the attack.

The company, which is based in New York, said it was investigating and had reported the problem to law enforcement.

All Treasury trades executed Wednesday and repo financing trades on Thursday were cleared, it said. It said ICBC’s banking, email and other systems were not affected.

The company gave no further details but reports said the attack was by LockBit, a Russian-speaking ransomware syndicate that does not target former Soviet countries. It is one of the most efficient ransomware variants around, according to the cybersecurity firm Emsisoft. Active since September 2019, it has&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.emsisoft.com/en/38915/ransomware-profile-lockbit/" target="_blank">attacked thousands of organizations.</a>

BEIJING (AP) — A financial services business of China’s biggest bank says it was hit by a ransomware attack that reportedly disrupted trading in the U.S. Treasury market.Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Financial Services handles trades and other services for financial institutions. A statement on its website seen Friday said the ransomware attack this week disrupted some of its systems but that it had disconnected parts of the affected systems to limit the impact from the attack.The company, which is based in New York, said it was investigating and had reported the problem to law enforcement.All Treasury trades executed Wednesday and repo financing trades on Thursday were cleared, it said. It said ICBC’s banking, email and other systems were not affected.The company gave no further details but reports said the attack was by LockBit, a Russian-speaking ransomware syndicate that does not target former Soviet countries. It is one of the most efficient ransomware variants around, according to the cybersecurity firm Emsisoft. Active since September 2019, it has&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.emsisoft.com/en/38915/ransomware-profile-lockbit/" target="_blank">attacked thousands of organizations.</a>

Ransomware attack disrupts U.S. Treasury market trades

WASHINGTON (AP)— U.S. and coalition forces in Iraq and Syria have been targeted multiple times in the last day, with three minor injuries reported, U.S. defense officials said Thursday.

The attacks took place as the U.S. conducted another airstrike against an Iranian weapons storage area Wednesday to try to convince Iranian-backed militant groups to cease the hostilities and avoid spurring a larger conflict

Within the past day, militants have launched two separate attacks using multiple rockets against U.S. and coalition forces operating at Green Village, Syria; a one-way drone attack was launched against U.S. and Coalition forces at Mission Support Site Euphrates, Syria; U.S. and coalition convoy encountered a roadside bomb near the Mosul Dam, in Iraq; and a one-way attack drone was launched at U.S. and coalition forces at the al Asad air base in Iraq.

There were three minor injuries reported in the Green Village attacks but all personnel returned to duty.

No other injuries or damage was reported in the strikes, according to defense officials who provided details of the attacks on the condition of anonymity to discuss details not yet made public.

According to deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh, U.S. and coalition forces have been attacked 46 times since Oct. 17, injuring 56 personnel. All have returned to duty, Singh said.

According to a statement Thursday from the Defense Department, U.S. force enhancements in the Middle East, include recently deployed Terminal High Altitude Area Defense and Patriot missile defense systems, additional fighter squadrons, two carrier strike groups, and an Ohio-class nuclear-powered guided missile submarine, according to Dana Stroul, deputy assistant secretary of defense for the Middle East.

"We also placed over 2,000 personnel and a range of units on a heightened state of readiness, some of which [were] subsequently deployed," Stroul said. "These deployments demonstrate our commitment to Israel's security, to regional stability, and to deterring those who seek to widen this conflict. It also bolsters the department's ability to respond quickly to the evolving security environment."

The department's commitment to Israel's right to defend itself from terrorism is "ironclad," and the department is working daily to help Israel do that, Stroul told lawmakers.

"We are working around-the-clock to determine which munitions and equipment from U.S. inventory can quickly be made available," Stroul said. "Air defense is a high priority, as are medical supplies, artillery, ammunition and precision-guided munitions. Deliveries are taking place on a near daily basis."

Since the initial attack, Stroul said Hamas has been using civilians as human shields, has blocked the delivery of humanitarian aid, and continues to hold at least 200 civilians.

"The Department of State designated Hamas a foreign terrorist organization in 1997," she said. "Hamas is responsible for the abhorrent terrorist attack in Israel. And Israel is executing military operations to ensure that Hamas is never again able to perpetuate a terrorist attack like it did in October."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699564278384.png" alt="The USS Carney defeats a combination of Houthi missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles in the Red Sea, Oct. 19, 2023. The Carney, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet’s area of operations to help ensure maritime security and stability in the Middle East region.&nbsp;Photo By:Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Aaron Lau" />
 <figcaption>The USS Carney defeats a combination of Houthi missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles in the Red Sea, Oct. 19, 2023. The Carney, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet’s area of operations to help ensure maritime security and stability in the Middle East region.&nbsp;Photo By:Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Aaron Lau</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP)— U.S. and coalition forces in Iraq and Syria have been targeted multiple times in the last day, with three minor injuries reported, U.S. defense officials said Thursday.The attacks took place as the U.S. conducted another airstrike against an Iranian weapons storage area Wednesday to try to convince Iranian-backed militant groups to cease the hostilities and avoid spurring a larger conflictWithin the past day, militants have launched two separate attacks using multiple rockets against U.S. and coalition forces operating at Green Village, Syria; a one-way drone attack was launched against U.S. and Coalition forces at Mission Support Site Euphrates, Syria; U.S. and coalition convoy encountered a roadside bomb near the Mosul Dam, in Iraq; and a one-way attack drone was launched at U.S. and coalition forces at the al Asad air base in Iraq.There were three minor injuries reported in the Green Village attacks but all personnel returned to duty.No other injuries or damage was reported in the strikes, according to defense officials who provided details of the attacks on the condition of anonymity to discuss details not yet made public.According to deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh, U.S. and coalition forces have been attacked 46 times since Oct. 17, injuring 56 personnel. All have returned to duty, Singh said.According to a statement Thursday from the Defense Department, U.S. force enhancements in the Middle East, include recently deployed Terminal High Altitude Area Defense and Patriot missile defense systems, additional fighter squadrons, two carrier strike groups, and an Ohio-class nuclear-powered guided missile submarine, according to Dana Stroul, deputy assistant secretary of defense for the Middle East."We also placed over 2,000 personnel and a range of units on a heightened state of readiness, some of which [were] subsequently deployed," Stroul said. "These deployments demonstrate our commitment to Israel's security, to regional stability, and to deterring those who seek to widen this conflict. It also bolsters the department's ability to respond quickly to the evolving security environment."The department's commitment to Israel's right to defend itself from terrorism is "ironclad," and the department is working daily to help Israel do that, Stroul told lawmakers."We are working around-the-clock to determine which munitions and equipment from U.S. inventory can quickly be made available," Stroul said. "Air defense is a high priority, as are medical supplies, artillery, ammunition and precision-guided munitions. Deliveries are taking place on a near daily basis."Since the initial attack, Stroul said Hamas has been using civilians as human shields, has blocked the delivery of humanitarian aid, and continues to hold at least 200 civilians."The Department of State designated Hamas a foreign terrorist organization in 1997," she said. "Hamas is responsible for the abhorrent terrorist attack in Israel. And Israel is executing military operations to ensure that Hamas is never again able to perpetuate a terrorist attack like it did in October."

US Troops in Syria and Iraq come under more attacks

WASHINGTON– Three individuals have been arrested in connection with operating sophisticated high-end brothels in greater Boston and eastern Virginia. 

Commercial sex buyers allegedly included elected officials, high tech and pharmaceutical executives, doctors, military officers, government contractors that possess security clearances, professors, attorneys, scientists and accountants, among others, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

The following defendants have been charged with conspiracy to coerce and entice to travel to engage in illegal sexual activity:&nbsp;

Han Lee and Junmyung Lee were arrested Thursday morning and will appear in federal court in Boston later Thursday. James Lee was arrested in the Central District of California and will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date.&nbsp;

According to the charging documents, from at least July 2020, the defendants operated an interstate prostitution network with multiple brothels in Cambridge and Watertown, Mass., as well as in Fairfax and Tysons, Va.&nbsp;

It is alleged that the defendants collectively established the infrastructure for brothels in multiple states which they used to persuade, induce and entice women – primarily Asian women – to travel to Massachusetts and Virginia to engage in prostitution.&nbsp;

Specifically, the defendants allegedly rented high-end apartment complexes as brothel locations, which they furnished and regularly maintained. The monthly rent for the brothel locations were as high as $3,664. It is further alleged that the defendants coordinated the women’s airline travel and transportation and permitted women to stay overnight in the brothel locations so they did not have to find lodging elsewhere, therefore enticing women to participate in their prostitution network.&nbsp;

The defendants allegedly advertised their prostitution network primarily on two websites – bostontopten10.com and browneyesgirlsva.blog – which offered appointments with women in either greater Boston or eastern Virginia, respectively. Both websites purported to advertise nude Asian models for professional photography at upscale studios as a front for prostitution offered through appointments with women listed on their websites. The websites listed the height, weight and bust size of women available for appointments and depicted nude and/or semi-nude photographs of each. The women listed as available on the websites updated frequently, with updates to include “coming soon” or “open” to reflect an impending arrival of new women arriving in the area.&nbsp;

Each website allegedly described a verification process that interested sex buyers undertook to be eligible for appointment bookings– including requiring clients complete a form providing their full names, email address, phone number, employer and reference if they had one.

It is further alleged that the defendants maintained local brothel phone numbers which they used to communicate with verified customers and schedule appointments via text message. In these text message exchanges, the defendants allegedly sent customers a “menu” of available options at the brothel, including the women and sexual services available and the hourly rate. Additionally, the defendants allegedly texted customers directions to the brothel’s location – a high-end apartments – where they engaged in commercial sex with the women.&nbsp;

According to the charging documents, the defendants charged sex buyers a premium price for appointments with the women advertised on their websites, which ranged from approximately $350 to upwards of $600 per hour depending on the services and were paid in cash. The defendants allegedly concealed the proceeds of the prostitution network through depositing hundreds of thousands of dollars of cash proceeds into their personal bank accounts and peer-to-peer transfers. Additionally, it is alleged that the defendants regularly used hundreds of thousands of dollars of the cash proceeds from the prostitution business to purchase money orders (in values under an amount that would trigger reporting and identification requirements) to conceal the source of the funds. These money orders were then used to pay for rent and utilities at brothel locations in Massachusetts and Virginia.

Over the course of the investigation, a wide array of buyers were identified, including, but not limited to, politicians, high tech and pharmaceutical executives, doctors, military officers, government contractors that possess security clearances, professors, lawyers, scientists and &nbsp;accountants.&nbsp;

The investigation into the involvement of sex buyers is active and ongoing.

WASHINGTON– Three individuals have been arrested in connection with operating sophisticated high-end brothels in greater Boston and eastern Virginia. Commercial sex buyers allegedly included elected officials, high tech and pharmaceutical executives, doctors, military officers, government contractors that possess security clearances, professors, attorneys, scientists and accountants, among others, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.The following defendants have been charged with conspiracy to coerce and entice to travel to engage in illegal sexual activity:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Han Lee, a/k/a “Hana,” 41, of Cambridge, Mass.;</li><li>James Lee, 68, of Torrance, Calif.; and</li><li>Junmyung Lee, 30, of Dedham, Mass.</li>
 </ul>Han Lee and Junmyung Lee were arrested Thursday morning and will appear in federal court in Boston later Thursday. James Lee was arrested in the Central District of California and will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date.&nbsp;According to the charging documents, from at least July 2020, the defendants operated an interstate prostitution network with multiple brothels in Cambridge and Watertown, Mass., as well as in Fairfax and Tysons, Va.&nbsp;It is alleged that the defendants collectively established the infrastructure for brothels in multiple states which they used to persuade, induce and entice women – primarily Asian women – to travel to Massachusetts and Virginia to engage in prostitution.&nbsp;Specifically, the defendants allegedly rented high-end apartment complexes as brothel locations, which they furnished and regularly maintained. The monthly rent for the brothel locations were as high as $3,664. It is further alleged that the defendants coordinated the women’s airline travel and transportation and permitted women to stay overnight in the brothel locations so they did not have to find lodging elsewhere, therefore enticing women to participate in their prostitution network.&nbsp;The defendants allegedly advertised their prostitution network primarily on two websites – bostontopten10.com and browneyesgirlsva.blog – which offered appointments with women in either greater Boston or eastern Virginia, respectively. Both websites purported to advertise nude Asian models for professional photography at upscale studios as a front for prostitution offered through appointments with women listed on their websites. The websites listed the height, weight and bust size of women available for appointments and depicted nude and/or semi-nude photographs of each. The women listed as available on the websites updated frequently, with updates to include “coming soon” or “open” to reflect an impending arrival of new women arriving in the area.&nbsp;Each website allegedly described a verification process that interested sex buyers undertook to be eligible for appointment bookings– including requiring clients complete a form providing their full names, email address, phone number, employer and reference if they had one.It is further alleged that the defendants maintained local brothel phone numbers which they used to communicate with verified customers and schedule appointments via text message. In these text message exchanges, the defendants allegedly sent customers a “menu” of available options at the brothel, including the women and sexual services available and the hourly rate. Additionally, the defendants allegedly texted customers directions to the brothel’s location – a high-end apartments – where they engaged in commercial sex with the women.&nbsp;According to the charging documents, the defendants charged sex buyers a premium price for appointments with the women advertised on their websites, which ranged from approximately $350 to upwards of $600 per hour depending on the services and were paid in cash. The defendants allegedly concealed the proceeds of the prostitution network through depositing hundreds of thousands of dollars of cash proceeds into their personal bank accounts and peer-to-peer transfers. Additionally, it is alleged that the defendants regularly used hundreds of thousands of dollars of the cash proceeds from the prostitution business to purchase money orders (in values under an amount that would trigger reporting and identification requirements) to conceal the source of the funds. These money orders were then used to pay for rent and utilities at brothel locations in Massachusetts and Virginia.Over the course of the investigation, a wide array of buyers were identified, including, but not limited to, politicians, high tech and pharmaceutical executives, doctors, military officers, government contractors that possess security clearances, professors, lawyers, scientists and &nbsp;accountants.&nbsp;The investigation into the involvement of sex buyers is active and ongoing.

 High-end interstate prostitution network catered to elected officials

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Astronaut Frank Borman, who commanded Apollo 8's historic Christmas 1968 flight that circled the moon 10 times and paved the way for the lunar landing the next year, has died. He was 95.

Borman died Tuesday in Billings, Montana, according to NASA.

Borman also led troubled Eastern Airlines in the 1970s and early '80s after leaving the astronaut corps.

But he was best known for his NASA duties. He and his crew, James Lovell and William Anders, were the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/4412e721713842b984817355fc291c12">first Apollo mission to fly to the moon</a>&nbsp;— and to see Earth as a distant sphere in space.

“Today we remember one of NASA’s best. Astronaut Frank Borman was a true American hero,” NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said in a statement Thursday. "His lifelong love for aviation and exploration was only surpassed by his love for his wife Susan.”

Launched from Florida’s Cape Canaveral on Dec. 21, 1968, the Apollo 8 trio spent three days traveling to the moon, and slipped into lunar orbit on Christmas Eve. After they circled 10 times on Dec. 24-25, they headed home on Dec. 27.

On Christmas Eve, the astronauts read from the Book of Genesis in a live telecast from the orbiter: "In the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep."

Borman ended the broadcast with, “And from the crew of Apollo 8, we close with good night, good luck, a Merry Christmas, and God bless all of you — all of you on the good Earth.”

Lovell and Borman had previously flown together during the two-week Gemini 7 mission, which launched on Dec. 4, 1965 — and, at only 120 feet apart, completed the first space orbital rendezvous with Gemini 6.

"Gemini was a tough go," Borman told The Associated Press in 1998. "It was smaller than the front seat of a Volkswagen bug. It made Apollo seem like a super-duper, plush touring bus."

In his book, "Countdown: An Autobiography," Borman said Apollo 8 was originally supposed to orbit Earth. The success of Apollo 7's mission in October 1968 to show system reliability on long duration flights made NASA decide it was time to take a shot at flying to the moon.

But Borman said there was another reason NASA changed the plan: the agency wanted to beat the Russians. Borman said he thought one orbit would suffice.

“My main concern in this whole flight was to get there ahead of the Russians and get home. That was a significant achievement in my eyes,” Borman explained at a Chicago appearance in 2017.

It was on the crew's fourth orbit that Anders snapped the iconic&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dE-vOscpiNc&amp;t=1s">“Earthrise” photo</a>&nbsp;showing a blue and white Earth rising above the gray lunar landscape.

Borman wrote about how the Earth looked from afar: "We were the first humans to see the world in its majestic totality, an intensely emotional experience for each of us. We said nothing to each other, but I was sure our thoughts were identical — of our families on that spinning globe. And maybe we shared another thought I had, This must be what God sees."

After NASA, Borman's aviation career ventured into business in 1970 when he joined Eastern Airlines — at that time the nation’s fourth-largest airline. He eventually became Eastern’s president and CEO and in 1976 also became its chairman of the board.

Borman’s tenure at Eastern saw fuel prices increase sharply and the government deregulate the airline industry. The airline became increasingly unprofitable, debt-ridden and torn by labor tensions. He resigned in 1986 and moved to Las Cruces, New Mexico.

In his autobiography, Borman wrote that his fascination with flying began in his teens when he and his father would assemble model airplanes. At age 15, Borman took flying lessons, using money he had saved working as a bag boy and pumping gas after school. He took his first solo flight after eight hours of dual instruction. He continued flying into his 90s.

Borman was born in Gary, Indiana, but was raised in Tucson, Arizona. He attended the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, where he earned a bachelor of science degree in 1950. That same year, Borman married his high school sweetheart, Susan Bugbee. She died in 2021.

Borman worked as a U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, operational pilot and instructor at West Point after graduation. In 1956, Borman moved his family to Pasadena, California, where he earned a master of science degree in aeronautical engineering from California Institute of Technology. In 1962, he was one of nine test pilots chosen by NASA for the astronaut program.

He received the Congressional Space Medal of Honor from President Jimmy Carter.

In 1998, Borman started a cattle ranch in Bighorn, Montana, with his son, Fred. In addition to Fred, he survived by another son, Edwin, and their families.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699579574625.png" alt="Astronaut Frank Borman-photo courtesy NASA" />
 <figcaption>Astronaut Frank Borman-photo courtesy NASA</figcaption>
 </figure>BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Astronaut Frank Borman, who commanded Apollo 8's historic Christmas 1968 flight that circled the moon 10 times and paved the way for the lunar landing the next year, has died. He was 95.Borman died Tuesday in Billings, Montana, according to NASA.Borman also led troubled Eastern Airlines in the 1970s and early '80s after leaving the astronaut corps.But he was best known for his NASA duties. He and his crew, James Lovell and William Anders, were the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/4412e721713842b984817355fc291c12">first Apollo mission to fly to the moon</a>&nbsp;— and to see Earth as a distant sphere in space.“Today we remember one of NASA’s best. Astronaut Frank Borman was a true American hero,” NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said in a statement Thursday. "His lifelong love for aviation and exploration was only surpassed by his love for his wife Susan.”Launched from Florida’s Cape Canaveral on Dec. 21, 1968, the Apollo 8 trio spent three days traveling to the moon, and slipped into lunar orbit on Christmas Eve. After they circled 10 times on Dec. 24-25, they headed home on Dec. 27.On Christmas Eve, the astronauts read from the Book of Genesis in a live telecast from the orbiter: "In the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep."Borman ended the broadcast with, “And from the crew of Apollo 8, we close with good night, good luck, a Merry Christmas, and God bless all of you — all of you on the good Earth.”Lovell and Borman had previously flown together during the two-week Gemini 7 mission, which launched on Dec. 4, 1965 — and, at only 120 feet apart, completed the first space orbital rendezvous with Gemini 6."Gemini was a tough go," Borman told The Associated Press in 1998. "It was smaller than the front seat of a Volkswagen bug. It made Apollo seem like a super-duper, plush touring bus."In his book, "Countdown: An Autobiography," Borman said Apollo 8 was originally supposed to orbit Earth. The success of Apollo 7's mission in October 1968 to show system reliability on long duration flights made NASA decide it was time to take a shot at flying to the moon.But Borman said there was another reason NASA changed the plan: the agency wanted to beat the Russians. Borman said he thought one orbit would suffice.“My main concern in this whole flight was to get there ahead of the Russians and get home. That was a significant achievement in my eyes,” Borman explained at a Chicago appearance in 2017.It was on the crew's fourth orbit that Anders snapped the iconic&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dE-vOscpiNc&amp;t=1s">“Earthrise” photo</a>&nbsp;showing a blue and white Earth rising above the gray lunar landscape.Borman wrote about how the Earth looked from afar: "We were the first humans to see the world in its majestic totality, an intensely emotional experience for each of us. We said nothing to each other, but I was sure our thoughts were identical — of our families on that spinning globe. And maybe we shared another thought I had, This must be what God sees."After NASA, Borman's aviation career ventured into business in 1970 when he joined Eastern Airlines — at that time the nation’s fourth-largest airline. He eventually became Eastern’s president and CEO and in 1976 also became its chairman of the board.Borman’s tenure at Eastern saw fuel prices increase sharply and the government deregulate the airline industry. The airline became increasingly unprofitable, debt-ridden and torn by labor tensions. He resigned in 1986 and moved to Las Cruces, New Mexico.In his autobiography, Borman wrote that his fascination with flying began in his teens when he and his father would assemble model airplanes. At age 15, Borman took flying lessons, using money he had saved working as a bag boy and pumping gas after school. He took his first solo flight after eight hours of dual instruction. He continued flying into his 90s.Borman was born in Gary, Indiana, but was raised in Tucson, Arizona. He attended the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, where he earned a bachelor of science degree in 1950. That same year, Borman married his high school sweetheart, Susan Bugbee. She died in 2021.Borman worked as a U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, operational pilot and instructor at West Point after graduation. In 1956, Borman moved his family to Pasadena, California, where he earned a master of science degree in aeronautical engineering from California Institute of Technology. In 1962, he was one of nine test pilots chosen by NASA for the astronaut program.He received the Congressional Space Medal of Honor from President Jimmy Carter.In 1998, Borman started a cattle ranch in Bighorn, Montana, with his son, Fred. In addition to Fred, he survived by another son, Edwin, and their families.